Exploring clinical trials to manage firefighters’ sleep quality: a PRISMA compliant systematic review

Sleep research has grown over the past decades and investigators are deeply involved in studying sleep and its impact on human health and body regulation. Despite the understanding that insufficient sleep is strongly linked to the development of several disorders, unsatisfactory sleep exposes health and safety to innumerous risks. The present study aims to review and analyze the main results of clinical trials, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRT databases, and developed construct strategies to improve sleep quality on firefighters and enhance professionals’ sleep and health conditions. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022334719. Trials registered between first registry and 2022 were included. We retrieved 11 registered clinical trials; seven met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. A relation between sleep disorders, shift work, and occupational health problems was found, and retrieved trials showed that sleep education programs can improve sleep quality and sleep hygiene. Science has already recognized sleep’s importance for metabolic functioning and survivorship. Nevertheless, it continues to play a major role in discovering methods to diminish the problems faced. Strategies contemplating sleep education, or intervention, should be presented to fire services to tackle this problem and promote healthier and safer environments.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Study of antioxidant, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties of wild mushrooms from the Northeast of Portugal

Mushrooms are known as a powerful source of bioactive compounds including antioxidants, inhibitors of human tumour cell lines growth, inducers of apoptosis and enhancers of immunity. Indeed, many pre-clinical studies have been conducted in human tumour cell lines and in some cases a number of compounds isolated from mushrooms have followed to clinical trials. The Northeast of Portugal is one of the European regions with higher wild mushrooms diversity. However, to our knowledge, no studies had been conducted so far to verify their bioactivities. The main aim of this work was the evaluation of the bioactive properties (antioxidant properties and growth inhibitory potential on human tumour cell lines) of wild edible mushrooms collected in the Northeast of Portugal. Once properly identified, methanolic, ethanolic and boiling water extracts were prepared from thirty eight wild mushroom species collected in that region. Chemical characterization was obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a photodiode array detector (DAD) or to a refraction index detector (RI). Antioxidant activity assays were carried out in those extracts, including evaluation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging capacity, reducing power and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. Extract-induced cell growth inhibition was assessed with the sulforhodamine B assay in four human tumour cell lines (NCI-H460 - lung cancer, MCF-7 -breast cancer, HCT-15 -colon cancer and AGS - gastric cancer). The effects on cell cycle profile and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry and the effect on the expression levels of proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis was further investigated by Western blotting. Three wild edible mushroom species revealed growth inhibitory activity in the studied human tumour cell lines: Clitocybe alexandri ethanolic extract, Lepista inversa methanolic extract and Suillus collinitus methanolic extract. C. alexandri ethanolic extract induced an S-phase cell cycle arrest and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, in the NCI-H460 cell line. The analysed mushroom species also provided interesting antioxidant potential, mainly the boiling water extract of L. inversa which showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. S. collinitus methanolic extract induced a slight increase in the number of cells in G1, with a concomitant decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells, in the MCF-7 cell line. The combined use of the S. collinitus methanolic extract and etoposide caused a greater decrease in the percentage of cell growth, when compared to either of them used individually, indicating the potential benefit of this combination. The tested extracts were chemically characterized and protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric and cinnamic acids were the main compounds identified on the phenolic (methanolic and ethanolic) extracts, while mannitol, trehalose and arabinose were the main sugars found in the polysaccharidic (boiling water) extracts after hydrolysis. The individual compounds identified in the extracts were submitted to a screening of tumour cells growth inhibitory activity, but only the phenolic acids and a related compound, cinnamic acid, presented activity. This compound was found to be the most potent one regarding cell growth inhibition in the NCI-H460 cell line. The effect of the individual and combined treatment with the identified compounds was also evaluated. Cinnamic and protochatequic acids caused a statistically significantly reduction in the number of viable cells. In addition, p-hydroxybenzoic acid did not show any significantly reduction in the viable cell number. Nevertheless, it was verified that the concomitant use of the three compounds provided the strongest decrease in the viable cell number, suggesting a possible concomitant effect of those compounds. Overall, the present work has contributed to further understand the bioactive potential of wild edible mushrooms from the Northeast of Portugal. This study allowed to identify some species with antioxidant or tumour cell growth inhibitory potential

Metodologias de detecção de vestígios biológicos forenses

Mestrado em Biologia Molecular e CelularO presente trabalho propõe-se rever as mais significativas técnicas e métodos de detecção de vestígios biológicos forenses. A Dissertação é composta por uma apresentação geral da Ciência Forense (conceito, breve resenha histórica, objectivos, princípios e áreas), uma exposição do Protocolo de Investigação de uma Cena do Crime e, por fim, uma compilação dos métodos de detecção gerais e específicos dos vários tipos de vestígios forenses presentes num cenário de crime. A Metodologia usada para desenvolvimento da Dissertação baseia-se na revisão teórica de uma vasta bibliografia de referência na área forense. A escolha do tema – Metodologias de detecção de vestígios biológicos forenses como corpus desta Dissertação deve-se, principalmente, à constatação da importância e protagonismo da Ciência Forense na actualidade, bem como a inexistência de uniformização de procedimentos nas várias Polícias Científicas no mundo. Contemporaneamente, a Ciência Forense vem recebendo valiosa atenção tanto por académicos, cientistas, especialistas nas mais diversas áreas, como por simples curiosos que em nada estão associados à Criminalística. A popularidade da ciência forense está no auge, assim como a discussão dos seus métodos e potencialidades. Existem inúmeros métodos e técnicas associadas à detecção de amostras biológicas na cena de um crime, embora os seus princípios de aplicação estejam baseados sobretudo em fenómenos de Fluorescência, Fosforescência, Imunocromatografia e Precipitação. Estes são métodos fundamentados na Biologia e Bioquímica podem ser vistos como uma triagem inicial dos vestígios com a vista à identificação específica por análise de DNA na Genética Forense, embora forneçam muitos mais resultados fundamentais à investigação. Independentemente dos métodos utilizados pelos especialistas forenses, o grande objectivo da investigação é a identificação positiva do perpetrador e a resolução do crime.This paper proposes to revise the most significant techniques and methods of detection of biological forensic traces. The Dissertation is composed of an overview of Forensic Science (concept, historical summary, objectives, principles and areas), an exhibition of the Protocol for the Investigation of a crime scene and, finally, a compilation of methods to detect general and specific the various types of forensic traces in a crime scene. The methodology used for development of Dissertation based on the theoretical review of a vast bibliography of reference in the forensic field. The choice of theme - Methodologies for detecting traces of biological forensic corpus as this Dissertation is due, mainly, the finding of the importance and role of Forensic Science at present, as well as the lack of uniformity of procedures in several Forensic Science. Contemporaneously, the Forensic Science has received valuable attention both by scholars, scientists, specialists in several areas, such as by simply curious that in no way are associated with the Criminalistics. The popularity of forensic science is at its height, as well as the discussion of its methods and potential. There are numerous methods and techniques associated with the detection of biological samples at the scene of a crime, although the application of its principles are based mainly on phenomena of fluorescence, phosphorescence, immunochromatographic and precipitation. These methods are based on the biology and biochemistry are nothing more than a trace of initial screening with a view to identifying specifically for analysis of DNA in Forensic Genetics. Regardless of the methods used by forensic experts, the major focus of research is the positive identification of the perpetrator and the resolution of crime

The Potential of Mushroom Extracts to Improve Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review

Chemoresistance is a challenge in cancer treatment, limiting the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Mushroom extracts have shown potential as treatments for cancer therapies, offering a possible solution to overcome chemoresistance. This systematic review aimed to explore the role of mushroom extracts in enhancing chemotherapy and reversing chemoresistance in cancer cells. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the PRISMA guidelines, and registered on PROSPERO. The extracts acted by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, as well as enhancing the effect of chemotherapy. The mechanisms by which they acted included regulating anti-apoptotic proteins, inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway, modulating microRNAs and regulating p-glycoprotein. These results highlight the potential of mushroom extracts to modulate multiple mechanisms in order to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. This work sheds light on the use of mushroom extracts as an aid to chemotherapy to combat chemoresistance. Although studies are limited, the diversity of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds show promising results for innovative strategies to treat cancer more effectively. It is crucial to carry out further studies to better understand the therapeutic potential of mushroom extracts to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer cells.The Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU) is gratefully acknowledged for the PhD grant, no. BD/DCB/CESPU/01/2023, to Jéssica Fonseca.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efeito de planos alimentares e de treino nos perfis glicémico e lipídico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2: revisão sistemática

A diabetes tipo 2 é uma patologia crónica com grande impacto a nível mundial particularmente na população idosa. Estima-se que o número de diabéticos tipo 2 aumente consideravelmente nas próximas décadas devido ao envelhecimento da população, obesidade, alimentação inadequada e inatividade física ou sedentarismo. A promoção de uma alimentação saudável e a prática de atividade física têm demonstrado ser fundamental no controlo e manutenção da glicémia e perfil lipídico. Objetivos: Verificar o impacto da implementação de programas dietéticos e/ou atividade física nos valores de glicémia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura publicada no período 2010-2016 na base de dados PubMed/Medline. Pretende-se responder à questão de investigação: “Qual o impacto da implementação de programas dietéticos e de atividade física nos valores de glicémia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos?”. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão foram selecionados 30 artigos de um total de 230825. Resultados: Nos 30 artigos selecionados são evidentes as modificações positivas que a implementação de programas dietéticos/atividade física baseados numa maior ingestão de produtos hortícolas, e alimentos com baixo índice glicémico, ácidos gordos insaturados (ómega 3 e 6), vitamina D, probióticos, restrição calórica bem como a prática de exercícios aeróbios, resistência e flexibilidade supervisionados têm no controlo da glicemia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2. Conclusões: A implementação de programas que visem uma alimentação saudável, equilibrada e a prática regular de atividade física de acordo com informações cientificamente válidas são pilares fundamentais no tratamento desta patologia

Efeito de planos alimentares e de treino nos perfis glicémico e lipidico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2: revisão sistemática

A diabetes tipo 2 é uma patologia crónica com grande impacto a nível mundial particularmente na população idosa. Estima-se que o número de diabéticos tipo 2 aumente consideravelmente nas próximas décadas devido ao envelhecimento da população, obesidade, alimentação inadequada e inatividade física. A promoção de uma alimentação saudável e a prática de atividade física têm demonstrado ser fundamentais no controlo e manutenção da glicémia e perfil lipídico. Objetivos: Verificar o impacto da implementação de programas dietéticos e/ou atividade física nos valores de glicémia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura publicada no período 2010-2016 na base de dados PubMed/Medline. Pretende-se responder à questão de investigação: “Qual o impacto da implementação de programas dietéticos e de atividade física nos valores de glicémia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos?” Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão foram selecionados 30 artigos de um total de 230825. Resultados: Nos 30 artigos selecionados são evidentes as modificações positivas que a implementação de programas dietéticos/atividade física baseados numa maior ingestão de produtos hortícolas, alimentos com baixo índice glicémico, ácidos gordos insaturados, vitamina D, probióticos, restrição calórica bem como a prática de exercícios aeróbios, resistência e flexibilidade supervisionados têm no controlo da glicémia e perfil lipídico em idosos diabéticos tipo 2. Conclusões: A implementação de programas que visem uma alimentação saudável, equilibrada e a prática regular de atividade física de acordo com informações cientificamente válidas são pilares fundamentais no tratamento desta patologia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Compounds from wild mushrooms with antitumor potential

For thousands of years medicine and natural products have been closely linked through the use of traditional medicines and natural poisons. Mushrooms have an established history of use in traditional oriental medicine, where most medicinal mushroom preparations are regarded as a tonic, that is, they have beneficial health effects without known negative side-effects and can be moderately used on a regular basis without harm. Mushrooms comprise a vast and yet largely untapped source of powerful new pharmaceutical products. In particular, and most importantly for modern medicine, they represent an unlimited source of compounds which are modulators of tumour cell growth. Furthermore, they may have potential as functional foods and sources of novel molecules. We will review the compounds with antitumor potential identified so far in mushrooms, including low-molecular-weight (LMW, e.g. quinones, cerebrosides, isoflavones, catechols, amines, triacylglycerols, sesquiterpenes, steroids, organic germanium and selenium) and high-molecular-weight compounds (HMW, e.g. homo and heteroglucans, glycans, glycoproteins, glycopeptides, proteoglycans, proteins and RNA-protein complexes)

Association between bilirubin and lipid profile in Portuguese elderly individuals

Several studies showed that mildly elevated bilirubin blood concentration is inversely associated to coronary artery disease (CAD). The most commonly mechanism contributing to CAD prevention is the bilirubin antioxidant effect, protecting several macromolecules from oxidation. Recently, other studies have found that higher serum bilirubin levels (BL) are associated with beneficial effects improving lipid profile and that might contribute to decrease cholesterol and triacylglycerol. In the meantime, a consistently negative association between BL and body mass index (BMI) was observed. The aim of this study was evaluate the cardiovascular risk protection by bilirubin analyzing the association between bilirubin levels and lipid profile in elderly. Clinical data, anthropometric measurements (BMI, Visceral Fat and Body Fat Percentage), lipid profile (total cholesterol-TC; triglycerides-TG; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-HDL-c; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-LDL-c; apoliprotein A-Apo-A; apoliprotein B-Apo-B) were evaluated in 70 institutionalized elderly, 43 females (mean age= 88.2±5.5 years old) and 27 males (mean age= 87.7±7.7 years old). Anthropometric measurements were obtained by bioimpedance, using specific scale (Tanita BC Model: 545). The lipid parameters were performed in autoanalyzer (Cobas Mira S, Roche, Switzerland) using available commercial kits. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between BL and the HDL-c in males (total bilirubin: r=0.51; p<0.007) and no association in females (r=0.40; p<0.50). Positive associations were also found to TB levels and Apo-A (males: r=0.40; p<0.50 and females: r=0.270; p<0.013). Interestingly, the conjugated bilirubin present a stronger positive association with this two parameters (male: r=0.64; p<0.000; female: r=0.29; p<0.052). No associations were found between bilirubin and triglycerides; total cholesterol and anthropometric measurements. Low levels of HDL-c are a risk factor for coronary heart disease. A similar association has been shown for Apo-A1. These results suggest higher bilirubin is associated with higher cardioprotective agents, which indicates that the determination of total bilirubin should be included for more accurate cardiovascular disease risk assessment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Programa de dietas e impacto de la actividad física sobre marcadores bioquímicos en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2: una revisión sistemática

Objectives Evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of independently or combined dietary and physical activity programs on the blood glucose values and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes, including participants aged 60 years and over. Design Systematic review. Data source PubMed/Medline database, with language restrictions. Papers published between 2010 and 2016 were included. Study selection A total of 30 randomised controlled trials were included that focused on physical activity and dietary interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and include participants aged 60 years and over. Results The selected articles have shown that the implementation of physical activity programs (aerobic, resistance, flexibility and combined exercises), and programs based on a higher intake of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as consumption of foods with low glycaemic index, calorie restriction, intake of probiotics, vitamin D supplementation and educational sessions about diabetes improves blood glucose levels, as well as the lipid profile, in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions Physical activity and dietary programs are fundamental in the treatment and metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Systematic review of the effects of coffee or its components on platelets and their regulators

Coffee includes some potentially bioactive components that can interfere with platelets, which can influence coagulation, despite generating controversy. The aim of this systematic review is to verify whether coffee or its components can influence platelet regulators and/or aggregation. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted on July 29, 2021, in PubMed, Scopus, andWeb of Science, using the followingmesh-terms: (caffeine)) OR (coffee)) AND (platelets). Eligibility criteria were: studies carried out in humans, referring to the effects of coffee consumption, or one of its components, on platelets or their regulators. We exclude in vitro or animal studies, reviews, editorials, and non-English written studies. From a total of 836 publications, 17 articles were included from which we extracted the relationship between coffee consumption and changes in blood platelets and performed a subjective assessment of bias. Results: Ten articles refer to the non-interference of coffee or its components with platelets, nine affirm results that support the increase in platelet aggregation, and eight articles observe the decrease in platelet aggregation when coffee is consumed. Some articles presented the lack of data regarding the sample collection location, age group, or classification as to the type of study, which is limiting. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of results makes it difficult to correctly interpret the possible interaction of coffee or its components with platelets or their regulators. For better interpretation, further studies on this topic should be carried out considering the individualization of coffee components, different platelet regulators, and the size of the sample used.The Centro de Investigac¸a˜o de Montanha (CIMO) received financial support from Fundac¸a˜o para Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and from Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER), under PT2020 program (UIDB/00690/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio