Valorizing coffee silverskin based on its phytochemicals and antidiabetic potential: from lab to a pilot scale

This study investigates the possibility of valorizing coffee silverskin through the recovery of its bioactive compounds using a sustainable extraction method that could be industrially applied. For that, aqueous extracts were prepared using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (laboratorial scale) and, for comparison, a scale-up of the process was developed using the Multi-frequency Multimode Modulated technology. A concentration procedure at the pilot scale was also tested. The three types of extracts obtained were characterized regarding caffeine and chlorogenic acids contents, and the effects on intestinal glucose and fructose uptake (including sugar transporters expression) in human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells were ascertained. The phytochemical contents of the extracts prepared at the laboratory and pilot scale were comparable (caffeine: 27.7 vs. 29.6 mg/g freeze-dried extract; 3-, 4-, and 5-caffeoylquinic acids: 0.19 vs. 0.31, 0.15 vs. 0.42, and 1.04 vs. 1.98 mg/g, respectively; 4- and 5- feruloylquinic acids: 0.39 vs. 0.43 and 1.05 vs. 1.32 mg/g, respectively). Slight differences were noticed according to the extracts preparation steps, but in general, all the extracts promoted significant inhibitions of [1,2-3H(N)]-deoxy-D-glucose and 14C-D-fructose uptake, which resulted mainly from a decrease on the facilitative glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1) genes expression but not on the expression of the facilitative glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5) gene. Moreover, a synergistic effect of caffeine and 5-caffeoylquinic acid on sugars uptake was found. The results clearly show that the Multi-frequency Multimode Modulated technology is a viable option to be applied at an industrial level to recover bioactive components from silverskin and obtain extracts with antidiabetic potential that could be used to develop functional food products or dietary supplements.The open access publication fee of this paper was funded by the AgriFood XXI I&D&I project (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041) cofinanced by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the NORTE 2020 (Programa Operacional Regional do Norte 2014/2020)

Characterization of Coelomic Fluid Cell Types in the Starfish Marthasterias glacialis Using a Flow Cytometry/Imaging Combined Approach

Funding: To the “Maristem COST Action” (CA16203), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), for funding PM STSM visits (February 2019 and November 2020) to the AVC Laboratory.Coelomocytes is the generic name for a collection of cellular morphotypes, present in many coelomate animals, and highly variable among echinoderm classes. The roles attributed to the major types of these free circulating cells present in the coelomic fluid of echinoderms include immune response, phagocytic digestion and clotting. Our main aim in this study was to characterize coelomocytes found in the coelomic fluid of Marthasterias glacialis (class Asteroidea) by using a combination of flow cytometry (FC), imaging flow cytometry (IFC) and fluorescence plus transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two coelomocyte populations (P1 and P2) identified through flow cytometry were subsequently studied in terms of abundance, morphology, ultrastructure, cell viability and cell cycle profiles. Ultrastructurally, P2 diploid cells were present as two main morphotypes, similar to phagocytes and vertebrate thrombocytes, whereas the smaller P1 cellular population was characterized by low mitotic activity, a relatively undifferentiated cytotype and a high nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. In the present study we could not rule out possible similarities between haploid P1 cells and stem-cell types in other animals. Additionally, we report the presence of two other morphotypes in P2 that could only be detected by fluorescence microscopy, as well as a morphotype revealed via combined microscopy/FC. This integrative experimental workflow combined cells physical separation with different microscopic image capture technologies, enabling us to better tackle the characterization of the heterogeneous composition of coelomocytes populations.publishersversionpublishe

Magnetoliposomes incorporated in peptide-based hydrogels: towards development of magnetolipogels

A major problem with magnetogels is the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs. Magnetoliposomes not only provide these domains but also improve drug stability and avert the aggregation of the magnetic nanoparticles. In this work, two magnetoliposome architectures, solid and aqueous, were combined with supramolecular peptide-based hydrogels, which are of biomedical interest owing to their biocompatibility, easy tunability, and wide array of applications. This proof-of-concept was carried out through combination of magnetoliposomes (loaded with the model drug curcumin and the lipid probe Nile Red) with the hydrogels prior to pH triggered gelation, and fluorescence spectroscopy was used to assess the dynamics of the encapsulated molecules. These systems allow for the encapsulation of a wider array of drugs. Further, the local environment of the encapsulated molecules after gelation is unaffected by the used magnetoliposome architecture. This system design is promising for future developments on drug delivery as it provides a means to independently modify the components and adapt and optimize the design according to the required conditions.FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(UIDB/00686/2020

Aspectos tomográficos pelo feixe cônico de impactação dentária com hipercementose: série de 4 casos

The early diagnosis of dental eruption and developmental anomalies through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables dentists to obtain precise information leading to therapeutic interventions with favorable prognosis. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis using CBCT of hypercementosis associated with impacted teeth. An observational study was realized on 4 tomographic images from the database of a radiographic documentation institute of Brazilian adolescents and adults, both female, showing generalized hyperdense images involving root thirds of impacted teeth, compatible with hypercementosis. The analyzed images revealed the location of the impacted teeth and their hypercementosis process, as well as the presence or absence of their pericementary space and the possibility of external root resorption of adjacent teeth. It was concluded that CBCT allows for better clarity and contrast of the three-dimensional image of impacted teeth with ankylosis, enabling precise diagnosis with greater safety in interpreting anatomical structures for appropriate surgical intervention.O diagnóstico precoce das anomalias dentárias de erupção e de desenvolvimento pela tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) possibilita ao cirurgião dentista informações precisas que conduzem a uma intervenção terapêutica com prognóstico favorável. O presente estudo se propôs a descrever o diagnóstico com o auxílio da TCFC de hipercementose associada à impactação dentária. Foi realizado um estudo observacional em 4 imagens tomográficas do arquivo de um instituto de documentação radiográfica de adolescentes e adultos brasileiros, ambos do sexo feminino, que apresentavam imagens hiperdensas generalizadas envolvendo terços radiculares de unidades dentárias impactadas, compatíveis com hipercementose. As imagens analisadas revelaram a localização das unidades dentárias comprometidas e do seu processo de hipercementose, assim como a presença ou não do seu espaço pericementário e a possibilidade de reabsorção radicular externa dos dentes adjacentes. Concluiu-se que a TCFC permite melhor nitidez e contraste da imagem tridimensional dos dentes impactados com processo de anquilose permitindo diagnóstico preciso com maior segurança na interpretação das estruturas anatômicas para uma intervenção cirúrgica adequada

COMPARAÇÃO MICROBIOLÓGICA ENTRE MEMBRANAS AMNIÓTICAS HUMANAS COLETADAS EM PARTOS VAGINAIS E CESARIANAS – PROJETO PILOTO

Objective: The amniotic membrane, a thin membrane, may be used as a temporary cover on deep burns. The objective of this study is to identify the differences regarding bacterial contamination between membranes of vaginal and cesarean deliveries, as well as to assess the possibility of the clinical use of stored membranes.Methods: Twelve membranes were obtained from women submitted to vaginal and cesarean deliveries at the Obstetric Center of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Each amniotic membrane was stored in five different flasks containing a physiological solution. Samples were obtained from these flasks for analysis on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. These samples were tested for bacterial contamination, analyzing its relation to time of storage and type of delivery. This is a pilot study with a transversal design.Results: The comparison between types of delivery yielded a relative risk of contamination in vaginal delivery (RR) of 2.67 (95% CI: 1.09-6.52) and no significance (P = 0.08). No contamination was found on day 1 flasks.Conclusion: All membranes derived from vaginal deliveries ended up showing bacterial contamination during the storage period, which lead to a theoretical unavailability for its use on Amniotic Membrane Banks.Objetivo: A membrana amniótica, uma membrana fina, pode ser utilizada como cobertura temporária em queimaduras profundas. O objetivo deste estudo é o de verificar as possíveis diferenças quanto à contaminação bacteriana entre as membranas de partos cesáreo e vaginal, assim como avaliar a viabilidade ou não do uso clínico-cirúrgico da membrana armazenada.Métodos: Foram coletadas 12 membranas amnióticas de mulheres submetidas a parto cesáreo e vaginal no Centro Obstétrico do HCPA. Cada membrana amniótica foi armazenada em cinco frascos diferentes contendo soro fisiológico, dos quais foram obtidas amostras para análise no momento da coleta e nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28. Essas amostras foram testadas quanto à contaminação bacteriana, analisando sua relação com o tempo de armazenamento e com o tipo de parto realizado. O estudo é um piloto e tem um delineamento transversal. Resultados: A comparação entre os tipos de parto mostrou um risco relativo (RR) de 2,67 de contaminação no parto vaginal em relação à cesariana (IC de 95%: 1,09 a 6,52), P = 0,08. Não foi verificada contaminação em nenhum dos frascos no momento da coleta. Conclusão: Todas as membranas coletadas de parto vaginal apresentaram crescimento bacteriano no processo de estocagem, levando à sua inviabilidade teórica para uso em Bancos de Membrana Amniótica

Farmacovigilância em idosos: observações acerca da prática de polifarmácia / Pharmacovigilance in the elderly: observations about the practice of polypharmacy

A elevação da expectativa de vida nos tempos modernos trouxe desafios como o aumento de doenças crônico-degenerativas e a ampla utilização de medicamentos. O objetivo do artigo foi avaliar a prática de polifarmácia, categorizar os medicamentos utilizados e pesquisar o uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos (PIM). O estudo incluiu 23 indivíduos maiores de 60 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevista oral, com aplicação de questionário padrão e tabulação dos dados na plataforma Excel. Dentre os 23 indivíduos, 15 (65,2%) estavam submetidos à polifarmácia. Os grupos terapêuticos mais utilizados foram relacionados ao aparelho cardiovascular, seguido do aparelho digestivo e metabólico e do sistema nervoso, sendo os anti-hipertensivos a classe medicamentosa mais utilizada (em 78,2 % dos entrevistados). Dentre os fármacos relatados, 14,4% foram considerados PIM e 52,2% da amostra faziam uso contínuo de pelo menos um PIM. Nota-se portanto a importância de um acompanhamento multiprofissional no manejo terapêutico do paciente idoso, que está submetido à práticas e à medicações que podem ser iatrogênicas

SARS-CoV-2 introductions and early dynamics of the epidemic in Portugal

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was rapidly implemented by the National Institute of Health in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, in collaboration with more than 50 laboratories distributed nationwide. Methods By applying recent phylodynamic models that allow integration of individual-based travel history, we reconstructed and characterized the spatio-temporal dynamics of SARSCoV-2 introductions and early dissemination in Portugal. Results We detected at least 277 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions, mostly from European countries (namely the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland), which were consistent with the countries with the highest connectivity with Portugal. Although most introductions were estimated to have occurred during early March 2020, it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 was silently circulating in Portugal throughout February, before the first cases were confirmed. Conclusions Here we conclude that the earlier implementation of measures could have minimized the number of introductions and subsequent virus expansion in Portugal. This study lays the foundation for genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal, and highlights the need for systematic and geographically-representative genomic surveillance.We gratefully acknowledge to Sara Hill and Nuno Faria (University of Oxford) and Joshua Quick and Nick Loman (University of Birmingham) for kindly providing us with the initial sets of Artic Network primers for NGS; Rafael Mamede (MRamirez team, IMM, Lisbon) for developing and sharing a bioinformatics script for sequence curation (https://github.com/rfm-targa/BioinfUtils); Philippe Lemey (KU Leuven) for providing guidance on the implementation of the phylodynamic models; Joshua L. Cherry (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) for providing guidance with the subsampling strategies; and all authors, originating and submitting laboratories who have contributed genome data on GISAID (https://www.gisaid.org/) on which part of this research is based. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the view of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government. This study is co-funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Agência de Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica (234_596874175) on behalf of the Research 4 COVID-19 call. Some infrastructural resources used in this study come from the GenomePT project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa2020), Algarve Portugal Regional Operational Programme (CRESC Algarve2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efeito da testosterona na hemostasia em portadores da deficiência androgênica do envelhecimento masculino

With aging, androgen levels gradually decline. In adult men, the decline in testosterone levels associated with signs and symptoms is presented as androgen deficiency of male aging (ADEM), some of these signs and symptoms are: decreased libido, depression, erectile dysfunction, anemia, decreased bone density and muscle mass. Testosterone is a hormone belonging to the androgen class. Its function is related to the maintenance of the sexual organs, but it also has an effect on non-reproductive organs such as the liver, inducing the synthesis of hepatic lipases and coagulation factors. Testosterone is also associated with increased activity of the fibrinolytic system and antithrombin III, constituents of the physiological hemostatic mechanism against blood loss and fluidity. Given the importance of testosterone, its replacement has been widely prescribed for men without a diagnosis of hypogonadism, given that adults after the age of 60 have testosterone levels below the lower limits for adults. In view of the above, the aim of this study is to carry out a literature review on the benefits of testosterone replacement treatment on hemostasis in men with androgen deficiency in male aging. This is a descriptive literature review with a qualitative approach. The study population will consist of articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish, obtained from the Scielo, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. A total of 53 articles were selected for sampling, 33 of which met the inclusion criteria. In this context, testosterone replacement therapy has a protective endothelial action, increasing the activity of the fibrinolytic system and antithrombin activity, which are responsible for dissolving and neutralizing clots.Com o envelhecimento os níveis de andrógenos decaem de forma gradual, no homem adulto o decaimento nos níveis de testosterona associado a sinais e sintomas apresenta-se como a deficiência androgênica do envelhecimento masculino (DAEM), alguns desses sinais e sintomas são: queda da libido, depressão, disfunção erétil, anemia, diminuição da densidade óssea e massa muscular. A testosterona é um hormônio pertencente à classe dos andrógenos, sua função está relacionada com a manutenção dos órgãos sexuais, possuindo efeito também sobre órgãos não reprodutivos como o fígado, induzindo a síntese das lipases hepáticas e fatores da coagulação. A testosterona também está associada ao aumento da atividade do sistema fibrinolítico e antitrombina III, constituintes do mecanismo hemostático fisiológico contra perda de sangue, bem como sua fluidez. Tendo em vista a importância da testosterona, a sua reposição tem sido amplamente prescrita para homens sem diagnostico de hipogonodismo, visto que adultos após os 60 anos apresentam níveis de testosterona abaixo dos limites inferiores para adultos. Diante do exposto, o objetivo desse estudo é realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os benefícios do tratamento com a reposição de testosterona na hemostasia em homens com deficiência androgênica do envelhecimento masculino. Este trabalho trata-se de uma revisão de literatura, descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, a população em estudo será constituída por artigos em português, inglês e espanhol, obtidos nas bases de dados do Scielo, Google Acadêmico e PubMed. Para a amostragem, foram selecionados 53 artigos, dos quais 33 se enquadraram nos critérios de inclusão. Nesse contexto a terapia com reposição de testosterona possui ação endotelial protetora, aumentando a atividade do sistema fibrinolítico e atividade de antitrombina, responsáveis pela dissolução e neutralização do coágulo

Protocol for evaluating the in vitro effect of violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 410 nm ± 10 nm on yeast cultures

BACKGROUND: Candida spp and Malassezia spp cause superficial infections that may be resistant to conventional treatments. Violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) therapy is a therapeutic alternative. PURPOSE: To describe the protocol for evaluating the antifungal effect of violet LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm on Candida spp and Malassezia spp in vitro. PROTOCOL: LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm are applied to a fungal suspension at fluences of 61.13 J/cm2, 91.70 J/cm2, and 183.39 J/cm2. The isolates are cultured for 48 to 72 hours. Colony forming units (CFUs) are quantified by visual counting and percent culture plate occupancy by digital analysis. Morphology is assessed by light microscopy and Gram staining, and yeast metabolism/function by transmission electron microscopy, assessment of reactive oxygen species, and DNA fragmentation. DATA ANALYSIS: the percentage of LEDs inhibition is calculated considering the growth of the negative control condition and the percentage of plate occupancy by yeasts by dividing the number of pixels classified as colonies by the total number of pixels on the plate. The morphological and functional aspects are described for the intervention and negative control. The ANOVA test is used to compare the mean percentages of growth inhibition and plate occupancy between the three fluences of LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm and the negative control. ESTIMATED RESULTS: We intend to determine the antifungal effect of the different fluences of LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm on Candida spp and Malassezia spp. The evaluation of other fungal species by this protocol should be investigated

Utilização da solução de bicarbonato de sódio na COVID-19 através do telemonitoramento: Use of sodium bicarbonate solution in COVID-19 through telemonitoring

A utilização da nebulização com solução alcalina de bicarbonato de sódio seria uma opção para possivelmente prevenir a infecção da COVID-19, haja vista o contexto da pandemia e a incessante busca por um tratamento. Esta pesquisa objetiva descrever e elencar os sintomas de um grupo de pacientes que realizaram a nebulização com solução de sódio no período de pandemia da COVID 19. Trata-se de um estudo com análise descritiva dos sintomas e intercorrências clínicas de pacientes de um mesmo grupo familiar com a utilização da solução de bicarbonato de sódio em combate à disseminação do vírus Sars-CoV-2. Durante os primeiros 14 dias de nebulização, o único sintoma apresentado por um componente do grupo familiar foi de cefaléia. Conclui-se que a combinação de hábitos saudáveis, isolamento social e alcalinização das vias aéreas tem potencial de proteção sólido para contaminação e atenuação da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2