Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2019-05-29"
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- Imbalance of steroid hormones in hamsters infected with Schistosoma mansoniPublication . Oliveira, K.C.; Cardoso, R.; Santos, A.C.D.; Fernandes, R.; Botelho, M.C.Objective: Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that affects 200 million people worldwide. Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are the major causative agents of this disease. Cancer-association and infertility-association in Schistosoma haematobium infection have already been described and it is known that the parasite produces a catechol-estrogen molecule that induces a hormonal imbalance in the host. Methods: In order to better understand the relation of hormonal imbalance in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection, we investigated a serum panel of steroid hormones in Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters. Results: We found a decrease in the serum levels of Estradiol (E2), Testosterone and Progesterone in infected females and an increase of Testosterone and a decrease in Progesterone in infected males in comparison with controls. Conclusion: These results indicate that S. mansoni alters the levels of steroid hormones in infected males and females and it will increase the repertoire of data about the host-parasite molecular interplay and its relation with the endocrine system.
- Haemophilus influenzae serotype b vaccine failure in Portugal: a new threat?Publication . Bajanca Lavado, Maria Paula; Bettencourt, Célia; Cunha, Florbela; Marques, José GonçaloIntroduction and Aims: Invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type-b (Hib) suffered a dramatic reduction in countries that introduced routine immunization of infants with the conjugate vaccine. However, along with the relative increase of H. influenzae non-typeable invasive strains (NTHI), the emergence of non-b serotypes as well as Hib disease due to vaccine failure (VF) have been described.1- 4 The aim of our study is to identify and characterize Hib VF in children living in Portugal. Materials and Methods: From January 2010 to December 2018, 94 invasive H. influenzae strains isolated from paediatric patients in 25 Hospitals were characterized. Serotype was identified by PCR with primers and conditions described in the literature.5 Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by microdilution. Genetic relatedness was examined by MLST as previously described.6 Sequences were analysed and submitted to the MLST website (https://pubmlst.org/hinfluenzae/) for assignment of the sequence type (ST). A case of VF was considered if invasive Hib disease occurred ≥2 weeks after one Hib vaccine dose, given after the first birthday, or ≥1 week after ≥2 doses, given at <1 year of age.1 Results: Among 94 invasive H. influenzae isolates, 29 (30.8%) were Hib, with half of the cases occurring in the last two years and 72% among pre-school children. Eighteen (62%) cases were considered VF: three infants, seven between 13 and 47 months old and eight ≥4 years old. A risk factor for VF was identified only in one case. The main diagnosis were pneumonia (6), meningitis (5), epiglottitis (3) bacteremia (2), sepsis (1), and arthritis (1). One patient died. All isolates from VF cases were characterized in CC6 (ST6, ST190, ST1231) according to the expected results for Hib. In addition, WGS published data from our laboratory showed that five Hib isolates from VF, segregated together with Hib isolates (37) from both pre and pos-vaccination periods.7 All VF isolates were susceptible to ampicillin. Conclusion: Although the numbers are small, an alert is made by this study, as Hib VF seems to be increasing in previously healthy children with a clinical course that may be as severe as the observed in unvaccinated children. Also 44% of the VF occurred at an age (≥4 years-old) where invasive Hib disease was unusual before Hib-conjugate vaccination. Further analysis should be made considering vaccine formulations used, as no difference in vaccine schedule was made in the NIP, possible decline of protective antibody titers and a correlation with Hib carriage in our population.
- Qualidade do Ar interiorPublication . Cano, ManuelaImportância da qualidade do ar interior na saúde dos ocupantes dos espaços.Parâmetros relevantes, suas fontes e efeitos na saúde.Metodologia de avaliação e Legislação aplicável. Exemplo práticos.Metodologia de controlo da contaminação do ar.
- Contaminantes metálicos nos alimentosPublication . Santiago, SusanaIntrodução: Nos últimos anos, a preocupação com a segurança alimentar tem vindo a aumentar. É necessário conhecer e avaliar a contaminação de alimentos por metais tóxicos ou potencialmente tóxicos para prevenir intoxicações e melhorar a saúde pública. O corpo humano não tem a capacidade de produzir nem de destruir metais
- Vitamin D3 as adjuvant in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: modulation of genomic and biochemical instabilityPublication . Fagundes, Gabriela E.; Macan, Tamires P.; Rohr, Paula; Damiani, Adriani P.; Rodrigues da Rocha, Franciani; Pereira, Maiara; Longaretti, Luiza M.; Vilela, Thais C.; Ceretta, Luciane B.; Mendes, Carolini; Silveira, Paulo C.L.; Teixeira, João Paulo F.; Moraes de Andrade, VanessaType 2 diabetes mellitus has undergone a worldwide growth in incidence in the world and has now acquired epidemic status. There is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency. Because vitamin D has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 supplementation on the modulation of glycaemic control and other metabolic effects, as well as modulation of genomic instability in patients with type 2 diabetes. We evaluated 75 patients with type 2 diabetes, registered in the Integrated Clinics of the University of Southern Santa Catarina. Participants received 4000 IU of vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) supplementation daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation, and 4 weeks after the end of supplementation. The glycidic and lipid profiles [total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides], oxidative stress, DNA damage and 25(OH)D levels were evaluated. Vitamin D3 supplementation for 8 weeks showed enough to significantly increase blood levels of 25(OH)D. A significant difference in lipid profile was observed only in non-HDL cholesterol. Significant changes were observed in glucose homeostasis (fasting glucose and serum insulin) and, in addition, a reduction in the parameters of oxidative stress and DNA damage. There was a significant reduction in the values of 25(OH)D 4 weeks after the end of the supplementation, but levels still remained above baseline. Use of vitamin D supplementation can be an ally in the health modulation of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Geographical patterns of the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in mainland Portugal municipalities (2007-2011)Publication . Roquette, Rita; Painho, Marco; Nunes, BaltazarBackground: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. In Portugal, colorectal cancer is one of the most incident cancers; thus, it is crucial to act to fight it. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer can facilitate the execution of these actions and make them more effective. Methods: Our paper aims to describe and discuss the geographical patterns of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in mainland Portugal municipalities (2007–2011). We used the Besag, York and Mollié (BYM) model to compute the relative risk (RR) and posterior probability (PP). We performed a cluster analysis with Global Moran’s Index and Local Moran’s Index (LISA). We ran a geographically weighted regression (GWR) to compare incidence and mortality patterns. Results: Incidence and mortality have different distributions of RR values. The interval of RR concerning incidence was higher than the interval of RR concerning mortality. PP values reinforce the finding of higher heterogeneity of the incidence of colorectal cancer. The comparison of the cluster maps for incidence and mortality shows a few municipalities classified with the same cluster type in both maps. Additionally, the GWR results show that the percentage of RR mortality explained by RR incidence differs throughout mainland Portugal. From the comparison of our results with the prevalence of risk factors (at NUTS II level), the need to be aware of smoking habits, alcohol consumption and the unhealthy diet of the Portuguese population stands out. Conclusions: There are differences in the geographical distribution of the RR incidence and RR mortality of colorectal cancer in mainland Portugal municipalities. Likewise, it is relevant to highlight the cluster of two municipalities with high RR values concerning colorectal cancer’s incidence and mortality. Future research is necessary to explain the geographical differences in the distribution of colorectal cancer in mainland Portugal municipalities. Based on our findings, it may be interesting to examine the influence of smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and screening on colorectal cancer in greater detail. Additionally, it may be relevant to develop an analysis focused on municipalities where the incidence values explain the mortality values poorly (or well).