Colorectal cancer ranks third globally,with a high mortality rate.In the United States,and different countries in Europe,organized population screenings exist and include people between 50 and 74 years of age.These sc...Colorectal cancer ranks third globally,with a high mortality rate.In the United States,and different countries in Europe,organized population screenings exist and include people between 50 and 74 years of age.These screenings have allowed an early diagnosis and consequently an improvement in health indicators.Colon and rectal cancer(CRC)is a disease of particular interest due to the high global burden associated with it and the role attributed to prevention and early diagnosis in reducing morbidity and mortality.This study is a review of CRC pathology and includes the most recent scientific evidence regarding this pathology,as well as a diagnosis of the epidemiological situation of CRC.Finally,the recommendation from a public health perspective will be discussed in detail taking into account the context and the most current recommendations.展开更多
Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or ...Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or no side effects,especially when compared with pharmacological pain-killers.Objective:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer pain.Search strategy:Six electronic databases(PubMed,EBSCO,Cochrane Library,Scielo,b-On and Scopus)were searched for relevant articles about pain relief in cancer patients from their beginning until 2022using MeSH terms such as“acupuncture,”“electroacupuncture,”“ear acupuncture,”“acupuncture analgesia,”“oncological pain,”and“cancer pain.”Inclusion criteria:Studies included were randomized controlled trials(RCTs)where acupuncture was compared with no treatment,placebo acupuncture or usual care.Data extraction and analysis:Three independent reviewers participated in data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias,and a meta-analysis was conducted.The primary outcome was pain intensity,measured with the visual analog scale,numeric rating scale,or brief pain inventory.Secondary outcomes also assessed were quality of life,functionality,xerostomia,pain interference,and analgesic consumption.Results were expressed as standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1124 participants were included in the meta-analysis,with the majority of the studies presenting a low or unclear risk of bias.Acupuncture was more effective in reducing pain than no treatment(SMD=–0.90,95%CI[–1.68,–0.12]),sham acupuncture(SMD=–1.10,95%CI[–1.59,–0.61])or usual care(SMD=–1.16,95%CI[–1.38,–0.93]).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention to reduce pain associated with cancer.Despite some limitations due to the low quality and small sample size of some included studies,as well as the different types and stages of cancer,acupuncture might provide an effective and safe treatment to reduce cancer pain.展开更多
It is essential to promote interfacial separation and charge migration in heterojunctions for effectively driving surface photocatalytic reactions.In this work,we report the construction of a 2D/2D layered BiOIO_(3)/g...It is essential to promote interfacial separation and charge migration in heterojunctions for effectively driving surface photocatalytic reactions.In this work,we report the construction of a 2D/2D layered BiOIO_(3)/g-C_(3)N_(4)(BIO/CN)heterojunction for photocatalytic NO removal.The BIO/CN heterojunction exhibits a remarkably higher NO photo-oxidation removal rate(46.9%)compared to pristine BIO(20.1%)and CN(25.9%)under visible-light irradiation.Additionally,it effectively suppresses the formation of toxic NO_(2)intermediates during photocatalytic reaction.The improved photocatalytic performance of BIO/CN composite is caused by its S-scheme charge carrier transport mechanism,which is supported by Density Functional Theory simulations of work function and electron density difference,along with in-situ irradiated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analyses.This S-scheme structure improves the interfacial carrier separation efficiency and retains the strong photo-redox ability.Our study demonstrates that construction of a S-scheme heterojunction is significant in the design and preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts for air purification.展开更多
Nowadays,food security is a global concern and a great scientific challenge.Agro-industrial by-products can be used as potential ingredients of innovative food products,contributing to solve this societal demand.By-pr...Nowadays,food security is a global concern and a great scientific challenge.Agro-industrial by-products can be used as potential ingredients of innovative food products,contributing to solve this societal demand.By-products of high specialty oils processing,for instance,have remarkable nutritional and organoleptic properties.Accordingly,the partially delipidified almond flour(PDAF)remaining from almond oil extraction,was used as an alternative ingredient in a highly appreciated almond-based cookie(“almendrados”).For comparison purposes,four different“almendrados”formulations(one industrial,two with PDAF,and one with whole almond flour),were compared regarding nutritional composition,vitamin E and fatty acids profiles.To assess the cookie sensory properties,seventy-four consumers evaluated“appearance”,“taste”,“sweetness”,“crunchiness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”using adequate hedonic scales.Fat and protein levels showed significant differences among industrial and the other three samples.Cookies with PDAF presented similar tocopherols and fatty acids to the traditional(more expensive)formulation,besides reaching the highest scores on“appearance”,“sweetness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”and“buying predisposition”parameters.Accordingly,the incorporation of PDAF might represent an effective way of adding value to an industrial by-product,while providing a pleasant novel cookie formulation.展开更多
A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials ...A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties,superior cell targeting,immune evasion potential,and prolonged duration of systemic circulation.Here,we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials.The structure,properties,and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed.This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods.We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,imaging,and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Finally,we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.展开更多
The development of biotechnology-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as GLP-1 analogs, brought changes in type 2 diabetes treatment options. For better therapeutic efficiency, these active pharmaceutical ing...The development of biotechnology-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as GLP-1 analogs, brought changes in type 2 diabetes treatment options. For better therapeutic efficiency, these active pharmaceutical ingredients require appropriate administration, without the development of adverse effects or toxicity. Therefore, it is required to develop several quantification methods for GLP-1 analogs products, in order to achieve the therapeutic goals, among which ELISA and HPLC arise. These methods are developed, optimized and validated in order to determine GLP-1 analogs, not only in final formulation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, but also during preclinical and clinical trials assessment. This review highlights the role of ELISA and HPLC methods that have been used during the assessment for GLP-1 analogs, especially for exenatide.展开更多
Algae(and their extracts)are increasingly important for pharmaceutical applications due to the diversity of useful compounds they contain.The genus Fucus contains one of the most studied species,Fucus vesiculosus.The ...Algae(and their extracts)are increasingly important for pharmaceutical applications due to the diversity of useful compounds they contain.The genus Fucus contains one of the most studied species,Fucus vesiculosus.The species F.ceranoides differs from the others of the genus by presenting longitudinal air-vesicles and a capacity to survive at low salinities.It is an alga that inhabits the Mondego River estuary(Portugal),at the southern limit of its distribution,and can serve as a role model to understand the effect of a salt gradient on the production of bioactive compounds.We assessed the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different F.ceranoides extracts(e.g.methanolic,aqueous and polysaccharide)prepared from samples harvested from two different zones to evaluate if the adaptation of F.ceranoides to different salinity levels influenced its chemical composition.The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined using 1,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and 2.2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)radicals.These assays demonstrated that the methanolic extract of lyophilized F.ceranoides that grew at low salinities was the most bioactive,i.e.DPPH(IC 50=50.39μg/mL)and ABTS(TEAC=2.42).The total phenolic content(Folin-Ciocalteu method)and the methanolic extract of the lyophilized F.ceranoides collected from a low salinity habitat exhibited the highest phenolic content(PGE=49.48μg/mg of lyophilized extract)amongst those sampled.Thin layer chromatography(TLC)and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)were used for the identification of compounds in the extracts.This characterization allowed confirmation that the various extracts contained almost the same compounds but with notable quantitative differences.Based on these results,we conclude that there were differences in the quantity of the compounds due to the effect of salinity.The drying methods used were also found to have influenced the quality of the extracted compounds.展开更多
Fungi and bacteria afflict humans with innumerous pathogen-related infections and ailments.Most of the commonly employed microbicidal agents target commensal and pathogenic microorganisms without discrimination.To dis...Fungi and bacteria afflict humans with innumerous pathogen-related infections and ailments.Most of the commonly employed microbicidal agents target commensal and pathogenic microorganisms without discrimination.To distinguish and fight the pathogenic species out of the microflora,novel antimicrobials have been developed that selectively target specific bacteria and fungi.The cell wall features and antimicrobial mechanisms that these microorganisms involved in are highlighted in the present review.This is followed by reviewing the design of antimicrobials that selectively combat a specific community of microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as well as fungi.Finally,recent advances in the antimicrobial immunomodulation strategy that enables treating microorganism infections with high specificity are reviewed.These basic tenets will enable the avid reader to design novel approaches and compounds for antibacterial and antifungal applications.展开更多
Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome related to unintentional weight loss and to loss of muscle and fat mass. In head and neck cancer (HNC) its incidence is important and not only related to a deficient intake of foo...Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome related to unintentional weight loss and to loss of muscle and fat mass. In head and neck cancer (HNC) its incidence is important and not only related to a deficient intake of food due to the impact of the disease in the vital functions. A complex disturbance in the normal metabolism of the patient promotes a persistent inflammatory state and a shifting in the metabolism balance toward a catabolic predominance affecting primarily the skeletal muscle. This leads to severe impairment of the functional, emotional and social status and quality of life of the patients that will compromise response to treatment and the disease prognosis. Understanding this deleterious syndrome and mainly identifying it in early stages of the disease is of a major importance in achieving better outcomes to head and neck cancer patients. This study pretends to identify clinical aspects related to cachexia in HNC in a clinical perspective for application on the routine clinical practice. In our study, 30 HNC patients were enrolled and evaluated in terms of nutritional values (actual and loss of weight in the past 6 months, body mass index (BMI), nutritional risk index (NRI), malnutrition universal screening tool), serum biochemical markers (albumin, total proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and myostatin) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluation (using European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaires (QLQ): EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HN43). A minimum follow-up of 48 months was considered for all patients. Our results showed that NRI is a good and sensitive index to identify cachexia. This index uses two parameters, one constitutional (loss of weight) and one biochemical (level of serum albumin). According to this criterion, 16 patients were assigned to the No-cachexia group and 14 patients to the Cachexia group. Significant differences in the constitutional and nutritional values between the two groups were found: the median weight loss was 4.44 kg in the No-cachexia group and 11.29 kg in the Cachexia group, while the BMI was 21.88 and 18.33, respectively. In terms of biochemical markers, significant low values of albumin and cholesterol in the Cachexia group were encountered when compared to the No-cachexia group. Regarding the inflammatory and cachexia biomarkers studied, the results show that patients in the Cachexia group had significantly higher levels of CRP and of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and presented significantly raised levels of the myostatin. In terms of HRQoL evaluation, the scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 revealed that all the scales and the Summary Score showed lower scores in the Cachexia group, indicating worst quality of life evaluation. The items scores were globally higher in the Cachexia group indicating more important problems related to those items in the Cachexia group. The difference encountered between the groups was significant (p < 0.001) in all considered scales but two: Dyspnoea and Constipation. Considering the EORTC QLQ-HN43 all the scales and in all single items but one (Wound Healing) the scores were higher in the Cachexia group, indicating a worst degree of problems affecting these group of patients. The difference found between the groups was significant (p < 0.001) in all scales and items but six: Dry Mouth and Sticky Saliva, Skin problems, Problems with Teeth, Trismus, Social Contact and Wound Healing. There were no significant differences in the clinical presentation of the disease between the two groups. The median survival was of 13.5 months in the Cachexia group, significantly lower when compared to the No-cachexia group (p < 0.0001), confirming the major impact of cachexia in survival and clinical outcomes in HNC patients. These results of our study show that HRQoL evaluation and serum biochemical markers are sensitive and important tools in identifying and screening cachexia in HNC patients. The methodology followed in this study correlating HRQoL with biochemical markers supports the development of clinical protocols in HNC that include cachexia evaluation. Hopefully this new approach can help to improve prognosis of the disease.展开更多
Dialysis plays a crucial role in the purification of nanomaterials but its impact on the structural properties of carbon nanomaterials was never investigated.Herein,a carbon-based nanomaterial generated electrochemica...Dialysis plays a crucial role in the purification of nanomaterials but its impact on the structural properties of carbon nanomaterials was never investigated.Herein,a carbon-based nanomaterial generated electrochemically in potassium phosphate buffer,was characterized before and after dialysis against pure water.It is shown that dialysis affects the size of the carbon domains,structural organization,surface functionalization,oxidation degree of carbon,and grade of amorphicity.Accordingly,dialysis drives the nanomaterial organization from discrete roundish carbon domains,with sizes ranging from 70 to 160 nm,towards linear stacking structures of small nanoparticles(<15 nm).In parallel,alcohol and ether(epoxide)surface groups evolve into more oxidized carbon groups(e.g.,ketone and ester groups).Investigation of the as-prepared nanomaterial by electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)revealed a resonance signal consistent with carbon-oxygen centred radicals.Additionally,this study brings to light the selective affinity of the carbon nanomaterial under study to capture Na^(+)ions,a property greatly enhanced by the dialysis process,and its high ability to trap oxygen,particularly before dialysis.These findings open new perspectives for the application of carbon-based nanomaterials and raise awareness of the importance of structural changes that can occur during the purification of carbon-based nanomaterials.展开更多
Unfortunately,in the article The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plantsdA critical review by Moreira et al.(Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 13(2023)3208-3237)some data have not been corrected in th...Unfortunately,in the article The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plantsdA critical review by Moreira et al.(Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 13(2023)3208-3237)some data have not been corrected in the proofreading stage:Page 3225 e In the study by Lim et al.^(234).展开更多
This study aimed to identify new compounds capable of decreasing pancreatic lipase(PL)catalytic activity.A panel of structurally related chalcones with hydroxy and chloro substituents was chosen,and their inhibitory e...This study aimed to identify new compounds capable of decreasing pancreatic lipase(PL)catalytic activity.A panel of structurally related chalcones with hydroxy and chloro substituents was chosen,and their inhibitory eff ects on the targeted enzyme were assessed.This work also optimized the conditions for UV/Vis spectrophotometric and fluorimetric microanalysis systems and,whenever possible,a structure–activity relationship analysis was performed.The obtained results showed the eff ectiveness of both methodologies in assessing the inhibition of PL catalytic activity.Some of the tested chalcones exhibited notable inhibitory eff ects on PL activity.Remarkably,the presence of hydroxy or chloro substituents appears to enhance the observed inhibitory activities of these compounds.展开更多
Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly affecting individuals’quality of life,thus increasing their cost to social and health systems.These diseases have overlapping mechanisms,such as oxidat...Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly affecting individuals’quality of life,thus increasing their cost to social and health systems.These diseases have overlapping mechanisms,such as oxidative stress,protein aggregation,neuroinflammation,neurotransmission impairment,mitochondrial dysfunction,and excitotoxicity.Currently,there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases,and the available therapies have adverse effects and low efficacy.For neuropsychiatric disorders,such as depression,the current therapies are not adequate to one-third of the patients,the so-called treatmentresistant patients.So,searching for new treatments is fundamental.Medicinal plants appear as a strong alternative and complement towards new treatment protocols,as they have been used for health purposes for thousands of years.Thus,the main goal of this review is to revisit the neuroprotective potential of some of the most predominant medicinal plants(and one fungus)used in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),focusing on their proven mechanisms of action and their chemical compositions,to give clues on how they can be useful against neurodegeneration progression.展开更多
Chestnut(Castanea sativa)shells(CS)are an appealing source of antioxidants.In previous studies,the research team validated a nutraceutical extract from CS,recovered by an eco-friendly technology,by in-vitro and in-viv...Chestnut(Castanea sativa)shells(CS)are an appealing source of antioxidants.In previous studies,the research team validated a nutraceutical extract from CS,recovered by an eco-friendly technology,by in-vitro and in-vivo assays,and developed functional cookies enriched with this extract.This study attempts,for the first time,to investigate the impact of the in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion in the phenolic composition,bioaccessibility,antioxidant/antiradical properties,andα-amylase inhibition of CS extract-enriched cookies.The outcomes revealed higher polyphenols concentrations retained after intestinal digestion,endorsing its better antioxidant,antiradical,and hypoglycemic properties.The phenolics recovery enhanced in the following order:oral<gastric<intestinal phases,achieving 93.50%of maximum bioaccessibility and unveiling a protective effect of the cookie matrix and slow phenolics release during digestion.Regardless the identical composition in phenolic acids,changes in their concentrations were attested between digested and undigested cookies.Multivariate analysis predicted the outstanding contribution of polyphenols to the bioactivity of cookies.This study high-lighted the valorization of CS as nutraceutical ingredient for functional cookies,proving its efficacy after in-vitro digestion.展开更多
Objectives:In recent years,there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey,driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefts.Consequently,consumers show a preference for...Objectives:In recent years,there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey,driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefts.Consequently,consumers show a preference for honey,recognised for its superior quality,namely honey with a Protected Designation of Origin(PDO)or honey produced in protected areas,as it is associated with superior attributes and characteristics.Portugal is one of the leading countries in the production of PDO honey,with Montesinho Natural Park(MNP)being an excellent example of high-quality Portuguese honey,known for its distinctive attributes.However,environmental threats pose a double challenge,leading to a decline in honey production and compromising its overall quality.This study aimed to assess the specifc physicochemical parameters and nutritional characteristics of MNP honey and investigate their correlation with the different locations of apiaries.Materials and Methods:MNP honey samples(n=13)were obtained from local producers or purchased at supermarkets.Standard physicochemical parameters,such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,diastase activity,moisture and ash content,free acidity,electrical conductivity and pH,were determined according to honey legislation.Additionally,colour parameters,protein,low-molecular-weight carbohydrates(monoand disaccharides),and mineral content were determined.Results:The results obtained were consistent with the requirements outlined in the legislation and those described in the literature.The results suggest that geographical factors within the park and boundaries do not contribute to variations in the analysed parameters.Conclusions:A signifcant level of homogeneity was evident in all parameters evaluated among the MNP honey samples.This is the frst comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of honey from various apiaries within the MNP.展开更多
The reuse of agricultural waste is essential to mitigate environmental pollution problems.Consequently,this work focused on the valorization of the most extensive olive processing residue,alperujo,in terms of its abil...The reuse of agricultural waste is essential to mitigate environmental pollution problems.Consequently,this work focused on the valorization of the most extensive olive processing residue,alperujo,in terms of its ability to interfere with the virulence processes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus contaminating food and reference strains.The activity of alperujo extracts of different polarities on virulence factors producing bacteria,and its relationship with antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content was comparatively evaluated.The results indicated that the polar extracts significantly reduced the biofilm formed by both bacteria.They were also able to act against a previously formed biofilm by reducing its biomass and the cells’metabolism.Ethanolic extracts,rich in polyphenolic compounds,exhibited antioxidant capacity and Quorum sensing(QS)inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum.Additionally,they limited the spread of P.aeruginosa by restricting swarming and swimming movements.They also interfere in other QS controlled phenotypes like elastase and pyocyanin.The antipathogenic ability of the polar extracts could be mainly due to the synergistic effect of several phenolic compounds identified by LC-MS/MS analysis,such as luteolin,vanillic acid hexoside,oleuropein and derivates,quinic acid,apigenin,among others.As a result,this study contributes to the developing of sustainable strategies to revalorize a polluting waste into a value-added byproduct that could be used in the food and sanitary industries.展开更多
Development of synthetic bone substitutes has arisen as a major research interest in the need to find an alternative to autologous bone grafts.Using an ovine model,the present pre-clinical study presents a synthetic b...Development of synthetic bone substitutes has arisen as a major research interest in the need to find an alternative to autologous bone grafts.Using an ovine model,the present pre-clinical study presents a synthetic bone graft(BonelikeVR)in combination with a cellular system as an alternative for the regeneration of non-critical defects.The association of biomaterials and cell-based therapies is a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)from human dental pulp have demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo to interact with diverse biomaterial systems and promote mineral deposition,aiming at the reconstruction of osseous defects.Moreover,these cells can be found and isolated from many species.Non-critical bone defects were treated with BonelikeVR with or without MSCs obtained from the human dental pulp.Results showed that BonelikeVR and MSCs treated defects showed improved bone regeneration compared with the defects treated with BonelikeVR alone.Also,it was observed that the biomaterial matrix was reabsorbed and gradually replaced by new bone during the healing process.We therefore propose this combination as an efficient binomial strategy that promotes bone growth and vascularization in non-critical bone defects.展开更多
The nutritional composition and bioactive properties of roots and rhizomes of Asparagus stipularis were evaluated.Antioxidant activity of extracts obtained by infusion was evaluated using free radicals scavenging and ...The nutritional composition and bioactive properties of roots and rhizomes of Asparagus stipularis were evaluated.Antioxidant activity of extracts obtained by infusion was evaluated using free radicals scavenging and reducing power methods.Porcine liver primary cell was used to check the hepatotoxicity of infusions.Results revealed that Asparagus samples are likely a source of nutrients,such as dietary fibre and essential fatty acids.HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS characterization of infusions allowed the identification and quantitation of 7 phenolic compounds,all hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives,with caffeic acid as the most abundant.Roots infusion contained the highest amounts of these compounds.It also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in all assays,with EC_(50) values of 0.44±0.01,0.98±0.03 and 0.64±0.01 mg/mL for DPPH,ABTS and FRAP assays,respectively,with no toxicity towards PLP2 primary cell cultures(GI_(50)>400μg/mL).PLGA nanoparticles loaded with root extract were prepared using solvent-evaporation double emulsion method.Nanoparticles size was about 260 nm and a polydispersity index around 0.1,with a zeta potential of about-36 mV,as well as a good encapsulation efficiency of approximately 83%.Their morphology was analysed by SEM and spherical polymeric nanoparticles with a smooth surface were observed.FTIR and DSC were also performed,which allowed corroborating the efficacy of the encapsulation and to confirm the production of a stable and robust system to load Asparagus extracts.The developed nanoparticles are expected to be used as delivery systems for bioactive compounds of A.stipularis and they could be used as an innovative dietary supplement.展开更多
The development of injectable bone substitutes(IBS)have obtained great importance in the bone re-generation field,as a strategy to reach hardly accessible defects using minimally invasive techniques and able to fit to...The development of injectable bone substitutes(IBS)have obtained great importance in the bone re-generation field,as a strategy to reach hardly accessible defects using minimally invasive techniques and able to fit to irregular topographies.In this scenario,the association of injectable hydrogels and bone graft granules is emerging as a well-established trend.Particularly,in situ forming hydrogels have arisen as a new IBS generation.An in situ forming and injectable dextrin-based hydrogel(HG)was developed,aiming to act as a carrier of granular bone substitutes and bioactive agents.In this work,the HG was associated to a granular bone substitute(Bonelike)and implanted in goat critical-sized calvarial defects(14mm)for 3,6 and 12weeks.The results showed that HG improved the han-dling properties of the Bonelike granules and did not affect its osteoconductive features,neither impairing the bone regener ation process.Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the umbilical cord,extracellular matrix hydrolysates and the pro-angiogenic peptide LLKKK18 were also combined with the IBS.These bioactive agents did not enhance the new bone formation significantly under the conditions tested,according to micro-computed tomography and histological analysis.展开更多
文摘Colorectal cancer ranks third globally,with a high mortality rate.In the United States,and different countries in Europe,organized population screenings exist and include people between 50 and 74 years of age.These screenings have allowed an early diagnosis and consequently an improvement in health indicators.Colon and rectal cancer(CRC)is a disease of particular interest due to the high global burden associated with it and the role attributed to prevention and early diagnosis in reducing morbidity and mortality.This study is a review of CRC pathology and includes the most recent scientific evidence regarding this pathology,as well as a diagnosis of the epidemiological situation of CRC.Finally,the recommendation from a public health perspective will be discussed in detail taking into account the context and the most current recommendations.
文摘Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or no side effects,especially when compared with pharmacological pain-killers.Objective:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer pain.Search strategy:Six electronic databases(PubMed,EBSCO,Cochrane Library,Scielo,b-On and Scopus)were searched for relevant articles about pain relief in cancer patients from their beginning until 2022using MeSH terms such as“acupuncture,”“electroacupuncture,”“ear acupuncture,”“acupuncture analgesia,”“oncological pain,”and“cancer pain.”Inclusion criteria:Studies included were randomized controlled trials(RCTs)where acupuncture was compared with no treatment,placebo acupuncture or usual care.Data extraction and analysis:Three independent reviewers participated in data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias,and a meta-analysis was conducted.The primary outcome was pain intensity,measured with the visual analog scale,numeric rating scale,or brief pain inventory.Secondary outcomes also assessed were quality of life,functionality,xerostomia,pain interference,and analgesic consumption.Results were expressed as standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1124 participants were included in the meta-analysis,with the majority of the studies presenting a low or unclear risk of bias.Acupuncture was more effective in reducing pain than no treatment(SMD=–0.90,95%CI[–1.68,–0.12]),sham acupuncture(SMD=–1.10,95%CI[–1.59,–0.61])or usual care(SMD=–1.16,95%CI[–1.38,–0.93]).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention to reduce pain associated with cancer.Despite some limitations due to the low quality and small sample size of some included studies,as well as the different types and stages of cancer,acupuncture might provide an effective and safe treatment to reduce cancer pain.
基金financially supported by the National Nat-ural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22302153,51672312 and 21373275)the Key Research and Development Project of Hubei Province(No.2020BBB068)+6 种基金jointed supported by the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Huangshi of China(No.2022CFD001)the Educational Commission of Hubei Province(No.B2022253)the Unveils List System Science and Technology Project of Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Department(No.2021BEC016)the Research and Innovation Ini-tiatives of WHPU(Nos.2023Y25&2023Y26)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of South-Central Minzu University(Nos.CZP22001 and CZZ21012)the Excel-lent Discipline Cultivation Project by JHUN(No.2023XKZ027)FCT/MCTES(DOIs:10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020,10.54499/UIDP/50006/2020,10.54499/UIDB/50006/2020,and 10.54499/CEECINST/00102/2018/CP1567/CT0026).
文摘It is essential to promote interfacial separation and charge migration in heterojunctions for effectively driving surface photocatalytic reactions.In this work,we report the construction of a 2D/2D layered BiOIO_(3)/g-C_(3)N_(4)(BIO/CN)heterojunction for photocatalytic NO removal.The BIO/CN heterojunction exhibits a remarkably higher NO photo-oxidation removal rate(46.9%)compared to pristine BIO(20.1%)and CN(25.9%)under visible-light irradiation.Additionally,it effectively suppresses the formation of toxic NO_(2)intermediates during photocatalytic reaction.The improved photocatalytic performance of BIO/CN composite is caused by its S-scheme charge carrier transport mechanism,which is supported by Density Functional Theory simulations of work function and electron density difference,along with in-situ irradiated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analyses.This S-scheme structure improves the interfacial carrier separation efficiency and retains the strong photo-redox ability.Our study demonstrates that construction of a S-scheme heterojunction is significant in the design and preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts for air purification.
基金The work was supported by UID/QUI/50006/2019 and UID/AGR/00690/2019 with funding from FCT/MCTES.J.C.M.Barreira is grateful for his CEEC contract.M.Antónia Nunes(SFRH/BD/130131/2017)F.B.Pimentel(SFRH/BD/109042/2015)thank FCT and European Social Fund through Programa Operacional Capital Humano.
文摘Nowadays,food security is a global concern and a great scientific challenge.Agro-industrial by-products can be used as potential ingredients of innovative food products,contributing to solve this societal demand.By-products of high specialty oils processing,for instance,have remarkable nutritional and organoleptic properties.Accordingly,the partially delipidified almond flour(PDAF)remaining from almond oil extraction,was used as an alternative ingredient in a highly appreciated almond-based cookie(“almendrados”).For comparison purposes,four different“almendrados”formulations(one industrial,two with PDAF,and one with whole almond flour),were compared regarding nutritional composition,vitamin E and fatty acids profiles.To assess the cookie sensory properties,seventy-four consumers evaluated“appearance”,“taste”,“sweetness”,“crunchiness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”using adequate hedonic scales.Fat and protein levels showed significant differences among industrial and the other three samples.Cookies with PDAF presented similar tocopherols and fatty acids to the traditional(more expensive)formulation,besides reaching the highest scores on“appearance”,“sweetness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”and“buying predisposition”parameters.Accordingly,the incorporation of PDAF might represent an effective way of adding value to an industrial by-product,while providing a pleasant novel cookie formulation.
基金supported by the Fundacao para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (SFRH/BD/148771/2019,2021.05914.BD, PTDC/BTM-MAT/4738/2020)the European Research CouncilDERC Starting Grant (848325).
文摘A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties,superior cell targeting,immune evasion potential,and prolonged duration of systemic circulation.Here,we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials.The structure,properties,and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed.This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods.We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,imaging,and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Finally,we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.
文摘The development of biotechnology-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as GLP-1 analogs, brought changes in type 2 diabetes treatment options. For better therapeutic efficiency, these active pharmaceutical ingredients require appropriate administration, without the development of adverse effects or toxicity. Therefore, it is required to develop several quantification methods for GLP-1 analogs products, in order to achieve the therapeutic goals, among which ELISA and HPLC arise. These methods are developed, optimized and validated in order to determine GLP-1 analogs, not only in final formulation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, but also during preclinical and clinical trials assessment. This review highlights the role of ELISA and HPLC methods that have been used during the assessment for GLP-1 analogs, especially for exenatide.
基金the support of Fundacao para a Ciência e Tecnologia(FCT),through the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MAREfunding from European Structural&Investment Funds through the COMPETE ProgrammeNational Funds through FCT-Fundacao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia under the Programme(No.SAICTPAC/0019/2015)
文摘Algae(and their extracts)are increasingly important for pharmaceutical applications due to the diversity of useful compounds they contain.The genus Fucus contains one of the most studied species,Fucus vesiculosus.The species F.ceranoides differs from the others of the genus by presenting longitudinal air-vesicles and a capacity to survive at low salinities.It is an alga that inhabits the Mondego River estuary(Portugal),at the southern limit of its distribution,and can serve as a role model to understand the effect of a salt gradient on the production of bioactive compounds.We assessed the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different F.ceranoides extracts(e.g.methanolic,aqueous and polysaccharide)prepared from samples harvested from two different zones to evaluate if the adaptation of F.ceranoides to different salinity levels influenced its chemical composition.The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined using 1,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and 2.2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)radicals.These assays demonstrated that the methanolic extract of lyophilized F.ceranoides that grew at low salinities was the most bioactive,i.e.DPPH(IC 50=50.39μg/mL)and ABTS(TEAC=2.42).The total phenolic content(Folin-Ciocalteu method)and the methanolic extract of the lyophilized F.ceranoides collected from a low salinity habitat exhibited the highest phenolic content(PGE=49.48μg/mg of lyophilized extract)amongst those sampled.Thin layer chromatography(TLC)and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)were used for the identification of compounds in the extracts.This characterization allowed confirmation that the various extracts contained almost the same compounds but with notable quantitative differences.Based on these results,we conclude that there were differences in the quantity of the compounds due to the effect of salinity.The drying methods used were also found to have influenced the quality of the extracted compounds.
文摘Fungi and bacteria afflict humans with innumerous pathogen-related infections and ailments.Most of the commonly employed microbicidal agents target commensal and pathogenic microorganisms without discrimination.To distinguish and fight the pathogenic species out of the microflora,novel antimicrobials have been developed that selectively target specific bacteria and fungi.The cell wall features and antimicrobial mechanisms that these microorganisms involved in are highlighted in the present review.This is followed by reviewing the design of antimicrobials that selectively combat a specific community of microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as well as fungi.Finally,recent advances in the antimicrobial immunomodulation strategy that enables treating microorganism infections with high specificity are reviewed.These basic tenets will enable the avid reader to design novel approaches and compounds for antibacterial and antifungal applications.
文摘Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome related to unintentional weight loss and to loss of muscle and fat mass. In head and neck cancer (HNC) its incidence is important and not only related to a deficient intake of food due to the impact of the disease in the vital functions. A complex disturbance in the normal metabolism of the patient promotes a persistent inflammatory state and a shifting in the metabolism balance toward a catabolic predominance affecting primarily the skeletal muscle. This leads to severe impairment of the functional, emotional and social status and quality of life of the patients that will compromise response to treatment and the disease prognosis. Understanding this deleterious syndrome and mainly identifying it in early stages of the disease is of a major importance in achieving better outcomes to head and neck cancer patients. This study pretends to identify clinical aspects related to cachexia in HNC in a clinical perspective for application on the routine clinical practice. In our study, 30 HNC patients were enrolled and evaluated in terms of nutritional values (actual and loss of weight in the past 6 months, body mass index (BMI), nutritional risk index (NRI), malnutrition universal screening tool), serum biochemical markers (albumin, total proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and myostatin) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluation (using European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaires (QLQ): EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HN43). A minimum follow-up of 48 months was considered for all patients. Our results showed that NRI is a good and sensitive index to identify cachexia. This index uses two parameters, one constitutional (loss of weight) and one biochemical (level of serum albumin). According to this criterion, 16 patients were assigned to the No-cachexia group and 14 patients to the Cachexia group. Significant differences in the constitutional and nutritional values between the two groups were found: the median weight loss was 4.44 kg in the No-cachexia group and 11.29 kg in the Cachexia group, while the BMI was 21.88 and 18.33, respectively. In terms of biochemical markers, significant low values of albumin and cholesterol in the Cachexia group were encountered when compared to the No-cachexia group. Regarding the inflammatory and cachexia biomarkers studied, the results show that patients in the Cachexia group had significantly higher levels of CRP and of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and presented significantly raised levels of the myostatin. In terms of HRQoL evaluation, the scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 revealed that all the scales and the Summary Score showed lower scores in the Cachexia group, indicating worst quality of life evaluation. The items scores were globally higher in the Cachexia group indicating more important problems related to those items in the Cachexia group. The difference encountered between the groups was significant (p < 0.001) in all considered scales but two: Dyspnoea and Constipation. Considering the EORTC QLQ-HN43 all the scales and in all single items but one (Wound Healing) the scores were higher in the Cachexia group, indicating a worst degree of problems affecting these group of patients. The difference found between the groups was significant (p < 0.001) in all scales and items but six: Dry Mouth and Sticky Saliva, Skin problems, Problems with Teeth, Trismus, Social Contact and Wound Healing. There were no significant differences in the clinical presentation of the disease between the two groups. The median survival was of 13.5 months in the Cachexia group, significantly lower when compared to the No-cachexia group (p < 0.0001), confirming the major impact of cachexia in survival and clinical outcomes in HNC patients. These results of our study show that HRQoL evaluation and serum biochemical markers are sensitive and important tools in identifying and screening cachexia in HNC patients. The methodology followed in this study correlating HRQoL with biochemical markers supports the development of clinical protocols in HNC that include cachexia evaluation. Hopefully this new approach can help to improve prognosis of the disease.
基金FCT(Portugal's Foundation for Science and Technology)for financial support through the CQ-VR(UIDB/00616/2020,UIDP/00616/2020),CQE/Institute of Molecular Sciences(UIBD/00100/2020,UIPD/00100/2020 and LA/P/0056/2020),Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences-iBB/Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy-i4HB(UIDB/04565/2020,UIDP/04565/2020,and LA/P/0140/2020)FCT,MCTES,ESF,and EU through the individual research Ph.D.for the Ph.D.scholarship(SFRH/BD/138425/2018)+1 种基金FCT for funding through the Scientific Employment Stimulus—Institutional Call(Ref.CEECINST/00136/2021)the EPSRC funded National Research Facility(EP/W014521/1)。
文摘Dialysis plays a crucial role in the purification of nanomaterials but its impact on the structural properties of carbon nanomaterials was never investigated.Herein,a carbon-based nanomaterial generated electrochemically in potassium phosphate buffer,was characterized before and after dialysis against pure water.It is shown that dialysis affects the size of the carbon domains,structural organization,surface functionalization,oxidation degree of carbon,and grade of amorphicity.Accordingly,dialysis drives the nanomaterial organization from discrete roundish carbon domains,with sizes ranging from 70 to 160 nm,towards linear stacking structures of small nanoparticles(<15 nm).In parallel,alcohol and ether(epoxide)surface groups evolve into more oxidized carbon groups(e.g.,ketone and ester groups).Investigation of the as-prepared nanomaterial by electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)revealed a resonance signal consistent with carbon-oxygen centred radicals.Additionally,this study brings to light the selective affinity of the carbon nanomaterial under study to capture Na^(+)ions,a property greatly enhanced by the dialysis process,and its high ability to trap oxygen,particularly before dialysis.These findings open new perspectives for the application of carbon-based nanomaterials and raise awareness of the importance of structural changes that can occur during the purification of carbon-based nanomaterials.
文摘Unfortunately,in the article The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plantsdA critical review by Moreira et al.(Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 13(2023)3208-3237)some data have not been corrected in the proofreading stage:Page 3225 e In the study by Lim et al.^(234).
基金Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN(b-on)financial support from Fundacao para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Ministério da Ciência,Tecnologia e Ensino Superior(FCT/MCTES)by projects UID/50006-Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde-Tecnologias e Processos Limpos,UIDB/04378/2020(UCIBIO),and LA/P/0140/2020(i4HB)through PT national funds,as well as by project EXPL/MED-QUI/0815/2021。
文摘This study aimed to identify new compounds capable of decreasing pancreatic lipase(PL)catalytic activity.A panel of structurally related chalcones with hydroxy and chloro substituents was chosen,and their inhibitory eff ects on the targeted enzyme were assessed.This work also optimized the conditions for UV/Vis spectrophotometric and fluorimetric microanalysis systems and,whenever possible,a structure–activity relationship analysis was performed.The obtained results showed the eff ectiveness of both methodologies in assessing the inhibition of PL catalytic activity.Some of the tested chalcones exhibited notable inhibitory eff ects on PL activity.Remarkably,the presence of hydroxy or chloro substituents appears to enhance the observed inhibitory activities of these compounds.
基金supported by projects REQUIMTE/LAQV-UIDB/50006/2020,UIDP/50006/2020,and LA/P/0008/2020 financed by FCT/Ministério da Ciência,Tecnologia e Ensino Superior(MCTES),through national funds。
文摘Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly affecting individuals’quality of life,thus increasing their cost to social and health systems.These diseases have overlapping mechanisms,such as oxidative stress,protein aggregation,neuroinflammation,neurotransmission impairment,mitochondrial dysfunction,and excitotoxicity.Currently,there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases,and the available therapies have adverse effects and low efficacy.For neuropsychiatric disorders,such as depression,the current therapies are not adequate to one-third of the patients,the so-called treatmentresistant patients.So,searching for new treatments is fundamental.Medicinal plants appear as a strong alternative and complement towards new treatment protocols,as they have been used for health purposes for thousands of years.Thus,the main goal of this review is to revisit the neuroprotective potential of some of the most predominant medicinal plants(and one fungus)used in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),focusing on their proven mechanisms of action and their chemical compositions,to give clues on how they can be useful against neurodegeneration progression.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51808080)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M710830)+4 种基金the Venture and Innovation Support Program for Chongqing Overseas Returnees(cx2022005)the Natural Science Foundation Project of CQ CSTC(CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1267)the Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission of China(KJQN201800826&KJZD-K202100801)the Post-doctoral Program Funded by Chongqing,Chongqing University Innovation Research Group project(CXQT21023)Funda??o para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência,Tecnologia e Ensino Superior(Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/Ministery for Science,Technology and Higher Education)(CEECINST/00102/2018,UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020 from LAQV)。
基金financial support from national funds(UIDB/50006/2020)project PTDC/ASP-AGR/29277/2017-Castanea sativa shells as a new source of active ingredients for Functional Food and Cosmetic applications:a sustainable approach,and project 5537 DRI,Sérvia 2020/21 from Portuguese-Serbia Bilateral Cooperation-Devel-opment of functional foods incorporating a chestnut shells extract obtained by subcritical water,supported by national funds by FCT/MCTES+8 种基金co-supported by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional(FEDER)throughout COMPETE 2020-Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização(POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029277)Diana Pinto is thankful for her Ph.D.grant(SFRH/BD/144534/2019)financed by FCT/MCTES and POPH-QRENsupported by funds from European Union(EU)and Fundo Social Europeu(FSE)through Pro-grama Operacional Regional NorteFrancisca Rodrigues(CEECIND/01886/2020)Manuela M.Moreira(CEECIND/02702/2017)financed by FCT/MCTES-CEEC Individual 2020Program Contractthe Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia,Innovación y Universidades for the Ramon y Cajal contract(RYC-2016-19355)Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic and Tanja Brezo-Borjan are grateful to the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia(Grant No.7747845,In situ pollutants removal from waters by sustainable green nanotechnologies-CleanNanoCatalyze)Ministry of education,science and technological development of the Republic of Serbia(Grant No 451-03-68/2020-14/200134).
文摘Chestnut(Castanea sativa)shells(CS)are an appealing source of antioxidants.In previous studies,the research team validated a nutraceutical extract from CS,recovered by an eco-friendly technology,by in-vitro and in-vivo assays,and developed functional cookies enriched with this extract.This study attempts,for the first time,to investigate the impact of the in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion in the phenolic composition,bioaccessibility,antioxidant/antiradical properties,andα-amylase inhibition of CS extract-enriched cookies.The outcomes revealed higher polyphenols concentrations retained after intestinal digestion,endorsing its better antioxidant,antiradical,and hypoglycemic properties.The phenolics recovery enhanced in the following order:oral<gastric<intestinal phases,achieving 93.50%of maximum bioaccessibility and unveiling a protective effect of the cookie matrix and slow phenolics release during digestion.Regardless the identical composition in phenolic acids,changes in their concentrations were attested between digested and undigested cookies.Multivariate analysis predicted the outstanding contribution of polyphenols to the bioactivity of cookies.This study high-lighted the valorization of CS as nutraceutical ingredient for functional cookies,proving its efficacy after in-vitro digestion.
基金support from the Portugal national funds,FCT/MCTES(Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Ministério da Ciência,Tecnologia e Ensino Superior),through the Project MTS/SAS/0077/2020 DOI 10.54499/MTS/SAS/0077/2020—“Honey+—New reasons to care honey from the Natural Park of Montesinho:A bioindicator of environmental quality&its therapeutic potential”.
文摘Objectives:In recent years,there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey,driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefts.Consequently,consumers show a preference for honey,recognised for its superior quality,namely honey with a Protected Designation of Origin(PDO)or honey produced in protected areas,as it is associated with superior attributes and characteristics.Portugal is one of the leading countries in the production of PDO honey,with Montesinho Natural Park(MNP)being an excellent example of high-quality Portuguese honey,known for its distinctive attributes.However,environmental threats pose a double challenge,leading to a decline in honey production and compromising its overall quality.This study aimed to assess the specifc physicochemical parameters and nutritional characteristics of MNP honey and investigate their correlation with the different locations of apiaries.Materials and Methods:MNP honey samples(n=13)were obtained from local producers or purchased at supermarkets.Standard physicochemical parameters,such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,diastase activity,moisture and ash content,free acidity,electrical conductivity and pH,were determined according to honey legislation.Additionally,colour parameters,protein,low-molecular-weight carbohydrates(monoand disaccharides),and mineral content were determined.Results:The results obtained were consistent with the requirements outlined in the legislation and those described in the literature.The results suggest that geographical factors within the park and boundaries do not contribute to variations in the analysed parameters.Conclusions:A signifcant level of homogeneity was evident in all parameters evaluated among the MNP honey samples.This is the frst comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of honey from various apiaries within the MNP.
基金the financial support from the SCAIT-UNT(PIUNT D26/638-1)the Agencia Nacional de Promocion Científica y Tecnica ANPCyT(PICT 02071 and 02514)The Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnicas,CONICET(PIP 662,PUE 0021).The authors also acknowledge the Camara olivícola Riojana(La Rioja,Argentina)for providing the alperujo.
文摘The reuse of agricultural waste is essential to mitigate environmental pollution problems.Consequently,this work focused on the valorization of the most extensive olive processing residue,alperujo,in terms of its ability to interfere with the virulence processes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus contaminating food and reference strains.The activity of alperujo extracts of different polarities on virulence factors producing bacteria,and its relationship with antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content was comparatively evaluated.The results indicated that the polar extracts significantly reduced the biofilm formed by both bacteria.They were also able to act against a previously formed biofilm by reducing its biomass and the cells’metabolism.Ethanolic extracts,rich in polyphenolic compounds,exhibited antioxidant capacity and Quorum sensing(QS)inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum.Additionally,they limited the spread of P.aeruginosa by restricting swarming and swimming movements.They also interfere in other QS controlled phenotypes like elastase and pyocyanin.The antipathogenic ability of the polar extracts could be mainly due to the synergistic effect of several phenolic compounds identified by LC-MS/MS analysis,such as luteolin,vanillic acid hexoside,oleuropein and derivates,quinic acid,apigenin,among others.As a result,this study contributes to the developing of sustainable strategies to revalorize a polluting waste into a value-added byproduct that could be used in the food and sanitary industries.
基金This research was supported by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte(ON.2–O Novo Norte),QREN,FEDER with the project‘iBone Therapies:Terapias inovadoras para a regenerac¸~ao o´ssea’,ref.NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-003262,and by the programme COMPETE–Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade,Projects PEst-OE/AGR/UI0211/2011 and PEst-C/EME/UI0285/2013 funding from FCT.This research was also supported by Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizac¸~ao(P2020),Fundos Europeus Estruturais e de Investimento(FEEI)and FCT with the project‘BioMate—A novel bio-manufacturing system to produce bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering’with reference PTDC/EMS-SIS/7032/2014 and by COMPETE 2020,from ANI—Projectos ID&T Empresas em Copromoc¸~ao,Programas Operacionais POCI,by the project‘insitu.Biomas-Reinvent biomanufacturing systems by using an usability approach for in situ clinic temporary implants fabrication’with the reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-017771.The research was also supported by the research project‘BEPIM III–Microdispositivos me´dicos com capacidades osteintegradoras por micoPIM’,with the reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-017935,from Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional(FEDER),by the Programa Operacional da Competitividade&Internacionalizac¸~ao.Ana Rita Caseiro(SFRH/BD/101174/2014)acknowledges FCT,for financial support.
文摘Development of synthetic bone substitutes has arisen as a major research interest in the need to find an alternative to autologous bone grafts.Using an ovine model,the present pre-clinical study presents a synthetic bone graft(BonelikeVR)in combination with a cellular system as an alternative for the regeneration of non-critical defects.The association of biomaterials and cell-based therapies is a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)from human dental pulp have demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo to interact with diverse biomaterial systems and promote mineral deposition,aiming at the reconstruction of osseous defects.Moreover,these cells can be found and isolated from many species.Non-critical bone defects were treated with BonelikeVR with or without MSCs obtained from the human dental pulp.Results showed that BonelikeVR and MSCs treated defects showed improved bone regeneration compared with the defects treated with BonelikeVR alone.Also,it was observed that the biomaterial matrix was reabsorbed and gradually replaced by new bone during the healing process.We therefore propose this combination as an efficient binomial strategy that promotes bone growth and vascularization in non-critical bone defects.
基金ALIMNOVA Research Group(UCM GR105/18)Spanish Government through the project PID2019-109365RA-I00+7 种基金Foundation for Science and Technology(FCT,Portugal)for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO(UIDB/00690/2020)LAQV(UIDB/50006/2020)CCMar(UIDB/04326/2020)CBIOS(UIDB/04567/2020)iBB-IST(UIDB/04565/2020)National funding by FCT,P.I.,through the institutional scientific employment program-contractFEDER-Interreg Espana-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_Efinancially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R.
文摘The nutritional composition and bioactive properties of roots and rhizomes of Asparagus stipularis were evaluated.Antioxidant activity of extracts obtained by infusion was evaluated using free radicals scavenging and reducing power methods.Porcine liver primary cell was used to check the hepatotoxicity of infusions.Results revealed that Asparagus samples are likely a source of nutrients,such as dietary fibre and essential fatty acids.HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS characterization of infusions allowed the identification and quantitation of 7 phenolic compounds,all hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives,with caffeic acid as the most abundant.Roots infusion contained the highest amounts of these compounds.It also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in all assays,with EC_(50) values of 0.44±0.01,0.98±0.03 and 0.64±0.01 mg/mL for DPPH,ABTS and FRAP assays,respectively,with no toxicity towards PLP2 primary cell cultures(GI_(50)>400μg/mL).PLGA nanoparticles loaded with root extract were prepared using solvent-evaporation double emulsion method.Nanoparticles size was about 260 nm and a polydispersity index around 0.1,with a zeta potential of about-36 mV,as well as a good encapsulation efficiency of approximately 83%.Their morphology was analysed by SEM and spherical polymeric nanoparticles with a smooth surface were observed.FTIR and DSC were also performed,which allowed corroborating the efficacy of the encapsulation and to confirm the production of a stable and robust system to load Asparagus extracts.The developed nanoparticles are expected to be used as delivery systems for bioactive compounds of A.stipularis and they could be used as an innovative dietary supplement.
基金This work was funded by the project‘DEXGELERATION-Advanced solu-tions for bone regeneration based on dextrin hydrogels’(Norte-07-0202-FEDER-038853).It was also funded by FCT under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 and UID/BIM/04293/2013 units and COMPETE 2020(POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684),BioTecNorte operation(NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004)and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000012 funded by FEDER under the scope of Norte2020-Programa Operacional Regional do Norte.Isabel Pereira and Ana Rita Caseiro were supported by the grants SFRH/BD90066/2012 and SFRH/BD/101174/2014,respectively,from FCT,Portugal.
文摘The development of injectable bone substitutes(IBS)have obtained great importance in the bone re-generation field,as a strategy to reach hardly accessible defects using minimally invasive techniques and able to fit to irregular topographies.In this scenario,the association of injectable hydrogels and bone graft granules is emerging as a well-established trend.Particularly,in situ forming hydrogels have arisen as a new IBS generation.An in situ forming and injectable dextrin-based hydrogel(HG)was developed,aiming to act as a carrier of granular bone substitutes and bioactive agents.In this work,the HG was associated to a granular bone substitute(Bonelike)and implanted in goat critical-sized calvarial defects(14mm)for 3,6 and 12weeks.The results showed that HG improved the han-dling properties of the Bonelike granules and did not affect its osteoconductive features,neither impairing the bone regener ation process.Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the umbilical cord,extracellular matrix hydrolysates and the pro-angiogenic peptide LLKKK18 were also combined with the IBS.These bioactive agents did not enhance the new bone formation significantly under the conditions tested,according to micro-computed tomography and histological analysis.
