FCS - Artigos em Revistas Científicas Internacionais com Arbitragem Científica
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- Association of rs324420 (C385A) polymorphism with high-level performance in volleyball playersPublication . Silva, Hugo-Henrique; Tavares, Valéria; Silva, Maria Raquel; Neto, Beatriz Vieira; Cerqueira, Fátima; Medeiros, RuiGenetic variants are recognized to affect athletic performance, partially by modulating competition-facilitating behavior. In this study, the role of three genetic variants previously linked to athlete status was investigated among elite volleyball players. A total of 228 players (26.7 ± 8.1 years old) participating in the Portuguese championship and with multiple medalists in national and international competitions were evaluated in terms of anthropometrics, training regime, sports experience, and a history of sports lesions. SNP genotyping was conducted by means of TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Methodology. Volleyball players showed significantly different anthropometric indicators and training habits according to sex ( < 0.05). The A allele of the genetic variant () rs324420 (C385A) was shown to be significantly associated with superior athletic achievements under a dominant genetic model (AA/AC vs. CC, odds ratio (OR) = 1.70; 95% Cl, 0.93-3.13; = 0.026; < 0.001 after Bootstrap), which was corroborated by a multivariable analysis (AA/AC vs. CC adjusted OR = 2.00; 95% Cl, 1.04-3.82; = 0.037). Age and hand length were also found to be independently associated with high-level performance ( < 0.05). Our results confirm the role of in athletic performance. More investigation into this polymorphism's potential impact on stress coping, pain, and inflammation regulation in sport, particularly in the scope of lesions prevention and treatment, is required.
- Synergistic antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles with an emergent class of azoimidazolesPublication . Ribeiro, Ana Isabel; Dantas, Daniela; Carvalho, Luís Filipe; Padrão, Jorge; Silva, Renata; Remião, Fernando; Pinto, Eugénia; Cerqueira, Fátima; Dias, Alice; Zille, AndreaThe combination of two or more agents capable of acting in synergy has been reported as a valuable tool to fight against pathogens. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) present a strong antimicrobial action, although their cytotoxicity for healthy cells at active concentrations is a major concern. Azoimidazole moieties exhibit interesting bioactivities, including antimicrobial activity. In this work, a class of recently described azoimidazoles with strong antifungal activity was conjugated with citrate or polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized AgNPs. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance was used to confirm the purity of the compounds before further tests and atomic absorption spectroscopy to verify the concentration of silver in the prepared dispersions. Other analytical techniques elucidate the morphology and stability of AgNPs and corresponding conjugates, namely ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The synergistic antimicrobial activity of the conjugates was assessed through a checkerboard assay against yeasts ( and ) and bacteria ( and ). The conjugates showed improved antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, in particular towards bacteria, with concentrations below their individual minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Furthermore, some combinations were found to be non-cytotoxic towards human HaCaT cells.
- Domino synthesis of a new class of red-shifted and antimicrobial imidazole-based azo dyes from 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamidrazones.Publication . Pereira da Silva, Mariana; Silva, Bárbara; Costa, Inês; Coutinho, Paulo; Cerqueira, Fátima; Pinto, Eugénia; Dias, AliceCombining antimicrobial activity with halochromic properties offers an enticing opportunity to both combat and detect microbial infection in the medical field. Previous research has identified a class of compounds that demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against pathogenic yeasts. Notably, these compounds also exhibit vibrant pink-blue colours and a halochromic behaviour within the therapeutic pH range. Aiming at developing a more sustainable synthetic method and to generate better red-shifted and pH-responsive imidazole-based azo dyes, a new domino reaction was discovered yielding a novel class of green-coloured 2-aminoimidazole azo-dyes. A strategy based on circular chemistry was achieved by introducing the accessible and environmentally benign O/KI oxidant system, which is able not only to regenerate the oxidants but also minimize side reactions. The isolation of two key intermediates was also an important achievement in comprehending the underlying mechanisms. As expected, this new class of 2-aminoimidazole dyes also presented significant solvatochromism and pronounced halochromism with colours changing from green to purple as the pH decreases. molecular quantum mechanics calculations supported the data obtained experimentally. A great number of compounds (12 in 18 compounds) showed potent fungicidal activity against and moderate activity against.
- Plasmatic microRNAs and treatment outcomes of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a hospital-based cohort study and in silico analysisPublication . Silva, Jani; Tavares, Valéria; Afonso, Ana; Garcia, Juliana; Cerqueira, Fátima; Medeiros, RuiProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. Inevitably, all advanced PCa patients develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an aggressive phase of the disease. Treating mCRPC is challenging, and prognostic tools are needed for disease management. MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation has been reported in PCa, constituting potential non-invasive prognostic biomarkers. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of nine miRNAs in the liquid biopsies (plasma) of mCRPC patients treated with second-generation androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents, abiraterone acetate (AbA) and enzalutamide (ENZ). Low expression levels of miR-16-5p and miR-145-5p in mCRPC patients treated with AbA were significantly associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS). The two miRNAs were the only predictors of the risk of disease progression in AbA-stratified analyses. Low miR-20a-5p levels in mCRPC patients with Gleason scores of <8 were associated with worse overall survival (OS). The transcript seems to predict the risk of death regardless of the ARAT agent. According to the in silico analyses, miR-16-5p, miR-145-5p, and miR-20a-5p seem to be implicated in several processes, namely, cell cycle, proliferation, migration, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism related to treatment outcome. These miRNAs may represent attractive prognostic tools to be used in mCRPC management, as well as a step further in the identification of new potential therapeutic targets, to use in combination with ARAT for an improved treatment outcome. Despite the promising results, real-world validation is necessary.
- Powdered Calendula officinalis petals incorporated into fresh pasta: nutritional and chemical evaluation before and after processingPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Soares, Thiago F.; Machado, Marlene; Costa, Anabela S. G.; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.The sustainability of the agri-food chain is part of the current agenda through the investigation of alternative sources of ingredients and/or enriched foods. Following the current consumer trends for healthy foods with underlying sustainable principles, this work aimed to develop fortified fresh pasta incorporating powdered calendula petals. A chemical assessment was performed to determine the effect of incorporating calendula petals (5%) on the sensory characteristics (color, flavor, appearance), phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity of fresh and cooked pasta. The incorporation of calendula petals remarkably increased ash (64%), fat (24%), and crude protein (18%). Similarly, there was a considerable increase in total phenolics, total flavonoids, and anthocyanins. As expected, antioxidant activity increased significantly with the addition of calendula in pasta (88%). The sensorial evaluation revealed that pasta with 5% calendula powder was as accepted as the control by the sensory panel. Cooking affected the nutritional and chemical constituents of the pasta. These findings suggest that powdered calendula petals can be employed as a functional food ingredient due to the large increase in protein and minerals, bioactive chemicals, and antioxidant activity, which remains after the integration procedure in typical fresh pasta.
- Cannabis for chronic pain: mechanistic insights and therapeutic challengesPublication . Matos, Carla; Pereira, Ana Teresa; Dias, Maria João; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Carvalho, MárciaChronic pain represents a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, significantly compromising their quality of life. The conventional approach to treating this type of pain often relies on the use of opioid analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. While these agents are effective in the short term, they present several limitations, including the risk of dependence, severe side effects, and, in some cases, ineffectiveness in reducing pain. In this context, medical cannabis has emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative, given its potential ability to relieve pain effectively with a favorable safety profile. This work aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the existing literature on the effects of medical cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain. Cannabis sativa contains several pharmacologically active compounds, the most prominent of which are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, thereby modulating the pain response. Clinical evidence has shown that cannabinoids can significantly reduce the intensity of chronic pain, particularly in cases of neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and other painful conditions that are unresponsive to conventional treatments. However, the full integration of medical cannabis into clinical practice faces significant obstacles, including the need for standardized dosing, long-term safety data, and regulatory frameworks. These issues, alongside concerns over adverse effects and drug interactions, must be addressed to unlock the full therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly for chronic pain patients, who endure both physical suffering and the added burden of stress.
- Potential of portuguese viticulture by-products as natural resources of bioactive compounds—antioxidant and antimicrobial activitiesPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Vilela, Andreia; Ferreira, Joana; Medeiros, R.; Cerqueira, FátimaVitis vinifera is the grape variety used in the production of wine and other products. In the wine production process, many of the vine’s by-products are wasted, namely seeds and stems. Given the proportion of wine production worldwide, the quantity of by-products is beginning to be an environmental problem, making it urgent to take measures for their use to obtain bioactive compounds with health benefits. The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts from the seeds and stems of four Portuguese grape varieties: Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Viosinho, and Tinta Roriz. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) contents present in the different extracts were evaluated, as well as the antioxidant activity, by DPPH and FRAP methods. TPC and TFC values of the stem’s extracts are much higher than those of the seeds of the same grape variety in the same solvent. The antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic stem extracts is higher than that obtained for the seeds, showing that antioxidant activity is related to the content of polyphenols. The antimicrobial activity of different stem and seed extracts was determined against yeasts and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the effect was determined based on the minimal inhibitory concentrations calculated (MIC). In general, the ethanol:water (1:1) extract of the seeds from the different varieties tested inhibited C. albicans ATCC10231 and C. krusei ATCC6258 growth even at 200 μg/mL, and the effect was fungicidal at 200 μg/mL. The same type of extract showed selective antimicrobial activity, inhibiting S. aureus ATCC29213 growth but having no effect against E. coli ATCC25922 even at 200 μg/mL. The effect against S. aureus was bactericidal (at 200 μg/mL) for Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Viosinho. Taking all these results into account, it can be concluded that the by-products of the grape varieties tested are important sources of bioactive products, particularly as antioxidants and antimicrobials.
- High-value compounds in papaya by-products (Carica papaya L. var. Formosa and Aliança): potential sustainable use and exploitationPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; S.G.Costa, Anabela; Espírito Santo, Liliana; Ferreira, Diana Melo; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Pinto, E.; Almeida, Agostinho; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Background: Food waste is a global and growing problem that is gaining traction due to its environmental, ethical, social, and economic repercussions. Between 2022 and 2027, the worldwide papaya market is expected to have a huge increase, meaning a growth in organic waste, including peels and seeds. Thus, this study evaluated the potential use of peels and seeds of two mature papaya fruits as a source of bioactive compounds, converting these by-products into value-added products. Proximate analysis (AOAC methods), mineral content (ICP-MS), free sugars (HPLC-ELSD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), vitamin E profile (HPLC-DAD-FLD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were evaluated. Results: Both by-products showed high total protein (20–27%), and dietary fiber (32–38%) contents. Papaya peels presented a high ash content (14–16%), indicating a potential application as a mineral source. 14 fatty acids were detected, with α-linolenic acid (30%) as the most abundant in the peels and oleic acid (74%) in the seeds. Both by-products showed high antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Papaya by-products display great potential for industrial recovery and application, such as formulation of new functional food ingredients.
- Bioactive compounds and scavenging capacity of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab fruit) pulp extracts against ROS and RNS of physiological relevancePublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Pimentel, Filipa B.; Santo, Liliana Espírito; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Freitas, Marisa; Fernandes, Eduarda; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Background: Baobab fruit is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Although it is acknowledged that baobab pulp is beneficial for health, studies that link its nutraceutical properties to the ability to eliminate reactive species (ROS and RNS) are scarce. Methods: The nutritional profile and the antioxidant properties of baobab pulp extracts from Angola were evaluated. Thus, for the first time, the evaluation of in vitro scavenging capacity against the most physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were the focus of inves tigation. Results: Angolan fruit pulp presented high contents of ash (8.0%) and total dietary fiber (52%). Vitamin E content was reported for the first time in fruit pulp. Green solvents were used to quantify bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited the high est contents of phenolics (1573.0 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (768.7 mg/100 g). Thus, hydroalcoholic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, and higher scavenging capacity for ROS (O2•−, H2O2, HOCl, ROO•) and RNS (•NO, ONOO−), being most active for •NO and ONOO−. Conclusion: For the first time, Angolan baobab fruit was described in respect to its nutritional contribution as well as its positive antioxidant effects, both as a functional food and as a nutraceutical ingredient.
- Invasive plants as a sustainable source of biomolecules against neurodegenerative diseasesPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Soares, Marta De OliveiraThe development of neurodegenerative diseases is strongly related to oxidative stress, due to an imbalance in cellular metabolism. There are currently different therapies available to treat these diseases, although they are often not curative and/or have adverse effects. In view of the above, it is necessary to find complementary and/or alternative medicines that replace current treatments, showing fewer side effects. Secondarymetabolites synthesized by invasive plants, specifically phenolic compounds, have a great capacity to suppress oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals. Thus, these compounds can be used as alternative pharmacological treatments for pathological conditions associated with increased oxidative stress. Currently, invasive species are considered one of the greatest threats to the preservation of biodiversity in the world, causing negativeimpacts at both an environmental and socioeconomic level. Therefore, it is imperative that measures are implemented to control and manage them, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and, at the same time, promoting a sustainable economy. The use of extraction of bioactive compounds from these plants and possible applications in the field of medicine are a futuristic strategy, aiming to implement the 2030 Agenda and some of the sustainable development objectives.