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- Detection of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MSSA) in surfaces of dental medicine equipmentPublication . Gonçalves, Eva; Carvalhal, Rui; Mesquita, Rita; Azevedo, Joana; Coelho, Maria João; Magalhães, Ricardo; Ferraz, Maria Pia; Manso, M. Conceição; Gavinha, Sandra; Pina, Cristina Maria San Román Gomes de; Cardoso, Inês LopesMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents one of the major causes of nosocomial infections, leading to high mortality. Surfaces in clinics, as well as the attending uniform and the hands of the dental doctor can be MRSA reservoirs. Having this in mind, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA on dental medicine equipment surfaces. 354 Samples were collected from six equipment surfaces in six attendance areas before and after patient consultation and cultured in a selective medium. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the identity of bacterial strains as MRSA or MSSA. Data analysis was performed with chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction. It was observed 55.6% of uncontaminated samples. Contamination was: 17.5% MRSA (5.9% of samples collected before patient attendance and 11.6% after); 39.3% MSSA (14.1% collected before and 25.2% after). The prevalence of MRSA and MSSA was significantly higher after patient care. Integrated Clinic represented the most contaminated attendance area (MRSA 41.7%, MSSA 51.2%), the chair arm rest was the most contaminated surface for MRSA (29.7%) and the dental spittoon the most contaminated surface for MSSA (23.5%). Although a low level of contamination was observed, dental clinics, through patients possibly carrying bacteria, may be reservoirs for MRSA and MSSA transmission, and might contribute to potential nosocomial infections.
- Effectiveness of two intracanal dressings in adult portuguese patients: a qPCR and anaerobic culture assessmentPublication . Teles, Ana Moura; Manso, M. Conceição; Loureiro, S.; Silva, R.; Madeira, I. G. C.; Pina, C.; Cabeda, José ManuelAim: To quantify bacterial equivalents before and after chemomechanical preparation using 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide paste (Ca(OH)2 ) or 2% Chlorhexidine digluconate gel (CHX) in necrotic pulps associated or not with apical periodontitis and to further compare this quantification with counts of anaerobic microorganisms. Methodology: Prospective clinical trial in 69 single-rooted adult teeth (strict inclusion criteria); CHX group: 34; Ca(OH)2 group: 35. Bacteria samples were taken at baseline (S1), after chemomechanical preparation (S2) and after 14 days of intracanal dressing (S3). Bacterial equivalents were assessed by broad-range real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and live viable bacteria measured with conventional anaerobic culture (CFU/mL). Descriptive/inferential analysis was performed with spss vs. 20.0 (α = 0.05) using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests and Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease between S1 and S2 (Mann-Whitney U-test; P < 0.001) both in qPCR and in culture. In the Ca(OH)2 -group, no variation was observed between S2 and S3 by qPCR and culture. In contrast, the CHX group showed a significant increase from S2 to S3 by both techniques. The two groups were only significantly different in S3 (Mann-Whitney U-test; P ≤ 0.001), with a worse performance in the CHX group. Again, these results were congruent by both approaches. Data from both approaches correlate reasonably (rS < 0.5). Conclusions: Infected root canals contained a high bacterial load, and the chemomechanical root canal preparation reduced bacterial equivalents by 99.1% and anaerobic counts by 98.5%. Intracanal dressings were not efficient at reducing bacterial load, but the 14-day intracanal dressing with Ca(OH)2 performed significantly better than CHX, particularly in cases with apical periodontitis.
- Microorganisms: the reason to perform endodonticsPublication . Teles, Ana Moura; Manso, M. Conceição; Loureiro, Sara; Pina, Cristina Maria San Román Gomes de; Cabeda, José ManuelThat we perform Endodontics because there are microorganisms is now beyond doubt. Nevertheless, not only the microorganisms, but also the host response have a profound effect on the progression of the disease. Many papers confirmed the polymicrobial nature of pulpal and periapical diseases of endodontic origin and the efficiency of the chemo-mechanical procedures based on physical and chemical elimination of their etiologic factors, whose principles were first presented as far as 1928 by Hall. Since not only bacterial load may be related to the clinical outcome, but also the bacterial composition of the microbiological canal ecosystem, we aimed at the enumeration of the microorganisms present in the different types of endodontic infections. Although the emerging picture is clearly a complex one, not allowing clear-cut association of bacteria and clinical situation, only the further pursuit of elucidation of the many factors involved (including geographical variability) will ultimately lead to rational treatment solutions.
- Improving air quality in Lisbon: modelling emission abatement scenariosPublication . Monjardino, J.; Barros, Nelson; Ferreira, F.; Tente, H.; Fontes, Tânia; Pereira, P.; Manso, M. ConceiçãoLisbon is one of the European cities where NO2 and PM10 legal limit values are still exceeded, leading to an Air Quality Plan applicable up to 2020. The developed work combined a detailed emission inventory, monitoring data, and modelling in order to assess if the proposed emission abatement scenarios, focused on the road transport sector, were able to tackle exceedances. A maximum decrease of 14% for PM10 concentrations was achieved, and of 21% for NO2, providing compliance. PM10 smallest reduction is related with higher weight of regional background sources, while for NO2 local traffic has more influence on concentrations.
- Natural resources with sweetener power: phytochemistry and antioxidant characterisation of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bert.), sensorial and centesimal analyses of lemon cake recipes with S. Rebaudiana incorporationPublication . Silva, Carla Sousa e; Oliveira, Adriana; Pinto, Sara Vanessa; Manso, M. Conceição; Ferreira da Vinha, AnaStevia rebaudiana leaf extracts are calorie-free sweeteners of natural origin, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant known as a natural sweetener, which contains steviol glycosides and others bioactive compounds recognized by their biological properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the total phenolics (26.0 mg gallic acid/g) and total flavonoids contents (9.7 mg catechin/g) of a hydroalcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana dried leaves. A similar hydroalcoholic extract of commercial powder steviol sweetener was also evaluated, showing lower contents of bioactive compounds (11.9 mg/g and 5.1 mg/g, for total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively). The hydroalcoholic extract of dried Stevia rebaudiana leaves also showed high in vitro antioxidant activity, besides a positive correlation between total phenolic compounds and the DPPH and FRAP assays. Moreover, Stevia rebaudiana leaves have sensory and functional properties superior to those of many other high-potency sweeteners and is likely to become a major source of natural sweetener for the growing food market. Thus, four different lemon cakes formulations were studied (a traditional cake control recipe with sugar, two cakes with incorporation of Stevia rebaudiana fresh leaf and a cake with commercial powder steviol), using a sensory analysis covering 100 untrained consumers. Centesimal composition analyses of the four lemon cakes showed significant differences in fat, ashes, proteins and carbohydrates contents (p<0.05). Also, the raised energy value observed for the cake control was superior to the cake with Stevia rebaudiana leaves incorporation (309.8 Kcal/100 g, 268.0 Kcal/100 g,142 respectively). Sensorial analysis results showed that Stevia rebaudiana leaves were accepted and, in the future, they can be a natural option to replace some or all the saccharose in cakes formulations.
- New Instrument for Oral Hygiene of Children with Cleft Lip and PalatePublication . Rita Rodrigues; Fernandes, Maria; Bessa Monteiro, António; Furfuro, Rowney; Carvalho Silva, Cátia; Soares, César; Vardasca, Ricardo; Mendes, Joaquim; Manso, M. ConceiçãoPatients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) have several oral alterations that make the removal of bacterial plaque in the cleft area difficult, which is the main cause of the high incidence of oral health problems. The aim of this study is to develop a toothbrush especially designed to perform the hygiene of the cleft area. This device, called Cleft Toothbrush, is an add-on to a conventional toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas that are not accessible by using conventional brush shapes. The design was made in SOLIDWORKS®(Waltham, MA, USA) 3D and a sample of this device was produced by CURAPROX (Kriens, Switzerland). The efficacy of the Cleft Toothbrush was tested in a preliminary study performed in a four years old child with CLP, compared to that of a conventional toothbrush. A significantly higher reduction of the bacterial plaque was achieved with the Cleft Toothbrush. The child’s parents also felt more confident with this device, as it deals better with sensitive areas, as it did not hurt the child. This innovative toothbrush adapter appears to greatly improve the cleaning areas of high bacterial plaque retention in patients with CLP, together with excellent acceptance.
- A review of microbiologic root canal sampling: updating an emerging picturePublication . Teles, Ana Moura; Manso, M. Conceição; Pina, Cristina Maria San Román Gomes de; Cabeda, José ManuelObjectives: The significance of microorganisms in root canals with regard to the aetiology of periapical infection and the need for crucial bacteria control during treatment are undeniable. In this study, we report and discuss a review of the literature on Microbiological Root Canal Sampling (MRS). The procedure is analyzed in detail, discussing its powers, limitations and the influence of sample collection procedures on the incidence of true and false positive results. Data sources: MEDLINE/PUBMED, B-On and library files of Oporto University were accessed. Selection: Papers were selected using the keywords: “root canal sampling”; “apical periodontitis”; “endodontic pathogens”; “root canal infection”; “Culture”; “molecular biology”. The references were selected under inclusion criteria such as English language, accessibility, relevance to the theme and scientific rigor. Conclusions: This review illustrated the absolute need to adhere to strict methodology procedures if valid samples are to be obtained. A combination of Culture and molecular identification approaches have confirmed the polymicrobial nature of endodontic infections with a predominance of anaerobic bacteria. Nucleic acid-based techniques provide significant additional information particularly regarding the not-yet-cultivable species of the microbial community, but greatly increase the budget of the procedure. Thus, assessment of the endodontic microflora, in the context of a polymicrobial biofilm ecosystem, and its relevance to endodontic treatments must rely in the complementariness of Culture and Metagenomics approaches as they are neither mutually exclusive nor competitive, but strongly complementary.
- Flores edíveis como recurso natural de compostos bioativos e propriedades biológicasPublication . Pinto, Sara Vanessa; Oliveira, Adriana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Manso, M. Conceição; Ferreira da Vinha, AnaAtualmente, muitas espécies de plantas que produzem flores já fazem parte da alimentação humana, salientando-se em particular as pétalas e sépalas edíveis. Habituais na cozinha desde a Antiguidade, o uso das flores não tem sido usual em Portugal. No entanto, com as novas tendências de recuperar os sabores agridoces e das múltiplas variantes da cozinha de fusão, as flores tornam-se ingredientes muito apreciados. Nem todas as flores são comestíveis. Para além da identificação das mesmas, é importante saber como foram produzidas pois, por exemplo, as flores para decoração ornamental não devem ser utilizadas para consumo humano, uma vez que não têm em consideração as regras de segurança alimentar. Contudo, existe pouca informação sobre algumas espécies de flores destinadas a consumo humano, nomeadamente calêndula (Calendula officinalis L.), camélia (Camellia japonica L.) e rosa (Rosa canina L.). Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho pretendeu contribuir para aumentar o conhecimento neste tema, designadamente ao nível da caracterização química e das propriedades antioxidantes destas espécies botânicas. Embora as três espécies de flores estudadas tenham compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante, a C. officinalis foi a que apresentou o maior teor em fenólicos totais e carotenoides e, consequentemente, maior atividade antioxidante.
- How wide should be the adjacent area to an urban motorway to prevent potential health impacts from traffic emissions?Publication . Barros, Nelson; Fontes, Tânia; Silva, M.P.; Manso, M. ConceiçãoIn recent years, several studies show that people who live, work or attend school near the main roadways have an increased incidence and severity of health problems that may be related with traffic emissions of air pollutants. The concentrations of near-road atmospheric pollutants vary depending on traffic patterns, environmental conditions, topography and the presence of roadside structures. In this study, the vertical and horizontal variation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and benzene (C6H6) concentration along a major city ring motorway were analysed. The main goal of this study is to try to establish a distance from this urban motorway considered ‘‘safe’’ concerning the air pollutants human heath limit values and to study the influence of the different forcing factors of the near road air pollutants transport and dispersion. Statistic significant differences (p = 0.001, Kruskal–Wallis test) were observed between sub-domains for NO2 representing different conditions of traffic emission and pollutants dispersion, but not for C6H6 (p = 0.335). Results also suggest significant lower concentrations recorded at 100 m away from roadway than at the roadside for all campaigns (p < 0.016 (NO2) and p < 0.036 (C6H6), Mann–Whitney test). In order to have a ‘‘safe’’ life in homes located near motorways, the outdoor concentrations of NO2 must not exceed 44–60.0 lg m3 and C6H6 must not exceed 1.4– 3.3 lg m3 . However, at 100 m away from roadway, 81.8% of NO2 receptors exceed the annual limit value of human health protection (40 lg m3 ) and at the roadside this value goes up to 95.5%. These findings suggest that the safe distance to an urban motorway roadside should be more at least 100 m. This distance should be further studied before being used as a reference to develop articulated urban mobility and planning policies.
- Valorização de frutos silvestres edíveis para consumo in naturaPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Albuquerque, Carina; Costa, Anabela; Costa, Elísio; Manso, M. Conceição; Santos-Silva, Alice; Oliveira, M. BeatrizO consumo de frutos que contem compostos com ação antioxidante tem sido associado à redução do risco de incidência de doenças crónicas, causados por stresse oxidativo. A flora Portuguesa caracteriza-se por uma elevada biodiversidade de espécies vegetais, entre as quais os frutos de Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (pilrito), Rosa canina L. e Arbutus unedo L. (medronho), alvo do estudo que se apresenta. Procedeu-se à caracterização nutricional dos frutos inteiros e à avaliação dos compostos bioativos e da atividade antioxidante em extratos hidroalcoólicos. Os frutos apresentaram um perfil nutricional idêntico, caracterizado por teores elevados de água e hidratos de carbono e teores reduzidos de gordura. Quanto aos compostos bioativos determinados (compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e antocianinas) e a atividade antioxidante (DPPH• e FRAP) obtiveram-se teores promissores, com os flavonoides totais a mostrarem uma correlação positiva elevada com a atividade antioxidante. Foi, também, observada uma elevada atividade antioxidante dos extratos, através da avaliação da ação protetora de eritrócitos contra os danos oxidativos induzidos pelo oxidante AAPH. Os dados obtidos permitem pensar em novas aplicações destas matérias-primas, não só na indústria alimentar como também na indústria farmacêutica. A sua valorização pode ter um efeito muito positivo na sustentabilidade social e económica das zonas de produção destes frutos.
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