Diana Couto

Antioxidant activity of unexplored indole derivatives: synthesis and screening.

The present study envisaged the development of novel antioxidant candidates using the indole scaffold. Several tryptophan and tryptamine derivatives were synthesized, in particular prenylated indole compounds, and their scavenging activity for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was investigated. The library substitution pattern included several alkyl chains at positions N-1, C-2 of the indole nucleus, including prenyl and isopentyl chain, as well as different groups at the side chain (C-3) that allowed the investigation of a possible radical stabilization. The results obtained showed that tryptophan (8), tryptamine (9), N-phthaloyl tryptamine (5) and N-prenyl tryptophan (13) were the most active against peroxyl radical (ROO(•)) with activities higher than Trolox, which was used as control. The scavenging of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) was also evaluated and tryptophan (8) and tryptamine (9) showed IC(50) of 3.50 ± 0.4 and 6.00 ± 0.60 μM, respectively. Significant activity was also found for the N-prenyl tryptophan (13) with an IC(50) of 4.13 ± 0.17 μM and C-2 prenylated derivative (14), with 4.56 ± 0.48 μM. The studies were extended to RNS and best results were obtained against peroxynitrite anion (ONOO(-)) in the presence of NaHCO(3). N-alkylated tryptophan (18) showed a high activity with an IC(50) of 14.0 ± 6.8 μM. The results show that the tested compounds are effective scavengers of ROS and RNS, and suggest that the radical stabilization is strongly dependent on the type of substituents on the indolic moiety and on their relative positions. In addition, the radical dissipation inside the indolic system is mandatory for the observed antioxidant activity.

Synthesis and antioxidant properties of new chromone derivatives.

Nowadays, the recognition of the benefits of antioxidants is eliciting an increasingly interest in the search for new molecules with improved activity. The aim of the present work was to search for improved reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavengers by testing new structures of 2-styrylchromones (2-SC) and 3-substituted flavones, which were synthesised by the Baker-Venkataraman approach. The new compounds were also tested for their metal chelating capacity and reducing activity. The obtained results showed that the methylation of hydroxyl groups decreases the scavenging of ROS and RNS by 2-SC. The decrease in the scavenging activities was, generally, more evident when the methylation occurred in B-ring, except for O2*- and (1)O(2). On the other hand, the introduction of a substituent, either hydroxyl or methoxyl, in position 8 was sometimes favourable and others unfavourable to the scavenging activities, depending on the reactive species. In conclusion, the study of the antioxidant properties of the new 2-SC and flavones allowed establishing new structure-activity relationships and brought out, in some cases, pharmacophores with improved activity.

Scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by the prodrug sulfasalazine and its metabolites 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine

Abstract Sulfasalazine is a prodrug composed by a molecule of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP), linked by an azo bond, which has been shown to be effective in the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, as well as of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The precise mechanism of action of sulfasalazine and/or its metabolites has not been completely elucidated, though its antioxidant effects are well established and are probably due to its scavenging effects against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), as well as metal chelating properties, in association to its inhibitory effects over neutrophil oxidative burst. The present work was focused on screening and comparing the potential scavenging activity for an array of ROS (O2•–, H2O2, 1O2, ROO• and HOCl) and RNS (•NO and ONOO–), mediated by sulfasalazine and its metabolites 5-ASA and SP, using validated in vitro screening systems. The results showed that both 5-ASA and sulfasalazine were able to scavenge all the tested ROS while SP was practically ineffective in all the assays. For HOCl, 1O2, and ROO•, 5-ASA showed the best scavenging effects. A new and important finding of the present study was the strong scavenging effect of 5-ASA against 1O2. 5-ASA was shown to be a strong scavenger of •NO and ONOO–. Sulfasalazine was also able to scavenge these RNS, although with a much lower potency than 5-ASA. SP was unable to scavenge •NO in the tested concentrations but was shown to scavenge ONOO–, with a higher strength when the assay was performed in the presence of 25 mM bicarbonate, suggesting further scavenging of oxidizing carbonate radical. In conclusion, the ROS- and RNS-scavenging effects of sulfasalazine and its metabolites shown in this study may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects mediated by sulfasalazine through the prevention of the oxidative/nitrative/nitrosative damages caused by these species.

Polyacrylic acid coated and non-coated iron oxide nanoparticles are not genotoxic to human T lymphocytes.

The use of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes requires a clear favorable risk-benefit ratio. This work was performed with the aim of studying the ability of polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated and non-coated ION to induce genotoxicity in human T lymphocytes. For that purpose, their influence on cell cycle progression and on the induction of chromosome aberrations was evaluated. Blood samples collected from healthy human donors were exposed to PAA-coated and non-coated ION, at different concentrations, for 48h. The obtained results showed that, for all culture conditions, the tested ION are not genotoxic and do not influence the cell cycle arrest. Their possible cumulative effect with the iron-dependent genotoxic agent BLM was also evaluated. Blood samples collected from healthy human donors were exposed to ION, at different concentrations, for 48h, in the presence of a pre-determined toxic concentration of BLM. The obtained results showed that, for all culture conditions, the tested ION do not potentiate the clastogenic effects of BLM.

Polyacrylic acid-coated and non-coated iron oxide nanoparticles induce cytokine activation in human blood cells through TAK1, p38 MAPK and JNK pro-inflammatory pathways

Iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) can have a wide scope of applications in biomedicine, namely in magnetic resonance imaging, tissue repair, drug delivery, hyperthermia, transfection, tissue soldering, and as antimicrobial agents. The safety of these nanoparticles, however, is not completely established, namely concerning their effect on immune system and inflammatory pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated ION and non-coated ION on the production of six cytokines [interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 10 (IL-10)] by human peripheral blood cells, and to determine the inflammatory pathways involved in this production. The obtained results showed that PAA-coated and non-coated ION were able to induce all the tested cytokines and that activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-activated kinase (TAK1), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) were involved in this effect.

Biodistribution of polyacrylic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles is associated with proinflammatory activation and liver toxicity.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) have physical and chemical properties that render them useful for several new biomedical applications. Still, so far, in vivo safety studies of IONs with coatings of biomedical interest are still scarce. The aim of this study, therefore, was to clarify the acute biological effects of polyacrylic acid (PAA)‐coated IONs, by determining their biodistribution and their potential proinflammatory and toxic effects in CD‐1 mice. The biodistribution of PAA‐coated IONs in several organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, brain, heart, testes and lungs), the plasma cytokines, chemokine and aminotransferases levels, white blood cell count, oxidative stress parameters, adenosine triphosphate and histologic features of liver, spleen and kidneys were evaluated 24 h after a single acute (8, 20 or 50 mg kg−1) intravenous administration of PAA‐coated IONs in magnetite form. The obtained results showed that these IONs accumulate mainly in the liver and spleen and, to a lesser extent, in the lungs. Although our data showed that PAA‐coated IONs do not cause severe organ damage, an inflammatory process was triggered in vivo, as evidenced by as evidenced by increased neutrophils and large lymphocytes in the differential blood count. Moreover, an accumulation of iron in macrophages of the liver and spleen was observed and hepatic lipid peroxidation was elicited, showing that the IONs are able to induce oxidative stress. The effects of these nanoparticles need to be further investigated regarding the mechanisms involved and the long‐term consequences of intravenous administration of PAA‐coated IONs. Copyright

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: An Insight into their Biomedical Applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) are among the most common types of nanoparticles (NPs) used in biomedical applications. IONs can be presented in different forms [e.g. magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (α-Fe2O3) and maghemite (γ- Fe2O3)], and are usually coated with substances and/or polymers according to the purpose for which they are intended to be used. In recent years, IONs use has been increasing exponentially in many fields of biomedicine, namely in magnetic resonance imaging, cell sorting, tissue repair, induction of hyperthermia and drug delivery, among others. This review aims to provide an update on the different IONs and the substances and/or polymers that can be used to coat the IONs core as well as their applications and biological properties, namely their biodistribution in the human body and their cellular internalization pathways.

Reliability and validity of the Composite Scale on Morningness: European Portuguese version, in adolescents and young adults [O160].

Table of contentsS1 Health literacy and health education in adolescenceCatarina Cardoso TomásS2 The effect of a walking program on the quality of life and well-being of people with schizophreniaEmanuel Oliveira, D. Sousa, M. Uba-Chupel, G. Furtado, C. Rocha, A. Teixeira, P. FerreiraS3 Diagnosis and innovative treatments - the way to a better medical practiceCeleste AlvesS4 Simulation-based learning and how it is a high contributionStefan GisinS5 Formative research about acceptability, utilization and promotion of a home fortification programme with micronutrient powders (MNP) in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, São Tomé and PríncipeElisabete Catarino, Nelma Carvalho, Tiago Coucelo, Luís Bonfim, Carina SilvaS6 Safety culture of the patient: a reflexion about the therapeutic approach on the patient with vocal pathologyDébora FrancoS7 About wine, fortune cookies and patient experienceJesús Alcoba GonzálezO1 The psychological impact on the emergency crews after the disaster event on February 20, 2010Helena G. Jardim, Rita SilvaO2 Musculoskeletal disorders in midwivesCristina L. Baixinho, Mª Helena Presado, Mª Fátima Marques, Mário E. CardosoO3 Negative childhood experiences and fears of compassion: Implications for psychological difficulties in adolescenceMarina Cunha, Joana Mendes, Ana Xavier, Ana Galhardo, Margarida CoutoO4 Optimal age to give the first dose of measles vaccine in PortugalJoão G. Frade, Carla Nunes, João R. Mesquita, Maria S. Nascimento, Guilherme GonçalvesO5 Functional assessment of elderly in primary careConceição Castro, Alice Mártires, Mª João Monteiro, Conceição RainhoO6 Smoking and coronary events in a population of Spanish health-care centre: An observational studyFrancisco P. Caballero, Fatima M. Monago, Jose T. Guerrero, Rocio M. Monago, Africa P. Trigo, Milagros L. Gutierrez, Gemma M. Milanés, Mercedes G. Reina, Ana G. Villanueva, Ana S. Piñero, Isabel R. Aliseda, Francisco B. RamirezO7 Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Portuguese musiciansAndrea Ribeiro, Ana Quelhas, Conceição MansoO8 Hip fractures, psychotropic drug consumption and comorbidity in patients of a primary care practice in SpainFrancisco P. Caballero, Jose T. Guerrero, Fatima M. Monago, Rafael B. Santos, Nuria R. Jimenez, Cristina G. Nuñez, Inmaculada R. Gomez, Mª Jose L. Fernandez, Laura A. Marquez, Ana L. Moreno, Mª Jesus Tena Huertas, Francisco B. RamirezO9 The role of self-criticism and shame in social anxiety in a clinical SAD sampleDaniel Seabra, Mª Céu SalvadorO10 Obstruction and infiltration: a proposal of a quality indicatorLuciene Braga, Pedro Parreira, Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira, Cristina Arreguy-Sena, Bibiana F. Oliveira, Mª Adriana HenriquesO11 Balance and anxiety and depression symptoms in old age peopleJoana Santos, Sara Lebre, Alda MarquesO12 Prevalence of postural changes and risk factors in school children and adolescents in a northern region (Porto)Clarinda Festas, Sandra Rodrigues, Andrea Ribeiro, José LuminiO13 Ischemic stroke vs. haemorrhagic stroke survival rateAna G. FigueiredoO14 Chronobiological factors as responsible for the appearance of locomotor pathology in adolescentsFrancisco J. Hernandez-Martinez, Liliana Campi, Mª Pino Quintana-Montesdeoca, Juan F. Jimenez-Diaz, Bienvenida C. Rodriguez-De-VeraO15 Risk of malnutrition in the elderly of BragançaAlexandra Parente, Mª Augusta Mata, Ana Mª Pereira, Adília Fernandes, Manuel BrásO16 A Lifestyle Educational Programme for primary care diabetic patients: the design of a complex nursing interventionMª Rosário Pinto, Pedro Parreira, Marta L. Basto, Ana C. Rei, Lisete M. MónicoO17 Medication adherence in elderly peopleGilberta Sousa, Clementina Morna, Otília Freitas, Gregório Freitas, Ana Jardim, Rita VasconcelosO18 Hospitalization for cervical cancer of residents in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, 2012 to 2014Lina G. Horta, Roger S. Rosa, Luís F. Kranz, Rita C. Nugem, Mariana S. Siqueira, Ronaldo BordinO19 Oncologic assistance of high complexity: evaluation of regulating accessesRosiane Kniess, Josimari T. LacerdaO20 Perceived barriers for using health care services by the older population as seen by the social sector: findings from the Vila Nova de Gaia Gerontological PlanJoana Guedes, Idalina Machado, Sidalina Almeida, Adriano Zilhão, Helder Alves, Óscar RibeiroO21 Sleep difficulties and depressive symptoms in college studentsAna P. Amaral, Ana Santos, Joana Monteiro, Mª Clara Rocha, Rui CruzO22 Psychopathological symptoms and medication use in higher educationAna P. Amaral, Marina Lourenço, Mª Clara Rocha, Rui CruzO23 Sexually transmitted diseases in higher education institutionsSandra Antunes, Verónica Mendonça, Isabel Andrade, Nádia Osório, Ana Valado, Armando Caseiro, António Gabriel, Anabela C. Martins, Fernando MendesO24 Alcohol consumption and suicide ideation in higher education studentsLídia Cabral, Manuela Ferreira, Amadeu GonçalvesO25 Quality of life in university studentsTatiana D. Luz, Leonardo Luz, Raul MartinsO26 Male and female adolescent antisocial behaviour: characterizing vulnerabilities in a Portuguese sampleAlice Morgado, Maria L. Vale-DiasO27 Risk factors for mental health in higher education students of health sciencesRui Porta-NovaO28 International classification of functioning disability and health as reflexive reasoning in primary attention in healthTânia C. Fleig, Éboni M. Reuter, Miriam B. Froemming, Sabrina L. Guerreiro, Lisiane L. CarvalhoO29 Risk factors and cardiovascular disease in PortalegreDaniel Guedelha, P. Coelho, A. PereiraO30 Health status of the elderly population living in Portalegre historic city centre: A longitudinal studyAntónio Calha, Raul CordeiroO31 Student’s sleep in higher education: sleep quality among students of the IPBAna Gonçalves, Ana Certo, Ana Galvão, Mª Augusta MataO32 Trend in mortality from cervical cancer in the metropolitan area of Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2000 to 2013Aline Welter, Elayne Pereira, Sandra Ribeiro, Marcia KretzerO33 Adherence to treatment in the elderly in an urban environment in SpainJuan-Fernando Jiménez-Díaz, Carla Jiménez-Rodríguez, Francisco-José Hernández-Martínez, Bienvenida-Del-Carmen Rodríguez-De-Vera, Alexandre Marques-RodriguesO34 Beira Baixa Blood Pressure Study (Study PABB)Patrícia Coelho, Tiago Bernardes, Alexandre PereiraO35 Trends in cervical cancer mortality statistics in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, by age group and macro-region, from 2000 to 2013Patrícia Sousa, João G. Filho, Nazare Nazario, Marcia KretzerO36 Sleep problems among Portuguese adolescents: a public health issueOdete Amaral, António Garrido, Nélio Veiga, Carla Nunes, Ana R. Pedro, Carlos PereiraO37 Association between body fat and health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetesAntónio Almeia, Helder M. Fernandes, Carlos Vasconcelos, Nelson Sousa, Victor M. Reis, M. João Monteiro, Romeu MendesO38 Therapy adherence and polypharmacy in non-institutionalized elderly from Amares county, PortugalIsabel C. Pinto, Tânia Pires, João GamaO39 Prevalence of surgical site infection in adults at a hospital unit in the North of PortugalVera Preto, Norberto Silva, Carlos Magalhães, Matilde MartinsO40 Frailty phenotype in old age: implications to interventionMafalda Duarte, Constança Paúl, Ignácio MartínO41 Portuguese women: sexual symptoms in perimenopauseArminda A. PinheiroO42 Predictive ability of the Perinatal Depression Screening and Prevention Tool – preliminary results of the categorical approachSandra Xavier, Julieta Azevedo, Elisabete Bento, Cristiana Marques, Mariana Marques, António Macedo, Ana T. PereiraO43 Aging and muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes: cross sectional analysisJosé P. Almeida, António Almeida, Josiane Alves, Nelson Sousa, Francisco Saavedra, Romeu MendesO44 Accessibility of the elderly in the prevention of hypertension in a family health unitAna S. Maia, Michelle T. Oliveira, Anderson R. Sousa, Paulo P. Ferreira, Luci S. Lopes, Eujcely C. SantiagoO45 Community Health screenings and self-reported chronic diseasesSílvia Monteiro, Ângelo Jesus, Armanda Colaço, António Carvalho, Rita P. Silva, Agostinho CruzO46 Evaluation of indoor air quality in KindergartensAna Ferreira, Catarina Marques, João P. Figueiredo, Susana PaixãoO47 Atmospheric exposure to chemical agents under the occupational activity of pathology techniciansAna Ferreira, Carla Lopes, Fernando Moreira, João P. FigueiredoO48 Occupational exposure to air pollutants in night entertainment venues workersAna Ferreira, Diana Ribeiro, Fernando Moreira, João P. Figueiredo, Susana PaixãoO49 Beliefs and attitudes of young people towards breastfeedingTelma Fernandes, Diogo Amado, Jéssica Leal, Marcelo Azevedo, Sónia RamalhoO50 Profiling informal caregivers: surveying needs in the care of the elderlyCatarina Mangas, Jaime Ribeiro, Rita GonçalvesO51 Visual health in teenagersAmélia F Nunes, Ana R. Tuna, Carlos R. Martins, Henriqueta D. ForteO52 Amenable mortality and the geographic accessibility to healthcare in PortugalCláudia Costa, José A. Tenedório, Paula SantanaO53 Bacterial contamination of door handles in a São Paulo See Metropolitan Cathedral public restrooms in BrazilJ. A. Andrade, J. L. Pinto, C. Campofiorito, S. Nunes, A. Carmo, A. Kaliniczenco, B. Alves, F. Mendes, C. Jesus, F. Fonseca, F. GehrkeO54 Adherence of patients to rehabilitation programmesCarlos Albuquerque, Rita Batista, Madalena Cunha, António Madureira, Olivério Ribeiro, Rosa MartinsO55 Prevalence of malnutrition among Portuguese elderly living in nursing homes: preliminary results of the PEN-3S projectTeresa Madeira, Catarina Peixoto-Plácido, Nuno Santos, Osvaldo Santos, Astrid Bergland, Asta Bye, Carla Lopes, Violeta Alarcão, Beatriz Goulão, Nuno Mendonça, Paulo Nicola, João G. ClaraO56 Relation between emotional intelligence and mental illness in health studentsJoão Gomes, Ana Querido, Catarina Tomás, Daniel Carvalho, Marina CordeiroP1 Fall risk factors in people olObjectives: Dietary restraint, the intentional restriction of caloric intake for the purpose of weight loss, is linked to maladaptive eating and lower mental and physical health. This study aimed to validate for the Portuguese population the Dietary Intent Scale (DIS), a measure of dietary restraint. Methods The sample comprised 1077 participants (415 males), aged between 14 and 34 years old. Males presented a mean age of 18.09 (SD=3.32) and a mean BMI of 22.03 (SD=3.28), and females showed a mean age of 17.73 (SD=3.38) and a mean BMI of 21.32 (SD=2.86). No differences were found between genders regarding age. Results A reliability analysis revealed that DIS presented a Cronbach’s alpha of .92 and that three items did not contribute for the scale’s internal consistency. Therefore, and since their content was similar to other items, these three items were excluded. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed the adequacy of the final 6-item DIS, showing good local (SRWs between .64 and .94) and global adjustments (X(8)=12.07, p=.148; CFI=1.00; TLI=1.00; RMSEA=.03, p=.876). Furthermore, the model showed invariance between genders. Finally, DIS revealed a good convergent validity (eating psychopathology, eating restraint, inflexible eating, body image-related experiential avoidance, body imagerelated cognitive fusion, depression, anxiety, and stress) and temporal validity (r = .82) Discussion DIS seems to be a short and valid measure of eating restraint, highly correlated with an important measure of eating psychopathology (EDE-Q). The DIS may represent an advantage in relation to other existing measures, particularly for research and community interventions regarding eating difficulties.Introduction: Continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring provides important information about the cardiovascular system condition. Invasive methods are accurate but denote increased risk. Non-invasive methods are safe but less reliable and don ́t provide continuous information. An alternative approach for a continuous, non-invasive measurement of BP is based on changes in pulse transit time (PTT). PTT is defined as the time delay between the R-wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the peak value of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal acquired in the patient finger on the same cardiac cycle.