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- Frequency, characteristics and predictors oc central and peripheral neurological involvement in Sjögren’s disease: data from PORTRESS, the Portuguese registry of Sjögren’s diseasePublication . Costa, R. Pereira da; Bandeira, Matilde; Silvério-António, Manuel; Lopes, Ana Rita; Santos, Filipe Cunha; Pereira, Paulo J.; Raimundo, Diana Belchior; Cunha, Anita; Oliveira, Cláudia Pinto; Duarte, Ana Catarina; Dias, J. Madruga; Santos, Mariana Emília; Gonçalves, Maria João; Moniz, Ana Catarina; Maduro, Ana Isabel; Luis, Mariana; Valido, Ana; Oliveira, Margarida; Brites, Luísa; Tenazinha, Catarina; Khmelinskii, Nikita; Barcelos, Filipe; Fonseca, João Eurico; Romão, Vasco C.Background: Sjogren's disease (SjD) systemic affection is being increasingly recognized. The prevalence of peripheral (PNS) and central (CNS) nervous system involvement in SjD and risk factors for these manifestations have not been clearly established. Objectives: To define the clinical characteristics of SjD patients with CNS and/or PNS involvement and to find predictors of this involvement.
- Cardiotoxicidade: avaliação do strain da aurícula esquerda por ETTPublication . Sousa, Rui; Silva, Joana; Henriques, Madalena; Cavaco, Sofia; Clérigo, Anália Matos; Fonseca, VirgíniaIntrodução: O cancro da mama é uma das neoplasias malignas mais prevalentes, sendo a cardiotoxicidade induzida pelo tratamento com antraciclinas e trastuzumab uma complicação importante, associada à disfunção miocárdica e à insuficiência cardíaca. O ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) é considerado o método gold standard na avaliação da função cardíaca, sendo a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e o strain longitudinal global (GLS) os principais parâmetros utilizados para a deteção precoce de cardiotoxicidade. O strain da aurícula esquerda (AE) representa a deformação miocárdica desta estrutura e a sua avaliação é realizada com base em três parâmetros principais, entre os quais se destaca o peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) por melhor refletir a função global da AE. O strain da AE surge, deste modo, como um potencial marcador precoce de cardiotoxicidade induzida pela quimioterapia. Objetivo: Avaliar o strain da aurícula esquerda, por ETT, como preditor de cardiotoxicidade, em diferentes fases do tratamento com antraciclinas e trastuzumab, em mulheres com neoplasia da mama.
- O impacto da hipertensão arterial no desempenho cognitivoPublication . Fonseca, Virgínia; Camacho, Gabriela; Rocha, Mariana; Clérigo, Anália Matos; Guimarães, TeresaIntrodução: A hipertensão arterial é um fator de risco cardiovascular com elevada prevalência na população adulta. Para além dos seus efeitos sobre o sistema cardiovascular, pode interferir com os mecanismos homeostáticos cerebrovasculares, comprometendo a perfusão e o metabolismo cerebral, com repercussões negativas no desempenho cognitivo. Está particularmente associada a alterações nas funções executivas, frequentemente um dos primeiros domínios a serem afetados em contextos patológicos. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho cognitivo em indivíduos normotensos e hipertensos.
- Evaluating the impact of using natural fixative agents as alternatives to formaldehyde in histopathology: a systematic reviewPublication . Horta, Andreia; Condesso, Nádia; Maia-Matos, Mário; Borges-Ferro, AThe histological technique involves several steps to prepare tissues for microscopic analysis, with fixation being one of the key steps. Formaldehyde is the most used fixing agent; however, it poses significant health risks and is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the IARC and the NTP. This concern has prompted the search for safer alternatives. This study aims to identify a less harmful natural substitute for formaldehyde that can reduce or eliminate exposure to this hazardous reagent. To achieve this objective, a systematic review explored the potential of natural fixatives that can perform similar functions with lower toxicity.
- Antibody production for diagnostic applications and therapeutic development: is it possible to reduce the use of animals?Publication . Sushchenko, Yelyzaveta; Turiel, Ema; Aguiar, Joana; Janeiro, Mariana; Borges-Ferro, ATraditionally, antibodies have been produced using the hybridoma technique, which involves immunization and the sacrifice of animals. Although this has revolutionized the practice of “traditional” immunohistochemistry, it currently raises some ethical questions regarding animal suffering. Therefore, it is important to develop methods that are viable to obtain quality antibodies for human diagnosis and therapy, while also having a less significant impact on animal welfare. There are several promising methods, such as the use of mammalian cells, the expression of antibodies in phage display, and even in yeasts. This review aims to explore alternative methods for antibody production, highlighting their advantages and limitations.
- Implementation challenges of the learner clinical trial in pregnant women with sickle cell disease in AngolaPublication . Ginete, Catarina; Brito, Miguel; Gomes, Tatiana; Pintangueira, Helena; Mendes, Manuela; Furtado, Ana; Alves, Ligia; Simão, Fernanda; Gonçalves, Mauer; Morais, JoanaSickle Cell Disease (SCD), a severe inherited blood disorder, poses significant risks during pregnancy, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is high. Pregnancy often intensifies the complications associated with SCD, including severe anemia and vaso-occlusive crises, while also elevating the risk of obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and maternal or fetal death. These heightened risks underscore the critical importance of close medical surveillance throughout pregnancy. Moreover, there is an urgent need to identify affordable, preventive strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are often overburdened, and resources are limited. Considering these critical needs, clinical research initiatives like the LEARNER clinical study (NCT06417411) are crucial for developing and evaluating interventions that could improve outcomes for pregnant women with SCD in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, conducting such research in countries like Angola is fraught with complex implementation challenges. These include resource limitations in both the research sites and the patient population, and societal norms related to prenatal visits. The use of daily low-dose aspirin is considered safe in pregnant women with SCD and is recommended after 12 weeks of gestational age by the British Society of Hematology for those at severe risk of preeclampsia. The LEARNER Study aims to evaluate the effects of daily low-dose aspirin in SCD pregnancy, comparing its impact on severe outcomes if this prophylactic and affordable medication is started in the first or the second trimester. This study aims to recruit 450 pregnant women with a confirmed SCD diagnosis in multiple maternity and infant hospitals in Luanda, Angola. Consenting patients will be assigned to either the first (weeks 6-13) or second (weeks 14-27) trimester groups, based on their gestational age, as confirmed by ultrasound. Participants will start daily low-dose aspirin and will do regular follow-up appointments till 6 weeks postpartum. Aspirin will be interrupted at week 36, delivery time, or earlier if decided by the clinical team.
- Newborn screening for sickle cell disease in a hospital setting in Luanda, Angola: local implementing learning from an international ConsortiumPublication . Brito, Miguel; Ginete, Catarina; Mendes, Manuela; Afonso, Roberto; Siatembo, Adriano; Neto-Vasconcelo, Jocelyne; Inusa, BabaEarly diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is critical to reducing mortality and morbidity in affected children; however, it remains largely unavailable in Sub-Saharan Africa, where disease prevalence is highest. This severe monogenic recessive disorder has an estimated mortality rate of 50–90% by age five if left undiagnosed. The Lancet Haematology Commission strongly recommends that all children worldwide be screened for SCD by 2025. This work aims to share the results from implementing newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease at Hospital Materno-Infantil Dr. Manuel Pedro Anzacot de Menezes, Angola.
- Exploring the link between gut microbiome and asthma risk in Angolan adultsPublication . Brito, Miguel; Arrais, Margarida; Delgadinho, Mariana; Ginete, Catarina; Dias, Welwitschia; Vasconcelos, JocelyneBackground: Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases worldwide, and although its prevalence is higher in high-income countries, most asthma-related deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. The lung and intestine are connected through intricate communication pathways that influence each other’s equilibrium. Metabolites generated by the gut microbiome, along with intestinal immune cells and immune factors, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they contribute to immune function. The main aim of this study was to perform a case-control study to investigate the association between asthma and gut microbiome in an adult Angolan population from Luanda.
- Fertility preservation in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapyPublication . Ribeiro, Daniela R.; Sá, Ana Cravo; Martins, Leonor Santos; Carolino, Elisabete; Borrego, MargaridaPurpose/Objective: Advances in oncology have led to increasingly earlier diagnosis and better survival rates. Combined with the current trend towards postponing parenthood, there will be more and more cancer survivors of childbearing age. The impact of pelvic radiotherapy on patients' fertility is making oncofertility an emerging clinical area. It is therefore essential that patients have the opportunity to discuss fertility preservation before treatment. This study aims (i) to assess whether the doses to the gonads of the 70 patients met the tolerance doses used in radiotherapy planning; (ii) to compare the 3DCRT with the VMAT techniques; (iii) to verify whether ovarian transposition reduces the dose to the ovaries.
- Tackling fungal contamination for safer farmingPublication . Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaBiosafety measures are essential for maintaining animal health and workplace safety in poultry production. Poultry farm environments favor fungal growth, yet information on fungal contamination and associated health risks remains scarce. This study aimed to assess fungal and mycotoxin contamination in poultry pavilions (PP) during the poultries' growth cycle. Sampling was conducted during winter in 14 PP, Portugal, using electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) and conventional microbiological methods to quantify fungal densities (CFU/m²/day). Isolation, identification, and determination of major mycotoxins (aflatoxins; ochratoxin A, fumonisins, and zearalenone) were performed using HPLC. Results showed higher fungal loads during the 3rd week, 2.96x102 CFU.m-2.day—1) aligning with existing literature. Regarding fungal diversity, clinically and toxicologically relevant species belonging to Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. were frequently identified. To consider the prevalence of the Aspergillus section Fumigati species included in the critical priority group by the WHO priority list (2022). Regarding mycotoxins, fumonisions (B1 and B2) classified as possibly carcinogenic (IARC, group 2B) were prevalent (57% and 40% respectively). Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and zealenone were not found. This study evidence that PP are contaminated with mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins. The identification of clinically relevant fungal species and mycotoxins even after sanitary measures highlights gaps in biosafety protocols. Given the presence of at least two mycotoxins, further studies are needed to determine their cumulative effects and develop mitigation strategies. Integrating a One Health approach is critical for reducing fungal exposure and promoting safer farming.