Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils against Streptococcus mutans and their Antiproliferative Effects

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oils (EOs) against Streptococcus mutans biofilm by chemically characterizing their fractions responsible for biological and antiproliferative activity. Twenty EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to the antimicrobial assay (minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations) against S. mutans UA159. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for phytochemical analyses. EOs were selected according to predetermined criteria and fractionated using dry column; the resulting fractions were assessed by MIC and MBC, selected as active fractions, and evaluated against S. mutans biofilm. Biofilms formed were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Selected EOs and their selected active fractions were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and seven human tumor cell lines. MIC and MBC values obtained for EO and their active fractions showed strong antimicrobial activity. Chemical analyses mainly showed the presence of terpenes. The selected active fractions inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation (P < 0.05) did not affect glycolytic pH drop and were inactive against keratinocytes, normal cell line. In conclusion, EO showed activity at low concentrations, and their selected active fractions were also effective against biofilm formed by S. mutans and human tumor cell lines.

Simultaneous use of urea and potassium nitrate for Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis cultivation

Urea has been considered as a promising alternative nitrogen source for the cultivation of Arthrospira platensis if it is possible to avoid ammonia toxicity; however, this procedure can lead to periods of nitrogen shortage. This study shows that the addition of potassium nitrate, which acts as a nitrogen reservoir, to cultivations carried out with urea in a fed-batch process can increase the maximum cell concentration (Xm) and also cell productivity (PX). Using response surface methodology, the model indicates that the estimated optimum Xm can be achieved with 17.3 mM potassium nitrate and 8.9 mM urea. Under this condition an Xm of 6077 +/- 199 mg/L and a PX of 341.5 +/- 19.1 mg L1day1 were obtained.

Influence of myofascial pain on the pressure pain threshold of masticatory muscles in women with migraine

Objective: To evaluate the influence of myofascial pain on the Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of masticatory muscles in women with migraine. Methods: The sample comprised 101 women, ages ranging from 18 to 60 years, with an episodic migraine diagnosis previously confirmed by a neurologist. All patients were evaluated using Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders to determine the presence of myofascial pain and were divided into 2 groups: group I (n=56), comprising women with a migraine, and group II (n=45), comprising women with a migraine and myofascial pain. Two more groups (49 asymptomatic women and 50 women with myofascial pain), matched for sex and race, obtained from a previous study, were added to this study. The PPT values of masseter and temporalis (anterior, middle, and posterior regions) muscles were recorded bilaterally using a pressure algometer. One-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test for pairwise comparisons were used in statistical analysis with a 5% significance level. Results: We found that all groups had significantly lower PPT values compared with asymptomatic women, with lower values seen in group II (women with migraine and myofascial pain). Women with a migraine and myofascial pain showed significantly lower PPT values compared with women with a migraine only, and also when compared with women with myofascial pain only. Discussion: Migraine, especially when accompanied by myofascial pain, reduces the PPT of masticatory muscles, suggesting the importance of masticatory muscle palpation during examination of patients with migraine.

Antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of stingless bee Melipona scutellaris geopropolis

Background Geopropolis is a type of propolis containing resin, wax, and soil, collected by threatened stingless bee species native to tropical countries and used in folk medicine. However, studies concerning the biological activity and chemical composition of geopropolis are scarce. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic extract of geopropolis (EEGP) collected by Melipona scutellaris and its bioactive fraction against important clinical microorganisms as well as their in vitro cytotoxicity and chemical profile. Methods The antimicrobial activity of EEGP and fractions was examined by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against six bacteria strains as well as their ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm adherence. Total growth inhibition (TGI) was chosen to assay the antiproliferative activity of EEGP and its bioactive fraction against normal and cancer cell lines. The chemical composition of M. scutellaris geopropolis was identified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results EEGP significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains and S. mutans at low concentrations, and its hexane fraction (HF) presented the highest antibacterial activity. Also, both EEGP and HF inhibited S. mutans biofilm adherence (p < 0.05) and showed selectivity against human cancer cell lines, although only HF demonstrated selectivity at low concentrations. The chemical analyses performed suggest the absence of flavonoids and the presence of benzophenones as geopropolis major compounds. Conclusions The empirical use of this unique type of geopropolis by folk medicine practitioners was confirmed in the present study, since it showed antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential against the cancer cell lines studied. It is possible that the major compounds found in this type of geopropolis are responsible for its properties.

Uma análise econômico-atuarial dos death bonds

Um death bond é um título emitido por uma instituição financeira para comprar uma apólice de seguro de vida de um segurado que deseja receber recursos ainda em vida. Este trabalho faz a precificação dos death bonds para ambos os gêneros e diferentes idades de contratação do seguro, empregando técnicas de modelagem atuarial. Os resultados iniciais mostram pouca atratividade para os investidores no título. Uma extensão do modelo mostra que se os investidores conseguirem identificar os segurados com as piores condições de saúde, os retornos são substancialmente mais elevados e os desvios-padrão são bastante reduzidos.

Fresh pasta production enriched with Spirulina platensis biomass

The aim of this work was to study the enrichment of Spirulina platensis in wheat flour to prepare fresh pasta to evaluate the green color and nutritional enrichment in addition to functional properties due to the presence of the bioactive compounds in the cyanobacterium. The pastas were evaluated for the centesimal composition, microbiological contamination, sensorial acceptance and technological characteristics such as cooking time, water absorption, volume displacement and loss of solids. The superior protein contents and the satisfactory technological and sensorial attributes compared with the control with no cyanobacterium showed the usefulness of incorporating S. platensis biomass in the fresh pastas. The microbiological quality was in compliance with the legislation in force. The sensorial quality was considered satisfactory ( liked very much ) and purchase intention high ( probably would buy ).

Pré-eclâmpsia : o estado da arte : fisiopatologia, fatores de risco, rastreio, profilaxia : uma revisão da literatura

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

Hábitos alimentares durante a gravidez : identificação dos hábitos alimentares e fontes de informação consultadas pelas utentes da consulta pré-natal do Hospital de Santa Maria

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

Influência da exposição à música na perceção da dor aguda pós-operatória : um estudo com crianças de 4 e 5 anos

Dissertação de mestrado, Psicologia (Ciência Cognitiva), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Faculdade de Letras, Faculdade de Medicina, Faculdade de Psicologia, 2016

Caesarean Birth vs. Vaginal Delivery: Effects upon Maternal Satisfaction, Maternal Confidence and Maternal Perception of the Newborn Behaviour

In order to test the hypothesis that caesarean birth has negative consequences upon newly mothers’ satisfaction and perceptions, women delivering by caesarean birth (WCB) were compared with women delivering by vaginal birth (WVB). Subjects: 180 newly mothers; 93 WCB and 87 WVB. Instruments: A Socio-Demographic Questionnaire developed for this research, the Childbirth Perceptions Questionnaire and the Mother and Baby Scales. Results: WCB had significantly lower scores in perceptions of baby as alert/responsive and nearly significant lower scores for baby as alert during feeds. WVB showed a significantly higher level of satisfaction with delivery and conduct during labour, as also had significantly lower scores for perceptions of baby as irritable during feeds and for lack of confidence in feeds. After controlling for the kind of anesthesia received in labour, three conclusions must be taken into account: 1) between WCB with regional anaesthesia and WCB with general anaesthesia there is only one significant difference, with the former having higher scores for perception of baby as alert during feeds; 2) between WVB with regional anaesthesia and WVB with no anaesthesia there are only two significant differences, with the former having higher scores for lack of confidence in feeding and having lower scores for global confidence; 3) between WCB with regional anaesthesia and WVB with regional anaesthesia four significant differences emerge, with the former having a lower level of satisfaction with delivery and conduct in labour and having lower scores for perception of baby as alert responsive, and also having higher scores of perception of baby as irritable in feeds and higher scores for lack of confidence in feeding. Data seem compatible with the hypothesis that caesarean birth has some negative consequences upon mothers’ satisfaction and perceptions and, for this reason, psychological surveys should constitute a routine procedure in maternity hospitals, especially when newly mothers pertain to families affected by risks of psychological or social nature.

Regulador linear de tensão em tecnologia HV-CMOS

Atualmente, assiste-se na nossa sociedade a um recurso e uso massivo de equipamentos eletrónicos portáteis. Este facto, aliado à competitividade de mercado, exigiu o desenvolvimento desses equipamentos com o intuito de melhorar a sua gestão de potência e, obter, consequentemente, maior autonomia e rendimento. Assim, na gestão de potência de um SoC são os reguladores de tensão que assumem um papel de extrema importância. O trabalho realizado ao longo da presente dissertação pressupõe o projeto de um regulador linear de tensão do tipo LDO em tecnologia HV-CMOS, capaz de suportar tensões de entrada de 12V com vista à alimentação de blocos funcionais RF-CMOS com 3,3V e uma corrente de 100mA. Foi implementado através do processo CMOS de 0.35μm de 50V da Austria Micro Systems. A corrente de quiescente do regulador linear de tensão que determina a eficiência de corrente é de 120,22μA. Possui uma eficiência de corrente de 99,88% e um rendimento de 82,46% quando a tensão mínima de entrada é utilizada. O regulador linear de tensão possui uma tensão de dropout de 707mV. A estabilidade do sistema é mantida mesmo com transições de carga de 10μA para 100mA. O regulador possui um tempo de estabelecimento inferior a 2,4μs e uma variação da tensão de saída relativamente ao seu valor nominal inferior a 18mV, ambos para o pior caso. Porém, este regulador possui um undershoot e um overshoot de +- 1,85V.

Célula de medida de viscosidade de líquidos

O objetivo deste trabalho é o projeto, construção e teste de um sistema que permita a medida de viscosidade de líquidos utilizando o método do fio vibrante em regime livre. A principal contribuição original deste trabalho é o modo de controlo do estímulo e aquisição de sinal no contexto da medição de viscosidade, utilizando uma interface gráfica (GUI) onde o utilizador pode controlar o estímulo e a taxa de aquisição do sensor. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) é utilizada para controlar e sincronizar todo o sistema e fazer a ligação entre a interface gráfica e o hardware desenvolvido para condicionar o sinal de estímulo do fio vibrante e de resposta do fio vibrante. A amplitude eficaz máxima de corrente a estimular o fio vibrante permite utilizar fios vibrantes com um diâmetro maior e efetuar medições em líquidos mais viscosos. Utilizando o protótipo desenvolvido para adquirir a resposta do fio vibrante fez-se o ajuste dos pontos experimentais à equação que descreve o comportamento teórico da resposta do fio vibrante, obtendo-se valores de frequência e amortecimento da resposta do fio vibrante com um desvio padrão de e respetivamente, permitindo assim calcular a viscosidade do líquido em estudo.