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- Optimization of Whey Protein-Based Films Incorporating Foeniculum vulgare Mill: Essential OilPublication . Pedro, Salomé; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.; Ramos, Ana; Luís, ÂngeloPetroleum-based plastics used in food packaging are not biodegradable. They accumulate in the environment in large amounts, causing a decrease in soil fertility, jeopardizing marine habitats, and causing serious problems to human health. Whey protein has been studied for applications in food packaging, either because of its abundant availability or because it confers transparency, flexibility, and good barrier properties to packaging materials. Taking advantage of whey protein to produce new food packaging materials is a clear example of the so-called circular economy. The present work focuses on optimizing the formulation of whey protein concentrate-based films to enhance their general mechanical properties applying the Box–Behnken experimental design. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) essential oil (EO) was incorporated into the optimized films, which were then further characterized. The incorporation of fennel EO in the films leads to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in peak elongation (from 14.03 to 31.61%) and tensile index (from 0.40 to 0.50 N.m/g). The optimized whey protein films were yellowish and very transparent (>90%). The results of the bioactive activities of the optimized films showed their ability to be applied as active materials for food packaging to improve the shelf-life of food products and also to prevent foodborne diseases associated with the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Metabolic changes after licorice consumption: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of clinical trialsPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Domingues, F.C.; Pereira, L.Background: Licorice, also known as liquorice, refers to the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a product widely available in the market in the form of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO), which is a concentrate of licorice flavonoids, being a dietary ingredient for functional foods with potential benefits for overweight subjects. Purpose: To summarize the results of the numerous clinical trials, and to clarify the metabolic changes after licorice consumption, through a systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) of clinical trials. Methods: This review was designed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) recommendations. Several electronic databases were searched to identify the clinical trials. A meta-analysis approach was then developed to statistically analyze the results, followed by TSA and meta-regression analyses. Results: A total 26 clinical trials were considered for the quantitative synthesis of the data, totalizing 985 patients enrolled. Overall, it was possible to verify that the licorice consumption significantly reduces the body weight (WMD: -0.433 kg; 95% CI: -0.683 to -0.183; p-value = 0.001) and consequently the body mass index (BMI) of patients (WMD: -0.150 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.241 to -0.058; p-value = 0.001). Another result with statistical significance was the increase in the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (1.737 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.835 to 2.621; p-value < 0.0001) observed for the group subjected to licorice consumption, which is related to the hypernatremia also caused by licorice. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis demonstrated the positive effects of licorice consumption on the reduction of body weight and BMI of patients. However, the results also show the increase in blood pressure of patients associated with the hypernatremia caused by licorice. Consequently, licorice consumption should be avoided by hypertensive patients.
- KRAS in Cyst Fluid Obtained by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Fine-Needle Aspiration in Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisPublication . Faias, Sandra; Pereira, L.; Luís, Ângelo; Cravo, Marília; Dias Pereira, António; Torres, JoanaTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of KRAS mutation in pancreatic cystic fluid and compare it with carcinoembryonic antigen and cytology, we identified studies with cyst fluid obtained by endoscopic ultrasound prior to surgery. We classified cysts as malignant, premalignant, and benign. A random-effects model was used for quantitative meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivities, specificities, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted. We analyzed 16 studies, with 3429 patients, including 731 referred for surgery. Carcinoembryonic antigen was better for clinically significant cysts (premalignant and malignant) with sensitivity = 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.65), specificity = 0.9 (95% CI, 0.76-0.97), and area under the curve (AUC) = 0.69. Cytology performed better in malignant cysts, with sensitivity = 0.37 (95% CI, 0.27-0.48), specificity = 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-0.98), and AUC = 0.78. Isolated, KRAS mutation failed the diagnosis of malignant and significant cysts, with sensitivities = 0.43 (95% CI, 0.34-0.43) and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.42-0.51), specificities = 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56-0.68) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99), and AUCs = 0.56 and 0.53, respectively. Carcinoembryonic antigen and cytology are more accurate than KRAS. Additional studies are lacking to recommend KRAS as a single diagnostic test.
- Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) essential oil: Antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumanniiPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Sousa, Sónia; Wackerlig, Judith; Dobusch, Daniel; Duarte, Ana Paula; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.The increased resistance of pathogenic bacteria to multiple antimicrobial agents is becoming a significant public health threat. For many pathogenic bacteria there are already limited or no effective antimicrobials available to treat the infections caused by them. Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram‐negative, biofilm‐forming, nonmotile coccobacillus and a major human pathogen causing hospital‐acquired infections, such as ventilator‐associated pneumonia, bacteraemia, meningitis, and urinary tract and wound infections. There is therefore a clear need to discover new compounds and strategies to overcome widespread antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on A. bau-mannii strains. Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) has been widely used as an ingredi‐ent in traditional Chinese cooking, as a flavouring agent, and as a medicine for over 3000 years; however, the essential oil (EO) isolated from star anise has not been fur‐ther characterized in terms of its bioactivities and potential applications. In this work, a screening of the biological properties of star anise EO together with its chemical characterization were performed. Special attention was given to the impact of this EO in the formation of biofilms by A. baumannii. It was demonstrated that star anise EO is able to scavenge free radicals, to inhibit lipid peroxidation, and to inhibit protein denaturation, which is associated with its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory proper‐ties. Moreover, the effects of the EO on the planktonic and biofilm cells of A. bau-mannii, inhibiting the formation of biofilms, dispersing preformed biofilms, and decreasing the capacity of the bacterial cells to adhere to polystyrene, together with its ability to inhibit quorum sensing, were also demonstrated.
- Association between berries intake and cardiovascular diseases risk factors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trialsPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Domingues, F.C.; Pereira, L.The main goal of this work was to clarify the effects of the consumption of berries on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by performing a systematic review according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement, followed by a meta-analysis and a trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library between April and June 2016. To be included, RCTs had to report 1 or more of the following outcomes: total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), blood pressure (BP), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM), glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) or apolipoprotein B (Apo B). It was observed that the intake of berries reduces TC, LDL, TG, and BP while increasing the level of HDL, suggesting a beneficial effect on the control of CVDs' risk factors. Thus, the intake of berries as nutraceuticals or functional foods could be suggested for the prevention and control of CVDs.
- A meta-analytic perspective on Arcobacter spp. antibiotic resistancePublication . Ferreira, Susana; Luís, Ângelo; Oleastro, Mónica; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.Objectives: Over the years, an increased prevalence of resistant strains of Arcobacter has been observed, which may be due to Arcobacter exposure to antibiotics used both in animal production and human medicine. A systematic review was performed with the objective of summarising the results of the rates of antimicrobial resistance of Arcobacter isolates. Methods: The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) recommendations, followed by meta-analysis. Results: It was observed that the resistance rate ranged between 69.3-99.2% for penicillins and 30.5-97.4% for cephalosporins. The overall percentage of resistance to fluoroquinolones ranged from 4.3% to 14.0%, with the highest resistance percentage observed for levofloxacin. Resistance rates ranged between 10.7-39.8% for macrolides, 1.8-12.9% for aminoglycosides and 0.8-7.1% for tetracyclines. Conclusions: These results show that Arcobacter spp. present resistance to various antibiotics commonly used and advocate further studies of the associated resistance mechanisms.
- COVID-19 in children: A Systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Amaral, Leonor; Luís, Ângelo; Gallardo, Eugenia; Domingues, Fernanda C.; Pereira, LuísaThe consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been increasing, and this problem affects several countries worldwide. There is a class of NPSs of natural origin, consisting of plants and fungi, which have a wide range of alkaloids, responsible for causing relaxing, stimulating or hallucinogenic effects. The consumption of some of these substances is prompted by religious beliefs and cultural reasons, making the legislation very variable or even ambiguous. However, the abusive consumption of these substances can present an enormous risk to the health of the individuals, since their metabolism and effects are not yet fully known. Additionally, NPSs are widely spread over the internet, and their appearance is very fast, which requires the development of sophisticated analytical methodologies, capable of detecting these compounds. Thus, the objective of this work is to review the toxicological aspects, traditional use/therapeutic potential and the analytical methods developed in biological matrices in twelve plant specimens (Areca catechu, Argyreia nervosa, Ayahuasca, Catha edulis, Datura stramonium, Lophophora williamsii, Mandragora officinarum, Mitragyna speciosa, Piper methysticum Forst, Psilocybe, Salvia divinorum and Tabernanthe iboga).
- Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol for Glioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Model StudiesPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Marcelino, Helena; Domingues, F.C.; Pereira, L.; Cascalheira, JoséGliomas are aggressive malignant brain tumors, with poor prognosis despite available therapies, raising the necessity for finding new compounds with therapeutic action. Numerous preclinical investigations evaluating resveratrol’s anti-tumor impact in animal models of glioma have been reported; however, the variety of experimental circumstances and results have prevented conclusive findings about resveratrol’s effectiveness. Several databases were searched during May 2023, ten publications were identified, satisfying the inclusion criteria, that assess the effects of resveratrol in murine glioma-bearing xenografts. To determine the efficacy of resveratrol, tumor volume and animal counts were retrieved, and the data were then subjected to a random effects meta-analysis. The influence of different experimental conditions and publication bias on resveratrol efficacy were evaluated. Comparing treated to untreated groups, resveratrol administration decreased the tumor volume. Overall, the effect’s weighted standardized difference in means was −2.046 (95%CI: −3.156 to −0.936; p-value < 0.001). The efficacy of the treatment was observed for animals inoculated with both human glioblastoma or rat glioma cells and for different modes of resveratrol administration. The combined administration of resveratrol and temozolomide was more effective than temozolomide alone. Reducing publication bias did not change the effectiveness of resveratrol treatment. The findings suggest that resveratrol slows the development of tumors in animal glioma models.
- Julbernardia paniculata and Pterocarpus angolensis: From Ethnobotanical Surveys to Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivities EvaluationPublication . Santos, Eugénia Solange; Luís, Ângelo; Gonçalves, Joana; Rosado, Tiago; Pereira, L.; Gallardo, Eugenia; Duarte, A. P.Julbernardia paniculata and Pterocarpus angolensis are two plant species with important application in African traditional medicine, particularly in Angola, in the treatment of several diseases. However, scientific studies concerning these species are scarce. The goal of this work was to know better which medicinal approaches are used by the Huíla population in Angola by means of ethnobotanical surveys. Furthermore, extracts of both plants were phytochemically characterized. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing activities, and potential cytotoxicity were also studied. With this study it was possible to verify that 67% of the individuals that use medicinal plants are women, and their main therapeutic uses are the treatment of problems of the digestive system and skin disorders. Barks of J. paniculata and leaves of P. angolensis are the most often used plant parts. Through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and GC-MS it was possible to characterize the chemical composition of the two species, which are rich in phenolic compounds, terpenes, terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and fatty acids. Both plants showed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory proprieties, and wound-healing activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of these two species and the first ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants from this region of Angola.
- The anti-obesity potential of Ilex paraguariensis: results from a meta-analysisPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Domingues, F.C.; Amaral, Luísa Maria Jota PereiraThe dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, also known as yerba mate or chimarrão, are used to produce infusions consumed by over 1 million people worldwide, being a traditional drink in several South American countries, particularly, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The positive effects of I. paraguariensis in obesity have been described and observed in some clinical trials both in animals and in humans. The main goal of this work was to perform a systematic review, complying with the PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) recommendations, followed by a meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA), to summarize the results of the recent clinical trials, clarifying the anti-obesity potential of I. paraguariensis. The search for this systematic review was performed on several electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and Cochrane Library) in July 2017. A total of 22 clinical trials were considered for the quantitative synthesis of the data, totalizing 726 patients enrolled. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrated the positive effects of I. paraguariensis consumption on the reduction of body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference of patients, showing its anti-obesity potential.
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