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- Molecular detection of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes in helicobacter pylori-positive gastric samples from patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with gastric biopsy in Algarve, PortugalPublication . Nunes, Francisco José Viegas Cortez; Aguieiras, Catarina; Calhindro, Mauro; Louro, Ricardo; Peixe, Bruno; Queirós, Patrícia; Castelo-Branco, Pedro; Mateus, Teresa LetraBackground/Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common gastric pathogen linked to gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses challenges for effective treatment and has prompted the WHO to classify H. pylori as a high-priority pathogen. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of AMR genes in H. pylori-positive gastric samples from patients in Algarve, Portugal, where regional data is scarce. Methods: Eighteen H. pylori-positive gastric biopsy samples from patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were analyzed. PCR and sequencing were used to identify genes associated with resistance to amoxicillin (Pbp1A), metronidazole (rdxA, frxA), tetracycline (16S rRNA mutation) and clarithromycin (23S rRNA). Sequence identity and homologies were verified using tBLASTx and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). Results: Out of the 18 H. pylori-positive samples, 16 (88.9%) contained at least one AMR gene. The most frequent genes were rdxA (83.3%) and frxA (66.7%) for metronidazole resistance, and the 16S rRNA mutation (66.7%) for tetracycline. Resistance to amoxicillin and clarithromycin was detected in 27.8% and 16.7% of cases, respectively. Most samples (72.2%) had multiple resistance genes. A significantly strong association was found between female sex and the presence of the rdxA gene (p = 0.043). Conclusions: The study reveals a high prevalence of H. pylori resistance genes in Algarve, particularly against metronidazole and tetracycline. These findings highlight the need for local surveillance and tailored treatment strategies. Further research with larger populations is warranted to assess regional resistance patterns and improve eradication efforts.
- Sex differences in health-related quality of life among individuals at high risk of dementiaPublication . Oliveira, Ana Sofia; Lopes, Sílvia; Ferreira, Lara; Cruz, Vítor Tedim; Costa, Ana RutePurpose Dementia represents an increasing challenge to health systems globally, with a notable impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Nevertheless, the potential effect of sex on the relation between individuals’ characteristics and HRQoL, particularly in the early stages of this disease, remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the association between sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors with HRQoL among individuals at high risk of dementia, according to sex.Methods This cross-sectional study was based on baseline data from the MIND-Matosinhos randomized controlled trial, targeting Portuguese adults at high risk of dementia [n=207; 59.9% female; median age=70.0 (interquartile range: 11)]. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L. The associations between explanatory variables and HRQoL scores (dichotomized by the median) were quantified through odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by sex. Results Overall, females reported lower HRQoL when compared with males [median (interquartile range): 0.875 (0.190) vs. 0.923 (0.129); p=0.004]. Problems in mobility (43.6% vs. 27.7%; p=0.021), pain/discomfort (71.8% vs. 44.6%; p for interaction=0.020). Conclusion Health status is associated with HRQoL, distinctively amongst males and females. These findings emphasize the need for sex-specific public health strategies to improve HRQoL in a vulnerable population of individuals at high risk of dementia.
- Evaluation of antioxidant and anthelmintic properties of tithonia diversifolia extracts against gastrointestinal nematode eggs using in vitro assaysPublication . Meza Ocampos, Griselda Asuncion; Custódio, Luísa; Mereles, Laura; Ávila, Rocio; Villalba, Domitila; Llano Obregon, Ismael; Sánchez Madsen, FatimaParasitic diseases caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are considered important limiting factors for livestock production worldwide, as they significantly compromise animal welfare and increase production costs. For years, parasite control has relied exclusively on the use of synthetic drugs. Resistance of GIN to commercial anthelmintics has been increasingly reported throughout the world. Therefore, alternative approaches have emerged for controlling GIN in farm animals, including the exploration of plants with bioactive potential. Tithonia diversifolia can be harvested year-round, and all parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine for a wide range of diseases. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties of water and 70% aqueous acetone extracts of T. diversifolia aerial parts, including leaves, branches, and flowers, using radical-based methods, and assessed its anthelmintic potential through a parasite model, employing the egg hatching assay (EHA) with water extracts. Additionally, the total polyphenolic content of the extracts was determined. These findings highlight T. diversifolia as a promising natural source of antioxidant and anthelmintic compounds.