Percorrer por autor "Costa, Catarina"
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- Chemical characterization and bioactivity of phytochemicals from Iberian endemic Santolina semidentata and strategies for ex situ propagationPublication . Gomes, Andreia Karla; Pimpão, Rui; Fortalezas, Sofia; Figueira, Inês; Miguel, Célia; Aguiar, Carlos; Salgueiro, Lígia; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Gonçalves, Maria José; Clemente, Adelaide; Costa, Catarina; Martins-Loução, Maria Amélia; Ferreira, Ricardo B.; Santos, Cláudia N.Asteraceae family members are well-known for their medicinal potential, comprising several properties that make them unique among plants. Here we focus on Santolina semidentata, an endemic plant from the Iberian Peninsula, not yet described for its medicinal properties. Phytochemical characterization of S. semidentata was performed, concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, HPLC-DAD profile, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity, cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effect in a human neurodegeneration cell model. Moreover, essential oil composition and antifungal activity were also analised. This oil might be useful for therapeutical purposes, particularly in the treatment of dermatophytosis. S. semidentata potential for neuroprotection was revealed by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity and also by an effective protective effect in human neuronal cells. Furthermore, different seed conservation protocols, as well as successful in vitro propagation were established which may be useful when integrated in a broad strategy for the conservation of these endemic plants and their sustainable use for potential biotechnological applications. The results presented here greatly contribute to value this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits, either as alternative neuroprotective drugs or as leads for synthetizing more effective molecules.
- Demand for emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and disease burden: a case study in PortugalPublication . Nunes, Alcina; Costa, Catarina; Martins, João P.; Ferreira, Pedro L.; Pimenta, RuiThe COVID-19 pandemic brought changes in the pattern of care use. A significant increase in the volume of emergencies was expected. However, a significant decrease was observed worldwide.Methods An observational, analytical and cross-sectional study of all records of emergency episodes of patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the emergency services of the University of Porto Hospital Centre (2018-2022) were analysed.Results During the pandemic, a significant reduction in emergency episode admissions (up to 40% during lockdowns), an increase in pre-emergency services, and discharges from Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine was observed. The discharges from General Practice and General Practice and Family Medicine were residual.Conclusion The lower use and type of use of emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the disease burden. This could be prevented in future pandemics through the development of strategies to promote confidence in the use of health resources and establishing contingency plans for virtual assistance.