Biology subjects

Veiga, N.

Publications and source records attributed to Veiga, N..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

On the possible inhibition of macrophage inflammatory responses by phytic acid produced by Echinococcus multilocularis

Echinococcus multilocularis, causing agent of alveolar echinococcosis, down-regulates host immunity 1,2. Salzmann et al showed that macrophages close to the parasite produce little IL-6 and the parasite extract mimics this inhibition in cultured macrophages 3. The authors then showed that E. multilocularis contains phytic acid and that commercial phytic acid inhibits cytokine responses in stimulated macrophages. Through comparison with effects of EDTA and intracellular calcium measurements, they concluded that phytic acid inhibits macrophage responses through calcium depletion, extrapolating this conclusion to assays with parasite extract and infection setting. However, the interaction between phytic acid and calcium is complex 4,5. Calcium is indeed depleted in the assays with commercial phytic acid according to our quantitative predictions. However additional changes occur including formation of solid calcium phytate, which probably moderates the inhibition of responses observed under calcium depletion. We calculate that in the experiments with parasite extract, phytic acid present cannot deplete calcium and therefore inhibition must be driven by a different mechanism, possibly independent of phytic acid. Further, we argue that calcium depletion is an unlikely in vivo immune regulatory mechanism. We propose that biological assays using calcium phytate are needed for ascertaining whether phytic acid has biologically relevant anti-inflammatory activity.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

ORAL HEALTH BEHAVIOUR PERCEPTION SCALE APPLIED AMONG A SAMPLE OF PORTUGUESE ADOLESCENTS

IntroductionThe application of a scale can be particularly useful for the epidemiological studies comparing different populations and for analysis of the influence of distinct aspects of oral health on the development of certain health conditions. The aim of this study consists in the creation of a scale to classify the level of perception of the oral health behaviors applicable to the sample of Portuguese adolescents.\n\nMaterials and methodsAn observational cross-sectional study was designed with a total of 649 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years old from five public schools in the Viseu and Guarda districts, in Portugal. Data was collected by the application of a self-administered questionnaire and, after analysis of data collection, the newly Universidade Catolica Portuguesa (UCP) oral health perception scale was created.\n\nResultsAnalyzing the sample included in the present study, we verified, by the UCP oral health perception scale created, that 67.9% of the sample presented a poor perception of their oral health behaviors, 23.9% intermediate/sufficient and only 8.2% presented what is considered in the scale as having a good classification in terms of oral health behaviors perception respecting the assumptions defined for the elaboration of the present scale.\n\nConclusionsFor this purpose, through the scale to classify the level of oral health behaviors applicable to the sample of portuguese adolescents, it is possible to compare the data of several samples and understand what are the most frequent oral or eating habits among adolescents.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2019

DENTAL CARIES AND ORAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT AMONG PORTUGUESE ADOLESCENTS

IntroductionIt is during the school phase that children and adolescents consolidate healthy behaviors, which will contribute to the decrease of diseases, especially in the reduction of dental caries. The main objective of the present study was to assess the decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent teeth index and oral health behaviors among Portuguese adolescents.\n\nMaterials and methodsAn observational cross-sectional study was designed including a sample of 694 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years old from five public schools in the Viseu and Guarda districts, Portugal. After a self-administered questionnaire was filled out by the participants, a clinical examination was carried out in order to assess oral status and dental caries identification. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed using the Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05).\n\nResultsThe decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth index was 2.91{+/-}2.9 and the decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth index was 1.10{+/-}1.4. Of the total sample, 73% consumed sugary food on a daily basis, 54.7% drank bottled water, 50.1% considered oral health good, 70.8% did not report pain in the last 12 months, but noticed gingival bleeding (51.5%). Most adolescents (79.4%) brushed their teeth daily and 60% did not use dental floss. Of the total sample, 96.4% had a dental appointment in the last 12 months, being 46.4% due to prevention treatments. The high decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth index was associated with low maternal scholarship, male gender and living in a rural residence area (p<0.05). Adolescents who brush their teeth daily presented a good perception about their oral health (p<0.001).\n\nConclusionsPortuguese adolescents presented a low decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent teeth index index. The decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth index was associated with sociodemographic factors. Oral hygiene habits were associated with self-perception of oral health. It is suggested that oral health promotion and prevention programs should be improved in schools in order to reduce the risks of oral disease development.

scientific communication and education↗