We read with interest Stern’s Cognitive Reserve (CR) model (2012) and his works along the years. According to Stern, CR proxies refer to different individual cognitive and socio-behavioral factors with impact on the adaptation of cognitive processes to aging, brain pathology or injury (Stern, 2002, 2009; Stern et al., 2019). However, Stern’s model of CR is focused on cognition and the influence of sensory or emotional aspects was not considered. Thus, we propose a model of Sensory, Emotional, and Cognitive Reserve (SEC reserve model) in which CR, sensory reserve (SR), and emotional reserve (ER) interact with each other, reducing the impact of neuropathology caused by brain disease and injury. Therefore, higher levels of SEC reserve hold the potential to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and prevent or delay the impact of neurocognitive deficits on functionality in the instrumental cognitive activities of daily life.
Título: A model of sensory, emotional, and cognitive reserve
Revista: Applied Neuropsychology
JCR: 1.7 (2022)
Referência bibliográfica: Pinto, J. O., Peixoto, B., Dores, A. R., & Barbosa, F. (2023). A model of sensory, emotional, and cognitive reserve. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 0(0), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2023.2291480
Dried blood spots (DBS) are being considered as an alternative sampling method of blood collection that can be used in combination with lipidomic and other omic analysis. DBS are successfully used in the clinical context to collect samples for newborn screening for the measurement of specifc fatty acid derivatives, such as acylcarnitines, and lipids from whole blood for diagnostic purposes. However, DBS are scarcely used for lipidomic analysis and investigations. Lipidomic studies using DBS are starting to emerge as a powerful method for sampling and storage in clinical lipidomic analysis, but the major research work is being done in the pre- and analytical steps and procedures, and few in clinical applications. This review presents a description of the impact factors and variables that can afect DBS lipidomic analysis, such as the type of DBS card, haematocrit, homogeneity of the blood drop, matrix/chromatographic efects, and the chemical and physical properties of the analyte. Additionally, a brief overview of lipidomic studies using DBS to unveil their application in clinical scenarios is also presented, considering the studies of method development and validation and, to a less extent, for clinical diagnosis using clinical lipidomics. DBS combined with lipidomic approaches proved to be as efective as whole blood samples, achieving high levels of sensitivity and specifcity during MS and MS/MS analysis, which could be a useful tool for biomarker identifcation. Lipidomic profling using MS/MS platforms enables signifcant insights into physiological changes, which could be useful in precision medicine.
Título: Dried blood spots in clinical lipidomics: optimization and recent findings
Revista: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
JCR: 4.478
Referência bibliográfica: Ferreira, H. B., Guerra, I. M. S., Melo, T., Rocha, H., Moreira, A. S. P., Paiva, A., & Domingues, M. R. (2022). Dried blood spots in clinical lipidomics: Optimization and recent findings. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 414(24), 7085–7101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04221-1
Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) are inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) caused by defects in the fatty acid (FA) mitochondrial β-oxidation. The most common FAODs are characterized by the accumulation of medium-chain FAs and long-chain (3-hydroxy) FAs (and their carnitine derivatives), respectively. These deregulations are associated with lipotoxicity which affects several organs and potentially leads to life-threatening complications and comorbidities. Changes in the lipidome have been associated with several diseases, including some IEMs. In FAODs, the alteration of acylcarnitines (CARs) and FA profiles have been reported in patients and animal models, but changes in polar and neutral lipid profile are still scarcely studied. In this review, we present the main findings on FA and CAR profile changes associated with FAOD pathogenesis, their correlation with oxidative damage, and the consequent disturbance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Moreover, alterations in polar and neutral lipid classes and lipid species identified so far and their possible role in FAODs are discussed. We highlight the need of mass-spectrometry-based lipidomic studies to understand (epi)lipidome remodelling in FAODs, thus allowing to elucidate the pathophysiology and the identification of possible biomarkers for disease prognosis and an evaluation of therapeutic efficacy.
Título: Mitochondrial Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Disorders: From Disease to Lipidomic Studies—A Critical Review
Revista: International journal of molecular sciences
JCR: 6.208
Referência bibliográfica: Guerra, I. M. S., Ferreira, H. B., Melo, T., Rocha, H., Moreira, S., Diogo, L., Domingues, M. R., & Moreira, A. S. P. (2022). Mitochondrial Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Disorders: From Disease to Lipidomic Studies—A Critical Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(22), 13933. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/22/13933
The main purpose of this manuscript is to critically review the Multisensory Integration (MI) training programs applied to older adults, their characteristics, target sensory systems, efficacy, assessment methods, and results. We also intend to propose an integrated framework to support combined interventions of neurocognitive and sensory training. A critical review was conducted covering the most relevant literature on the MI training programs applied to older adults. Two MI training programs applied to cognitively healthy older adults were found: (a) audio-visual temporal discrimination training and (b) simultaneity judgment training. Both led to the improvement of the MI between pre- and post-training. However, only the audio-visual temporal discrimination training led to the generalization of the improvements to another MI task. Considering the relationship between sensory and cognitive functioning, this review supports the potential advantages of combining MI with neurocognitive training in the rehabilitation of older adults. We suggested that this can be achieved within the framework of Branched Programmed Neurocognitive Training (BPNT). Criteria for deciding the most suitable multisensory intervention, that is, MI or Multisensory Stimulation, and general guidelines for the development of MI intervention protocols with older adults with or without cognitive impairment are provided.
Revista: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
JCR: 4.287
Referência bibliográfica: Pinto, J. O., Dores, A. R., Peixoto, B., Vieira de Melo, B. B., & Barbosa, F. (2022). Critical review of multisensory integration programs and proposal of a theoretical framework for its combination with neurocognitive training. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 22(7), 557–566. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2022.2092401
To investigate conjunctival vascular density (VD) using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in Scleral Contact Lens (ScCL) wearers. In this cross-sectional study, the conjunctival blood VD was assessed using OCTA with an anterior segment lens adapter. The nasal surface of each eye (6 ×6 mm) was scanned to a depth of 800 μm with ScCL and fifteen minutes after removing the lens. Conjunctival VD was defined as the percentage of the scanned volume occupied by vessels in which blood flow was measured. Measures of limbal indentation were subjectively determined by two independent observers using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT). Comparisons between VD measurements before and after ScCL removal and correlations between conjunctival VD, time of use, vault and indentation values were also investigated. A total of 23 patients (3 females, 20 males) with keratoconus, with a mean age (years±SD) of 38.74±10.38 were included in the study. VD was significantly higher without ScCL (71.75%±2.97) than VD measured with ScCL (69.81%±2.63), p=0.02. A moderately negative correlation was found between indentation and vault (r=-0.44, p<0.05) and a positive tendency regarding the time of wearing ScCL and indentation (r=0.11 and r=0.068, respectively). Using OCTA with an anterior segment lens adapter, the ocular surface blood VD was imaged and assessed with good repeatability and reliability. This study presents a new possible application of OCTA to investigate and monitor conjunctival vasculature in ScCL wearers. This results cautiously suggest that the repeated use of ScCL can cause vascular alterations in conjunctiva of the eyes of ScCL wearers, possibly due to a hidden hypoxia caused by prolonged limbal indentation.
Revista: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
JCR: 3.946
Referência bibliográfica: Jesus, J., Dias, L., Almeida, I., Costa, T., & Chibante-Pedro, J. (2022). Analysis of conjunctival vascular density in scleral contact lens wearers using optical coherence tomography angiography. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 45(1), 101403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2020.12.066
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis remains a leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Although all forms of HSV keratitis are commonly recurrent, the risk is greatest in stromal keratitis, which is the most likely to result in corneal scarring, thinning, and neovascularization. Recent studies showed the ability of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) to detect and study vascular abnormalities in the anterior segment, including abnormal corneal vessels. This study intends to investigate the potential of OCTA device to image and describe quantitatively the vascularization in eyes diagnosed with herpetic leucoma and to discuss and review the usefulness of this technique in this pathology. A Cross-sectional study was made, including 17 eyes of 15 patients with leucoma secondary to herpetic keratitis. All eyes underwent anterior segment Slit-Lamp photography (SLP), and OCTA with en-face, b-scans and c-scans imaging. The vessel density (VD) was analyzed in the inferior, nasal and temporal corneal margin in all patients, and in the central area, in eyes with central corneal neovascularization (CoNV). The measurements were calculated after binarization with ImageJ software, using OCTA scans with 6 × 6 mm in a depth of 800 μm. Patients included had a mean age 53.267 ± 21.542 (years ± SD). The mean total vessel area was 50.907% ± 3.435%. VD was higher in the nasal quadrant (51.156% ± 4.276%) but there were no significant differences between the three analyzed areas (p = 0.940). OCTA was able to identify abnormal vessels when SLP apparently showed no abnormal vessels; OCTA was able to distinguish between larger and smaller vessels even in central cornea; OCTA scans allowed the investigation of several corneal planes and the relation of them with clinical findings. OCTA can be useful in both qualitative and quantitative follow-up of patients and may become a non-invasive alternative to objectively monitor treatment response in eyes with corneal vascularization due to herpetic infection.
Título: Optical coherence tomography angiography in herpetic leucoma
Revista: BMC Medical Imaging
JCR: 2.795
Referência bibliográfica: Almeida, I., Dias, L., Jesus, J. et al. Optical coherence tomography angiography in herpetic leucoma. BMC Med Imaging 22, 17 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12880-022-00747-z
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAn), resulting in severe motor complications. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that neuroinflammation can play a role in PD pathophysiology, being associated with its onset and progression. Nevertheless, several key points concerning the neuroinflammatory process in PD remain to be answered. Bearing this in mind, in the present review, we cover the impact of neuroinflammation on PD by exploring the role of inflammatory cells (i.e., microglia and astrocytes) and the interconnections between the brain and the peripheral system. Furthermore, we discuss both the innate and adaptive immune responses regarding PD pathology and explore the gut–brain axis communication and its influence on the progression of the disease.
Título: Neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s disease—from neurodegeneration to therapeutic opportunities
Revista: Cells
JCR: 7.666
Referência bibliográfica: Araújo, B., Caridade-Silva, R., Soares-Guedes, C., Martins-Macedo, J., Gomes, E. D., Monteiro, S., & Teixeira, F. G. (2022). Neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s Disease—From Neurodegeneration to Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells, 11(18), 2908. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11182908
This study aimed to determine the effect of three widely used radiopharmaceuticals with intestinal excretion on selected relevant bacteria that are part of the human gut microbiota, using an ex vivo approach. Fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers were analyzed. Each sample was divided into four smaller aliquots. One served as the non-irradiated control. The other three were homogenized with three radiopharmaceutical solutions ([131I]NaI, [99mTc]NaTcO4, and [223Ra]RaCl2). Relative quantification of each taxa was determined by the 2−ΔΔC method, using the ribosomal gene 16S as an internal control (primers 534/385). Twelve fecal samples were analysed: three controls and nine irradiated. Our experiment showed fold changes in all analyzed taxa with all radiopharmaceuticals, but results were more significant with I-131, ranging from 1.87–83.58; whereas no relevant differences were found with Tc-99m and Ra-223, ranging from 0.98–1.58 and 0.83–1.97, respectively. This study corroborates limited existing research on how ionizing radiation changes the gut microbiota composition, providing novel data regarding the ex vivo effect of radiopharmaceuticals. Our findings justify the need for future larger scale projects.
Título: Ionizing radiation from radiopharmaceuticals and the human gut microbiota: An ex vivo approach
Revista: International journal of molecular sciences
JCR: 6.208
Referência bibliográfica: Fernandes, A., Oliveira, A., Guedes, C., Fernandes, R., Soares, R., & Barata, P. (2022). Ionizing Radiation from Radiopharmaceuticals and the Human Gut Microbiota: An Ex Vivo Approach. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(18), 10809. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810809
Nowadays, organic salts and ionic liquids (OSILs) containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are being explored as drug delivery systems in modern therapies (OSILs-API). In that sense, this work is focused on the development of novel OSILs-API based on amphotericin B through an innovative procedure and the evaluation of the respective biological activity against Leishmania infantum. Several ammonium, methylimidazolium, pyridinium and phosphonium organic cations combined with amphotericin B as anion were synthesized in moderate to high yields and high purities by the water-reduced buffer neutralization method. All prepared compounds were characterized to confirm the desired chemical structure and the specific optical rotation ([α]D25) was also determined. The biological assays performed on L. infantum promastigotes showed increased activity against this parasitic disease when compared with the starting chloride forms and amphotericin B alone, highlighting [P6,6,6,14][AmB] as the most promising formulation. Possible synergism in the antiprotozoal activity was also evaluated for [P6,6,6,14][AmB], since it was proven to be the compound with the highest toxicity. This work reported a simple synthetic method, which can be applied to prepare other organic salts based on molecules containing fragile chemical groups, demonstrating the potential of these OSILs-AmB as possible agents against leishmaniasis.
Revista: Antibiotics
JCR: 5.222
Referência bibliográfica: Ferraz, R., Santarém, N., Santos, A. F. M., Jacinto, M. L., Cordeiro-da-Silva, A., Prudêncio, C., Noronha, J. P., Branco, L. C., & Petrovski, Ž. (2022). Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amphotericin B Formulations Based on Organic Salts and Ionic Liquids against Leishmania infantum. Antibiotics, 11(12), 1841. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11121841
We characterized the progression of different diabetic retinopathy (DR) phenotypes in type 2 diabetes (T2D). A prospective longitudinal cohort study (CORDIS, NCT03696810) was conducted with three visits (baseline, 6 months, and 1 year). Demographic and systemic data included age, sex, diabetes duration, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Ophthalmological examinations included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color fundus photography (CFP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT and OCTA). Phenotype classification was performed at the 6-month visit based on microaneurysm turnover (MAT, on CFP) and central retinal thickness (CRT, on OCT). Only risk phenotypes B (MAT < 6 and increased CRT) and C (MAT ≥ 6 with or without increased CRT) were included. ETDRS grading was performed at the baseline visit based on seven-field CFP.A total of 133 T2D individuals were included in the study; 81 (60%) eyes were classified as phenotype B and 52 (40%) eyes as phenotype C. Of these, 128 completed the 1-year follow-up. At baseline, eyes with phenotype C showed greater capillary closure (superior capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and full retina, p < 0.001) and increased foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (p < 0.001), indicating more advanced microvascular disease. Neurodegeneration represented by thinning of the ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) was present in both phenotypes. When analyzing the 1-year progression of each phenotype, only phenotype C revealed a significant decrease in BCVA (p = 0.02) and enlargement of the FAZ (p = 0.03). A significant progressive decrease in the vessel density of the deep capillary layer and in MAT occurred in both phenotypes, but these changes were particularly relevant in phenotype C and ETDRS grades 43–47. During the 1-year period, both phenotypes B and C showed progression in GCL + IPL thinning (p < 0.001). In the 1-year period of follow-up, both phenotypes B and C showed progression in retinal neurodegeneration, whereas phenotype C showed more marked disease progression at the microvascular level.
Título: Characterization of One-Year Progression of Risk Phenotypes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Revista: Ophthalmology and Therapy
JCR: 4.927
Referência bibliográfica: Ribeiro, L., Marques, I.P., Coimbra, R. et al. Characterization of One-Year Progression of Risk Phenotypes of Diabetic Retinopathy. Ophthalmol Ther 11, 333–345 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-021-00437-z
Fermented foods have been used for several years all over the world, due to their unique nutritional characteristics and because fermentation promotes conservation and food security. Moreover, fermented foods and beverages have a strong impact on human gut microbiota. Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, traditionally used as a medicinal fruit, but there are also references to the use of the fermented form of this fruit. The main purpose of this review is to provide an improved understanding of fermented papaya nutritional and health applications. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were included. According to the retrieved studies, fermented papaya has proven to be an excellent antioxidant and an excellent nutraceutical adjuvant in combined therapies against several diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, allergic reactions, anticancer activity, and anemias. Therefore, it is concluded that fermented papaya has many benefits for human health and can be used as prevention or aid in the treatment of various diseases.
Título: Benefits of Fermented Papaya in Human Health
Revista: Foods
JCR: 5.561
Referência bibliográfica: Leitão, M., Ribeiro, T., García, P. A., Barreiros, L., & Correia, P. (2022). Benefits of Fermented Papaya in Human Health. Foods, 11(4), 563. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11040563
There is an increase in the popularity of craft beer, which is produced by small, independent, and traditional breweries. Since craft beer popularity is rising in Portugal this research focused on assessing physicochemical parameters, total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity of Portuguese craft beers and raw materials used in beer production. In this experimental study, 19 beer samples were analyzed. Parameters such as pH, Total Acidity, Reducing Sugar Content and TPC were evaluated. For the determination of antioxidant activity, DPPH scavenging activity and metal chelating activity (MCA) were analyzed in all samples. Craft beers demonstrated a high phenolic content (ranging from 343.78 mg GAE/L to 2172.49 mg GAE/L), significantly different from industrial beers. Craft beers demonstrated a higher inhibition of DPPH radicals and higher MCA than the raw materials. DPPH inhibition ranged from 36.5% to 96.0% for malt and 64.7% to 79.6% in hops samples. MCA also varied between the different samples, with results of 12.0% to 24.8% in malt samples and 3.8% to 23.5% in hops. Raw materials can potentially influence the antioxidant activity of the resulting beer. Positive correlations between TPC and physicochemical properties can be useful to help consumers choose beers with added value for health.
Título: Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Portuguese Craft Beers and Raw Materials
Revista: Molecules
JCR: 4.927
Referência bibliográfica: Silva, S., Oliveira, A. I., Cruz, A., Oliveira, R. F., Almeida, R., & Pinho, C. (2022). Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Portuguese Craft Beers and Raw Materials. Molecules, 27(22), 8007. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27228007
A current issue in psycholinguistic research is whether the language difficulties exhibited by children with developmental language disorder [DLD, previously labeled specific language impairment (SLI)] are due to deficits in their abilities to pick up patterns in the sensory environment, an ability known as statistical learning (SL), and the extent to which explicit learning mechanisms can be used to compensate for those deficits. Studies designed to test the compensatory role of explicit learning mechanisms in children with DLD are, however, scarce, and the few conducted so far have led to inconsistent results. This work aimed to provide new insights into the role that explicit learning mechanisms might play on implicit learning deficits in children with DLD by resorting to a new approach. This approach involved not only the collection of event-related potentials (ERPs), while preschool children with DLD [relative to typical language developmental (TLD) controls] were exposed to a continuous auditory stream made of the repetition of three-syllable nonsense words but, importantly, the collection of ERPs when the same children performed analogous versions of the same auditory SL task first under incidental (implicit) and afterward under intentional (explicit) conditions. In each of these tasks, the level of predictability of the three-syllable nonsense words embedded in the speech streams was also manipulated (high vs. low) to mimic natural languages closely. At the end of both tasks’ exposure phase, children performed a two-alternative forced-choice (2-AFC) task from which behavioral evidence of SL was obtained. Results from the 2-AFC tasks failed to show reliable signs of SL in both groups of children. The ERPs data showed, however, significant modulations in the N100 and N400 components, taken as neural signatures of word segmentation in the brain, even though a detailed analysis of the neural responses revealed that only children from the TLD group seem to have taken advantage of the previous knowledge to enhance SL functioning. These results suggest that children with DLD showed deficits both in implicit and explicit learning mechanisms, casting doubts on the efficiency of the interventions relying on explicit instructions to help children with DLD to overcome their language difficulties.
Revista: Frontiers in psychology
JCR: 4.232
Referência bibliográfica: Soares, A. P., Gutiérrez-Domínguez, F.-J., Oliveira, H. M., Lages, A., Guerra, N., Pereira, A. R., Tomé, D., & Lousada, M. (2022). Explicit Instructions Do Not Enhance Auditory Statistical Learning in Children With Developmental Language Disorder: Evidence From Event-Related Potentials [Original Research]. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905762
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) results in a permanent or temporary alteration of the motor, sensory and/or autonomic functions, frequently leading to neuropathic pain. To deal with this comorbidity, several non-pharmacological and non-surgical (NP-NS) interventions have been developed. However, their efficacy is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to systematically synthetize the available evidence assessing the efficacy of NP-NS interventions for treating neuropathic pain in people with SCI. Thus, an electronic search was conducted in five databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and EBSCO) and trials registry databases, in addition to a manual search strategy to retrieve additional records. The review included randomized controlled trials with adults with SCI, in any stage of the condition. Data on the efficacy of the interventions was narratively synthetized. Once the research was completed, of 4853 identified references, 24 were included with a total of 653 participants with SCI and neuropathic pain, mostly male and with paraplegia. These studies investigated the effect of 13 types of NP-NS interventions with different protocols and methodological limitations. Seven different assessment scales were analyzed, with neuropathic pain being the primary outcome in 21 studies. Such high heterogeneity impaired the conduction of meta-analysis for any of the interventions. Although promising results were found regarding analgesic effect of NP-NS on neuropathic pain in people with SCI, it is not yet possible to safely state that these interventions are in fact effective. Further studies with homogeneous protocols and methodological quality are still needed.
Revista: The Journal of Pain
JCR: 5.383
Referência bibliográfica: Almeida, C., Monteiro-Soares, M., & Fernandes, Â. (2022). Should Non-Pharmacological and Non-Surgical Interventions be Used to Manage Neuropathic Pain in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury? – A Systematic Review. The Journal of Pain, 23(9), 1510–1529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2022.03.239
The goal of this work was to examine whether elevated iodine intake was associated with adverse effects on IQ among school-age children in Portugal. In a representative sample of children from the north of the country, IQ percentiles by age (assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices) were dichotomized to <50 (“below-average” IQs) and ≥50. Morning urine iodine concentrations, corrected for creatinine, were dichotomized to <250 µg/g and ≥250 µg/g, according to the European Commission/Scientific Committee on Food’s tolerable upper level of daily iodine intake for young children. Data were examined with Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and GLM univariate analysis. The sample (N = 1965) was classified as generally iodine-adequate (median urinary iodine concentration = 129 µg/L; median iodine-to-creatinine ratio = 126 µg/g) according to the WHO’s criteria. A greater proportion of children in the ≥250 µg/g group had below-average IQs, compared to children with less than 250 µg/g (p = 0.037), despite a sizable (though non-significant) proportion of children in the less-than-250 µg/g group also presenting below-average IQs, at the bottom of the iodine distribution (<50 µg/g). The proportion of below-average IQs increased with increasingly elevated iodine concentrations (p = 0.047). The association remained significant after the adjustment for confounders, with the elevated iodine group showing increased odds of having below-average IQs when compared with the non-elevated iodine group (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.11–2.17; p = 0.011). Consistently, the former group presented a lower mean IQ than the latter (p = 0.006). High iodine intake was associated with lower IQs even in a population classified as iodine-adequate. These results bear on child cognition and on initiatives involving iodine supplementation.
Título: Association between Elevated Iodine Intake and IQ among School Children in Portugal
Revista: Nutrients
JCR: 6.706
Referência bibliográfica: Carvalho, I. P., Peixoto, B., Caldas, J. C., Costa, A., Silva, S., Moreira, B., Almeida, A., Moreira-Rosário, A., Guerra, A., Delerue-Matos, C., Sintra, D., Pestana, D., Pinto, E., Mendes, F. C., Martins, I., Leite, J. C., Fontoura, M., Maia, M. L., Queirós, P., … Calhau, C. (2022). Association between Elevated Iodine Intake and IQ among School Children in Portugal. Nutrients, 14(21), 4493. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214493
The most consumed fish species in Portugal do not correspond to the most caught fish species on the Portuguese coast. From the point of view of ocean sustainability and economics, it is important to study unexploited or underexploited fish species that have the potential to be introduced into the food market. This potential can be reflected by their nutritional value, where mineral elements are often overlooked despite their importance in human health. Therefore, it is important to study the elemental concentration of those fish species, which should also include seasonal variations of essential mineral elements such as Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and I, and non-essential elements such as As, Ni, Cd, and Pb. This work is part of a project that studied five fish species with the potential to be brought to the market: three species with low commercial value (Trachurus picturatus, Spondyliosoma cantharus and Trigla lyra) and two species with no commercial value (Serranus cabrilla and Capros aper), caught over a year in the coast of Portugal. Mineral elements were quantified by ICP-OES (ICP-MS for I). The results showed that the studied fish species present significant elemental concentrations, similar to those found in the most caught fish species in Portugal. Trachurus picturatus was found to be a source of Fe, and all species are sources of I. Overall, Spondyliosoma cantharus proved to be the most element-rich species. Sensorially, Cu was related to “metallic odour” and Fe to “metallic flavour”, and I was related to “seaweed odour” and “seawater flavour”. Additionally, toxic elements such as Cd, Pb, Ni and As were not detected. The corresponding Hazard Quotients (HQ) show the safety of the consumption of these fish species concerning the content of potentially toxic elements.
Título: Annual variations in the mineral element content of five fish species from the Portuguese coast
Revista: Food Research International
JCR: 7.425
Referência bibliográfica:
Pinto, F. R., Duarte, A. M., Silva, F., Barroso, S., Mendes, S., Pinto, E., Almeida, A., Sequeira, V., Vieira, A. R., Gordo, L. S., & Gil, M. M. (2022). Annual variations in the mineral element content of five fish species from the Portuguese coast. Food Research International, 158, 111482. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111482
The Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) supports the most important pelagic fishery in the southeast-south Brazil. The first studies on the population structure of S. brasiliensis suggested the existence of two stocks taking into account distinct regional somatic growth rates and spawning areas. However, subsequent works were unable to confirm this scenario, and at present for fisheries management purposes a single stock is considered in Brazil. In order to unravel the stock structure of S. brasiliensis, ninety adult individuals (two-year-old fish) were collected between February and October 2018 in three fishing grounds within its distribution area [Rio de Janeiro (RJ),Santa Catarina (SC) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS)]. Multi-elemental signatures of whole otoliths were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and combined with basic biological data (somatic condi- tion, sex and gonadal developmental stages). A generalized linear model found somatic growth rates significantly different across regions. Whole otolith chemical signatures exhibited distinct regional patterns, mainly driven by differences in Ba/Ca, Cu/Ca, Li/Ca, Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Zn/Ca. Combining somatic and reproductive data with multi-elemental signatures, the leave-one-out reclassification reassigned the individuals to their areas of origin with a high accuracy (100%, 93% and 87% for RJ, SC and RS, respectively). The results indicate a spatial isolation for the RJ individuals and some degree of intermixing between SC and RS. The data suggest that these fishing grounds should be considered as two stocks (RJ and SC+RS) for fisheries management purposes, although the southern stock is not necessarily homogeneous.
Revista: Fisheries Research
JCR: 2.817
Referência bibliográfica: Schroeder, R., Schwingel, P. R., Pinto, E., Almeida, A., & Correia, A. T. (2022). Stock structure of the Brazilian sardine Sardinella brasiliensis from Southwest Atlantic Ocean inferred from otolith elemental signatures. Fisheries Research, 248, 106192. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2021.106192
Knowledge about trace elements has evolved remarkably in recent decades, both in terms of their metabolism and their functions. Acting mainly as cofactors of enzymatic systems, several trace elements play an essential role in numerous physiological processes in the human organism, from cell metabolism to the immune response and gene expression, among others. On the other hand, it is also well known that excessive exposure to trace elements can be highly harmful and even fatal.
Título: Trace Elements as Contaminants and Nutrients
Revista: Foods
JCR: 5.561
Referência bibliográfica: Couto, C., Pinto, E., & Almeida, A. (2022). Trace Elements as Contaminants and Nutrients. Foods, 11(9), 1337. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11091337
The mineral contents and volatile profiles of 23 sweet cherry cultivars were determined. A total of 27 minerals were determined by ICP-MS and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, including 12 essential and 15 non- essential elements. K was the most abundant in all cultivars, while Tl was the one found in the smallest amounts. A total of 66 volatiles were identified using SPME/GC–MS, including 16 aldehydes, 23 alcohols, 6 ketones, 6 esters, 8 monoterpenes, 3 norisoprenoids, 2 hydrocarbons and 2 acids. Benzaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, benzyl alcohol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, linalool, α-terpineol and α-ionone were the major ones. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among the cultivars, which influenced nutritional potential and aroma. Cherries from Fund ̃ao region contain high concentrations of phytochemicals and nutritional components. 4-84, Burlat and Celeste might be considered some of the most interesting cultivars, since they are rich in essential minerals and present high diversity in volatiles.
Revista: Food Chemistry
JCR: 9.231
Referência bibliográfica: Gonçalves, A. C., Campos, G., Pinto, E., Oliveira, A. S., Almeida, A., de Pinho, P. G., Alves, G., & Silva, L. R. (2022). Essential and non-essential elements, and volatile organic compounds for the discrimination of twenty-three sweet cherry cultivars from Fundão, Portugal. Food Chemistry, 367, 130503. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130503
The influence of drying (sun-drying and shade-drying) on the elemental composition of two brown seaweeds (Treptacantha abies-marina, Cystoseira humilis) and two red seaweed species (Asparagopsis armata and Asparagopsis taxiformis) harvested in the Faial Island (Azores Islands, Portugal) was assessed. The contents of sixteen nutritionally and toxicologically relevant elements were determined: sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), bromine (Br), cadmium (Cd), iodine (I), and lead (Pb). While the most abundant macroelement in T. abies-marina and C. humilis was K (64.1–71.0 g kg−1 dw), for both Asparagopsis species, this position was held by Na (85.6–115.3 g kg−1 dw). Iodine content did not surpass 0.1 g kg−1 dw in the brown seaweeds and varied between 4.6 and 5.7 g kg−1 dw in Asparagopsis species. The I Dietary Reference Intake may be ensured by less than 1 g of dried A. armata or A. taxiformis per week. For T. abies-marina and C. humilis, 10.5 g or more of dried seaweed per week may be required. However, excessive I can be a health risk: 1–2 g of dried A. armata or A. taxiformis per week may result in I-related health risks. Moreover, there are As-related health risks for the consumption of C. humilis and, especially, T. abies-marina. The type of drying did not show a clear efect upon the elemental composition.
Título: The effect of drying process on undervalued brown and red seaweed species: elemental composition
Revista: Journal of Applied Phycology
JCR: 3.404
Referência bibliográfica: Afonso, C., Julião, D. R., Pinto, E., Almeida, A., Ferreira, I. M. P. L. V. O., Bandarra, N. M., & Cardoso, C. (2022). The effect of drying process on undervalued brown and red seaweed species: elemental composition. Journal of Applied Phycology, 34(3), 1749-1761. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-022-02741-y
In this study, otolith geochemical signatures (Element:Ca ratios) were used to investigate the long-term spatial shifts of the population structure of Isopisthus parvipinnis, Bigtooth corvina, an economically and ecologically important Brazilian fish species. Two-hundred and ninety-seven juvenile individuals from historical (1975) and contemporary (2018/2019) samples were collected in five subareas [São Paulo: North—NSP, Center—CSP and South—SSP; Paraná (PR) and Santa Catarina (SC)] of the shallow waters off the coast of the South Brazil Bight were analyzed. The main informative single elements were Co:Ca, Cu:Ca, Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Ni:Ca, Na:Ca, and Rb:Ca. Multivariate analysis showed spatial differences in otolith chemical composition over the years. Samples from 1975 presented an overall low reclassification rate (58%), suggesting the existence of two population units: (1) SP + PR; and (2) SC. However, samples from 2018/2019 discriminated four distinct population units with a good overall reclassification (80%): (1) NSP; (2) CSP; (3) SSP + PR;and (4) SC. This spatial differentiation on the geochemical signatures probably reflects the effects of long-term temporal variability in oceanographic conditions, anthropogenic influence, and climate change on this coastal ecosystem. The data also corroborate and refines the population structure scenario of I. parvipinnis recently described using complementary phenotypic tags.
Revista: Biology
JCR: 5.168
Referência bibliográfica: Hoff, N. T., Dias, J. F., Pinto, E., Almeida, A., Schroeder, R., & Correia, A. T. (2022). Past and Contemporaneous Otolith Fingerprints Reveal Potential Anthropogenic Interferences and Allows Refinement of the Population Structure of Isopisthus parvipinnis in the South Brazil Bight. Biology, 11(7), 1005. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11071005
One of the long-term rehabilitation goals in stroke survivors is to achieve the best health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study analyzes the evolution of HRQoL one-year post-stroke to establish the main pre-stroke, clinical, health care and rehabilitation predictors. This study uses patient-level data from a one-year single-center prospective cohort study of first stroke patients, assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. A generalized linear model with a linear response determined independent predictors of HRQol with EQ-5D-3L and SF-6D. The model included age, gender, scholarity, monthly income, residence, occupation, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), length of stay, door-to-neurological examination time, access, frequency, and satisfaction with rehabilitation care. A total of 391 acute stroke patients, with a mean disability of 3.7 and severity of 11.7 participated. A decline of HRQoL was observed from baseline to the first three months in both indexes, with an increase in HRQoL at 3 months until 12 months. Scores were significantly lower compared to corresponding population norms throughout follow-up, mostly affected by stroke severity, disability, rehabilitation access and frequency. Higher HRQoL was associated with lower mRS, NIHSS, age, length of stay, and with higher BI, MMSE, scholarity, occupation, and rehabilitation care. Clinical measures and rehabilitation care were the strongest HRQoL predictors of stroke survivors regardless of severity levels. These findings may contribute to the development of future health policies that focus on post-stroke recovery.
Revista: The Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases
JCR: 2.677
Referência bibliográfica: Barbosa, P. M., Ferreira, L. N., Cruz, V. T., Silva, A., & Szrek, H. (2022). Healthcare, Clinical Factors and Rehabilitation Predicting Quality of Life in First-time Stroke Patients: A 12-month Longitudinal Study. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 31(4), 106300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106300
The epidemiological demands of aging point to the need for characterizing older adults regarding health and disability. This systematic review aims to summarize the indicators (instruments) identifying different components of disability as a result of aging exposition in community-dwelling older adults, considering the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework. Taking the PRISMA 2020 recommendations as a reference, studies with community-dwelling older adults, reporting the development and/or age disability modifications were included. Two reviewers analyzed the observational studies searched in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Of the 137 potentially eligible studies, 49 were included in this review. Several indicators (instruments) demonstrated older adults’ disabilities according to the different domains of the ICF. Objective measures assessed Body Structures, Body Functions, and Environmental Factors and included handgrip strength (dynamometry, n = 8), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State examination, n = 7), gait speed (walk test, n = 6), and endurance (Chair stand-test, n = 4). Self-reported measures assessed Activities and Participation, but not the Body Structures, and included the basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (the Katz Index of ADL, n = 4 studies, the Lawton and Brody Instrumental ADL, n = 4 studies). The summary of the measures gathered can guide researchers and health professionals to select indicators (instruments) to assess and monitor older adults’ disabilities resulting from aging exposition, to support the development of new wearables, and to provide improvements to the existing ones, allowing the tailored assessment of different health and disability dimensions.
Revista: Sensors
JCR: 3.847
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, J. S., Melo, A., Santos, R., & Sousa, A. S. P. (2022). Indicators and Instruments to Assess Components of Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Sensors, 22(21), 8270. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22218270
Lisbon has about 500,000 inhabitants and it’s the capital and the main economic hub of Portugal. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to Particulate Matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) have strong association with health effects. Researchers continue to identify new harmful air pollutants effects in our health even in low levels. This study evaluates air pollution scenarios considering a Health Impact Assessment approach in Lisbon, Portugal. Methods: We have studied abatement scenarios of PM2.5 concentrations and the health effects in the period from 2015 to 2017 using the APHEKOM tool and the associated health costs were assessed by Value of Life Year. Results: The mean concentration of PM2.5 in Lisbon was 23 μg/ m3 ± 10 μg/m3 (±Standard Deviation). If we consider that World Health Organization (WHO) standards of PM2.5 (10 μg/m3) were reached, Lisbon would avoid more than 423 premature deaths (equivalent to 9,172 life years’ gain) and save more than US$45 million annually. If Lisbon city could even diminish the mean of PM2.5 by 5 μg/m3 , nearly 165 deaths would be avoided, resulting in a gain of US$17 million annually. Conclusion: According to our findings, if considered the worst pollution scenario, levels of PM2.5 could improve the life’s quality and save a significant amount of economic resources. The manuscript addresses the health effects and costs of air pollution and constitutes an important target for improving public policies on air pollutants in Portugal. Although Portugal has low levels of air pollution, there are significant health and economic effects that, for the most part, are underreported. The health impact assessment approach associated with costs had not yet been addressed in Portugal, which makes this study more relevant in the analysis of policies aimed to drive stricter control on pollutants’ emissions. Health costs are a fundamental element to support decision-making process and to orientate the trade-offs in investments for improving public policies so that to diminish health effects, which can impact the management of the local health services and the population’s quality of life, especially after the pandemic period when resources are scarce.
Título: Health impact assessment of air pollution in Lisbon, Portugal
Revista: Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association
JCR: 2.636
Referência bibliográfica: Abe, K. C., Rodrigues, M. A., & Miraglia, S. G. E. K. (2022). Health impact assessment of air pollution in Lisbon, Portugal. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 72(11), 1307–1315. https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2022.2118192
Step tests are important in community- and home-based rehabilitation programs to assess patients’ exercise capacity. A new incremental step test was developed for this purpose, but its clinical interpretability is currently limited. This study aimed to establish a reference equation for this new incremental step test (IST) for the Portuguese adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on people without disabilities. Sociodemographic (age and sex), anthropometric (weight, height, and body mass index), smoking status, and physical activity (using the brief physical activity assessment tool) data were collected. Participants performed two repetitions of the IST and the best test was used to establish the reference equation with a forward stepwise multiple regression. An analysis comparing the results from the reference equation with the actual values was conducted with the Wilcoxon test. A total of 155 adult volunteers were recruited (60.6% female, 47.8 ± 19.7 years), and the reference equation was as follows: steps in IST = 475.52 − (4.68 × age years) + (30.5 × sex), where male = 1 and female = 0, and r2 = 60%. No significant differences were observed between the values performed and those obtained by the equation (p = 0.984). The established equation demonstrated that age and sex were the determinant variables for the variability of the results.
Revista: Journal of Clinical Medicine
JCR: 4.964
Referência bibliográfica: Vilarinho, R., Toledo, A., Silva, C., Melo, F., Tomaz, L., Martins, L., Gonçalves, T., Melo, C., Caneiras, C., & Montes, A. M. (2022). Reference Equation of a New Incremental Step Test to Assess Exercise Capacity in the Portuguese Adult Population. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(1), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010271
Computer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health. This review demonstrates the important role of workplaces in health promotion and the opportunities that workplaces provide to establish and continue successful health-promotion programs for computer workers, generating important benefits for the health and quality of life of individuals and groups.
Revista: Healthcare
JCR: 3.160
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Santos, P. C., Ferreira, M. S., Gonçalves, C., & Machado, J. (2022). Occupational Health: Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Computer Workers: A Narrative Review. Healthcare, 10(12), 2457. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122457
Stroke leads to significant impairment in upper limb (UL) function. The goal of rehabilitation is the reestablishment of pre-stroke motor stroke skills by stimulating neuroplasticity. Among several rehabilitation approaches, functional electrical stimulation (FES) is highlighted in stroke rehabilitation guidelines as a supplementary therapy alongside the standard care modalities. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive review regarding the usability of FES in post-stroke UL rehabilitation. Specifically, the factors related to UL rehabilitation that should be considered in FES usability, as well a critical review of the outcomes used to assess FES usability, are presented. This review reinforces the FES as a promising tool to induce neuroplastic modifications in post-stroke rehabilitation by enabling the possibility of delivering intensive periods of treatment with comparatively less demand on human resources. However, the lack of studies evaluating FES usability through motor control outcomes, specifically movement quality indicators, combined with user satisfaction limits the definition of FES optimal therapeutical window for different UL functional tasks. FES systems capable of integrating postural control muscles involving other anatomic regions, such as the trunk, during reaching tasks are required to improve UL function in post-stroke patients.
Revista: Sensors
JCR: 3.847
Referência bibliográfica: Sousa, A. S. P., Moreira, J., Silva, C., Mesquita, I., Macedo, R., Silva, A., & Santos, R. (2022). Usability of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients: A Narrative Review. Sensors, 22(4), 1409. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/4/1409
High levels of abdominal adiposity mean higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Aerobic exercise per si reduces the risk of developing this type of diseases. Radiofrequency and shockwave therapy showed to be effective in the reduction of localized abdominal fat. Randomized clinical trial, with 30 volunteers in fertile age with overweight and/or obese, randomly and equitably allocated in two experimental groups (1—shockwave therapy and 2—radiofrequency) and one control group. Aerobic physical exercise was prescribed to all groups. The values of anthropometric measurements were measured in two moments. The intervention protocol was performed in a clinic for six weeks, with one session per week. The ANOVA test, paired samples t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the results, for a significance level of 0.05. Of 28 participants completed the study. There were significant differences in waist circumference reduction between the experimental group 1 and 2 when compared to the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.014, respectively). There was a statistically significant reduction in navel level circumference in experimental group 1 when compared to experimental group 2 (p = 0.024) and with the control group (p = 0.016). Both resources were effective in reducing abdominal measurements when compared to the control group. However, SWT was superior in reducing the navel level circumference.
Revista: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
JCR: 2.189
Referência bibliográfica: Fontes, A.R., Martins, A.S.D.M., Costa, B.S.P.D., Noites, A., Marques, L. Comparison of the effects of shock waves versus radiofrequency on abdominal lipolysis: A randomized clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022; 21: 3821– 3831. doi:10.1111/jocd.14690
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an emerging treatment for people diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the limited accessibility of psychotherapies. This research aims to determine the guidelines for developing a Virtual Reality–War Scenario program for Armed Forces veterans with PTSD and encompasses two studies: Study 1, a systematic electronic database review; Study 2, a focus group of twenty-two Portuguese Armed Forces veterans. Results showed a positive impact of VRET on PTSD; however, there were no group differences in most of the studies. Further, according to veterans, new VRET programs should be combined with the traditional therapy and must consider as requirements the sense of presence, dynamic scenarios, realistic feeling, and multisensorial experience. Regardless, these findings suggest VRET as a co-creation process, which requires more controlled, personalized, and in-depth research on its clinical applicability.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614
Referência bibliográfica: Vianez, A., Marques, A., & Simões de Almeida, R. (2022). Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Armed Forces Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Focus Group. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(1), 464. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/1/464
Cancer is one of the major causes of death universally. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are associated with severe side effects which limit their general acceptability and leads to a search for alternative efficient and safe options. Plants have been used for centuries as medicinal agents in the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Dandelion is a plant of the genus Taraxacum and a member of the Asteraceae family with worldwide distribution. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders, such as gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, dyspepsia, Diabetes mellitus, pneumonia and cancer. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the main biologically active compounds of dandelion, gathering and describing the information about its anticancer activity. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the cytotoxic ability of Taraxacum species, which can be possibly explained by the complexity and diversity of its phytochemical profile. Therefore, dandelion may have the potential to become an effective chemotherapeutic agent despite the need for further studies.
Título: Taraxacum spp. in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity – A review
Revista: Journal of Herbal Medicine
JCR: 2.542
Referência bibliográfica: Oliveira, Ana Isabel, Pinho, Cláudia, Vieira, Filipa Quintela, Silva, Regina, & Cruz, A. (2022, dezembro). Taraxacum spp. In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity – A review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100612
Caregivers frequently assume the role of surrogate decision-makers but often are unable to accurately predict patients’ preferences. This trial aims to find if the use of the Advance Directives documents as a communication tool, improves the agreement between patients and caregivers. This trial occurred in a palliative care service of a Portuguese hospital center. A prospective, single-blinded, controlled, randomized trial, enrolling patients and caregivers as a dyad was conducted. Participants individually fulfilled an Advance Directive document, in which patients reported their end-of-life preferences and caregivers reported their decisions as patients’ health surrogates. Dyads were randomly assigned to the Intervention or the Control group, in which the physician respectively promoted an open discussion about patients’ Advance Directives or evaluated patients’ clinical condition. Caregivers’ Advance Directives as surrogates were collected one month later. Proportions of agreement and Cohen’s κ were used to access agreement and reliability, respectively, between the dyads. Results from 58 dyads were analyzed. We observed an improvement in agreement between the caregivers’ answers and the patients’ wishes on two-thirds (8/12) of the answers, in the Intervention group, contrasting to one-quarter (3/12) of the answers, in the Control group, despite statistical significance in differences wasn´t obtained. Although not reaching statistical significance, the results suggest that discussions of advance directives with physicians may lead to better prepared surrogates.
Revista: BMC Palliative Care
JCR: 3.113
Referência bibliográfica: Martins, C. S., Sousa, I., Barros, C., Pires, A., Castro, L., da Costa Santos, C., & Nunes, R. (2022). Do surrogates predict patient preferences more accurately after a physician-led discussion about advance directives? A randomized controlled trial. BMC Palliative Care, 21(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01013-3
Following our previous reports on dual-action antibacterial and collagenesis-inducing hybrid peptide constructs based on “pentapeptide-4” (PP4, with amino acid sequence KTTKS), whose N-palmitoyl derivative is the well-known cosmeceutical ingredient Matrixyl, herein we disclose novel ionic liquid/PP4 conjugates (IL-KTTKS). These conjugates present potent activity against either antibiotic-susceptible strains or multidrug resistant clinical isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species belonging to the so-called “ESKAPE” group of pathogens. Noteworthy, their antibacterial activity is preserved in simulated wound fluid, which anticipates an effective action in the setting of a real wound bed. Moreover, their collagenesis-inducing effects in vitro are comparable to or stronger than those of Matrixyl. Altogether, IL-KTTKS exert a triple antibacterial, antifungal, and collagenesis-inducing action in vitro. These findings provide solid grounds for us to advance IL-KTTKS conjugates as promising leads for future development of topical treatments for complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI). Further studies are envisaged to incorporate IL-conjugates into suitable nanoformulations, to reduce toxicity and/or improve resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Revista: Microbiology Spectrum
JCR: 9.043
Referência bibliográfica: Gomes, A., Bessa, L. J., Fernandes, I., Aguiar, L., Ferraz, R., Monteiro, C., Martins, M. C. L., Mateus, N., Gameiro, P., Teixeira, C., & Gomes, P. (2022). Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities. Microbiology Spectrum, 10(4), e02291-02221. https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/spectrum.02291-21
The aim of this study was to explore the relation between retinal neurodegenerative changes and vessel closure (VC) in individuals with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in a follow-up period of 3 years. This is a 3-year prospective longitudinal study with four annual visits. Participants: This study involved 74 individuals with type 2 diabetes, NPDR, and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grades from 10 to 47, one eye/person. An age-matched healthy control population of 84 eyes was used as control group. Participants were annually examined by color fundus photography, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA). VC was assessed by OCTA vessel density maps. SD-OCT segmentations were performed to access central retinal thickness (CRT) and retinal neurodegeneration considered as thinning of the ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL). Results: Type 2 diabetic individuals presented significantly higher CRT (p = 0.001), GCL + IPL thinning (p = 0.042), and decreased vessel density at the superficial capillary plexus (p < 0.001) and full retina (FR) (p = 0.001). When looking at changes occurring over the 3-year period of follow-up (Table 2), there were statistically significant decreases in GCL + IPL thickness (−0.438 μm/year; p = 0.038), foveal avascular zone circularity (−0.009; p = 0.047), and vessel density in superficial capillary plexus (−0.172 mm−1/year; p < 0.001), deep capillary plexus (DCP) (−0.350 mm−1/year; p < 0.001), and FR (−0.182 mm−1/year; p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was identified between GCL + IPL thinning and decrease in DCP vessel density (β = 0.196 [95% confidence interval: 0.037, 0.355], z = 2.410, p = 0.016), after controlling for age, gender, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c level, and CRT. Retinal neurodegenerative changes show a steady progression during a 3-year period of follow-up in eyes with NPDR and appear to be directly associated with progression in decreased vessel density including vascular closure through preferential involvement of the DCP. Our findings provide evidence that retinal neuropathy is linked with microvascular changes occurring in diabetic patients.
Revista: Ophthalmologica: The European Retina Journal
JCR: 3.757
Referência bibliográfica: Marques, I. P., Ferreira, S., Santos, T., Madeira, M. H., Santos, A. R., Mendes, L., Lobo, C., & Cunha-Vaz, J. (2022). Association between Neurodegeneration and Macular Perfusion in the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Ophthalmologica, 245(4), 335–341. https://doi.org/10.1159/000522527
Genetic alterations influence the malignant potential of cancer cells, and so does thetumor microenvironment. Herein, we combined the study of KRAS oncogenic effectsin colorectal cancer cells with the influence of fibroblast-derived factors. Resultsrevealed that mutant KRAS regulates cell fate through both autonomous and nonau-tonomous signaling mechanisms. Specifically, processes such as proliferation andcell-cell aggregation were autonomously controlled by mutant KRAS independentlyof the stimulation with fibroblasts conditioned media. However, cancer cell invasionrevealed to be a KRAS-dependent nonautonomous effect, resulting from the cooper-ation between fibroblast-derived HGF and mutant KRAS regulation of C-METexpression. C-MET downregulation upon KRAS silencing rendered cells less respon-sive to HGF and thus less invasive. Yet, in one cell line, KRAS inhibition triggeredinvasion upon stimulation with fibroblasts conditioned media. Inhibition of PIK3CAoncogene did not promote invasion, thus showing a KRAS-specific effect. Moreover,the invasive capacity also depended on the HGF-C-MET axis. Overall, our studyawards oncogenic KRAS an important role in modulating the response to fibroblast-secreted factors either by promoting or impairing invasion, and depicts the HGF-C-MET axis as a putative therapeutic target to impair the invasive properties of mutantKRAS cancer cells.
Revista: International Journal of Cancer
JCR: 7.316
Referência bibliográfica: Dias Carvalho, P., Martins, F., Mendonça, S., et al. Mutant KRAS modulates colorectal cancer cells invasive response to fibroblast-secreted factors through the HGF/C-MET axis. Int J Cancer. 2022; 151( 10): 1810- 1823. doi:10.1002/ijc.34225
The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) assessing the control of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) at a 4 week interval. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of CARAT. Following PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines, we searched five bibliographic databases and retrieved studies concerning the development, assessment of properties, validation, and/or cultural adaption of CARAT. The studies' methodological quality, the quality of measurement properties, and the overall quality of evidence were assessed. We performed meta-analysis of CARAT measurement properties. We included 16 studies. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test displayed sufficient content validity and very good consistency (meta-analytical Cronbach alpha = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80–0.86;I2 = 62.6%). Control of allergic rhinitis and Asthma Test meta-analytical intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.64–0.98;I2 = 93.7%). It presented good construct validity, especially for correlations with Patient-reported outcome measures assessing asthma (absolute Spearman correlation coefficients range = 0.67–0.73; moderate quality of evidence), and good responsiveness. Its minimal important difference is 3.5. Overall, CARAT has good internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness, despite the heterogeneous quality of evidence. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test can be used to assess the control of asthma and AR. As first of its kind, this meta-analysis of CARAT measurement properties sets a stronger level of evidence for asthma and/or AR control questionnaires.
Revista: Clinical and Translational Allergy
JCR: 5.657
Referência bibliográfica: Vieira, R. J., Sousa-Pinto, B., Cardoso-Fernandes, A., Jácome, C., Portela, D., Amaral, R., Sá-Sousa, A., Pereira, A. M., Bousquet, J., & Fonseca, J. A. (2022). Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test: A systematic review of measurement properties and COSMIN analysis. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 12(9), e12194. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12194
Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility. Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified. Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed.
Revista: Clinical Practice
JCR: 2.446
Referência bibliográfica: Santiago, R. J., Esteves, J. E., Baptista, J. S., Magalhães, A., & Costa, J. T. (2022). Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 46, 101507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507
Nature-based and sustainably sourced cosmetics have been dominating the area of skincare products worldwide. Due to their antioxidant and antiaging properties, compounds from cyanobacteria, such as carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, may replace synthetic ingredients in cosmetic formulations and may be used in products such as sunscreens, skincare creams, and makeup. In this study, we evaluated the potential of acetonic and aqueous extracts from cyanobacteria strains of the genera Cyanobium and Leptothoe and from strains within Synechococcales and Oscillatoriales orders, for use in cosmetics. Extractions were sequentially performed with acetone and water. Extracts were firstly analyzed for their toxicity to keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells (HaCAT, 3T3L1 and hCMEC/D3, respectively). The non-cytotoxic extracts were characterized in terms of total proteins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, phenols, phycobiliproteins, and analyzed for their antioxidant potential against the superoxide anion radical (O2 •−), and for their ability to inhibit key enzymes associated with the skin aging process. Aqueous extracts were richer in total proteins and phycobiliproteins. The aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 showed the highest value for total proteins (760.81 and 695.25 µg BSA mL−1 dry extract, respectively) and the best values regarding O2 •− scavenging (IC50 = 63.24 and 112.18 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively) with a significant negative correlation observed (p < 0.01). Moreover, aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 inhibited hyaluronidase, (IC50 of 483.86 and 645.06 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively), with a significant negative correlation with total proteins (p < 0.05), pointing out the contribution of these compounds to the biological activities observed. Acetonic extracts were richer in carotenoids and phenols. Zeaxanthin and β-carotene were predominant among all strains, being present in higher amount in Cyanobium sp. LEGE 07175 (53.08 µg mg−1 ) and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 (47.89 µg mg−1 ), respectively. The same strains also showed the highest values for collagenase inhibition at 750 µg mL−1 dry extract (32.88 and 36.61%, respectively). Furthermore, Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 exhibited the lowest IC50 value for tyrosinase inhibition (465.92 µg mL−1 dry extract) and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 presented the best values for elastase inhibition (IC50 of 380.50 and IC25 of 51.43 µg mL−1 dry extract). In general, cyanobacteria extracts demonstrated potential for being used for antiaging purposes, with aqueous extracts being more efficient at free radicals scavenging and acetonic ones at avoiding degradation of dermal matrix components.
Revista: Marine Drugs
JCR: 6.085
Referência bibliográfica: Morone, J., Lopes, G., Morais, J., Neves, J., Vasconcelos, V., & Martins, R. (2022). Cosmetic Application of Cyanobacteria Extracts with a Sustainable Vision to Skincare: Role in the Antioxidant and Antiaging Process. Marine Drugs, 20(12), 761. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/20/12/761
Digital media use is prevalent among children and linked to potential developmental and health risks, but validated measures of children's digital media use are lacking. The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the ScreenQ with three distinct children's age groups. Parents of children living in Portugal completed an online survey including the 16-item version of the ScreenQ and items related to home activities and digital media use. A combination of classical and modern theory (Rasch) methods was used for analysis. A total of 549 mothers and 51 fathers of 325 girls and 322 boys from 6 months to 9 years and 11 months old responded to the survey. Point-measure correlations were all positive and endorsement of item values were within acceptable ranges. Cronbach's coefficient α was acceptable for a new measure, and test-retest reliability was high. Statistically significant correlations were found between ScreenQ total scores and relevant demographic, play-related, parenting and digital media use items. The Portuguese version of the ScreenQ exhibited sound psychometric properties, including internal consistency and concurrent validity referenced to external items. Higher ScreenQ scores were correlated with higher digital media multitasking, lower parent-child interaction, and higher concerns regarding child's learning and behaviour.
Título: Psychometric properties of the ScreenQ for measuring digital media use in Portuguese young children
Revista: Acta Paediatrica
JCR: 4.056
Referência bibliográfica: Monteiro, R., Fernandes, S., Hutton, J. S., Huang, G., Ittenbach, R. F., & Rocha, N. B. (2022). Psychometric properties of the ScreenQ for measuring digital media use in Portuguese young children. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992), 111(10), 1950–1955. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16439
Despite the primary function of pioglitazone in antidiabetic treatment, this drug is a potent inducer of PPAR-γ, a crucial receptor that is involved in adipocyte differentiation. In this work, we propose an optimized methodology to enhance the differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes. This process is crucial for adipocyte secretome release, which is fundamental for understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in obesity for in vitro studies. To achieve this, a pioglitazone dose-response assay was determined over a range varying from 0 to 10 µM. Lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil-Red-O. The results showed that 10 µM pioglitazone enhanced differentiation and increased secretome production. This secretome was then added into two cell lines: PC3 and RAW264.7. In the PC3 cells, an increase of aggressiveness was observed in terms of viability and proliferation, with the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, in RAW264.7 cells, a reduction of viability and proliferation was observed, with a decrease in the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the present work constitutes an improved method for adipocyte secretome production that is suitable for experimental biology studies and that could help with our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adiposity influence in other cells.
Revista: Biology
JCR: 5.168
Referência bibliográfica: Teixeira, C., Sousa, A. P., Santos, I., Rocha, A. C., Alencastre, I., Pereira, A. C., Martins-Mendes, D., Barata, P., Baylina, P., & Fernandes, R. (2022). Enhanced 3T3-L1 Differentiation into Adipocytes by Pioglitazone Pharmacological Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-Gamma (PPAR-γ). Biology, 11(6), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11060806
A voluntary online-based survey was distributed across Portugal between February and June 2020. The survey, composed of 52 questions and seven sections, was formally translated from English to Portuguese and adapted from the original version. Two pilot tests evaluated cultural adaptation and reproducibility. Adult, self-defined osteopaths working in Portugal were eligible. Recruitment of participants was performed through social media and an e-based campaign. A total of 222 osteopaths participated in the study, 143 were male (64%), aging between 30 and 39 years (42%), mainly working in Lisbon (30%). Most respondents had preliminary healthcare training (68%), mainly as massage therapists. The majority of respondents were self-employed (83%), owner of a clinic (55%) and working alone (59%). The median number of consultations per week was 21–25 and respondents scheduled 46–60 min for each consultation. The majority of patients seek care for lumbar (52%), cervical (38%) and upper spine (38%) complaints. Although most respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, they do not advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. This study represents the first nationwide document to determine osteopaths' characteristics in Portugal. The study results provide a basis for future surveys that will include cohorts with higher levels of education, as well as findings from other European countries.
Título: The Portuguese Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey
Revista: International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
JCR: 2000
Referência bibliográfica: Santiago, Rui José, Nunes, Alexandre, Esteves, José Eduardo, Carritelli, Francesco, Verbeeck, Johan, Lopes, Sónia, Paquete, Manuel, & Dun, Patrick van. (2022, abril 4). The Portuguese Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey. 43, 23–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2022.04.002
Currently, there is no known cure for neurodegenerative disease. However, the available therapies aim to manage some of the symptoms of the disease. Human neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of illnesses characterized by progressive loss of neuronal cells and nervous system dysfunction related to several mechanisms such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission dysfunction. Neuroprotective compounds are essential in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the neurodegeneration mechanisms and the compounds (proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polysaccharides, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, phenolic compounds, among others) present in seaweeds that have shown in vivo and in vitro neuroprotective activity. Additionally, it will cover the recent findings on the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds from macroalgae, with a focus on their biological potential and possible mechanism of action, including microbiota modulation. Furthermore, gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, and bioavailability will be discussed. Moreover, the clinical trials using seaweed-based drugs or extracts to treat neurodegenerative disorders will be presented, showing the real potential and limitations that a specific metabolite or extract may have as a new therapeutic agent considering the recent approval of a seaweed-based drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Revista: Marine Drugs
JCR: 6.085
Referência bibliográfica: Martins, B.; Vieira, M.; Delerue-Matos, C.; Grosso, C.; Soares, C. Biological Potential, Gastrointestinal Digestion, Absorption, and Bioavailability of Algae-Derived Compounds with Neuroprotective Activity: A Comprehensive Review. Mar. Drugs 2022, 20, 362. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20060362
Cryolipolysis is characterized by localized and controlled cooling of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, in a non-invasive way, causing a localized panniculitis, followed by adipocyte death by apoptosis and, consequently, a decrease in adipose tissue in the treated area. To evaluate the scientific evidence and methodological qualities about effects, adverse reactions, and level of satisfaction of cryolipolysis for the reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue. A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommendation. Searches were conducted in different databases. We included studies that used a randomized control and self-control design and were carried out in humans. Articles published in English and Portuguese were screened, with no time limit regarding the year of publication. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Rob2 scale. Of 381 articles, seven were considered eligible for inclusion. After applying the Cochrane Rob2 scale, five studies were included in the final sample. Most studies showed significant results for cryolipolysis in reducing localized fat. The incorporation of a dietary program into the treatment was shown to contribute to a significant improvement in the lipid profile and liver enzymes, which does not happen when cryolipolysis is applied in isolation. Rare adverse effects have been identified, but never persisting beyond a month. Cryolipolysis is an effective technique for reducing localized fat, safe, and well tolerated, with most participants satisfied at the end of the treatment. However, more randomized controlled studies should be carried out, since there is a limited number of articles with good methodological quality.
Título: Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review
Revista: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
JCR: 2.189
Referência bibliográfica: Resende, L., Noites, A., & Amorim, M. (2022). Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(10), 4122-4132. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15265
In African countries, cancer not only is a growing problem, but also a challenge because available funding and resources are limited. Therefore, African medicinal plants play a significant role in folk medicine and some of them are traditionally used for the treatment of cancer. The high mortality rate and adverse effects associated with cancer treatments have encouraged the search for novel plant-based drugs, thus, some African plants have been studied in recent years as a source of molecules with proven cytotoxicity. This review aims to discuss the cytotoxic activity, in vitro, of African plant crude extracts against cancer cell lines. For the period covered by this review (2017–2021) twenty-three articles were found and analyzed, which included a total of 105 plants, where the main cell lines used were those of breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MBA-231) and colorectal cancer (HCT-116 and Caco-2), which are among the most prevalent cancers in Africa. In these studies, the plant crude extracts were obtained using different solvents, such as ethanol, methanol, or water, with variable results and IC50 values ranging from <20 µg/mL to >200 µg/mL. Water is the preferred solvent for most healers in African countries, however, in some studies, the aqueous extracts were the least potent. Apoptosis and the induction of cell cycle arrest may explain the cytotoxic activity seen in many of the plant extracts studied. Considering that the criteria of cytotoxicity activity for the crude extracts, as established by the American National Cancer Institute (NCI), is an IC50 < 30 μg/mL, we conclude that many extracts from the African flora could be a promising source of cytotoxic agents.
Título: In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of African Plants: A Review
Revista: Molecules
JCR: 4.927
Referência bibliográfica: Canga, I.; Vita, P.; Oliveira, A.I.; Castro, M.Á.; Pinho, C. In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of African Plants: A Review. Molecules 2022, 27, 4989. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154989
This cross-sectional study aimed to explore specific online behaviours and their association with a range of underlying psychological and other behavioural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countries (Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Portugal, Japan, Hungary, and Brazil) participated in an international investigation involving 2223 participants (M = 33 years old; SD = 11), 70% of whom were females. Participants were surveyed for specific type of Internet use severity, appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and image and use of performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Results were compared cross-culturally. The mean time spent online was 5 h (SD = ±3) of daily browsing during the pandemic. The most commonly performed activities included social networking, streaming, and general surfing. A strong association between these online behaviours and appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and IPEDs use was found after adjustment for possible confounders, with higher scores being associated with specific online activities. Significant crosscultural differences also emerged in terms of the amount of time spent online during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614
Referência bibliográfica: Burkauskas, J., Fineberg, N. A., Ioannidis, K., Chamberlain, S. R., Bowden-Jones, H., Griskova-Bulanova, I., Pranckeviciene, A., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Barbosa, F., Simonato, P., De Luca, I., Mooney, R., Gómez-Martínez, M. Á., Demetrovics, Z., Ábel, K. E., Szabo, A., Fujiwara, H., Shibata, M., Melero-Ventola, A. R., Arroyo-Anlló, E. M., Santos-Labrador, R. M., Kobayashi, K., Di Carlo, F., Monteiro, C., Martinotti, G., & Corazza, O. (2022). Online Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Associations with Psychological Factors: An International Exploratory Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8823. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8823
Despite the use of digital communication technologies in neurocognitive rehabilitation has been widely used in face-to-face interventions, the difficulties of using ICT-based tools to provide rehabilitation services and the unfamiliarity of the neuropsychologists with internet interventions limited the use of these kinds of interventions in their clinical practices. The lockdown and mitigating measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, forced the use of at-distance and online interventions as a means to mitigate the impact of those measures on the mental health and rehabilitation processes of people with neurological disorders. Overall, little is known about the perspectives of patients with acquired neurological conditions about rehabilitation services delivered at distance. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to explore the perceptions that patients with neurological disorders have on at-distance online neurocognitive rehabilitation, namely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen patients with acquired neurological conditions attending an online neurocognitive rehabilitation program in a Portuguese rehabilitation center filled in an online questionnaire during the mandatory lockdown. The results of this study highlight the potential of delivering rehabilitation services at distance, presenting its advantages and limitations from patients’ perspectives, as well as suggestions for improving both neurorehabilitation processes and the online rehabilitation platform used.
Revista: Applied Neuropsychology: Adult
JCR: 2.050
Referência bibliográfica: Geraldo, A., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Guerreiro, S., Castro-Caldas, A., & Barbosa, F. (2022). At-distance neurocognitive rehabilitation during COVID-19 pandemic: A first glance of patients’ perspectives about the process and an online platform. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2022.2100993
Computer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. Aim: To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers’ perception of quality of life. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0—baseline and M1—final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme. Results: A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061). Conclusion: After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Clemente, F. M., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). Positive Effects of an Online Workplace Exercise Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life Perception in Computer Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 3142. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/5/3142
Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7311. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7311
Despite the acknowledgement that physical activity is beneficial during pregnancy and may result in positive health outcomes for the newborn child few studies have examined this issue. This research was deemed necessary with the primary objective of identifying possible associations between adherence to American College of Sports Medicine recommendations on neonatal outcome variables at birth. An observational, longitudinal and prospective study focused on a sample of 70 pregnant women (the power score achieved was estimated to be 0.3). Data was collected in three stages (1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy and 48 h after delivery). The variables analyzed included the physical activity measurement (with accelerometry), neonatal outcomes at birth and the mother's anxiety, dietary intake, anthropometric measures and socio-demographic and lifestyle. Results: 21.4% women were active according to physical activity recommendations. There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes at birth when comparing adherence to physical activity recommendations and the overall activity levels of the mothers. There were also no statistically significant differences in the birth weights of babies born to active and inactive mothers. Mother's anxiety level, weight gained and dietary intake were not statistically different according to compliance with physical activity behaviour or recommendations. There is no relationship between adherence to physical activity recommendations on neonatal outcome variables at birth. There were also no significant associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. There is a need to identify attitudes associated with negative physical activity behavior to reduce the incidence of comorbidities associated with sedentary lifestyles during pregnancy.
Título: Physical activity during pregnancy and its effects on neonatal outcomes
Revista: Placenta
JCR: 3.287
Referência bibliográfica: Santos, P. C., Leirós-Rodríguez, R., Abreu, S., Ferreira, M., Alves, O., & Mota, J. (2022). Physical activity during pregnancy and its effects on neonatal outcomes. Placenta, 128, 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2022.08.009
Virtual Reality (VR) has been identified as one of the most promising resources for developing empathy towards stigmatized groups as it allows individuals to experience a situation close to reality from another person’s perspective. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the impact on empathy, knowledge, and attitudes towards people with schizophrenia of a VR simulation that reproduces the experience of psychotic symptoms while performing a cognitive task compared with watching a 2D video and, thus, how these experiences could reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 102 higher education health students, distributed by the experimental and control groups. The impact of the program was measured by completing multiple questionnaires on levels of empathy, attitudes, and mental health knowledge. Both methods (VR and 2D video) were, to a certain extent, effective. However, VR was more effective at eliciting attitudes and knowledge change compared to the control group. These findings suggest that not only VR but also 2D videos could be interesting strategies to enhance empathy and improve attitudes towards people with schizophrenia in higher education health students.
Título: Impact of a virtual reality-based simulation on empathy and attitudes toward Schizophrenia
Revista: Frontiers in Psychology
JCR: 2.988
Referência bibliográfica:
Marques, A. J., Gomes Veloso, P., Araújo, M., de Almeida, R. S., Correia, A., Pereira, J., Queiros, C., Pimenta, R., Pereira, A. S., & Silva, C. F. (2022). Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia [Original Research]. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814984
The indigenous fruit Strychnos madagascariensis is usually processed to flour, called nfuma, being highly consumed during staple food shortage. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of nfuma and its nutrient adequacy. Flours from four districts of Mozambique were analyzed using AOAC methods for proximate composition, HPLC for sugar, amino acids (AA), vitamin E and carotenoids and ICP-MS and FAAS for minerals. The results showed that nfuma stands out for its high content of fat (26.3–27.8%), mainly oleic acid, fiber (>6%), vitamin E (6.7 to 8.0 mg/100 g) and carotenes (2.2 to 2.6 mg/100 g). The main amino acids of nfuma protein were Arg, Asp and Glu, and Lys was the limiting one. The mineral composition reveals K (~1200 to 1700 mg/100 g) as the main macromineral followed by Mg > Ca > Na. The main trace element was Mn (~4 mg/100 g) followed by Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Co. Aluminum (~3 mg/100 g) was the main non-essential element and Rb, Ni, Sr, Ba, V, Cd were also quantified. Assuming the daily consumption of 50 g, nfuma provides 82% of Vitamin A dietary reference value for toddlers, while the consumption of 100 g contributes to 132% and 60% of Mn and vitamin A DRV for adults, respectively. Despite the nutritional advantages of nfuma, this flour can be a source of Ni, highlighting the importance of the study of good practices in its preparation to decrease the exposure to non-essential elements.
Revista: Foods
JCR: 4.350
Referência bibliográfica: Chemane, S. S. I., Ribeiro, M., Pinto, E., Pinho, S. C. M., Martins, Z. S., Almeida, A., Ferreira, I. M. P. L. V. O., Khan, M., Pinho, O., Casal, S., & Viegas, O. (2022). Nutritional Characterization of Strychnos madagascariensis Fruit Flour Produced by Mozambican Communities and Evaluation of Its Contribution to Nutrient Adequacy. Foods, 11(4), 616. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/4/616
Microcurrent therapy can increase lipolytic activity. However, it is unknown if the increased availability of lipids can influence the selection of energy substrates during a single session of aerobic exercise. We aimed to analyze the effect of microcurrent application to the abdominal region in the consumption of lipids and carbohydrates, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a single session of moderate aerobic exercise in young adults. A pilot study was conducted in which participants were allocated to intervention (IG) or placebo (PG) groups. In both groups, 40 min of microcurrent application with two frequencies (25 and 10 Hz) followed by 50 min of moderateintensity aerobic exercise (45–55% of heart rate reserve) on a cycloergometer were performed. The microcurrent application was performed without intensity in the PG. A portable gas analyzer (K4b2 ) was used during exercise in both groups. Thirty-eight participants (20.6 ± 1.8 years; 18 in IG and 20 in PG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the consumption of substrates or RER between the groups during exercise (p > 0.05). Microcurrent application seems to be insufficient to influence the consumption of energy substrates and RER during a single session of aerobic exercise in young adults.
Revista: Healthcare
JCR: 2.645
Referência bibliográfica: Vilarinho, R., Faria, S. M., Monteiro, P. R. R., Melo, C., Santos, R., & Noites, A. (2022). Effects of Abdominal Microcurrent in the Consumption and Proportion of Energy Substrates during Aerobic Exercise: A Pilot Study. Healthcare, 10(5), 917. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/5/917
The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Portuguese version of the 11-item Brief Norwegian Safety Climate Inventory (Brief NORSCI) to Portuguese language and test its validity and reliability in a Portuguese LPG plant. The validity was assessed by an Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA). The test-retest reliability and internal consistency were determined by using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s Alpha, respectively. The Brief NORSCI was translated into the Portuguese language using a forward-backward translation design. The Portuguese version was then applied to a sample of 80 workers. After a 2-week period, workers were asked to fill out a second questionnaire to assess the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Brief NORSCI. In the test-retest, the ICC for the Brief NORSCI total score was moderate (0.70) and the Cronbach’s Alpha showed an acceptable internal consistency (a=0.80). In addition, from the EFA resulted three dimensions according to the theoretical assumptions. The Portuguese version of Brief NORSCI was found to be a valid and a reliable tool to assess safety climate.
Revista: Safety and Health at Work
JCR: 2.707
Referência bibliográfica: Monteiro, R., Silva, M. V., Arezes, P., & Rodrigues, M. A. (2022). Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Portuguese version of the Brief Norwegian Safety Climate Inventory (Brief NORSCI). Safety and Health at Work, 13, S333. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S2093-7911(22)00076-2
Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are likely to lower ocean pH values, after its dissolution in seawater. Additionally, pharmaceuticals drugs are environmental stressors due to their intrinsic properties and worldwide occurrence. It is thus of the utmost importance to assess the combined effects of pH decreases and pharmaceutical contamination, considering that their absorption (and effects) are likely to be strongly affected by changes in oceanic pH. To attain this goal, individuals of the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor were exposed to distinct pH levels (8.2, 7.9, and 7.6) and environmentally relevant concentrations of the acidic drug paracetamol (PAR: 0, 30, 60, and 120 µg/L). Biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities, as well as peroxidative damage (through thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) quantification), were quantified to serve as ecotoxicological endpoints. Data showed a general increase in CAT and a decrease in GST activities (with significant fluctuations according to the tested conditions of PAR and pH). These changes are likely to be associated with alterations of the redox cycle driven by PAR exposure. In addition, pH levels seemed to condition the toxicity caused by PAR, suggesting that the toxic effects of this drug were in some cases enhanced by more acidic conditions. An inhibition of AChE was observed in animals exposed to the highest concentration of PAR, regardless of the pH value. Moreover, no lipid peroxidation was observed in most individuals, although a significant increase in TBARS levels was observed for polychaetes exposed to the lowest pH. Finally, no alterations of COX activities were recorded on polychaetes exposed to PAR, regardless of the pH level. The obtained results suggest that seawater acidification is detrimental to marine wildlife, since it may enhance toxic effects caused by environmental realistic concentrations of acidic drugs, such as PAR. This work was crucial to evidence that ocean acidification, in the context of a global change scenario of increased levels of both atmospheric and oceanic CO2, is a key factor in understanding the putative enhanced toxicity of most pharmaceutical drugs that are of an acidic nature.
Revista: Biology
JCR: 5.079
Referência bibliográfica: Daniel, D., Nunes, B., Pinto, E., Ferreira, I. M. P. L. V. O., & Correia, A. T. (2022). Assessment of Paracetamol Toxic Effects under Varying Seawater pH Conditions on the Marine Polychaete Hediste diversicolor Using Biochemical Endpoints. Biology, 11(4), 581. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/4/581
Gender can affect the relationship between noise exposure and both cognitive function and comfort; however, evidence is still limited. This study aimed to examine the gender differences in cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses during exposure to noise under tasks with different workloads. Thirty-two participants (16 females and 16 males) with normal hearing and good general health were recruited. They were asked to perform the N-Back test at three levels of workload during exposure to four low-frequency noise conditions: 55, 65, 70, and 75 dB(A). The participants were also asked to judge noise-induced annoyance and subjective fatigue using visual analog scales at the end of each noise condition. The heart rate variability was also recorded using Nexus-4 device before and during each trial and the ratio of low to high frequency (LF/HF) power was analyzed. The results revealed that the females rated significantly higher levels of annoyance and fatigue than the males. The mean accuracy of the women in the level of 55 dB(A) with a medium workload was higher than that of the men, while in higher noise levels the men showed better performance. The response time to the stimulus was also lower in females at different noise levels and workloads. Furthermore, the findings showed that, with increasing noise level and workload, the LF/HF of the women was higher than that of the men Females and males indicated significant and different responses in exposure to different noise levels and workloads. Therefore, this study suggests that gender criteria should be taken into account particularly in the job selection, work content, and design of workplaces.
Revista: Applied Acoustics
JCR: 2.639
Referência bibliográfica: Abbasi, A. M., Darvishi, E., Rodrigues, M. A., & Sayehmiri, K. (2022). Gender differences in cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses during noise exposure and different workloads. Applied Acoustics, 189, 108602. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2021.108602
Several tools have been used to assess muscular stiffness. Myotonometry stands out as an accessible, handheld, and easy to use tool. The purpose of this review was to summarize the psychometric properties and methodological considerations of myotonometry and its applicability in assessing scapular muscles. Myotonometry seems to be a reliable method to assess several muscles stiffness, as trapezius. This method has been demonstrated fair to moderate correlation with passive stiffness measured by shear wave elastography for several muscles, as well as with level of muscle contraction, pinch and muscle strength, Action Research Arm Test score and muscle or subcutaneous thickness. Myotonometry can detect scapular muscles stiffness differences between pre- and post-intervention in painful conditions and, sometimes, between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.
Título: Scapular Dynamic Muscular Stiffness Assessed through Myotonometry: A Narrative Review
Revista: Sensors
JCR: 3.576
Referência bibliográfica: Melo, A. S. C., Cruz, E. B., Vilas-Boas, J. P., & Sousa, A. S. P. (2022). Scapular Dynamic Muscular Stiffness Assessed through Myotonometry: A Narrative Review. Sensors, 22(7), 2565. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/7/2565
Postural control mechanisms have a determinant role in reaching tasks and are typically impaired in post-stroke patients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been demonstrated to be a promising therapy for improving upper limb (UL) function. However, according to our knowledge, no study has evaluated FES infuence on postural control. This study aims to evaluate the infuence of FES UL assistance, during turning on the light task, in the related postural control mechanisms. An observational study involving ten post-stroke subjects with UL dysfunction was performed. Early and anticipatory postural adjustments (EPAs and APAs, respectively), the weight shift, the center of pressure and the center of mass (CoM) displacement were analyzed during the turning on the light task with and without the FES assistance. FES parameters were adjusted to improve UL function according to a consensus between physiotherapists’ and patients’ perspectives. The ANOVA repeated measures, Paired sample t and McNemar tests were used to compare postural control between the assisted and non-assisted conditions. When the task was assisted by FES, the number of participants that presented APAs increased (p= 0.031). UL FES assistance during turning on the light task can improve postural control in neurological patients with UL impairments.
Revista: Scientific Reports
JCR: 4.380
Referência bibliográfica: Sousa, A. S. P., Moreira, J., Silva, C., Mesquita, I., Silva, A., Macedo, R., & Santos, R. (2022). Postural control during turn on the light task assisted by functional electrical stimulation in post stroke subjects. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 6999. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10893-7
Large amounts of Prunus avium L. by-products result from sweet cherry production and processing. This work aimed to evaluate the mineral content and volatile profiling of the cherry stems, leaves, and flowers of the Saco cultivar collected from the Fundão region (Portugal). A total of 18 minerals were determined by ICP-MS, namely 8 essential and 10 non-essential elements. Phosphorus (P) was the most abundant mineral, while lithium (Li) was detected in trace amounts. Three different preparations were used in this work to determine volatiles: hydroethanolic extracts, crude extracts, and aqueous infusions. A total of 117 volatile compounds were identified using HS-SPME/GCMS, distributed among different chemical classes: 31 aldehydes, 14 alcohols, 16 ketones, 30 esters, 4 acids, 4 monoterpenes, 3 norisoprenoids, 4 hydrocarbons, 7 heterocyclics, 1 lactone, 1 phenol, and 2 phenylpropenes. Benzaldehyde, 4-methyl-benzaldehyde, hexanal, lilac aldehyde, and 6-methyl5-hepten-2-one were the major volatile compounds. Differences in the types of volatiles and their respective amounts in the different extracts were found. This is the first study that describes the mineral and volatile composition of Portuguese sweet cherry by-products, demonstrating that they could have great potential as nutraceutical ingredients and natural flavoring agents to be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
Revista: Foods
JCR: 4.350
Referência bibliográfica: Nunes, A. R., Gonçalves, A. C., Pinto, E., Amaro, F., Flores-Félix, J. D., Almeida, A., Guedes de Pinho, P., Falcão, A., Alves, G., & Silva, L. R. (2022). Mineral Content and Volatile Profiling of Prunus avium L. (Sweet Cherry) By-Products from Fundão Region (Portugal). Foods, 11(5), 751. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/5/751
To identify and summarize biomechanical assessment approaches in interlimb coordination on poststroke gait. Interlimb coordination involves complex neurophysiological mechanisms that can be expressed through the biomechanical output. The deepening of this concept would have a significant contribution in gait rehabilitation in patients with an asymmetric neurological impairment as poststroke adults. Poststroke adults (>19 years old), with assessment of interlimb coordination during gait, in an open context, according to the Population, Concept, Context framework. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science™, Scopus, and gray literature in Google Scholar™, according to the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Studies written in Portuguese or English language and published between database inception and 14 November 2021 were included. Qualitative studies, conference proceedings, letters, and editorials were excluded. The main conceptual categories were “author/year”, “study design”, “participant’s characteristics”, “walking conditions”, “instruments” and “outcomes”. The search identified 827 potentially relevant studies, with a remaining seven fulfilling the established criteria. Interlimb coordination was assessed during walking in treadmill (n = 3), overground (n = 3) and both (n = 1). The instruments used monitored electromyography (n = 2), kinetics (n = 2), and kinematics (n = 4) to assess spatiotemporal parameters (n = 4), joint kinematics (n = 2), anteroposterior ground reaction forces (n = 2), and electromyography root mean square (n = 2) outcomes. These outcomes were mostly used to analyze symmetry indices or ratios, to calculate propulsive impulse and external mechanical power produced on the CoM, as well as antagonist coactivation. Assessment of interlimb coordination during gait is important for consideration of natural auto-selected overground walking, using kinematic, kinetic, and EMG instruments. These allow for the collection of the main biomechanical outcomes that could contribute to improve better knowledge of interlimb coordination assessment in poststroke patients.
Revista: Sensors
JCR: 3.576
Referência bibliográfica: Couto, A. G. B., Vaz, M. A. P., Pinho, L., Félix, J., Silva, S., Silva, A., & Sousa, A. S. P. (2022). Methodological Considerations in Assessing Interlimb Coordination on Poststroke Gait: A Scoping Review of Biomechanical Approaches and Outcomes. Sensors, 22(5), 2010. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/5/2010
Medicinal plants are often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, although knowledge about their mode of action and the substances responsible for their antidiabetic potential is limited. It is well known that some trace elements play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin action. Thus, a particular trace elements profile could be associated with the antidiabetic properties observed for some medicinal plants. Methods: Infusions (n = 102) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 34) containing medicinal plants indicated for the treatment of diabetes (n = 16 different plant species) and infusions (n = 60) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 20) containing medicinal plants without such an indication (n = 7 different plant species) were analyzed by ICP-MS for their trace elements content. In both groups, results varied significantly between different medicinal plants and also between different origins (brands) of the same medicinal plant. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups were found for nine elements, including four trace elements related to glucose metabolism (Mn, B, V, and Se), but with lower median contents in the group of medicinal plants for diabetes. Except for some particular species (e.g., Myrtilli folium) in which the trace element Mn may play a role in its antidiabetic effect, globally, a direct association between the claimed antidiabetic properties and a specific trace element profile of the studied medicinal plants was not evident.
Revista: Foods
JCR: 4.350
Referência bibliográfica: Konieczynski, P., Gappa, M., Wesolowski, M., Pinto, E., & Almeida, A. (2022). Trace Elements in Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in the Treatment of Diabetes—Do They Have a Role in the Claimed Therapeutic Effect? Foods, 11(5), 667. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/5/667
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is currently one of the fastest growing health challenging, a non-communicable disease result of the XXI century lifestyle. Given its growing incidence and prevalence, it became increasingly imperative to develop new technologies and implement new biomarkers for early diagnosis in order to promote lifestyle changes and thus cause a setback of the disease. Promising biomarkers have been identified as predictive of T2D development; however, none of them have yet been implemented in clinical practice routine. Moreover, many prediabetic biomarkers can also represent potential therapeutical targets in disease management. Previous studies have identified the most popular biomarkers, which are being thoroughly investigated. However, there are some biomarkers with promising preliminary results with limited associated studies; hence there is still much to be understood about its mechanisms and associations in T2D pathophysiology. This work identifies and discusses the promising results of Galectin-3, Ophthalmate and Fetuin-A.
Título: Underestimated Prediabetic Biomarkers: Are We Blind to Their Strategy?
Revista: Frontiers in Endocrinology
JCR: 5.555
Referência bibliográfica: Luís, C., Soares, R., Baylina, P., & Fernandes, R. (2022). Underestimated Prediabetic Biomarkers: Are We Blind to Their Strategy? [Mini Review]. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.805837
Neuroprotection is a need that remains unmet in treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, despite decades of extensive research. To find new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell were obtained through subcritical water extraction applying a four-step temperature gradient. The fractions obtained were screened against brain enzymes involved in neurodegenerative etiology, namely in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, all contributing factors to the progression of neurodegeneration. Results showed no significant enzyme inhibition but strong radical scavenging activities, particularly in the fourth fraction, extracted at the highest temperature (250 °C), highlighting their ability to retard oxidative and nitrosative stresses. At higher temperatures, fractions were composed of phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, a combination that contributed to their antioxidant activity and, consequently, their neuroprotective properties. All fractions were evaluated for the presence of iodine, 14 organochlorine and 7 organophosphorus pesticides, and pharmaceuticals used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (14), psychiatric drugs (8), and metabolites (8). The fractions studied did not present any of the screened contaminants, and only fraction 1 of E. bicyclis should be used with caution due to iodine content.
Revista: Foods
JCR: 4.350
Referência bibliográfica: Gomes, I., Rodrigues, H., Rodrigues, C., Marques, M., Paíga, P., Paiva, A., Simões, P., Fernandes, V. C., Vieira, M., Delerue-Matos, C., Soares, C., & Grosso, C. (2022). Evaluation of the Biological Potential of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell Subcritical Water Extracts. Foods, 11(5), 746. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/5/746
Software solutions for stress detection have been emerging. Existing solutions still largely rely on supervised learning methods, requiring extremely large sets of labeled data for each situation. Stress assessment using video plethysmography is a recent method that needs further investigation. The room lighting conditions and the person’s movement have been identified as the main barriers to the software progression. Thus, it is necessary to build a laboratory pilot that will take into account these difficulties. We present an in-depth protocol on how to assess the reliability of a video facial recognition software on collecting physiological data (heart rate and blinking).
Revista: Safety and Health at Work
JCR: 2.707 (2020)
Referência bibliográfica: Ferreira, S., Rodrigues, M., Campos, C., & Rocha, N. (2022). An unobtrusive stress detection software: Protocol design to assess the reliability of video plethysmography. Safety and Health at Work, 13, S309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.1718
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments from many countries in the world implemented various restrictions to prevent the SARS-Cov-2 virus's spread, including social distancing measures, quarantine, in-home lockdown, and the closure of services and public spaces. This led to an in-creased use of social media platforms to make people feel more connected, but also to maintain physical activity while self-isolating. Concerns about physical appearance and the desire to keep or reach a muscular and toned ideal body, might have further reinforced the engagement in fitness-related social media activities, like sharing progresses in training achievements or following more fitness contents on popular profiles. To better understand the underlying relation among these factors, the present study investigates 729 responses to the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and their association to social media usage and compares the results cross-culturally in five countries (Spain, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Japan, and Hungary). Findings highlight significant differences between males and females, espe-cially in regard to the time spent online (U = 477.5, p = 0.036). Greater levels of appearance anxiety were associated with the exposure to fitness-related contents on social media. These results strongly confirm the previously highlighted association between fitspiration media and body image anxiety predominantly in females. Clinical implications and future considerations in terms of prevention and treatment in a situation of global emergency are also discussed.
Revista: Journal of Psychiatric Research
JCR: 4.791 (2020)
Referência bibliográfica: Cataldo, I., Burkauskas, J., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Simonato, P., De Luca, I., Gómez-Martínez, M. Á., Melero Ventola, A. R., Demetrovics, Z., Szabo, A., Ábel, K. E., Shibata, M., Kobayashi, K., Fujiwara, H., Arroyo-Anlló, E. M., Martinotti, G., Barbosa, F., Griskova-Bulanova, I., Pranckeviciene, A., Bowden-Jones, H., Esposito, G., & Corazza, O. (2022). An international cross-sectional investigation on social media, fitspiration content exposure, and related risks during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 148, 34-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.032
Neuroprotection is a need that remains unmet in treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, despite decades of extensive research. To find new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell were obtained through subcritical water extraction applying a four-step temperature gradient. The fractions obtained were screened against brain enzymes involved in neurodegenerative etiology, namely in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, all contributing factors to the progression of neurodegeneration. Results showed no significant enzyme inhibition but strong radical scavenging activities, particularly in the fourth fraction, extracted at the highest temperature (250 °C), highlighting their ability to retard oxidative and nitrosative stresses. At higher temperatures, fractions were composed of phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, a combination that contributed to their antioxidant activity and, consequently, their neuroprotective properties. All fractions were evaluated for the presence of iodine, 14 organochlorine and 7 organophosphorus pesticides,
and pharmaceuticals used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (14), psychiatric drugs (8), and metabolites (8). The fractions studied did not present any of the screened contaminants, and only fraction 1 of E. bicyclis should be used with caution due to iodine content.
JCR: 4.350 (2020)
Revista: Foods
Referência bibliográfica: Gomes, I., Rodrigues, H., Rodrigues, C., Marques, M., Paíga, P., Paiva, A., Simões, P., Fernandes, V. C., Vieira, M., Delerue-Matos, C., Soares, C., & Grosso, C. (2022). Evaluation of the Biological Potential of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell Subcritical Water Extracts. Foods, 11(5), 746. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/5/746
involved in alliance variations between dyads and over time. In this study, these findings are extended by examining therapist, client, and combined attachment dimensions as moderators of the association between ECE and working alliance. Forty-four assessments from the first 10 psychotherapy sessions of 12 independent dyads were examined. The ECE dimension of reflection/conjecture was positively associated with the alliance bond and total score in therapeutic dyads that differed more in attachment. Possible in-session dynamics at stake are discussed.
Título: Attachment Mismatches and Alliance: Through the Pitfalls of Mentalizing Countertransference
JCR: 1.481 (2020)
Revista: Psychoanalytic Psychology
Referência bibliográfica: Barreto, J. F., & Matos, P. M. (2022, May 5). Attachment Mismatches and Alliance: Through the Pitfalls of Mentalizing Countertransference. Psychoanalytic Psychology. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pap0000410
Cancer is one of the major causes of death universally. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are associated with severe side effects which limit their general acceptability and leads to a search for alternative efficient and safe options. Plants have been used for centuries as medicinal agents in the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Dandelion is a plant of the genus Taraxacum and a member of the Asteraceae family with worldwide distribution. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders, such as gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, dyspepsia, Diabetes mellitus, pneumonia and cancer. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the main biologically active compounds of dandelion, gathering and describing the information about its anticancer activity. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the cytotoxic ability of Taraxacum species, which can be possibly explained by the complexity and diversity of its phytochemical profile. Therefore, dandelion may have the potential to become an effective chemotherapeutic agent despite the need for further studies.
Título: “Taraxacum spp. in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity – A review”
Revista: Journal of Herbal Medicine
JCR: 2.542 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Oliveira, Ana Isabel, Pinho, Cláudia, Vieira, Filipa Quintela, Silva, Regina, & Cruz, A. (2022, dezembro). Taraxacum spp. In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity – A review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 1–8. 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100612
Caregivers frequently assume the role of surrogate decision-makers but often are unable to accurately predict patients’ preferences. This trial aims to find if the use of the Advance Directives documents as a communication tool, improves the agreement between patients and caregivers. This trial occurred in a palliative care service of a Portuguese hospital center. A prospective, single-blinded, controlled, randomized trial, enrolling patients and caregivers as a dyad was conducted. Participants individually fulfilled an Advance Directive document, in which patients reported their end-of-life preferences and caregivers reported their decisions as patients’ health surrogates. Dyads were randomly assigned to the Intervention or the Control group, in which the physician respectively promoted an open discussion about patients’ Advance Directives or evaluated patients’ clinical condition. Caregivers’ Advance Directives as surrogates were collected one month later. Proportions of agreement and Cohen’s κ were used to access agreement and reliability, respectively, between the dyads. Results from 58 dyads were analyzed. We observed an improvement in agreement between the caregivers’ answers and the patients’ wishes on two-thirds (8/12) of the answers, in the Intervention group, contrasting to one-quarter (3/12) of the answers, in the Control group, despite statistical significance in differences wasn´t obtained. Although not reaching statistical significance, the results suggest that discussions of advance directives with physicians may lead to better prepared surrogates.
Revista: BMC Palliative Care
JCR: 3.113 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Martins, C. S., Sousa, I., Barros, C., Pires, A., Castro, L., da Costa Santos, C., & Nunes, R. (2022). Do surrogates predict patient preferences more accurately after a physician-led discussion about advance directives? A randomized controlled trial. BMC Palliative Care, 21(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01013-3
Following our previous reports on dual-action antibacterial and collagenesis-inducing hybrid peptide constructs based on “pentapeptide-4” (PP4, with amino acid sequence KTTKS), whose N-palmitoyl derivative is the well-known cosmeceutical ingredient Matrixyl, herein we disclose novel ionic liquid/PP4 conjugates (IL-KTTKS). These conjugates present potent activity against either antibiotic-susceptible strains or multidrug resistant clinical isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species belonging to the so-called “ESKAPE” group of pathogens. Noteworthy, their antibacterial activity is preserved in simulated wound fluid, which anticipates an effective action in the setting of a real wound bed. Moreover, their collagenesis-inducing effects in vitro are comparable to or stronger than those of Matrixyl. Altogether, IL-KTTKS exert a triple antibacterial, antifungal, and collagenesis-inducing action in vitro. These findings provide solid grounds for us to advance IL-KTTKS conjugates as promising leads for future development of topical treatments for complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI). Further studies are envisaged to incorporate IL-conjugates into suitable nanoformulations, to reduce toxicity and/or improve resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Revista: Microbiology Spectrum Journal
JCR: 9.043 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Gomes, A., Bessa, L. J., Fernandes, I., Aguiar, L., Ferraz, R., Monteiro, C., Martins, M. C. L., Mateus, N., Gameiro, P., Teixeira, C., & Gomes, P. (2022). Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities. Microbiology Spectrum, 10(4), e02291-02221. https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/spectrum.02291-21
The aim of this study was to explore the relation between retinal neurodegenerative changes and vessel closure (VC) in individuals with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in a follow-up period of 3 years. This is a 3-year prospective longitudinal study with four annual visits. Participants: This study involved 74 individuals with type 2 diabetes, NPDR, and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grades from 10 to 47, one eye/person. An age-matched healthy control population of 84 eyes was used as control group. Participants were annually examined by color fundus photography, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA). VC was assessed by OCTA vessel density maps. SD-OCT segmentations were performed to access central retinal thickness (CRT) and retinal neurodegeneration considered as thinning of the ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL). Results: Type 2 diabetic individuals presented significantly higher CRT (p = 0.001), GCL + IPL thinning (p = 0.042), and decreased vessel density at the superficial capillary plexus (p < 0.001) and full retina (FR) (p = 0.001). When looking at changes occurring over the 3-year period of follow-up (Table 2), there were statistically significant decreases in GCL + IPL thickness (−0.438 μm/year; p = 0.038), foveal avascular zone circularity (−0.009; p = 0.047), and vessel density in superficial capillary plexus (−0.172 mm−1/year; p < 0.001), deep capillary plexus (DCP) (−0.350 mm−1/year; p < 0.001), and FR (−0.182 mm−1/year; p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was identified between GCL + IPL thinning and decrease in DCP vessel density (β = 0.196 [95% confidence interval: 0.037, 0.355], z = 2.410, p = 0.016), after controlling for age, gender, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c level, and CRT. Retinal neurodegenerative changes show a steady progression during a 3-year period of follow-up in eyes with NPDR and appear to be directly associated with progression in decreased vessel density including vascular closure through preferential involvement of the DCP. Our findings provide evidence that retinal neuropathy is linked with microvascular changes occurring in diabetic patients.
Revista: The European Retina Journal
JCR: 3.757 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Marques, I. P., Ferreira, S., Santos, T., Madeira, M. H., Santos, A. R., Mendes, L., Lobo, C., & Cunha-Vaz, J. (2022). Association between Neurodegeneration and Macular Perfusion in the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Ophthalmologica, 245(4), 335–341. https://doi.org/10.1159/000522527
Genetic alterations influence the malignant potential of cancer cells, and so does thetumor microenvironment. Herein, we combined the study of KRAS oncogenic effectsin colorectal cancer cells with the influence of fibroblast-derived factors. Resultsrevealed that mutant KRAS regulates cell fate through both autonomous and nonau-tonomous signaling mechanisms. Specifically, processes such as proliferation andcell-cell aggregation were autonomously controlled by mutant KRAS independentlyof the stimulation with fibroblasts conditioned media. However, cancer cell invasionrevealed to be a KRAS-dependent nonautonomous effect, resulting from the cooper-ation between fibroblast-derived HGF and mutant KRAS regulation of C-METexpression. C-MET downregulation upon KRAS silencing rendered cells less respon-sive to HGF and thus less invasive. Yet, in one cell line, KRAS inhibition triggeredinvasion upon stimulation with fibroblasts conditioned media. Inhibition of PIK3CAoncogene did not promote invasion, thus showing a KRAS-specific effect. Moreover,the invasive capacity also depended on the HGF-C-MET axis. Overall, our studyawards oncogenic KRAS an important role in modulating the response to fibroblast-secreted factors either by promoting or impairing invasion, and depicts the HGF-C-MET axis as a putative therapeutic target to impair the invasive properties of mutantKRAS cancer cells
Revista: International Journal of Cancer
JCR: 7.316 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Dias Carvalho, P, Martins, F, Mendonça, S, et al. Mutant KRAS modulates colorectal cancer cells invasive response to fibroblast-secreted factors through the HGF/C-MET axis. Int J Cancer. 2022; 151(10): 1810- 1823. doi:10.1002/ijc.34225
To understand measurements variability between 2 different OCTA devices and to develop a conversion
model that translate vascular metrics into a standardized and comparable value in patients with different stages of DR.
Título: “A Conversion Model for OCTA Vessel Density Metrics in Diabetic Eyes: AngioVue vs Angioplex”
Revista: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
JCR: 4.925 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Santos, A., Santos, T., Coimbra, R., Pais, I., Versos, C., Marques, I., & Cunha-Vaz, J. (2022). A Conversion Model for OCTA Vessel Density Metrics in Diabetic Eyes: AngioVue vs Angioplex. INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, 63(7).
The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) assessing the control of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) at a 4 week interval. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of CARAT. Following PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines, we searched five bibliographic databases and retrieved studies concerning the development, assessment of properties, validation, and/or cultural adaption of CARAT. The studies' methodological quality, the quality of measurement properties, and the overall quality of evidence were assessed. We performed meta-analysis of CARAT measurement properties. We included 16 studies. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test displayed sufficient content validity and very good consistency (meta-analytical Cronbach alpha = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80–0.86;I2 = 62.6%). Control of allergic rhinitis and Asthma Test meta-analytical intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.64–0.98;I2 = 93.7%). It presented good construct validity, especially for correlations with Patient-reported outcome measures assessing asthma (absolute Spearman correlation coefficients range = 0.67–0.73; moderate quality of evidence), and good responsiveness. Its minimal important difference is 3.5. Overall, CARAT has good internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness, despite the heterogeneous quality of evidence. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test can be used to assess the control of asthma and AR. As first of its kind, this meta-analysis of CARAT measurement properties sets a stronger level of evidence for asthma and/or AR control questionnaires.
Revista: Clinical and Translational Allergy
JCR: 5.657 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Vieira, R. J., Sousa-Pinto, B., Cardoso-Fernandes, A., Jácome, C., Portela, D., Amaral, R., Sá-Sousa, A., Pereira, A. M., Bousquet, J., & Fonseca, J. A. (2022). Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test: A systematic review of measurement properties and COSMIN analysis. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 12(9), e12194. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12194
Nature-based and sustainably sourced cosmetics have been dominating the area of skincare products worldwide. Due to their antioxidant and antiaging properties, compounds from cyanobacteria, such as carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, may replace synthetic ingredients in cosmetic formulations and may be used in products such as sunscreens, skincare creams, and makeup. In this study, we evaluated the potential of acetonic and aqueous extracts from cyanobacteria strains of the genera Cyanobium and Leptothoe and from strains within Synechococcales and Oscillatori ales orders, for use in cosmetics. Extractions were sequentially performed with acetone and water. Extracts were firstly analyzed for their toxicity to keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells (HaCAT, 3T3L1 and hCMEC/D3, respectively). The non-cytotoxic extracts were characterized in terms of total proteins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, phenols, phycobiliproteins, and analyzed for their antioxidant potential against the superoxide anion radical (O2 •−), and for their ability to inhibit key enzymes associated with the skin aging process. Aqueous extracts were richer in total proteins and phycobiliproteins. The aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 showed the highest value for total proteins (760.81 and 695.25 µg BSA mL−1 dry extract, respectively) and the best values regarding O2 •− scavenging (IC50 = 63.24 and 112.18 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively) with a significant negative correlation ob served (p < 0.01). Moreover, aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 inhibited hyaluronidase, (IC50 of 483.86 and 645.06 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively), with a significant negative correlation with total proteins (p < 0.05), pointing out the contribution of these compounds to the biological activities observed. Acetonic extracts were richer in carotenoids and phenols. Zeaxanthin and β-carotene were pre dominant among all strains, being present in higher amount in Cyanobium sp. LEGE 07175 (53.08 µg mg−1 ) and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 (47.89 µg mg−1 ), respectively. The same strains also showed the highest values for collagenase inhibition at 750 µg mL−1 dry extract (32.88 and 36.61%, respectively). Furthermore, Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 exhibited the lowest IC50 value for tyrosinase inhibition (465.92 µg mL−1 dry extract) and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 presented the best values for elastase inhibition (IC50 of 380.50 and IC25 of 51.43 µg mL−1 dry extract). In general, cyanobacteria extracts demonstrated potential for being used for antiaging purposes, with aqueous extracts being more efficient at free radicals scavenging and acetonic ones at avoiding degradation of dermal matrix components.
Revista: Marine Drugs
JCR: 6.085 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Morone, J., Lopes, G., Morais, J., Neves, J., Vasconcelos, V., & Martins, R. (2022). Cosmetic Application of Cyanobacteria Extracts with a Sustainable Vision to Skincare: Role in the Antioxidant and Antiaging Process. Marine Drugs, 20(12), 761. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/20/12/761
The recent inclusion of the gaming disorder in the ICD-11 brought a huge interest in this disorder. However, the assessment of behavioural disorders is still largely dependent on the instruments used. This study aims to describe the application of the Gaming Addiction Scale (GAS) to a sample of Portuguese college students and analyse its psychometric characteristics.
Revista: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
JCR: 7.772 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Dores, Artemisa Rocha, Martins, Helena, Geraldo, Andreia, & Barbosa, Fernando. (2022). The psychometric properties of the Gaming Addiction Scale in a sample of Portuguese college students. Abstracts of the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions, 11, 287. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00700
The literature supports the importance of prevention of psychoactive substances in college students, namely among first-year students. Although, few programs aim the intervention in behavioural addictions, such as gambling and gaming disorders. The purpose of this work is to present a Portuguese program, Risks & Challenges, and the experience of its implementation in the School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto.
Título: “Risks & Challenges Program: Preventing behavioural addictions and dependencies”
Revista: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
JCR: 7.772 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Dores, Artemisa Rocha, Rendo, Gizela, & Rocha, Carla. (2022). Risks & Challenges Program: Preventing behavioural addictions and dependencies. Abstracts of the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions, 11, 256. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00700
The literature has been showing evidence about the impact of restrictive mea sures during the COVID-19 pandemic on different psychological variables and behaviours. This study aims to assess the contribution of anxiety about appearance on the practice of physical exercise and use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Revista: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
JCR: 7.772 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Dores, Artemisa Rocha, Carvalho, Irene P., Burkauskas, Julius, Barbosa, Fernando, & Corazza, Ornella. (2022). The role of anxiety about appearance on the practice of physical exercise and use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) during the COVID-19 lockdown: A multicultural study. Abstracts of the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions, 11, 218. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00700
The current COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the body im age of individuals as well as their practice of physical exercise and their consumption of image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) in an attempt to boost their appearance.
Título: “Coping strategies during the COVID-19 lockdown: A multicultural study on self-related risks”
Revista: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
JCR: 7.772 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Corazza, Ornella, & Dores, Artemisa Rocha. (2022). Coping strategies during the COVID-19 lockdown: A multicultural study on self-related risks. Abstracts of the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions, 11, 217. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00700
The diagnosis of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) remains controversial. This study aimed to contribute to the stabilization of the nosographic structure of IGD by specifying the network of interactions between the symptoms of IGD and uncovering the causal paths between them.
Revista: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
JCR: 7.772 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Cardoso, Joana Beatriz, Ferreira, Tiago Bento, & Dores, Artemisa Rocha. (2022). Exploratory and confirmatory Bayesian analysis of the nosographic structure of Internet Gaming Disorder. Abstracts of the 7th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions, 11, 53. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00700
Digital media use is prevalent among children and linked to potential developmental and health risks, but validated measures of children's digital media use are lacking. The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the ScreenQ with three distinct children's age groups. Parents of children living in Portugal completed an online survey including the 16-item version of the ScreenQ and items related to home activities and digital media use. A combination of classical and modern theory (Rasch) methods was used for analysis. A total of 549 mothers and 51 fathers of 325 girls and 322 boys from 6 months to 9 years and 11 months old responded to the survey. Point-measure correlations were all positive and endorsement of item values were within acceptable ranges. Cronbach's coefficient α was acceptable for a new measure, and test-retest reliability was high. Statistically significant correlations were found between ScreenQ total scores and relevant demographic, play-related, parenting and digital media use items. The Portuguese version of the ScreenQ exhibited sound psychometric properties, including internal consistency and concurrent validity referenced to external items. Higher ScreenQ scores were correlated with higher digital media multitasking, lower parent-child interaction, and higher concerns regarding child's learning and behaviour.
Revista: Acta paediatrica
JCR: 4.056 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Monteiro, R., Fernandes, S., Hutton, J. S., Huang, G., Ittenbach, R. F., & Rocha, N. B. (2022). Psychometric properties of the ScreenQ for measuring digital media use in Portuguese young children. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992), 111(10), 1950–1955. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16439
Despite the primary function of pioglitazone in antidiabetic treatment, this drug is a potent inducer of PPAR-γ, a crucial receptor that is involved in adipocyte differentiation. In this work, we propose an optimized methodology to enhance the differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes. This process is crucial for adipocyte secretome release, which is fundamental for understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in obesity for in vitro studies. To achieve this, a pioglitazone dose-response assay was determined over a range varying from 0 to 10 µM. Lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil-Red-O. The results showed that 10 µM pioglitazone enhanced differentiation and increased secretome production. This secretome was then added into two cell lines: PC3 and RAW264.7. In the PC3 cells, an increase of aggressiveness was observed in terms of viability and proliferation, with the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, in RAW264.7 cells, a reduction of viability and proliferation was observed, with a decrease in the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the present work constitutes an improved method for adipocyte secretome production that is suitable for experimental biology studies and that could help with our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adiposity influence in other cells.
Revista: Biology, 11(6), 806
JCR: 5.186 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Teixeira, C., Sousa, A. P., Santos, I., Rocha, A. C., Alencastre, I., Pereira, A. C., Martins-Mendes, D., Barata, P., Baylina, P., & Fernandes, R. (2022). Enhanced 3T3-L1 Differentiation into Adipocytes by Pioglitazone Pharmacological Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-Gamma (PPAR-γ). Biology, 11(6), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11060806
A voluntary online-based survey was distributed across Portugal between February and June 2020. The survey, composed of 52 questions and seven sections, was formally translated from English to Portuguese and adapted from the original version. Two pilot tests evaluated cultural adaptation and reproducibility. Adult, self-defined osteopaths working in Portugal were eligible. Recruitment of participants was performed through social media and an e-based campaign. A total of 222 osteopaths participated in the study, 143 were male (64%), aging between 30 and 39 years (42%), mainly working in Lisbon (30%). Most respondents had preliminary healthcare training (68%), mainly as massage therapists. The majority of respondents were self-employed (83%), owner of a clinic (55%) and working alone (59%). The median number of consultations per week was 21–25 and respondents scheduled 46–60 min for each consultation. The majority of patients seek care for lumbar (52%), cervical (38%) and upper spine (38%) complaints. Although most respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, they do not advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. This study represents the first nationwide document to determine osteopaths' characteristics in Portugal. The study results provide a basis for future surveys that will include cohorts with higher levels of education, as well as findings from other European countries.
Título: “The portuguese Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey"
Revista: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
JCR: 2.000 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Santiago, Rui José, Nunes, Alexandre, Esteves, José Eduardo, Carritelli, Francesco, Verbeeck, Johan, Lopes, Sónia, Paquete, Manuel, & Dun, Patrick van. (2022, abril 4). The Portuguese Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey. 43, 23–30.
Currently, there is no known cure for neurodegenerative disease. However, the available therapies aim to manage some of the symptoms of the disease. Human neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of illnesses characterized by progressive loss of neuronal cells and nervous system dysfunction related to several mechanisms such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission dysfunction. Neuroprotective compounds are essential in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the neurodegeneration mechanisms and the compounds (proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polysaccharides, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, phenolic compounds, among others) present in seaweeds that have shown in vivo and in vitro neuroprotective activity. Additionally, it will cover the recent findings on the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds from macroalgae, with a focus on their biological potential and possible mechanism of action, including microbiota modulation. Furthermore, gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, and bioavailability will be discussed. Moreover, the clinical trials using seaweed-based drugs or extracts to treat neurodegenerative disorders will be presented, showing the real potential and limitations that a specific metabolite or extract may have as a new therapeutic agent considering the recent approval of a seaweed-based drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Revista: Marine Drugs
JCR: 6.085 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Martins, B.; Vieira, M.; Delerue-Matos, C.; Grosso, C.; Soares, C. Biological Potential, Gastrointestinal Digestion, Absorption, and Bioavailability of Algae-Derived Compounds with Neuroprotective Activity: A Comprehensive Review. Mar. Drugs 2022, 20, 362. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20060362
Cryolipolysis is characterized by localized and controlled cooling of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, in a non-invasive way, causing a localized panniculitis, followed by adipocyte death by apoptosis and, consequently, a decrease in adipose tissue in the treated area. To evaluate the scientific evidence and methodological qualities about effects, adverse reactions, and level of satisfaction of cryolipolysis for the reduction of sub cutaneous adipose tissue. A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommen dation. Searches were conducted in different databases. We included studies that used a randomized control and self-control design and were carried out in humans. Articles published in English and Portuguese were screened, with no time limit regard ing the year of publication. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Rob2 scale. Of 381 articles, seven were considered eligible for inclusion. After applying the Cochrane Rob2 scale, five studies were included in the final sample. Most studies showed significant results for cryolipolysis in reducing localized fat. The incorpora tion of a dietary program into the treatment was shown to contribute to a significant improvement in the lipid profile and liver enzymes, which does not happen when cry olipolysis is applied in isolation. Rare adverse effects have been identified, but never persisting beyond a month. Cryolipolysis is an effective technique for reducing localized fat, safe, and well tolerated, with most participants satisfied at the end of the treatment. However, more randomized controlled studies should be carried out, since there is a limited number of articles with good methodological quality.
Título: “Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review”
Revista: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
JCR: 2.189 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Resende, L., Noites, A., & Amorim, M. Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, n/a(n/a). 2022 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15265
In African countries, cancer not only is a growing problem, but also a challenge because available funding and resources are limited. Therefore, African medicinal plants play a significant role in folk medicine and some of them are traditionally used for the treatment of cancer. The high mortality rate and adverse effects associated with cancer treatments have encouraged the search for novel plant-based drugs, thus, some African plants have been studied in recent years as a source of molecules with proven cytotoxicity. This review aims to discuss the cytotoxic activity, in vitro, of African plant crude extracts against cancer cell lines. For the period covered by this review (2017–2021) twenty-three articles were found and analyzed, which included a total of 105 plants, where the main cell lines used were those of breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MBA-231) and colorectal cancer (HCT-116 and Caco-2), which are among the most prevalent cancers in Africa. In these studies, the plant crude extracts were obtained using different solvents, such as ethanol, methanol, or water, with variable results and IC50 values ranging from <20 µg/mL to >200 µg/mL. Water is the preferred solvent for most healers in African countries, however, in some studies, the aqueous extracts were the least potent. Apoptosis and the induction of cell cycle arrest may explain the cytotoxic activity seen in many of the plant extracts studied. Considering that the criteria of cytotoxicity activity for the crude extracts, as established by the American National Cancer Institute (NCI), is an IC50 < 30 μg/mL, we conclude that many extracts from the African flora could be a promising source of cytotoxic agents.
Título: “In vitro cytotoxic activity of african plants: a review”
Revista: Molecules
JCR: 4.927 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Canga, I.; Vita, P.; Oliveira, A.I.; Castro, M.Á.; Pinho, C. In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of African Plants: A Review. Molecules 2022, 27, 4989. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154989
Despite the use of digital communication technologies in neurocognitive rehabilitation has been widely used in face-to-face interventions, the difficulties of using ICT-based tools to provide rehabilitation services and the unfamiliarity of the neuropsychologists with internet interventions limited the use of these kinds of interventions in their clinical practices. The lockdown and mitigating measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, forced the use of at-distance and online interventions as a means to mitigate the impact of those measures on the mental health and rehabilitation processes of people with neurological disorders. Overall, little is known about the perspectives of patients with acquired neurological conditions about rehabilitation services delivered at distance. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to explore the perceptions that patients with neurological disorders have on at-distance online neurocognitive rehabilitation, namely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen patients with acquired neurological conditions attending an online neurocognitive rehabilitation program in a Portuguese rehabilitation center filled in an online questionnaire during the mandatory lockdown. The results of this study highlight the potential of delivering rehabilitation services at distance, presenting its advantages and limitations from patients’ perspectives, as well as suggestions for improving both neurorehabilitation processes and the online rehabilitation platform used.
Revista: Applied Neuropsychology: Adult
JCR: 2.050 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Geraldo, A., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Guerreiro, S., Castro-Caldas, A., & Barbosa, F. (2022). At-distance neurocognitive rehabilitation during COVID-19 pandemic: A first glance of patients’ perspectives about the process and an online platform. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2022.2100993
This cross-sectional study aimed to explore specific online behaviours and their association with a range of underlying psychological and other behavioural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countries (Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Portugal, Japan, Hungary, and Brazil) participated in an international investigation involving 2223 participants (M = 33 years old; SD = 11), 70% of whom were females. Participants were surveyed for specific type of Internet use severity, appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and image and use of performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Results were compared cross-culturally. The mean time spent online was 5 h (SD = ±3) of daily browsing during the pandemic. The most commonly performed activities included social networking, streaming, and general surfing. A strong association between these online behaviours and appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and IPEDs use was found after adjustment for possible confounders, with higher scores being associated with specific online activities. Significant cross cultural differences also emerged in terms of the amount of time spent online during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Burkauskas, J., Fineberg, N. A., Ioannidis, K., Chamberlain, S. R., Bowden-Jones, H., Griskova-Bulanova, I., Pranckeviciene, A., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Barbosa, F., Simonato, P., De Luca, I., Mooney, R., Gómez-Martínez, M. Á., Demetrovics, Z., Ábel, K. E., Szabo, A., Fujiwara, H., Shibata, M., Melero-Ventola, A. R., Arroyo-Anlló, E. M., Santos-Labrador, R. M., Kobayashi, K., Di Carlo, F., Monteiro, C., Martinotti, G., & Corazza, O. (2022). Online Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Associations with Psychological Factors: An International Exploratory Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8823. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8823
Computer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers’ perception of quality of life. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0—baseline and M1—final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme. A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061). After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Clemente, F. M., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). Positive Effects of an Online Workplace Exercise Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life Perception in Computer Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 3142. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/5/3142
Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7311. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7311
Despite the acknowledgement that physical activity is beneficial during pregnancy and may result in positive health outcomes for the newborn child few studies have examined this issue. This research was deemed necessary with the primary objective of identifying possible associations between adherence to American College of Sports Medicine recommendations on neonatal outcome variables at birth. An observational, longitudinal and prospective study focused on a sample of 70 pregnant women (the power score achieved was estimated to be 0.3). Data was collected in three stages (1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy and 48 h after delivery). The variables analyzed included the physical activity measurement (with accelerometry), neonatal outcomes at birth and the mother's anxiety, dietary intake, anthropometric measures and socio-demographic and lifestyle. Results: 21.4% women were active according to physical activity recommendations. There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes at birth when comparing adherence to physical activity recommendations and the overall activity levels of the mothers. There were also no statistically significant differences in the birth weights of babies born to active and inactive mothers. Mother's anxiety level, weight gained and dietary intake were not statistically different according to compliance with physical activity behaviour or recommendations. There is no relationship between adherence to physical activity recommendations on neonatal outcome variables at birth. There were also no significant associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. There is a need to identify attitudes associated with negative physical activity behavior to reduce the incidence of comorbidities associated with sedentary lifestyles during pregnancy.
Título: Physical activity during pregnancy and its effects on neonatal outcomes
Revista: Placenta
JCR: 3.287 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Santos, P. C., Leirós-Rodríguez, R., Abreu, S., Ferreira, M., Alves, O., & Mota, J. (2022). Physical activity during pregnancy and its effects on neonatal outcomes. Placenta, 128, 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2022.08.009
This cross-sectional study aimed to explore specific online behaviours and their association with a range of underlying psychological and other behavioural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countries (Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Portugal, Japan, Hungary, and Brazil) participated in an international investigation involving 2223 participants (M = 33 years old; SD = 11), 70% of whom were females. Participants were surveyed for specific type of Internet use severity, appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and image and use of performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Results were compared cross-culturally. The mean time spent online was 5 h (SD = ±3) of daily browsing during the pandemic. The most commonly performed activities included social networking, streaming, and general surfing. A strong association between these online behaviours and appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and IPEDs use was found after adjustment for possible confounders, with higher scores being associated with specific online activities. Significant cross cultural differences also emerged in terms of the amount of time spent online during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Burkauskas, J., Fineberg, N. A., Ioannidis, K., Chamberlain, S. R., Bowden-Jones, H., Griskova-Bulanova, I., Pranckeviciene, A., Dores, A. R., Carvalho, I. P., Barbosa, F., Simonato, P., De Luca, I., Mooney, R., Gómez-Martínez, M. Á., Demetrovics, Z., Ábel, K. E., Szabo, A., Fujiwara, H., Shibata, M., Melero-Ventola, A. R., Arroyo-Anlló, E. M., Santos-Labrador, R. M., Kobayashi, K., Di Carlo, F., Monteiro, C., Martinotti, G., & Corazza, O. (2022). Online Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Associations with Psychological Factors: An International Exploratory Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8823. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8823
Computer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers’ perception of quality of life. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0—baseline and M1—final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme. A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061). After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Clemente, F. M., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). Positive Effects of an Online Workplace Exercise Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life Perception in Computer Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 3142. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/5/3142
Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.
Revista: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JCR: 4.614 (2021)
Referência bibliográfica: Moreira, S., Criado, M. B., Ferreira, M. S., Machado, J., Gonçalves, C., Mesquita, C., Lopes, S., & Santos, P. C. (2022). The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7311. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7311
There is a recent trend to place more emphasis on noise non-auditory effects. Despite its implications on health, there is a lack of recommendations for noise in occupational settings. This study aimed to present occupational exposure limits for noise-induced non-auditory effects in healthy males using empirical exposure-response regression models based on the data of laboratory and field considering the effective variables. To this end, the equivalent noise level was measured and recorded in four working settings including closed offices, openplan offices, control rooms, and industrial workplaces during a normal working day. They were 65, 68, 73, and 80dB(A), respectively. In the laboratory, 31 healthy males were exposed to five noise conditions (four noisy conditions and one quiet) during 8 h and they were asked to perform the cognitive tests. In the field phase, 124 healthy males were also examined from four working settings in their workstations for 8 h. The psychophysiological parameters of the participants were recorded in both lab and field. The results indicated variations in mental responses at levels above 55dBA, and psychophysiological variations at levels above 70dB(A) in both phases. The findings also showed that the developed regression models could plausibly predict the noise-induced psychophysiological responses during exposure to noise levels; thus, they can be presented the likely exposure limits. Based on the results of the models, the levels 80dB(A).
Título: Prediction of occupational exposure limits for noise-induced non-auditory effects
Revista: Applied Ergonomics
JCR: 3.661 (2020)
Referência bibliográfica: Golmohammadi, R., Darvishi, E., Shafiee Motlagh, M., Faradmal, J., Aliabadi, M., & Rodrigues, M. A. (2022). Prediction of occupational exposure limits for noise-induced non-auditory effects. Applied Ergonomics, 99, 103641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103641
