Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-04"
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- On “The impact of hypopressive abdominal exercise on Linea Alba morphology in women who are postpartum: a short-term cross-sectional study.” Arranz-Martín B, Navarro-Brazález B, Sánchez-Sánchez B, McLean L, Carazo-Díaz C, Torres-Lacomba M. Phys Ther. 2022;102:pzac086. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac086Publication . Mota, Patrícia; Theodorsen, Nina-M.; Gluppe, Sandra; Bø, KariExtract - We read the article by Arranz-Martín et al with great interest. However, we are concerned about the theoretical rationale, methodology, and conclusion of this paper. In the Introduction, the authors state: "Linea alba stiffness appears to play an important role in the transmission of muscle forces across the midline to achieve optimal abdominal wall function. The extent of distortion or slackness in the linea alba seen during abdominal muscle tasks has been proposed as a means of evaluating linea alba stiffness, hence its contribution to supporting the abdominal wall and transferring loads across the midline during a task." However, the distortion index is only a proposed measure that has not been tested for reliability and validity. Lee and Hodges introduced the linea alba distortion index to describe the distortion of the linea alba: "…the distortion index is not a perfect measure of LA [linea alba] tension, as a curved LA may also become tense if loaded by intraabominal pressure. Thus, the measure is not expected to maintain a linear relation to tension, but to provide a surrogate index that can be quantified without highly specialized equipment (eg, elastography). Pilot data from a validation study to compare the distortion index and measures made with elastography support this proposal (unpublished data)."
- A importância do marketing digital no turismo rural no contexto portuguêsPublication . Gonçalves, Catarina Helena Santos Mares; Martins, José MoleiroO Marketing Digital e o Turismo são duas áreas que se interligam de diversas formas. Contudo, as consequências podem ser completamente distintas, consoante o tipo de interligação que se cria. Apesar do Marketing Digital poder ser uma ferramenta extremamente útil, é necessário conhecer detalhadamente tudo o que envolve. Caso contrário, os resultados obtidos podem ser contrários aos expectados. Assim, existem várias questões que se colocam, e o propósito deste trabalho é responder a tais questões, sendo que, neste caso, o foco é o Turismo Rural, em Portugal Continental. De que forma é que o Marketing Digital pode ser útil para o Turismo Rural? Que técnicas de Marketing Digital são mais adequadas no Turismo Rural? Quais os benefícios de recorrer a técnicas de Marketing Digital para negócios de Turismo Rural? De que forma é que o Marketing Digital contribui para o crescimento de um negócio de Turismo Rural? Através da revisão bibliográfica, e aplicando o modelo de análise proposto, o presente trabalho estuda estas e outras questões, de forma a apresentar estratégias de Marketing Digital benéficas ao Turismo Rural, em Portugal Continental.
- Dietary acculturation and food habit changes among Chinese immigrants in PortugalPublication . Li, Catarina; Carolino, Elisabete; Sousa, JoanaChinese individuals who immigrate to a Western country tend to change their eating patterns and behaviors depending on how long they live in the host country. This is dietary acculturation, and it can have a positive or negative impact on eating habits. Thus, we aimed to characterize the dietary acculturation of the Chinese immigrant community in Portugal and check the trend of the direction of this acculturation. The study involved 213 immigrants and assessed food consumption, meal patterns, and dietary acculturation. A mean Western acculturation score of 70.1 ± 8.9. was identified and 71.4% had a high Western acculturation score. No one had low or very high Western acculturation. Participants who have a higher level of acculturation tend to have higher energy and fat intake. The likelihood of mixing meals, including, and combining, Chinese and Portuguese meals and foods are associated with time spent in Portugal. Efforts should be made to encourage Chinese immigrants to make a positive dietary transition during their acculturation process.
- The role of benralizumab in eosinophilic immune dysfunctions: a case report-based literature reviewPublication . Gomes, Margarida; Mendes, Ana; Ferreira, Filipa; Branco, Joana; Tonin, Fernanda; Pedro, M. ElisaIn the past years, the knowledge of eosinophils playing a primary pathophysiologic role in several associated conditions has led to the development of biologics targeting therapies aiming at normalizing the immune response, reducing chronic inflammation, and preventing tissue damage. To better illustrate the potential relationship between different eosinophilic immune dysfunctions and the effects of biological therapies in this scenario, here, we present a case of a 63-year-old male first referred to our department in 2018 with a diagnosis of asthma, polyposis, and rhinosinusitis and presenting a suspicion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' allergy. He also had a past medical history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis/duodenitis (eosinophilia counts >50 cells/high-power field HPF). The use of multiple courses of corticosteroid therapy failed to completely control these conditions. In October 2019, after starting benralizumab (an antibody directed against the alpha chain of the IL-5 cytokine receptor) as an add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma, important clinical improvements were reported both in the respiratory (no asthma exacerbations) and gastrointestinal systems (eosinophilia count 0 cells/HPF). The patient's quality of life also increased. Since June 2020, systemic corticosteroid therapy was reduced without worsening gastrointestinal symptoms or eosinophilic inflammation. This case warns of the importance of early recognition and appropriate individualized treatment of eosinophilic immune dysfunctions and suggests the conduction of further larger studies on the use of benralizumab in gastrointestinal syndromes aiming at better understanding its relying mechanisms of action in the intestinal mucosa.
- Aculturação alimentar da comunidade chinesa imigrante em PortugalPublication . Li, Catarina; Sousa, JoanaIntrodução: Os indivíduos chineses que imigram para um país ocidental tendem a alterar os padrões e comportamentos alimentares de acordo com o tempo de residência no país anfitrião, processo intitulado de aculturação alimentar, o qual poderá ter um impacto positivo ou negativo sobre os hábitos alimentares. Objetivo: Caracterizar os hábitos alimentares da comunidade chinesa imigrante em Portugal e identificar a existência de uma mudança em direção a uma aculturação ocidentalizada desta população. Metodologia: A amostra é constituída por 213 imigrantes chineses instalados na região da Grande Lisboa, com idade entre os 18 e os 64 anos. Os participantes foram recrutados através de estabelecimentos comerciais, instituições comunitárias e educacionais. Foi aplicado um questionário sob a forma de entrevista, recolhendo informações sobre os dados sociodemográficos, as escolhas alimentares e o padrão das refeições e a aculturação alimentar. Procedeu-se também à avaliação da ingestão alimentar através do 24h recall. Os dados foram recolhidos entre 10 de Abril de 2022 a 1 de Junho de 2022 Resultados/Conclusão: Este estudo afirma que os imigrantes chineses experienciam o processo de aculturação alimentar após a chegada a Portugal, onde 28,6% dos participantes apresentaram um nível de aculturação ocidental moderado e 71,4% um nível de aculturação elevado. Observou-se que quanto maior o nível de aculturação alimentar nestes participantes, maior a densidade energética e de ingestão de gordura na dieta (p<0,05). Os principais fatores que afetaram os hábitos e as escolhas alimentares nesta população foram o gosto/preferência pessoal, a relação qualidade/preço e a segurança dos alimentos. O padrão das refeições pré e pós imigração foi mantido sendo o pequenoalmoço a refeição onde se identificou marcadamente a ocidentalização dos hábitos alimentares. Adicionalmente, os participantes do presente estudo aparentam experienciar uma transição nutricional negativa do padrão alimentar. Os cereais e os pratos com baixo teor de gordura foram substituídos por uma dieta ocidentalizada rica em gordura e baixa em hidratos de carbono, resultando numa ingestão insuficiente de grãos e cereais, laticínios, legumes e frutas e um consumo excessivo de gordura e sal. Devem ser feitos esforços a fim de incentivar os imigrantes chineses a fazerem uma transição alimentar positiva durante a aculturação para esta população.
- Effectiveness of strategies to delay sexual activity onset to prevent pregnancy in the adolescence: a systematic reviewPublication . Rotta, Inajara; Rodrigues, Alice Teotonio; Fernandes, Brígida Dias; Komoda, Dênis Satoshi; Tonin, Fernanda; Fernandez-Llimos, FernandoAdolescent pregnancy is associated with health, social, and economic burdens. Different strategies have been implemented to prevent this outcome, yet few updated data on their effectiveness exist. We aim to synthetize the available evidence on the impact of interventions to delay sexual activity onset in adolescents by means of a broader systematic review. A literature search to gather interventional and observational analytical studies published since 2010 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, ERIC, and LILACS, being complemented by grey literature and manual searches. A total of 57 studies were identified reporting data on 60 comprehensive and 9 abstinence-only interventions. The interventions were predominantly provided in schools (69.6%), in person (82.6%), and in groups (66.7%), by trained facilitators or educators (43.5%). The recipient of the intervention was exclusively the adolescent in 85.5% of the studies. Five out of 9 abstinence-only interventions presented a statistically favorable result towards the use of the intervention for any of the evaluated outcomes (delay/intention to delay sexual intercourse and pregnancy; this rate was 22 from the 60 comprehensive interventions. Most intervention components had similar effects as the comparator group (no statistical differences) or data was limited to reach any conclusion. This review showed a scarcity and low-quality evidence on the effectiveness of abstinence-only interventions, and the absence of robust evidence for comprehensive strategies aiming at delaying sexual practice by adolescents to avoid early pregnancy. Further well-designed and well-reported studies are needed to help stakeholders understand this scenario and enable the decision-making process within public policies for this population.
- Initial medication adherence in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients: three adherence measuresPublication . Menino, Joana; Camacho, Pedro; Coelho, AndréAim: To determine initial medication adherence in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients treated with anti-glaucoma drugs. Methods: This retrospective and observational study included all patients diagnosed with glaucoma in the Primary Health Care units in Portugal during the years 2012 and 2013, which in consequence received a first prescription for anti-glaucoma drugs. Data were collected from electronic prescribing records of the primary care units and from pharmacy claims records. Initiation of glaucoma treatment and early discontinuation were measured, and the combination of (non)-initiation and early discontinuation accounted for the initial medication (non)-adherence. Results: A total of 3548 new glaucoma patients (40.1% male; 59.9% female) were included. 1133 (31.9%) patients were initially classified as non-users since there was no pharmacy claim found for their first prescription for glaucoma treatment. Additionally, 277 (11.5%) patients early discontinued their treatment, acquiring only their first prescription. Overall, the initial medication non-adherence rate was 39.7% since 1410 patients either didn't initiate treatment or discontinued it early. Conclusion: This study, reveals a major opportunity to improve glaucoma treatment and its control since a large proportion of patients fail to engage with their prescribed therapy, which implies that implementation of individual or group strategies that enable patients with glaucoma to correctly perform their treatment is still needed.
- Influência da personalidade no mercado de trabalho: diferenças entre o homem e a mulherPublication . Rodrigues, Diogo Alexandre Oliveira; Silva, Manuel Teles; Martins, José MoleiroSão várias as ocasiões em que surgem notícias ou publicações relacionadas com as desigualdades entre o homem e a mulher. Com estas desigualdades, as organizações necessitam de contribuir para o estudo destas mesmas desigualdades e contribuir para combater as mesmas, dentro dos parâmetros possíveis. Esta investigação visa estudar as diferenças comportamentais entre ambos os sexos e de que forma as organizações se podem adaptar a essas mesmas diferenças. A investigação será composta por uma revisão de literatura sendo complementada por uma parte prática: um questionário de forma a analisar algumas diferenças entre o homem e a mulher. A parte prática irá estudar o tipo de personalidade mais adequada para um líder, os desafios mais comuns no local de trabalho, se as pessoas valorizam a competência ou a igualdade e os fatores que são mais valorizados consoante a idade e o sexo. A revisão de literatura será composta por estudos de caso e por material científico credível. Deste modo, procura-se que esta investigação possa contribuir para a melhoria dos processos de gestão nas organizações, especialmente na gestão de pessoas, sendo que são vários os tipos de gestores que poderão beneficiar desta investigação: empresário, gestor intermédio e investidor.
- DNA methyltransferase expression (DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b) as a potential biomarker for anti-VEGF diabetic macular edema responsePublication . Camacho, Pedro; Ribeiro, Edna; Pereira, Bruno; Varandas, Teresa; Nascimento, João; Henriques, José; Dutra-Medeiros, Marco; Delgadinho, Mariana; Oliveira, Ketlyn; Silva, Carina; Brito, MiguelPurpose: DNA methylation is involved in Diabetic Retinopathy progression showing a metabolic memory mechanism. However, the association of DNA methyltransferase with diabetic macular edema is still unknown. We aimed to describe the differences in DNA methyltransferase gene expression in patients with different diabetic macular edema responses. Methods: A total of 27 diabetic patients, aged 59-90 years, were prospectively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The participants were classified into the control group (CG, n = 11), diabetic macular edema responders (rDME, n = 9), and non-responder diabetic macular edema (nrDME, n = 7) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Only cases with a complete ophthalmological examination, digital 133° color fundus, and SD-OCT assessments were used. After RNA extraction and first-strand cDNA synthesis, quantitative real-time PCR was performed with specific primers on the CFX Connect™ Real-Time PCR Detection System to assess differential transcriptional expression patterns. Results: The DNMT1 gene showed a positive correlation (r = 0.617; p = 0.043) with Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) in CG, a positive correlation (r = 0.917; p = 0.010) with HbA1c in nrDME and a negative correlation (r = -0.659; p = 0.049) with GCL-IPL thickness in rDME. DNMT3A gene showed a positive correlation (r = -0.890; p = 0.001) with Sub-foveal Choroidal thickness in rDME whereas DNMT3b gene showed a negative correlation (r = -0.815; p = 0.007) with HbA1c and RNFL (r = -0.664; p = 0.026) in CG. Conclusions: Patients with similar metabolic profile risk factors showed associated DNA methyltransferase transcriptional expression patterns differences fitting with the anti-VEGF diabetic macular edema response. Further studies are needed to clarify if these results (1) reflect disease evolution, (2) translate the therapeutic impact, (3) or can help to predict the therapeutic resistance profile.
- Assessing the stakeholders’ responses in public discussions of IPSASB standards from a cultural perspectivePublication . Albuquerque, Fábio; Gomes Dos Santos, Paula; Penha, Eugênia Paiva da; Silva, DanielThis article assesses the factors that may explain stakeholders’ responses in public due processes carried out by the IPSASB. Seven ongoing projects were assessed, comprising 328 comment letters sent to IPSASB from 47 countries. The authors present a new approach which takes into account cultural values in public sector accounting and financial reporting. This article shows that factors that can explain stakeholders’ responses in public discussions of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board’s (IPSASB) standards may differ according to underlying cultural values. Respondents’ affiliation, countries’ level of development and their accounting framework can explain underlying cultural values. The article will help standard setters, governments and regulatory bodies to understand the differences in stakeholders’ positions according to the cultural nature of issues proposed for public discussion.