Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-10"
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- Alterations of the abdominal wall during pregnancyPublication . Mota, PatríciaPregnancy and becoming a mother is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. Besides all the hormonal and physiological changes affecting women during this period, probably the most obvious morphological alteration during pregnancy is the increasing weight and dimensions of the uterus, influencing maternal trunk musculoskeletal morphology, particularly the abdominal musculature. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), or increased inter rectus distance (IRD), is characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. It has its onset during pregnancy and the first weeks following childbirth. The lack of evidence for the consequences of this condition and the effect of abdominal strengthening exercises in the reduction of DRA indicates a need for identification of the prevalence and risk factors of DRA. This chapter will cover the anatomy and reliability of the methods for the assessment of the morphology of the abdominal wall, describe DRA prevalence, and risk factors, and provide an overview of the response on the IRD induced by two typical strengthening exercises: the drawing in and abdominal crunch exercises.
- Blood molecular profile to predict genotoxicity from exposure to antineoplastic drugsPublication . Ladeira, Carina; Araújo, Rúben; Ramalhete, Luís; Teixeira, Hélder; Calado, Cecília R. C.Genotoxicity is important information that should be included in human biomonitoring programs. However, the usually applied cytogenetic assays are laborious and time-consuming, the reason why it is critical to developing rapid and economic new methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the molecular profile of frozen whole blood, acquired by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, allows to assess genotoxicity in occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, as obtained by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. For that purpose, 92 samples of peripheral blood were studied: 46 samples from hospital professionals occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and 46 samples from workers in academia without exposure (controls). It was first evaluated the metabolome from frozen whole blood by methanol precipitation of macromolecules as haemoglobin, followed by centrifugation. The metabolome molecular profile resulted in 3 ratios of spectral bands, significantly different between the exposed and non-exposed group (p<0.01), and a spectral principal component-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) model enabling to predict genotoxicity from exposure with 73 % accuracy. After optimization of the dilution degree and solution used, it was possible to obtain a higher number of significant ratios of spectral bands, i.e., 10 ratios significantly different (p<0.001), highlighting the high sensitivity and specificity of the method. Indeed, the PCA-LDA model, based on the molecular profile of whole blood, enabled to predict genotoxicity from exposure with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 92 %, 93 %, and 91 %, respectively. All these parameters were achieved based on 1 μL of frozen whole blood, in a high-throughput mode, i.e., based on the simultaneous analysis of 92 samples, in a simple and economic mode. In summary, it can be concluded that this method presents a very promising potential for high-dimension screening of exposure to genotoxic substances.
- Poly(D,L-lactic acid) scaffolds as an innovative approach to the treatment of mixed S. aureus-C. albicans biofilmsPublication . Zegre, Miguel; Barros, J.; Ribeiro, I. A.; Santos, C.; Aranha Caetano, Liliana; Gonçalves, L.; Monteiro, F.; Ferraz, M.; Bettencourt, A.Introduction: The treatment of bacterial joint and bone infections in patients after multiple revision arthroplasties is very challenging. An expanding number of studies report the co-isolation of fungal and bacterial species (such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus) from polymicrobial biofilm associated with infections related to bone infections. Current investigations establish that local-specific drug delivery scaffolds with low toxicity and increased efficiency to specific sites when compared to oral and systemic administration approaches, can considerably lower the number of viable microorganisms in polymicrobial biofilms, preventing simultaneously the progression of infection in bone disorder. Notably, the development of co-delivery systems of at least two antimicrobials is yet a neglected approach, while it may be a critical strategy for the treatment of infections associated with polymicrobial biofilms. Simultaneously, it is recommended to assess the contribution of each microbial population within the biofilm to select the best therapy to treat polymicrobial infections. Among different biomaterials used in scaffolds as drug-delivery carriers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based polymers are being widely studied due to their versatility, low toxicity, and tailored biodegradability having the US Food and Drug Administration approval for clinical use. The adequate osteoconductive and anti-S. aureus effects of a collagen functionalized poly(D, L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) porous scaffold loaded with minocycline (a tetracycline antibiotic) have been previously demonstrated3. In the present study, we focus on the problem of mixed bacterial-fungal biofilm infections and the joining of two antimicrobials in the PDLLA scaffold. Minocycline and voriconazole (an antifungal triazole) were the chosen model drugs, since minocycline may represent a promising drug that can be administered in combination with azoles (namely voriconazole) to treat infections caused by pathogenic Candida species. Morphological and chemical properties of the co-delivery PDLLA scaffolds, as well as drug release profiles, were examined. The antibiofilm activity of these drug delivery systems was tested against single- and dual-species biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans. The formation of dual-species S. aureus – C. albicans biofilms was studied over time to understand the relationship between both microorganisms during in vitro biofilm formation. Cytocompatibility and osteoconductive tests were also conducted using MG-63 osteoblasts to assess the biocompatibility of the PDLLA scaffolds.
- Content Management System with Identity Verification and Non-Repudiation SupportPublication . Policarpo, Márcia Krus; Trigo, PauloEvery historical event is perceived in different ways by different people and each person involved has their own testimony of what happened. Traditional social networks and wiki platforms lack the space for personal testimonies. Wikis limit the ability to showcase diverse viewpoints by offering a single-page unified vision. Social networks, characterized by anonymity and ephemeral content, often prioritize the latest trends over preserving individual narratives. To bridge the gap, a knowledge-sharing platform, named ADDA, was developed to commemorate the historical significance of Portugal’s 25th of April. It stands as a testament to the memories of those who experienced this moment in history. The platform is currently publicly available with a subset of its planned features, with ongoing plans for gradual expansion. The ADDA platform aims to balance pseudonymity and identity verification, fostering trust through verification while allowing users the freedom to openly share stories under a pseudonym. This blend promotes responsible sharing, linking accountability with expressive freedom. Digital signatures have been incorporated into the platform to safeguard the authenticity and integrity of each shared testimony (and all of its versions). These signatures serve as a seal of trust, ensuring that the contributions are tamperproof and verifiable. Performance tests were conducted to compare encryption methods, allowing the estab lishment of criteria and the identification of differences for an informed decision on the method to be used. Additionally, usability tests yielded positive feedback and valuable user suggestions. All of this contributes to the ongoing platform enhancements and reinforces the sense of need for a social interaction platform with these characteristics.
- Caracterização dos fisioterapeutas e da fisioterapia nas Unidades de Cuidados Continuados IntegradosPublication . Seabra, Pedro Fernando Moreira; Pedro, Luísa; Carvalho, AndreiaIntrodução: A Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados (RNCCI) foi pensada para assistir utentes com dependência funcional temporária ou prolongada. Em 25,6% dos casos, o motivo de referenciação relaciona-se com patologias vasculares cerebrais. Relativamente à presença de fisioterapeutas nas Unidades de Cuidados Continuados Integrados (UCCI), existe apenas uma recomendação pouco específica da RNCCI, referindo-se ao número de horas semanais de fisioterapia em função do número de camas. Objetivo: Realizar uma caracterização dos fisioterapeutas e da fisioterapia nas UCCI. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo exploratório com uma amostra constituída por 39 fisioterapeutas. Foram contactados os fisioterapeutas das UCCI da ARSLVT e, em seguida, foi enviado um e-mail com um questionário, abordando níveis educacionais, formação e práticas terapêuticas. Os dados foram analisados através de analise descritiva. Resultados: Verificou-se que os 39 fisioterapeutas que constituíram a amostra têm entre 31 e 40 anos, são licenciados, intervêm maioritariamente em Unidades de Média Duração e Reabilitação numa alocação fixa, utilizam três escalas na avaliação do utente, têm a maioria dos seus utentes com condições neurológicas, sentem que as suas funções e área de saber são respeitadas dentro da equipa multidisciplinar, realizaram formação nos últimos cinco anos e utilizam maioritariamente abordagens de treino motor e funcional. Conclusão: Através deste estudo foi possível concluir que existiu um aumento no número absoluto de fisioterapeutas em UCCI e que, a maioria, sente que as suas funções e área de conhecimento são respeitadas dentro da equipa. Relativamente à prática clínica, estes preferem recorrer a abordagens mais relacionadas com o treino motor e funcional, sendo os seus utentes maioritariamente neurológicos.
- Corrigendum: Comparison of 3DCRT and IMRT out-of-field doses in pediatric patients using Monte Carlo simulations with treatment planning system calculations and measurementsPublication . Sá, Ana Cravo; Barateiro, Andreia; Bednarz, Bryan P.; Almeida, Pedro; Vaz, Pedro; Madaleno, TiagoThis article is a correction to: Comparison of 3DCRT and IMRT out-of-field doses in pediatric patients using Monte Carlo simulations with treatment planning system calculations and measurements.
- Factors associated with poor asthma symptom control in adult Angolan regularly seen at an outpatient respiratory clinicPublication . Arrais, Margarete L.; Maricoto, Tiago; Lulua, Ofélia M.; Quifica, Francisca G.; Gama, Jorge M.; Brito, Miguel; Taborda-Barata, LuisBackground: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases and one of the most frequent causes of hospital care. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics of asthma and factors associated with its control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Military Hospital in Luanda, from April 2018 to March 2019. Data collection was performed using questionnaires on asthma symptoms and treatment, socio-demographic and environmental questions, and a Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) questionnaire to assess the level of asthma control. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed. We estimated odds ratios, for higher categories of asthma control. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The sample consisted of 305 asthmatics ≥18-years-old, 56% women, with a mean age of 41.3 years. About 28% of patients had controlled asthma, 36% partially controlled and 35% uncontrolled. Poor asthma control was associated with frequent use of short-acting beta-2 agonists [OR 5.70 (95%CI 2.37;13.7)], oral corticosteroids [OR 3.68 (95%CI 2.24;6.04)], and incorrect inhaler technique [OR 4.08 (95%CI 1.25;13.3)]. Conclusions: A significant number of adults living in Luanda have uncontrolled asthma due to the under-use of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. It is necessary to develop strategic management and prevention plans to improve Angolan asthmatics' medical care.
- Poly(D,L-lactic acid) scaffolds as an innovative approach to the treatment of mixed S. aureus-C. albicans biofilmsPublication . Zegre, Miguel; Barros, J.; Ribeiro, I. A.; Santos, C.; Aranha Caetano, Liliana; Gonçalves, L.; Monteiro, F.; Ferraz, M.; Bettencourt, A.Problem - Bone infections associated with polymicrobial biofilm formation; mixed bacterial-fungal biofilm infection; Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans most described microbials. Strategy - Local drug delivery scaffolds; development of poly-DL-lactic acid (PDLLA) scaffolds; co-delivery of antibacterial and antifungal drugs; minocycline and voriconazole as model drugs.
- Public libraries fighting disinformation: an analysis of knowledge, resources, and actions of Portuguese librariansPublication . Sanches, Tatiana; Lopes, Carlos; Antunes, Maria Da LuzThe disinformation fight is global and urgent, making it relevant to train librarians from all walks of life so that they can use its multiplier effect in training strategies for users. In the case of public libraries in Portugal, the actions developed in this regard are unknown. This exploratory study aims to better understand the level of knowledge, practices, and resources available in Portuguese public libraries to combat misinformation. To this end, a questionnaire was created and launched at public libraries in Portugal. The results show a consistent knowledge of librarians on the subject, but still incipient actions to combat disinformation, which anticipates the pressing need to carry out more targeted training for these professionals, as well as to provide pedagogical resources and strategies to encourage learning among populations, which can contribute to achieving a culture of more attentive, integrated and critical citizens.
- Estudo do perfil plaquetário em doentes com COVID-19Publication . Ye, Jiaxin; Abreu, Renato; Gouveia, José CarlosDesde dezembro de 2019, a doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), uma doença potencialmente fatal, está a conduzir rapidamente a uma crise de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Como sétimo género conhecido de coronavírus humano, o SARS-CoV-2 é comparável ao SARS-CoV e ao coronavírus da síndrome respiratória do Médio Oriente, pois todos causam pneumonia viral incomum. À medida que obtemos mais informações sobre a condição, a COVID-19 tem sido considerada mais como uma condição sistémica do que uma doença respiratória, especialmente em casos severos. Evidências crescentes têm revelado que as alterações plaquetárias estão associadas à gravidade da doença e ao aumento da mortalidade. Objetivou-se avaliar a variação da contagem de plaquetas e volume plaquetário médio (VPM) nos doentes com COVID-19, comparativamente aos seus valores anteriores à infeção. Amostras de sangue venoso foram obtidas a partir da população que frequenta os serviços de colheita de um laboratório privado em Lisboa, com acesso aos resultados mediante o consentimento informado. Os dados obtidos foram analisados com recurso ao Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®), versão 27.0, através da análise estatística descritiva e dos testes paramétricos, nomeadamente o teste de t-student para amostras emparelhadas. Os resultados demonstraram que apesar da média dos valores da contagem de plaquetas terem sofrido uma diminuição e VPM um aumento após infeção por COVID19, a relação entre as variáveis não foi estatisticamente significativa. Não obstante, mais estudos com amostras maiores devem ser realizados antes da translação dos resultados para abordagens terapêuticas.