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- Impact of high-performance sport on serum potassium values in athletes: a systematic reviewPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Bellém, Fernando; Vieira, Daniela; Miranda, Vasco; Pires, Mariana; Sá, César; Saraiva, Linda; Silva, Inês P.; Silva, Ana; Montoya-Fernández, Carlos; Pereira, BeatrizPotassium is an alkali metal and the most abundant cation in the human body, measurable in serum, plasma, whole blood, and urine. The release of potassium from muscles into the bloodstream during intense exercise is related to the intensity of physical activity. Therefore, changes in serum potassium levels in individuals who regularly engage in sports can have significant consequences for the performance and health of athletes. Aims: To assess the impact of training on serum potassium levels in athletes by means of a broad systematic review. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between April 21 and June 15, 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. A total of 12 primary research articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included. The study population consisted of athletes who were not taking potassium supplements. Criteria for eligibility, data sources, search strategies, study selection, and methods of analysis were meticulously followed to ensure a rigorous systematic review. Twelve studies (228 athletes, most of them football players) published between 2012 and 2020, mostly by Asia (n =6 studies; 50.0 %) and Europe (n =5; 33.4 %), and designed as longitudinal observational studies were synthesized. Out of the 12 included studies, 7 demonstrated an increase in potassium levels during exercise and a subsequent decrease after exercise. However, no definitive conclusions could be drawn, highlighting the need for further detailed studies to better understand the relationship between different sports and potassium level variations. Future studies are necessary to understand the effects of changes in potassium levels on the cardiac muscle due to the spurious correlation between potassium and cardiac arrest. This will help to establish more precise associations and implications for athlete health and performance.
- Impacto de doses suprafisiológicas de esteroides anabolizantes nos níveis de glicose e insulina em atletas de bodybuilding do sexo masculino: revisão sistemáticaPublication . Ferreira, Bárbara; Leite, Beatriz; Calixto, Carolina; Bellém, Fernando; Tavares, Ana Sofia; Sá, César; Saraiva, Linda; Silva, Inês P.; Silva, Ana; Montoya-Fernández, Carlos; Pereira, BeatrizOs esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos são compostos sintéticos com estrutura química semelhante à testosterona. São frequentemente usados por atletas recreativos para aumentar a massa muscular, força e diminuir a massa gorda. No entanto, os esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos também podem ter efeitos adversos na saúde, incluindo alterações nos níveis de glicose e insulina. A presente revisão sistemática tem como objetivo a análise de estudos que avaliem o impacto da toma de esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos, em doses suprafisiológicas, nos níveis de glicose e insulina em bodybuilders do sexo masculino. Foram seguidas as diretrizes PRISMA, tendo sido incluídos 4 artigos com recurso às bases de dados eletrónicas PubMed, Scopus e B-on, sendo que a pesquisa foi realizada entre o dia 3 de abril e 1 de maio de 2024. Os estudos analisados apresentam resultados dos doseamentos de insulina e glicose num grupo experimental e num grupo controlo, permitindo-nos concluir que os esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos podem ter influência nestes parâmetros. Em particular, verificou-se que os esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos podem diminuir a sensibilidade à insulina, o que pode aumentar o risco de desenvolver diabetes tipo 2.
- Circular design and regenerative design in the transition to a sustainable food systemPublication . Duarte, Verónica; Aboim, Miguel; Viegas, Cláudia; Félix, Maria JoãoThe development of food systems involves a wide range of issues that affect health, well-being, and the environment and imply a deep reflection on the challenges that are related to the emission of greenhouse gases, environmental degradation, working conditions, insecure food and nutrition, and social vulnerability. Designers engage directly and indirectly with other stakeholders and influence the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the food system. This article is part of an ongoing doctoral research and seeks to explore and examine the role of designers in the food system, taking into account the processes of circular design and regenerative design. Based on the qualitative methodology, supported by the literature review, different themes were crossed, which stimulated reflection according to a holistic view, resulting in the proposal of three evolutionary stages, which relate the different theoretical themes and which designers must consider in the transition to a sustainable food system. From this study, we conclude that designers have the capacity to position themselves and actively contribute to the development of sustainable food systems, which promote equity for vulnerable groups, through collaborative, inter and transdisciplinary approaches. The expected results focus on the relevance of carrying out additional research, integrating different disciplines to deepen the relationship between design and the food system.
- Exploring the role of berries in eye healthPublication . Fernandes, Nádia; Plácido, Susana; Lança, Carla; Chauhan, Anamika; Fakhar, Fakhar; Suleria, Hafiz; Imran, AliThe role of berries (fruits rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals) in maintaining eye health is currently being investigated in several studies. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials published in the past five years have reported a beneficial impact on eye health. A healthy intake of these nutrients can help prevent and manage some chronic ocular conditions, such as dry eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, that affect middle-aged and elderly populations. Several studies have reported that berry extract compounds are rich in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that are linked to oxidative stress and inflammation processes that affect the ocular surface and retina. This chapter provides an overview of the current research on phytochemical contents of berries and their impact on the eye, and it will discuss the ocular diseases that may benefit from dietary intake of berries and recommended dosages. This chapter aims to improve the knowledge of eye care professionals by encouraging them to use health promotion approaches and preventative medicine in the management of chronic ocular conditions. We discuss challenges to the implementation of berry supplementation into clinical practice and future research directions.
- Artificial Intelligence in refractive errorsPublication . Lança, Carla; Emamian, Mohammad Hassan; Grzybowski, Andrzej; Grzybowski, AndrzejUncorrected refractive errors (URE) are a leading cause of visual impairment (VI) and blindness. Big data acquisition and computer technology analysis are expanding quickly. By combining traditional techniques with artificial intelligence (AI) based tools, several studies have shown great potential in the detection, prediction, and risk stratification of URE, especially myopia. Continued improvement of imaging techniques and methods to measure refraction, coupled with the application of new AI algorithms, may be the future of clinical practice and standard of care for the diagnosis and prognosis of refractive errors. This chapter reviews how AI can be applied to the field of URE and discusses challenges to implementation into clinical practice and future directions.
- Patient engagement in hybrid imagingPublication . Abreu, Carla; Grilo, Ana; Pereira, Luísa Roldão; Camoni, Luca; Mansi, LuigiPatient engagement is essential for ensuring quality and safe care in nuclear medicine. It is linked to higher compliance in terms of following the procedure itself as well as the associated radiation protection instructions, directly contributing to the quality of the final imaging results and foremost leading to overall improved patient experiences and satisfaction. Patient engagement is influenced by factors related not only to patients, but also to health professionals and departmental practices. In this chapter, the authors, including Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Radiographers (hereafter referred to as “Nuclear Medicine Practitioners”), describe critical aspects of patient engagement. These include patient education and information, effective communication and interaction, holistically ensuring patient comfort and a positive experience, maintaining patient safety, and demonstrating cultural sensitivity. At the end of the chapter, a checklist is provided to help professionals assess their skills in engaging with each patient.
- Paediatric patient managementPublication . Santos, Andrea; Grilo, Ana; Albano, Domenico; Camoni, Luca; Mansi, LuigiThis chapter provides a comprehensive guide to paediatric patient management in hybrid imaging, integrating technical considerations with family-centred approaches from scheduling the procedure to patient discharge. It starts with best practices for scheduling, followed by techniques for creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment that fosters trust and rapport. Patient preparation is discussed, focusing on technical requirements and methods to explain procedures to children and parents/caregivers. Strategies for minimizing discomfort during the injection are explored alongside reassuring communication. The image acquisition section highlights obtaining high-quality hybrid and non-hybrid images, with a best practice attitude, while maintaining the child’s comfort and cooperation through child-friendly language and immobilization devices. Finally, the discharge process emphasizes clear communication about post-procedure radioprotection and care and addressing concerns to ensure a positive experience. The chapter concludes with a checklist proposal for NM practitioners to self-evaluate communication with children and parents/caregivers. Overall, it provides strategies for best practice imaging and also practical insights and best strategies to improve the care and comfort of young patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
- Artificial Intelligence in the diagnosis of dry eyePublication . Emamian, Mohammad Hassan; Aliyari, Roqayeh; Lança, Carla; Grzybowski, Andrzej; Grzybowski, AndrzejDry eye is a multifactorial disease, and its prevalence reaches 50% in some regions of the world. The disease is characterized by several signs and symptoms, and there are various diagnostic methods. However, diagnostic methods available have limitations, with some tests having poor reliability and reproducibility. So far, there is no gold standard test for diagnosing dry eye disease (DED), as there is no linear association between signs and symptoms, and often patients who have multiple signs of the disease report few symptoms or even have no symptoms. The above issues have led to difficulties in diagnosing DED. New imaging modalities, such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared meibography, in vivo confocal microscopy, tear interferometry, and non-invasive tear break-up time (TBUT), have emerged to allow objective measurements. However, the interpretation of results is based on subjective judgment. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help to solve these problems and contribute to decision-making by interpreting the results objectively. During the past years and especially after 2014, several research studies on the use of AI in the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of DED have been published, and the results seem promising. Machine learning and deep learning methods have shown high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Implementation of AI has significantly increased the speed of diagnosing DED and its causes; however, it has not yet been integrated into clinical practice. AI will play an important role in diagnosing and managing dry eye soon. AI can also be used for analysis of big data, which may predict estimates of DED prevalence and its risk factors. This will be a big step to identify individual risk factors for upscaling precision medicine in DED.
- Tubulin acetylation: a critical regulator of microtubule functionPublication . Delgado, Inês L.; Carmona, Bruno; Nolasco, Sofia; Marques, Rita; Gonçalves, João; Soares, Helena; Halasa, M.; Wawruszak, A.The cytoskeleton is conserved throughout the eukaryotic lineage and consists of a complex dynamic network mainly composed of three distinct polymers: microtubules (MTs), actin filaments, and intermediate filaments. MTs are polymers of α/β-tubulin heterodimers, playing a myriad of distinct cellular functions, and are the main components of complex structures like the mitotic spindle, cilia, and centrioles. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate the function and increase the complexity of the α/β-tubulin heterodimer pools. One of the PTMs that has been extensively studied is the acetylation of lysine 40 (K40) on α-tubulin, which specifically occurs inside the MT lumen. Acetylation plays a crucial role in controlling the stability and function of MTs in response to signals from within and outside the cell. It impacts the cytoplasm's 3D arrangement and important cellular activities like intracellular transport, cell division, polarity, and migration. Recent research has also emphasized the significance of this PTM in regulating the mechanical properties of MTs and cellular sensing. The levels and activity of MT acetyltransferases and deacetylases are tightly regulated through various transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms, including miRNAs, phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions, and regulated localization between the nucleus and cytoplasm. These regulatory processes involve components of diverse signaling pathways, and their deregulation has been implicated in numerous diseases, including neurological disorders, cancer, and cardiac conditions.
- Tubulin acetylation and the cellular mechanosensing and stress responsePublication . Carmona, Bruno; Delgado, Inês L. S.; Nolasco, Sofia; Marques, Rita; Gonçalves, João; Soares, Helena; Halasa, M.; Wawruszak, A.Microtubule (MT) acetylation has emerged as a critical regulator of cellular stress responses, integrating mechanical and oxidative stimuli to support cellular adaptability and survival. This post-translational modification (PTM) enhances MT flexibility and resilience, enabling cells to withstand mechanical challenges such as changes in extracellular matrix stiffness and applied forces. Through its impact on MT physical properties, acetylation minimizes cytoskeletal breakage, reducing the need for constant remodeling and supporting cellular integrity under mechanical stress. Furthermore, tubulin acetylation regulates intracellular trafficking by modulating interactions with molecular motors, allowing for efficient cargo transport and precise spatial organization without disrupting the MT network. In the context of oxidative stress, tubulin acetylation responds to redox imbalances by stabilizing MTs and influencing cellular pathways that regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). This modification is linked to enhanced antioxidant responses, autophagy regulation, and mitochondrial dynamics, highlighting its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis under oxidative conditions. The dual function of tubulin acetylation, responding to and integrating signals from mechanical and oxidative stress, acts as a bridging mechanism between physical and chemical signaling pathways. Consequently, it has the potential to be a therapeutic target in diseases characterized by dysregulated stress responses, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. Despite significant progress having been made, unanswered questions persist, particularly regarding the molecular mechanisms by which acetylated MTs encode spatial and functional information and their interplay with other tubulin PTMs.