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- Spectrophotometric determination of carboxyhemoglobin in a sample of automobiles mechanics occupationally exposed to carbon monoxidePublication . Dias, Catarina; Marques, Margarida; Santos, Vanessa; Tavares, Ana SofiaState of art: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of coal and other petroleum-derived materials (Topacoglu, Katsakoglou, & Ipekci, 2014). Within anthropogenic sources of carbon monoxide emissions, air pollution from car emissions accounts for about 75%. Inhalation of this gas is considered to be potentially toxic to the body, resulting in a hemoglobin variant with reduced oxygen transport capacity, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). As the endogenous concentration of COHb in a healthy adult varies from 0.1% to 1%, higher values can lead to respiratory problems, visual perception impairment and manual dexterity, headache and nausea. Goal: The present study aimed to determine the carboxyhemoglobin by the spectrophotometric method in 8 mechanics workers in automobile repair shops (test group) and a control group (non-mechanical participants) composed of 16 individuals and verify if the years of labor activity, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), influenced the values of this parameter. Methodology: A simple descriptive level II research study was developed to find relationships between variables. It is considered to be a case-control study and is further classified as analytical, observational and on what concerns time is transversal and retrospective. Ethical Implications: For this research, volunteers were proposed to read an informed consent, such as signing a statement, according to a Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association. Therefore, all the data collected through the completed survey by the participants are confidential and kept the anonymity of all elements. Participants were informed of the entire investigation process and had an opportunity to clarify doubts. Results: The results showed that the blood concentration of COHb in the test group was on average 0.653 ± 0.087% and in the control group, it was on average 0.477 ± 0.133%. Statistically significant differences were observed in relation to the carboxyhemoglobin values between the test group and the control group (p = 0.002); however, no statistically significant differences were found between the years of work activity (p = 0.711) and use of PPE (p = 0.392) when compared to the carboxyhemoglobin values of the test group. Although statistically significant differences were obtained in COHb values between the two groups, values higher than 1% in the test group (average of 0.653%) were not obtained, which could correspond to a continuous exposure at 5 ppm of CO in the air, or from 8 hours to 7 ppm or 1 hour to 20 ppm. Conclusions: In this study, although no altered COHb values were found in the test group, new lines of research on this subject are recommended, aiming to broaden and deepen the field of knowledge, aiming at the protection of this type of workers.
- Evaluation of urinary protein and creatinine concentration in athletes after high-performance physical exercisePublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Ladeira, Carina; Quintão, João Filipe; Luís, Maria Carolina; Pereira, Miguel Oliveira; Abreu, RenatoIntense physical exercise without a planned or structured physical activity can induce potentials risks in the human body. The objective of this study is to verify the existence of a modulation of the values of creatinine and urinary proteins after performing a training session of high intensity. Furthermore, we intend to verify the existence of significant alterations of these analytes in sportsmen who regularly use protein supplementation, compared to a group of athletes who do not use supplementation after performing the same high-performance training. A convenience sample of 18 sportsmen attending gyms, both genders and between the ages of 18 and 35 were divided into two groups: users of protein supplementation (n = 9) and individual non-users of protein supplementation (n = 9). The two groups were subjects to a physical activity training session of high intensity, performed by a qualified professional. Urine samples were collected before and after the training session and proteinuria and creatinuria were analyzed by the Abbott® Architect C8200 system. Statistical treatment of the results was performed using the SPSS (version 22), as well as descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that in both groups, physical exercise-induced a significant increase in all these parameters. Both levels of protein and creatinine increased in urine approximately twice more after the physical training with an estimated time of 45 minutes. However, no statistically significant changes were observed from one group to another, although there were slight changes in the user group of protein supplementation.
- Prevalence and determinants of illicit performance-enhancing substances in Portuguese gym usersPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Serpa, SidónioResearch on athletic talent has evolved from talent detection to talent development with both perspectives focusing on the individual athlete. This individual focus has been mirrored in the work of coaches and sport psychology practitioners who have primarily focused on athletes’ sport-specific and psychological skills. In contrast, the holistic ecological approach (HEA) to talent development acknowledges the role of the overall environment and mirrors the complexity of talent development in the real world. The HEA highlights two interconnected ways of analyzing athletic talent development environments. First, there is a focus on the structure of the environment, particularly the roles and cooperation of key persons. Second, there is a focus on the organizational culture of the team. Exploratory case studies of successful and less successful environments in different sports have shown that while each environment is unique, they also share a number of features, including: proximal role models; an integration of efforts among the different agents (family, coaches, management, etc.); inclusive training groups; a focus on long-term development, and a “strong and coherent” organizational culture. While this research has its roots in Scandinavia, studies from a broader range of contexts have emerged. In recent years, the HEA has branched out and been used in the study of new areas. As an example, a group of European researchers has developed the framework to accommodate the study of dual-career development environments across Europe. Another example is the study of a basketball talent development environment in an underserved community in the USA, which demonstrated how such an environment has unique challenges and opportunities compared with more affluent environments. On the environment macro level, a third example is studies of successful collaboration between national sports federations, local authorities, and clubs to promote local talent development. From an applied perspective, the HEA calls for sports psychologists to be contextually sensitive and aim to develop not the mental skills of individual athletes but also integrated and coherent environments. Recently, the HEA has provided a basis for designing contextualized interventions to improve talent development environments in local clubs and all the way to national-level policies. In the current presentation, I will provide a status on the talent development environment research and a taste of how the field is evolving.
- O impacto do stress académico nas alterações intestinais em jovens do ensino superior: revisão sistemáticaPublication . Mendonça, Paula; Ferreira, L.; Baptista, M.; Tavares, Ana SofiaO stress é considerado um problema geral, bastante frequente na sociedade moderna. O stress pode ser definido como uma reação individual psicológica e fisiológica a adversidades, onde a normal homeostase encontra-se ameaçada. Nas faixas etárias mais jovens, é um dos principais fatores que contribui para o desenvolvimento de situações de stress na educação académica. A transição para o ensino superior constitui uma mudança múltipla que potencia stress, desequilíbrios e um ajustamento exigente, com impacto a nível pessoal e académico. Prejudica o correto funcionamento do trato gastrointestinal, resultando em problemas de absorção, de aumento da permeabilidade da mucosa intestinal e de interferência nos canais iónicos. O stress está associado a distúrbios gastrointestinais funcionais, como a Síndrome do Intestino Irritável. Aumento do risco de doenças autoimunes, como a Doença de Crohn.
- Protective factors of performance-enhancing substances use in a sample of Portuguese gym-goersPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Teques, Pedro; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioBackground: Nowadays, the increased Performance Enhancing-Substance (PES) use in fitness centers is seen as a problematic phenomenon, since it has the potential to grow, and could be seen as an emerging public health and societal concern. Studies focusing on PES use among gym-goers are few and they do not provide information concerning protective factors that justify the refusing intention to use these substances. Understanding the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of PES use and the protective factors of the gym-goers who refuse the use of these substances could help identify those who are most resistant to PES use. Aim: To investigate the protective factors (e.g., sociodemographic factors, exercise profile, gym modalities, peers, social influence, attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, and intentions) of PES refusing intention in gym-goers. Participants: A convenience sample of 453 Portuguese gym-goers having a mean age of 35.64 (SD=13.08) Tool: Web self-administered questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported use of PES, as well as the QAD-Fit based on the Theory of Planned Behavior which is composed by questions grouped on four dimensions (attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and subjective norms). Procedures: Data was collected using an online self-administrated questionnaire, and results were analysed using Decision Trees, which are a method widely used in classifying and identifying profiles, in machine learning and data mining. Results: 88,9% of gym-goers reported the refusal of prohibited PES, showing that being a woman, training less frequently, not practicing bodybuilding, and having a negative intention to consume PES, could be considered protective factors for PES use. Conclusion: Results identifying the protective factors associated with PES refusal intention, which may support public health and clinical interventions to prevent abusive use of PES and improve the health and well-being of gym-goers.
- Characteristics of gym-goers performance-enhancing substance usePublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Rosado, António; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioThe use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances (PES) in fitness and gym settings is a public health concern as knowledge concerning its short-term and long-term adverse health consequences are emerging. Understanding the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of PES use and the characteristics of the gym-goers who use PES could help identify those who are most vulnerable to PES use. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile (e.g., sociodemographic factors, exercise profile, gym modalities, peers, and social influence) and psychosocial determinants (e.g., attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, and intentions) of PES users in gym and fitness contexts. In total, 453 gym-goers (mean age = 35.64 years; SD = 13.08) completed an online survey. Neural networks showed a global profile of PES users characterized by a desire to increase muscle mass, shape their body, and improve physical condition; being advised by friends, training colleagues, and coaches or on the Internet; less formal education, and more positive beliefs for PES use. These results may support public health and clinical interventions to prevent abusive use of PES and improve the health and well-being of gym-goers.
- The efficiency of urine dipsticks for the diagnosis of urinary tract infectionPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Monteiro, Cátia; Lopes, Inês; Ribeiro-Varandas, Edna; Abreu, Renato; Leitão, Maria do Céu; Bellém, Fernando; Almeida, AnaUrinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent pathologies in developed countries, particularly in women, characterized by the presence of bacterial growth in any part of the urinary system. Currently, urine culture is considered the gold standard method for the diagnosis of UTI. However, this method has several disadvantages including the time necessary for obtaining the results and the associated high costs. Therefore, it is important to evaluate new efficient and valuable methods for the diagnosis of these infections. Objectives: Presently, dipsticks are considered a possible valuable alternative to urine culture. This method has very low costs associated and the results can be obtained in few minutes. Here we aim to compare the sensibility, specificity, predictive value of a positive test and a negative test of both methods in order to determine the efficiency of the test strips method and also to characterize the microorganism more frequently isolated.
- Validação do método de deteção de eritropoietina recombinante humana em urina humana por focalização isoelétricaPublication . Tavares, Ana SofiaA eritropoietina (EPO) é uma substância que estimula a produção de eritrócitos, aumentando a oxigenação muscular, sendo segregada de forma natural pelo organismo e excretada na urina em baixas concentrações. Devido às suas propriedades e características, a EPO foi rapidamente introduzida no mundo do desporto, como substância ilícita, proporcionando vantagens no rendimento desportivo. No início de 2000 foi desenvolvido um método de deteção direta de EPO Recombinante (rHuEPO) em urina humana por Lasne, baseado na focalização isoelétrica (IEF) em gel de poliacrilamida, seguido de duplo blote, tendo este sido publicado e validado. Em 2002, a Agência Mundial Antidopagem (AMA) implementou este mesmo método, sendo atualmente um dos métodos oficiais utilizado pelos laboratórios acreditados pela AMA. Desta forma, o ponto de partida para a realização deste trabalho consistiu na necessidade de implementar e validar o método de referência de IEF para a deteção de rHuEPO em urina humana. O trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Análises e Dopagem (LAD) do Instituto do Desporto de Portugal (IDP), atual Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ). O principal objetivo deste trabalho consistiu no estudo/investigação de diferentes parâmetros de validação (especificidade/seletividade; capacidade de identificação; limite de deteção; exatidão e repetibilidade), de acordo com o protocolado no Procedimento Geral interno do Laboratório de Análises de Dopagem de Lisboa (LAD). O referido método de triagem e confirmação revelou possuir características de desempenho conformes com os requisitos aplicáveis, pelo que é considerado validado e apto.
- Impact of supraphysiological doses of anabolic steroids on glucose and insulin levels in male bodybuilders: a systematic reviewPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Bellém, Fernando; Ferreira, Bárbara; Leite, Beatriz; Calixto, CarolinaTestosterone (TE) is an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that promotes muscle growth and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics. Due to its aesthetic benefits, AASs have become popular in sports, typically administered orally or intramuscularly, with doses up to 100 times higher than the therapeutic dose. A therapeutic dose is safe and sufficient for the desired effect, while a supraphysiological dose is significantly greater than what is needed for normal body functions. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels and metabolic processes. Insulin resistance occurs when cells do not respond well to this hormone, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is believed that TE disrupts the secretion of adipocytokines, increases the amount of circulating fatty acids, and may negatively affect insulin signaling in muscle and fat cells. This systematic review aims to understand the influence of administering supraphysiological doses of AASs on blood glucose and insulin levels in male bodybuilding athletes.
- Evaluation of urinary protein and creatinine concentration in athletes after high-performance physical exercisePublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Ladeira, Carina; Quintão, João; Luís, Carolina; Pereira, Miguel; Abreu, RenatoA atividade física desempenha um papel essencial na saúde dos indivíduos, diminuindo riscos de doenças cardiovasculares e prevenindo várias outras doenças. Apesar de todos os benefícios, a atividade física intensa é uma causa conhecida de modificação da fisiologia renal. Durante o exercício físico, o organismo origina creatinina a partir da creatina, sendo posteriormente transportada até a corrente sanguínea e eliminada através da urina. Por outro lado, o aumento do lactato leva a alterações conformacionais nas PT séricas, podendo levar ao aumento da permeabilidade do glomérulo e por conseguinte a sua excreção. A relação proteinúria/creatinúria (RPC) em amostras de urina, expressas em mg/dL, estima a quantidade de proteínas excretadas em 24H, no entanto, a utilização deste rácio numa amostra de urina ocasional, também permite obter uma estimativa da quantidade de proteínas excretadas ao longo do dia. A RPC é considerada um método eficaz para monitorizar a perda de proteínas na urina, bem como para acompanhar a evolução das glomerulonefrites. O uso excessivo de suplementos proteicos, sem prescrição médica pode constituir um risco para a saúde, uma vez que pode proporcionar efeitos negativos no metabolismo hepático e renal. Objetivo geral: Descrever os níveis de proteínas e creatinina na urina, antes e depois de um treino de alto rendimento, em duas populações distintas: utilizadores de suplementação proteica e não utilizadores de suplementação proteica.