Browsing by resource type "research article"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 44
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and carotid intima-media thickness in university students: A cross-sectional studyPublication . Mateus, Sónia; Amaral. Ana Miguel; Coleho, Patrícia; Rodrigues, FranciscoIntroduction: Subclinical atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized in younger populations, often progressing silently until the onset of overt cardiovascular events. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a validated, non-invasive biomarker of early vascular alterations. Although the Mediterranean diet (MD) is well established as cardioprotective, its relationship with CIMT in young adults remains insufficiently studied. Objective: To assess sex-specific adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its association with carotid intima-media thickness in a cohort of university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 60 university students (50% male, aged 17–25 years), selected through stratified probabilistic sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, MD adherence via the PREDIMED questionnaire, and CIMT measured using a high-resolution carotid Doppler ultrasound. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, with significance set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Results: A notable 95% of participants showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Significant sex differences in dietary patterns were identified: males consumed more red meat (ρ = 0.023), while females reported higher fish intake (ρ = 0.037). Despite behavioral risk factors, all CIMT values remained within normal ranges (≤0.9 mm). No significant association was found between MD adherence and CIMT (ρ = 0.554). Conclusion: This exploratory study reveals a high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including poor dietary adherence, among young adults, despite the absence of detectable vascular structural changes. Although no significant association was found, the findings reflect the dietary and behavioral profiles of a young, low-risk population.
- Análisis del tipo de técnicas, puntuaciones y sanciones en el Campeonato de Europa de Judo SeniorPublication . Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre; Escobar-Molina, Raquel; Fernandes, Jorge; Louro, HugoIntroducción: El judo es un deporte de combate olímpico dividido en categorías de peso y sexo. Los combates tienen una duración de cuatro minutos en ambos sexos, y cuando las puntuaciones o amonestaciones para ambos competidores son las mismas, se produce empate entre los judocas y el combate se decide mediante la Técnica de Oro. Es por ello que, la duración de los combates y de la competición, puede tener repercusiones en los judocas, tanto desde el punto de vista técnico, táctico, físico, fisiológico y psicológico, entre otros. Objetivo: El estudio tuvo como propósito determinar el predominio de las acciones técnicas, puntuaciones y penalizaciones en función de la duración del combate y la fase de la competición en el Campeonato de Europa de Judo Senior 2021. Metodología: Se observaron 398 combates en todas las categorías de peso y en ambos sexos (230 hombres y 168 mujeres). Para el registro de las técnicas se utilizó la clasificación Kodokan de judo. Se anotaron las puntuaciones y penalizaciones, a lo largo del combate y durante la Técnica de Oro, en las distintas fases de la competición. Resultados: La mayoría de los combates terminaron en el tiempo reglamentario (79,15%) y un menor porcentaje se resolvieron en la Técnica de Oro (20,85%). A medida que se avanza en la fase de competición hay una tendencia a que los combates se decidan mediante la Técnica de Oro. Conclusiones: El tiempo de combate y la fase de competición influyen tant o en el tipo de técnicas empleadas, las puntuaciones obtenidas y las penalizaciones recibidas.
- Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity characteristics of seven biopreparations used in organic farmingPublication . Simões, Joana; Peleja, Ana; Neves, Cláudia M.B.; Costa, Daniela V.T.A.; Correia, Helena Esteves; Pinto, António; Wessel, Dulcineia; Delgado, F.M.G.; Carneiro, João; Horta, Carmo; Bahcevandziev, Kiril; Vidal, Maria M.B.; Filipe, Olga M.S.; Costa, Cristina Amaro daAgroecological transition is a major societal challenge and it is urgent to support technical solutions to answer farmers demand towards the necessary changes. The project RESTORE - biopReparados Em SisTemas prOdução agRoEcológicos aimed to study and validate the production, conservation, and use of seven biopreparations by characterizing and testing them in lettuce nurseries. The biopreparations used include prickly pear vinegar, purslane vinegar, fermented orange juice, garlic extract, nettle infusion, horsetail decoction and a biopreparation of garlic and chilli. The in vitro microbiological characterization and chemical analysis of the biopreparations, which included phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity, allowed us to understand their properties and to propose the most appropriate conservation strategy. The tests were conducted in four different moments: during the biopreparations’ manufacturing, after six months of frozen storage, and after three and six months of fresh storage. One-Way ANOVA in SPSS 29.0 and PCA comparison tests were used to analyze the results. Fermented orange juice and vinegars were the biopreparations that showed the greatest outcomes in terms of antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition. Purslane vinegar had the highest average inhibition against germs. The concentration of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant capacity, and the antibacterial activity of the biopreparations varied with time and type of conservation. It is crucial to conduct more trials, using different species and recipes, to support farmers’ decision making and adoption of agroecological solutions.
- Behavior change wheel as a tool to promote physical activity in online intervention: a case studyPublication . Couto, Nuno; Morgado, Vitor; Pereira, Tomás; Vitorino, Anabela; Bento, Teresa; Alves, Susana; Cid, Luís; Duarte-Mendes, PedroIntroduction: Physical activity (PA) has significant health benefits. However, one in four adults does not meet the globally recommended levels of PA. Considering that PA behavior is influenced by various factors operating at multiple levels, including personal, social, and environmental factors, a singlesubject behavioral change intervention was developed to promote PA behavior through online sessions. Method: Based on a one-to-one intervention, the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) methodology was used to design an intervention that was developed for 24 weeks, including eight weeks of online sessions and 16 weeks of follow-up. Results: We observed an increase of metabolic equivalent (MET-min/week; baseline = 2,970; eight weeks = 6,440; 24 weeks = 6,744) and daily steps (baseline = 8,372; eight weeks = 10,234; 24 weeks = 12,142), which provides some evidence for the efficacy of online methodologies, especially in the relation one-to-one. Conclusion: The intervention, designed through BCW, had a positive effect in promoting more PA in a subject of our case study and provided evidence that can be used in further interventions that aim to increase PA levels in the population; however, future studies must be conducted to expand the evidence in other domains.
- Body composition, strength and muscle power indices at the different competitive levels of FutsalPublication . Rebelo, Miguel; Marques, Catarina; Crisóstomo, Rute; Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre; Paulo, Rui; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; HONÓRIO, SAMUEL; Serrano, JoãoObjective: The aim was to verify the differences in physical condition (body composition, power and muscle strength) in futsal players from three competitive levels. Methodology: Sixty-eight (24.26 ± 4.63 years old) Portuguese futsal players participated in the study, divided into: elite, sub-elite and amateur. We used the bioimpedance, the countermovement jump and the isokinetic dynamometer to assess physical condition, and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare variables between groups. Results: There were no differences in body composition between groups. Elite players had higher countermovement jump heights than amateur players (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexors, with the elite players showing more strength than the amateur players (p = 0.047). Discussion: The results of the research should be contrasted with those of other research found in the literature. Conclusions: The elite players had higher physical condition parameters (more lower limb power and more flexor muscle strength) compared to the amateur players. We would point out that all groups had a high probability of lower limb muscle injury (H/Q ratio < 60%) at this stage of the sports season, alerting training professionals to the importance of individualised physical condition analysis.
- Bridging the gap between training and competition in elite rink hockey : a pilot studyPublication . Ferraz, António; Pérez-Chao, Enrique Alonso; Ribeiro, João; Spyrou, Konstantinos; Freitas, Tomás T; Santos, João Valentes dos; Alcaraz, Pedro E; Travassos, Bruno; Duarte-Mendes, PedroBackground: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. Hypothesis: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Methods: Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz’s Bayesian criterion. Results: Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. Conclusion: Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. Clinical Relevance: This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.
- Childhood and adolescent obesity in a school in interior Portugal: A teen without risk studyPublication . Coelho, Patricia; Duarte, Maria; Cabral, Ema Torres; Mateus, Sónia; Rodrigues, FranciscoIntroduction: Over the past 40 years, there has been a significant increase in the global prevalence of childhood obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of heart problems and the earlier onset of heart diseases. Objective: The aim of this research is to assess the prevalence of obesity and its risk factors in children and adolescents among students from the second and third cycle and secondary education of a school grouping in the interior of Portugal. Materials and Methods: The sample was collected from a school grouping in Alcains, among attending students from the fifth to the twelfth grade. The sample consisted of a total of 156 students aged between 10 and 18 years. A questionnaire was proposed, and blood pressure measurement and lipid profile evaluation were performed for each individual. The collection and statistical treatment of data for this study required a submission and authorization request to the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, followed by authorization from the school group’s administration. Results: The percentage of elevated BMI was 30.8%, and was higher in males. A higher prevalence of hypertension (37.8%), elevated triglyceride levels in students who did not exercise outside of school, and in individuals who consumed larger amounts of meat, who also showed a higher prevalence of lower-than-expected high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, were observed. Discussion: A high percentage of elevated BMI, high blood pressure levels, and changes in lipid profile were observed among high school students in this school in the interior of Portugal, as has been observed in other studies. Conclusions: It is essential to conduct more studies, screenings, and investigations that can identify these cases early, in order to mitigate risk factors.
- Community surveillance of MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus in rural Portugal: The BI-STAPH Project—Phase 1: SertãPublication . Cordero, Ainhoa; Ferreira, Francisco; Coelho, Patricia; Belo, João; Metello, João; Santos, Carina; Mateus, Sónia; Miguel Castelo-Branco; Rodrigues, FranciscoIntroduction: Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus—including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA)—represents a growing public health concern, particularly in community and rural settings. In Portugal, limited data are available regarding its prevalence in populations with agricultural or animal-related exposures. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization among adults residing in the municipality of Sertã, Portugal, and to explore potential sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with colonization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 adult participants from multiple parishes of Sertã. Nasal swabs were collected for microbiological identification of S. aureus and MRSA. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposure, animal contact, and recent antibiotic use were collected via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) were performed, and odds ratios were estimated. Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 19.9% (58/292), with MRSA detected in 4.8% (14/292) of participants, representing 24.1% of all S. aureus carriers. Colonization by S. aureus was slightly more frequent among females (51.7%) and predominantly observed in individuals aged 35–59 years. MRSA was more frequent in participants aged ≥ 60 years and was equally distributed between sexes. 57% of MRSA cases reported recent antibiotic use and all MRSA cases reported daily contact with animals—primarily domestic species. No statistically significant associations were identified between colonization and the analyzed variables, although trends suggested increased risk among individuals with animal contact and moderate to high-risk occupations. Conclusions: This study revealed a notable prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization in a rural Portuguese population. Although no statistically significant associations were found, with animal contact, occupational exposure, and recent antibiotic use emerged as relevant epidemiological factors. These findings highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and further investigation into zoonotic transmission and occupational risk in rural environments.
- Decoding urinary tract infection trends: A 5-year snapshot from Central PortugalPublication . Rodrigues, Francisco; Coelho, Patrícia; Patricia Coelho; Mateus, Sónia; Caseiro, Armando; Eideh, Hatem; Gonçalves, Teresa; Castelo Branco, MiguelIntroduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates. The analysis explored bacterial prevalence, demographic factors such as sex and clinical service origin, and antibiotic resistance. Special attention was given to hospitalized patients, especially those undergoing invasive procedures, due to their increased vulnerability to infection. Results: This study found that UTIs were more prevalent in female patients, reflecting anatomical susceptibilities. Hospitalized individuals, particularly those requiring invasive procedures, were at greater risk. The predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis, with differences in prevalence by patient sex and service origin. Resistance to Imipenem in E. coli increased, raising concerns about last-resort treatments. However, resistance to other antibiotics declined, suggesting improvements due to recent stewardship measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall antibiotic consumption decreased due to changes in clinical practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strict infection control, targeted prevention measures, and rational antibiotic use to combat resistance. Ongoing surveillance and personalized treatment approaches are essential to improve UTI management and outcomes.
- Deteção precoce de doença metastática através de ecografia de triagemPublication . Vaz, Bruna; Miravent, Sérgio; Gomes, Carla; Gago, Rui; Lobo, Manuel; Almeida, Rui Pedro deA ecografia de triagem é crucial nos serviços de emergência, fornecendo orientação precisa para pacientes em diversas situações clínicas. A ecografia é móvel, produz imagens em tempo real e é isenta de radiação. É uma ferramenta apta para ambientes de meios tecnológicos limitados e ausência de médicos especialistas. O uso da ecografia de triagem entre profissionais de saúde, independentemente do seu nível de especialização em ultrassonografia, nasce da necessidade de responder a dúvidas clínicas concretas na prática quotidiana. Este artigo enfatiza o papel crucial da ecografia de triagem num caso de abdómen agudo. A sua integração com a radiologia convencional melhora significativamente a orientação clínica, facilitando decisões de tratamento e encaminhamentos à especialidade quando necessário. Neste caso específico, foram analisadas imagens de ecografia de triagem, radiografia abdominal e exame tomografia computorizada juntamente com relatórios clínicos para avaliar a orientação clínica dada num serviço de emergência básico periférico. O paciente em causa apresentava sintomas abdominais agudos, revelando suspeita de metástases hepáticas, líquido livre intraperitoneal e sinais de obstrução intestinal no exame de triagem ecográfica. Estes achados foram confirmados por tomografia computorizada no hospital de referência. A ecografia de triagem pode revolucionar a segurança do paciente, economizando tempo ao detetar precocemente patologias, prevenindo sobrelotação nos departamentos de emergência de hospitais centrais de referência. A deteção ultrassonográfica de imagens suspeitas de metástases é comum em ambientes hospitalares onde diversos meios diagnósticos avançados e especialidades médicas estão presentes. A utilização do ultrassom como ferramenta de triagem e orientação clínica de primeira linha em ambientes pré-hospitalares está em consonância com as estratégias médicas contemporâneas, que visam aprimorar a deteção e a intervenção precoces.