Browsing by Author "Oliveira, A."
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- Associations between neck circumference and adipocytokines among adolescentsPublication . Moreira, C.; Mota, J.; Abreu, S.; Lopes, L.; Agostinis, C.; Oliveira, A.; Oliveira-Santos, J.; Santos, P. C.; Santos, R.Neck circumference (NC) was recently introduced as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Adipocytokines may have a key role in the development of CVD. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between NC and adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin in Portuguese adolescents.
- Impact of walking on knee articular cartilage T2 values estimated with a dictionary-based approach - A pilot studyPublication . Coelho, José M.; Fernandes, T.T.; Alves, Sandra Maria; Nunes, R.G.; Nogueira, Luísa; Oliveira, A.Walking is crucial for knee articular cartilage (KAC) health. Routine MRI sequences lack sensitivity for early cartilage changes, and the use of parametric T2 maps to study the effect of walking on KAC composition is limited. This study aimed to evaluate if quantitative T2 maps using an Echo Modulation Curve (EMC) matching algorithm can detect KAC T2 variations due to water content changes after walking. Seven asymptomatic volunteers (3 females, 4 males, mean age 28.3 years) without knee pathologies participated. Sagittal knee MRI scans were performed before and after a 9-min treadmill walk using a Modified Bruce protocol. T2-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo KAC images were acquired at 3T. Tibiofemoral cartilage was segmented semi-automatically on three slices per knee, defining 39 KAC samples. Quantitative T2 maps were created using a dictionary-matching algorithm. Paired t-tests assessed exercise impact on KAC T2 values, independent t-tests compared group differences, and Friedman test with Bonferroni correction evaluated regional T2 changes. Walking increased KAC T2 values (mean difference (md) 0.61 ± 1.71 ms; p ¼ 0.016). Significant differences were observed in “normal” BMI group (md 0.69 ± 1.27 ms; p ¼ 0.021). Regional analysis revealed significant differences in medial femur in males (md 0.9 ± 2.1 ms; p ¼ 0.049) and lateral tibia in females (md 1.4 ± 2.5 ms; p ¼ 0.046). The medial tibia showed significant differences across sub-regions (p ¼ 0.026). Quantitative T2 maps using the EMC matching algorithm detected consistent changes in KAC T2 values after a short walking period. Implications for practice: EMC quantitative T2 maps effectively detected knee cartilage changes postwalking. This technique could improve cartilage hydration assessments, aiding early detection in atrisk patients. It also suggests potential for personalized monitoring and rehabilitation, advancing musculoskeletal imaging and non-invasive joint health monitoring.
- Metodologia de definição e modelo de programa de pacientes padronizados para a ESS-P.PORTOPublication . Macedo, R.; Portugal, P.; Gonçalves, M.; Oliveira, R.; Mesquita, C.; Oliveira, A.Por todo mundo, um crescente número de instituições de ensino superior vem desenvolvendo programas de pacientes padronizados. Comuns na formação pré-graduada em medicina e enfermagem, começam-se a encontrar noutras profissões de saúde. A inexistência de precedentes em instituições similares em Portugal estabelece a necessidade de criar de raiz um programa ajustado à realidade da ESS|P.PORTO. O propósito do presente estudo é a definição de uma metodologia que conduza à identificação dos requisitos e características de um programa de Pacientes Padronizados ajustado às necessidades e particularidades da ESS|P. PORTO. O modelo a definir será o resultado da imbricação de dois processos separados: revisão da literatura sobre Pacientes Padronizados e; Focus Groups.
- Preoperative pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in Portuguese adolescents with idiopathic scoliosisPublication . Flores, F.; Cavaleiro, J.; Lopes, Alfredo; Ribeiro, F.; Oliveira, A.Carta enviada ao editor da revista Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia (English Edition). Idiopathic scoliosis is a 3-dimensional deformity of the spine, with direct effects on the thoracic cage, characterized by the lateral displacement (greater than 10◦) and rotation of vertebral bodies during periods of rapid somatic growth.1 Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is found between the age of 10 and skeletal maturity2 and its prevalence is estimated at 2---4% in children between 10 and 16 years of age.2,3 This condition encompasses several complications including back pain, poor body image, and impaired pulmonary function.3 In fact, previous studies have shown a decreased pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis,4 and an inverse correlation between scoliosis Cobb angles and pulmonary function.4 Adolescents with severe scoliosis, with Cobb angles above 45---50◦, are routinely managed with spinal fusion surgery.3 In addition to the mechanical restriction to ventilation, changes in spine and thoracic cage position may alterthe length ofrespiratory muscles influencing the ability to generate tension.
- Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength after arthrodesis of the spine in patients who have adolescent idiopathic scoliosisPublication . Lopes, A. A.; Flores, F.; Ribeiro, F.; Oliveira, A.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis, affecting children from the age of 10. In addition to back pain, poor self-perceived health, reduced social participation and cosmetic issues, severe thoracic curves are also strongly associated with reduced pulmonary function. When the scoliosis is severe (Cobb angles above 45–50°) and conservative treatment is not sufficient, surgical management is considered to correct the spinal deformity, maintain/enhance pulmonary function, minimize pain and morbidity. Previous studies assessing the impact of posterior spinal fusion in AIS patients have showed that pulmonary function improved, decreased, or remained unchanged after surgery. In general, the studies did not assess respiratory muscle strength, which could also be impaired due to the biomechanics changes of the spine and thoracic cage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength three months after corrective surgery for AIS.