Browsing by Author "Oliveira, R."
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- Does Pro12Ala polymorphism enhance the physiological role of PPARy2?Publication . Pereira, A. C.; Oliveira, R.; Castro, A. C.; Fernandes, RúbenObesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are two major public health problems that have motivated the scientific community to investigate the high contribution of genetic factors to these disorders. The peroxisome proliferator activated by gamma 2 (PPARy2) plays an important role in the lipid metabolism. Since PPARy2 is expressed mainly in adipose tissue, a moderate reduction of its activity influences the sensitivity to insulin, diabetes, and other metabolic parameters. The present study aims to contribute to the elucidation of the impact of the Pro12Ala polymorphism associated with T2D and obesity through a meta-analysis study of the literature that included approximately 11500 individuals, from which 3870 were obese and 7625 were diabetic. Statistical evidence supports protective effect in T2D of polymorphism Pro12Ala of PPARy2 (OR = 0.702 with 95% CI: 0.622; 0.791, P<0.01). Conversely the same polymorphism Pro12Ala of PPARy2 seems to favor obesity since 1.196 more chance than nonobese was found (OR = 1.196 with 95% CI: 1.009; 1.417,P<0.004). Our results suggest that Pro12Ala polymorphism enhances both adipogenic and antidiabetogenic physiological role of PPARy. Does Pro12Ala polymorphism represent an evolutionary step towards the stabilization of the molecular function of PPARy transcription factor signaling pathway?
- Is the MTHFR C677T polymorphism associated with obesity risk? – a meta-analysis.Publication . Costa, J.; Oliveira, R.; Prudêncio, Cristina; Fernandes, RúbenOverweight and obesity are a major worldwide health problem and its incidence is increasing every year. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays an important role in folate metabolism and as a regulator of DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair. MTHFR gene is polymorphic at nucleotides 677 (C→T) and 1298 (A→C). MTHFR C677T polymorphism results in alloenzymes with decreased activity and several studies have pointed to association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and overweight/obesity risk.
- Laser scanner in construction quality control of steel industrial buildingsPublication . Oliveira, R.; Ribeiro, D.; Oliveira, P.; Gavina, R.Currently, digital technologies provide engineers with the ability to improve quality control in civil engineering and construction. In this industry, structural quality control aims to prevent deviations that may occur in the assembly of the structure, to guarantee compliance with the essential requirements for its operation. In this context, an attempt was made to learn whether the application of digital technologies, particularly use of the laser scanners, is a resource that facilitates quality control procedures, making them digital and more reliable. In the presented case study, the methodology involved the use of a laser scanner in the quality control of the assembly of a steel structure of an industrial building. Thus, after the study on technologies associated with the automation of geometric object checks, with the use of the computational tools and digital laser survey technologies, the structural elements assembled in situ were analyzed. The main results this study allow us to conclude that the use of the digital laser scanner survey technologies contributes favorably to the automation of geometric quality control procedures in the assembly of steel structures.
- 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.
- Modification of [18F]-FDG PET/CT imaging protocols in obese oncology patients: A nationwide surveyPublication . Oliveira, R.; Figueiredo, L.; Costa, P.The use of medical imaging for diagnosis, staging and follow-up in Oncology context is incredibly important, being the use of [18F]-FDG PET/CT particularly advantageous in specific contexts like the case of obese patients. However, imaging the latter can be challenging sometimes, since their own body size may affect overall image quality and adds technical difficulties for the operator(s) performing the examination. This research project was developed with the aim of analysing the current personal practices of Portuguese Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) in the adaptation of 18F-FDG PET/CT oncological protocols for obese patients and comparing the results with parameters referenced in literature. A non-experimental research study was conducted using a survey delivered online to NMTs through social media platforms (Facebook® and LinkedIn®) and by sending the link directly to contacts within the research team professional and personal networks. Answers from a total of 26 participants were obtained, with 88.5% of participants admitting modifying technical protocols in examinations for obese patients. Changes in PET protocols included an increase in the administered activity (60.9%), an increase in scan time per individual bed position (69.6%) and the use of Time-of-Flight (TOF) technology whenever available. Protocol changes in CT included increasing the mA (82.6%), raising the KVp (47.8%), the application of iterative reconstruction (69.6%) and the use of automatic exposure control (AEC) (52.2%). The remaining parameters (pitch, algorithm, slice thickness, display FOV, gantry rotation time and energy acceptance window) were claimed not to be modified by around 90% of professionals. Portuguese NMTs tend to change the [18F]-FDG PET/CT protocols for obese patients. However, while some of the parameters appear to be contradictory or redundant, others require further optimisation, especially in the CT component.
- Relationship between smartphone use and musculoskeletal symptoms in adolescentsPublication . Santos, Paula Clara; Oliveira, R.; Mesquita, Cristina; Mota, J.; Azevedo, R.; Lopes, SofiaWe are currently facing a society of adolescents who are increasingly dependent on technology, in particular the smartphone, and this phenomenon can even lead to limiting situations in which the person's physical wellbeing is called into question. Intensive use of the smartphone may contribute to a decrease in physical activity and generate musculoskeletal symptoms (MMS).
- The role of MTHFR polymorphisms in breast cancer risk– A metaanalysisPublication . Costa, J.; Oliveira, S.; Oliveira, R.; Prudêncio, Cristina; Fernandes, RúbenBreast cancer incidence has been increasing by more than one million new cases every year and is a primary cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays an important role in folate metabolism and as a regulator of DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair. MTHFR gene is polymorphic at nucleotides 677 (C®T) and 1298 (A®C), resulting in allozymes with decreased activity. Several studies have pointed to association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and breast cancer risk.