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Browsing by Author "Sousa, Sara"

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  • Assessing the efficacy of the ‘Bicho De 7 Cabeças’ B-learning school-based program in enhancing mental health literacy and reducing stigma
    Publication . Meilsmeidth, Gislene; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões-Silva, Vítor; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Portugal, Paula; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Monteiro, Pedro; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Marques, António
    The prevalence of mental disorders in adolescents has a considerable impact on daily life, restricting tasks and diminishing overall quality of life while potentially leading to stigmatization. This study aims to measure the impact of a mental health literacy intervention program, called “Bicho de 7 Cabeças” project, in b-learning format, on the increase of knowledge and the decrease of stigma in young people from Póvoa de Varzim, in Portugal. A quasi-experimental study was conducted, from November 2022 to May 2023, involving an experimental group (“Bicho de 7 Cabeças” protocol) and an active control group (informational brochures), utilizing a pre-test/post-test design. Mental Health Literacy Measure-MHLM, Mental Health Promoting Knowledge Scale-MHPK-10, Mental Illness Knowledge Schedule-MAKS, Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale-RIBS, and Community Attitudes toward People with Mental Illness-CAMI were used. A total of 504 young students from the 9th grade enroll in this study, with a mean age around 14 years old. There is a significant difference between stigma (p <.001) and knowledge (p <.001) scores at baseline and follow-up. The results of this study shows that interventions aimed at young people for the promotion of mental health literacy and stigma reduction are needed and more initiatives should be implemented in schools to address these problems.
    2024-02-23Journal article Open access Show more
  • ATILGP - Associação de Tradutores e Intérpretes de LGP - Uma História de Sucesso para a Comunicação
    Publication . Barbosa, Susana; Macedo, Vera; Pereira, Guadalupe; Silva, Joana Filipa; Ferreira, Jorge; Loureiro, Rita; Borges, Francisca; Pedreira, Cláudia; Santos, Mónica; Fernandes, Paula Sofia; Barbosa, Sara; Branco, Susana; Oliveira, Ana; Almeida, Liliana; Sousa, Sara; Brito, Margarida de; Coelho, Dina
    Um dos propósitos deste livro é proporcionar uma viagem à origem da ATILGP - Associação de Tradutores e Intérpretes de Língua Gestual Portuguesa, contando e registando a sua história e a dos seus associados e, deste modo, contribuir para que as novas gerações de profissionais conheçam o passado e os feitos conquistados em prol da valorização e dignificação da profissão. A virtuosa contribuição dos trabalhos compilados neste livro representa, na sua essência, a forte comunidade de intérpretes que a ATILGP foi capaz de congregar ao longo destes 16 anos e cuja força associativa tem respaldo direto em todos os capítulos. Dá-se voz às questões profissionais, passando pelo processo de criação efetiva de uma associação, da construção de uma identidade coletiva e de uma imagem representativa dos seus valores e ambições, à luta incessante pela defesa por melhores condições de trabalho, por legislação atualizada e por uma sociedade cada vez mais inclusiva, destacando-se a importância de uma liderança sólida ao longo do tempo, que tem sido capaz de motivar os seus membros em torno de princípios e objetivos que unem a classe profissional, as boas práticas como fator determinante para o empoderamento e afirmação profissional, sem descurar o olhar sobre os valores éticos e deontológicos pelos quais a bússola associativa sempre se norteou.
    2023-12Book Open access Show more
  • Bioactive Lipids of Seaweeds from the Portuguese North Coast: Health Benefits versus Potential Contamination
    Publication . Soares, Cristina; Sousa, Sara; Machado, Susana; Vieira, Elsa; Carvalho, Ana P.; Ramalhosa, Maria João; Morais, Simone; Correia, Manuela; Oliva-Teles, MT; Domingues, Valentina; Delerue-Matos, Cristina
    The total lipid content and lipidic profile of seaweeds harvested in the North Coast and purchased in Portugal were determined in this paper. The amount of total lipids in the different species of seaweeds varied between 0.7 ± 0.1% (Chondrus crispus) and 3.8 ± 0.6% (Ulva spp.). Regarding the fatty acid content, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ranged between 0–35%, with Ulva spp. presenting the highest amount; monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) varied between 19 and 67%; and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were predominant in C. crispus (45–78%) and Gracilaria spp. (36–79%). Concerning the nutritional indices, the atherogenicity index (AI) was between 0.4–3.2, the thrombogenicity index (TI) ranged from 0.04 to 1.95, except for Gracilaria spp., which had a TI of 7.6, and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH) values ranged between 0.88–4.21, except for Gracilaria spp., which exhibited values between 0.22–9.26. The n6/n3 ratio was below 1 for most of the species evaluated, except for Ascophyllum nodosum, which presented a higher value, although below 2. Considering the PUFA/SFA ratio, seaweeds presented values between 0.11–1.02. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) contamination of seaweeds under study was also quantified, the values found being much lower than the maximum levels recommended for foodstuff.
    2021-06-12Journal article Open access Show more
  • Biofortified Diets Containing Algae and Selenised Yeast: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Tissue Composition of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)
    Publication . Ferreira, Mariana; Ribeiro, Pedro C.; Ribeiro, Laura; Barata, Marisa; Domingues, Valentina F.; Sousa, Sara; Soares, Cristina; Marques, Alexandra; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Dias, Jorge; Castro, L. Filipe C.; Marques, António; Nunes, Maria L.; Valente, Luisa M. P.
    Efforts have been made to find natural, highly nutritious alternatives to replace fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO), which can simultaneously promote fish health and improve the nutritional quality of filets for human consumption. This study evaluated the impact of biofortified diets containing microalgae (as replacement for FM and FO), macroalgae (as natural source of iodine) and selenised yeast (organic source of selenium) on gilthead seabream growth, nutrient utilization, tissue composition and gene expression. A control diet (CTRL) with 15% FM and 5.5% FO was compared with three experimental diets (AD1, AD2, and AD3), where a microalgae blend (Chlorella sp., Tetraselmis sp., and DHA-rich Schizochytrium sp.) replaced 33% of FM. Diet AD1 contained 20% less FO. Diets were supplemented with Laminaria digitata (0.4% AD1 and AD2; 0.8% AD3) and selenised yeast (0.02% AD1 and AD2; 0.04% AD3). After feeding the experimental diets for 12 weeks, growth was similar in fish fed AD1, AD2, and CTRL, indicating that microalgae meal can partially replace both FM and FO in diets for seabream. But AD3 suppressed fish growth, suggesting that L. digitata and selenised yeast supplementation should be kept under 0.8 and 0.04%, respectively. Despite lower lipid intake and decreased PUFAs bioavailability in fish fed AD3, compared to CTRL, hepatic elovl5 was upregulated resulting in a significant increase of muscle EPA + DHA. Indeed, filets of fish fed AD2 and AD3 provided the highest EPA + DHA contents (0.7 g 100 g–1), that are well above the minimum recommended values for human consumption. Fish consuming the AD diets had a higher retention and gain of selenium, while iodine gain remained similar among diets. Upregulation of selenoproteins (gpx1, selk, and dio2) was observed in liver of fish fed AD1, but diets had limited impact on fish antioxidant status. Overall, results indicate that the tested microalgae are good sources of protein and lipids, with their LC-PUFAs being effectively accumulated in seabream muscle. Selenised yeast is a good fortification vehicle to increase selenium levels in fish, but efforts should be placed to find new strategies to fortify fish in iodine
    2022-01-13Journal article Open access Show more
  • Brominated flame retardants effect in MCF-7 cells: Impact on vitamin D pathway
    Publication . Sousa, Sara; Maia, Maria Luz; Pestana, Diogo; Teixeira, Diana; Ângelo-Dias, Miguel; Martins, Catarina; Borrego, Luís Miguel; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Calhau, Conceição; Domingues, Valentina; Faria, Ana
    Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent environmental pollutants, allowing a constant human exposure which carries several health risks, including the occurrence of breast cancer and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D inhibits cell growth and is negatively associated with breast cancer risk. The effect of BFRs in breast cancer and vitamin D pathway is still poorly understood. MCF-7 cells were treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), hexabromobenzene (HBB) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) using short and long-term exposure protocols. Viability, proliferation, migration, cell cycle and gene expression were assessed. Gene expression of hVDBP and hCYP2R1 was also evaluated in hepatocytes. Long-term exposure of MCF-7 cells to HBB increased cell proliferation and migration, consequently increasing MMP-9 expression. The vitamin D pathway was also altered by BFRs: cells appeared less prepared to activate and transport vitamin D and the signaling, action and inactivation mechanisms were diminished in the presence of BFRs. Untreated MCF-7 cells showed cell cycle arrest in phase G0/G1 in the presence of activated vitamin D. However, when MCF-7 cells were exposed to BFRs, cell cycle was arrested in phase G2/M, possibly due to DNA damage. Nonetheless, calcitriol seems to be able to mitigate the effect of some BFRs exposure, e.g. PBT
    2022-05Journal article Restricted access Show more
  • Cork - a natural material for linalool controlled release
    Publication . Sousa, Sara; Silva, Mário; Gomes, Filipa O.; Domingues, Valentina; Delerue-Matos, Cristina
    Controlled release of aromatic mixtures to the atmosphere is a requirement for scented systems for indoor applications. The product must smell nice, but also be able to last, slowly releasing the perfume over time. Several adsorption materials have been used, for this purpose. In this study, cork was investigated as a potential perfume adsorbent for application in scented drawer sachets and equivalent products. Cork was selected due to its adsorption properties and because it is a natural, renewable, sustainable material. Granulated cork is a significant by‐product in cork industries and it was chosen for adsorption in this work. Linalool, an enantiomeric monoterpene alcohol and one of the main components of several essential oils, was selected as the model compound for adsorption studies. Activated carbon (AC) was used as the reference material. The sorption of linalool to granulated cork and AC was evaluated by HS‐SPME‐GC‐FID. The linalool isotherm on cork was shown to follow a Brunauer‐Deming‐Deming and Teller, Type IV model. The isotherm data on AC can be adjusted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. A maximum adsorption capacity of 3.9x103μg/g was achieved for AC. Desorption studies were performed. Linalool was still released from granulated cork after three equilibrium stages of desorption, whereas only two desorption values were obtained for AC from the equilibrium with highest linalool concentration. Thus, AC demonstrated good adsorption but not good desorption properties. Sorption and desorption studies of linalool from granulated cork, showed that granulated cork could be an excellent material allowing controlled release of the aroma.
    2017Journal article Open access Show more
  • Efeitos de um programa de reabilitação cardíaca fase manutenção no padrão alimentar e composição corporal em indivíduos com doença arterial coronária
    Publication . Vieira, Ágata; Sousa, Sara; Noites, Andreia; Silva, Ana
    A prática de exercício físico e a adoção de um padrão alimentar adequado num contexto de reabilitação cardíaca, parece influenciar a composição corporal e diminuir o risco de doenças cardiovasculares. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos de um programa de reabilitação cardíaca em indivíduos com doença arterial coronária, no padrão alimentar e composição corporal. Estudo pré-experimental longitudinal, cuja amostra foi constituída por 7 indivíduos, inseridos na fase de manutenção da reabilitação cardíaca. Ocorreram dois momentos de avaliação, M0 e M1, com 16 semanas de diferença entre os mesmos durante as quais foi mantido um programa de Reabilitação Cardíaca. Foi utilizada a balança de bioimpedância Tanita InnerScan Model BC-543 TM para a mensuração do peso, percentagem de gordura total, massa magra e percentagem de água; a fita métrica para a medição da altura e perímetros e o adipómetro para a medição da gordura subcutânea. Através destes instrumentos, foi possível calcular o Índice de Massa Corporal, percentagem de gordura corporal, rácio cintura-anca e rácio cintura-altura. Caraterizou-se, ainda, o padrão alimentar de cada participante através do Questionário de Frequência Alimentar. A análise estatística foi feita através do software SPSS24, com nível de significância de 5%. Ao fim das 16 semanas de intervenção, verificou-se uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa na percentagem de gordura corporal (p=0,031) dos participantes. Nesta amostra, o programa de RC na fase de manutenção teve influência positiva sobre os valores da composição corporal.
    2017-11Conference object Open access Show more
  • Evaluation of the seaweeds Chondrus crispus and Ulva lactuca as functional ingredients in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
    Publication . Guerreiro, Inês; Magalhães, Rui; Coutinho, Filipe; Couto, Ana; Sousa, Sara; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Domingues, Valentina F.; Oliva-Teles, Aires; Peres, Helena
    The effect of a dietary incorporation of the seaweedsUlva lactucaandChondrus crispusas functional ingredients was evaluatedin gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juvenile growth, feed efficiency, muscle lipid composition, intermediary metabolism,oxidative status and gut histomorphology. Fish (15 g initial body weight) were fed with isoproteic (46%) and isolipidic (18%)diets with fish meal (FM) and plant feedstuffs (PF) (27:73 protein from FM:PF) as main protein sources (control diet). Three otherdiets were formulated similar to the control but including 5%U. lactuca,5%C. crispusor 2.5% of both algae (dietsUlva,Chondrusand Mix, respectively). Dietary incorporation ofUlvadid not affect growth performance (P> 0.05) while it leads tohigher muscleΣSFA (saturated fatty acids); and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO). Moreover, lower muscleΣPUFA (polyunsatu-rated fatty acids) and plasma glucose was observed. Dietary incorporation ofChondrusleads to lower growth; whole-body drymatter and lipid content; muscleΣPUFA andω3 fatty acids; and plasma glucose. In addition, higher muscleΣMUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids); and liver LPO was observed. Dietary incorporation of both algae (Mix) led to lower growth; whole-bodylipid content; muscleΣPUFA andω3 fatty acids; plasma glucose; and hepatic PK (pyruvate kinase) and HOAD (3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase). Furthermore, it leads to higher muscleΣSFA andΣMUFA; and liver LPO. Overall, no beneficial effects ofincluding the tested seaweeds in the diets was observed, while oxidative status was negatively affected in all dietary treatments.
    2018Journal article Open access Show more
  • Exposure to immersive relaxing virtual environments for hospitalized patients
    Publication . Pereira, Miguel; Oliveira, Patrícia; Gomes, Manuela; Sousa, Sara
    Hospitalized patients are often characterized by various stress factors that can have an impact on their mental health and hospital experience. Improving the quality of life of these bedridden patients is an important task by relieving their anxiety, reducing their pain, and encouraging them in their fight against disease. Virtual reality has already been proved to be a novel and promising tool to improve the quality of life of hospitalized patients. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to focus on studies that gave evidence to the feasibility of virtual reality relaxation therapies for hospitalized patients, which virtual reality relaxation therapies are most used, and the benefits and limitations of this type of intervention.
    2024Book part Open access Show more
  • Impact of brominated flame retardants on lipid metabolism: An in vitro approach
    Publication . Maia, Maria Luz; Sousa, Sara; Pestana, Diogo; Faria, Ana; Teixeira, Diana; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Domingues, Valentina; Calhau, Conceição
    Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are chemicals employed to lower the flammability of several objects. These endocrine disruptor chemicals are lipophilic and persistent in the environment. Due to these characteristics some have been restricted or banned by the European Union, and replaced by several new chemicals, the novel BFRs (NBFRs). BFRs are widely detected in human samples, such as adipose tissue and some were linked with altered thyroid hormone levels, liver toxicity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in humans. However, the disturbance in lipid metabolism caused by BFRs with emphases to NBFRs remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a pre-adipocyte (3T3-L1) cell line and a hepatocyte (HepG2) cell line to investigate the possible lipid metabolism disruption caused by four BFRs: hexabromobenzene (HBB), pentabromotoluene (PBT), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). For that purpose, proliferation and Oil Red O assays, as well as, medium fatty acids profile evaluation using Gas chromatography and RNA extraction for quantitative RT-PCR assays were performed. We detected a significant reduction in the proliferation of preadipocytes and an increased lipid accumulation during differentiation caused by HBB. This BFR also lead to a significant increased expression of IL-1β and decreased expression of PGC-1α and adiponectin. Nevertheless, PBT, TBB and HBCD show to increase lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. PBT also display a significant increase of PPARγ gene expression. Lipid accumulation in the cells can occur by diverse mechanisms depending on the BFR. These results highlight the importance of endocrine disruptor compounds in obesity etiopathogeny.
    2022Journal article Restricted access Show more