Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-07"
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- Nonthermal high-pressure microalgae extracts: A new source of natural ingredients for cosmeticsPublication . Garcia, Mónica P.; Regueiras, Ana; Lopes, Graciliana; Matos, Gabriela; Silva, Lucília P. da; Cerqueira, Mariana T.; Cardoso, Helena; Correia, Nádia; Saraiva, Jorge A.; Silva, Joana L.; Martins, Rosário; Marques, Alexandra P.Microalgae are one of the most prominent sources of ingredients for the cosmetic industry not only due to their diversity but, importantly, due to the low environmental impact in production and extraction. A sustainable extraction process requires the use of effective and environmentally friendly solvents that guarantee an extract with a relevant content and in high yields. In this work, Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oceanica, Tetraselmis chui, Chlorococcum amblystomatis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae species grown in tubular photobioreactors were used to validate a high-pressure extraction (HPE) method. Extraction yields up to 57 % were obtained depending on the used solvent (water, ethanol, or acetone). The extracts were then characterized regarding their phytochemical composition (total phenolic, protein, chlorophylls content, and chlorophyll a). Aqueous extracts showed high protein content (6–51 μg/mg biomass), while ethanolic and acetone extracts showed high amounts of phenolic compounds (0.0007–0.03 μg/mg biomass). The levels of photosynthetic pigments (0.1–11 μg/mg biomass) associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were higher when extracted using ethanol and high-pressures. Chlorella vulgaris aqueous extracts presented higher protein content while Nannochloropsis oceanica and Tetraselmis chui ethanolic extracts presented higher amounts of photosynthetic pigments. The effect of the extracts over the metabolic activity of primary human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes, and adipocytes was dependent on both microalgae species and cell type. In adipocytes and fibroblasts, extracts presented an IC50 > 500 μg/mL, except for the one of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in fibroblasts (IC50 < 150 μg/mL). In contrast, the IC50 was below 500 μg/mL for most of the extracts in keratinocytes and melanocytes. Overall, extracts of sustainably-grown microalgae obtained by a high-pressure method are a promising source of natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications.
- Evaluation of the ability to sing easily: Adaptation and validation to the European Portuguese languagePublication . Pestana, Pedro Melo; Freitas, Susana Vaz; Alegria, Rita; Manso, Maria ConceiçãoA number of voice assessment tools are currently in use in both clinical and research settings. The Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily offers a comprehensive self-assessment tool designed for singers. EASE captures subtle changes in vocal health by inquiring about the subject's current experience. This makes Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily a valuable tool for the early identification of vocal issues and the monitoring of a singer's overall vocal health. Objective: This study aimed to adapt and validate the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily for European Portuguese and assess its psychometric properties. Methodology: A five-step cross-cultural adaptation process was followed, including forward translation, backward translation, committee review, pilot testing, and finalization. The Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily for European Portuguese was then administered to 120 singers (Fado and Choir) to evaluate internal consistency and known-groups validity. Results: The pilot test identified and resolved ambiguities in seven Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily for European Portuguese items. Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's alpha exceeding 0.80 for the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily scale and sub-scales in both Fado and Choir singers. Fado singers reported higher vocal fatigue scores, while Choir singers reported higher Pathologic Risk Indicators scores. A weak negative correlation between singing load and PRI scores was observed in Choir singers. Conclusion: The Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily for European Portuguese demonstrates good internal consistency and cultural relevance for Portuguese singers. Known-groups validity suggests potential differences in vocal function between Fado and Choir singers. Further research is needed to explore external validity, test-retest reliability, and applicability to other singing styles.
- Advancing the understanding of pupil size variation in occupational safety and health: A systematic review and evaluation of open-source methodologiesPublication . Ferreira, Filipa; Ferreira, Simão; Mateus, Catarina; Rocha, Nuno; Coelho, Luís; Rodrigues, MatildePupil size can be used as an important biomarker for occupational risks. In recent years, there has been an increase in the development of open-source tools dedicated to obtaining and measuring pupil diameter. However, it remains undetermined determined whether these tools are suitable for use in occupational settings. This study explores the significance of pupil size variation as a biomarker for occupational risks and evaluates existing open-source methods for potential use in both research and occupational settings, with the goal of to prevent occupational accidents and improve the health and performance of workers. To this end, a two-phase systematic literature review was conducted in the Web of Science™, ScienceDirect®, and Scopus® databases. For the relevance of monitoring pupil size variation in occupational settings, 15 articles were included. The articles were divided into three groups: mental workload, occupational stress, and mental fatigue. In most cases, pupil dilation increased with workload enhancement and with higher levels of stress. Regarding fatigue, it was noted that an increase in this condition corresponded with a decrease in pupil size. With respect to the open-source methodologies, 16 articles were identified, which were categorized into two groups: algorithms and software. Convolutional neural networks (CNN)1 have exhibited superior performance among the various algorithmic approaches studied. Building on this insight, and considering the evaluations of software options, MEYE emerges as the premier open-source system for deployment in occupational settings due to its compatibility with a standard computer webcam. This feature positions MEYE as a particularly practical tool for workers in stable environments, like those of developers and administrators.
- Avaliação da qualidade do ar interior em unidades de saúde da região norte de PortugalPublication . Silva, Ana Sofia; Ferreiro, NunoEm média, as pessoas passam 90% do seu tempo no interior de casas ou edifícios, sendo que diversos estudos revelam que a qualidade do ar interior (QAI) é mais contaminada do que a qualidade do ar exterior. Por outro lado, a QAI é uma das causas significativas de morbilidade e mortalidade para os humanos, sendo uma preocupação para a saúde pública. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade do ar interior em unidades de saúde da região norte de Portugal Continental. Participaram neste estudo sete unidades de saúde familiares do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde Tâmega II Vale do Sousa Sul. Foram avaliados poluentes microbiológicos e físicoquímicos em 24 postos de trabalho, entre abril e maio de 2023. Todos os resultados obtidos para os poluentes partículas PM10, PM2,5 e CO, CO2 encontravam-se em conformidade com os limiares de proteção previstos na legislação. Contudo, em 21% e 25% dos resultados obtidos para os poluentes COV e formaldeído respetivamente, foram superiores aos limiares de proteção. Em todos os postos de trabalho foram detectados fungos e microrganismos viáveis. A QAI das unidades de saúde avaliadas pode ser classificado como boa, não existindo até ao momento dados que afetem a saúde dos trabalhadores, devendo contudo ser adotadas medidas de ventilação/arejamento contínuo em todos postos de trabalho.
- O impacto das lesões músculoesqueléticas na qualidade de sono, em trabalhadores fabrisPublication . Machado, Bruno; Monteiro, Joana; Vieira, Ágata; Brochado, Gabriela; Oliveira, Pedro; Ferreira, Sara; Lopes, SofiaAs lesões músculo-esqueléticas relacionadas com o trabalho afetam trabalhadores, resultando em dor, limitações funcionais e redução da produtividade podendo interferir na qualidade do sono. Caracterizar os trabalhadores de uma empresa e analisar a associação entre a sintomatologia músculoesquelética e a qualidade do sono. Estudo observacional analítico transversal com 47 trabalhadores de uma empresa de etiquetas, que preencheram um questionário de caracterização da amostra, o Questionário Nórdico Músculo-Esquelético e o Índice de Sono de Pittsburgh. 93,6% trabalhadores realizava movimentos repetitivos e 89,4% deles relataram que a região das mãos era a mais afetada. A sintomatologia na região lombar foi a maior responsável pela interrupção das atividades (37,8%) tendo sido autoreportada com maior intensidade de dor no grupo com pobre qualidade de sono. O coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre a qualidade de sono e a dor lombar, mostrou uma correlação positiva, não estatisticamente significativa (p=0,290). A maioria dos trabalhadores é do sexo feminino, trabalha na posição de pé e mais de metade apresenta excesso de peso. A sintomatologia da região lombar foi a mais autoreportada, sendo a qualidade de sono pobre na maioria dos trabalhadores. A fisioterapia permite reduzir gastos, absenteísmo e aumentar a eficiência do trabalho.
- Psychosocial risks in remote work: A systematic reviewPublication . Ribeiro, Hugo; Santos, Joana; Carvalhais, CarlosThe introduction of new information and communication technologies (ICT) into labor relations, led to new ways of working. For instance, remote work has been enabled by advances in digital development that narrowed down distance allowing workers to communicate and perform tasks from nearly anywhere (Ciccarelli, 2022). The different types of ICT-enabled remote work, are giving rise to new challenges in terms of occupational safety and health (OSH) management. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an acceleration in the digitalization of the work (Baig et al. 2020), and brought to light the need to OSH practitioners pay more attention to occupational risks linked with this type of work, particularly psychosocial risks.
- Studies on IAQ and the potential relationship between airbone microorganisms and particulate matter in a school setting: A protocol for a systematic reviewPublication . Ferraz, Mariana; Alves, Sandra; Santos, Joana; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaIndoor Air Quality (IAQ) encompasses a broad spectrum of chemical, physical, and biological agents that can have different impacts on vulnerable demographics, namely the elderly and children (Basińska et al., 2019; Mishra et al., 2015). The levels of pollutants can fluctuate based on their origins, potentially representing health risks. Enhancing IAQ requires a deep understanding of factors contributing to air quality (Mannan & Al-Ghamdi, 2021). This is especially critical in educational settings, where children, due to their sensitivity, spend significant periods indoors. Additionally, they are susceptible to the effects of pollutants such as particulate matter, bacteria, and fungi (Sadrizadeh et al., 2022).
- Effect of Kinesio® taping on static and dynamic balance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized controlled trialPublication . Sousa, João; Ribeiro, Fernando; Lopes, Mário; Gonçalves, Rui Soles; Torres, RuiAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common knee injuries among athletes (Evans and Nielson, 2022). ACL reconstruction is, in general, the solution for the rupture of ACL; the torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft from another surrounding functional structure of the knee (Rochmania et al., 2012). The functional changes that occur after ACL reconstruction comprise deficits of muscle power, functional performance, joint proprioception, and balance (Ageberg, 2002). Evidence shows that even several months after a successful ACL reconstruction subjects still present motor control changes, influencing knee functionality (Furlanetto et al., 2016). Kinesio Taping (KT), which consists of the application of elastic adhesive bands to the skin (Oliveira et al., 2016), is frequently used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and neurological rehabilitation (Choi et al., 2016). It is used in several areas of physiotherapy to relieve pain (Nadali et al., 2014; Pamuk and Yucesoy, 2015), promote postural correction, stimulate muscle function (Cortesi et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2016; Scarborough et al., 1999), enhance gait (Choi et al., 2016; Lee et al., 2016, Yang et al., 2015), and improve balance (Bernardelli et al., 2019, Khalili et al., 2022). Despite being a technique commonly used during sports practice and in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and sport injuries, KT has little and insufficient evidence supporting its use to improve balance and postural control, particularly after a major musculoskeletal injury/surgery such as ACL reconstruction (Gholami et al., 2020). Moreover, only a few studies assessed the effect of KT in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (Balki et al., 2016, Boguszewski et al., 2013; Laborie et al., 2015). Collectively, they evaluated the effects of the KT on the range of knee motion, oedema (Balki et al., 2016; Boguszewski et al., 2013), muscle strength (Balki et al., 2016), and pain (Balki et al., 2016; Boguszewski et al., 2013; Laborie et al., 2015). It is accepted that KT stimulates proprioception through cutaneous receptors by altering somatosensory information (Tamburella et al., 2014), which consequently increases the cortical excitability of the cortical motor areas of cerebral cortex (Oliveira et al., 2016). However, it is not known whether it influences balance and postural control after ACL reconstruction. We will test the application of KT for 24 h, to determine whether KT could be used to maximize balance and postural control during the rehabilitation process or when resuming sport practice to decrease the risk of re-injury. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of KT on balance and postural control among young adults with ACL reconstruction.
- Les effets de la kinésithérapie respiratoire chez les adultes obèses avant et après chirurgie bariatrique – Une revue narrativePublication . Silva, Cristina de Oliveira e; Abreu, Verónica; Festas, Clarinda; Vilarinho, Rui; Viana, Sara; Viana, RuiLa chirurgie bariatrique a été largement utilisée comme stratégie pour la perte de poids rapide chez les individus obèses et en surpoids. Mais, comme toute intervention chirurgicale, elle comporte un risque de complications. Cette revue visait à examiner les effets de la kinésithérapie respiratoire sur la fonction pulmonaire et la qualité de vie des patients obèses avant et après la chirurgie bariatrique. Cette revue narrative a été menée sur quatre bases de données en mai 2023 afin d’identifier des essais contrôlés randomisées qui portaient sur les effets de différentes interventions de kinésithérapie respiratoire entre un groupe expérimental et un groupe témoin, conformément aux directives PRISMA. La qualité méthodologique des articles a été évaluée à l’aide de l’échelle Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Dix articles ont répondu aux critères d’éligibilité et ont été inclus dans la revue. Les essais sélectionnés avaient une qualité méthodologique moyenne de 6,9/10. Ils portaient sur 487 participants. Malgré l’hétérogénéité des interventions, tous les essais montraient des bienfaits de la kinésithérapie respiratoire avant et/ou après la chirurgie bariatrique. Le groupe expérimental montrait une meilleure fonction pulmonaire, une meilleure force respiratoire, une meilleure qualité de vie et une prévalence plus faible de complications pulmonaires par rapport au groupe témoin. La kinésithérapie respiratoire montre sa nécessité, dans plusieurs types d’interventions, avant et après chirurgie bariatrique. Elle apporte des améliorations, notamment en termes de fonction pulmonaire, de force musculaire respiratoire, d’endurance, de qualité de vie et de prévention des complications pulmonaires.
- Neurophysiological markers of cardiac interoceptive processing in expectant parents: a study with heartbeat-evoked potentialsPublication . Braga, Patrícia Vilela; Marshall, Amanda; Lamela, Diogo; Jongenelen, Inês; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Costa, Raquel; Pasion, Rita; Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Pinto, Tiago Miguel; Feldman, Ruth; Campos, Carlos; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, NunoPregnancy and parenthood are associated with functional and morphological brain changes. Specifically, the parental caregiving network encompasses key structures implicated in interoception, that is, the ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states. Interoceptive processing may be critical for successful caregiving, allowing parents to integrate perceived changes in their own bodily states with information stemming from their child. Thus, it is feasible to hypothesize that pregnancy-related neurophysiological changes can modify interoception in expectant parents. Objective: To compare neural markers of cortical interoceptive processing (heartbeat-evoked potentials; HEP) between first-time expectant parents (mothers and fathers) and matched non-parents. First-time expectant heterosexual couples at 26-34 weeks gestational age (n = 70) and matched non-parents (n = 140, 70 female) will complete a multilevel interoception assessment protocol. Neural markers of interoception will be indexed by HEP, that is, neurophysiological responses to cardiac afferent inputs which are obtained through electroencephalography recordings (EEG) time-locked to electrocardiography events (ECG). HEP will be recorded while participants complete the Baby Face Repetition Suppression Paradigm in which sad or neutral infant facial expressions are either repeated or alternated in a 500 ms interstimulus interval. This manipulation induces an emotion-specific repetition modulation on HEP amplitude (differential effects for sad vs. neutral facial expressions). A condition with adult facial expressions will be employed to examine domain-general vs. infant-specific effects. Expectant parents will display increased allocation of neural resources to interoceptive inputs (larger repetition-induced HEP modulation) in contrast to non-parents, particularly when considering infant facial expressions. Effect sizes will be larger when contrasting sad vs. neutral infant facial expressions. Findings from this pioneering study will provide further understanding of the parental brain and the role of interoception during pregnancy, contributing to the comprehension of complex processes involved in caregiving and the development of the parent-infant bond.