Percorrer por autor "Brites, Ricardo"
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- Frailty through a One Health lens : biological sex, mental health, and oral function in physically active older adultsPublication . Ferreira, Luciano Maia Alves; Brito, José; Colaço, Catarina; Palinkas, Marcelo; Brites, Ricardo; Andrade, Maia e Maia Fischel e; Botelho, João Tiago; Mendes, José João; Siessere, Selma; Regalo, SimoneFrailty is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome marked by reduced physiological reserves and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. This multicenter observational study adopted a One Health approach to examine the association between frailty and biological sex, denture use, and antidepressant medication, as well as their impact on bite force, in two transnational cohorts of physically active older adults. The sample included 499 individuals aged ≥60 years (295 from Brazil and 204 from Portugal), all with functional dentition and regular physical activity. Frailty was assessed using the adapted Fried phenotype and classified as non-frail (G0), pre-frail (G1), or frail (G2). Oral health, depressive symptoms (CES-D), bite force, and self-reported use of dentures and antidepressants were analyzed. Frailty was significantly associated with biological sex (p < 0.001), with higher prevalence among women, especially in G2. Antidepressant use was associated with frailty in the Portuguese cohort (p < 0.001) and in the total sample (p = 0.005), but not in Brazil. No significant association was observed between denture use and frailty. However, Brazilian participants without dentures showed significantly higher bite force (p < 0.001), indicating a functional oral health effect. Frailty was associated with female sex and antidepressant use, while bite force emerged as a complementary functional marker for geriatric assessment.
- Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation modulates masseter muscle activity, pain perception, and anxiety levels in university students : a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trialPublication . Ferreira, Luciano Maia Alves; Brites, Ricardo; Fraião, Gonçalo; Pereira, Gonçalo Pereira; Fernandes, Henrique; Brito, José Américo Almeida de; Generoso, Laura Pereira; Capello, Maria Gabriela Maziero; Pereira, Gabrielly Santos; Scoz, Robson Dias; Silva, Josie Resende Torres; Silva, Marcelo LourençoIntroduction: Chronic anxiety is a statemarked by sustained activation of the masseter muscle, manifesting in both mental and physical strain. This prolonged tension can significantly impact mental wellbeing and cognitive abilities, posing a risk for a range of health complications. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial investigated the impact of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on masseter muscle activity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and anxiety levels in university students with elevated anxiety. Methods: Forty-two participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either active TAVNS or sham TAVNS groups. Various parameters, including masseter muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals, PPT, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, were assessed before pretreatment, immediately after the intervention week, and 2 weeks follow-up. Results: Active TAVNS significantly reduced both left and right masseter activation during resting mandibular position, persisting for 2 weeks post-intervention. Additionally, TAVNS induced a lasting decrease in both left and right masseter PPT, indicative of altered pain perception. Notably, BAI scores showed a substantial reduction, emphasizing TAVNS as a potential intervention for anxiety, with effects maintained at the 2-week follow-up. Discussion: This study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted effects of TAVNS on physiological and psychological aspects associated with anxiety in university students. The promising results underscore TAVNS as a potential neuromodulatory intervention for anxiety-related conditions, warranting further research and clinical exploration.