Browsing by Author "Ferreira, M"
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- Complete blood count parameters as biomarkers of retinopathy of prematurity: a Portuguese multicenter studyPublication . Fevereiro-Martins, M; Santos, AC; Marques-Neves, C; Guimarães, H; Bicho, M; Afonso, C; Ferreira, J; Espírito Santo, R; Teixeira, F; Rosa, R; Carneiro, CV; Ferreira, M; Matos, T; Neiva, L; Pereira, S; Aires, S; Parreira, R; Melnik, Z; Faria, J; Teixeira, J; Barros, P; Almeida, J; Malheiro, B; Rodrigues, PC; Albuquerque, L; Freitas, A; Barros, P; Kotchekova, N; Freitas, R; Silveira, AC; Ferreira, A; Morais, B; Teixeira, S; Mota, M; Guerra, M; Coimbra, L; Gigante, J; Ferreira, M; Lapa, P; Monteiro, M; Alfaiate, M; Rodrigues, T; Pina, T; Rosário, M; Silva, R; Breda, J; Bazenga, F; Pinto, JAPurpose: To evaluate complete blood count (CBC) parameters in the first week of life as predictive biomarkers for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: Multicenter, prospective, observational study of a cohort of preterm infants born with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g in eight Portuguese neonatal intensive care units. All demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from the first week of life were collected. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for ROP and then multivariate regression was performed. Results: A total of 455 infants were included in the study. The median GA was 29.6 weeks, and the median birth weight was 1295 g. One hundred and seventy-two infants (37.8%) developed ROP. Median values of erythrocytes (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), hematocrit (p < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p = 0.035), and platelets (p = 0.003) of the group of infants diagnosed with ROP any stage were lower than those without ROP. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = 0.044), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (p < 0.001), erythroblasts (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p = 0.030), neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio (p = 0.028), and basophils (p = 0.003) were higher in the ROP group. Higher values of MCV, erythroblasts, and basophils remained significantly associated with ROP after multivariate regression. Conclusion: In our cohort, the increase in erythroblasts, MCV, and basophils in the first week of life was significantly and independently associated with the development of ROP. These CBC parameters may be early predictive biomarkers for ROP.
- Efeitos da estimulação diafragmática no volume corrente em doentes ventilados mecanicamentePublication . Alves Lopes, António; Clemente, J; Fernandes, S; Ferreira, M; Machado, AEnquanto área emergente da Fisioterapia, os cuidados intensivos, representam um dos novos desafios às competências e conhecimentos dos profissionais. Dentro deste âmbito propomos verificar se a utilização de Estimulação Manual Diafragmática(E.M.D.) induz a alterações no Volume Corrente(V.C.) em doentes ventilados mecanicamente. Utilizou-se um estudo quasi-experimental, com uma amostra de conveniência de 12 sujeitos internados nas Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos dos Hospitais Curry Cabral, São José, e Nossa senhora do Desterro, ventilados mecanicamente em Pressão Assistida (P.A.) com valores entre 10/20 cm H2O, não traumatizados torácicos, hemodinâmicamente estáveis, eupneicos, vigis e colaborantes. Excluímos desta amostra utentes com patologia neurológica e com lesões do nervo frénico. Estabeleceu-se um protocolo, em os utentes que constituíram a amostra foram avaliados em duas fazes distintas; na primeira fase enquanto grupo de controlo foram-lhe aplicadas técnicas de desobstrução, na fase subsequente enquanto grupo experimental foram aplicadas técnicas de desobstrução mais Estimulação Manual Diafragmática, sendo sempre realizado em 1º a situação de controlo e depois a experimental. O posicionamento dos utentes foi o mesmo tanto para o grupo de controle, como para o grupo experimental. Na primeira fase deu-se início ao protocolo com dois momentos avaliativos (O1 e O2), separados por um intervalo de 10 minutos para estabelecer valores de baseline, de seguida procedeu-se à aplicação das técnicas de desobstrução das vias respiratórias, ao que se seguiram quatro momentos avaliativos: O3 (minuto seguinte), O4 (após 10 minutos), O5 (após 30 minutos) e O6 (após 90 minutos). Na fase 2 estabeleceu-se igualmente a baseline(O`1 e O`2), realizando-se de seguida aplicação das técnicas de desobstrução das vias respiratórias mais a E.M.D (Ciesla, 1996), ao que se seguiram quatro momentos avaliativos: O`3 (minuto seguinte), O`4 (após 10 minutos), O`5 (após 30 minutos) e O`6 (após 90 minutos). Os valores médios do V.C. encontrados na situação experimental foram mais elevados que os da situação de controlo, sendo essa diferença mais marcada após a aplicação da E.M.D. Nas avaliações subsequentes não se verificam diferenças significativas relativamente aos valores iniciais. Da análise de resultados podemos inferir que a aplicação da E.M.D induz um aumento do volume corrente, durante a sua execução e no 1º momento avaliativo após a sua aplicação, esbatendo-se o seu efeito nos momentos avaliativos subsequentes. O uso desta técnica é valido para esta amostra, outros estudos com melhor controlo de variáveis parasitas poderão vir a reforçar estes resultados. Podemos identificar como limitações deste estudo; uma amostra não muito significativa e heterogénea, falta de consenso na fundamentação teórica das técnicas e inerentes á aplicação das técnicas, inexistência de fundamentação bibliográfica para elaboração do protocolo avaliação/medição.
- Effects of the use of active video games in balance and quality of life: systematic reviewPublication . Baltazar, A; Vidigal, I; Ferreira, M; Salvador, P; Alves Lopes, AntónioIntroduction: In the past few years the interest about information and communication technologies has grown. Considering that the use of exergames is increasing, arousing the interest of the scientific community because of their innovative intervention’s strategies, it was considered important to study the effectiveness of it´s use in some aspects like balance and quality of live. Objective: To study (what is) the effectiveness of exergames intervention programs on outcomes like balance and quality of life along the life cycle. Methodology: The research was performed in the following databases: PUBMED, IEEE Xplore Database, CochraneLibrary, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Clinical Trials) and Health Technology Assessment Database (Technology Assessments)), EBSCO, PEDro, ACM the guide, Elsevier, Springer and Taylor & Francis. The selected search terms were video games, gaming, active video games, wii, Xbox, exergame, postural balance, quality of life. Different research’s equations were used with the following inclusion criteria: RCT studies in English, Spanish or Portuguese language, it couldn’t be studies accomplished before 2001 including that year. According to the criteria and the application of PEDro scale, 5 articles comprised the analyzed final sample after selection. Results: There is no consensus among the studies which were analyzed as to the true relation between balance gains and the utilization of the different exergames. However that relation has been verified in the outcome quality of life. In this second outcome it was considered the increasing on the motivation levels and interest in therapy. Those contribute to a better adhesion in the therapeutic treatment and consequently to functional gains. Conclusion: According to the reviewed studies in this systematic review, it was possible to verify that the utilization of game consoles may be recommended as an instrument to the rehabilitation of patients who have disturbance in balance and decreased levels of quality of life, since the feedback’s system promotes motor control and motor learning. This systematic review has a strong impact in Physiotherapy practice because it allows the comprehension of what studies were performed in the area so far, whereas the utilization of those instruments implies, as all the Physiotherapy interventions, better scientific evidence.
- A Potential Link Between Prolonged Cork Exposure and Intestinal-Type Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma – Special Findings of a Retrospective Cohort AnalysisPublication . Alpuim Costa, D; Monteiro, A; André, T; Esteves, S; Sargento, I; Ferreira, M; Alexandre, T; Clara, A; Freire, J; Moreira, AIntroduction: intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is a rare epithelium tumor of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Exposure to wood and leather dusts is a strong etiological factor related to its development. Prolonged cork exposure has rarely been associated. Materials and methods: thirty-seven-year (1981-2018) retrospective cohort analysis of all consecutive patients with sinonasal cancer (SNC) followed at our institution. Medical records were reviewed to determine patient demographics, occupational/environmental exposure, location and extent of the tumor, stage, histopathology findings, treatment strategies, and oncologic outcomes. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: we evaluated 379 patients with SNC, including 39 (10.3%) ITAC. Patient median age was 73 years (range 49-87), 56% male and 69% with identified professional occupational exposure (54% for cork; 69.2% considering only those for which an agent has been identified). Seventy-two percent had locally advanced disease (stage III or IVA-B). The initial treatment was surgery in 77%, and 54% received adjuvant radiotherapy. The median time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall-survival was 2.36 years (95% CI 1.54-8.70), 1.96 years (95% CI 1.43-3.74), and 3.51 years (95% CI 2.33-10.02), respectively. Conclusion: ITAC is an uncommon malignancy that grows silently, which contributes to delayed diagnosis, advanced stage and low survival rates. In our cohort, we observed a high prevalence of cork occupational exposure. This finding may lead to the implementation of protection measures and suggest a potential link to be further studied.
- Schwannoma, a rare tumor of the seminal vesiclePublication . Furtado, AM; Carrasquinho, E; Ferreira, M; Afonso, A; Ferrito, FWe present a rare case of a schwannoma of the seminal vesicle that occurred in a 43-year-old male with symptoms of the lower urinary tract. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging documented a solid mass in the patient's left seminal vesicle. A transvesical approach with a transtrigonal midline incision was successfully performed. The microscopic aspect was compatible with schwannoma.
- The Impact of Polymorphic Variations in the 5p15, 6p12, 6p21 and 15q25 Loci on the Risk and Prognosis of Portuguese Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung CancerPublication . de Mello, RA; Ferreira, M; Soares-Pires, F; Costa, S; Cunha, J; Oliveira, P; Hespanhol, V; Reis, RMINTRODUCTION: Polymorphic variants in the 5p15, 6p12, 6p21, and 15q25 loci were demonstrated to potentially contribute to lung cancer carcinogenesis. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the role of those variants in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk and prognosis in a Portuguese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood from patients with NSCLC was prospectively collected. To perform an association study, DNA from these patients and healthy controls were genotyped for a panel of 19 SNPs using a Sequenom® MassARRAY platform. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients with NSCLC were successfully consecutively genotyped for the 19 SNPs. One SNP was associated with NSCLC risk: rs9295740 G/A. Two SNPs were associated with non-squamous histology: rs3024994 (VEGF intron 2) T/C and rs401681 C/T. Three SNPs were associated with response rate: rs3025035 (VEGF intron 7) C/T, rs833061 (VEGF -460) C/T and rs9295740 G/A. One SNP demonstrated an influence on PFS: rs401681 C/T at 5p15, p = 0.021. Four SNPs demonstrated an influence on OS: rs2010963 (VEGF +405 G/C), p = 0.042; rs3025010 (VEGF intron 5 C/T), p = 0.047; rs401681 C/T at 5p15, p = 0.046; and rs31489 C/A at 5p15, p = 0.029. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that SNPs in the 6p12, 6p21, and 5p15 loci may serve as risk, predictive and prognostic NSCLC biomarkers. In the future, SNPs identified in the genomes of patients may improve NSCLC screening strategies and therapeutic management as well.
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric hospital admissions: a retrospective study in a Portuguese level II hospitalPublication . Garrotes, M; Ferreira, M; Condessa, L; Guimarães, C; Fialho, M; Sousa e Cunha, MIntroduction: Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, pediatric admissions from all causes have decreased. This was mainly due to a decrease in all common respiratory diseases, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on pediatric admissions and diagnoses in a level II hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, including all children admitted to a Portuguese level II hospital between March 2020 and December 2021 and the homologous period 2018-2019. The number of admissions, most common diagnoses, and demographic data were analyzed. Results: A total of 2956 admissions were included. A 44.1% decrease in pediatric hospital admissions was observed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Admissions for common communicable diseases such as acute bronchiolitis, acute gastroenteritis, varicella, and stomatitis decreased. An increase in respiratory illnesses, mainly due to respiratory syncytial virus, was observed when the pandemic restrictions ended. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on pediatric hospital admissions. Social distancing measures and the use of masks limited the transmission of common infectious diseases previously responsible for hospital admissions. Future studies are needed to understand whether the changes in respiratory virus epidemiology were transient.