IPC-ESTeSC - Artigos em revistas
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing IPC-ESTeSC - Artigos em revistas by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Médicas"
Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Association between shift work and auditory–cognitive processing in middle-aged healthcare workersPublication . Roque, Margarida; Marques, Tatiana; Serrano, MargaridaBackground/Objectives: Shift work in healthcare professionals affects performance in high cognitive processing, especially in complex environments. However, the beneficial effects that working in complex environments may have on auditory–cognitive processing remain unknown. These professionals face increased challenges in decision-making due to factors such as noise exposure and sleep disturbances, which may lead to the development of enhanced auditory–cognitive resources. This study aims to investigate the associations between shift work and auditory–cognitive processing in middle-aged healthcare workers. Methods: Thirty middle-aged healthcare workers were equally allocated to a shift worker(SW) or a fixed-schedule worker (FSW) group. Performance on a cognitive test, and in pure-tone audiometry, speech in quiet and noise, and listening effort were used to explore whether correlations were specific to shift work. Results: Exploratory analyses indicated that shift workers tended to perform better in visuospatial/executive function, memory recall, memory index, orientation, and total MoCA score domains compared to fixed schedule workers. In the SW group, hearing thresholds correlated with memory recall and memory index. In the FSW group, hearing thresholds correlated with orientation, memory index, and total MoCA score, while listening effort correlated with naming, and speech intelligibility in quiet correlated with total MoCA scores. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that shift work may be linked to distinct auditory–cognitive patterns, with potential compensatory mechanisms in visuospatial/executive functions and memory among middle-aged healthcare workers. Larger, longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm whether these patterns reflect true adaptive mechanisms.
- Current practices and perceptions on diagnostic reference levels: a EuroSafe Imaging Survey AnalysisPublication . Damilakis, John; Brkljacic, Boris; Frija, Guy; De Bondt, Timo; Paulo, Graciano; Tsapak, Virginia; Vano, Eliseo; European Society of RadiologyDespite progress in implementing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) across Europe, clinical practices remain variable. This prompts the EuroSafe Imaging campaign to conduct a survey assessing current practices, perceptions, and challenges related to DRLs. A total of 146 responses were collected from radiology departments in 38 countries, predominantly in the EU/EEA region. While 52.4% reported established local DRLs, significant gaps were identified, with 34.5% lacking local DRLs and 13.1% unaware of their existence. DRLs were primarily established for computed tomography (CT) (88.7%) and conventional radiography (77.5%), with lower implementation in interventional radiology (36.6%). Key challenges included time constraints, data collection difficulties, and limited standardization across institutions. Education gaps were notable, with less than half of the respondents reporting DRL-related training for radiology residents. Respondents emphasized the need for dose management systems, personalized DRLs based on clinical indications, and enhanced education and policy support. Addressing barriers through targeted training, policy enhancements, and technological innovations can improve DRL implementation. Future efforts should focus on promoting standardized clinical protocols, increasing awareness, and fostering European and international collaboration to ensure the consistent use and optimization of DRLs in clinical practice. Critical relevance statement. The article critically examines the variability and challenges in implementing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) across European radiology departments, providing actionable recommendations on policy, education, and technological advancements to optimize radiation protection and improve clinical radiology practices. Patient summary. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) help healthcare providers ensure that radiation doses from medical imaging, like CT scans and X-rays, are not higher than necessary. This study looked at how DRLs are used across Europe. It found that while many hospitals have established and follow DRLs, others do not, which may affect patient safety. Challenges like time constraints and lack of training prevent better use of DRLs. Improving education for medical staff and updating protocols can help protect patients by reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while still ensuring accurate diagnoses. Key Points. ● Variability persists in diagnostic reference level (DRL) practices across Europe. ● Over half of radiology departments have established local DRLs. ● Less than half of radiology residents receive structured DRL training. ● Improved DRL adoption can optimize radiation protection and patient safety. ● Collaboration, training, and standardized protocols are essential for better DRL practices.
- Effects of time-restricted eating on body composition, biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation, circadian system and oxidative stress in overweight and obesity: an exploratory reviewPublication . Lages, Marlene; Carmo-Silva, Sara; Barros, Renata; Guarino, Maria PedroObesity is a chronic, complex and multi-factorial condition with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Irregular eating schedules might be a contributing factor to these numbers through the dysregulation of the circadian system. Time-restricted eating (TRE), an approach that limits eating windows, has been studied as a strategy to treat obesity, aligning eating occasions with metabolic circadian rhythms. This review aims to provide an overview of the impact of TRE protocols on metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative stress and circadian rhythm biomarkers in people with overweight or obesity. Most studies report significant weight loss following TRE protocols. While glucose levels decreased in nearly all TRE interventions, only a few studies demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared to the control groups. The findings for c-reactive protein and TNF-α were inconsistent, with limited significant differences. Changes in lipid profile changes were variable and generally did not reach statistical significance. Both 4-hour and 6-hour TRE interventions significantly reduced 8-isoprostane levels. Additionally, TRE significantly altered clock gene expression, as well as that of genes associated with metabolic regulation in subcutaneous adipose tissue. While the evidence is still inconsistent, limiting eating to a consistent daily window of 8 to 12 h can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and promote weight loss.These effects are likely attributable to both direct metabolic impacts and indirect benefits from weight loss and improved dietary habits. However, data on circadian, inflammatory and specific metabolic biomarkers remain scarce and occasionally contradictory, highlighting the need for further research on these interventions.
- Preschool hearing screening: nineteen years of the coração Delta Project in Campo Maior, PortugalPublication . Reis, Cláudia; Serrano, MargaridaBackground/Objectives: Preschool hearing screening is justified by the risk of late onset hearing loss, the high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in school-aged children, and the critical timing just before children begin formal reading and learn to write. This study describes the results of the annual preschool hearing screening program in Campo Maior from 2007 to 2025 (nineteen years) and correlates the audiological referral to the otoscopy findings by the otolaryngologists. Methodology: Retrospective study using clinical records from nineteen years of preschool hearing screening. Results: Screening identified 310 chil dren (29% of 1068 screened) requiring referral to an ENT specialist. Of the 217 referred children evaluated by ENT, 198 (91.2%) had confirmed pathology or healthcare needs of medical intervention. A statistically significant positive association (r = 0.254, p < 0.05) existed between abnormal otoscopy findings and Type B or C2 tympanograms (versus Type A or C1). Hearing loss occurring with Type A tympanograms (0.8% unilaterally, 0.3% bilaterally) may suggest sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of universal preschool audiological screening for all children, particularly for children facing geographic barriers to healthcare. Community-based interventions facilitated by social solidarity associations can play a crucial role in mitigating healthcare access disparities across populations.
- The link between anxiety and depression, and balance in young adultsPublication . Marques, Tatiana; Bernardo, Patrícia; Serrano, MargaridaThe ability of young adults to control their balance is generally effortless and can occur automatically with minimal cognitive involvement. However, this ability may be compromised when integration conflicts arise due to impairments in vestibular, visual, or somatosensory functions. Hence, psychomotor symptoms linked to emotional states can also influence postural control. The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of anxiety and depression on balance in young adults. Methods: Our study included 50 young adults (21.86 ± 2.63 years), consisting of 13 males and 37 females. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while balance was assessed through the Modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that young adults exhibited stable postural control. However, a positive correlation (0.259, p < 0.1) was observed between anxiety levels and the sway index. Additionally, positive correlations were found between anxiety and both somatosensory (0.281, p < 0.05) and visual (0.276, p < 0.1) ratios. Conclusions: The results suggest that higher anxiety levels are associated with reduced postural balance, with sensory inputs, particularly visual and somatosensory, playing a key role in this decreased stability