Repositório Comum
Entradas recentes
Hedgehogs’ parasitology : an updated review on diagnostic methods and treatment
Publication . Alfaia, Francisco; Baptista, Catarina Jota; Sós-Koroknai, Viktória; Hoitsy, Márton; Sós, Endre; Carvalho, Luís M. Madeira de
The genus Erinaceus is commonly found in rescue centres across the European continent despite the reported decline in some countries. Parasite infections are frequently detected in rescued hedgehogs, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and consequently conditioning their recovery. Some of the most frequent parasites include respiratory nematodes, such as Crenosoma striatum and Capillaria spp., which may lead to important pneumonia. Moreover, some of these agents have zoonotic potential, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Sarcoptes spp., and several species of ticks and fleas, which may transmit different vector-borne pathogens. This review provides a brief guide on hedgehogs’ internal and external parasitology, as well as some suggestions for diagnosis and treatment that are relevant for wildlife veterinarians, biologists and other researchers.
Heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and their human health implications from One Health perspective
Publication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Seixas, Fernanda; Gonzalo-Orden, José M.; Patinha, Carla; Pato, Pedro; Silva, Eduardo Ferreira da; Fernandes, Gilberto; Oliveira, Paula A.
The red deer is an ungulate and large game species. The contamination of the ecosystems by metal(loid)s may lead to the exposure of animals (as well as humans) through water and food resources. The direct contact of hunters and wild animal meat consumers with deer carcasses may be a potential contaminant source. This study aimed to determine the metal(loid)s’ concentrations in the liver and kidney of red deer from two regions of Portugal (Idanha-a-Nova and Lousã), and to relate these with histopathologic lesions. Thirteen young male deer were submitted to metal(loid) determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) and histopathology examination. Renal Cd (8.072 ± 5.766 mg/kg dw) and hepatic Pb (3.824 ± 6.098 mg/kg dw) mean values were high, considering the maximum values for consumption established by the European Commission. The hepatic mean value of Cu was significantly higher in Idanha-a-Nova (150.059 ± 33.321 mg/kg dw), and it is at the Cu toxicity limit considered for ruminants (150 mg/kg). The pollution induced by Panasqueira mines (Castelo Branco) may be a possible explanation for some of the findings, especially the higher values of hepatic Cu and Pb found in Idanha-a-Nova deer. These results have high importance under a One Health perspective, since they have implications in public health, and pose at risk the imbalance of animal populations and ecosystems.
Health-related quality of life after rehabilitation from knee surgery in rural and urban settings : a quasi-experimental study
Publication . Moreira, José; João, Ana; Aguiar, Pedro; Raimundo, Armando; Mesquita, Marina; Flamínio, José; Almeida, Manuel; Boto, Paulo
Background: Injury to the knee joint is associated with physical disability, stiffness, pain, restriction of movement and impairment of the person’s quality of life, with a few treatment options, including surgery and rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a rehabilitation program on the quality of life reported by patients living in rural and urban areas after knee surgery, using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Methods: This quasi-experimental study with two groups of participants undergoing primary knee surgery was carried out in two rehabilitation centers, one in an urban area and another in a rural one. The same intervention was structured, with assessments at the start of the study (t0) and after a 4-week program (t1), and a comparison was made between the gains in rural and urban areas. We used descriptive and inferential analysis to analyze the effect of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using a linear regression model.
Results: Participants (n = 62 aged between 19 and 84 years (40% of the sample aged over 65years) and 61.9% female, showed improvements in their EQ-5D-5L and HADS scores after the rehabilitation program. Considering the dimensions of HRQoL in both groups, there was a significant improvement in all the components in the rural context (p < 0.005), and improvements in the Mobility (t = 3.48; p = 0.002) and EQ_VAS (t = − 3.77; p = 0.001) components in the urban context. The effect of the program on health gains considering the Mobility was significantly greater in the rural group (− 0.97) compared to the urban group (− 0.13), as well as in the Pain/Disability (− 0.73) vs. (− 0.13) respectively. After analyzing the confounding factors, the rehabilitation center variable indicated gains of the EQ-5D-5L dimensions in a rural context (β= −0.390; t = − 3.041; p = 0.004), with an average reduction in health problems.
Conclusion: There is evidence that the application of PROMs in rehabilitation programs after knee surgery is fundamental, considering the improvements in HRQoL and the optimization of anxiety/depression states in different contexts. PROMs should be applied systematically in clinical practice throughout the rehabilitation process, objectively measuring the results perceived by patients, and according to each context achieving health gains.
Health professionals’ perceptions, barriers and knowledge towards oral health care of dependent people in nursing homes : a systematic review
Publication . Pombo-Lopes, Joana; Rodrigues, Inês; Costa, Joana; Gomes, Ana Catarina; Fonseca, Jorge; Grillo-Evangelista, José
Introduction: This review aimed to evaluate the perceived barriers, knowledge, and training, of different health care professionals in relation to the oral health of dependent people in nursing homes and access, as well, how this data was evaluated.
Methods: Three electronic databases—PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and LILACS—were searched independently by two researchers for relevant studies published up to December 2023. Articles were selected according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 35 studies were included.
Results: Findings from the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale studies revealed disparities between training and daily oral health care, with experienced nurses experiencing challenges. Barriers described were categorized and included resident-related issues, organizational challenges, and caregiver-related difficulties. Most caregivers reported inadequate training, often informal or experiential, although they are involved in the hygiene of the older adult, with tooth brushing and denture cleaning being the most common practices. Low oral health literacy coexisted with recognition of the importance of oral health care.
Conclusion: The findings advocate for targeted interventions, standardized training, and improved support systems to improve oral health care for the older adult in diverse health care settings.
Health professionals’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward baby-led weaning : scoping review
Publication . Sarreira–de-Oliveira, P.; Fernandes, S.; Ramalho, R.; Loureiro, F.
Introduction: Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a growing method for parents to introduce food to their kids. As advisers who affect the decisions of parents, health practitioners have significant obligations in this regard.
Objective: We aim to identify existing literature on the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of health professionals toward BLW.
Methods: We carried out a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. After registering with Open Science Framework, published articles were retrieved from EBSCOhost, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Open Grey, and the Portuguese Scientific Open Access Repository. Primary studies with full-text availability in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, and no data publication limitations were included.
Results: The final sample included seven publications conducted in five countries published between 2012 and 2022. Only one study employed a hybrid methodology showing incongruent practices in parents/health professionals on BLW, whereas most studies employed a quantitative approach. Regarding BLW, it is recognized that there is a dearth of evidence, consensus, and advice.
Conclusion: Despite benefits, health professionals hesitate to recommend BLW due to insufficient study and safety concerns, warranting more research. Hence, our scoping review demonstrated that BLW is a scientifically under-researched subject, indicating a significant research gap that must be filled in the future.