Maria Paula Gomes dos Santos | IPEA (original) (raw)
Papers by Maria Paula Gomes dos Santos
Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2004
he aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two types of ceramics: a ... more he aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two types of ceramics: a slurry-powder ceramic (Duceram Plus, Degussa) -D and a hot-pressed leucite-based glass-ceramic (IPS Empress, Ivoclar Vivadent) -IPS. Eighty-six restorations, 44 IPS and 42 D, were made by one operator. A total of 33 onlays and 53 inlays on twenty-seven premolars and 59 molars were cemented in 35 patients of both sexes, mean age 35 years. All restorations were cemented with the dual-resin cement (Variolink, Ivoclar-Vivadent) under rubber dam and were evaluated at the baseline and after six months, using the modified U.S.P.H.S. criteria for postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, fracture, color match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity and surface texture. Additionally radiographs and intraoral photographs were carried out. At baseline 86 restorations were analyzed and all of them received Alfa rating, except for the following that received Bravo rating for postoperative sensitivity -IPS (2.27%); D (7.14%); for color match -IPS (2.27%); D (2.38%) and for surface texture -IPS (2.27%); D (11.90%). After 6 months 100% of the restorations were analyzed and the following received Bravo rating: color match -IPS (4.55%) and D (9.52%); surface texture -IPS (2.27%) and D (11.9%); marginal discoloration -IPS (6.82%) and D (4.76%) and marginal integrity -IPS (4.55%) and D (7.14%). The results were submitted to the Fisher and McNemar Statistical Tests. No significant differences were noticed between the two ceramics. Both ceramics demonstrated satisfactory clinical performance after six months. Uniterms: Ceramic; Inlay; Onlay; Esthetic restoration; Clinical study. ste trabalho se propôs a avaliar a performance clínica de dois tipos de cerâmica: IPS Empress, Ivoclar-Vivadent -IPS e Duceram Plus, Degussa -D. Foram realizadas 86 restaurações por apenas um operador, sendo 44 IPS e 42 D. Vinte e sete pré-molares e 59 molares, num total de 33 onlays e 53 inlays, foram cimentadas em 35 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 35 anos. A cimentação das restaurações foi realizada com cimento resinoso dual (Variolink, Ivoclar-Vivadent) sob isolamento absoluto e avaliadas no baseline e após 06 meses, mediante o critério U.S.P.H.S. modificado, quanto à sensibilidade pulpar, reincidência de cárie, fratura, reprodução de cor, descoloração marginal, integridade marginal e textura superficial. Adicionalmente foram realizadas radiografias e fotografias. No baseline foi obtida a classificação Bravo nos itens sensibilidade pulpar -IPS (2,27%); D (7,14%); reprodução de cor -IPS (2,27%); D (2,38%) e textura superficial -IPS (2,27%); D (11,90%). Após 06 meses foram analisadas as 86 restaurações, nas quais foi constatada a classificação Bravo para os itens reprodução de cor -IPS (6,82%); D (2,38%); textura superficial -IPS (2,27%); D (9,52%); descoloração marginal -IPS (6,82%); D (4,76%) e integridade de superfície-IPS (4,55%); D (7,14%). Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos ao Teste Estatístico de Fisher e McNemar. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as cerâmicas. Pode-se concluir que os dois tipos de cerâmica demonstraram uma performance clínica satisfatória após 06 meses.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2012
The aim of this study was to examine any differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Port... more The aim of this study was to examine any differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Portuguese children split by parental educational level. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2011 on 359 Portuguese children (202 girls and 157 boys) aged 10 to 17 years (mean age ± SD = 13.9 ± 1.98 years). Height and body mass were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). Parental education level (PEL) was used as a surrogate for socioeconomic status (SES). Capillary blood sampling was used to determine: Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Fasting Glucos (GLUC), High and Low Density Lipoprotein (HDL/LDL). These measurements were combined with measures of systolic blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness as z-scores. CVD risk was constructed by summing the z-scores. Analysis of covariance, controlling for BMI, indicated that CVD risk was significantly different across PEL groups (p = 0.01), with CVD risk score being significantly lower in low (p = 0.04) and middle (p = 0.008) PEL groups, compared to high PEL. Moreover, the covariate, BMI was also significant (p = 0.0001, β = 0.023), evidencing a significant positive association between BMI and CVD risk, with higher BMI associated with greater CVD risk. In Portuguese children, significantly greater CVD risk was found for children of high PEL, while higher BMI was associated with greater CVD risk.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2013
Active commuting to/from school is an important source of physical activity that has been declini... more Active commuting to/from school is an important source of physical activity that has been declining over the past years. Although it is an affordable and simple way of increasing physical activity levels it is still unclear whether it has enough potential to improve health. Therefore, the aim of this cross sectional study was to examine the relationship between active commuting to/from school and metabolic risk factors in 10 to 12 year old children.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2010
Background: This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and... more Background: This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and physical activity and sports within Portuguese adolescents.
ICES Journal of Marine Science, 2009
The spatio-temporal variability in the distribution, demographic structure, recruitment, and mort... more The spatio-temporal variability in the distribution, demographic structure, recruitment, and mortality of sardine within the Iberian Biscay region is described using area-disaggregated data collected during acoustic surveys and at ports since the mid-1980s. Multiple regression models were used to describe log numbers-at-age obtained annually in ten areas covered by three surveys to test the existence of geographic differences in selectivity-at-age, recruitment strength, and mortality and to infer plausible migration routes. Within Iberian waters, sardine biomass was mainly concentrated off western Portugal and the Gulf of Cadiz. In the Bay of Biscay, biomass levels were comparable with those off western Portugal. Recruitment was localized in a few areas (northern Portugal and the Gulf of Cadiz and Bay of Biscay), intermingling with areas dominated by older fish. Recruitment was generally asynchronous among areas, although some recruitment peaks were noticeable across wider regions. Spatial patterns related to strong and weak year classes and year-class slopes were also noted. Clearly distinct dynamics were not evidenced within the Atlanto-Iberian sardine stock area, but the validity of the northern limit was questioned by the connection between sardine dynamics in the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea. The results provided some evidence consistent with the hypothesis of sardine movement from recruiting grounds to areas farther along the coast as they grow.
Hemodialysis International, 2010
Renal failure due to leukemic infiltration of kidney in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an extrem... more Renal failure due to leukemic infiltration of kidney in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an extremely rare condition. The authors report a case of a 59-year-old white female, with a past medical history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 2 years of evolution without medical therapy, admitted with nonoliguric acute renal failure needing dialysis. Renal biopsy showed extensive small lymphocytes' infiltration in the cortical interstitium by CLL cells. Cyclophosphamide and prednisolone were started and 1 month later changed to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide with improvement of renal function. Although renal failure due to leukemic infiltration has been described in many cases of acute leukemia, only 11 cases of renal failure due to CLL cells' infiltration have been described in the literature. Renal histology is an extremely important tool to confirm diagnosis.
Health Education Research, 2008
The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of neighbourhood, amount of screen time ... more The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of neighbourhood, amount of screen time and socioeconomic status (SES) in active and non-active 'overweight/obese girls'. The sample comprised 162 girls aged 14.1 6 1.5 years old. Girls were assigned as active obese (AO) and non-active obese (NAO). Environmental variables, screen time and SES were assessed by questionnaire. No statistically significant differences were found for screen time between AO and NAO groups. Educational status of father (r 5 0.23; P 5 0.003) and mother (r 5 0.18; P 5 0.02) was positively and significantly associated with AO. AO girls reported to more significantly (P < 0.05) agree with living in a neighbourhood with several public recreation facilities and that they see people being physically active in neighbourhood. Logistic regression analysis showed that social environment [odds ratio (OR) 5 15.06; P 5 0.037] and recreational facilities domain (OR 5 11.16; P 5 0.042) were associated to likelihood to be more active. Creating social support and providing PA facilities within neighbourhoods, particularly in low SES neighbourhoods, are desirable.
Health & Place, 2009
In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and p... more In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and physical activity among Portuguese boys and girls. Participants were 1124 adolescents (592 girls and 532 boys) 12-to 18-years-old. Physical activity and perceptions of environmental characteristics were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Significantly more girls (po0.01) were classified as low-active (61.5%) compared to boys (22.9%). Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age) showed a significant association between girl's physical activity and availability of free-or low-cost recreational facilities in the neighbourhood (OR ¼ 1.44; 95% CI 0.99-2.11). Among boys, the presence of people being active in the neighbourhood was associated with higher levels of physical activity (OR ¼ 1.59; 95% CI 1.05-2.40). Perceptions of some aspects of neighbourhood environment may relate differently to participation in physical activity for boys compared to girls.
FEBS Letters, 2003
Cardiac dysfunction is associated with diabetes. It was previously shown that heart mitochondria ... more Cardiac dysfunction is associated with diabetes. It was previously shown that heart mitochondria from diabetic rats have a reduced calcium accumulation capacity. The objective of this work was to determine whether the reduction in calcium accumulation by cardiac mitochondria from diabetic rats is related to an enhanced susceptibility to induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used as a model to study the alterations caused by diabetes in the permeability transition, 21 days after streptozotocin administration. Heart mitochondria were isolated to evaluate respiratory parameters and susceptibility to the calcium-dependent permeability transition. Our results show that streptozotocin diabetes facilitates the mitochondrial permeability transition in cardiac mitochondria, resulting in decreased mitochondrial calcium accumulation. We also observed that heart mitochondria from diabetic rats had depressed oxygen consumption during the phosphorylative state. The reduced mitochondrial calcium uptake observed in heart mitochondria from diabetic rats is related to an enhanced susceptibility to the permeability transition rather than to damage to the calcium uptake machinery. ß
European Physical Education Review, 2007
... DOI: 10.1177/1356336X07081795 2007 13: 287 European Physical Education Review RibeiroJorge Mo... more ... DOI: 10.1177/1356336X07081795 2007 13: 287 European Physical Education Review RibeiroJorge Mota, Mónica Valente, Luísa Aires, Pedro Silva, Maria Paula Santos and José Carlos Accelerometer cut-points and youth physical activity prevalence Published by: ...
European Physical Education Review, 2003
Objectives: to describe total cholesterol (TC) plasma levels according to age and sex; to determi... more Objectives: to describe total cholesterol (TC) plasma levels according to age and sex; to determine the contribution of sex, age, body mass index and physical activity (PA) to TC variation; to determine the odds ratio for high total cholesterol (HTC) plasma levels of the subjects in the first PA quartile (lower PA) in comparison to the fourth PA quartile. Methods: the sample comprised 799 white children and adolescents, 353 males and 446 females. Body height and body weight were determined by standard anthropometric methods. Subject's capillary blood samples were taken from the earlobe after at least 12 hours fasting in order to obtain values of plasmatic TC. To calculate physical activity index (PAI) a PA questionnaire was used. Results: the logistic regression of HTC for males and females showed that girls in the lower quartile of PAI, are 3.0 times (p <0.05; 95%CI: 1.3-6.8) as likely to belong at HTC group in relation to girls in the fourth PAI quartile. No significant influence was found in boys.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2013
We report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of a series of hybrid ... more We report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of a series of hybrid compounds containing a squaric moiety conjugated with heterocyclic moieties from well-known antimalarials. This novel series of compounds presents improved antiplasmodial activity compared with the squaric derivatives described in our previous work. Three compounds, 8b (IC₅₀ = 99 nM), 8c (IC₅₀ = 95 nM), and 8d (IC₅₀ = 105 nM) had greater in vitro potency than chloroquine 1 (IC₅₀ = 140 nM) against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, they were noncytotoxic against NIH 3T3 and Hek 293T cells.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009
Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. The purpose of this st... more Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the crosssectional associations between walking and body mass index (BMI). This study comprised 9991 adults (5723 women), aged 37.8 ± 9.5 years, from the 2004 Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study. Walking was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and expressed as minutes per week. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height. A series of multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess regression coefficients and s.e. predicting BMI. Results show that, in both genders, and after adjustments for potential confounders, walking was not a significant predictor of BMI. Therefore, our analysis does not extend the findings of earlier studies as it shows no significant associations between walking and BMI, after adjustments for potential confounders. Nevertheless, among Azoreans walking should be encouraged, as walking has other health benefits, beyond controlling obesity.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2013
A new myxosporean, Zschokkella auratis sp. nov., infecting the gall bladder of the gilthead seabr... more A new myxosporean, Zschokkella auratis sp. nov., infecting the gall bladder of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata in a southern Portuguese fish farm, is described using microscopic and molecular procedures. Plasmodia and mature spores were observed floating free in the bile. Plasmodia, containing immature and mature spores, were characterized by the formation of branched glycostyles, apparently due to the release of segregated material contained within numerous cytoplasmic vesicles. Mature spores were ellipsoidal in sutural view and slightly semicircular in valvular view, with rounded ends, measuring 9.5 ± 0.3 SD (8.7-10.3) µm in length and 7.1 ± 0.4 (6.5-8.0) µm in width/thickness. The spore wall was composed of 2 symmetrical valves united along a slightly curved suture line, each displaying 10 to 11 elevated surface ridges. Two equal subspherical polar capsules, 3.7 ± 0.3 (3.0-4.1) µm long and 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.6-3.2) µm wide, were located separately at the spore&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s extremities. Each polar capsule contained a polar filament forming 4 to 5 coils. The sporoplasm was binucleate and contained numerous sporoplasmosomes. Morphological data, tissue tropism, and molecular analysis of the small subunit rDNA gene identified this parasite as a new species of Zschokkella. Maximum parsimony, neighbor-joining, and maximum likelihood inferences clustered the parasite in a subclade containing other Zschokkella species parasitizing the gall bladder of brackish and marine fish hosts, located within the coelozoic clade of the major freshwater clade; this supports the existence of a marine subclade within the…
Clinical Epidemiology, 2012
To evaluate test-retest reproducibility and the validity of a physical activity questionnaire for... more To evaluate test-retest reproducibility and the validity of a physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (adapted from Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist). The test-retest reproducibility analysis was completed by 239 adolescents (average age 16 years, SD = 1.2; 56.4% female), and the validity analysis by 70 adolescents (average age 15.7 years, SD = 1.2; 55.7% female). All adolescents were high school students in João Pessoa, PB, in Northeastern Brazil, in 2009. The test-retest reproducibility was determined by repeated evaluations with one week interval between them. Validity of the physical activity questionnaire was assessed by comparing the results of the questionnaire with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method). The test-retest reproducibility was high (intraclass correlation coefficient: ICC = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.84 - 0.91), and the agreement was moderate for physical activity classified in two groups (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 300 min/week vs. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 300 min/week; kappa coefficient: k = 0.52). Spearman correlation coefficient comparing the questionnaire data with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method) was moderate (rho = 0.62; p…
Chemosphere, 2013
The study aimed to assess morphological, structural and compositional alterations in Scrobiculari... more The study aimed to assess morphological, structural and compositional alterations in Scrobicularia plana nacre environmentally exposed to mercury in order to seek out the possibility of the assessed alterations as a monitoring tool to handle complexity and interactions of metals in the environment involving a non-invasive methodology. Bivalves were collected from a mercury contaminated site (Laranjo basin - Ria de Aveiro, Portugal) and a reference site in the same aquatic system. The combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique depicted a sheet like morphology of bivalve nacre collected from the reference site. Moreover, EDS plot exhibited the presence of potassium, oxygen, calcium, and carbon elements. Shells collected from the contaminated area depicted lamellar patches like structures with particle like morphology composition. SEM images corresponding to the elemental analysis by EDS plot clearly denoted the presence of mercury. SEM images from the other locations of the contaminated shells depicted large surface area, a broken or ruptured symmetry of organic matrix as well as crack-like gaps. The influence of environmental mercury affecting the surface morphology of S. plana nacre showed dimple like morphology (as proved by transmission electron microscopy, TEM). The possible explanation may be the replacement of calcium elements with other elements or alloys from the nacre composite collected from contaminated region. Therefore, the nacre fingerprint may be useful as innovative knowledge and applicable tool aiming at risk reduction from noxious mercury present in the environment. Overall results suggested the use of shell as an indelible fingerprint of metal exposure.
Cell Biochemistry and Function, 2008
Previously mildronate, an aza-butyrobetaine derivative, was shown to be a cytoprotective drug, th... more Previously mildronate, an aza-butyrobetaine derivative, was shown to be a cytoprotective drug, through its mechanism of action of inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, thus protecting mitochondria from long-chain fatty acid accumulation and subsequent damage. Recently in an azidothymidine (AZT)-induced cardiotoxicity model in vivo (in mice), we have found mildronate's ability of protecting heart tissue from nuclear factor kB abnormal expression. Preliminary data also demonstrate cerebro-and hepatoprotecting properties of mildronate in AZT-toxicity models. We suggest that mildronate may target its action predominantly to mitochondria. The present study in isolated rat liver mitochondria was designed to clarify mitochondrial targets for mildronate by using AZT as a model compound. The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) whether mildronate may protect mitochondria from AZT-induced toxicity; and (2) which is the most critical target in mitochondrial processes that is responsible for mildronate's regulatory action. The results showed that mildronate protected mitochondria from AZT-induced damage predominantly at the level of complex I, mainly by reducing hydrogen peroxide generation. Significant protection of AZT-caused inhibition of uncoupled respiration, ADP to oxygen ratio, and transmembrane potential were also observed. Mildronate per se had no effect on the bioenergetics, oxidative stress, or permeability transition of rat liver mitochondria. Since mitochondrial complex I is the first enzyme of the respiratory electron transport chain and its damage is considered to be responsible for different mitochondrial diseases, we may account for mildronate's effectiveness in the prevention of pathologies associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007
Objective: To investigate the relationships between the time spent in specific intensities of act... more Objective: To investigate the relationships between the time spent in specific intensities of activity and inactivity, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of schools. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured in 224 children aged 7-10 years. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by the 20 m multistage running test, and physical activity was measured over 4 days by the RT3 (a triaxial accelerometer). Time each day spent in moderate and vigorous intensities of activity was calculated. Results: Twelve schools agreed to participate in the study. Body composition and fitness data were obtained for 224 children and activity data for 152 children. Boys were found to take part in about twice as much vigorous and hard activity as girls (mean (95% confidence interval) 64.3 (53.2 to 75.4) min in boys compared with 37 (33.1 to 40.9) min in girls; p,0.001). In boys there was significant difference between those defined as normal, overweight and obese in the time spent in vigorous activity (p,0.05), but no such difference was found in girls. A significant negative correlation between waist circumference and time spent in vigorous activity (r = -0.31, p,0.05) was found in boys but not in girls. Time spent sedentary was positively correlated with waist circumference in boys (r = 0.33, p,0.01) but not in girls. In both boys and girls there were significant negative correlations between fitness and both body mass index (r = -0.274, p,0.001) and waist circumference (boys: r = -0.503, p,0.01; girls: r = -0.286, p,0.01).
BMC Public Health, 2013
Background: Parents are likely to be a basic influence on their children's behavior. There is an ... more Background: Parents are likely to be a basic influence on their children's behavior. There is an absence of information about the associations between parents' physical activity and perception of neighborhood environment with children's independent mobility. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of parental physical activity and perception of neighborhood safety to children's independent mobility.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2011
A series of novel aza vinyl sulfones were designed, synthesized in good yields and evaluated as a... more A series of novel aza vinyl sulfones were designed, synthesized in good yields and evaluated as antiplasmodial agents. Tested compounds did not show activity against papain or the Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2. However, a number of the new compounds effectively inhibited the in vitro development of P. falciparum. Compounds containing a squaramide group were the most active, with IC 50 values between 0.95 and 4.5 lM, suggesting that these are potential lead compounds for the development of new antimalarial agents.
Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2004
he aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two types of ceramics: a ... more he aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two types of ceramics: a slurry-powder ceramic (Duceram Plus, Degussa) -D and a hot-pressed leucite-based glass-ceramic (IPS Empress, Ivoclar Vivadent) -IPS. Eighty-six restorations, 44 IPS and 42 D, were made by one operator. A total of 33 onlays and 53 inlays on twenty-seven premolars and 59 molars were cemented in 35 patients of both sexes, mean age 35 years. All restorations were cemented with the dual-resin cement (Variolink, Ivoclar-Vivadent) under rubber dam and were evaluated at the baseline and after six months, using the modified U.S.P.H.S. criteria for postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, fracture, color match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity and surface texture. Additionally radiographs and intraoral photographs were carried out. At baseline 86 restorations were analyzed and all of them received Alfa rating, except for the following that received Bravo rating for postoperative sensitivity -IPS (2.27%); D (7.14%); for color match -IPS (2.27%); D (2.38%) and for surface texture -IPS (2.27%); D (11.90%). After 6 months 100% of the restorations were analyzed and the following received Bravo rating: color match -IPS (4.55%) and D (9.52%); surface texture -IPS (2.27%) and D (11.9%); marginal discoloration -IPS (6.82%) and D (4.76%) and marginal integrity -IPS (4.55%) and D (7.14%). The results were submitted to the Fisher and McNemar Statistical Tests. No significant differences were noticed between the two ceramics. Both ceramics demonstrated satisfactory clinical performance after six months. Uniterms: Ceramic; Inlay; Onlay; Esthetic restoration; Clinical study. ste trabalho se propôs a avaliar a performance clínica de dois tipos de cerâmica: IPS Empress, Ivoclar-Vivadent -IPS e Duceram Plus, Degussa -D. Foram realizadas 86 restaurações por apenas um operador, sendo 44 IPS e 42 D. Vinte e sete pré-molares e 59 molares, num total de 33 onlays e 53 inlays, foram cimentadas em 35 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 35 anos. A cimentação das restaurações foi realizada com cimento resinoso dual (Variolink, Ivoclar-Vivadent) sob isolamento absoluto e avaliadas no baseline e após 06 meses, mediante o critério U.S.P.H.S. modificado, quanto à sensibilidade pulpar, reincidência de cárie, fratura, reprodução de cor, descoloração marginal, integridade marginal e textura superficial. Adicionalmente foram realizadas radiografias e fotografias. No baseline foi obtida a classificação Bravo nos itens sensibilidade pulpar -IPS (2,27%); D (7,14%); reprodução de cor -IPS (2,27%); D (2,38%) e textura superficial -IPS (2,27%); D (11,90%). Após 06 meses foram analisadas as 86 restaurações, nas quais foi constatada a classificação Bravo para os itens reprodução de cor -IPS (6,82%); D (2,38%); textura superficial -IPS (2,27%); D (9,52%); descoloração marginal -IPS (6,82%); D (4,76%) e integridade de superfície-IPS (4,55%); D (7,14%). Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos ao Teste Estatístico de Fisher e McNemar. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as cerâmicas. Pode-se concluir que os dois tipos de cerâmica demonstraram uma performance clínica satisfatória após 06 meses.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2012
The aim of this study was to examine any differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Port... more The aim of this study was to examine any differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Portuguese children split by parental educational level. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2011 on 359 Portuguese children (202 girls and 157 boys) aged 10 to 17 years (mean age ± SD = 13.9 ± 1.98 years). Height and body mass were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). Parental education level (PEL) was used as a surrogate for socioeconomic status (SES). Capillary blood sampling was used to determine: Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Fasting Glucos (GLUC), High and Low Density Lipoprotein (HDL/LDL). These measurements were combined with measures of systolic blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness as z-scores. CVD risk was constructed by summing the z-scores. Analysis of covariance, controlling for BMI, indicated that CVD risk was significantly different across PEL groups (p = 0.01), with CVD risk score being significantly lower in low (p = 0.04) and middle (p = 0.008) PEL groups, compared to high PEL. Moreover, the covariate, BMI was also significant (p = 0.0001, β = 0.023), evidencing a significant positive association between BMI and CVD risk, with higher BMI associated with greater CVD risk. In Portuguese children, significantly greater CVD risk was found for children of high PEL, while higher BMI was associated with greater CVD risk.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2013
Active commuting to/from school is an important source of physical activity that has been declini... more Active commuting to/from school is an important source of physical activity that has been declining over the past years. Although it is an affordable and simple way of increasing physical activity levels it is still unclear whether it has enough potential to improve health. Therefore, the aim of this cross sectional study was to examine the relationship between active commuting to/from school and metabolic risk factors in 10 to 12 year old children.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2010
Background: This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and... more Background: This study examines associations between perceptions of neighbourhood environment and physical activity and sports within Portuguese adolescents.
ICES Journal of Marine Science, 2009
The spatio-temporal variability in the distribution, demographic structure, recruitment, and mort... more The spatio-temporal variability in the distribution, demographic structure, recruitment, and mortality of sardine within the Iberian Biscay region is described using area-disaggregated data collected during acoustic surveys and at ports since the mid-1980s. Multiple regression models were used to describe log numbers-at-age obtained annually in ten areas covered by three surveys to test the existence of geographic differences in selectivity-at-age, recruitment strength, and mortality and to infer plausible migration routes. Within Iberian waters, sardine biomass was mainly concentrated off western Portugal and the Gulf of Cadiz. In the Bay of Biscay, biomass levels were comparable with those off western Portugal. Recruitment was localized in a few areas (northern Portugal and the Gulf of Cadiz and Bay of Biscay), intermingling with areas dominated by older fish. Recruitment was generally asynchronous among areas, although some recruitment peaks were noticeable across wider regions. Spatial patterns related to strong and weak year classes and year-class slopes were also noted. Clearly distinct dynamics were not evidenced within the Atlanto-Iberian sardine stock area, but the validity of the northern limit was questioned by the connection between sardine dynamics in the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea. The results provided some evidence consistent with the hypothesis of sardine movement from recruiting grounds to areas farther along the coast as they grow.
Hemodialysis International, 2010
Renal failure due to leukemic infiltration of kidney in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an extrem... more Renal failure due to leukemic infiltration of kidney in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an extremely rare condition. The authors report a case of a 59-year-old white female, with a past medical history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 2 years of evolution without medical therapy, admitted with nonoliguric acute renal failure needing dialysis. Renal biopsy showed extensive small lymphocytes' infiltration in the cortical interstitium by CLL cells. Cyclophosphamide and prednisolone were started and 1 month later changed to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide with improvement of renal function. Although renal failure due to leukemic infiltration has been described in many cases of acute leukemia, only 11 cases of renal failure due to CLL cells' infiltration have been described in the literature. Renal histology is an extremely important tool to confirm diagnosis.
Health Education Research, 2008
The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of neighbourhood, amount of screen time ... more The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of neighbourhood, amount of screen time and socioeconomic status (SES) in active and non-active 'overweight/obese girls'. The sample comprised 162 girls aged 14.1 6 1.5 years old. Girls were assigned as active obese (AO) and non-active obese (NAO). Environmental variables, screen time and SES were assessed by questionnaire. No statistically significant differences were found for screen time between AO and NAO groups. Educational status of father (r 5 0.23; P 5 0.003) and mother (r 5 0.18; P 5 0.02) was positively and significantly associated with AO. AO girls reported to more significantly (P < 0.05) agree with living in a neighbourhood with several public recreation facilities and that they see people being physically active in neighbourhood. Logistic regression analysis showed that social environment [odds ratio (OR) 5 15.06; P 5 0.037] and recreational facilities domain (OR 5 11.16; P 5 0.042) were associated to likelihood to be more active. Creating social support and providing PA facilities within neighbourhoods, particularly in low SES neighbourhoods, are desirable.
Health & Place, 2009
In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and p... more In this study, we investigated the association between perceptions of the built environment and physical activity among Portuguese boys and girls. Participants were 1124 adolescents (592 girls and 532 boys) 12-to 18-years-old. Physical activity and perceptions of environmental characteristics were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Significantly more girls (po0.01) were classified as low-active (61.5%) compared to boys (22.9%). Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age) showed a significant association between girl's physical activity and availability of free-or low-cost recreational facilities in the neighbourhood (OR ¼ 1.44; 95% CI 0.99-2.11). Among boys, the presence of people being active in the neighbourhood was associated with higher levels of physical activity (OR ¼ 1.59; 95% CI 1.05-2.40). Perceptions of some aspects of neighbourhood environment may relate differently to participation in physical activity for boys compared to girls.
FEBS Letters, 2003
Cardiac dysfunction is associated with diabetes. It was previously shown that heart mitochondria ... more Cardiac dysfunction is associated with diabetes. It was previously shown that heart mitochondria from diabetic rats have a reduced calcium accumulation capacity. The objective of this work was to determine whether the reduction in calcium accumulation by cardiac mitochondria from diabetic rats is related to an enhanced susceptibility to induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used as a model to study the alterations caused by diabetes in the permeability transition, 21 days after streptozotocin administration. Heart mitochondria were isolated to evaluate respiratory parameters and susceptibility to the calcium-dependent permeability transition. Our results show that streptozotocin diabetes facilitates the mitochondrial permeability transition in cardiac mitochondria, resulting in decreased mitochondrial calcium accumulation. We also observed that heart mitochondria from diabetic rats had depressed oxygen consumption during the phosphorylative state. The reduced mitochondrial calcium uptake observed in heart mitochondria from diabetic rats is related to an enhanced susceptibility to the permeability transition rather than to damage to the calcium uptake machinery. ß
European Physical Education Review, 2007
... DOI: 10.1177/1356336X07081795 2007 13: 287 European Physical Education Review RibeiroJorge Mo... more ... DOI: 10.1177/1356336X07081795 2007 13: 287 European Physical Education Review RibeiroJorge Mota, Mónica Valente, Luísa Aires, Pedro Silva, Maria Paula Santos and José Carlos Accelerometer cut-points and youth physical activity prevalence Published by: ...
European Physical Education Review, 2003
Objectives: to describe total cholesterol (TC) plasma levels according to age and sex; to determi... more Objectives: to describe total cholesterol (TC) plasma levels according to age and sex; to determine the contribution of sex, age, body mass index and physical activity (PA) to TC variation; to determine the odds ratio for high total cholesterol (HTC) plasma levels of the subjects in the first PA quartile (lower PA) in comparison to the fourth PA quartile. Methods: the sample comprised 799 white children and adolescents, 353 males and 446 females. Body height and body weight were determined by standard anthropometric methods. Subject's capillary blood samples were taken from the earlobe after at least 12 hours fasting in order to obtain values of plasmatic TC. To calculate physical activity index (PAI) a PA questionnaire was used. Results: the logistic regression of HTC for males and females showed that girls in the lower quartile of PAI, are 3.0 times (p <0.05; 95%CI: 1.3-6.8) as likely to belong at HTC group in relation to girls in the fourth PAI quartile. No significant influence was found in boys.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2013
We report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of a series of hybrid ... more We report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of a series of hybrid compounds containing a squaric moiety conjugated with heterocyclic moieties from well-known antimalarials. This novel series of compounds presents improved antiplasmodial activity compared with the squaric derivatives described in our previous work. Three compounds, 8b (IC₅₀ = 99 nM), 8c (IC₅₀ = 95 nM), and 8d (IC₅₀ = 105 nM) had greater in vitro potency than chloroquine 1 (IC₅₀ = 140 nM) against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, they were noncytotoxic against NIH 3T3 and Hek 293T cells.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009
Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. The purpose of this st... more Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the crosssectional associations between walking and body mass index (BMI). This study comprised 9991 adults (5723 women), aged 37.8 ± 9.5 years, from the 2004 Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study. Walking was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and expressed as minutes per week. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height. A series of multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess regression coefficients and s.e. predicting BMI. Results show that, in both genders, and after adjustments for potential confounders, walking was not a significant predictor of BMI. Therefore, our analysis does not extend the findings of earlier studies as it shows no significant associations between walking and BMI, after adjustments for potential confounders. Nevertheless, among Azoreans walking should be encouraged, as walking has other health benefits, beyond controlling obesity.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2013
A new myxosporean, Zschokkella auratis sp. nov., infecting the gall bladder of the gilthead seabr... more A new myxosporean, Zschokkella auratis sp. nov., infecting the gall bladder of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata in a southern Portuguese fish farm, is described using microscopic and molecular procedures. Plasmodia and mature spores were observed floating free in the bile. Plasmodia, containing immature and mature spores, were characterized by the formation of branched glycostyles, apparently due to the release of segregated material contained within numerous cytoplasmic vesicles. Mature spores were ellipsoidal in sutural view and slightly semicircular in valvular view, with rounded ends, measuring 9.5 ± 0.3 SD (8.7-10.3) µm in length and 7.1 ± 0.4 (6.5-8.0) µm in width/thickness. The spore wall was composed of 2 symmetrical valves united along a slightly curved suture line, each displaying 10 to 11 elevated surface ridges. Two equal subspherical polar capsules, 3.7 ± 0.3 (3.0-4.1) µm long and 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.6-3.2) µm wide, were located separately at the spore&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s extremities. Each polar capsule contained a polar filament forming 4 to 5 coils. The sporoplasm was binucleate and contained numerous sporoplasmosomes. Morphological data, tissue tropism, and molecular analysis of the small subunit rDNA gene identified this parasite as a new species of Zschokkella. Maximum parsimony, neighbor-joining, and maximum likelihood inferences clustered the parasite in a subclade containing other Zschokkella species parasitizing the gall bladder of brackish and marine fish hosts, located within the coelozoic clade of the major freshwater clade; this supports the existence of a marine subclade within the…
Clinical Epidemiology, 2012
To evaluate test-retest reproducibility and the validity of a physical activity questionnaire for... more To evaluate test-retest reproducibility and the validity of a physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (adapted from Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist). The test-retest reproducibility analysis was completed by 239 adolescents (average age 16 years, SD = 1.2; 56.4% female), and the validity analysis by 70 adolescents (average age 15.7 years, SD = 1.2; 55.7% female). All adolescents were high school students in João Pessoa, PB, in Northeastern Brazil, in 2009. The test-retest reproducibility was determined by repeated evaluations with one week interval between them. Validity of the physical activity questionnaire was assessed by comparing the results of the questionnaire with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method). The test-retest reproducibility was high (intraclass correlation coefficient: ICC = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.84 - 0.91), and the agreement was moderate for physical activity classified in two groups (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 300 min/week vs. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 300 min/week; kappa coefficient: k = 0.52). Spearman correlation coefficient comparing the questionnaire data with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method) was moderate (rho = 0.62; p…
Chemosphere, 2013
The study aimed to assess morphological, structural and compositional alterations in Scrobiculari... more The study aimed to assess morphological, structural and compositional alterations in Scrobicularia plana nacre environmentally exposed to mercury in order to seek out the possibility of the assessed alterations as a monitoring tool to handle complexity and interactions of metals in the environment involving a non-invasive methodology. Bivalves were collected from a mercury contaminated site (Laranjo basin - Ria de Aveiro, Portugal) and a reference site in the same aquatic system. The combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique depicted a sheet like morphology of bivalve nacre collected from the reference site. Moreover, EDS plot exhibited the presence of potassium, oxygen, calcium, and carbon elements. Shells collected from the contaminated area depicted lamellar patches like structures with particle like morphology composition. SEM images corresponding to the elemental analysis by EDS plot clearly denoted the presence of mercury. SEM images from the other locations of the contaminated shells depicted large surface area, a broken or ruptured symmetry of organic matrix as well as crack-like gaps. The influence of environmental mercury affecting the surface morphology of S. plana nacre showed dimple like morphology (as proved by transmission electron microscopy, TEM). The possible explanation may be the replacement of calcium elements with other elements or alloys from the nacre composite collected from contaminated region. Therefore, the nacre fingerprint may be useful as innovative knowledge and applicable tool aiming at risk reduction from noxious mercury present in the environment. Overall results suggested the use of shell as an indelible fingerprint of metal exposure.
Cell Biochemistry and Function, 2008
Previously mildronate, an aza-butyrobetaine derivative, was shown to be a cytoprotective drug, th... more Previously mildronate, an aza-butyrobetaine derivative, was shown to be a cytoprotective drug, through its mechanism of action of inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, thus protecting mitochondria from long-chain fatty acid accumulation and subsequent damage. Recently in an azidothymidine (AZT)-induced cardiotoxicity model in vivo (in mice), we have found mildronate's ability of protecting heart tissue from nuclear factor kB abnormal expression. Preliminary data also demonstrate cerebro-and hepatoprotecting properties of mildronate in AZT-toxicity models. We suggest that mildronate may target its action predominantly to mitochondria. The present study in isolated rat liver mitochondria was designed to clarify mitochondrial targets for mildronate by using AZT as a model compound. The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) whether mildronate may protect mitochondria from AZT-induced toxicity; and (2) which is the most critical target in mitochondrial processes that is responsible for mildronate's regulatory action. The results showed that mildronate protected mitochondria from AZT-induced damage predominantly at the level of complex I, mainly by reducing hydrogen peroxide generation. Significant protection of AZT-caused inhibition of uncoupled respiration, ADP to oxygen ratio, and transmembrane potential were also observed. Mildronate per se had no effect on the bioenergetics, oxidative stress, or permeability transition of rat liver mitochondria. Since mitochondrial complex I is the first enzyme of the respiratory electron transport chain and its damage is considered to be responsible for different mitochondrial diseases, we may account for mildronate's effectiveness in the prevention of pathologies associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007
Objective: To investigate the relationships between the time spent in specific intensities of act... more Objective: To investigate the relationships between the time spent in specific intensities of activity and inactivity, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of schools. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured in 224 children aged 7-10 years. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by the 20 m multistage running test, and physical activity was measured over 4 days by the RT3 (a triaxial accelerometer). Time each day spent in moderate and vigorous intensities of activity was calculated. Results: Twelve schools agreed to participate in the study. Body composition and fitness data were obtained for 224 children and activity data for 152 children. Boys were found to take part in about twice as much vigorous and hard activity as girls (mean (95% confidence interval) 64.3 (53.2 to 75.4) min in boys compared with 37 (33.1 to 40.9) min in girls; p,0.001). In boys there was significant difference between those defined as normal, overweight and obese in the time spent in vigorous activity (p,0.05), but no such difference was found in girls. A significant negative correlation between waist circumference and time spent in vigorous activity (r = -0.31, p,0.05) was found in boys but not in girls. Time spent sedentary was positively correlated with waist circumference in boys (r = 0.33, p,0.01) but not in girls. In both boys and girls there were significant negative correlations between fitness and both body mass index (r = -0.274, p,0.001) and waist circumference (boys: r = -0.503, p,0.01; girls: r = -0.286, p,0.01).
BMC Public Health, 2013
Background: Parents are likely to be a basic influence on their children's behavior. There is an ... more Background: Parents are likely to be a basic influence on their children's behavior. There is an absence of information about the associations between parents' physical activity and perception of neighborhood environment with children's independent mobility. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of parental physical activity and perception of neighborhood safety to children's independent mobility.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2011
A series of novel aza vinyl sulfones were designed, synthesized in good yields and evaluated as a... more A series of novel aza vinyl sulfones were designed, synthesized in good yields and evaluated as antiplasmodial agents. Tested compounds did not show activity against papain or the Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2. However, a number of the new compounds effectively inhibited the in vitro development of P. falciparum. Compounds containing a squaramide group were the most active, with IC 50 values between 0.95 and 4.5 lM, suggesting that these are potential lead compounds for the development of new antimalarial agents.