The investigation of rigidity physiology in Parkinson’s Disease involves the examination of reflexes. Parkinsonian patients often demonstrate reduced sensitivity in polysynaptic reflexes within the leg extensor muscles, which is correlated with their postural instability. The compensatory mechanisms for impaired proprioceptive reflex function may involve alterations in intrinsic muscle stiffness. The interplay ...
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with deficit in reaction time which can lead to falls, resulting in limited independence, diminished quality of life, heightened rates of institutionalization and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to examine the effects of an acupuncture protocol in motor time response after an auditory stimulus. Methods: This study employed a c...
Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is an increasing problem in healthcare settings. This study aimed to identify the source of a CPE outbreak that occurred in 2022, in a tertiary hospital in the North of Portugal, to identify exposed patients, and to assess the risk of becoming CPE-positive following hospital admission. Methods: A multi-disciplinary investigation was conducted including ...
Numerous new records of marine species, mostly with tropical affinities, have been made at Madeira Island in recent years (e. g. Ramalhosa et al. 2014 and 2017, Wirtz 2020 a, Wirtz & Araujo 2021). Some of these species appear to have extended their range northwards (e. g. Wirtz & Berenger 2017, Schäfer et al. 2019, Wirtz 2021), possibly due to global warming (Siemer et al. 2021). Eleven shallow-water starfish s...
Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the hi...
Home-based virtual reality technology may become an alternative to cardiac rehabilitation. To evaluate the effects of a specific, home-based exercise program, performed either through a virtual reality (Kinect) or a conventional format (booklet) in the maintenance stage of cardiac rehabilitation for six months on functional muscle strength of the lower limbs, physical activity and exercise tolerance. This is a ...
Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the hi...
Numerous new records of marine species have been made at Madeira Island in recent years (e. g. Ramalhosa et al. 2014, 2017, Wirtz 2020 a, Wirtz & Araujo 2021). Some of these species appear to have extended their range northwards (e. g. Wirtz & Berenger 2017, Schäfer et al. 2019, Wirtz 2021), possibly due to global warming (Siemer et al. 2021). Eleven shallow-water starfish species are known from Madeira Island ...
Computer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. Aim: To assess the impact of online workplace exerc...