Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues

Prof. Dr. Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues

Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

16Years (2011-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 September 2019 in Biotechnic & Histochemistry
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Journal Article
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TBT. Bonacho
T. Bonacho
Francisco José Barbas RodriguesFrancisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues
JLJoana Liberal
Joana Liberal
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor and main oncologic cause of mortality in women. Although most diagnosis of breast pathology is accomplished using hematoxylin and eosin stained sections, some cases require immunohistochemistry for proper evaluation. We investigated the latter cases including distinctions between ductal and lobular carcinoma, in situ and invasive carcinoma, typical ductal hyperplasia and atypical ductal hyperplasia/ductal carcinoma in situ, papillary and spindle cell lesion assessment, metastasis evaluation, and assessment of prognostic and therapy markers. E-cadherin is used to differentiate ductal and lobular carcinoma; 34βE12, CK8, p120 catenin and β-catenin also produce consistent results. Myoepithelial cell (MEC) stains are used to evaluate in situ and invasive carcinoma; calponin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and p63 are sensitive/specific markers. 34βE12 and CK5/6 are positive in ductal hyperplasia, which enables its differentiation from atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ. CK 5/6, ER and MEC markers are consistent options for evaluating papillary lesions. Spindle cell lesions can be assessed using β-catenin, SMA, CD34, p63, CKs and hormone receptors. It is important to differentiate primary carcinomas from metastases; the most commonly used markers to identify breast origin include mammaglobin, GCDFP-15, GATA3 and ER, although none of these is completely sensitive or specific. Immunohistochemistry can be used to evaluate central prognostic and predictive factors including molecular subtypes, HER2, hormone receptors, proliferation markers (Ki-67) and lymph-vascular invasion markers including ERG, CD31, CD34, factor VIII and podoplanin. Owing to the complexity of mammary lesions, diagnosis also depends on each particular situation, evaluation of cytological characteristics revealed by immunochemistry and correlation with histological findings.

17 May 2024 in Microbiology Research
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Journal Article
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MCMiguel Castelo-Branco
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Patricia CoelhoPatricia Coelho
Patricia Coelho
Francisco José Barbas RodriguesFrancisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Urinary tract infections are defined as the presence of microorganisms in any part of the urinary system, with the exception of the distal urethra. A majority of them are uncomplicated infections that are resolved on an outpatient basis, with empirical therapy. The objectives of this work were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, analyze associated strains and examine the response of the main microorganisms to antibiotics. A retrospective observational study of all positive urine cultures between 2018 and 2022 was carried out at an institution (8340 samples). Sociodemographic data were also collected. In total, 61.3% were women, with an average age of 63.4 years, and 43.2% were from the Emergency Department. A total of 13.5% were fitted, 56% of whom were women. Also, 95.9% were not taking any antibiotics, and among the individuals who were taking antibiotics, 50% were injected. Escherichia coli (53.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.8%) are identified as the most prevalent strains. In the time periods analyzed, Escherichia coli decreased its resistance to 11 antibiotics and increased to 5 antibiotics, while Klebsiella pneumoniae decreased to 7 and increased to 7, with emphasis on the presence of 3 antibiotics with a resistance rate of 100% to all Klebsiella pneumoniae strains identified in 2022.

16 July 2023 in Data
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Journal Article
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LFLuís Fonseca
Luís Fonseca
Fernando RibeiroFernando Ribeiro
Fernando Ribeiro
Jose Carlos Meireles Monteiro MetrolhoJose Carlos Meireles Monteiro Metrolho
Jose Carlos Meireles Monteiro Metrolho
ASAdriana Santos
Adriana Santos
Rogerio DionisioRogerio Dionisio
Rogerio Dionisio
SASeyyed Sajjad Aemmi
Seyyed Sajjad Aemmi
This study presents a dataset containing three layers of data that are useful for body position classification and all uses related to it. The PoPu dataset contains simultaneously collected data from two different sensor sheets—one placed over and one placed under a mattress; furthermore, a segmentation data layer was added where different body parts are identified using the pressure data from the sensors over the mattress. The data included were gathered from 60 healthy volunteers distributed among the different gathered characteristics: namely sex, weight, and height. This dataset can be used for position classification, assessing the viability of sensors placed under a mattress, and in applications regarding bedded or lying people or sleep related disorders.

6 January 2025 in Clinics and Practice
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Journal Article
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Francisco José Barbas RodriguesFrancisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Patricia CoelhoPatricia Coelho
Patricia Coelho
SMSónia Mateus
Sónia Mateus
Armando CaseiroArmando Caseiro
Armando Caseiro
HEHatem Khaled Eideh
Hatem Khaled Eideh
MCMiguel Castelo-Branco
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Introduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates. The analysis explored bacterial prevalence, demographic factors such as sex and clinical service origin, and antibiotic resistance. Special attention was given to hospitalized patients, especially those undergoing invasive procedures, due to their increased vulnerability to infection. Results: This study found that UTIs were more prevalent in female patients, reflecting anatomical susceptibilities. Hospitalized individuals, particularly those requiring invasive procedures, were at greater risk. The predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis, with differences in prevalence by patient sex and service origin. Resistance to Imipenem in E. coli increased, raising concerns about last-resort treatments. However, resistance to other antibiotics declined, suggesting improvements due to recent stewardship measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall antibiotic consumption decreased due to changes in clinical practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strict infection control, targeted prevention measures, and rational antibiotic use to combat resistance. Ongoing surveillance and personalized treatment approaches are essential to improve UTI management and outcomes.

9 February 2025 in Bacteria
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Francisco José Barbas RodriguesFrancisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Patricia CoelhoPatricia Coelho
Patricia Coelho
SMSónia Mateus
Sónia Mateus
HEHatem Khaled Eideh
Hatem Khaled Eideh
Teresa GonçalvesTeresa Gonçalves
Teresa Gonçalves
MCMiguel Castelo-Branco
Miguel Castelo-Branco
This study explores the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women in central Portugal. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 201 positive urine cultures from pregnant women at a hospital center between January 2018 and December 2022. The data collected included age, hospital admission source, history of antibiotic therapy, catheterization status, identity of bacterial isolates, and their antibiotic profile. The most common bacterial strains were Escherichia coli (52.4%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (16.9%). In terms of antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli demonstrated complete sensitivity to ertapenem, while Streptococcus agalactiae showed sensitivity to four antibiotics, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Notably, most infections occurred in the third trimester, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment strategies to manage UTIs in pregnancy effectively, reducing the potential maternal and fetal complications. These findings contribute to regional data on UTI management in pregnant populations and aim to support improved healthcare practices. These regional data provide a solid foundation for optimizing healthcare practices in pregnant women, suggesting targeted approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and improve maternal–fetal safety during UTI treatment.

30 October 2025 in Immunity & Ageing
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BPBruna Maria Palotino-Ferreira
Bruna Maria Palotino-Ferreira
Saulo Vasconcelos RochaSaulo Vasconcelos Rocha
Saulo Vasconcelos Rocha
ANAlbená Nunes-Silva
Albená Nunes-Silva
Antonio Felipe Souza GomesAntonio Felipe Souza Gomes
Antonio Felipe Souza Gomes
Francisco José Barbas RodriguesFrancisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Francisco José Barbas Rodrigues
Guilherme Eustáquio FurtadoGuilherme Eustáquio Furtado
Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding factors that influence vaccine efficacy is crucial, particularly in older adults. Regular physical exercise and/or structured physical activity (SPA) has emerged as a potential modulator of immune responses, enhancing vaccine effectiveness. This systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on the impact of SPA/exercise on both immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination in adults and older individuals. Most relevant studies were extracted from indexed databases using health subject terms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies that examined the impact of regular exercise or SPA on inflammatory and/or immunological responses in relation to COVID-19 immunization were selected. In particular, all chosen studies included individuals who received vaccinations either prior to or following the exercise regimen or SPA, and the main goal was to evaluate these effects on immunological and/or inflammatory reactions induced by vaccination. Among the 7 studies included (n = 1149), the effects of regular exercise or PA on vaccine-induced immune responses while concurrently assessing inflammatory markers were examined. The findings suggest that moderate to high-intensity structured physical activity (50–70% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercise and 60–80% of 1RM for resistance training), performed 3–5 times per week, was able to enhance immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly by mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation. Acute exercise can transiently boost immunity, whilst engagement in moderate SPA over a period of six months may contribute to sustained improvements in immune function, especially in older adults. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to variability in study design, sample characteristics, and potential confounding factors. Regular exercise and SPA play a significant role in improving immune/inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination. Older adults, in particular, may benefit from regular SPA and exercise as a strategy to counteract immunosenescence and optimize vaccine efficacy. However, further research is needed to better refine exercise protocols and determine long-term benefits in different populations.