Scientific Letters

Evidence-based strategies for the treatment of sleep apnea: a systematic literature review

2025-12-05T14:07:51+00:00

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep, causing intermittent oxygen desaturation, sleep fragmentation, and reduced quality of life. Among the main treatments, continuous positive airway pressure and nocturnal oxygen therapy are widely used. Despite their efficacy, both have limitations, including poor long-term adherence, device-induced discomfort, and the need for regular monitoring. The pharmacist can play a key role in improving therapeutic support and adherence. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of continuous positive airway pressure and nocturnal oxygen therapy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and to identify pharmaceutical interventions to optimize adherence and manage adverse effects. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and included studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect involving adults treated with these therapies. Thirty-one studies were included. Across the included studies, continuous positive airway pressure therapy consistently reduced the apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 15 to 30 events per hour, often corresponding to a relative reduction exceeding 50% from baseline. Improvements in nocturnal oxygenation were also observed, with increases in mean SpO₂ ranging from 2 to 9 percentage points. In cardiovascular outcomes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure was associated with reductions in nocturnal systolic blood pressure typically ranging from 3 to 7 mmHg among adherent patients. Oxygen therapy improved oxygenation but showed variable effects on respiratory events and adherence. In conclusion, continuous positive airway pressure remains the reference treatment, while pharmacist interventions may strengthen adherence and optimize management.

The Role of Psychosocial Factors in Adherence to a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program in Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

2026-01-29T09:54:20+00:00

Cardiovascular rehabilitation is a key multidisciplinary intervention in patient recovery after cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction. Despite evidence of its benefits in reducing morbidity and mortality, adherence to cardiovascular rehabilitation programmes remains suboptimal. Psychosocial factors, including illness perception, coping styles, and lifestyle behaviours, have been identified as critical determinants of adherence. This study aims to explore the role of psychosocial factors in adherence to a cardiovascular rehabilitation programme among post-acute myocardial infarction patients. Specifically, the study seeks to: (1) describe psychosocial factors and adherence levels; (2) analyse differences based on sociodemographic and clinical variables; and (3) identify associations between psychosocial factors and cardiovascular rehabilitation adherence. This quantitative, descriptive study included 55 Portuguese participants. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Brief COPE, and a Lifestyle Scale. A higher perception of personal control was significantly associated with adherence (p = .005, d = .78). Regular physical exercise before acute myocardial infarction was also linked to better adherence (p = .021, V = .312). Women showed significantly healthier lifestyle behaviours than men (p = .002, d = 1.179). No significant associations were found for other variables. Perceived personal control and prior exercise are key to cardiovascular rehabilitation adherence. Gender differences highlight the need for personalised interventions.

Small Scale Testing of Poultry Feces to Enumerate the Risk of Environmental Contamination & Food-Borne Illnesses

2026-04-24T09:31:38+01:00

Live poultry stocks from local grocery markets are a potent reservoir of environmental contamination and foodborne illness. Bacteria present in poultry feces pose a potential health risk to humans through cross-contamination, which may lead to the spread of infectious diseases. The present study specifically focused on bacteria associated with poultry feces. We aimed to conduct microbiological analysis to isolate and identify microbial load present in poultry fecal samples that could lead to environmental contamination and associated risks of foodborne illnesses. Isolation from fecal samples was performed through standard culture techniques, and differential and biochemical analyses were performed as isolation and identification methods. Twenty fecal samples were collected, and the findings of this study were as follows: Staph spp. 100%, E. coli spp. 25%, Serratia spp. 10%, Salmonella spp. 15% and Citrobacter spp. 20%. The findings of this study provided insight into the microbial association with live poultry stocks in grocery markets and their potential wellness concerns.

Editorial Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Scientific Letters in 2025

2026-01-29T13:29:34+00:00

On behalf of the Editorial Board of Scientific Letters, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all reviewers who generously contributed their time and expertise throughout 2025. Their thoughtful evaluations, scientific rigor, and constructive feedback have been fundamental to maintaining the high editorial standards of the journal. The peer-review process relies on the dedication of specialists who carefully assess manuscripts and provide insightful guidance to authors. This year, we were once again privileged to work with a highly committed community of reviewers whose professionalism and punctuality ensured an efficient, transparent, and fair editorial process. Their contributions not only strengthened individual manuscripts but also enhanced the overall scientific quality and international visibility of Scientific Letters. On behalf of the entire Editorial Team, we warmly thank all our reviewers for their invaluable support and look forward to continued collaboration and shared success in 2026.

Alexandra Maia

Cláudia Cristiane Baiseredo de Carvalho

Cláudia Ribeiro

Daniel Barbosa

Donato Júnior

Lígia Rocha

Mónica Cardoso

Susana Braga

Progress and Insights in Health and Biomedical Research

2026-01-30T15:21:57+00:00

On behalf of the Editorial Team of Scientific Letters, we are pleased to announce the publication of the journal’s fourth issue. In 2025, Scientific Letters continued its mission of disseminating high-quality open-access research across the fields of biology and medicine. The two review articles and five original research papers published this year highlight both foundational biological mechanisms and pressing clinical and public health issues.