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RESUMO Este artigo teve por objetivo analisar as ações desenvolvidas pelos governos para o enfrentamento dos impactos socioambientais e na saúde em decorrência dos desastres envolvendo petróleo no mundo. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo realizada na Bireme, Lilacs, SciELO, PubMed, Cochrane Library e Embase, considerando artigos publicados entre 1973 e 2021. As buscas efetuadas nas bases de dados resultaram em 22 artigos sobre 10 desastres de petróleo ao redor do mundo em três continentes (Ásia, América e Europa), cujas causas dos desastres foram encalhe (3), naufrágio (1), colisão (2), derrame (3) e explosão (1). As ações desenvolvidas foram caracterizadas como intersetoriais, econômicas, ambientais e na saúde, sendo que as mais frequentes foram ações ambientais e econômicas. Nas ações desenvolvidas, observaram-se críticas ao controle, mitigação ou prevenção dos danos instantâneos ou futuros decorrentes dos desastres por petróleo, sendo essa uma agenda ainda em aberto para os movimentos sociais na luta pela garantia de um ambiente saudável, promotor de saúde e com preservação de toda a sua biodiversidade. Conclui-se que as ações para o enfrentamento dos desastres por petróleo nos diferentes países parecem ter sido incipientes, revelando uma incapacidade governamental de orientar o enfrentamento dos impactos desse evento inusitado.

This article aims to analyze the actions taken by governments to face the social, environmental, and health impacts of oil spill disasters worldwide. This scoping review was conducted in Bireme, Lilacs, SciELO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, considering articles published between 1973 and 2021. The database search returned 22 articles on ten global oil disasters in three continents (Asia, the Americas, and Europe), whose causes were grounding (03), shipwreck (01), collision (02), spill (03), and explosion (01). The actions developed were characterized as intersectoral, economic, environmental, and health-related, and the most frequent were environmental and economic actions. In the actions developed, we observed criticisms of controlling, mitigating, or preventing instantaneous or future damages resulting from oil disasters, which is still an open agenda for social movements in the struggle to ensure a healthy, health-promoting environment that preserves all its biodiversity. The actions to face oil disasters in different countries seem incipient, revealing a governmental inability to guide the confrontation of the impacts of this unusual event.

This school year I am teaching physics and chemistry at Latino Coelho´s High school, in Lamego, north of Portugal, one of the oldest schools of the region, started the activity in the nineteenth century (1880). Like lots of others centuries-old schools in Portugal, I understood that Latino Coelho’s High school has a heritage of ancient and valuable laboratorial instruments that are of high interest and must be shown to the scientific community. Some of this equipment, related particularly with natural and physical sciences issues, is still in use, so teachers and students have the opportunity to work with. This legacy is an important resource to develop skills in the scope of History of Science as a testimony of the evolution of the technology, the science and the Portuguese school system. With this communication I intend to present some of the oldest instruments from my schools´ heritage as promoters of experimental science teaching through these 143 years of school activity.

Lung metastasis represents the leading cause of osteosarcoma-related death. Progress in preventing lung metastasis is pretty modest due to the inherent complexity of the metastatic process and the lack of suitable models. Herein, we provide mechanistic insights into how osteosarcoma systemically reprograms the lung microenvironment for metastatic outgrowth using metastatic mouse models and a multi-omics approach.We found that osteosarcoma-bearing mice or those preconditioned with cell-secretome harbour profound lung structural alteration with airways damage, inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and remodelling of the extracellular matrix with deposition of fibronectin and collagen by stromal activated fibroblasts for tumour cell adhesion. These changes, supported by transcriptomic and histological data, promoted and accelerated the development of lung metastasis. Comparative proteome profiling of the cell secretome and mouse plasma identified a large number of proteins engaged in the extracellular-matrix organization, cell-matrix adhesion, neutrophil degranulation, and cytokine-mediated signalling, which were consistent with the observed lung microenvironmental changes. Moreover, we identified EFEMP1, a secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein, as a potential risk factor for lung metastasis and a poor prognosis factor in osteosarcoma patients.

Species in Diaporthe are largely reported as important plant pathogens. Identification of species in this genus has been complemented by morphological and molecular features. However, one important factor delaying this process is the struggle to formulate robust species concepts to create adequate international phytosanitary measures. Regardless of the wide use of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region, established as the primary DNA barcode for fungi, the tendency for intraspecific variation has been reported, misleading interpretation of phylogenetic analyses. Therefore, the present study aimed to illustrate, using specific examples, how the ITS region may be problematic for species delimitation. We showed that the ITS region is highly variable, with strains of Diaporthe malorum and Diaporthe novem falling into more than one clade, which if analyzed on their own, would be likely recognized as distinct taxa. Divergent ITS paralogs were also proven to coexist within the genome of D. novem. We also suggest that ITS may have escaped from concerted evolution or has undergone a duplication event. Furthermore, this study reports for the first time the existence of a putative hybrid in the genus Diaporthe. Our findings offer new clues towards the intraspecific and intragenomic variation in the ITS region, raising questions about its value for barcoding, i.e., identifying species in the genus Diaporthe. Therefore, we recommend that the ITS region be analyzed cautiously and always compared for congruence prior to description of novel taxa.

Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including small EVs (sEVs) such as exosomes, exhibit great potential for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, representing a valuable tool for precision medicine. The latter demands high-quality human biospecimens, especially in complex disorders in which pathological and specimen heterogeneity, as well as diverse individual clinical profile, often complicate the development of precision therapeutic schemes and patient-tailored treatments. Thus, the collection and characterization of physiologically relevant sEVs are of the utmost importance. However, standard brain EV isolation approaches rely on tissue dissociation, which can contaminate EV fractions with intracellular vesicles. Methods Based on multiscale analytical platforms such as cryo-EM, label-free proteomics, advanced flow cytometry, and ExoView analyses, we compared and characterized the EV fraction isolated with this novel method with a classical digestion-based EV isolation procedure. Moreover, EV biogenesis was pharmacologically manipulated with either GW4869 or picrotoxin to assess the validity of the spontaneous-release method, while the injection of labelled-EVs into the mouse brain further supported the integrity of the isolated vesicles. Results We hereby present an efficient purification method that captures a sEV-enriched population spontaneously released by mouse and human brain tissue. In addition, we tested the significance of the release method under conditions where biogenesis/secretion of sEVs was pharmacologically manipulated, as well as under animals’ exposure to chronic stress, a clinically relevant precipitant of brain pathologies, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Our findings show that the released method monitors the drug-evoked inhibition or enhancement of sEVs secretion while chronic stress induces the secretion of brain exosomes accompanied by memory loss and mood deficits suggesting a potential role of sEVs in the brain response to stress and related stress-driven brain pathology. Conclusions Overall, the spontaneous release method of sEV yield may contribute to the characterization and biomarker profile of physiologically relevant brain-derived sEVs in brain function and pathology.

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are cultivated worldwide and represent an important asset for the Portuguese economy. Pathogen infection and water deficiency are known to affect crops productivity worldwide, thus limiting plant yield or fruit quality. Diaporthe is a cosmopolitan genus comprising plant pathogens and endophytes, that may switch their behavior to a pathogenic phase when the host is under environmental stress (e.g., drought, precipitation). Given the scarce physiological studies on blueberry plant- pathogen interactions, in this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of Diaporthe amygdali and D. eres on 9-month-old clonal blueberries under two different water scenarios: well-watered (WW) and water deficit (WD). Morphological (lesion length) and physiological parameters (water status, leaf gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, proline, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, starch, total soluble sugars, and lipid peroxidation) were assessed. Our results suggest that the irrigation regime applied was not sufficient to cause severe stress to plants. Under WW conditions, plants inoculated with D. eres may have used malondialdehyde content (MDA) as a signaling molecule. Although D. amygdali has caused plant mortality, this study shows that under WW conditions, plants manage to deal with pathogen attack, maintaining their physiological performance. This study also demonstrates that the interaction between fungal pathogens and water limitation seems to stimulate plant defense, through the accumulation of proline. Our findings offer crucial insights to understand how blueberry plants cope with infection by species of Diaporthe, and how plants can adapt to climate changes in the Mediterranean area (e.g., water scarcity).

As feiras livres se apresentam como um espaço para a prática comercial varejista, do produtor familiar, de produtos in natura e processados, sendo um dos principais ambientes de preservação da cultura local, e interação entre o rural e o urbano, especialmente importante para a economia de cidade interioranas. O presente estudo objetivou identificar as melhores práticas utilizadas nos ambientes organizacionais da feira livre do município de Iporá (GO) e o centro de comercialização em Barra do Garças (MT), por meio da ferramenta de gestão denominada benchmarking, sendo utilizado como procedimento metodológico, entrevista com os representantes da feira de Iporá e Barra do Garças e aplicação de questionário à trinta feirantes de ambas as localidades. Constatou-se, a existência de desafios para a implantação do centro de comercialização em Iporá, quanto à percepção dos feirantes sobre a relevância da adequada estrutura física e o efetivo suporte da vigilância sanitária, para o rearranjo do ambiente. Quanto à Barra do Garças, o centro de comercialização modificou o espaço físico e padronizou os processos, reduzindo o número de frequentadores e vendas dos produtos. Conclui-se que, em ambos os locais de comercialização, quaisquer alterações no “espaço feira” devem resguardar as particularidades da modalidade tradicional de produção e venda.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-friendly/Sustainable Approach to Polysaccharides as (nano) materials., Agave, commonly known as “maguey” is an important part of the Mexican tradition and economy, and is mainly used for the production of alcoholic beverages, such as tequila. Industrial exploitation generates by-products, including leaves, bagasse, and fibers, that can be re-valorized. Agave is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, fructans, and pectin, as well as simple carbohydrates. Regarding functional properties, fructans content makes agave a potential source of prebiotics with the capability to lower blood glucose and enhance lipid homeostasis when it is incorporated as a prebiotic ingredient in cookies and granola bars. Agave also has phytochemicals, such as saponins and flavonoids, conferring anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, among other benefits. Agave fibers are used for polymer-based composite reinforcement and elaboration, due to their thermo-mechanical properties. Agave bagasse is considered a promising biofuel feedstock, attributed to its high-water efficiency and biomass productivity, as well as its high carbohydrate content. The optimization of physical and chemical pretreatments, enzymatic saccharification and fermentation are key for biofuel production. Emerging technologies, such as ultrasound, can provide an alternative to current pretreatment processes. In conclusion, agaves are a rich source of by-products with a wide range of potential industrial applications, therefore novel processing methods are being explored for a sustainable re-valorization of these residues., This research was funded by LINKB20023 in collaboration between CSIC and Tecnologico de Monterrey. Author Jimena Álvarez-Chávez was supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT)–Mexico, scholarship number 786912.

Objective To understand whether thyroid cells can be directly infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to establish a putative correlation with the expression of the host entry machinery: ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin. Methods We assessed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus at the gene level by RT-PCR, viral RNA transcripts localization by in situ hybridization, and by detecting viral proteins by immunohistochemistry for the nucleocapsid and the spike proteins. Furthermore, we also described the immunoexpression of key host factors for virus entry in the COVID-19 thyroid samples. Results We performed RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in all autopsy specimens and detected viral genome positivity in 13 of 15 thyroid tissues and in a lung specimen. In 9 of the 14 positive samples, we were also able to confirm SARS-CoV-2 signal by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry for the viral nucleocapsid and spike protein was also positive for ten and nine of the RT-PCR-positive cases, respectively, but revealed a lower sensitivity. We also described, for the first time in a COVID-19 series, the immunohistochemical expression of ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin in the thyroid. Conclusions Our results obtained in thyroid specimens from deceased COVID-19 patients indicate that thyrocytes can be directly infected by SARS-CoV-2 since we detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome in follicular cells. Nevertheless, we did not find a clear correlation between the presence of viral genome and the expression of the host factors for virus entry, namely ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin.

A adaptação e mitigação dos impactos ambientais decorrem de como se estabelecem os padrões de consumo e produção e suas respectivas externalidades, sendo esta uma responsabilidade ética e social de governos, empresas, instituições de ensino e demais organizações. Diante do exposto, o presente projeto socioambiental de extensão denominado: "Mudança de Hábitos" teve por objetivo promover junto ao comércio local do município de Iporá, com foco na região central, a adoção do processo de seletividade básica no descarte dos resíduos sólidos, sendo o empresariado do município nosso público alvo. Para execução do projeto foram instalados ecopontos de materiais recicláveis em locais estratégicos da cidade, possibilitando melhores condições de trabalho aos agentes ambientais sociais ou catadores de materiais recicláveis. doi.org/10.35700/ca.2021.ano8n14.p50-57.2994

Three experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and the effect of acerola seed meal (ASM) for starter piglet diets on feed digestibility, nitrogen balance (NB), growth performance and blood metabolites. Twenty-four crossbred entire male piglets (21.07 ± 3.07 kg) were assigned to a digestibility assay (Exp. I) and distributed in a randomised block design (RBD) with two treatments composed of reference diet (RD) or test diet (20% replacement with ASM), 12 replications and with one pig per experimental unit (EU). An NB study (Exp. II) was conducted with four levels of ASM (0, 4, 8 and 12%) and 24 crossbred entire male piglets (20.78 ± 1.84 kg) allocated in an RBD of six replications and one pig per EU. The growth performance study (Exp. III) involved 120 crossbred piglets: 60 entire males and 60 females (13.85 ± 1.49 kg). Treatments consisted of a gender combination and five levels of ASM (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%), distributed in an RBD with six replications and four animals per EU. The physicochemical composition results indicated 86.12% of dry matter (DM), 8.03% of crude protein (CP) and 4,553 kcal kg-1 of gross energy (GE) as well as apparent digestibility coefficients of 39.04 and 28.21% for CP and GE, respectively. The levels of ASM that provided the maximum estimate for final body weight, daily body weight gain and average daily feed intake were 2.93% (p = 0.037), 3.05% (p = 0.040) and 4.27% (p = 0.043), respectively. ASM can be indicated as a dietary fibre source for starter piglet diets because it contains relevant nutritional and energy values, without affecting the nitrogen balance and blood urea concentration. Três experimentos foram realizados para determinar o valor nutricional e o efeito do uso do farelo da semente de acerola (FSA) na dieta de leitões em fase inicial sobre a digestibilidade de ração, balanço de nitrogênio (BN), desempenho zootécnico e metabólito sanguíneo. Vinte e quatro leitões mestiços, machos inteiros (21,07 ± 3,07 kg) foram atribuídos a um ensaio de digestibilidade (Exp. I.) e distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de bloco ao acaso (DBC), com dois tratamentos, compostos de uma dieta referência ou teste (substituição em 20% por FSA na dieta referência), 12 repetições e com um suíno por unidade experimental (UE). O ensaio de BN (Exp. II) foi conduzido com quatro níveis crescentes de inclusão de FSA (0, 4, 8 e 12%) e 24 leitões mestiços machos inteiros (20,78 ± 1,84 kg), alocados em um DBC de seis repetições e um suíno por UE. O estudo de desempenho zootécnico (Exp. III) envolveu 120 leitões mestiços, 60 machos inteiros e 60 fêmeas (13,85 ± 1,49 kg). Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação de dois gêneros e cinco níveis crescentes de inclusão de FSA (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12%), distribuídos em um DBC com seis repetições e quatro animais por UE. Os resultados de composição físico-química do FSA indicaram 86,12% de matéria seca (MS), 8,03% de proteína bruta (PB) e 4.553 kcal kg -1 de energia bruta (EB), e coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente de 39,04 e 28,21% para PB e EB, respectivamente. Os níveis de FSA que proporcionaram a máxima estimativa de peso corporal final, ganho de peso corporal diário (GPCDM) e consumo de ração diário médio foram 2,93% (p = 0,0372), 3,05% (p = 0,0407) e 4,27% (p = 0,0432), respectivamente. O FSA pode ser indicado como uma fonte de fibra dietética na alimentação de suínos em fase inicial por conter valores nutricionais e de energia relevantes sem afetar o balanço de nitrogênio e concentração de ureia no sangue.

Context Lithothamnion calcareum is a calcitic seaweed (CS), rich in calcium (Ca) and other minerals, with potential for use in piglet feeding. Aim The aims were to compare L. Calcareum (CS) with calcitic limestone (CL) as a source of Ca for use in piglet feeding for effects on total tract digestibility and daily balance of Ca, growth performance and serum variables, and to assess solubility of Ca sources through in vitro testing. Methods In Expt 1, an availability assay was performed on 24 crossbred male piglets with initial average body weight (BW) of 15.17 ± 0.70 kg in a randomised complete block design with six replicates of four treatments and one piglet per experimental unit. The starter dietary treatments were: basal diet with minimal amount of Ca (0.068%); diet with low Ca (0.018%); and two diets containing either CL or CS to provide 0.82% total Ca. In Expt 2 (growth performance), 96 crossbred male piglets, with initial average BW of 6.01 ± 0.70 kg were assigned in a randomised complete block design with eight replicates of three treatments (CL, CL + CS, or CS) and four piglets per experimental unit, assessed over pre-starter phases I and II and the starter phase. Key results In Expt 1, Ca source did not influence (P > 0.05) apparent and true digestibility or daily balance and concentration of Ca in the piglets. In Expt 2, no significant differences (P > 0.05) existed for growth performance during the pre-starter I and II phases, although a trend (P ≤ 0.1) was evident for final BW, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the pre-starter II phase. Piglets fed CL showed a reduction in FCR during the starter phase (P = 0.02) and for the total period (P = 0.007). Final BW and daily weight gain did not differ between CL and CS diets during the starter phase or for the total period. No effect (P > 0.05) was observed of Ca source on Ca and phosphorus concentrations in serum. CS had a solubility 1.9 times higher than CL. Conclusion Piglet performance parameters were generally similar for diets including CS and CL as a source of Ca. Implications Based on the evaluation criteria used in these experiments, L. calcareum has potential to replace calcitic limestone as an alternative source of Ca.

Agave bagasse is a waste material generated during agave sap collection for “pulque” production. This residue is a potential feedstock for steroidal saponins and other phytochemicals. Ultrasonically assisted extraction (UAE) allows the use of green solvents such as water or ethanol for phytochemicals recovery. The influence of solvent composition and its effect on the intensity of the ultrasonic field during the UAE of agave bagasse saponins were evaluated. The best extraction conditions were a temperature of 60 °C (T) and a solvent-to-mass ratio of 20 (S/M), for conventional and UAE. In contrast to conventional extraction, where mixtures of ethanol-water were more efficient, water was the best extraction solvent in UAE. The amount of saponins obtained without ultrasound in 58% ethanol (22.48 ± 1.34 mg PE/g dw) was similar to the amount obtained by UAE in water (24.41 ± 0.84 mg PE/g dw). When only water was used, the ultrasound intensity was higher (271.40 ± 11.91 W/L) than in ethanol mixtures (144.81–202.30 W/L) due to cavitation intensity, demonstrated in a test on aluminum foil and SEM images of exhausted bagasse. Despite lower chemical affinity of water for saponins, its lower vapor pressure and viscosity, as well as higher surface tension, compared with ethanol, provided a greater cavitation intensity. Therefore, UAE using water is an excellent alternative to recover bioactive compounds from agave bagasse.

Silvetia compressa is a brown seaweed native to the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is a rich source of phlorotannins and polysaccharides, two compound families with important nutraceutical applications. Optimal conditions for obtaining highly concentrated phlorotannin and polysaccharide extracts from S. compressa were determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of extraction temperature (X1: 50–65 °C), ultrasound power density (X2: 1.2–3.8 W cL−1), solvent/seaweed ratio (X3: 10–30 mL g−1 seaweed meal), and ethanol concentration (X4: 25–100% ethanol in water) on phlorotannin and polysaccharide yield was explored. Experimental results were fitted to a second-degree polynomial model, while model fitness was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). From this analysis, optimal phlorotannin and polysaccharide extraction conditions were determined for the evaluated parameters (X1 = 50 °C, X2 = 3.8 W cL−1, X3 = 30 mL g−1 seaweed meal, and X4 = 32.33%). Under these conditions, experimental phlorotannin and polysaccharide yields were 0.73% and 23% (w/w), respectively. Phlorotannin extraction was significantly enhanced by ultrasound power density, while polysaccharide extraction improved when using low ethanol concentration in the solvent, therefore both families of compounds were obtained combining those parameters. Experimental data agreed with predictions from the RSM model, indicating suitability of the obtained model and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. In addition, the identification of the main compounds in the phlorotannin extract was carried out by HPLC-MS-TOF; 8 of the 12 identified phenolic compounds belonged to the phlorotannin family, 4 from the fuhalol group, 3 being eckol derivatives, and 1 being a phloroglucinol subunit.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of two types of drinkers on water intake (WI) and two types of toys on behavioural observations of piglets in the nursery phase. A total of 72 crossbred entire male piglets (Landrace × Large White, Agroceres and DanBred), weaned at 21 days of age, with an average initial body weight (AIBW) of 6.75 ± 0.19 kg were used. Two statistical models were fitted for WI. In model I, animals were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a split-plot in time, composed of six treatments (2 types of drinkers × 3 experimental phases), eight replications (days of sampling), and 36 animals/experimental unit (EU), without using AIBW as a covariate. In model II, animals were distributed in a CRD with two treatments (fixed or pendular nipple drinkers), eight replications (days of sampling) and 36 animals/EU, with use of AIBW as a covariate. For assessment of behavioural observations, the model was adjusted in a randomized block design, consisting of four treatments [two types of toys (metal chain and plastic bottle) × two daytime periods (morning and afternoon)], nine replications and three blocks constituted in time (days), totalling four pigs/EU. The results indicated an effect on animal daily WI in the starter phase in model I (p < 0.000) and II (p = 0.006). There was an effect (p smaller 0.05) of toy type for behavioural observations, in which pigs showed a greater proportion of fighting and belly nosing when they had the bottle toy. However, animals spent more time (p smaller 0.05) eating, drinking water, overlapping, and playing with the toy when they had access to the chain toy. There was an increase (p smaller 0.05) in sleeping behaviour in the morning period, as well as greater (p smaller 0.05) behavioural activity in the afternoon period. In conclusion, WI of nursery piglets was positively influenced by growth phase, and the fixed drinker stimulated greater WI in piglets in the starter phase. In addition, the metal chain, as an environmental enrichment, promoted improvements in feeding behaviour and WI, reducing fighting events, and the afternoon period had increased behavioural observations overall. Um estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar dois tipos de bebedouros e seus efeitos sobre o consumo hídrico (CH) e dois tipos de brinquedos sobre os eventos comportamentais de leitões na fase de creche. Um total de 72 leitões machos inteiros mestiços (Landrace × Large White, Agroceres e DanBred), desmamados aos 21 dias de idade e peso corporal inicial médio (PCIM) de 6,75 ± 0,19 kg. Para o CH foram ajustados dois modelos estatísticos. No modelo I, os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) e esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, composto de seis tratamentos (2 tipos de bebedouros × 3 fases experimentais), oito repetições (dias de amostragem) e 36 animais/unidade experimental (UE) e sem utilização de PCIM como covariável. No modelo II, os animais foram distribuídos em um DIC aninhado com dois tratamentos (bebedouro tipo chupeta fixo ou pendular), oito repetições (dias de amostragem) e 36 animais/UE, com utilização de PCIM como covariável. Para a avaliação dos eventos comportamentais, foi ajustado um modelo em delineamento de blocos casualizados, constituído de quatro tratamentos [dois tipos de brinquedos (corrente de metal e garrafa plástica) × dois períodos do dia (matutino e vespertino)], nove repetições e três blocos constituídos no tempo (dias), totalizando quatro suínos/UE. Os resultados indicaram efeito no CH diário animal na fase inicial no modelo I (p menor 0,000) e II (p = 0,006). Houve efeito (p menor 0,05) de tipo de brinquedo para as observações comportamentais, em que os suínos apresentaram maior proporção de brigas e empurrando a barriga quando tiveram o brinquedo de garrafa. Entretanto, os animais passaram maior tempo (p menor 0,05) comendo, bebendo água, montando outro animal e brincando com o brinquedo quando tiveram acesso ao brinquedo de corrente. Houve um aumento (p menor 0,05) no comportamento de dormir no período matutino, bem como os suínos apresentaram maior (p menor 0,05) atividade comportamental no período vespertino. Em conclusão, o consumo hídrico de leitões em fase de creche é influenciado positivamente pela fase de crescimento e o bebedouro fixo estimulou um maior consumo de água em leitões na fase inicial. Em adição, o tipo de enriquecimento ambiental corrente promoveu melhorias no comportamento alimentar e de ingestão de água, reduzindo eventos de brigas, bem como o período vespertino aumentou os eventos comportamentais em geral.

O envelhecimento da população é uma realidade com projeções que apontam para o seu agravamento. O incremento da população idosa relaciona-se com o aumento do índice de fragilidade, o que acarreta problemas físicos, mentais, cognitivos e sociais. Assim os cuidados de saúde devem desenvolver uma resposta específica a esta população, através da satisfação das necessidades e preferências das pessoas idosas e prestação de cuidados de proximidade. Com o surgimento da pandemia global por SARS-CoV-2, a necessidade da prestação de cuidados personalizados e com minimização do risco de contágio tornou-se ainda mais importante. Foi neste contexto que nasceu o projeto aqui apresentado “Centros de Saúde Amigos das Pessoas Idosas: Implementação da Teleconsulta à Pessoa Idosa e Família com Fragilidade para a Promoção do Cuidado- de- Si”, no âmbito de um projeto de parceria entre a ESEL e a USF X para o desenvolvimento de um centro de saúde amigo das pessoas idosas na USF X. Assim o projeto que desenvolvemos teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de competências como enfermeira especialista e mestre em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica, na área de intervenção à pessoa idosa, nomeadamente na implementação da teleconsulta à pessoa idosa e família com fragilidade para promoção do Cuidado- de- Si, no contexto dos Centros de Saúde amigos das pessoas idosas. A metodologia utilizada foi a de projeto de intervenção. Durante o período de estágio foram realizadas diversas atividades, nomeadamente a realização de um de guião de intervenção para a teleconsulta de enfermagem à pessoa idosa com fragilidade que foi adaptado, tendo em considerando as orientações da OMS, da OE e do trabalho previamente desenvolvido entre as duas instituições e a sua implementação foi executada à luz do modelo de parceria para a promoção do Cuidado- de- Si. Realizamos também uma revisão scoping que permitiu encontrar as características que definem um centro de saúde amigo das pessoas idosas, tendo posteriormente sido publicado em artigo científico. Este projeto de estágio contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de competências de enfermeira especialista e mestre em enfermagem na área de intervenção à pessoa idosa com fragilidade visando a promoção do Cuidado-de-Si. Contribuiu também, para capacitar a equipa de enfermagem na área do controlo e prevenção da fragilidade. The population ageing is a current and future reality, with a prospect of worsening even more. The elderly population increase brings new challenges, given that, with ageing, comes the frailty index which brings physical, mental, cognitive and social problems. So healthcare providers must develop a specific solution to adress this population issues, trought needs satisfaction, according to their personal choices, while providing care in proximity with the elderly population. As SARS-CoV-2 arrised, the need of healthcare provision, with minimum contagious risk became even more important. It was on this context that the project “Age-friendly Community Healthcare Centres: Teleconsultation Implementation to the frail elder person and family, for the Care-of Self Promotion” was developed, in partnership between ESEL and USF X, in order to contruct an Age-Friendly Community Healthcare Centre. Therefore the project we designed aims to allow the development of master and specialist nurse in medical and surgical nursing, specifically in the area of elderly care, trough the implementation of of the nursing teleconsultation to the elder person and family with frailty, for the Care of-Self promotion, in the context of age-friendly community healthcare centres. The intervention project was metedology used. During the internship period, several activities were done, specially the intervention guide for the nursing teleconsultation to the frail elder person and family was adapted from the scrip to the nursing teleconsultation to the elder person with chronical pain (Gomes, 2020), considering the orientations from WHO and OE, as well as, continuing the work already ongoing between the two institutions of this partnership and its’ implementation was executed according to the partnership model for the Care- of- Self promotion. We made a scoping review that made possible identifying the characteristics of an age-friendly community healthcare center, which was published afterwards. This internship project contributed for the competencies development as a master and specialist nurse, in the intervention field of elder frail person for the Care- of- Self promotion. It also allowed the empowerment of the nursing team in the area of prevention and control of frailty.

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are widely cultivated worldwide and largely consumed due to their known antioxidant and medicinal properties. Although Diaporthe species have been documented in Portugal as causal agents of blueberry twig blight and dieback, there is still scarce information on the species that cause these symptoms. Moreover, Diaporthe vaccinii, recently synonymized with D. eres, has been considered a concern to blueberry production worldwide. However, the current knowledge about its impact on blueberries remains unclear. The diversity of Diaporthe species associated with diseased blueberry plants were assessed through a national survey. A multilocus sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), β-tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (cal) and histone 3 (his3) genes unveiled the presence of Diaporthe ambigua, D. amygdali, D. crousii, D. foeniculina, D. hybrida, D. leucospermi, D. malorum and D. rudis. Moreover, all species were fully characterized based on a detailed morphological description. Diaporthe amygdali, D. hybrida, D. leucospermi and D. malorum are reported for the first time on diseased blueberries in Portugal. Results show that D. eres exhibited a high level of intraspecific variability within isolates, given that the strain CBS 160.32 might be a minor pathogen on blueberry plants, whereas CAA829 was revealed to be the most aggressive. Overall, this study also demonstrates that Diaporthe amygdali and D. eres may be two of the most aggressive species to blueberry plants. This study improves our understanding of the Diaporthe species and it’s causing of dieback and twig blight on Portuguese blueberry orchards. Additionally, the identification of these pathogens represents crucial information for blueberry producers to apply appropriate phytosanitary measures, as well as offering new insights into the potential pathogenicity of D. eres on this host.

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder occurring mostly in elderly persons, caused by inhibition of factor VIII (FVIII). It is generally detected prior to surgery by an isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) not correcting on mixing studies, with subsequent identification of reduced FVIII levels and presence of FVIII inhibitor. It is treated with hemostatics and immunosuppressants, which may increase the risk for life-threatening opportunistic infections. A 79-year-old woman with idiopathic acquired FVIII inhibition and severe bleeding presented with anemia, isolated and prolonged aPTT, low FVIII activity (20 BU are predictors of adverse events and poor prognosis in AHA patients. Additional studies are needed to clarify the ideal drug regimens and the need for prophylactic antibiotics in this population.

Concentrated agave sap is a product with in vivo proven hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic activities, as well as in vitro anticancer potential. In the present work, a factorial design was used to determine the suitable drying conditions of concentrated agave by studying the effect of inlet temperature (150 °C, 180 °C and 210 °C) and the type of carrier agent (maltodextrin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, guar gum and xanthan gum). The response variables for each treatment were the product recovery and microencapsulated saponins. Further characterization of concentrated agave powders was performed: solubility in water, hygroscopicity, moisture content, tap density, bulk density, Carr’s index followability and morphology by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose proved to improve physicochemical properties and enhance product yield, using 210 °C inlet temperature and a mix of carrier agents of maltodextrin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/xanthan gum at 50/48.5/1.5 (w/w/w) proportion exhibited the highest saponin recovery of 53.81%. Moreover, different carrier agents in powders revealed two shapes, regular spherical shape with smooth surface and collapsed shapes. The use of polymers excipients helped to decrease the stickiness of the desired product and enhanced the powder stability and microencapsulation of the steroidal saponins.

Objective Evaluate the partial replacement of soybean meal with different protein sources in piglet feed during the nursery phase in terms of digestibility of feed, nitrogen balance, growth performance and blood parameters. Methods Experiment I involved 24 crossbred entire male pigs with an initial body weight of 18.28 ± 0.7 kg, and used a randomized complete block design consisting of three treatments (Fish Meal - FM, Soybean Protein Concentrate - SPC, and Soybean Meal - SM) and eight replicates, with one pig per experimental unit. Experiment II involved 1843 crossbred male and female pigs with an initial body weight of 6.79 ± 0.90 kg, and was based on a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two sexes and three protein sources) and 13 replicates. Results The results of Experiment I indicate a significant effect (p

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivation in Portugal has been growing considerably in the last decade, making it a highly profitable fruit crop. Species of Botryosphaeriaceae are relevant pathogens of blueberry causing stem blight and dieback. In this study a survey was carried out in blueberry orchards in the centre region of Portugal in order to assess which species of Botryosphaeriaceae are associated with stem blight and dieback symptoms. Their presence as endophytes was also evaluated in asymptomatic plants. Four species were identified, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum parvum, N. australe and N. eucalyptorum. Of these, B. dothidea and N. parvum were the most commonly found. Pathogenicity trials showed that the four species tested were pathogenic to blueberry plants and revealed that N. parvum, was the most aggressive species, and most likely the main causal agent of blueberry stem blight and dieback in Portugal. Neofusicoccum eucalyptorum, a common Eucalyptus pathogen, is reported for the first time as a pathogen of blueberry. This represents a significant host jump whose potential future effects on blueberry plantations are not fully understood.

During an extensive survey of marine fungi in coastal marine environments from Portugal, a collection of Penicillium isolates were obtained from sea water, macroalgae and driftwood. Sixteen distinct Penicillium species were identified with Penicillium terrigenum and Penicillium brevicompactum being the most frequent. A Penicillium species isolated from sea water could not be affiliated to any known species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS region of the rDNA and the beta-tubulin (benA) gene placed it into Penicillium section Ramosa, distinct from all currently known species and with Penicillium tunisiense as its closest relative. Although having similar morphological characteristics, these species differ in micromorphological and molecular characters. Thus, Penicillium lusitanum sp. nov. is proposed as a novel species.

Neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) was tested as a disinfectant against Listeria monocytogenes on the surface of table eggs. Eggs were collected from a single Bovans White flock and were exposed to L. monocytogenes. Artificially contaminated eggs were divided into three different treatment groups: NEW, 2% citric acid solution (CAS), and saline solution (SS). To evaluate the bactericidal effect, the Mexican norm for antimicrobial activity determination protocol was performed. The observed bactericidal effect was compared against those obtained from CAS and SS. Bacterial cells present on the eggshells were quantified. NEW exhibited a significantly higher bactericidal effect than CAS when evaluated on the surfaces of chicken eggshells (6.11 log10CFU/ml reduction in vitro and a 2.18 log10 CFU/egg reduction on eggs vs. 1.06 log10CFU/ml in vitro reduction and 1.74 log10CFU/egg). Additionally, CAS was found to react with the carbonate egg shield, resulting in a loss of cuticle integrity. Mineral content of NEW‐treated eggshells was similar to SS‐treated eggshells; however, CAS‐treated eggshells showed a significant decrease in phosphorous concentration compared to NEW treatment. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of NEW and CAS on the integrity of the L. monocytogenes wall using transmission electron microscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the effect of NEW against L. monocytogenes on eggshells. Our results show that NEW is a viable alternative solution for the disinfection of table eggs that does not affect the cuticle or shell.

Simple Summary Approximately 80% of gastric cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages with an average five-year survival rate of less than 30%. Alterations of the extracellular matrix proteins have been largely demonstrated in all steps of the disease. Thus, studies for the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and efficient therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this study, we report the oncogenic role of biglycan, an extracellular proteoglycan, in gastric carcinogenesis. Biglycan was able to modulate gastric cancer aggressive features as cell survival, migration, and angiogenesis. Additionally, high levels of biglycan expression correlates with tumorigenic gene signatures and they are associated with poor patient prognosis in advanced stages of the disease. These results point biglycan as a key player in gastric cancer aggressiveness and further studies should be done to investigate the therapeutic potential of biglycan to tackle gastric cancer progression. Abstract Biglycan (BGN gene), an extracellular proteoglycan, has been described to be associated with cancer aggressiveness. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical value of biglycan as a biomarker in multiple independent GC cohorts and determine the in vitro and in vivo role of biglycan in GC malignant features. We found that BGN is commonly over-expressed in all analyzed cohorts, being associated with disease relapse and poor prognosis in patients with advanced stages of disease. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that biglycan knock-out GC cells display major phenotypic changes with a lower cell survival, migration, and angiogenic potential when compared with biglycan expressing cells. Biglycan KO GC cells present increased levels of PARP1 and caspase-3 cleavage and a decreased expression of mesenchymal markers. Importantly, biglycan deficient GC cells that were supplemented with exogenous biglycan were able to restore biological features, such as survival, clonogenic and migratory capacities. Our in vitro and in vivo findings were validated in human GC samples, where BGN expression was associated with several oncogenic gene signatures that were associated with apoptosis, cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. This study provided new insights on biglycan role in GC that should be taken in consideration as a key cellular regulator with major impact in tumor progression and patients’ clinical outcome.

The genus Diaporthe is a cosmopolitan group of fungi that includes important plant pathogens, endophytes and saprobes with the ability to colonize a wide range of plant hosts. Pathogenic Diaporthe species are often reported to cause symptoms like dieback, stem canker, leaf spots, fruit rots and seed decay resulting in important economic losses on several crops. However, the occurrence of Diaporthe species associated with forest hosts and their pathogenic potential is poorly understood. We studied a collection of Diaporthe isolates obtained from a survey of forest‐related fungal diseases on Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus pinaster and Quercus suber in Portugal. Several Diaporthe species (D. eres, D. rudis, D. crousii, D. malorum and D. foeniculina) were found among the studied hosts. Pathogenicity trials were conducted to analyse the pathogenic potential and the ability to colonize putative new hosts. We report the occurrence of D. eres on P. pinaster in Portugal and a new host association with Q. suber. Additional new host reports were as follows: D. malorum and D. crousii on E. globulus, D. foeniculina on Q. suber and D. rudis on P. pinaster. Overall, Diaporthe species were shown to have low pathogenic impact on forest hosts under non‐stress conditions, despite their capability to colonize different hosts during the pathogenicity trials.

Delimitation of species boundaries within the fungal genus Diaporthe has been challenging, but the analyses of combined multilocus DNA sequences has become an important tool to infer phylogenetic relationships and to circumscribe species. However, analyses of congruence between individual gene genealogies and the application of the genealogical concordance principle have been somehow overlooked. We noted that a group of species including D. amygdali, D. garethjonesii, D. sterilis, D. kadsurae, D. ternstroemia, D. ovoicicola, D. fusicola, D. chongqingensis and D. mediterranea, commonly known as D. amygdali complex, occupy a monophyletic clade in Diaporthe phylogenies but the limits of all species within the complex are not entirely clear. To assess the boundaries of species within this complex we employed the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition principle (GCPSR) and coalescence-based models: General Mixed Yule-Coalescent (GMYC) and Poisson Tree Processes (PTP). The incongruence detected between individual gene phylogenies, as well as the results of coalescent methods do not support the recognition of lineages within the complex as distinct species. Moreover, results support the absence of reproductive isolation and barriers to gene flow in this complex, thus providing further evidence that the D. amygdali species complex constitutes a single species. This study highlights the relevance of the application of the GCPSR principle, showing that concatenation analysis of multilocus DNA sequences, although being a powerful tool, might lead to an erroneous definition of species limits. Additionally, it further shows that coalescent methods are useful tools to assist in a more robust delimitation of species boundaries in the genus Diaporthe.

Egg-yolk based supplements have demonstrated biological effects. We have developed a novel processed egg-yolk (PEY) complement, and we have tested whether it has inflammation modulatory properties. These were evaluated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenge in 1-month male rats by in vivo circulating cytokine profiles measured by multiplexing techniques. Cell culture was used to explore ex vivo properties of derived serum samples. We explored growth factor composition, and mass-spectrometry metabolome and lipidome analyses of PEY to characterize it. PEY significantly prevented LPS-induced increase in IL-1 &beta, TNF-&alpha, and MCP-1. Further, serum from PEY-treated animals abrogated LPS-induced iNOS build-up of the Raw 264.7 macrophage-like cell line. Immunochemical analyses demonstrated increased concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the extract. PEY vs. egg-yolk comparative metabolomic analyses showed significative differences in the concentrations of at least 140 molecules, and in 357 in the lipidomic analyses, demonstrating the complexity of PEY. Globally, PEY acts as an orally-bioavailable immunomodulatory extract that may be of interest in those conditions associated with disarranged inflammation, such as inflammaging.

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a mitochondrial fission protein, and its active form phosphorylated at Serine 616 (S616-p-DRP1) have been increasingly associated with tumorigenesis and invasion in various tumor models, including oncocytic thyroid cancer (TC). In this study, the expression of DRP1 and S616-p-DRP1 and its relationship with patients' clinicopathological characteristics, tumor genetic profiles, and clinical outcomes were assessed in a large series of follicular cell-derived TC (FCDTC).Retrospective biomarker study characterizing the clinicopathological and immunochemistry DRP1 and S616-p-DRP1 expression of a series of 259 patients with FCDTC followed in two University Hospitals.DRP1 expression was positive in 65.3% (169/259) of the cases, while the expression of the S616-p-DRP1 was positive in only 17.3% (17/98). DRP1-positive expression was significantly associated with differentiated tumors (67.7 vs. 48.0%; P = 0.049), non-encapsulated tumors (73.8 vs. 57.4%; P = 0.011) and thyroid capsule invasion (73.4 vs. 57.5%; P = 0.013). S616-p-DRP1-positive expression was significantly associated with tumor infiltrative margins (88.9 vs. 11.1%; P = 0.033), thyroid capsule invasion (29.8 vs. 3.1%; P = 0.043), lymph node metastases (23.3 vs. 8.1%; P = 0.012), and higher mean cumulative radioiodine dosage (317.4 ± 265.0 mCi vs. 202.5 ± 217.7 mCi; P = 0.038). S616-p-DRP1 expression was negatively associated with oncocytic phenotype (0.0 vs. 26.2%; P = 0.028).S616-p-DRP1 is a better candidate than DRP1 to identify tumors with locally invasive behavior. Prospective studies should be pursued to assess S616-p-DRP1 role as a molecular marker of malignancy in TC and in patients' risk assessment.

Phenolic compounds are a widespread group of phytochemicals derived from the secondary metabolism of herbs and plants. Phytochemicals are mainly produced as a plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses to overcome/adapt these adverse conditions. The study of abiotic stress response of plants has led to numerous discoveries regarding flavonoids and phenolic acids biosynthetic pathways. Since phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have been related to numerous bioactive health effects, it is of interest to enhance the content of these compounds in plants and herbs. One of the most studied abiotic stresses on herbs is manipulation of light, whether through use of different light colors, light intensity, and/or sunlight. One of the most active groups of compounds elicited in response of light stress is flavones, flavonols, and some phenolic acids. These groups of compounds have been related to health benefits to humans such as antioxidant, cardiovascular disease, and against metabolic syndrome. This chapter aims to comprehensive review recent works on this field.

In this work we study rapidly rotating stars by considering the Rastall theory of gravity. We obtain and solve the equations by numerical methods for two usual parametrization of polytropic stars. Then the mass-radius relations, moments of inertia and other results of interest are obtained and compared with the ones for non-rotating stars.

Physical activity (PA) may improve COPD prognosis, thus its assessment and promotion are crucial. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-sf) is widely used for assessing PA but there is limited evidence on its clinimetric properties in COPD. We assessed the test-retest reliability and validity of the IPAQ-sf in patients with COPD. Fifty-five participants (68.6±7.8yrs, 48 males, FEV1 52.3±22.5%pred) completed the IPAQ-sf, wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed a second IPAQ-sf. Test-retest reliability/agreement was assessed with: Intraclass Correlation (ICC, 95%CI), 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for continuous variables; %agreement for categories (“active” vs “inactive”). Validity was assessed with Spearman’s correlations (ρ) between the IPAQ-sf (METs-min/week, time in vigorous [VPA] and moderate PA [MPA] per week) and accelerometry [time in MVPA, VPA and MPA per week] for continuous variables; %agreement, Cohen’s kappa, sensitivity and specificity (95%CI) for categories. Reliability was acceptable (ICC=0.738, 0.629→0.873) but with wide LoA (-5713→4793.3 METs-min/week). SEM and MDC95 were 1844.7 and 5113.3 METs-min/week, respectively. %agreement of the two IPAQ-sf was 85.5% (kappa=0.660, 0.444→0.876). Significant correlations were found between METsmin/week and accelerometry (0.515≤ρ≤0.596), except for VPA (p>0.05). %agreement between tools was 67.3% (kappa=0.350, 0.279→0.571) with high sensitivity (0.89, 0.887→0.891) but low specificity (0.46, 0.46→0.47). The IPAQ-sf could be used as PA measurement tool in COPD although caution is needed to avoid misclassification. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Serious Pervasive Games extend themagic circle (Huizinga, 1938) to the players’ context and surrounding environment. The blend of both physical and fictive game worlds provides a push in player engagement and promotes situated learning approaches. Space and time, as well as social context, acquire a more meaningful impact on the gameplay. From pervasive learning towards science communication with location-based games, this article presents research and case studies that exemplify their benefits and related problems. Pervasive learning can be defined as “learning at the speed of need through formal, informal and social learning modalities” (Pontefract, 2013). The first case study—the BEACONING project—aims to contextualize the teaching and learning process, connecting it with problem-based game mechanics within STEM. The main goal of this project is to provide the missing connection between STEM subjects and real-world interactions and applications. The pedagogical foundation is supported on problem-based learning (PBL), in which active learning is in the center, and learners have to work with different tools and resources in order to solve problems (quests). Teachers create, facilitate, and assess pervasive and gamified learning activities (missions). Furthermore, these quests are gamified in order to provide non-linear game plots. In a second case study, we demonstrate and evaluate how natural heritage can benefit from pervasive games. This study is based on a set of location-based games for an existing natural park, which have been developed in order to provide enhanced experiences, as well as additional information about some species that are more difficult to observe or that are seasonal. Throughout the research and development of these projects, we have encountered and identified several problems, of different nature, present in pervasive games. This work was financed by the ERDF - European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation - COMPETE 2020 Programme and by National Funds through the Portuguese funding agency, FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia within project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030740 - PTDC/CCICOM/30740/2017. Part of this work has also been supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 - The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014–2020, under grant agreement No. 687676. We would also acknowledge the research grant from the Operation NORTE-08-5369-FSE-000049 supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Social Fund (ESF), and also the FCT-Austin grant Ref. PD/BD/142893/2018. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Blueberry, an increasingly cultivated fruit crop in Portugal, is known to be susceptible to twig blight and dieback caused by species of Diaporthe. The diversity of Diaporthe species associated with symptomatic and asymptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum plants in Portugal was assessed. A multilocus sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), β-tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (cal), and histone 3 (his3) genes revealed the presence of Diaporthe foeniculina, Diaporthe rudis, and four new species, which are described as Diaporthe crousii, Diaporthe phillipsii, Diaporthe rossmaniae, and Diaporthe vacuae. These new species were characterized in terms of their morphology, mating strategies, and temperature growth requirements. In artificial inoculation trials of V. corymbosum cv. Bluecrop plants, all Diaporthe species caused minor symptoms. Further, no differences in aggressiveness were apparent between species. This study provides the first survey of Diaporthe species associated with blueberry twig blight and dieback in Portugal. It disclosed the occurrence of a diverse assemblage of Diaporthe species, whose status and impact as pathogens of blueberry is not yet fully understood.

Over the past two decades, performance assessment based on performance indicators (PI) has been one of the areas showing the greatest advancement in the water sector. This practice may be defined as any approach that aims to measure effectiveness and/or efficiency of an activity or process using PI, supporting the decision-making process and encouraging the continuous improvement of a water utility. Despite the potential benefits, few projects and initiatives of performance assessment based on PI have been undertaken regarding storm water systems. The present article aims to review studies that have been carried out in the area to provide a state of the art on the subject, understand the applicability of the existing methodologies and their limitations, and to point out future directions. The review revealed that most of the research works were of limited scope, focusing on single storm water systems or some specific aspects of their performance, and also gave an inappropriate definition and selection of PI, compromising their further application. The identified gaps emphasise the need for a new methodology to provide a reference framework in the field. Such methodology should be objective, standardised and well-adapted to different contexts, driven by objectives and criteria and based on PI and targets.

1. Catarina S. Oliveira, MD, MMed* 2. Ines Pessanha, MD, MMed† 3. Liliana Santos, MD, MMed† 4. Marta Machado, MD, MMed* 5. Raquel Zenha, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Baixo Vouga Medical Center, Aveiro, Portugal 2. †Department of Pediatric Surgery, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre, Coimbra, Portugal A 21-day-old boy presents to the emergency department for the third time in 24 hours due to a 2-day history of an umbilical mass noted to be draining fluid. The mass is growing in size and increasing its drainage. The patient has an unremarkable medical history, and his umbilical stump fell off when he was 15 days old. During the patient’s first 2 trips to the emergency department, it was assumed that he had a bleeding granuloma. He was first treated with silver nitrate and then with a porcine gelatin absorbable sponge. The physical examination during this third visit reveals a comfortable boy with an umbilical mass that is draining a blood-tinged greenish-yellow liquid. Abdominal palpation seems to cause airflow from a small stoma in the umbilical mass (Fig 1). A catheter is inserted into the stoma, and airflow through the catheter is noted. Additional imaging confirms the diagnosis. Figure 1. Photograph of the umbilical mass where a small stoma is seen (white arrow). The physical examination suggests a patent omphalomesenteric duct (POMD). Ultrasonography is performed, revealing a hypoechogenic area between the umbilical mass and the small bowel. No other abdominal anomalies are observed. To better characterize the hypoechogenic mass, fistulography is performed and shows a patent duct between the stoma of the umbilical mass …