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Migmatite formation is dependent of several and inter-related factors, such as P-T conditions, protolith composition and the abundance of volatiles, which usually hinders the full understanding of anatectic progression and how it relates to orogenic evolution. We have constrained the petrological evolution of the anatectic complex (mostly metatexites and diatexites) of the Porto-Viseu Metamorphic Belt in the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ) using petrography, geochemical and isotopic data. Major and trace element geochemistry allowed us to conclude that the studied metatexites were formed through water-present melting of muscovite from metapelitic schists, whereas diatexites were mostly formed by dehydration-melting of muscovite and, occasionally, by the dehydration-melting of biotite. Additionally, melting evolution from incipient (metatexites) to pervasive (diatexites and anatectic granitoids) included SiO 2 enrichment and elemental depletion (except for Ca, P, Na and K). The geochemical evolution of these elements during melting progression was essentially controlled by fractionation/melting of plagioclase, K-feldspar, mica and apatite, whereas REE abundance was constrained by accessory minerals, such as monazite, apatite and zircon. In both cases, the geochemical control was variable and dependent on the fate of these mineral phases during the progression of melting, as well as the variable degree of melt loss or gain, with diatexites and granites being the result of substantial melt gain. The 87Sr/86Sr 320 values have a large dispersion (0.708–0.766), which is common for rocks that experienced these metamorphic conditions, whereas the εNd 320 values are less variable, roughly from −3 to −9 (diatexites: −8.24 to −2.96; metatexites: −8.79 to −5.15; staurolite-bearing schists: −7.57 to −5.19; granite: −8.21), being both isotopes independent of lithological type or degree of melting. Therefore, we interpret their Sr isotopic variation as mostly related to secondary alteration processes, whereas Nd isotopes, which are usually more immobile, should correlate to the initial protolith. In fact, their isotopic results are broadly consistent to the values of other CIZ metasediments that did not experience such high metamorphic conditions and melting (Douro-Beiras Supergroup), being most likely derived from these rocks, namely the Douro Group. [Display omitted] • Migmatites are complex and difficult to understand their formation. • PVMB metatexites formed by water-present melting of muscovite from schists • PVMB diatexites formed by dehydration-melting of muscovite and, rarely, biotite • REE patterns and isotope data similar to other Central Iberian Zone migmatites • Geodynamic setting (volcanic arc) and εNd similar to the Douro Group [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the exhumation of middle to lower crustal rocks is of utmost importance to unravel intracrustal mass transfer processes during orogenic build-up. The Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo–Lumbrales Anatectic Complex (FCR–LAC) is located within the autochthonous terrane of the Variscan Central Iberian Zone and is an example of the association between S-type granites and migmatites. The anatectic complex contacts to the north and south with low-grade metamorphic units through the Huebra and Juzbado–Penalva do Castelo shear zones, respectively. Integration of new U–Pb zircon and apatite age data allowed us to obtain Variscan crystallization ages, inherited zircon ages and unprecedented cooling rates for different facies of the FCR–LAC granites. The zircon crystallization ages mostly cluster around 313–317 Ma for the syn-tectonic granites, whereas the dated late-tectonic granite provided an age of 300 Ma. The cooling rates range from 13 to 35 °C Ma−1, which implies fast exhumation (0.3–0.84 mm a−1) and shallow emplacement (ca. 8 km deep), compatible with exhumation facilitated by large crustal-scale shear zones. Inherited zircon in the granites reveals melting of Cadomian metasediments (650–550 Ma), Upper Cambrian–Lower Ordovician (495–470 Ma) metaigneous rocks (Ollo de Sapo formation) and of minor older components, suggesting protolith affinity with the Northern Domain of the Central Iberian Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality in urban areas is affected by anthropogenic activities, posing a risk to human health and ecosystems. Since the pseudo-total concentrations of potentially toxic elements may not reflect their potential risks, the study of element mobility is very important on a risk assessment basis. This study aims at characterising the distribution and major sources of 34 elements in two Portuguese urban areas (Lisbon and Viseu), with different geological characteristics, industrial and urban development processes. Furthermore, the potential availability of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn was assessed, by measuring the fraction easily mobilised. Lisbon is enriched in elements of geogenic and anthropogenic origin, whereas in the smaller city, the high levels observed are mainly related to a geogenic origin. Background values can be more relevant than the dimension of the city, even when anthropogenic components may be present, and this parameter should be considered when comparing results from different cities. Regarding the potential available fraction, a high variability of results was observed for elements and for sampling sites with an influence of the soil's general characteristics. Elements showing very high concentrations due to geological reasons presented, in general, a low mobility and it was not dependent on the degree of contamination. For elements with major anthropogenic origin, only Zn was dependent on the pseudo-total content. Yet, the highest available fractions of some elements, both with major geogenic and anthropogenic origin, were observed in specific contaminated samples. Therefore, a site-specific evaluation in urban soils is important due to the high spatial variability and heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of Lower Paleozoic mafic magmatic rocks in the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ) of the Variscan Orogen is rare. Amphibolites and metagabbros embedded in the metasediments of the Douro-Beiras Supergroup outcrop at Farminhão, Viseu (central-north Portugal). The protoliths of these two rock types are tholeiites presenting different isotopic signatures (εNd 480 = +4.63 to +4.93 and +5.74 to +7.67) and incompatible element ratios (normalized La/Lu up to 4.5 and down to 0.7), respectively which suggests they are not cogenetic. The closely related meta-ultramafic rocks are considered as cumulates generated from the magmas that originated the metagabbros. The elemental and isotopic features of the metagabbros are similar to those reported for amphibolitic occurrences in Tenzuela (near Segovia, Spain) which allows the proposition of a similar age for the mafic rocks of Farminhão. Despite the depleted characteristics of the studied rocks, they are interpreted as having been formed during a continental rifting process characterized by variable degrees of stretching, some 100 Ma after the end of the deposition of the Douro-Beiras Supergroup. This rifting event marks the onset of the Variscan Cycle (s.l.) in the Central Iberian Zone. The occurrence of these metabasic rocks near the confluence between the Porto-Viseu Metamorphic Belt and the Juzbado-Penalva do Castelo Shear Zone suggests that these first-order structures may have worked as weakness zones constraining the ascent of magmas during the Ordovician. The Lower Ordovician metabasic rocks here studied are chemically similar to the abundant lower to medium Cambrian magmatic rocks of the Ossa Morena Zone, also in Iberia, further reinforcing the diachronous character of the opening of the Rheic Ocean that later propagated to the eastern sectors of the European Variscan Belt. • Rare metabasic (amphibolites/gabbros) and ultramafic rocks were found in CIZ. • The amphibolites and metagabbros are tholeiitic, but not cogenetic. • MORB signatures are found in elemental and isotopic data. • Data suggest formation during continental rifting with variable degrees of stretching. • Ordovician age is inferred by geological context and geochemical resemblance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird communities of high, cold shrubsteppes (páramos) and low, warm shrubsteppes (semideserts) of the Iberian Peninsula were studied using the line-transect method. The seven censused areas are distributed from north to south approximately forming a climatic gradient along which temperature increases and precipitation decreases. Alauda arvensis and Oenanthe oenanthe are typical of páramos and O. hispanica and the genus Galerida of semideserts, while Calandrella cinerea is the most widely distributed passerine. Páramos tend to have high spring densities whereas semi-deserts have high densities and greater diversity during winter. Changes of density between spring and winter are less pronounced in semideserts. showing a relation with the temperature decrease from north to south. These tendencies agree with those found in other habitats (scrublands and forests) along a north-south transect throughout the Iberia Peninsula, indicating that distribution and abundance of the winter avifauna respond positively to increase of temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is an ongoing worldwide recognized problem with over two billion individuals having insufficient iodine intake. School-aged children and pregnant women are often target groups for epidemiological studies, but there is a lack of knowledge on the general adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status among a Portuguese public university staff as a proxy for the adult working population., Methods: The population study covered 103 adults within the iMC Salt randomized clinical trial, aged 24-69 years. Urinary iodine concentration was measured spectrophotometrically using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Iodine food intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. The contribution of discretionary salt to the iodine daily intake was assessed through 24-h urinary sodium excretion (UIE) and potentiometric iodine determination of household salt., Results: The mean urine volume in 24 h was 1.5 L. The median daily iodine intake estimated from 24-h UIE was 113 µg/day, being lower among women (p < 0.05). Only 22% of participants showed iodine intake above the WHO-recommended cutoff (150 µg/day). The median daily iodine intake estimated from the 24-h dietary recall was 58 µg/day (51 and 68 µg/day in women and men, respectively). Dairy, including yoghurt and milk products, were the primary dietary iodine source (55%). Iodine intake estimated from 24-h UIE and 24-h dietary recall was moderately correlated (Spearman rank correlation coefficient r = 0.34, p < 0.05). The average iodine concentration in household salt was 14 mg I/kg, with 45% of the samples below the minimum threshold preconized by WHO (15 mg I/kg). The contribution of discretionary salt to the daily iodine intake was around 38%., Conclusion: This study contributes new knowledge about iodine status in Portuguese working adults. The results revealed moderate iodine deficiency, particularly in women. Public health strategies and monitoring programs are needed to ensure iodine adequacy in all population groups., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Aim: Assess the budget impact of nationwide screening for diminished ovarian reserve (OR), via anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, to the Portugal National Health System (NHS). Patients & methods: The clinical journey was determined using literature and the family planning decision-making process/response using survey results. A panel of four local clinicians validated all assumptions/inputs. Results: Screening for OR led to an expected savings of € 9.4 million for the NHS, driven by a 24% reduction in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) use. When needed, referral for MAR was earlier and more women used first-line versus second-line techniques. The model estimated a 12% decrease in failure. Conclusion: This model shows AMH screening may allow more informed decisions, leading to a shorter fertility journey, more efficient use of treatments, and substantial cost-savings for the NHS.

Aims: Monogenic forms of diabetes that develop with autosomal dominant inheritance are classically aggregated in the Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) categories. Despite increasing awareness, its true prevalence remains largely underestimated. We describe a Portuguese cohort of individuals with suspected monogenic diabetes who were genetically evaluated for MODY-causing genes., Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with positive genetic testing for MODY between 2015 and 2021. Automatic sequencing and, in case of initial negative results, next-generation sequencing were performed. Their clinical and molecular characteristics were described., Results: Eighty individuals were included, 55 with likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in one of the MODY genes and 25 MODY-positive family members, identified by cascade genetic testing. The median age at diabetes diagnosis was 23 years, with a median HbA1c of 6.5%. The most frequently mutated genes were identified in HNF1A (40%), GCK (34%) and HNF4A (13%), followed by PDX1, HNF1B, INS, KCNJ11 and APPL1. Thirty-six unique variants were found (29 missense and 7 frameshift variants), of which ten (28%) were novel., Conclusions: Our data highlights the importance of genetic testing in the diagnosis of MODY and the establishment of its subtypes, leading to more personalized treatment and follow-up strategies., (© 2022. Springer-Verlag Italia S.r.l., part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To compare women's perspectives on the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) around the time of childbirth across Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics 2 (NUTS-II) regions in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: Women participating in the cross-sectional IMAgiNE EURO study who gave birth in Portugal from March 1, 2020, to October 28, 2021, completed a structured questionnaire with 40 key WHO standards-based quality measures. Four domains of QMNC were assessed: (1) provision of care; (2) experience of care; (3) availability of human and physical resources; and (4) reorganizational changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequencies for each quality measure within each QMNC domain were computed overall and by region., Results: Out of 1845 participants, one-third (33.7%) had a cesarean. Examples of high-quality care included: low frequencies of lack of early breastfeeding and rooming-in (8.0% and 7.7%, respectively) and informal payment (0.7%); adequate staff professionalism (94.6%); adequate room comfort and equipment (95.2%). However, substandard practices with large heterogeneity across regions were also reported. Among women who experienced labor, the percentage of instrumental vaginal births ranged from 22.3% in the Algarve to 33.5% in Center; among these, fundal pressure ranged from 34.8% in Lisbon to 66.7% in Center. Episiotomy was performed in 39.3% of noninstrumental vaginal births with variations between 31.8% in the North to 59.8% in Center. One in four women reported inadequate breastfeeding support (26.1%, ranging from 19.4% in Algarve to 31.5% in Lisbon). One in five reported no exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (22.1%; 19.5% in Lisbon to 28.2% in Algarve)., Conclusion: Urgent actions are needed to harmonize QMNC and reduce inequities across regions in Portugal., (© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Microplastics have been found in fish, but most studies have focused on the digestive system without considering additional organs. Herein, the objective was to assess the presence of microplastics in internal organs (gills, guts, kidney, heart) of the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) captured of the coast of Portugal (Northeast Atlantic Ocean). Suspected microplastics were present in all organs, with particles of larger size (i.e., equivalent diameter) found in the gut and those of lower size in the heart and its luminal blood. Suspected microplastics of 1-10 μm were the most abundant (65.4%), more likely to translocate, owing to their minute size, but more difficult to properly characterize. These results highlight the need to expand the analytical work on organs and tissues for assessing microplastics in organisms, but also emphasize the actual need for developing analytical methods that allow for an accurate isolation, identification, and characterization of microplastics in biota., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Active commuting to and from school (ACS) is a strategy to enhance physical activity levels in youths. To promote ACS, it is important to understand the factors that lead to this behaviour. With this in mind, an adaptation of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale for ACS was developed, named the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction in Active Commuting to and from School (BPNS-ACS) scale. This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the BPNS-ACS scale in young Portuguese students. A cross-sectional study was designed. A total of 338 students (212 girls, 126 boys), aged between 11 and 19 years old from 31 Portuguese cities participated in this study. To provide validity evidence based on the questionnaire's internal structure, confirmatory factor analyses were performed to test the three dimensions of the BNPS-ACS scale. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit to the data. The internal consistency of the measures was accepted as the composite reliability values ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. The evaluation of psychometric properties provided evidence of the adequacy of this questionnaire among Portuguese youth aged 11 to 19 years old.

Microplastic (MPs) pollution has been recognized as a serious threat to marine environment with the growing use of plastics. There is no sufficient data on the extent and characteristics of MPs pollution in the beach sediments and sand in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal area is one of the main tourist zones in Aveiro in Portugal, thus, impacted by both tourism and maritime traffic, which are major sources of MPs. Considering this issue, 33 sediment samples were collected from the Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro. This pilot study showed that large quantities of MPs are accumulated on this beach with a median concentration of 100 MP kg-1 (15-320 MP kg-1), that is dominated by polyethylene (30%), polypropylene (27%), polystyrene (18%), nylon (12%), and polyester (6%). Size <1 mm constituted 99.5% of particles, mostly of transparent or black colors, with highest concentrations closest to the water line., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Airborne microplastics and microfibers are released from daily materials, contaminating both indoor and outdoor air. Sampling in Aveiro, Portugal, revealed concentrations of 6 fibers m -3 , with more synthetic fibers found in outdoor than indoor (8.5% vs. 4.1%, n = 6), with variations in fiber characteristics between sampling periods. Suspected microplastics (<10 μm) also followed this trend (12 vs. 5 particles m -3 ). Synthetic fibers presented peculiar characteristics, with larger median sizes of 513 μm and 90% of lighter colors. Nonetheless, numerous fibers and suspected microplastics were found in field blanks, possibly from sampling contamination, reducing the reliability of results. Few previous works have reported field blanks so far, raising concerns about the quality of their results as well. Thus, quality assurance measures should be more strictly applied when working with airborne fibers and microplastics, while more research should focus on the factors involved in the variation of concentrations and characteristics of airborne fibers., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Plastics and microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This critical review is the first attempt at analyzing sources, concentration, impacts and solutions of (micro)plastic litter in Portugal based on all currently available literature. We found that, besides sea-based sources (e.g. shipping, fishing), 5717 t of mismanaged waste and 4.1 trillion microplastics from wastewater, mostly from untreated wastewater, are released to the environment every year. The highest concentrations are found in the North, Center and Lisbon regions, mostly comprised of consumer products, fishing gear and microplastics (<5 mm), especially fragments and pellets. This contamination has resulted in ingestion of plastics by organisms, including mussels, fishes, birds and turtles. Thus, every Portuguese citizen may consume 1440 microplastics a year based on the consumption of mollusks. Awareness campaigns, improvements in waste management and reductions in the release of untreated wastewater are recommended measures to reduce plastic pollution in Portugal., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The IAEA newly developed "end-to-end" audit methodology for on-site verification of IMRT dose delivery has been carried out in Portugal in 2018. The main goal was to evaluate the physical aspects of the head and neck (H&N) cancer IMRT treatments. This paper presents the national results., Methods: All institutions performing IMRT treatments in Portugal, 20 out of 24, have voluntarily participated in this audit. Following the adopted methodology, a Shoulder, Head and Neck End-to-End phantom (SHANE) - that mimics an H&N region, underwent all steps of an IMRT treatment, according to the local practices. The measurements using an ionization chamber placed inside the SHANE phantom at four reference locations (three in PTVs and one in the spinal cord) and an EBT3 film positioned in a coronal plane were compared with calculated doses. FilmQA Pro software was used for film analysis., Results: For ionization chamber measurements, the percent difference was within the specified tolerances of ±5% for PTVs and ±7% for the spinal cord in all participating institutions. Considering film analysis, gamma passing rates were on average 96.9%±2.9% for a criterion of 3%/3 mm, 20% threshold, all above the acceptance limit of 90%., Conclusions: The national results of the H&N IMRT audit showed a compliance between the planned and the delivered doses within the specified tolerances, confirming no major reasons for concern. At the same time the audit identified factors that contributed to increased uncertainties in the IMRT dose delivery in some institutions resulting in recommendations for quality improvement., (Copyright © 2019 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Self-rated health (SRH) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are related with health outcomes. It is expected that these constructs are also associated with healthy behaviours. Thus, the present study sought to analyse the associations between a healthy lifestyle composite score and SRH and HRQoL among adolescents., Study Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study., Methods: Data were obtained from the cross-sectional health behaviour in school-aged children (HBSC) 2014 Portuguese survey. Participants were 5024 adolescents (2373 boys), aged 10-17 years. A composite score of healthy lifestyle was obtained using the combination of the following factors: daily physical activity, sleep at least 8-9 h/night, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, spend <2 h daily in screen-based behaviours, never drink and never smoke., Results: Adolescents with a healthy lifestyle had significantly better SRH and higher HRQoL than those who were not engaged in all healthy behaviours., Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle (composed of physical activity, sleep at least 8-9 h/night, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, spend <2 h daily in screen-based behaviours, never drink and never smoke) is related to SRH and HRQoL. Promoting a comprehensive approach to these behaviours is a public health strategy to be considered when aiming to improve health, in general, and SRH and HRQoL, in particular., (Copyright © 2019 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This article describes the implementation process of a nationwide project to enhance young people's participation and active citizenship in the context of Portugal's economic recession. This project used an innovative Positive Youth Development approach that engaged Portuguese youth (aged 11-18 years) through social media tools to facilitate their civic engagement and development. Participants from all over the country were empowered (1) to design and conduct research activities on topics of their choice and about their life contexts and (2) to create ways to improve youth civic participation in their communities, while developing supportive interactions with adults and peers. Overall, youth were engaged in their activities, felt their voices were heard, and felt that they were viewed as experts of their own well-being and living contexts. Youth research actions and preliminary findings were then compiled in a set of recommendations that was formally received by a high commissioner of the Ministry of Health. The article concludes with a discussion of the next steps for the project and its limitations so far.

Strain NL19T is a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterium that was isolated from sludge of a deactivated uranium mine in Portugal. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain NL19T is a member of the genus Pedobacter and closely related to the strains Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384T, Pedobacter cryoconitis DSM 14825T, Pedobacter westerhofensis DSM 19036T and Pedobacterhartonius DSM 19033T. It had a DNA G+C content of 40.8 mol%, which agreed with the genus description. The main fatty acids included C16 : 1ω7c, C14 : 1ω5c, C4 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The main lipids present were phospholipids (60 %) and sphingolipids (35 %). The most abundant phospholipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only isoprenoid quinone detected. DNA-DNA hybridization similarities between strain NL19T and Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384T, Pedobacter cryoconitis DSM 14825T, Pedobacter westerhofensis DSM 19036T and Pedobacter hartonius DSM 19033T were 15.3 , 16.2 , 11.5 and 16.0 %, respectively. Strain NL19T can also be distinguished from these four species based on gyrB and intergenic transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences and by some phenotypic traits such as NaCl tolerance, pH, growth temperature and carbon source utilization. Strain NL19Trepresents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter lusitanus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NL19T (=LMG 29220T=CECT 9028T). An amended description of Pedobacter himalayensis is also included.

Purpose: The Miranda donkey (Equus asinus) is an endangeredasinine from Miranda do Douro region, located in the north east of Portugal. We studied the antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates from these animals., Methodology: In March 2014, a total of 66 faecal samples were recovered from independent animals. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method. Carriage of genes coding for antibiotic-resistant and virulent factors was analysed by PCR., Results: A total of 66 E. coli and 41 enterococcal isolates were detected, with Enterococcus faecium (61 %) and Enterococcus hirae (24 %) being the most prevalent species. For enterococcal isolates, high percentages of resistance rates to tetracycline (68.3 %), quinupristin/dalfopristin (51.2 %) and ciprofloxacin (48.8 %) were observed. The genes erm(A) and/or erm(B), tet(M) and/or tet(L), vat(D) and/or vat(E) and aph(3')-IIIa were also found. The most frequent virulence gene detected was gel(E), followed by ace, cpd and hyl. Escherichia coli isolates were highly resistant to streptomycin (78 %), whereas 39 % of them exhibited resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracycline. Genes sul1 and/or sul2 were detected in 66.7 % of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant isolates. The virulence genes detected were fim(A) (46 %) and cnf1 (27 %)., Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing antibiotic resistance among Escherichiacoli and Enterococcus spp. isolates from the Miranda donkey in Portugal, indicating possible antibiotic-resistant bacterial reservoirs. However, the detection of these resistances presents a low risk for other animals and human beings in that rural area.

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of plate waste (food served but not eaten) at an acute care hospital in Portugal and elaborates on possible waste reduction measures. Even though waste prevention is a priority in Europe, large amounts of food are still being wasted every day, with hospitals giving rise to two to three times more food waste than other foodservice sectors. For this work the plate waste arising at the ward level was audited during 8 weeks, covering almost 8000 meals, using a general hospital as case study. Weighing the food served to patients and that returned after the meal allowed calculating plate waste for the average meal, as well as for individual meal items. Comparison of food waste arising showed that differences exist among wards, with some generating more waste than others. On average each patient throws away 953 g of food each day, representing 35% of the food served. This equates to 8.7 thousand tonnes of food waste being thrown away each year at hospitals across Portugal. These tonnes of food transformed into waste represent economic losses and environmental impacts, being estimated that 16.4 thousand tonnes of CO2 (equivalent) and 35.3 million euros are the annual national indicators in Portugal. This means that 0.5% of the Portuguese National Health budget gets thrown away as food waste. Given the magnitude of the food problem five measures were suggested to reduce food waste, and their potential impact and ease of implementation were discussed. Even though food waste is unavoidable the results obtained in this work highlight the potential financial and environmental savings for Portuguese hospitals, providing a basis to establish future strategies to tackle food waste., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Living with a chronic condition (CC) in adolescence has been historically considered protective for risk behaviours. However, research from the last decade suggest that when compared with healthy peers, adolescents living with a chronic condition can engage in risky behaviours in a similar if not higher rate than their counterparts living with out a CC. This study aims to characterize and evaluate the impact of 1) living with a chronic condition (CC), and 2) how the perception of living with a CC affects school participation, and its association with risk/protective behaviours (drunkenness, physical fight, sadness and self-harm). For this purpose 4 groups were identified: adolescents with mostly healthy behaviours, adolescents with mostly risk behaviours, adolescents with mostly risk-internalizing behaviours and adolescents with mostly risk-externalizing behaviours. A large sample was included in this study, composed by 3494 Portuguese adolescents with an average age of 15 years, who participated in the Portuguese Survey of Health Behaviour in School-aged Children/WHO (HBSC). Main results show that adolescents living with a CC have more risk-internalizing behaviours when compared to adolescents without CC, who present more healthy behaviors. Furthermore, adolescents that report that having a CC affects school participation show more risky behaviours than those not affected by a CC who present more healthy behaviours. Boys with a CC show more healthy behaviours, and those who feel that the CC affects school participation present more risky behaviours. On the other hand, girls with a CC have more risk-internalizing behaviours and less healthy behaviours It is important to point out that adolescents living with a CC represent a vulnerable group, and may engage in experimental/risky behaviours as likely as their non CC peers. Thus, potential benefits can arise from reinforcing interventions within protective contexts (family/peers/school setting). Health/education professionals, more than considering risk behaviours as dangerous in themselves, should offer adolescents with a CC an opportunity to reflect on their own decisions. Educational programs would benefit from looking at risk behaviors more from an experimentation perspective, focusing on constructive ways to help adolescents with CC to proceed into adulthood in a more appropriate developmental way.

The scope of this article is to describe the Portuguese Weight Control Registry (PWCR) methodology and the participants currently enrolled specifically with respect to their individual and family weight history, previous weight loss attempts, and psychosocial characteristics. One hundred and ninety-eight adults (age: 39.7±11.1 years; BMI: 26.0±3.9 kg/m2), 59% women, filled out a questionnaire about demographics, health-related behaviors and motivation, and methods and strategies used to lose and/or maintain weight loss. Participants reported an average weight loss of 17.4 kg for an average of 29 months. Concerning the number of weight loss attempts, 73% of participants reported a maximum of three attempts of going on a diet, and 34% indicated only one attempt to lose weight in the past. The PWCR now features a considerable number of successful long-term weight loss maintainers in Portugal. Participants will be followed over the next years to learn about their characteristics and weight loss strategies in further detail, as well as to identify predictors of continued weight loss maintenance.

Few studies were dedicated to study the role of contextual factors, such as the socioeconomic status and urban or rural residence in emotional distress of infertile couples. This study aimed to explore the impact of contextual factors on emotional distress, either directly or by affecting the importance of parenthood in one's life, which in turn affects emotional distress. In this cross-sectional study, 70 couples recruited during hormonal stimulation phase prior to in vitro fertilisation completed clinical and sociodemographic forms and self-report questionnaires assessing representations about the importance of parenthood and emotional distress. Path analysis using structural equation modelling was used to examine direct and indirect effects among variables. Results indicated that socioeconomic status and place of residence had an impact in emotional distress by affecting the representations about the importance of parenthood in one's life. Gender differences were found regarding model paths, suggesting that the social context may have a stronger influence on women's emotional distress than on their partners' distress. When delineating psychological interventions, health care providers should consider that cultural values about children and parenthood contribute to shape the infertility experience.

The aim of the present study was to assess the toxic effects of a secondary treated effluent from a modern pulp mill processing Eucalyptus globulus on both sexes of goldfish. The effects in the exposed fish were investigated by measuring biomarkers which have been used to assess the effects of BKME on aquatic biota, with particular emphasis in fish. However, few studies have been focused on effluents from pulp mill plants processing eucalyptus. The relative proportion of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A) and vitellogenin (VTG) induction were analyzed in the livers of males and females goldfish, exposed to different concentrations of a bleached Kraft pulp mill (BKPM) effluent. Somatic indices such as HSI (hepatosomatic index) and GSI (gonadosomatic index) were calculated and a significant reduction was found in males GSI. A significant increase of HSI was recorded for both sexes exposed to 50% BKPM effluent. Exposure to BKPM effluent induced CYP1A synthesis in both sexes and decreased VTG synthesis in females according to the different effluent concentrations suggesting that the secondary treated effluent contained compounds that affect fish negatively. The results suggest that BKPM effluent can cause sex-related biochemical changes in xenobiotic metabolism.

Background: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs computer-assisted prescription in General Practice/Family Medicine (GP/FM) ambience can give information about the prescription profile during a period of time and understand its trend. Such prescription profile could vary according to the urban (city) vs non urban (village) setting of the GP/FM practice., Objectives: To characterize the prescription trends of non steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in General Practice, from 2007 to 2009, by public sales price per inscript, daily defined doses (DDD) per inscript and price of DDD. To verify differences of the three fractions according to the urban vs non urban health centre., Material and Methods: Retrospective observational study conducted in February 2010, by the analysis of prescription informatic files automatically generated when the prescription was made. Population calculated at the middle point of each period of study. The differences in volume prescription in Daily Defined Dose (DDD) per registered patient in the middle of 2006 and 2007 two semesters, as well as the value of prescription measured by the price per registered patient were calculated and medicines were studied by the third level of the Portuguese medicines classification very similar to the ATC. The price per DDD was calculated as well., Results: The studied population was of 315.377 subjects in 2007, 321.784 in 2008 and 331.106 in 2009. In price per inscript urban health centres showed a growth from 2007 to 2009 in "Indol and Inden" derivatives (+51.6%), in "Propionic acid derivatives" (+39.4%) and in "Selective cox-2 inhibitors" (+33.6%). For "Sulfanilamidic derivatives, a reduction of 3.8% was verified. For non urban Health Centres prescription a generalised reduction in price per inscript was observed. For DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009 we found a generalised increase for urban health centres, except for "Oxicans". For non urban Health Centres there is a generalised decrease of DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009, with a special decrease for non-acidic compounds. As for Price of DDD from 2007 to 2009 there is a generalised reduction of such ratio with the only exception of "non acidic compounds" (+9,1%) for urban Health Centres. In view of the calculated ratios, the differences by urban vs non urban Health Centre in each of the studied years there is a significant higher value in non urban health centre, with the exception of Price of DDD for 2008 and 2009 where such ratio is non significantly higher in urban heath centre., Conclusions: During the study period, demographic growth was higher than the prescription growth in volume and in value. Prescription was more frequent and expensive in non-urban Health Centres. Price of DDD decreases from 2007 to 2009 signifying a much cheaper NSAIDs therapeutics.