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This study explores children's attitudes towards their peers with special needs (SN) at a preschool level. A total of 151 children were examined using the "Acceptance Scale for Kindergarteners -- Revised" and social demographic questionnaires to collect information from parents and educators. The research included preschool children (5 years old) attending private preschools in a city of Portugal- Leiria-as well as their corresponding parents and educators. Further, 10 classrooms within preschools participated in the study, with a sample of 151 children, 149 parents, and 14 educators. Internal consistency was calculated, and the Cronbach's [alpha] coefficient for the complete scale was 0.688. Results revealed that the average score associated with children's attitudes was 18.78 (DP = 5.88). Children have more positive attitudes if they are in contact with peers with special needs regardless of the location (p < 0.05). Although children who have contact with peers with special needs in classroom have positive attitudes (p < 0.01) those who have contact in the preschool (outside classroom) have much more (p < 0.01). The results of this study provide insights into children's attitudes and reveal that closer contact with children with special needs benefits peer attitudes.

Child abuse portrays health and well-being issues that can last for several years, including altering interpersonal behavior. Evidence has shown that these early negative experiences may cause changes in sensory modulation. This study aimed to understand if sensory over-responsivity (SOR) plays an important role in mediating the association between childhood abuse (emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect) and attachment-related anxiety or avoidance in adult romantic relationships. An online survey was conducted to examine these associations in a Portuguese community sample (N = 500) aged 18–62 years. The presented mediation models shown a higher mediation percentage for attachment-related anxiety rather than avoidance. All variables predicted the mediator, except sexual abuse which did not predict the overall model when the mediator was included. Our results have implications for individual treatment approaches regarding child abuse victims and can certainly influence intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the second most important cereal crop and is vital for the diet of billions of people. However, its consumption can increase human exposure to chemical contaminants, namely mycotoxins and metalloids. Our goal was to evaluate the occurrence and human exposure of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEN), and inorganic arsenic (InAs) in 36 rice samples produced and commercialized in Portugal and evaluate their correlation. The analysis of mycotoxins involved ELISA, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.8, 1 and 1.75 μg kg−1 for OTA, AFB1, and ZEN, respectively. InAs analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; LOD = 3.3 μg kg−1). No sample showed contamination by OTA. AFB1 was present in 2 (4.8%) samples (1.96 and 2.20 μg kg−1), doubling the European maximum permitted level (MPL). Concerning ZEN, 88.89% of the rice samples presented levels above the LOD up to 14.25 µg kg−1 (average of 2.75 µg kg−1). Regarding InAs, every sample presented concentration values above the LOD up to 100.0 µg kg−1 (average of 35.3 µg kg−1), although none surpassed the MPL (200 µg kg−1). No correlation was observed between mycotoxins and InAs contamination. As for human exposure, only AFB1 surpassed the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake. Children were recognized as the most susceptible group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between cetaceans and the purse seine fishery in coastal waters of mainland Portugal were investigated using onboard observations over a period of 15 years (2003–2018). In 10% of the fishing sets, there were interactions with one of three species of cetaceans: common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The common dolphin was the most frequently observed species, occurring in 89% of all interaction events, and the only species with observed mortality. Therefore, this study focused only on the interactions with common dolphins.A generalized additive model (GAM) was applied to observer data to investigate how the fishing activity and the abundance of small pelagic fish influenced the probability of occurrence of interactions between the common dolphin and the purse seine fishery between 2003 and 2018. The results revealed significant annual and geographic variation in the occurrence of interactions, and a significant influence of fishing effort and catch per unit effort of sardine (Sardina pilchardus).A second GAM in a hurdle model was used to model the number of common dolphins that interacted with the fishing activity as a function of fishing seasonality and the local abundance of pelagic fish. There was a significant effect of the seasonality of the fishing activity and catch per unit effort of sardine and chub mackerel (Scomber colias) on the number of common dolphins interacting with the fishery.The results of this study suggest that the probability of interactions and the number of common dolphins interacting with the fishery were affected by the local abundance of sardine and chub mackerel.As the common dolphin population appears to be increasing in the study area, the risk of by‐catch also increases, thus the monitoring of the Portuguese purse seine fishery is important to inform the implementation of management plans, and also as a response to global efforts for sustainable fisheries and marine mammal conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (Hds) are natural sources of biologically active ingredients with broad applications in the cosmetic industry. In this study, nationally produced (mainland Portugal and Azores archipelago) EOs (11) and Hds (7) obtained from forest logging and thinning of Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea and Cryptomeria japonica, were chemically evaluated, and their bioactivity and sensorial properties were assessed. EOs and Hd volatiles (HdVs) were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. 1,8-Cineole was dominant in E. globulus EOs and HdVs, and α- and β-pinene in P. pinaster EOs. Limonene and α-pinene led in P. pinea and C. japonica EOs, respectively. P. pinaster and C. japonica HVs were dominated by α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ORAC and ROS. C. japonica EO showed the highest antioxidant activity, whereas one of the E. globulus EOs showed the lowest. Antimicrobial activity results revealed different levels of efficacy for Eucalyptus and Pinus EOs while C. japonica EO showed no antimicrobial activity against the selected strains. The perception and applicability of emulsions with 0.5% of EOs were evaluated through an in vivo sensory study. C. japonica emulsion, which has a fresh and earthy odour, was chosen as the most pleasant fragrance (60%), followed by P. pinea emulsion (53%). In summary, some of the studied EOs and Hds showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and they are possible candidates to address the consumers demand for more sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of the ever more consumerist economic and social model of the scarcity of natural resources, of programmed obsolescence and of the difficulty in finding suitable waste disposal areas waste, reverse logistics is an efficient alternative to waste management, from an economic and environmental point of view. The article presents a literature review and seeks to understand the experience of two Europeans countries, Portugal and Spain, in relation to reverse logistics, and. How they may contribute towards the Brazilian model. Scientific articles, dissertations and theses were selected to develop the approach to this thematic. The results of this review seek to help understand the challenges to the implementation of a reverse logistics system, as well as to understand the environmental, social and economic contributions from this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between cetaceans and the purse-seine fishery operating along the whole Portuguese continental coast were studied based on on-board observations from 2010 to 2011. Cetacean presence and mortality were estimated and characteristics under which interactions were most likely to occur were identified. Observations were made on 163 fishing trips (0.7% of the average annual number of fishing trips) and 302 fishing operations/hauls. Cetaceans were present during 16.9% of fishing events; common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) accounted for 96% of occurrences, mostly overnight in summer and early autumn. Regression models showed that cetacean presence during a fishing set was significantly (p, 0.05) associated with sardine catches, effort, and latitude/longitude. Encirclement and mortality occurred in 2.3 and 1.0% of fishing events, respectively. Encircled species were the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), but only common dolphin showed mortality (three individuals); raised to fleet level, estimated total mortality rates of common dolphins were 69 (95% CI 37 -110) in the north and 91 (95% O 55 -165) in the south for 2010 and 78 (95% O 47 -140) in the south only for 2011. The estimated annual mortality rate due to purse seining is 113 (95% CI 3 - 264) common dolphins, which is ~0.63% of the current most optimistic estimate of population size for the Portuguese fishing area (SCANS II). The wide confidence limits, as well as variation between years, reflect low observer coverage, emphasizing the need for increased monitoring to cover gaps in the spatial and seasonal distribution of observer effort and provide reliable estimates of bycatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Players within the same age group may present different physical and physiological profiles. This study classified young soccer players according to their physical and physiological profiles obtained during the training sessions and compared classification by age and playing position criteria. 151 male elite Portuguese soccer players (under 15, under 17, and under 19 years old) participated. Time-motion and body acceleration and deceleration data were collected using GPS technology with heart rate monitored continuously across the selected training sessions. The data were grouped using two-step cluster analysis to classify athletes. A repeated-measures factorial ANOVA was performed to identify differences in the variables. Three clusters comprised 15.2%, 37.1%, and 47.7% of the total sample, respectively. Players of the same ages and playing experience had different performance profiles. Grouping players with similar physiological profiles during training sessions may allow coaches to balance oppositions and reduce the variability of the physiological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the democratic revolution, alongside with all political changes, the biennium of 1975 76 was a transition period also rich in diverse cultural experiences and representations. Usually within academic sites, which then integrated a heterogeneous urban young middle class, emerged experiences in the field of theatre, indicating an attitude of independence. This article intends to recognize the strategies developed by a significant sector of students in order to build processes of construction and definition of urban cultural resistance throughout this period [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Otolith shape analyses were used to infer the Sardina pilchardus population structure. • Significant otolith shape variation was demonstrated amongst sample origins. • Five distinct groups were identified along the European sardine distribution range. • Our results suggested connectivity between the Cantabrian and Portuguese groups. • Connectivity through the Gibraltar Strait was suggested by the present results. The European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is broadly distributed in the NE Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, representing an important fishery resource for several countries. Currently, European sardine stock limits are set administratively, and to design reliable fisheries management regulations it is essential to know the species population structure. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge on the population structure of the European sardine using shape analysis, based on samples from 14 locations in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, covering nearly the entire distribution range of the species. A combination of elliptic Fourier descriptors and otolith size parameters were explored by multivariate statistical methods. Five distinct groups were identified: (1) the Cantabrian Sea and the English Channel; (2) the North and Southwestern Portuguese coast; (3) the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Cadiz; (4) Madeira and Azores islands; and (5) Northwest African and South Portugal coasts. Moreover, connectivity between Cantabrian/Galicia and western Portugal was suggested, as well as through the Gibraltar Strait. The results were directly compared with those from previous genetic and morphometric studies conducted on the same individuals, being generally consistent with areas of otolith shape change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Just nearby the largest submarine canyon in Europe – off the western coast of Portugal – is located the Nazaré artificial reef (NAR) deployed in 2010 and the first of its kind in this coast. NAR aimed to improve social and economic resilience of the local communities, mainly by creating a safer and closer area for fishing and to enhance commercially exploitable marine resources. The innovative part of this research lies on the fact that for the first time was developed a multidisciplinary approach for NAR. Scientific evidence from fieldwork shows that in 2015 the reef was already mature and colonized by abundant and diversified macrobenthic assemblages. No evidence of negative impacts of NAR on the soft bottom macrofauna was observed, as assemblage composition in the NAR area and in the vicinity areas is similar. In relation to the primary producers that support the subsequent food chain, there also seems to be a balance between NAR and the surrounding area since phytoplankton was equally abundant throughout the area. Experimental fisheries and underwater visual census results on ichthyofaunal communities in the reef revealed high abundance and low levels of species richness, pouting, Trisopterus luscus Linnaeus, 1758 being the most common fish species found. Concerning NAR socio-economic impact, results from direct site observations (DSOs) showed that only some small-scale fishing vessels were eligible to operate on the NAR area. Thus, comparatively to non-AR areas nearby reef use by fishing vessels differs according to spatial and temporal strata. In what perception was concerned, the NAR has contributed to fish aggregation, though being populated mostly by small fish. Fishers have stated that some factors seemed to have changed after reef deployment. Notwithstanding, the NAR may have been a valuable contribution to an apparently overall socio-economic positive impact on the local fishing community that can be corroborated by the presence of good biological indicators. [Display omitted] • The Nazaré artificial reef was deployed close to one of the largest submarine canyons in Europe. • Phytoplankton was abundant in the artificial reef area. • There was no evidence of negative impacts on soft bottom macrofauna. • Trisopterus luscus (pouting) was the most common fish species found in the Nazaré artificial reef. • Fishers have perceived some changes due to artificial reef deployment, mostly were positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nowadays, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a problem that has been growing in Portugal, Europe and all around the world, with its cause being in the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and the dissemination of resistance genes among different bacteria through nature. Objective: Identification of resistant genes inserted into Class I Integrons in wastewater isolates Materials and methods: 165 isolates (110 from affluent waters and 55 from effluent waters) were studied for antibiotic susceptibility and 101 isolates (63 from affluent and 38 from effluent waters) were selected for screening and identification of resistance genes by PCR reaction and sequencing, using 5'-CS and 3'-CS oligonucleotides as specific primers for conserved segments of Class I Integrons. Results: From residual water analyses the total of 165 isolates were multiresistant to antibiotics used in hospital and ambulatory clinics. Among these isolates, the resistance to Trimethroprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Gentamicin were 61,2% (101/165) and 46.1% (76/165), respectively. Electrophoresis revealed DNA fragments with sizes ranging from 500 to 2000 base pairs according to the number of genes inserted in Integron. After analysis of sequences were identified 22 genes dfr-type (dfrA1, dfrA12, dfrA15, dfrA17 and dfrA27) responsible by resistance to Trimethroprim, These genes were found in 14 isolates from affluent and 7 from effluent waters. Also, the resistance to gentamicin were conferred by 19 genes aad-type (aadA1, aadA2 and aadA5) from 12 affluent and 7 effluent isolates. These genes can be found alone or in association with each other in the same Integron. Other genes that confer resistance to other antibiotics have also been found such as: rifampicin (arr-3); β-lactamics (oxa-2) and gene aac(6')-Ib-cr which simultaneously confer resistance to fluorquinolones and aminoglycosides only in isolates from affluent waters. Conclusion: The residual waters, upon arriving at urban wastewater treatment plant, are subjected to a depuration process to eliminate chemical and biological contaminants. However, our study revealed the presence of multiresistant bacteria in effluents, which allows their dissemination in the environment and its impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Marine planktonic diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia Peragallo have been responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) events worldwide through the production of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA). In order to better understand the dynamics of the toxic events of Pseudo-nitzschia there is the need to describe their seasonal and spatial patterns. The main goal of this work is to establish the relation between a physical variable easily measured like coastal upwelling and the presence of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms, in Lisbon Bay. Phytoplankton samples were collected once a week from June 2001 to May 2005 and daily upwelling index were calculated based on values of geostrophic winds. Data of sea surface temperature, upwelling index, and Pseudo-nitzschia concentrations were used to construct statistical models to evaluate the seasonal variation and the relation between all parameters. Due to the nature of the time series involved in the study, it was applied the Zero-Inflated Generalized Poisson Regression Model. An initial spectral analysis was applied to the upwelling data in order to accurately understand the characteristics of the coastal upwelling. The results obtained indicate a close relation between upwelling events and Pseudo-nitzschia blooms which occurred during spring and summer. The mathematical model that describes Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in Lisbon Bay shows a lag of 4–6 days between the upwelling events and the presence of Pseudo-nitzschia in the monitoring station. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll (Chl) maps derived from satellite data, together with wind and phytoplankton cell concentration time-series, are used to characterize the wind forcing and the spatio-temporal SST/Chl variability for periods preceding the summer (June–September) diatom and dinoflagellate blooms. The blooms (concentrations of cells higher than ) were identified in the weekly samples collected at the long-term phytoplankton study site in Lisbon Bay, from 2002 to 2005. It is shown that bloom detection at the site occurs either during upwelling events, i.e. when offshore northerly wind speed is greater than 5 for more than 5 days, or up to 4 days after wind relaxation. However, no direct relationship was found between the blooms and either the intensity or duration of the wind pulses. The satellite image sequences show that the Chl patterns in Lisbon Bay are strongly linked to the orientation and branching of the upwelling filament rooted at Cape Roca and the westward progression of the warm-core cyclones shed from the slope off Setúbal Bay. High Chl values are typically maintained throughout the upwelling cycle along the inshore boundary of the Roca filament, covering the whole bay during the intense wind phase. During the relaxation phase, there is a Chl increase concurrent with the contraction of the high Chl area to the northern part of the bay, associated with an inshore poleward current. It is proposed that the earlier setup of the offshore stratification conditions and the shedding of a slope eddy favored the bloom of dinoflagellates in July 2004, while the stable position of the main circulation features in July 2002 favored a diatom bloom. The results add further evidence that, in summer, the ocean circulation in the embayments south Cape Roca is dominated by the upwelling dynamics and plays a key role in the development of phytoplankton blooms off central Portugal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Temperature thresholds restrict O. cf. ovata distribution range in Iberia. • Lisbon Bay is the current W Iberian northern distribution limit of O. cf. siamensis. • Positive SST anomalies favor the occurrence of Ostreopsis spp. in Lagos Bay. • Low sea state favor the occurrence of Ostreopsis spp. in Lagos Bay. The benthic genus Ostreopsis contains toxic-bloom forming species and is an important cause of concern in warm-temperate and tropical waters. On the coast of Portugal, NE Atlantic, the occurrence of Ostreopsis cf. siamensis and Ostreopsis cf. ovata has been reported since 2008 and 2011, respectively. This work aims to understand the favorable conditions for high concentrations of Ostreopsis cells in the plankton at two sites, Lagos and Lisbon Bays, located in the South and West coast of Portugal, respectively. This study is based on weekly Ostreopsis abundance data in the plankton, from 2011 to 2017, daily satellite and in situ sea surface temperature (SST), and meteorological and sea state parameters, namely wind stress and significant wave height. The molecular identification of local Ostreopsis spp. is also presented. The maximum cell densities occur between late-summer and autumn. The distribution range of Ostreopsis cf. ovata is restricted to the South coast, while Ostreopsis cf. siamensis has a wider distribution range, being also present on the West coast. In the study period, there was only one occurrence of Ostreopsis spp., in Lagos Bay, with concentrations within the alert phase of monitoring. In Lagos Bay, high Ostreopsis spp. concentrations were related with positive SST anomalies. These high concentrations were often recorded after a period of almost 2-weeks to more than 4-weeks of low sea state (<0.6 m), followed by short time events of onshore wind and moderate waves (0.6–1 m). The former conditions are interpreted as favoring bloom development on the substrate and the latter as causing the re-suspension of Ostreopsis cells in the water column. In Lisbon Bay, O. cf. siamensis occurred in the plankton in few occasions and no clear relation could be established with the studied environmental variables. It is here hypothesized that the recent records of O. cf. siamensis in Lisbon Bay may correspond to an early colonization stage of an invasion process. Knowledge gained on Ostreopsis dynamics along the Portuguese coast can be used for both the improvement of benthic harmful algal blooms (BHABs) monitoring in the region and as a basis to design forecasting models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Western Europe, the incidence of DST is likely the highest globally, posing a significant threat with prolonged bans on shellfish harvesting, mainly caused by species of the dinoflagellate genus Dinophysis . Using a time series from 2014 to 2020, our study aimed (i) to determine the concentration of D. acuminata in water at which shellfish toxin levels could surpass the regulatory limit (160 µg OA equiv kg -1 ) and (ii) to assess the predictability of toxic events for timely mitigation actions, especially concerning potential harvesting bans. The analysis considered factors such as (i) overdispersion in the data, (ii) distinct periods of presence and absence, (iii) the persistence of cells, and (iv) the temporal lag between cells in the water and toxins in shellfish. Four generalized additive models were tested, with the Tweedie (TW-GAM) model showing superior performance (>85%) and lower complexity. The results suggest existing thresholds currently employed (200 and 500 cells L -1 ) are well-suited for the Portuguese coast, supported by empirical evidence (54-79% accuracy). The developed algorithm allows for thresholds to be tailored on a case-by-case basis, offering flexibility for regional variations.

The IOC-ICES-PICES Harmful Algal Event Database (HAEDAT) was used to describe the diversity and spatiotemporal distribution of harmful algal events along the Atlantic margin of Europe from 1987 - 2018. The majority of events recorded are caused by Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins (DSTs). These events are recorded annually over a wide geographic area from southern Spain to northern Scotland and Iceland, and are responsible for annual closures of many shellfish harvesting areas. The dominant causative dinoflagellates, members of the morphospecies 'Dinophysis acuminata complex' and D. acuta, are common in the waters of the majority of countries affected. There are regional differences in the causative species associated with PST events; the coasts of Spain and Portugal with the dinoflagellates Alexandrium minutum and Gymnodinium catenatum, north west France/south west England/south Ireland with A. minutum, and Scotland/Faroe Islands/Iceland with A. catenella. This can influence the duration and spatial scale of PST events as well as the toxicity of shellfish. The diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis is the most widespread Domoic Acid (DA) producer, with records coming from Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland and the UK. Amnesic Shellfish Toxins (ASTs) have caused prolonged closures for the scallop fishing industry due to the slow depuration rate of DA. Amendments to EU shellfish hygiene regulations introduced between 2002 and 2005 facilitated end-product testing and sale of adductor muscle. This reduced the impact of ASTs on the scallop fishing industry and thus the number of recorded HAEDAT events. Azaspiracids (AZAs) are the most recent toxin group responsible for events to be characterised in the ICES area. Events associated with AZAs have a discrete distribution with the majority recorded along the west coast of Ireland. Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) has been an emerging issue in the Canary Islands and Madeira since 2004. The majority of aquaculture and wild fish mortality events are associated with blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi and raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo. Such fish killing events occur infrequently yet can cause significant mortalities. Interannual variability was observed in the annual number of HAEDAT areas with events associated with individual shellfish toxin groups. HABs represent a continued risk for the aquaculture industry along the Atlantic margin of Europe and should be accounted for when considering expansion of the industry or operational shifts to offshore areas., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: Non-motor symptoms are underrecognized features of Parkinson's disease that impair quality of life and increase mortality. In this study, we aim to translate, adapt and validate the European Portuguese version of the "Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire", which has proven to be a valid and reliable measurement tool of non-motor symptoms in other languages., Material and Methods: Acceptability was evaluated regarding the range of values, ceiling and floor effects. Reliability was measured in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and reproducibility (intra-class correlation coefficient). For criterion validity analysis, Movement Disorders Society - Unified Parkinson's Disease Part I domains' scores were compared to those of the "Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire". For convergent validity, correlations between the "Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire" and the Movement Disorders Society - Unified Parkinson's Disease Part III, Mini-Mental State Examination score, disease duration, and severity were obtained., Results: Seventy nine Parkinson's disease patients were recruited, with a mean age of 67.2 ± 10.7 years and a disease duration of 10.8 ± 8.8 years. The European Portuguese version of the "Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire" total score was free of significant ceiling and floor effects. With the exception of the cardiovascular domain, adequate overall internal consistency was achieved. The questionnaire domains and the corresponding Movement Disorders Society - Unified Parkinson's Disease Part I dimensions were significantly correlated, although the total questionnaire score was modestly correlated with disease duration and severity, motor and non-motor symptoms severity and cognitive dysfunction., Discussion: This is the first study to translate, adapt and validate a widely used screening instrument of non-motor symptoms of European Portuguese speaking Parkinson's disease patients., Conclusion: The European Portuguese version of "Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire" is a valid and reliable tool for screening nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Understanding air pollution in urban areas is crucial to identify mitigation actions that may improve air quality and, consequently, minimize human exposure to air pollutants and their impact. This study aimed to assess the temporal evolution of the air quality in the city of Setúbal (Portugal) during a time period of 10 years (2003-2012), by evaluating seasonal trends of air pollutants (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , O 3 , NO, NO 2 and NO x ) measured in nine monitoring stations. In order to identify emission sources of particulate matter, PM 2.5 and PM 2.5-10 were characterized in two different areas (urban traffic and industrial) in winter and summer and, afterwards, source apportionment was performed by means of Positive Matrix Factorization. Overall, the air quality has been improving over the years with a decreasing trend of air pollutant concentration, with the exception of O 3 . Despite this improvement, levels of PM 10 , O 3 and nitrogen oxides still do not fully comply with the requirements of European legislation, as well as with the guideline values of the World Health Organization (WHO). The main anthropogenic sources contributing to local PM levels were traffic, industry and wood burning, which should be addressed by specific mitigation measures in order to minimize their impact on the local air quality.

The last few days of life have received significant attention in the literature. Reports have shown similarities and differences between programs. As a palliative care service in a cultural context that has not been reported on, we thought that an audit of our own experience in the care of patients in the last 48 hours of life and a comparison with other programs would be important. A prospective audit was designed to record data for four general domains: general demographic information, symptom prevalence, patient performance status, and perceived level of comfort. The inclusion criteria of patients were: older than 15 years of age (an admission criterion for patients of the unit), diagnosis of cancer, no active cancer-direct treatments, and patients who were on the unit for longer than 48 hours. The audit was completed when the 300th eligible patient died in the unit. Twenty-nine of 300 patients (9.6%) required sedation and the most common cause was delirium. Morphine was the most widely prescribed medication (85% of patients). The subcutaneous route was utilized extensively. Only 12% of the patients received parenteral fluids, usually via hypodermoclisis. Death was considered by staff to have been peaceful in 86% of cases. Our practice appears to mirror that of other palliative care groups.