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Introdução: Com o aumento da longevidade e declínio da função física, psicológica e social dos idosos é essencial perceber as condições sociodemográficas e de saúde que concorrem para a fragilidade. Objetivos: Analisar o perfil de fragilidade dos idosos de uma unidade de saúde do norte de Portugal. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, transversal com 173 idosos a residir no domicílio e inscritos numa Unidade de Saúde. Como instrumento de recolha de dados usou-se um inquérito, realizado por telefone, contendo dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e o Índice de fragilidade de Tilburg (TFI). Resultados: Amostra predominantemente feminina com idade média de 81,11 anos, maioritariamente casados, com diversas comorbilidades e polimedicados. A representação da fragilidade foi de 60,7%, estando essa condição significativamente associada ao género, estado civil, número de doenças crónicas, polimedicação e autoperceção da saúde. Para a maioria dos idosos (83,8%), a condição de fragilidade é influenciada cumulativamente pelas dimensões físicas, psicológicas e sociais. Conclusão: A fragilidade é uma condição prevalente e o perfil está associado a um conjunto de caraterísticas nas quais é possível intervir retardando a progressão da fragilidade que ocorre com o envelhecimento. Introduction: With the increase in longevity and decline in the physical, psychological and social function of the elderly, it is essential to understand the sociodemographic and health conditions that contribute to frailty. Objectives: To analyze the frailty profile of the elderly in a health unit in northern Portugal and to identify their willingness to join a specific program. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 173 elderly people living at home and enrolled in a Health Unit. As a data collection instrument, a survey was carried out by telephone, containing sociodemographic and health data and the Tilburg frailty index (TFI). Results: A predominantly female sample with a mean age of 81.11 years, mostly married, with several comorbidities and polymedicates. The representation of frailty was 60.7%, with this condition significantly associated with gender, marital status, number of chronic diseases, polymedication and self-perceived health. For the majority of the elderly (83.8%), the condition of frailty is cumulatively influenced by physical, psychological and social dimensions. Conclusion: Fragility is a prevalent condition and the profile is associated with a set of characteristics in which it is possible to intervene, slowing the progression of fragility that occurs with aging. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

To compare the effectiveness and safety of original (Enbrel®) and biosimilar (Benepali®) etanercept in Biologic Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug (bDMARD)-naïve patients, measured by persistence rates over 36 months of follow-up.A retrospective multicentre observational study using data collected prospectively from The Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Registry (Reuma.pt) was performed, including patients with: age ≥ 18 years old; diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Spondyloarthritis (SpA) (axial or peripheral) with active disease and biologic-naïve who initiated treatment with etanercept as the first line biological treatment after 2010. Kaplan-Meyer and Cox regression were used to calculate the persistence rate in treatment. Disease activity at baseline and follow-up data at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of treatment were compared. Causes for discontinuing therapy were summarized using descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was assumed for 2-sided p-values0.05.We included 1693 patients (413 on Benepali® and 1280 on Enbrel®): 864 diagnosed with RA, 335 with PsA and 494 with SpA. The 3-year persistence rates were not significantly different between both treatment groups in RA, PsA and SpA patients. In the adjusted Cox model, hazard ratios of discontinuation were not statistically different (p0.05). The proportion of subjects in remission or low disease activity in each disease was similar in both groups. Overall, 535 (31.6%) patients discontinued etanercept (428 patients on Enbrel® and 107 patients on Benepali®). The major cause of discontinuation was inefficacy (57.8%). No differences for the occurrence of inefficacy or adverse effects were found between treatment groups.Benepali® and Enbrel® demonstrated similar effectiveness and safety in RA, PsA and SpA in our cohort of patients. These data corroborate that the original and biosimilar drugs have similar quality characteristics and biological activity.

Laryngotracheobronchial papillomatosis is a rare dis- ease, with few reported cases. Histologically has been report- ed has a benign proliferation of the epithelium, limited to the larynx but it may occasionally become aggressive and result in persistent and recurrent involvement of the tracheobronchial tree, extending in more severe cases to the lungs., Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Vol. 29 No. 2 (2022): Apr-Jun

Work is a social determinant of health. When it is adapted to the worker, its effects on health are beneficial. Unhealthy working conditions, with inadequate or absent management of psychosocial risk factors, can have negative consequences on workers' health. General practitioners are often on the front line in diagnosing these disorders and coordinating their treatment. In this article, we outline the key elements of an initial consultation with the general practitioner for situations of suffering and work and propose a draft structure for a care chain.Le travail est un déterminant social important de la santé. Quand il est adapté, ses effets sur la santé des travailleurs sont bénéfiques. Des conditions de travail, rendues délétères par une gestion inadéquate d’éventuels facteurs de risque psychosociaux, peuvent entraîner des conséquences négatives sur la santé des travailleurs. Les médecins de famille sont souvent en première ligne pour établir le diagnostic de ces atteintes et coordonner leur prise en charge. Dans cet article, nous exposons les éléments-clés d’une première consultation chez le médecin de famille pour les situations de souffrance et travail et proposons une ébauche de structuration d’une filière de soins.

Esta investigación parte del interés particular por la manifestación arquitectónica, paisajística o urbanística de aquellos muros construidos que se han erigido para limitar, planteando un enfoque del muro en una vertiente conceptual. Se propone la formulación de distintas interpretaciones para un mismo elemento físico, logrando una propuesta arquitectónica de identificación para diferentes casos de estudio que consideramos paradigmáticos en su concepto. La hipótesis plantea la posibilidad de identificar un muro con la autonomía o identidad conceptual que le hace capaz de condicionar o dirigir la conformación de una obra de arquitectura, sirviendo como instrumento arquitectónico para las acciones de articulación, implantación, referenciación o conformación. El desarrollo de la investigación muestra la aptitud de individualizar el muro como elemento excepcional en el cumplimiento de la síntesis de distintas variables de proyecto. Se elaboran cinco conceptos diferentes del elemento en la función que cumple en el espacio que se basan en una definición compuesta de dos propiedades determinantes que se identifican con la categoría de la “justificación conceptual” combinando, además, valores de las categorías “Relación con el lugar”, “Función estética”, “Función de programa” y “Generación”. Se propone la identificación del muro que presenta las cualidades que lo hacen actuar de forma articuladora en el espacio y que, al cumplir esa función, condiciona y determina parte de la obra de arquitectura en que se encuentra. El muro articulador se entiende como un elemento que soluciona formal y espacialmente distintas situaciones de programa; no responde a un esquema formal predeterminado, sino que lo crea, en la unión coherente entre opuestos: ámbitos opuestos, esquemas formales opuestos, etc. Proponemos la identificación del muro que presenta determinadas cualidades que lo hacen actuar de forma implantadora en el espacio y que, al cumplir esa función, condiciona y determina parte de la obra en que se encuentra. Se considera el muro implantador como el punto de partida del proyecto en que se ha utilizado y como el elemento elegido para hacer la síntesis entre las variables del proyecto - sitio, función constructiva y estructural, estableciendo una regla formal y espacial coherente. Proponemos la identificación del muro referenciador, elemento que se destaca en la edificación como entidad elegida para hacer la síntesis entre las distintas variables del proyecto: significado, función estética y sitio. El muro referenciador se percibe como una entidad autónoma, particular al carácter o programa de la obra y al sitio en que se erige. Se considera el muro-recinto como el punto de partida del proyecto en que se ha utilizado, así como un elemento fundamental que se destaca en el conjunto de la obra - sea por su vertiente constructiva o de tratamiento estético – como entidad elegida para hacer la síntesis entre las variables del proyecto: forma y programa. Al utilizar un esquema formal predeterminado, permite generar espacio coherente con las demandas de un programa específico, entendiéndose como un elemento arquitectónico particular a la obra. Proponemos la identificación del muro habitable como el elemento que presenta las cualidades que lo hacen pasible de generar espacio en su interior, siendo un instrumento útil para cumplir con la variable del proyecto del programa. El concepto de muro habitable, como contrapunto a los otros cuatro tipos, se manifiesta como una entidad más elemental que traduce un instrumento de trabajo todavía más manejable que los restantes muros estudiados. De hecho, su utilización es incluso posible en aquellos muros que ya presentan el concepto de muro articulador, implantador, referenciador o muro-recinto. ABSTRACT This research is based on a particular interest in the architectural, landscape or urban manifestations of those walls that have been erected to limit, considering a conceptual approach. It suggests the formulation of diverse interpretations for the same physical element to achieve an architectural proposal of identification for different case studies that we consider paradigmatic in its concept. The hypothesis considers the possibility to identify a wall with the autonomy or conceptual identity that makes it able to influence or direct the form of an architecture work, serving as an instrument for the actions of articulation, emplacement, referencing or conformation. The development of the research shows the ability to individualize the wall as an outstanding element in the synthesis of different variables of architectural design. It elaborates five different concepts of the wall function in space, based on a definition with two determinant properties which combine values of the categories "Relation with the context", "Aesthetic function", "Program function" and "Generation". We propose the identification of the wall that has the qualities that make it act in an articulating way in space, conditioning and determining part of the architectural work. The “articulating wall” is understood as an element that formally and spatially solves different situations of functional program; it does not respond to a previous formal scheme, it creates it instead, through the coherent combination between opposites: opposing fields, opposing formal schemes, etc. We identify as well the wall that has the qualities that make it able to emplace on site, conditioning and determining part of the architecture work. The “wall that emplaces” is considered the starting point of the architectural design and the chosen element to make the synthesis between the architectural design variables - site, constructive function and structural function - establishing a formal and spatial coherent rule. We propose the identification of the “referencing wall”, element that stands out in the building as an entity chosen to make the synthesis between the project variables: meaning, aesthetic function and site. The referencing wall is perceived as an autonomous entity, particular to the character or the functional program and the site on which it sits. We consider the “precinct wall” as the departure point of the architectural design where it is used as well as a fundamental element that stands out in the whole of the architecture work - either by its constructive aspect or esthetic treatment - as the chosen entity to synthetize form and pro-gram. Since it uses a predetermined formal scheme it will allow to generate consistent space with-in the demands of a specific program, being understood as an element particular to the architectural work. As a fifth concept we identify the “inhabitable wall” as the element that has the qualities that make it predisposed to generate space inside its nucleus, being a useful instrument to comply with the variable of program in the architectural design. The concept of inhabitable wall, as a counterpoint to the other four types, manifests itself as a more elemental entity that translates itself as a more manageable working tool. In fact, its use is even possible in those walls that al-ready present the concept of articulating wall, emplacing wall, referencing wall or precinct wall.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) coexistence in the same patient has been rarely reported, more frequently due to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Blood parameter changes in cancer patients may be interpreted as disease progression or iatrogenic effects related to aggressive treatment, leading to delayed diagnosis. In our article, we call attention to the possibility of AML development in CLL patients and its diagnostic challenge.

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to calculate Concavity Shape Index (CSI) in patients with POAG and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and correlate CSI with the severity of glaucoma, comparing to control and ocular hypertension (OHT) patients. Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study with 146 eyes/146 subjects: 37 healthy eyes, 23 eyes with OHT and 86 glaucoma eyes (70 with POAG, 16 with XFG). The severity of glaucoma was scored with the Glaucoma Staging System 2 (GSS2). Corvis ST® was used to calculate CSI. Results: Central corneal thickness (CCT) was significantly thinner in POAG (526 ± 40.0 µm) and XFG (520 ± 38.2 µm) than control group (553 ± 28.8 µm). CSI had no significant differences between the groups. XFG had a higher mean of GSS 2 (2.42 ± 1.38) than POAG (1.87 ± 1.55) and OHT (1.87 ± 1.55). OHT had a significantly less deformable cornea than: control (higher A1 length, lower A1 velocity, higher A2 velocity), POAG (higher A1 length, lower A1 velocity, lower deflection amplitude at highest concavity), and XFG group (lower A1 velocity, lower deflection amplitude at highest concavity), which was independent of age and CCT. No significant correlation was found between GSS 2 and CSI. Discussion: OHT patients had stiffer corneas (less deformed by the air puff) when compared to control, POAG or XFG patients. A less deformable cornea could potentially be related to a more resistant LC/peripapillary sclera. As such, this would result in a lesser optic nerve susceptibility to IOP damage.

Videobronchofibroscopy of a Chinese 74-year-old woman showing abundant whitish plaques in the vocal cords with antraconic lesions extending throughout the tracheal pathway and bronchial trees, predominantly in the upper left lobe, compatible with Endobronchial My- cobacterium tuberculosis. The evolution and prognosis varies, from complete resolution to severe endobronchial stenosis., Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Vol. 29 No. 1 (2022): Jan - Mar

The project "Media Literacy in Higher Education: an exploratory study within Media Studies students" aims to assess the degree of media literacy of students in the field of Communication Sciences, considering that they are about to join one of the main areas that face, in a daily basis, the challenge of misinformation. Thus, starting from the case of the Social Communication course taught at the Superior School of Education/ Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, we applied the first phase of a questionnaire survey designed and validated to assess the degree of preparation of future professionals in this area. The first results of the questionnaire, applied at the end of the 2020/2021 school year, show some tendencies in the profile of students attending the final year of the degree (3rd year) and raise some warnings, mainly because it regards young people, about to enter the market, with apparent difficulties in distinguishing information from entertainment and opinion. Regarding journalism as a profession, the significant doubts concern whether entertainment programs include journalists subject to the code of ethics. Students seem to be unaware of the differences between information programs and entertainment programs, probably due to the dilution of barriers and the emergence of new infotainment formats. This difficulty in clearly distinguishing between information and entertainment is also noticeable because many respondents classify a general culture program as an information program. As for the distinction between information and opinion, half of the students misclassify the excerpts presented, which denotes the difficulty of distinguishing texts in which the author makes value judgments from texts in which comments are attributed to sources of information. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Journalism plays an important role in the construction of reality and is, at the same time, one of the doors of access to the world. Traditional media underwent an inevitable reconversion with the emergence and growth of the internet and, currently, there is a significant change in the information consumption profile, especially among the younger population, who are digital natives and the main users of social networks. Digital has brought, simultaneously, easier access to any information, as well as an overwhelming amount of that information. Among other consequences of this informational “tsunami”, fake news is one of the most expressive faces of the new era. Since social communication professionals are one of the groups in society that has to face the challenge of misinformation on a daily basis, it seemed pertinent to assess the degree of literacy of students when they start the course, particularly in the context of misinformation, brought to the public agenda with the proliferation of fake news. Based on the definition of this concept as forged information, which aims to manipulate and/or deceive the audience (Lazer et al., 2018) and considering that in Portugal, in 2020, a study by Obercom showed that almost half of respondents said they had difficulties in distinguishing false information from news (Obercom, 2020), we wanted to assess the level of media literacy and the impact of misinformation among students in the 1st year of a degree in Social Communication. Seeking to assess the degree of preparation of students in the field of Communication Sciences to deal with this reality, we applied a questionnaire to students in the 1st year of the degree in Social Communication at the High School of Education – Polytechnic Institute of Viseu. The first results from the questionnaires applied in the 2020/2021 academic year, show some trends in the profile of students upon entry into higher education, namely in terms of unpreparedness and difficulties in classifying fake news. Most of the 1st year students agree that the definition of fake news is “false news published by the media”. This answer demonstrates the misunderstanding between news as an informative product conceived within a news media and fake news as manufactured information, reproducing, only in its form, the informative media (Lazer et al., 2018), and aiming at manipulation or deceiving of the audience. Still in the field of misinformation, the difficulty in clearly identifying fake news sites also seems to be one of the main problems faced by students when entering higher education. At the same time and given the excerpts in which students should classify the content, it is worth noting the fact that almost all 1st year students classify the two examples of fake news presented as news. We are talking about excerpts without an identified source of information and where the purpose of appealing to emotions seems clear. The fact that, in the excerpts of these fake news, most students consider that the source does not exist or is not trustworthy and, at the same time, agree with the classification of the content as news should be an object of reflection. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objective Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, as well as needle tenotomy, are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of epicondylitis. Whether ultrasound (US) findings predict the clinical benefit of these techniques is unclear at the moment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of tendon tear assessed by US and the therapeutic response of the PRP injection following needle microtenotomy in patients with epicondylitis. Methodology This is a retrospective observational study. Twenty-six patients with chronic (three months) lateral epicondylitis recalcitrant to conservative treatment or corticosteroid injection. Patients underwent US-guided microtenotomy followed by PRP injection. Data regarding gender, age, US findings at baseline, and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) scores before and after intervention were collected. Pain improvement rates were calculated at several follow-up time points, namely one, three, six, and 12 months post-intervention. Results are stated as mean ± standard deviation. Results At the time of intervention, the mean age was 47.6±6.5 years, and 57.7% of patients were men. Overall, the mean initial NPRS score was 7.5±1.2, and there were no statistically significant differences in mean initial NPRS scores between the groups with or without tendon tear on the US imaging. The mean improvement rate at one, three, and six months was similar between patients with and without tendon tear. However, a statistically significant difference was observed at 12 months (73.1±37.6% vs. 16.0±21.9, p=0.029). Conclusions Patients with tendon tear demonstrated a higher pain improvement rate at 12 months follow-up. This finding could predict the clinical response to this technique, thus allowing a better selection of the candidates.

The crosstalk between glial cells and neurons represents an exceptional feature for maintaining the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of glial progenitor cells in adult neurogenesis, reestablishment of cellular pools, neuroregeneration, and axonal (re)myelination. Several types of glial progenitors have been described, as well as their potentialities for recovering the CNS from certain traumas or pathologies. Among these precursors, glial-restricted precursor cells (GRPs) are considered the earliest glial progenitors and exhibit tripotency for both Type I/II astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. GRPs have been derived from embryos and embryonic stem cells in animal models and have maintained their capacity for self-renewal. Despite the relatively limited knowledge regarding the isolation, characterization, and function of these progenitors, GRPs are promising candidates for transplantation therapy and reestablishment/repair of CNS functions in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as in traumatic injuries. Herein, we review the definition, isolation, characterization and potentialities of GRPs as cell-based therapies in different neurological conditions. We briefly discuss the implications of using GRPs in CNS regenerative medicine and their possible application in a clinical setting. MAIN POINTS: GRPs are progenitors present in the CNS with differentiation potential restricted to the glial lineage. These cells have been employed in the treatment of a myriad of neurodegenerative and traumatic pathologies, accompanied by promising results, herein reviewed.

Objective To describe how a fixed regimen of intravitreal injections (IVI) was helpful to continue activity during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown and to address basic conditions to resume activity. Methods A fixed regimen of IVI was conceived to significantly reduce the number of visits while keeping a number of injections related to the best outcomes. We retrospectively collected data of surgeries performed in 2019 and in the first seven months of 2020 and from OCTs in the first semester of 2020. Results IVI per month, from January to July 2020, were 304, 291, 256, 204, 276, 297 and 322, respectively. Phacoemulsification surgeries in the same period were 397, 408, 171, 0, 304, 391 and 389. Posterior vitrectomies were 23, 21, 17, 10, 21, 28 and 25. Laser sessions were 44, 26, 33, 17, 23 and 33, respectively. OCTs dropped from a mean of 25.7 per day in the first half of March 2020 to 5.8 per day in the second half of March. A mean of 6.5 OCTs per day was made in April, rising to 19.1 in May and 39.5 in June. Conclusion It was possible to keep the ophthalmological activity during the pandemic outbreak due to the existence of a pre-scheduled fixed regimen for IVI and to the availability of personal protective equipment. The air-borne nature of the peril we are facing addresses the need to evaluate the physical conditions of health facilities, including ventilation, size of waiting and consult rooms and the need to avoid elevators.

Background Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in end-stage renal disease. With the aging of the population and better medical care available, the number of high-risk patients in terms of age and comorbidities on transplant waiting lists is increasing. Due to severe organ shortage, the use of expanded criteria and elderly donors is also increasing. We will review the outcomes of graft function and survival from a series of transplants from elderly deceased donors and compare the characteristics of the organs from donors older and younger than 70 years. Methods We collected data from our transplant unit from 1993 until May 2019 and considered 2 groups of donors: donors A (aged ≥70 years) and donors B (aged Results The donors A group had more comorbidities with consequently higher Kidney Donor Profile Index scores than the donors B group, although there was no statistical difference regarding pre-donation serum creatinine level. Among transplant recipients, we also considered 2 groups, according to the age of the organ received: recipients A and recipients B. No difference was found between groups regarding the number of HLA mismatches, incidence of delayed graft function, number of hospitalizations, or incidence of acute rejection. Recipients’ age, cold ischemia time, and graft function 1 year after transplant were worse in the recipients A group. Conclusions Although kidney graft function was worse in recipients from elderly donors, this difference had no clinical relevance, showing a possible benefit in patient survival compared with permanence in dialysis, so this type of transplant could be considered for older recipients.

Introduction Organ availability is limited in the face of the growing number of candidates. Using organs from individuals with an infection at the time of transplantation emerged as a possible but controversial solution. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of patients submitted to kidney transplantation in Hospital Garcia de Orta (Almada, Portugal) from January 2008 to March 2019, comparing outcomes between recipients of organs from donors with an active infection and noninfected donors in the referred interval. Results An active infection in the donor was identified in 55 cases (28.4%) from a total of 194 transplants. The most frequent site of infection was the lung (n = 30), followed by the urinary tract (n = 13); 9 donors (16.4%) had documented bacteremia. None of the identified microorganisms were multidrug-resistant. All recipients from an infected donor received adequate antibiotic prophylaxis (mean duration of 11.1 ± 3.0 days). No significant differences between groups were found regarding patients’ demographics, cold ischemia time, duration of hospital stay, delayed graft function, rejection episodes, noninfectious complications, or patient and graft survival. Basiliximab was the preferred induction agent in both groups but was used in a larger proportion of recipients in the infected donor group (87.0% vs 60.6%; P = .001). The rate of infectious complications was significantly lower in the infected donor group (14.5% vs 42.4%; P = .001), and none of the previously isolated agents in the donor was found in the recipient. Conclusion Kidney transplant using infected donors can be performed safely, without worse organ-specific or recipient outcomes, if certain conditions are considered.

Introduction Diabetic Foot infections (DFI) are a major cause of hospitalization in patients with diabetes. The microbiological study of diabetic ulcers is essential to adequate antibiotic therapy and to minimize the selection of resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to characterize and to compare the evolution of isolated microorganisms between the biennium 2010–2011 and 2016–2017, in hospitalized patients with DFI. Material and methods Retrospective evaluation of the clinical and analytical data of patients who were admitted due to DFI in 2010–2011 (group 2010/11) and 2016–2017 (group 2016/17). Only the first hospitalization for each patient was included. An adequate descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was performed. Results There were 274 admissions due to DFI, 151 in 2010/11 and 123 in 2016/17. There was an increase in admissions due to neuroischemic DFI (51.0% in 2010/11 to 61.8% in 2016/17, p = 0.048). Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was the most common isolate in 2010/11 (26.7%). In 2016/17 most cultures were mixed polymicrobial and isolation of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased from 2010/11 to 2016/17 (15.9% to 30.6%, p = 0.001, and 9.1% to 13.7%, p = 0.048, respectively). Conclusion There was an increase in the prevalence of neuroischemic DFU. The Enterobacteriaceae family replaced SA as the most prevalent pathogen in DFI, with an increase in the isolation of gram-negative microorganisms and mixed polymicrobial cultures. Chronic neuroischemic infected ulcers usually present distinct bacterial isolates; knowledge about the most common agents is warranted in order to better select empiric antibiotic therapy.

The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana; Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775) is considered a key pest for grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in the Douro Region, Portugal. The phenology of both the grapevine and the pest has changed in the last decades due to the increase in temperature. Here, we assess the potential impact of climate change on the (a)synchrony of both species. The results show that the phenological stages (budburst, flowering and veraison) undergo an advancement throughout the region (at an ~1 km resolution) under a climate change scenario (Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP8.5) for the period 2051–2080, with respect to the historic period (1989–2015). For cv. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, the budburst advances up to 14 days, whereas for flowering and veraison the advancements are up to 10 days (mainly at low elevations along the Douro River). For the phenology of Lobesia botrana, earliness was also verified in the three flights (consequently there may be more generations per year), covering the entire region. Furthermore, the third flight advances further compared to the others. For both varieties, the interaction between the third flight (beginning and peak) and the veraison date is the most relevant modification under the future climate change scenario (RCP8.5, 2051–2080). The aforementioned outcomes from the phenology models help to better understand the possible shifts of both trophic levels in the region under future climate, giving insights into their future interactions. This research was funded by the operation nº NORTE-06-3559-FSE-000067 and by the Clim4Vitis project “Climate change impact mitigation for European viticulture: knowledge transfer for an integrated approach”, funded by European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under grant agreement nº 810176. The authors also thank ADVID and its members, for providing meteorologicalnand phenological data and for collaborating in the data field collection namely the male catches in sex pheromone traps. The authors from CITAB were also supported by National Funds by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UIDB/04033/2020. Fátima Gonçalves is also grateful to the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of the Program “Contratação de Recursos Humanos Altamente Qualificados”, Norte-06-3559-FSE-000188 and to the FCT for financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is increasingly being used to prevent febrile neutropenia associated with chemotherapy. Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) has been recognized as a rare side effect of G-CSF treatment. We report a case of G-CSF associated LVV in a patient with breast cancer. While clear pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown, G-CSF may cause vasculitis due to inflammatory cytokines production. This adverse reaction should be recognized in patients with suggestive symptoms following the administration of pegfilgrastim. A 56-year-old woman with luminal B breast cancer who had undergone surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, initially with paclitaxel, was started on a doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide protocol, followed by supportive use of long-acting G-CSF pegfilgrastim. Following the administration of pegfilgrastim, the patient developed intermittent fever and was given empiric antibiotics in the outpatient setting with no improvement. There were no signs of cancer progression, and the contrast-enhanced CT scan highlighted wall thickening of the aortic arch and the proximal segment of the subclavian artery, which was not present in previous imaging studies. The patient was diagnosed with LVV, and a differential diagnosis was performed to rule out paraneoplastic setting, immune-mediated diseases, infection or other drug-induced vasculitis. Treatment with steroids was initiated and tapered with significant improvement and resolution of the radiological signs of aortitis.

A informação económica tem uma presença relevante nos jornais generalistas e a economia tem sido referenciada como uma das áreas mais afetadas pela pandemia da Covid-19. Neste artigo, procurámos perceber qual o peso do jornalismo económico nas capas de dois jornais diários generalistas – o Correio da Manhã e o Público – no período compreendido entre o decreto do primeiro estado de emergência e a véspera do segundo estado de emergência em Portugal. Apesar das suas diferenças editoriais, concluímos que os jornais se aproximam no espaço que dedicam aos destaques relacionados com a economia e que, dentro do jornalismo económico, o impacto do novo Coronavírus na economia portuguesa foi o assunto dominante. Ainda assim, registámos diferenças na forma de abordagem, bem como no tipo de temas económicos destacadas por cada um dos jornais, à margem da pandemia. Economic information has a relevant presence in generalist newspapers and the economy has been referred to as one of the areas most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, we tried to understand the weight of economic journalism on the front pages of two generalist daily newspapers – Correio da Manhã and Público – in the period between the decre of the first state of emergency and the eve of the second state of emergency in Portugal. Despite their editorial differences, we conclude that newspapers took similar options regarding the space dedicated do the highlights related to the economy and that, within economic journalism, the impact of the New Coronavirus on the Portuguese economy was the dominant subject. Despite those similarities, we registered differences in the approach, as well as in the type of economic issues featured in each newspaper, aside from the pandemic. La información económica tiene una presencia relevante en los periódicos generalistas y la economía ha sido referida como una de las áreas más afectadas por la pandemia de Covid-19. En este artículo, intentamos comprender el peso del periodismo económico en las portadas de dos diarios generalistas – Correio da Manhã y Público – en el período comprendido entre el decreto del primer estado de emergencia y la víspera del segundo estado de emergencia en Portugal. A pesar de sus diferencias editoriales, concluimos que los periódicos se acercan en el espacio que dedican a los destacados relacionados con la economía y que, dentro del periodismo económico, el impacto del Nuevo Coronavirus en la economía portuguesa fue el tema dominante. Aun así, registramos diferencias en el enfoque, así como en el tipo de cuestiones económicas destacadas por cada uno de los diarios, al margen de la pandemia. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

To this day, the recognition and high affinity binding of biomolecules in water by synthetic receptors remains challenging, while the necessity for systems for their sensing, transport and modulation persists. This problematic is prevalent for the recognition of peptides, which not only have key roles in many biochemical pathways, as well as having pharmacological and biotechnological applications, but also frequently serve as models for the study of proteins. Taking inspiration in nature and on the interactions that occur between several receptors and peptide sequences, many researchers have developed and applied a variety of different synthetic receptors, as is the case of macrocyclic compounds, molecular imprinted polymers, organometallic cages, among others, to bind amino acids, small peptides and proteins. In this critical review, we present and discuss selected examples of synthetic receptors for amino acids and peptides, with a greater focus on supramolecular receptors, which show great promise for the selective recognition of these biomolecules in physiological conditions. We decided to focus preferentially on small synthetic receptors (leaving out of this review high molecular weight polymeric systems) for which more detailed and accurate molecular level information regarding the main structural and thermodynamic features of the receptor biomolecule assemblies is available.

The One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) is being adopted worldwide for sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) staging in breast cancer (BC). As major disadvantage, OSNA precludes prognostic information based on structural evaluation of SLNs. Our aim is to identify biomarkers related to tumor-microenvironment interplay exploring gene expression data from the OSNA remaining lysate. This study included 32 patients with early stage hormone receptors-positive BC. Remaining OSNA lysates were prepared for targeted RNA-sequencing analysis. Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed by DESeq2 in R and data analysis in STATA. The results show that, in metastatic SLNs, several genes were upregulated: KRT7, VTCN1, CD44, GATA3, ALOX15B, RORC, NECTIN2, LRG1, CD276, FOXM1 and IGF1R. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three different clusters. The identified DEGs codify proteins mainly involved in cancer aggressiveness and with impact in immune response. The overexpression of the immune suppressive genes VTCN1 and CD276 may explain that no direct evidence of activation of immune response in metastatic SLNs was found. We show that OSNA results may be improved incorporating microenvironment-related biomarkers that may be useful in the future for prognosis stratification and immunotherapy selection. As OSNA assay is being implemented for SLNs staging in other cancers, this approach could also have a wider utility.

Objective: Evaluate the implications of using nanocarriers in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: Literature review based in guidelines contained in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), using these databases: PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, using the key words: “nanoparticles” AND “treatment” AND “breast cancer”. Nineteen articles, written in English, that met the inclusion criteria, were selected. Results: Given the findings on the selected studies, it was perceived a low toxicity on healthy cells and the capacity to direct nanoparticles to the tumor site. Conclusion: The present study allowed the comprehension of the efficacy of de drugs carried on the different nanoparticles, intending to reduce the tumoral cells and minimize the toxicity, with specific liberation of drugs on tumor site. Objetivo: Evaluar las implicaciones del uso de nanoportadores en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Metodología: Revisión de la literatura basada en las pautas contenidas en los elementos de informe preferidos para revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (PRISMA), utilizando las bases de datos: PubMed y Virtual Health Library con los términos de búsqueda: “nanopartículas” Y “tratamiento” Y “cáncer de mama”. Se seleccionaron diecinueve artículos, escritos en inglés, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: Con base en los hallazgos de los estudios seleccionados, se observó que los nanoportadores tienen baja toxicidad para las células sanas y que las nanopartículas pueden dirigirse a la ubicación específica del tumor. Conclusíon: este estudio permitió comprender la efectividad de los fármacos utilizados en diferentes tipos de nanoportadores para la reducción de células tumorales con minimización de la toxicidad y liberación del fármaco en la región específica del tumor. Objetivo: Avaliar as implicações da utilização dos nanocarreadores no tratamento do câncer de mama. Métodos: Revisão da literatura com base nas diretrizes contidas no Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), utilizando as bases de dados: PubMed e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde com os termos de busca: “nanopartículas” E “tratamento” E “câncer de mama”. Foram selecionados 19 artigos, escritos em inglês, que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Diante dos achados nos estudos selecionados, percebeu-se que os nanocarreadores apresentam baixa toxicidade a células saudáveis e as nanopartículas podem ser direcionadas para o local específico do tumor. Conclusão: este estudo permitiu compreender a eficácia das drogas utilizadas nos diferentes tipos de nanocarreadores para a redução das células tumorais com minimização da toxicidade e liberação do medicamento na região específica do tumor.

Journal pre-proofs, Curcumin (CUR) is a phenolic compound present in some herbs, including Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric rhizome), with a high bioactive capacity and characteristic yellow color. It is mainly used as a spice, although it has been found that CUR has interesting pharmaceutical properties, acting as a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumoral agent. Nonetheless, CUR is a hydrophobic compound with low water solubility, poor chemical stability, and fast metabolism, limiting its use as a pharmacological compound. Smart drug delivery systems (DDS) have been used to overcome its low bioavailability and improve its stability. The current work overviews the literature from the past 10 years on the encapsulation of CUR in nanostructured systems, such as micelles, liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, hydrogels, and nanocomplexes, emphasizing its use and ability in cancer therapy. The studies highlighted in this review have shown that these nanoformulations achieved higher solubility, improved tumor cytotoxicity, prolonged CUR release, and reduced side effects, among other interesting advantages., This study was funded by the Coordination for Higher Level Graduate Improvements (CAPES/Brazil, finance code 001), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil, PIBIC process #123483/2020-4), State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP/Brazil, processes #2017/10789-1, #2018/10799-0, #2018/06475-4, #2018/07707-6, #2019/08549-8, and #2020/03727-2). This work was also supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and the project AgriFood XXI (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Our Figures were created with BioRender, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Several diseases associated to colon microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer, are being reverted by modulation of gut microbiota composition through treatment with prebiotics and probiotics. Multiple in vitro models have been developed over the past three decades, with several experimental configurations, as they provide a quick, easy, and cost-effective approach to study the gut microbiome, as compared to troublesome and time-consuming in vivo studies. Scope and approach This review aims to provide an overview of the most relevant available in vitro models used to mimic the human colon microbiome dynamics, including macro-scale and microfluidic-based models. Main characteristics, functionalities, current applications and advantages or disadvantages of the models are discussed in order to provide useful information for end users (namely food and pharmaceutical researchers), when selecting the most appropriated model for assessing health claims and safety of novel functional food and drugs. Finally, the use of these colon models as a tool to study prebiotic and probiotic response in host-microbiota interaction is reviewed. Key findings and conclusions A wide range of in vitro models representing specific colon parts have been developed. However, none of these models can simultaneously cover all the key conditions found in the human colon (namely anatomical, physical, biochemical, and biological characteristics), as well as the complex microbiome-host interaction. Thus, there is a significant opportunity for further improvement of the models experimental setups towards more realistic operating systems, including mucosal surfaces, intestinal cells and tissues allowing microbiomehost crosstalk representation., SFRH/BD/139884/2018 from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This study was supported by the FCT under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and the Project ColOsH PTDC/BTM–SAL/30071/2017 (POCI–01–0145–FEDER–030071), info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Psychiatric disorders severely impact patients’ lives. Motivational, cognitive and emotional deficits are the most common symptoms observed in these patients and no effective treatment is still available, either due to the adverse side effects or the low rate of efficacy of currently available drugs. Neurogenesis recovery has been one important focus in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, which undeniably contributes to the therapeutic action of antidepressants. However, glial plasticity is emerging as a new strategy to explore the deficits observed in mood disorders and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Thus, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind glio- and neurogenesis to better define treatments and preventive therapies, once adult cytogenesis is of pivotal importance to cognitive and emotional components of behavior, both in healthy and pathological contexts, including in psychiatric disorders. Here, we review the concepts and history of neuro- and gliogenesis, providing as well a reflection on the functional importance of cytogenesis in the context of disease.

The implications of weather and climate extremes on the viticulture and winemaking sector can be particularly detrimental and acquire more relevance under a climate change context. A four-member ensemble of the Regional Climate Model-Global Climate Model chain simulations is used to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on indices of extreme temperature and precipitation, as well as on agroclimatic indices of viticultural suitability in the Douro Wine Region, Portugal, under current and future climate conditions, following the RCP8.5 anthropogenic radiative forcing scenario. Historical (1989–2005) and future (2051–2080) periods are considered for this purpose. Although model outputs are bias-corrected to improve the accuracy of the results, owing to the sensitivity of the climatic indicators to the specific bias correction method, the performance of the linear and quantile mapping methods are compared. The results hint at the importance of choosing the most accurate method (quantile mapping), not only in replicating extremes events but also in reproducing the accumulated agroclimatic indices. Significant differences between the bias correction methods are indeed found for the number of extremely warm days (maximum temperature > 35 °C), number of warm spells, number of warm spell days, number of consecutive dry days, the Dryness Index, and growing season precipitation. The Huglin Index reveals lower sensitivity, thus being more robust to the choice of the method. Hence, an unsuitable bias correction method may hinder the accuracy of climate change projections in studies heavily relying on derived extreme indices and agroclimatic indicators, such as in viticulture. Regarding the climate change signal, significant warming and drying trends are projected throughout the target region, which is supported by previous studies, but also accompanied by an increase of intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme events, namely heatwaves and dry spells. These findings thereby corroborate the need to adopt timely and effective adaptation strategies by the regional winemaking sector to warrant its future sustainability and enhance climate resilience.

Liquid level sensing is nowadays a relevant issue in a broad range of applications, forcing the sensors performance and cost to be evaluated in parallel. This paper proposes a fiber optic-based liquid level sensor system using a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) embedded into a polyurethane resin diaphragm. The FPI is based on microcavities generated upon catastrophic fuse effect, enabling the fiber recycling and sensors fabrication in a cost-effective way, compared to traditional methods. To enable the simultaneous temperature control, a fiber Bragg grating was used as thermal reference sensor to compensate the temperature cross-sensitivity. The sensor prototype was tested in a field application, using two different configurations, an open chamber configuration, where the diaphragm is in contact with the atmosphere, and a closed chamber configuration revealing the sensitivities of 4.4 ± 0.1 pm/mm and 1.57 ± 0.04 pm/mm, respectively. These sensitivity values are within the figures of merit for diaphragm-based sensors as reported recently.

The chestnut tree is an important forestry species worldwide, as well as a valuable food resource. Over recent years, Portugal has shown an increasing trend in chestnut tree area, as well as increases in production, hinting at the socioeconomic relevance of this agro-forestry species. In this study, bioclimatic indices are applied to analyse the spatial distribution of chestnut trees in mainland Portugal, namely growing degree days (GDD; 1900–2400 °C), annual mean temperature (AMT; 8–15 °C), summer days with maximum temperature below 32 °C (NTX), and annual precipitation (PRE; 600–1600 mm). These indices are assessed for the baseline (IBERIA01, 1989–2005) and future climates (EURO-CORDEX: 2021–2040, 2041–2060, and 2061–2080) under two forcing pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), also taking into account the chestnut tree land cover. For the baseline, the GDD showed only 10% suitability for chestnut tree cultivation in southern Portugal, whereas much higher values are found in the north of the country, and at higher altitudes (50–90%). For the AMT, higher elevation areas in northern Portugal show almost 100% suitability. Concerning NTX, the suitability reduces from the west (100–90%) to the east (40%). Regarding PRE, the suitability is heterogeneous throughout the territory, with areas under 50%. A new Chestnut Suitability Index (CSI) was then computed, which incorporates information from the four previous indices. The CSI reveals a suitability ranging from 100 to 75% in the north, while central and southern Portugal show values from 25 to 50%. For future climates, a progressive reduction in CSI was found, particularly for RCP8.5 and in the long-term period. Changes in bioclimatic conditions may restrict the 100% suitability to a narrow area in the north of the country. These reductions in chestnut bioclimatic suitability may have socio-economic and ecological implications for the management of the important agro-forestry species.

The authors present a genetic mouse model for conditional depletion of γδ T cells, confirming the fetal origin and persistence of Tγδ17 cells. They show differential phenotypes after acute depletion versus constitutive γδ T cell deficiency in imiquimod-induced psoriasis., γδ T cells are highly conserved in jawed vertebrates, suggesting an essential role in the immune system. However, γδ T cell–deficient Tcrd−/− mice display surprisingly mild phenotypes. We hypothesized that the lack of γδ T cells in constitutive Tcrd−/− mice is functionally compensated by other lymphocytes taking over genuine γδ T cell functions. To test this, we generated a knock-in model for diphtheria toxin–mediated conditional γδ T cell depletion. In contrast to IFN-γ–producing γδ T cells, IL-17–producing γδ T cells (Tγδ17 cells) recovered inefficiently after depletion, and their niches were filled by expanding Th17 cells and ILC3s. Complementary genetic fate mapping further demonstrated that Tγδ17 cells are long-lived and persisting lymphocytes. Investigating the function of γδ T cells, conditional depletion but not constitutive deficiency protected from imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Together, we clarify that fetal thymus-derived Tγδ17 cells are nonredundant local effector cells in IL-17–driven skin pathology., Graphical Abstract

Enquanto organização integrante do sistema de regulação dos fenómenos de envolvimento social, a vinculação desempenha um papel decisivo na estruturação da experiência interpessoal dos indivíduos. Operando desde os primeiros meses da existência, esta organização afetivo- comportamental começa a influenciar os processos de construção da personalidade numa fase em que a criança não consolidou, ainda, a aptidão para representar com clareza os objetos, os eventos ou as emoções. Assim, mesmo antes de conseguir utilizar plenamente os recursos da mediação simbólica para processar em toda a amplitude os sentidos do experienciado, o bebé disporá já de uma poderosa constelação de afetos, de comportamentos e de representações ao serviço da tarefa de obter segurança, conforto ou proteção por parte das suas figuras de vinculação. A estabilização dos processos de organização vinculativa que se observa por volta do ano de vida ocorre na sequência de complexas transformações desenvolvimentais influenciadas por fatores relacionados com a qualidade das interações entre o bebé e os seus prestadores de cuidados. Entende-se, pois, que a maneira como o indivíduo irá construir e regular os elos de vinculação é, em grande parte, pontuada por múltiplas variáveis que, marcando a configuração das experiências vividas no quadro das relações com os outros significativos, têm papel decisivo na constituição dos chamados padrões seguros e inseguros de vinculação. Ancorado nos pressupostos de uma perspetiva abrangente, não alheia às assunções dos modelos transacional e bioecológico do desenvolvimento, o presente trabalho reúne uma série de estudos em formato de artigos que visam aprofundar o conhecimento dos preditores e dos processos implicados na constituição dos laços de vinculação. Os dois primeiros incidem explicitamente sobre as representações maternas. Um, contrasta as experiências pré e perinatais das mães com filhos nascidos de termo, com prematuridade limítrofe e moderada, ou com prematuridade extrema. O segundo, investiga em amostras portuguesas e brasileiras as representações maternas perinatais relacionando-as com a posterior qualidade das interações diádicas e a segurança da vinculação. Seguem-se dois estudos que usando alguns procedimentos de avaliação distintos, salientam a importância do comportamento interativo das mães, nomeadamente da sensibilidade materna, sobre a qualidade da auto-regulação dos bebés bem como os seus comportamentos de envolvimento social aos três meses. O quinto estudo constitui uma abordagem longitudinal que investiga a interligação dos padrões de auto-regulação infantil e a qualidade do comportamento interativo materno aos três e dez meses na determinação da posterior qualidade da vinculação aos 14 meses. Por último, o sexto estudo é construído com base nos modelos de processamento de informação, destacando associações significativas entre a qualidade da vinculação e a atenção das crianças perante diversas expressões faciais de emoção aos 14 meses. No seu conjunto, os estudos aqui apresentados contribuem para o avanço da compreensão acerca das diferenças individuais na qualidade da vinculação infantil e informam o debate atual sobre as relações entre vinculação e os mecanismos de processamento da informação emocional dos bebés.

We report here the genome sequences of six Vibrio strains isolated from an Atlantic intertidal marine sponge, Ophlitaspongia papilla. Genome mining and comparative genomics will assist in deciphering the bioactive potential of the symbiotic microbes and molecular mechanisms of sponge-microbial symbioses.

We report here the genome sequences of six Vibrio strains isolated from an Atlantic intertidal marine sponge, Ophlitaspongia papilla . Genome mining and comparative genomics will assist in deciphering the bioactive potential of the symbiotic microbes and molecular mechanisms of sponge-microbial symbioses.

Trabalho de projeto de mestrado, Matemática Aplicada à Economia e Gestão, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2021 Submitted by Teresa Boa (tdboa@fc.ul.pt) on 2021-08-30T13:50:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TM_Joana_Poças.pdf: 154772 bytes, checksum: fb37885135b87a2a36c2123f4d3577b8 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-30T13:50:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TM_Joana_Poças.pdf: 154772 bytes, checksum: fb37885135b87a2a36c2123f4d3577b8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021