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Ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) instruments typically operate at kHz or lower repetition rates and rely on indirect detection of electrons. However, these experiments encounter limitations because they are required to use electron beams containing a relatively large number of electrons (≫100 electrons/pulse), leading to severe space-charge effects. Consequently, electron pulses with long durations and large transverse diameters are used to interrogate the sample. Here, we introduce a novel UED instrument operating at a high repetition rate and employing direct electron detection. We operate significantly below the severe space-charge regime by using electron beams containing 1–140 electrons per pulse at 30 kHz. We demonstrate the ability to detect time-resolved signals from thin film solid samples with a difference contrast signal, Δ I / I 0 , and an instrument response function as low as 10−5 and 184-fs (FWHM), respectively, without temporal compression. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of increasing the repetition rate of UED experiments and adopting a direct electron detection scheme, which will be particularly impactful for gas-phase UED. Our newly developed scheme enables more efficient and sensitive investigations of ultrafast dynamics in photoexcited samples using ultrashort electron beams.

We investigate the most severe rainfall event ever experienced in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. It occurred on 25 November 2018 when Typhoon (TY) Usagi directly hit HCMC. During this event, there was more than 300 mm of rainfall over 24 h which led to flooding and considerable material damage. We propose an in-depth study of TY-induced, compound flood drivers at a short timescale by focusing on the days before and after the event. We use a set of data analysis and signal processing tools to characterize and quantify both coastal and inland effects on the hydrosystem. We found that TY Usagi made landfall without forming a significant storm surge. The extreme rainfall does not translate into immediate river discharge but presents a 16 h time lag between peak precipitation and peak residual discharge. Nevertheless, increased river water levels can be seen at both urban and upstream stations with a similar time lag. At the upstream river station, residual discharge represents 1.5 % of available rainwater, and evidence of upstream widespread flooding was found. At the urban river station, we assess the potential surface runoff during the event to be 8.9 % of the upstream residual discharge. However, a time lag in peak river water level and peak rainfall was found and attributed to the combination of high tide and impervious streets which prevented the evacuation of rainwater and resulted in street flooding of up to 0.8 m. Overall, it was found that despite not having a significant storm surge, the coastal tidal forcing is the predominant compound flood driver even during severe, heavy rainfall with tidal fluctuations in river water level and respective discharge much larger than the residuals.

Abstract This paper investigates whether the framework of fractional quantum mechanics can broaden our perspective of black hole thermodynamics. Concretely, we employ a space-fractional derivative (Riesz in Acta Math 81:1, 1949) as our main tool. Moreover, we restrict our analysis to the case of a Schwarzschild configuration. From a subsequently modified Wheeler–DeWitt equation, we retrieve the corresponding expressions for specific observables. Namely, the black hole mass spectrum, M, its temperature T, and entropy, S. We find that these bear consequential alterations conveyed through a fractional parameter, $$\alpha $$ α . In particular, the standard results are recovered in the specific limit $$\alpha =2$$ α = 2 . Furthermore, we elaborate how generalizations of the entropy-area relation suggested by Tsallis and Cirto (Eur Phys J C 73:2487, 2013) and Barrow (Phys Lett B 808:135643, 2020) acquire a complementary interpretation in terms of a fractional point of view. A thorough discussion of our results is presented.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a complex effluent, with a high organic load and toxic compounds. Its seasonal production is an added difficulty for treatment systems. In this work, the heterogeneous Fenton process is used with low-cost catalysts, that are wastes rich in iron and other materials naturally present in nature, namely Red Mud (RM), the volcanic rocks of the Azores (VRA) and the volcanic rocks of the Canaries (VRC), to treat a mixture of five phenolic compounds usually present in OMW (3,4 - Dihydroxybenzoic, 4 - Hydroxybenzoic, 3,4 - Dimethoxybenzoic, 3,4,5 - Trimethoxybenzoic and Trans-cinnamic acids). The effect of adding hydrogen peroxide stepwise was also investigated and it was found that adding the oxidant at once is more efficient than the staged addition, for removing phenols as well as leading to less residual hydrogen peroxide. With regard to the utilization of low-cost catalysts, it was concluded that at the end of 60 min and for a concentration of 1 g/L of catalyst, the removal of phenolic content reaches 100% for RM, while in the case of VRA and VRC this value is 72.0% and 74.6%, respectively.

Setting: University-affiliated hospital located in Porto, North Portugal, an area with a low to intermediate incidence of tuberculosis (TB). Objective: To identify predictors and outcomes of disseminated TB (dTB). Design: A cohort of patients diagnosed with TB between 2007 and 2013 was retrospectively analysed. Patients with dTB criteria were characterized and compared to single organ TB cases. Factors independently associated with dTB were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 744 patients were analysed, including 145 with dTB. Independent risk factors for dTB were pharmacological immunosuppression (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.8–11.3), HIV infection (OR 5.1, 95% CI 3.1–8.3), chronic liver failure or cirrhosis (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–4.1) and duration of symptoms (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.8). Compared to single organ TB, the clinical presentation of dTB patients differed by the absence of haemoptysis (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–8.4) and of dyspnoea (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.1), presence of weight loss (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9), night sweats (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7) and bilateral lung involvement (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.8–7.1). Mortality and time until culture conversion were higher for dTB patients, although not reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive conditions and chronic liver failure or cirrhosis were associated with increased risk of dTB. The haematogenous spread may be dependent on longer symptomatic disease and usually progresses with bilateral lung involvement. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Disseminated tuberculosis, Risk factors, Outcome

Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is affecting numerous dimensions of our society since the beginning of the outbreak. A significant increase in emotional distress was expected in the general population, particularly among the high-risk groups such as the oldest, chronic patients, healthcare professionals, and psychopathology vulnerable people. There was an urgent need to adapt and create solutions to promote mental health. Given the recommendations to minimize face-to-face interactions, several helplines were widely developed. Objectives In this work, we aim to reflect on the experience of a university helpline, that integrated efforts with the regional mental health care services. Methods A University helpline was created to give support to the regional community outside academia. The team was created on an online teamwork platform, to communicate through the chat, carry videoconference meetings, and store useful files. A Manchester screening decision tree was adopted, to define a set of guidelines to provide support to the callers, based mainly on the guidelines defined by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists. Liaison with the mental health care services, including other specific helplines, was established. Results Notwithstanding all the efforts, the number of received calls was scarce, similarly to helplines created by other national universities and by other entities. Conclusions A new approach to psychological intervention in crisis is needed, maintaining integrated efforts, and taking advantage of the opportunity to foster personalized mental health care in the digital era. It is important to continuously assess the value of integrated efforts in patient care and to the healthcare system.

Systemic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) systemic effects. However, most COPD patients do not suffer from persistent systemic inflammation even after exacerbations and exercise and scientific evidence has provided conflicting results. Our aim is to evaluate inflammatory gene expression at rest and at 1 and 24 h after strenuous exercise in COPD patients and study the patient variables associated with inflammatory expression.A cross-sectional study was conducted in COPD patients who were recruited on entry to a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. Demographic, clinical and functional data were collected. Blood samples were collected and gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for IFNg, IL1b, IL6, IL8, TNFa, TGFb1 and iNOS.The study included 21 patients (15 men, 71.4%), mean age 66.1 years old (SD = 8.27), mean FEV1 46.76% (SD 20.90%), 67% belonging to GOLD grade D, mean BODE index of 3.9, 90.5% with smoking history, mean BMI 25.81 (SD = 4.87), median of 1.29 exacerbations in the previous year.There was no statistical significant difference between inflammatory expression at rest and at 1 h and 24 h after the maximal exercise test for all tested genes.We found an association between BMI and inflammatory expression at all the points of time checked, a slight inverse association occurs with low BMI for mRNA IL1b, IL6, TNFa, TGFb1 and iNOS, and there was a more pronounced positive association for obese patients for all tested genes.This preliminary study did not show an enhanced inflammatory gene expression from rest to 1 h and 24 h after short-term exercise, but did show an increased inflammatory gene expression in both BMI extremes, both at rest and after exercise, suggesting not only malnourishment, but also obesity as potential links between COPD and systemic inflammation. Studies with larger samples and designed to definitely exclude OSA or OHS as confounding factors in obese patients are required. Keywords: COPD, Inflammation, Exercise, Obesity, Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Coexistence between pulmonary cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequent and is anticipated to be lead to high worldwide mortality in the next decades. The most powerful therapeutic approach for non-small cell lung carcinoma is lung surgical resection. However, in COPD patients, this approach bears a higher mortality and morbidity risk, thus requiring an accurate pre-operatory evaluation of the surgical risk comprising a clinical and functional assessment at rest, as well as a cardiopulmonary exercise test. In this observational study, factors associated with cardiopulmonary complications within 30 days after tumor resection surgery were investigated in a cohort of patients with COPD and lung cancer assigned to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise test.This study included 50 patients (46 men, 92.0%) with a mean age of 64.7 years old (standard deviation 7.9), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 61.8% (SD 19.0%) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) of 46.0% (SD 14.8%).Complications were observed in eighteen patients (36.0%) including 2 deaths (4.0%). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) expressed in percentage of the predicted value was the only parameter showing a statistically significant difference between the groups with and without complications (p = 0.027). The best value of VO2peak to discriminate complications occurrence was 61.0%.This study highlights the relevance of the cardiopulmonary exercise test in the risk assessment of pulmonary resection surgery in patients with COPD. The VO2peak (percentage of predicted value) is shown to be associated with complications within 30 days after surgery. Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lung cancer, Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, Postoperative complications

Nowadays the built heritage has been recognized as one of the main sectors that can support the economic and sustainable development of countries. In the last years, the built heritage has been subject to several levels of interventions, being now clear its need for a proper maintenance and conservation management. However, in several cases, the maintenance faces lack of building records, which makes the maintenance a harsh, long, and expensive process. Therefore, there is an opportunity and need to apply new technologies, like Building Information Modelling (BIM), as supporting tool to the management of historical heritage. By so, the aim of this work was the development of a management system to be used as a supporting tool to the maintenance and conservation of the existent buildings, in historical context, facilitating to the interested parties the automated and digitized information needed to carry out the most varied tasks, with the particularity to be directly connected to the 3D-BIM model of the building. But in order to test the developed system (its applicability and functionality), it was in an early phase, applied to a pilot project with the significant heritage value. This work follows a development methodology applied to the case study and had different phases: (1) the case study was modelled in Autodesk Revit software, in whose model was inserted all the parametric information and associated metadata; (2) then, a support database of the management system was developed in Microsoft SQL Server, which will support all the information exported from the BIM model; (3) a web application was developed in C# through Visual Studio 2015, which works through and application programming interface (API) allowing the communication between the web application and the BIM model, allowing not only the interaction with the parametric information of this one, but also, a persistent access to a data management system (drawings, inspection reports, specifications, etc.) that has been created. The development of the management system and its application to the case study allows us to show its potential as a tool for the historical heritage management, contributing to its permanent and constantly updated management and cross off the fragmentation and loss of information therefore reducing the consequent investment in data collection.

Background. The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) has been increasing in the last five decades, but there is no large-scale data regarding these tumours in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentric study in main Portuguese centers to evaluate the clinical, pathological, and therapeutic profile of GEP-NENs. Methods. From November, 2012, to July, 2014, data from 293 patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs from 15 centers in Portugal was collected and registered in an online electronic platform. Results. Median age at diagnosis was 56.5 (range: 15-87) years with a preponderance of females (54.6%). The most frequent primary sites were the pancreas (31.1%), jejunum-ileum (24.2%), stomach (13.7%), and rectum (8.5%). Data regarding hormonal status was not available in most patients (82.3%). Stratified by the tumour grade (WHO 2010 classification), we observed 64.0% of NET G1, 24.7% of NET G2, and 11.3% of NEC. Poorly differentiated tumours occurred mainly in older patients (p=0.017), were larger (p

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with great impact on the ability to carry out physical activity. Objective: To identify the main factors that affect physical activity in the daily life of patients with COPD. Methods: Physical activity in daily routine has been evaluated according to the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale (LCADL) and the pedometer counting the number of steps per day, for a period of three days. Fifty-five male patients with a diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD were included (aged 67 ± 9.6 years; FEV1 50.8 ± 14.7% predicted). Results: Patients walked on average 4972 steps per day. Very severe COPD patients (n = 12) walked much less than severe (n = 21) and moderate (n = 22) patients (respectively 3079.8 versus 4853.5 and 6118.1 steps per day, pÂ

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who are symptomatic and whose daily living activities are often restricted.Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to improve the physical and emotional condition of people with chronic respiratory disease and to promote long-term adherence to health-enhancing behavior.Exercise training is at the core of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs. The benefits of exercise training include decreased dyspnea, improved health-related quality of life, fewer days of hospitalization, and decreased health-care utilization.To gain PR benefits, patients should be able to complete an exercise training program, preferably with high intensity exercise, and it is likely that these benefits will translate into a change from a pattern of a sedentary lifestyle to a physically active lifestyle.Chronic respiratory patients, namely COPD patients, have a low exercise tolerance due to multiple factors, such as dynamic hyperinflation and peripheral muscle dysfunction.In this article, the authors describe a variety of modalities and strategies to overcome exercise limitations and improve the effects of exercise training. Resumo: A reabilitação pulmonar é uma intervenção abrangente, multidisciplinar e baseada em evidências, para doentes com doenças respiratórias crónicas que são sintomáticas e cujas actividades da vida diária são frequentemente limitadas.Os programas de reabilitação pulmonar estão concebidos para melhorar a condição física e emocional de pessoas com doenças respiratórias crónicas e promover a adesão a longo prazo a comportamentos benéficos para a saúde.O exercício físico está no cerne dos programas de reabilitação pulmonar (RP). Os benefícios do exercício físico incluem redução da dispneia, melhor qualidade de vida em termos de saúde, menos dias de hospitalização, e utilização reduzida dos cuidados de saúde.Para obter os benefícios da RP, os doentes deverão ser capazes de completar um programa de exercício físico, de preferência com exercícios de alta intensidade, e é provável que esses benefícios se traduzam numa mudança de um padrão de estilo de vida sedentário para um estilo de vida fisicamente activo.Doentes com doenças respiratórias crónicas, nomeadamente com DPOC, têm uma baixa tolerância ao exercício devido a uma diversidade de factores, como a hiperinsuflação dinâmica e a disfunção muscular periférica.Neste artigo, os autores descrevem uma variedade de modalidades e estratégias para superar as limitações de exercício e melhorar os efeitos do treino físico. Keywords: Pulmonary rehabilitation, Exercise training, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Palavras-chave: Reabilitação pulmonar, Treino físico, Doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica

Resumo: Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) apresenta um impacto crescente a nível mundial. Devido ao seu impacto sistémico, e porque constitui um importante fator de risco para outras comorbilidades crónicas, a DPOC não pode já ser considerada uma doença com envolvimento exclusivamente pulmonar. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência das comorbilidades em doentes com DPOC que são submetidos a um programa de reabilitação respiratória (PRR) e avaliar a influência das suas características basais, bem como das suas comorbilidades nos resultados do PRR. Métodos: O presente estudo incluiu todos os doentes com DPOC que foram admitidos na Unidade de Reabilitação Respiratória para um PRR. A resposta à reabilitação respiratória (RR) foi avaliada pela melhoria na tolerância ao exercício (prova de marcha de 6 min), na dispneia (índice de dispneia de Mahler) e na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (questionário respiratório de St. George). Resultados: Foram incluídos 114 doentes com DPOC. A maioria dos doentes (96,5%) tinha pelo menos uma comorbilidade. As doenças metabólicas (71,1%), as doenças cardiovasculares (67,5%), outras patologias respiratórias (57,9%) e a ansiedade/depressão (21,1%) foram as mais prevalentes. Apresentaram melhoria na tolerância ao exercício, na qualidade de vida e na dispneia, respetivamente, 64,9, 64,9 e 51,1% dos doentes.A globalidade dos resultados foi semelhante em todos os estadios da DPOC e em todos os subgrupos de comorbilidades. A análise por regressão logística demonstrou que a insuficiência respiratória e a doença coronária influenciaram negativamente a melhoria na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, e que a ansiedade/depressão se relacionou com uma melhoria menos acentuada da dispneia. Conclusão: A RR proporcionou melhoria nos doentes de todos os subgrupos de comorbilidades, salientando o papel fundamental do treino de exercício na reabilitação das doenças crónicas associadas à DPOC. Por outro lado, a presença de comorbilidades em doentes com DPOC, se clinicamente controladas, não deve impedir a sua inclusão na RR. Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents an increasing burden worldwide. COPD can no longer be considered a disease which only involves the lungs, its systemic consequences make it an important risk factor for other chronic comorbidities. Aim: To determine the frequency of comorbidities in patients with COPD undergoing a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) and to evaluate the influence of baseline characteristics as well as comorbidities on the outcomes of PRP. Methods: The present study included all COPD patients that were admitted to a PRP in our unit. The response to PR was measured by the improvement in exercise tolerance (6 minute walk test), dyspnea (Mahler's Dyspnea Index) and health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire). Results: 114 patients with COPD were included. Most patients (96,5%) had at least one comorbidity. Metabolic diseases (71.1%), cardiovascular diseases (67.5%), other respiratory conditions (57.9%) and anxiety/depression (21.1%) were the most prevalent ones. 64.9%, 64.9% and 51.1% of the patients improved in terms of exercise tolerance, quality of life and dyspnea, respectively.The overall results were similar in all levels of the disease and in all comorbid subgroups. Logistic regression analysis showed that respiratory failure and ischemic heart disease negatively influenced improvement in health status and anxiety/depression predicted lower improvement in dyspnea. Conclusion: PR was associated with improvements in all comorbid subgroups of patients, underlining the important role of exercise training in rehabilitation of those chronic diseases associated with COPD. On the other hand, the presence of comorbidities in COPD patients, if clinically controlled, should not preclude access to PR. Palavras-chave: Reabilitação respiratória, Exercício, Comorbilidades, Doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, Keywords: Pulmonary rehabilitation, Exercise, Comorbidities, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Resumo: Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) tem sido, ao longo dos anos, uma importante causa de morbilidade e mortalidade no mundo. Em 1995, a implementação de um rastreio da função respiratória pareceu a forma mais adequada para alertar para os sintomas respiratórios negligenciados e sensibilizar para os rastreios espirométricos. Em 2002, foram criadas novas normas consensuais de diagnóstico e o reconhecimento de que a prevalência da DPOC depende dos critérios de definição de obstrução das vias aéreas. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisitar estes 2 estudos e publicar alguns dos resultados e respetivas metodologias. Métodos: Dos 12 684 indivíduos que constavam da base de dados do Pneumobil, apenas os indivíduos com 40 e mais anos (n = 9061) foram considerados para esta análise. No estudo de 2002 foi incluída uma amostra aleatorizada e representativa de 1384 indivíduos, com idades entre os 35 e os 69 anos. Resultados: A prevalência da DPOC foi de 8,96% no estudo Pneumobil e de 5,34% no estudo de 2002. Em ambos os estudos, a presença da DPOC foi superior no sexo masculino, tendo-se verificado uma associação positiva entre a presença da DPOC e os grupos etários mais velhos. Nos fumadores e ex-fumadores encontrou-se maior proporção de casos com DPOC. Conclusões: A prevalência em Portugal é mais baixa do que noutros países europeus, o que pode estar relacionado com uma menor prevalência de tabagismo. De um modo geral, os fatores de risco mais importantes que mostraram a associação com a DPOC foram a idade maior do que 60 anos, o sexo masculino e a exposição tabágica. Todos os aspetos e as limitações que se referem a diferentes critérios de definição e a metodologias de recrutamento realçam a necessidade de métodos padronizados para determinar a prevalência da DPOC e os fatores de risco associados, cujos resultados possam ser comparados entre países, como acontece no projeto BOLD. Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, over the years. In 1995, the implementation of a respiratory function survey seemed to be an adequate way to draw attention to neglected respiratory symptoms and increase the awareness of spirometry surveys. By 2002 there were new consensual guidelines in place and the awareness that prevalence of COPD depended on the criteria used for airway obstruction definition. The purpose of this study is to revisit the two studies and to turn public some of the data and respective methodologies. Methods: From Pneumobil study database of 12,684 subjects, only the individuals with 40+ years old (n = 9.061) were selected. The 2002 study included a randomized representative sample of 1,384 individuals with 35-69 years old. Results: The prevalence of COPD was 8.96% in Pneumobil and 5.34% in the 2002 study. In both studies, presence of COPD was greater in males and there was a positive association between presence of COPD and older age groups. Smokers and ex-smokers showed a higher proportion of cases of COPD. Conclusions: Prevalence in Portugal is lower than in other European countries. This may be related to lower smokersâ prevalence. Globally, the most important risk factors associated with COPD were age over 60 years, male gender and smoking exposure. All aspects and limitations regarding different recruitment methodologies and different criteria for defining COPD cases highlight the need of a standardized method to evaluate COPD prevalence and associated risks factors, whose results can be compared across countries, as it is the case of BOLD project. Palavras-chave: Doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, Prevalência da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, Pneumobil, Obstrução das vias aéreas, Portugal, Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence, Pneumobil, Airway obstruction, Portugal

Resumo: Introdução: A prevalência da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) apresenta valores muito heterogéneos em todo o mundo. A iniciativa Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) foi desenvolvida para que a prevalência da DPOC possa ser avaliada com metodologia uniformizada. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência da DPOC em adultos com 40 ou mais anos numa população alvo de 2 700 000 habitantes na região de Lisboa, de acordo com o protocolo BOLD. Métodos: A amostra foi estratificada de forma aleatória multifaseada selecionando-se 12 freguesias. O inquérito compreendia um questionário com informação sobre fatores de risco para a DPOC e doença respiratória autoreportada; adicionalmente, foi efetuada espirometria com prova de broncodilatação. Resultados: Foram incluídos 710 participantes com questionário e espirometria aceitáveis. A prevalência estimada da DPOC na população no estadio GOLD I+ foi de 14,2% (IC 95%: 11,1; 18,1) e de 7,3% no estadio ii+ (IC 95%: 4,7; 11,3). A prevalência não ajustada foi de 20,2% (IC 95%: 17,4; 23,3) no estadio i+ e de 9,5% (IC 95%: 7,6; 11,9) no estadio ii+. A prevalência da DPOC no estadio GOLD II+ aumentou com a idade, sendo mais elevada no sexo masculino. A prevalência estimada da DPOC no estadio GOLD I+ foi de 9,2% (IC 95%: 5,9; 14,0) nos não fumadores versus 27,4% (IC 95%: 18,5; 38,5) nos fumadores com carga tabágica de â¥Â 20 Unidades Maço Ano. Detetou-se uma fraca concordância entre a referência a diagnóstico médico prévio e o diagnóstico espirométrico, com 86,8% de subdiagnósticos. Conclusões: O achado de uma prevalência estimada da DPOC de 14,2% sugere que esta é uma doença comum na região de Lisboa, contudo com uma elevada proporção de subdiagnósticos. Estes dados apontam para a necessidade de aumentar o grau de conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde sobre a DPOC, bem como a necessidade de maior utilização da espirometria nos cuidados de saúde primários. Abstract: Background: There is a great heterogeneity in the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) demonstrates a great heterogeneity across the world. The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) initiative was started to measure the prevalence of COPD in a standardized way. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of COPD in Portuguese adults aged 40 years or older of a target population of 2,700 000 in the Lisbon region, in accordance with BOLD protocol. Methods: A stratified, multi-stage random sampling procedure was used which included 12 districts. The survey included a questionnaire with information on risk factors for COPD and reported respiratory disease and a post-bronchodilator spirometry performed at survey centres. Results: For the 710 participants with questionnaires and acceptable spirometry, the overall weighted prevalence of GOLD stage I+ COPD was 14.2% (95% C.I. 11.1, 18.1), and stage II+ was 7.3% (95% C.I. 4.7, 11.3). Unweighted prevalence was 20.2% (95% C.I.17.4, 23.3) for stage I+ and 9.5% (95% C.I. 7.6, 11.9) for stage II+. Prevalence of COPD in GOLD stage II+ increased with age and was higher in men. The prevalence of GOLD stage I+ COPD was 9.2% (95% C.I. 5.9, 14.0) in never smokers versus 27.4% (95% C.I. 18.5, 38.5) in those who had smoked >20 pack-years. The agreement between previous doctor diagnosis and spirometric diagnosis was low, with 86.8% of underdiagnosed individuals. Conclusions: The 14.2% of COPD estimated prevalence indicates that COPD is a common disease in the Lisbon region. In addition, a large proportion of underdiagnosed disease was detected. The high prevalence of COPD with a high level of underdiagnosis, points to the need of raising awareness of COPD among health professionals, and requires more use of spirometry in the primary care setting. Palavras-chave: Prevalência da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, Estudo Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease, Obstrução das vias aéreas, Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease prevalence, Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease, Airway obstruction

Introduction: Computerizd tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the evaluation of intra- (IAF) and total (TAF) abdominal fat; however, the high cost of the procedure and exposure to radiation limit its routine use. Objective: To develop equations that utilize anthropometric measures for the estimate of IAF and TAF in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The weight, height, BMI, and abdominal (AC), waist (WC), chest (CC), and neck (NC) circumferences of thirty obese women with PCOS were measured, and their IAF and TAF were analyzed by CT. Results: The anthropometric variables AC, CC, and NC were chosen for the TAF linear regression model because they were better correlated with the fat deposited in this region. The model proposed for TAF (predicted) was: 4.63725 + 0.01483 x AC - 0.00117 x NC - 0.00177 x CC (R² = 0.78); and the model proposed for IAF was: IAF (predicted) = 1.88541 + 0.01878 x WC + 0.05687 x NC -0.01529 x CC (R²=0.51). AC was the only independent predictor of TAF (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The equations proposed showed good correlation with the real value measured by CT, and can be used in clinical practice.Introducción: La tomografia computarizada (TC) es el estándar de oro para la evaluación de la grasa intra-abdominal (GIA) y abdominal total (GAT), pero los altos costos y la exposición a la radiación limitan su uso rutinario. Objetivo: Desarrollar ecuaciones para la estimación de la GIA y la GAT en mujeres obesas con el sindrome del ovario poliquistico, utilizando medidas antropométricas. Métodos: Se evaluó el peso, la altura, el IMC y las circunferencias abdominal (CA), cintura (CC), pecho (CP) y cuello (Ccu) de 30 mujeres obesas con SOP. La GIA y GAT fueron analizados por la TC. Resultados: El modelo propuesto fue: GAT = 4,63725 + 0,01483 x CA - 0.00117 x CCu - 0,00177 x CP (R² = 0,78); y para la GIA fue: GIA = 1, 88541 + 0, 01878 x CC + 0,05687 x CCu - 0,01529 x CP (R² = 0,51). La CA fue La única variable predictora independiente de la GAT (p < 0,01). Conclusión: Las equaciones propuestas correlacionaronse bien con el valor real, medido a través de la TC, y se puede utilizarlas en la práctica clínica.

Resumo: Introdução: Os programas de reabilitação respiratória (PRR) têm demonstrado em doentes com patologia pulmonar crónica, melhoria da capacidade de exercício e do estado de saúde e diminuição da dispneia e da utilização de recursos de saúde. Habitualmente, estes benefícios diminuem após conclusão dos programas. Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade funcional e o estado de saúde 2 anos após o término de um PRR. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de doentes que completaram um PRR. Após o PRR, os doentes que referiam ter adotado um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo foram incluídos no grupo ativo (GA). Os restantes doentes foram considerados como grupo controlo (GC). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada com a prova de marcha dos 6 minutos (PM6m) e o estado de saúde com o questionário de St. George na doença respiratória (SGRQ). Resultados: Foram incluídos 32 doentes, 24 no GA e 8 no GC. Imediatamente após o PRR observou-se, em ambos os grupos, uma melhoria significativa na PM6m e na pontuação total do SGRQ. Após o término do PRR, no GA, observou-se um declínio na distância média percorrida na PM6m aos 6 meses, 1 ano e 2 anos, bem como no estado de saúde.Contudo, 2 anos após o PRR e comparando com os valores avaliados antes do início do PRR, o GA continuava a apresentar uma melhoria na distância percorrida na PM6m, em média de 32 m (p = 0,03) e de pelo menos 4 pontos no SGRQ. No GC observou-se um declínio clinicamente significativo na PM6m (â34 m) e no SGRQ (agravamento de 13 pontos). Conclusão: Embora se verifique uma perda progressiva dos benefícios do PRR após a sua cessação, estes ainda são significativamente positivos até 2 anos após o treino no GA. Um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo parece contribuir para manter os benefícios do Programa de Reabilitação. Abstract: Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRP) have been shown to improve exercise capacity and health status and to reduce dyspnoea and use of healthcare resources, in patients with chronic lung disease. These benefits usually wane after the programs conclusion. Aim: Evaluate functional capacity and health status 2 years after the end of a PRP. Methods: Retrospective study of patients who took part in PRP. After PRP, patients who reported a physically active lifestyle were included in the active group (AG). The other patients were considered as the control group (CG). Functional capacity was evaluated with 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) and health status with St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: Thirty-two patients were included, 24 in the AG and 8 in the CG. Immediately after PRP, there was a significant improvement in the 6MWD and SGRQ global score, for both groups. After completing PRP, in the AG, there was a decline in the mean 6MWD when evaluated at 6 months, 1 and 2 years and also in health status.However, after 2 years, the AG continued to show an average improvement of 32 m (p=0.03) in the 6MWD and at least 4 points in SGRQ compared to pre-PRP, while in the CG, there was a clinically significant decline in 6MWD (â34 m) and SGRQ score (13 points worse). Conclusion: Despite the progressive decline of benefits gained after completing PRP, in the AG these are still significantly positive after 2 years. An active lifestyle seems to help maintain the benefits of the Rehabilitation Program. Palavras-chave: Reabilitação pulmonar, Exercício, Estado de saúde, DPOC grave, Keywords: Pulmonary rehabilitation, Exercise, Health status, Severe COPD

Abstract Using 34.7 pb−1 of data collected with the LHCb detector, the inclusive production of the X(3872) meson in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7\mbox{~TeV}$ is observed for the first time. Candidates are selected in the X(3872)→J/ψπ + π − decay mode, and used to measure where σ(pp→X(3872)+anything) is the inclusive production cross section of X(3872) mesons with rapidity in the range 2.5–4.5 and transverse momentum in the range 5–20 GeV/c. In addition the masses of both the X(3872) and ψ(2S) mesons, reconstructed in the J/ψπ + π − final state, are measured to be $$m_{X(3872)} = 3871.95 \pm0.48 \ (\mathrm{stat}) \pm0.12 \ (\mathrm {syst})\ \mathrm{MeV}/c^2 $$ and $$m_{\psi(2S)} = 3686.12\pm0.06 \ (\mathrm{stat}) \pm0.10 \ (\mathrm {syst})\ \mathrm{MeV}/c^2. $$

A partir da atividade antibacteriana in vitro, predeterminada em doze plantas com indicativo etnográfico condimentar, testou-se este atributo in loco no modelo caldo com frango cozido. Primeiramente, procedeu-se ao treinamento de 10 avaliadores, segundo a legislação vigente quanto ao Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, oportunizando conhecimentos prévios sobre as plantas salsa (Petroselinum sativum), manjerona branca (Origanum X aplii), manjerona preta (Origanum majorana), manjericão (Ocimum basilicum), sálvia (Salvia officinalis), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris), anis verde (Ocimum selloi), alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum), alho nirá (Allium tuberosum), alho poró (Allium porrum), cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) e pimenta dedo-de-moça (Capsicum baccatum). Realizou-se, através da adição individualizada desses condimentos ao caldo com frango cozido, um Teste de Aceitação tipo escala hedônica, selecionando, dentre os doze condimentos, quatro deles que se destacaram sensorialmente, a pimenta dedo-de-moça, o alho nirá, o alho poró e o tomilho. Foi feito, então, um Teste de Aceitação de concentrações denominadas pequena, média e grande destes quatro condimentos, para determinação da intensidade sensorialmente melhor aceita. As quantidades eleitas (0,5 g de pimenta dedo-de-moça, 15 g de alho nirá, 15 g de alho poró e 5 g de tomilho) foram acrescidas ao caldo com frango cozido, sendo estes desafiados frente a Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) em concentração final de 10 UFC mL-1, limite tolerado pela legislação, tendo como grupo-controle o caldo com frango cozido sem condimentos. O crescimento bacteriano foi aferido a cada duas horas após a inoculação, até completar 24 horas de confronto, utilizando-se meio seletivo para coliformes termo-resistentes e incubação constante a 25ºC em DBO, sendo atribuídos valores arbitrários às variações logarítmicas de crescimento. Comparados ao controle, todos os tratamentos condimentados apresentaram, individualmente, atividade antibacteriana significativa, mesmo que sem significância quando comparados entre si. Contudo, em relação ao tempo de início da atividade antibacteriana, destacou-se a pimenta dedo-de-moça, enquanto que, em relação ao prolongamento dessa ação no tempo, destacou-se o alho nirá. As 12 plantas condimentares em estudo tiveram atestada a sensorialidade, sendo que as quatro plantas com destaque tiveram a atividade anti-coliforme termo-resistente comprovada in loco. Diferentes condimentos vegetais foram capazes de fornecer qualificação sensorial e sanitária em caldo com frango cozido, em condições domésticas de manuseio.Based on the in vitro antibacterial activity predetermined for 12 spice plants with ethnographic indicator, this feature was tested in loco in the model cooked chicken broth. First, ten evaluators were trained, according to the current legislation for Free and Informed Consent, providing previous knowledge about the plants parsley (Petroselinum sativum), marjoram (Origanum X aplii and Origanum majorana), basil (Ocimum basilicum), common sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), anis-like spice (Ocimum selloi), african basilicum (Ocimum gratissimum), nirá garlic (Allium tuberosum), leek (Allium porrum), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and "dedo-de-moça" chili (Capsicum baccatum). Those spices were individually added to the chicken broth to perform a Hedonic Scale-like Acceptance Test, selecting four of the twelve spices that had higher sensory acceptance, "dedo-de-moça" chili, nirá garlic, leek and thyme. A new Acceptance Test was then performed using low, medium and high concentrations of those four spices to establish the most acceptable sensory intensities. The elected quantities (0.5 g "dedo-de-moça" chili, 15 g nirá garlic, 15 g leek and 5 g thyme) were added to the chicken broth, then challenged with Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) at a final 10 concentration of CFU/mL, the tolerated limit according to legislation. The control group was chicken broth without spices. The bacterial growth was measured at every two hours after the inoculation until 24 hours of confront were completed, using a selective medium for thermo-resistant coliforms, under constant incubation at 25ºC in DBO. Arbitrary values were assigned to the logarithmic growth variations. Compared to the control group, all the spiced treatments individually presented significant antibacterial activity, although the latter was not significant when treatments were compared with each other. However, as regards the antibacterial activity starting time, "dedo-de-moça" chili had the best results, whereas nirá garlic had the best results as regard the extension of this activity time. The 12 studied spice plants had their sensorial characteristics attested, and the four plants that had the best results had proved in loco anti-thermo-resistant coliform activity. Different spice plants were capable of providing sensory and sanitary qualification in chicken broth, under domestic conditions of manipulation.

Resumo: Introdução: O primeiro caso de infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 foi diagnosticado na região centro de Portugal no dia 16 de Junho de 2009, numa mulher infectada no Canadá. Métodos: O nosso estudo tem por objectivos, em primeiro lugar caracterizar os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de todos os doentes que tiveram manifestações clínicas incluídas na definição de caso para investigação com amostras submetidas para diagnóstico da infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009; em segundo lugar, avaliar a precisão da definição de caso para investigação de acordo com a presença ou ausência de febre no momento da observação clinica. Efectuámos a revisão dos registos médicos de todos os doentes classificados como caso para investigação e analisaram-se os primeiros casos de doentes infectados com o novo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009, diagnosticados na região centro de Portugal durante o período pandémico compreendido entre Junho e Agosto de 2009.Foi utilizado o método da reacção em cadeia da polimerase de retrotranscripção em tempo real para confirmação da infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009. A colheita de dados foi efectuada de forma padronizada em suporte de papel de acordo com as normas da Direcçào Geral de Saúde. Resultados e discussão: A infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 foi confirmada laboratorialmente em 255 casos. A idade média foi de 23 anos e 42,7 % foram incluídos na categoria dos 20 aos 29 anos. A infecção em doentes com menos de 2 anos ou mais de 50 anos foi um acontecimiento raro. Os primeiros casos foram importados da Europa: Franca, Espanha e Inglaterra. Numa segunda fase, a infecção foi adquirida no sul de Portugal (Algarve). A taxa de incidência de infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 foi de 10,7 por 100 000 pessoas e foi diferente consoante o distrito. Foi mais elevado no distrito de Coimbra e da Guarda onde estão as principais estradas de ligação com a Europa. O período de incubação calculado para a infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 foi de 2 dias. A duração das manifestações clínicas até os doentes procurarem observação médica teve um valor mediano de 2 dias. Todos os casos foram de gravidade ligeira a moderada, sem casos de morte. Conclusões: Os dias iniciais da infecção pelo vírus da gripe pandémica (H1N1) 2009 foram caracterizados na nossa região por casos de doença com gravidade ligeira a moderada. Os mais afectados foram os jovens adultos, com as idades extremas da vida poupadas. O diagnóstico precoce, o isolamento estrito e o tratamento podem ter diminuído a disseminação da infecção. Abstract: Background: The first case of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was diagnosed in the central region of Portugal on June 16, 2009, in a woman infected in Canada. Methods: The aim of our study was, first to characterize the clinical and epidemiologic aspects of all the patients with clinical manifestations included in the definition of case for investigation with samples submitted to diagnosis of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection, in the central region of Portugal; second to assess the precision of the case definition of case for investigation considered in the study according to the presence or the absence of fever at the moment of clinical observation. We reviewed the medical records of all the patients presenting with Influenza like-illness classified as case for investigation and the first cases of patients infected with the new pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, diagnosed in the central region of Portugal during the pandemic period between June and August, 2009, were analyzed. Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) testing was used to confirm the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. Data collection was performed on a standardized paper format in agreement with the General Health Directorate. Results and discussion: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was confirmed in 255 patients. Overall, median age was 23 years and 42.7 % were included in the category of 20 to 29 years. Confirmed infection in patients with less than 2 years or greater than 50 years was a rare event. The first cases were imported from Europe, namely France, Spain and England. On a second phase, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was acquired in the south of Portugal (Algarve), before de diagnosis of the first domestic case. The incidence rate for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was 10.7 per 100,000 persons and was different according to the district. It was higher in the district of Coimbra and Guarda were the main roads connecting to Europe are. The median calculated incubation period for the for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was 2 days. The length of the clinical manifestations until the patients look for medical observation had a median time of 2 days. All the cases were of mild to moderate severity. No deaths were observed. Conclusions: The early days of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection was mild in our region. Most affected patients were young adults, with the extreme categories ages of life being spared. Early detection and diagnosis, combined with stringent isolation and treatment procedures could have slowed the spread of the infection in our region. : Palavras-Chave, Gripe, Influenza, H1N1, Pandemia, 2009, Keywords: Influenza, H1N1, Pandemics, 2009

The biomass gasification is gaining attention of scientists and researchers worldwide to be an innovative and efficient method for producing clean energy. While consuming 'junk' organic, such as sugarcane bagasse or rice husk, the gas produced in the process is used for heat or electricity generation (or gas turbine engines), synthesis of liquid fuels, hydrogen production, chemical synthesis and manufacturing of fuel cells. However, a key challenge in the development and improvement of the biomass gasification process is cleaning the gas produced in order to ensure its quality and applicability. Among the main impurities found in the gasification gas, the tar is one of the worst, the presence of this kind of impurity can prejudice the performance of the process and also damage equipment. There are several methods for tar removal. Catalytic process is the most studied and the one that shows the best results. This paper presents an isothermal mathematical model that characterizes production and consumption of tar, modelled by toluene, reforming reaction using nickel- based catalyst. A computer code in FORTRAN 90 language was developed to perform the simulation, which described the concentrations of the main components (C7H8, O2, H2 and CO), as well as the reaction yield and influence of temperature on generation of products. Then the optimum conditions for carrying out the process were determined.

Glucose is the most available hexose as it can be obtained from the most abundant and renewable biomass on Earth, cellulose. In addition, glucose can be catalytically transformed into furan derivates such as hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) and furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) which are potential compounds to prepare polymeric materials and biofuels. The catalytic conversion of glucose can proceed via three chemical routes. Firstly, glucose isomerization can produce fructose. Secondly, the dehydration process of glucose to obtain 1,6-anhydroglucose and finally, the dehydration of fructose and small fragments such as glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone through a retro-aldol condensation to obtain HMF [1,2]. It has been shown that basic catalysts are more efficient to convert glucose into fructose. However, acidic properties are also needed to facilitate the dehydration process in order to obtain furan derivates. Titanium oxide catalysts appear to be an appropriate catalyst for an industrial process whereby glucose is converted due to both its acidic and basic properties and its low synthesis cost. Based on this, glucose conversion was studied with a TiO2 catalyst obtained by a sol-gel method. The reactions were performed as a function of reaction time (2, 4, 6, and 8 h)and temperature (393, 403, 413 and 423 K). N2 physisorption analysis revealed a mesoporous structure for the titania with a pore diameter range from 10 to 110 Å, superficial area of 128 m2/g and total pore volume of the 1.7x10-7 m3/g. The structural characterization by XRD showed that the titania was present in the anatasepolymorph. The catalytic results showed that the lower temperature and reaction time increases the fructose yield. However, significant amounts of HMF were detected at higher temperatures and reaction time.

Conceptual process synthesis (CPS) is an important issue in chemical processing industries. This paper is based on a schematic diagram of 2.5 dimethylfuran (DMF) production from fructose [ Y. R. Leshkov, C. J. Barrett, Z. L. Liu, J. A. Dumesic. Production of dimethylfuran for liquid fuels from biomass-derived carbohydrates. Nature (2007), doi:10.1038/nature05923]. It assessed the general steps of the life cycle of an 2.5-dimethylfuran (DMF) industrial production project. Chemical route synthesis, process development (thermodynamic modeling) and process engineering (defining basic equipment for economic evaluation) were investigated. The process flow diagram (PFD) was made in the commercial process simulator UNISimTM. A literature review on the process was carried out in order to determine which thermodynamic model would be suitable to represent the phase equilibrium. In the system studied (fructose, 1-butanol, sodium chloride, water, chloride acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, 2,5 dimethylfuran) the presence of the sodium chloride affects the phase equilibrium. In this work, consider the salt as simple molecule, rather than distributed charged ions in the solution. This allows the use of the UNIQUAC model. The binary interaction parameters of the model were estimated from experimental data in literature of liquid-liquid equilibrium. The process for DMF production was simulated with these parameters. The process separates water from the 1-butanol and water, 1-butanol and DMF. The material and energy balances were performed by UNISimTM software. Economic evaluation showed that a suitable operational condition could work with 174 mil t/y of fructose and could produce 155 mil t/y of DMF. The cost of DMF was 1.95 U$$/kg. The DMF value and the thermal energy consumption are key issues for a profitable operation of the plant. This analysis suggests that DMF production from fructose deserves serious consideration by investors.