Search

Este breve trabalho apresenta uma sucinta descrição, assente numa pequena amostra, do uso de preposições por indivíduos surdos, utilizadores da língua gestual portuguesa (LGP) como primeira língua. O facto de o português ser uma língua que recorre com abundância a palavras funcionais, ao contrário da LGP que pela sua modalidade visual não se socorre deste recurso, levou-nos a interrogar a raiz dos desvios que os Surdos, utilizadores do português como língua segunda (PL2), demostrar no uso contextual do sistema preposicional português. Para isso, analisámos um conjunto de frases sem licitação e apresentamos as nossas propostas em relação ao uso das preposições. Sugerimos também atividades que possam fomentar a aprendizagem do PL2 por estudantes surdos por forma a promover uma escrita autónoma e escorreita.

Cancer inflicts a tremendous burden on modern society, and more effective and selective treatments need to be developed. Metallodrugs have been extensively explored as alternatives to current chemotherapeutic regimens that suffer from shortcomings such as severe side effects and acquired resistance. Hydrazide-hydrazones are a family of organic molecules containing the hydrazone functionality attached to a carbonyl group (−C=N−NH−CO). These molecules are extremely versatile and can be obtained from modular reactions between hydrazides and aldehydes or ketones, of which a large library is commercially available. Hydrazide-hydrazones show numerous therapeutic effects, and typically, their metal complexes exhibit increased potency. This review aims to highlight the potential of hydrazide-hydrazone metal complexes in the field of anticancer research. It focuses on the literature published in the last 10 years (2013-2023) and describes their biological effects, their antiproliferative activity and their mechanisms of action. It is organized by metal ion, including Cu, Ru, Pt, Pd, V, other d-block, lanthanide, and Ga and Sn ions. It highlights the diversity of molecules being developed and can be used as a guide for developing new hydrazide–hydrazones as efficient anticancer agents.

We report the synthesis and characterization of a group of benzoylhydrazones (Ln) derived from 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline and benzylhydrazides containing distinct para substituents (R = H, Cl, F, CH3, OCH3, OH and NH2, for L1-7, respectively; in L8 isonicotinohydrazide was used instead of benzylhydrazide). Cu(II) complexes were prepared by reaction of each benzoylhydrazone with Cu(II) acetate. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and mass spectrometry as well as by FTIR, UV-visible absorption, NMR or electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. Complexes isolated in the solid state (1–8) are either formulated as [Cu(HL)acetate] (with L1 and L4) or as [Cu(Ln)]3 (n = 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were done for L5 and [Cu(L5)]3, confirming the trinuclear formulation of several complexes. Proton dissociation constants, lipophilicity and solubility were determined for all free ligands by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in 30% (v/v) DMSO/H2O. Formation constants were determined for [Cu(LH)], [Cu(L)] and [Cu(LH−1)] for L = L1, L5 and L6, and also [Cu(LH−2)] for L = L6, and binding modes are proposed, [Cu(L)] predominating at physiological pH. The redox properties of complexes formed with L1, L5 and L6 are investigated by cyclic voltammetry; the formal redox potentials fall in the range of +377 to +395 mV vs. NHE. The binding of the Cu(II)-complexes to bovine serum albumin was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy, showing moderate-to-strong interaction and suggesting formation of a ground state complex. The interaction of L1, L3, L5 and L7, and of the corresponding complexes with calf thymus DNA was evaluated by thermal denaturation. The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was evaluated in malignant melanoma (A-375) and lung (A-549) cancer cells. The complexes show higher activity than the corresponding free ligand, and most complexes are more active than cisplatin. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 8 were selected for additional studies: while these complexes induce reactive oxygen species and double-strand breaks in both cancer cells, their ability to induce cell-death by apoptosis varies. Within the set of compounds tested, 8 emerges as the most promising one, presenting low IC50 values, and high induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage, which eventually lead to high rates of apoptosis.

Introduction: The vulvar area may be affected by many noninfectious conditions with similar clinical appearance, requiring a cutaneous biopsy. Our goal was to characterize the noninfectious vulvar diseases that required a biopsy in a southwestern Europe Central Hospital during a 10-year period. Methods: A retrospective study of all the noninfectious vulvar diseases with histological confirmation diagnosed in our institution was conducted between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017. Results: The sample included a total of 323 biopsies from 317 patients, aged between 11 and 98 years (mean age of 54.2 years). A total of 36 vulvar diseases was identified. Neoplastic conditions were the most frequently found, particularly melanotic macules (22.3%). The most frequent malignant tumor was vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (6.2%) and squamous cell carcinoma (5.6%). The most common dermatosis was lichen sclerosus (12.7%). Conclusion: Neoplasms were the most frequently diagnosed conditions affecting the vulvar area that required a biopsy. Ruling out malignancy was also the main reason to perform a biopsy. This study highlights the variety of noninfectious diseases that may affect the vulva and require a biopsy. Since vulvar diseases may be serious and carry high levels of patient distress a correct understanding of these conditions is crucial.

Designing new metallodrugs for anticancer therapy is a driving force in the scientific community. Aiming to contribute to this field, we hereby report the development of a Schiff base (H2L) derived from the condensation of 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline with 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole and its complexation with transition metal ions. All compounds were characterised by analytical and spectroscopic techniques, which disclosed their structure: [Cu(HL)Cl], [Cu(HL)2], [Ni(HL)(acetate)], [Ni(HL)2], [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)], [VO(HL)2] and [Fe(HL)2Cl(H2O)]. Different binding modes were proposed, showing the ligand’s coordination versatility. The ligand proton dissociation constants were determined, and the tested compounds showed high lipophilicity and light sensitivity. The stability of all complexes in aqueous media and their ability to bind to albumin were screened. Based on an antiproliferative in vitro screening, [Ni(HL)(acetate)] and [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)] were selected for further studies aiming to investigate their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential towards colon cancer. The complexes displayed IC50 < 21 μM towards murine (CT-26) and human (HCT-116) colon cancer cell lines. Importantly, both complexes exhibited superior antiproliferative properties compared to the clinically approved 5-fluorouracil. [Ni(HL)(acetate)] induced cell cycle arrest in S phase in CT-26 cells. For [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)] this effect was observed in both colon cancer cell lines. Additionally, both compounds significantly inhibited cell migration particularly in the human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116. Overall, the therapeutic potential of both metal complexes was demonstrated.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Many current therapies rely on chemotherapeutic agents with poor specificity for tumor cells. The clinical success of cisplatin has prompted the research and design of a huge number of metal-based complexes as potential chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, two zinc(II) complexes, [ZnL2] and [ZnL(AcO)], where AcO is acetate and L is an organic compound combining 8-hydroxyquinoline and a benzothiazole moiety, were developed and characterized. Analytical and spectroscopic studies, namely, NMR, FTIR, and UV-Vis allowed us to establish the complexes’ structures, demonstrating the ligand-binding versatility: tetradentate in [ZnL(AcO)] and bidentate in [ZnL2]. Complexes were screened in vitro using murine and human colon cancer cells cultured in 2D and 3D settings. In 2D cells, the IC50 values were 2] and was chosen for further studies. Moreover, based on the weak selectivity of the zinc-based complex towards cancer cell lines in comparison to the non-tumorigenic cell line, its incorporation in long-blood-circulating liposomes was performed, aiming to improve its targetability. The resultant optimized liposomal nanoformulation presented an I.E. of 76% with a mean size under 130 nm and a neutral surface charge and released the metal complex in a pH-dependent manner. The antiproliferative properties of [ZnL(AcO)] were maintained after liposomal incorporation. Preliminary safety assays were carried out through hemolytic activity that never surpassed 2% for the free and liposomal forms of [ZnL(AcO)]. Finally, in a syngeneic murine colon cancer mouse model, while free [ZnL(AcO)] was not able to impair tumor progression, the respective liposomal nanoformulation was able to reduce the relative tumor volume in the same manner as the positive control 5-fluorouracil but, most importantly, using a dosage that was 3-fold lower. Overall, our results show that liposomes were able to solve the solubility issues of the new metal-based complex and target it to tumor sites.

Burnout has been recognized as a serious health problem. In Portugal, before COVID-19 Pandemic, there were strong indicators of high prevalence of burnout in physicians and nurses. However, the Portuguese Health Care Service was able to efficiently respond to the increased demands. This study intends to understand how psychosocial variables might have been protective factors for burnout in physicians and nurses in Portugal. Specifically, we considered several psychosocial variables that have been found to be protective factors for burnout in previous research and we compared their predictive and unique impact in the prediction of burnout. These variables are perceptions of justice (distributive, procedural, justice from colleagues, justice from patients, and their families), professional identification, meaningful work and empathy. We also included workload, as a risk factor, and controlled other variables that can be confounds for burnout, such as socio-demographic variables, ideological variables (religiosity, political orientation), and specific variables related with COVID-19 pandemic. The sample of the present study is composed by 229 physicians (aged between 23 and 70 years old, M = 36.54; SD = 10.72; 48% male and 52% female) and 268 nurses (aged between 22 and 69 years old, M = 34.96; SD = 9.52; 27% male and 73% female). An online survey was created using Qualtrics and participants were recruited via Facebook and LinkedIn. The data were collected during 29 days (between the 45th and the 74th days after the first diagnosed case of COVID-19 in Portugal). The results showed that workload was a significant risk factor, except for disengagement in physicians. The most consistent protectors across samples were procedural justice (for both dimensions of burnout, both in physicians and nurses) and professional identification (for disengagement, both in physicians and nurses; for exhaustion only in physicians). This study suggests that decreasing workload and promoting procedural justice and professional identification are key factors that might be simultaneously and independently addressed in interventions for reducing the risk of burnout or preventing it from occurring in the first place.

This dataset is related to the research article entitled “May iron(III) complexes containing phenanthroline derivatives as ligands be prospective anticancer agents?” [1]. It includes the characterization by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and magnetic techniques of a group of mixed ligand Fe(III) complexes bearing a tripodal aminophenolate ligand L2−, H2L = N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, and different aromatic bases (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine [Fe(L)(bipy)]PF6 (1), 1,10-phenanthroline [Fe(L)(phen)]PF6 (2), or a phenanthroline derivative co-ligand: [Fe(L)(amphen)]NO3 (3), [Fe(L)(amphen)]PF6 (3a), [Fe(L)(Clphen)]PF6 (4), [Fe(L)(epoxyphen)]PF6 (5) (where amphen = 1,10-phenanthroline-5-amine, epoxyphen = 5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, Clphen = 5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline), as well as [Fe(L)(EtOH)]NO3 (6), [Fe(phen)Cl3] (7) and [Fe(amphen)Cl3] (8). Data on their hydrolytic stability in physiological buffers is shown, as well as on their interaction with calf thymus DNA by spectroscopic tools. Additionally, the anticancer efficacy and the cellular death mechanisms activated in response to these drugs in HeLa, H1299 and MDA-MB-231 cells are provided. Keywords: Fe(III) complexes, Phenanthroline, Anticancer, Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity

Problema: As longas filas e a dificuldade de atendimento nas Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF) são uma realidade conhecida no Brasil. O acesso avançado representa uma nova proposta de acolhimento e gestão da oferta de vagas para consultas. Neste contexto de dificuldade de acesso, foi inaugurada em março de 2016 em Recife, uma nova Unidade de Saúde da Família 24 horas. Após 6 meses de atendimento neste serviço, a equipe Alfa, nome fictício, sentia-se desmotivada pelas reclamações relativas à dificuldade de acesso. Mobilizada pela insatisfação da população foi proposta uma intervenção para reorganização da oferta de vagas para consultas e do modelo de agendamento com base no acesso avançado. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a experiência de reorganização da agenda e da oferta de vagas para consultas; as mudanças do número e do tipo dos atendimentos da equipe após implantação deste novo modelo de acesso; e a percepção dos integrantes da equipe quanto à experiência. Métodos: A primeira etapa da iniciativa incluiu a identificação da viabilidade da intervenção a partir do cálculo da demanda diária de atendimentos. Em seguida, foi criado um novo modelo de agenda desenvolvido fora do e-SUS e que utilizava o Google® Drive e disponibilizados três tempos para as consultas: 5 minutos, 10 minutos e 20 minutos, denominadas respectivamente de rápida, intermediária e estendida. Resultados: No terceiro mês após a mudança foi observado o desaparecimento dos atendimentos classificados como urgência pelo antigo modelo, a ampliação de 65% no número de atendimentos da equipe Alfa com transformação do perfil de atendimento de 70% de consultas agendadas para 70% de consultas do dia. Conclusão: A experiência mostrou ser possível uma ampliação no acesso através do incremento no número de atendimentos a partir da reorganização da agenda baseada no modelo de acesso avançado.

Three copper(II) complexes, Cu(Sal-Gly)(phen), Cu(Sal-Gly)pheamine, Cu(Sal-Gly)phepoxy were synthesized and characterized for their anticancer properties and mechanism of action (Acilan et al., in press) [1]. Here, we provide supporting data on colon cancer cell lines complementing our previous findings in cervix cells. This paper also contains a data table for the fold changes and p-values of all genes analyzed in this study via a custom RT-qPCR array. All compounds induced DNA damage (based on 8-oxo-guanidine, ɣH2AX staining in cells) and apoptosis (based on elevated DNA condensation/fragmentation, Annexin V staining, caspase 3/7 activity and mitochondrial membrane depolarization) in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The increase in oxidative stress was also further confirmed in these cells. Further interpretation of the data presented here can be found in the article entitled “Synthesis, biological characterization and evaluation of molecular mechanisms of novel copper complexes as anticancer agents” (Acilan et al., in press) [1].

Insulin is a peptide hormone with many physiological functions, besides its use in diabetes treatment. An important role of insulin is related to the wound healing process—however, insulin itself is too sensitive to the external environment requiring the protective of a nanocarrier. Polymer-based nanoparticles can protect, deliver, and retain the protein in the target area. This study aims to produce and characterize a topical treatment for wound healing consisting of insulin-loaded poly-DL-lactide/glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles. Insulin-loaded nanoparticles present a mean size of approximately 500 nm and neutral surface charge. Spherical shaped nanoparticles are observed by scanning electron microscopy and confirmed by atomic force microscopy. SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated that insulin preserved its integrity and secondary structure after the encapsulation process. In vitro release studies suggested a controlled release profile. Safety of the formulation was confirmed using cell lines, and cell viability was concentration and time-dependent. Preliminary safety in vivo assays also revealed promising results.

In aqueous media, VIV- and VV-ions and compounds undergo chemical changes such as hydrolysis, ligand exchange and redox reactions that depend on pH and concentration of the vanadium species, and on the nature of the several components present. In particular, the behaviour of vanadium compounds in biological fluids depends on their environment and on concentration of the many potential ligands present. However, when reporting the biological action of a particular complex, often the possibility of chemical changes occurring has been neglected, and the modifications of the complex added are not taken into account. In this work, we highlight that as soon as most vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) compounds are dissolved in a biological media, they undergo several types of chemical transformations, and these changes are particularly extensive at the low concentrations normally used in biological experiments. We also emphasize that in case of a biochemical interaction or effect, to determine binding constants or the active species and/or propose mechanisms of action, it is essential to evaluate its speciation in the media where it is acting. This is because the vanadium complex no longer exists in its initial form.

Dye compounds are becoming a problematic class of pollutants for the environment, so it is important to develop stable catalysts for their elimination. First, several studies were performed with different Y zeolites (NaY, (NH4)Y and USY) in order to select the best support for the preparation of the bimetallic catalysts. In particular, NaY zeolite was used as the support for Fe, Cu and Mn metals to prepare mono and bimetallic Fenton-type catalysts by the ion exchange method. The catalysts were characterized by several techniques, such as chemical analysis, nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry studies. Characterization results revealed that the metals were successfully ion-exchanged within the NaY zeolite. The prepared catalysts were tested for the aqueous-phase degradation of dye compounds (Procion yellow (PY) and Tartrazine (Tar)) at atmospheric pressure and different temperatures, using H2O2 as the oxidant. All the investigated samples were found to be active in degrading the dyes through the Fenton-type process; however, the oxidation rate was found to be higher in the presence of the bimetallic catalysts. CuFe-NaY displays the best mineralization rate for PY oxidation while MnFe-NaY shows the highest activity for Tar degradation. This work may provide further insight into the design of Fenton-type bimetallic catalysts with improved catalytic properties for environmental remediation.

Currently, insulin can only be administered through the subcutaneous route. Due to the flaws associated with this route, it is of interest to orally deliver this drug. However, insulin delivered orally has several barriers to overcome as it is degraded by the stomach’s low pH, enzymatic content, and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Polymers with marine source like chitosan are commonly used in nanotechnology and drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and special features. This work focuses on the preparation and characterization of mucoadhesive insulin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Results showed a suitable mean size for oral administration (

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, with an extremely poor prognosis. The development of more effective therapies is thus imperative. Natural origin compounds isolated from Plectranthus genus, such as parvifloron D (PvD), have cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against human tumour cells. However, PvD is a very low water-soluble compound, being nanotechnology a promising alternative strategy to solve this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize a nanosystem for preferential delivery of PvD to pancreatic tumour cells. Albumin nanoparticles (BSA NPs) were produced through a desolvation method. Glucose cross-linking and bioactive functionalization profiles of BSA platform were elucidated and analysed using static lattice atomistic simulations in vacuum. Using the optimized methodology, PvD was encapsulated (yield higher than 80%) while NPs were characterized in terms of size (100−400 nm) and morphology. Importantly, to achieve a preferential targeting to pancreatic cancer cells, erlotinib and cetuximab were attached to the PvD-loaded nanoparticle surface, and their antiproliferative effects were evaluated in BxPC3 and Panc-1 cell lines. Erlotinib conjugated NPs presented the highest antiproliferative effect toward pancreatic tumour cells. Accordingly, cell cycle analysis of the BxPC3 cell line showed marked accumulation of tumour cells in G1-phase and cell cycle arrest promoted by NPs. As a result, erlotinib conjugated PvD-loaded BSA NPs must be considered a suitable and promising carrier to deliver PvD at the tumour site, improving the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Using representative probabilistic samples of Portuguese citizens and framed by an intergroup perspective, we carried out two studies aiming to address how national identification and belief in a just world (BJW) jointly predict secondary victimization of an ingroup as a whole (specifically ingroup blame). We conducted Study 1 (N = 779) in 2014, at the height of the European austerity policies imposed on Portugal by an institutional outgroup, specifically the Troika (the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund). Study 2 (N = 1140) was conducted after the Troika intervention. An environment of ongoing ingroup suffering caused by an outgroup is more threatening for the BJW of individuals who are more identified with the ingroup. We therefore predicted and found that BJW was positively associated with ingroup blame in participants higher in national identification when the victimization provoked by an institutional outgroup was higher (Study 1). However, when the suffering caused by the outgroup decreased, the association between BJW and secondary victimization was not moderated by individuals’ national identification (Study 2). Indeed, a three-way interaction was found between BJW, national identification, and social context (high vs. low victimization). These results are an important contribution for the literature about justice motivation in terms of intergroup relations, because they show that secondary victimization produced by a threat to BJW has a group-based identity function.

Com este estudo pretendemos investigar quais são os preditores da intenção de participação dos caloiros na praxe académica. Para tal, recorremos à teoria da ação planeada (Ajzen, 1991) que permite analisar o peso relativo das atitudes, da norma subjetiva, e do controlo comportamental percebido nas intenções de ser praxado. Os participantes, estudantes universitários (N = 353) a frequentar o 1º ano de uma Licenciatura, preencheram um questionário. Os resultados confirmaram o valor preditivo da teoria, tendo sido a atitude e o controlo comportamental percebido preditores significativos da intenção dos caloiros em serem praxados. A norma subjetiva não se mostrou um preditor significativo. As implicações teóricas e sociais destes resultados são discutidas.

Corrosion represents high losses to the economy, therefore, researches on the minimization of its damages in materials, mainly the metallic ones, are necessary. Among the various alternatives of protection against corrosion, there is the application of corrosion inhibitors that can minimize or even stop the corrosive process of metallic materials. However, at present, substances usually used as corrosion inhibitors present high toxicity, being considered harmful components to the environment and to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for studies on viable corrosion inhibitors, by considering not only economic but also environmental costs. The present work studied the use of cocoa bark extract (Theobrama cacao L), for possible replacement of benzotriazole (BTAH) in the corrosion inhibition of ASTM 1020 carbon steel (CS- ASTM 1020) in 18.23 g.L-1 hydrochloric acid media. Weight loss measurements, anodic and cathodic potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance experiments were carried out. The results showed that the addition of the extract to the electrolyte effectively hinder the corrosion process and indicated its adsorption on the electrode surface. In addition, the inhibiting efficiency of the cocoa bark extract was only slightly inferior to BTAH, showing that it can be an environmentally friendly option to toxic inhibitors.

Reactions between N6O4 macrocyclic 1,4,19,22,25,40-hexaaza-10,13,31,34-tetraoxa-6,14,27,35(1,4)-tetrabenzenacyclopentacontane (L) and several copper salts (viz. trifuoromethane and toluene sulfonates, nitrate, perchlorate, benzoate, and acetate) led to the formation of dinuclear compounds [Cu2(OSO2CF3)2(DMF)2L](SO3CF3)2 (1), [Cu2(p-OSO2C6H4Me)2L(DMF)2](SO3C6H4Me)2 (2), [Cu2(ONO2)2L(DMF)2](NO3)2 (3), [Cu2(OClO3)2(DMF)2L](ClO4)2 (4), [Cu2(OOCPh)2L(H2O)2](O2CPh)2 (5), and [Cu2(OOCMe)4L] (6), which were characterized by IR, elemental analysis and TG-DTA (thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis), as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis). The molecular structures of compounds 1−6 reveal a considerable conformational flexibility of the ligand L, which allowed its readjustment for the formation of the metal compounds and confirmed the presence of dinuclear endo macrocyclic species. In every case, the L ligand coordinates to each copper cation via three nitrogen atoms, with the remaining coordination positions of the metal square pyramid environment being accomplished by neutral or anionic ligands. The macrocyclic cavities appear to be adequate for the enclosure of a neutral species as proved by compound 6 with 1,4-dioxane. The compounds, in combination with the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyloxyl) radical and in alkaline aqueous solution, act as efficient catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of different alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes (yields up to 99% and TON up 232) after 20 h at 70 °C. In addition, the microwave-assisted solvent-free peroxidative oxidation (by tert-butylhydroperoxide, TBHP) of 1-phenylethanol led to acetophenone yields up to 99% and TOF of 1.1 × 103 after 0.5 h, without any additive.

Pneumomediastinum, the presence of free air in the mediastinum, is described as spontaneous pneumomediastinum when there is no apparent cause such as trauma, surgery, interventional procedures, or intrathoracic infections. Pneumorrhachis is a rare clinical condition, consisting of intraspinal air. The main causes are iatrogenic, traumatic, and nontraumatic. Spontaneous mediastinum is usually associated with subcutaneous emphysema and, occasionally, with pneumothorax; however, its association with pneumorrhachis is extremely rare. Here, we present two rare cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum associated with pneumorrhachis caused by vigorous coughing.

The application of functionalized nanocarriers on photothermal therapy for cancer ablation has wide interest. The success of this application depends on the therapeutic efficiency and biocompatibility of the system, but also on the stability and biorecognition of the conjugated protein. This study aims at investigating the hypothesis that EGF functionalized polymer-coated gold nanoparticles promote EGF photostability and EGFR internalization, making these conjugated particles suitable for photothermal therapy. The conjugated gold nanoparticles (100-200 nm) showed a plasmon absorption band located within the near-infrared range (650-900 nm), optimal for photothermal therapy applications. The effects of temperature, of polymer-coated gold nanoparticles and of UVB light (295nm) on the fluorescence properties of EGF have been investigated with steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence properties of EGF, including the formation of Trp and Tyr photoproducts, is modulated by temperature and by the intensity of the excitation light. The presence of polymeric-coated gold nanoparticles reduced or even avoided the formation of Trp and Tyr photoproducts when EGF is exposed to UVB light, protecting this way the structure and function of EGF. Cytotoxicity studies of conjugated nanoparticles carried out in normal-like human keratinocytes showed small, concentration dependent decreases in cell viability (0-25%). Moreover, conjugated nanoparticles could activate and induce the internalization of overexpressed Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in human lung carcinoma cells. In conclusion, the gold nanoparticles conjugated with Epidermal Growth Factor and coated with biopolymers developed in this work, show a potential application for near infrared photothermal therapy, which may efficiently destroy solid tumours, reducing the damage of the healthy tissue.

Introdução: A polimiosite (PM) e a dermatomiosite são classificadas como miopatias inflamatórias idiopáticas. O envolvimento pulmonar por PM é pouco frequente, estando descrito na literatura em cerca de 10% de casos. Os autores apresentam um caso de uma mulher de 75 anos, com queixas de febre, perda ponderal, artralgias, mialgias e diminuição simétrica e proximal da força muscular com impotência funcional dos membros superiores e inferiores, com início um mês antes do internamento. Apresentava infiltrados pulmonares na telerradiografia de tórax. Após estudo exaustivo estabeleceu -se o diagnóstico de envolvimento pulmonar na forma de pneumonia organizativa por PM. Efectuou-se corticoterapia e terapêutica com micofenolato com melhoria clínica, analítica e radiológica. Conclusão: Neste caso, foi a alteração na telerradiografia de tórax numa doente sem sintomatologia respiratória que levou ao estudo exaustivo até ao diagnóstico de PM, realçando mais uma vez a importância da telerradiografia no rastreio de patologias de outros foros.Introduction: Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are classified as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Interstitial lung disease is rare and is described in the literature in about 10% of cases. The authors describes a case of 75 year old woman presenting with one month evolution of fever, weight loss, arthralgia, myalgia and symmetric and proximal muscle weakness of upper and lower limbs. Nonspecific interstitial changes was found in chest X -ray. After exhaustive study, the diagnosis of pulmonary envolvement in the form of organizing pneumonia by polymyositis, was established. Glucocorticoids and mycophenolate were prescribed with good clinical, analytical and radiological outcome. Conclusion: In this case, it was the changes in the chest X -ray in a patient without respiratory symptomatology, that conducted to exhaustive study to polymyositis diagnosis, enhancing once again the importance of X -ray in the screaning of pathologies of other systems.

Os enfermeiros têm um papel fundamental na gestão eficaz da dor. A avaliação da dor, a intervenção imediata e a apreciação dos resultados clínicos obtidos com a intervenção são necessários para uma gestão eficaz. Muitos enfermeiros podem não estar preparados para assumir uma atitude crítica quer por falta de conhecimentos, quer por atitudes individuais negativas perante a dor. Desta forma, o Workgroup Dor da Associação de Enfermagem Oncológica Portuguesa (AEOP) decidiu pesquisar quais os conhecimentos e atitudes dos enfermeiros que fazem parte desta associação, sobre a dor. Para tal, foi utilizado o questionário (versão adaptada) “Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain” (KASRP), já validado em vários estudos internacionais semelhantes. Os resultados obtidos dos 87 questionários respondidos foram satisfatórios, já que cerca de 79,5% das questões relacionadas com os conhecimentos e atitudes foram corretamente respondidas. No entanto, alguns destes resultados demonstraram haver ainda algumas lacunas, como por exemplo na área de conhecimentos relativos à farmacologia. Assim, o Workgroup Dor já se encontra a trabalhar em estratégias de educação e formação na área da dor, pretendendo dar respostas a algumas das lacunas identificadas. Pretende também proceder à tradução, adaptação linguística e cultural do KASRP para a língua portuguesa e, posteriormente, alargar esta pesquisa a uma amostra maior de enfermeiros. Este artigo é o desenvolvimento de um poster apresentado nas Jornadas da Primavera em Évora, em Março de 2015, e de uma comunicação livre apresentada na AEOP7, ambos premiados.

RESUMO: Nos finais do século XX a poluição ambiental é um tema da maior actualidade.O crescimento desmedido das cidades, a crescente industrialização e o aparecimento dos mais variados produtos nocivos ao Homem, fazem com que o 'ambiente de risco' seja um lugar comum.Prevenir os efeitos nocivos desse ambiente de risco, é preocupação dos governantes, técnicos do ambiente e profissionais da saúde.Essa prevenção deverá exercerse em três campos: â Fora dos edificios â Dentro dos edificios â Dentro dos edificios industrializados e fábricas. Fora dos edificios deverá terse especial atenção à poluição automóvel e aos locais próximos de zonas industrializadas, sendo para isso necessária a educação do cidadão, a medição dos níveis de poluição e o uso de tecnologias limpas e pouco poluentes.Dentro dos edificios, a prevenção do 'ambiente de risco' deve ter em atenção a manutenção da humidade e temperaturas adequadas e sistemas de ventilação e renovação do ar eficazes. As salas de reuniões devem ter dimensões apropriadas de acordo com o número de pessoas que comporta, os hábitos tabágicos e a existência de computadores.A prevenção dos efeitos nocivos de 'ambiente de risco' dentro dos edificios industrializados ou fábricas deve incidir essencialmente em 2 pontos: â Vigilância do meio ambiente â Vigilância médica do trabalbador. A vigilância do meio ambiente compreende fundamentalmente a caracterização do posto de trabalho, a medição de concentração dos poluentes e a existência de meios de ventilação e renovação de ar.A vigilância médica do trabalhador deve iniciar-se nos exames de admissão para determinado posto de trabalho e nos exames periódicos. Devem essencialmente incluir: interrogatório clínico, radiografia do tórax e estudo da função respiratória. ABSTRACT: In the twilight of XX century, the environmental pollution is a important up-to-date subject.The huge growth of the cities, the increasing industrialization, and the emergence of various men-related noxious products, have mach 'risk-environment' a common place.To prevent the harmful effects of this risk environment should be an apprehension of the goverments, environment technicians and health professionals.This prevention should act in three fields: â Outside the buildings â Inside the buildings â Inside the factories and·industrialised buildings.Outside the buildings a special attention should be drawen to car pollution and the places neighbouring the industrialised zones. The education of citizens, measuring of pollution levels and the use of clear and less pollutants technologies, is of almost importance in this situation.Inside the buildings, the prevention of 'risk environment' should take into consideration the maintenance of adequate humidity and temperatures as well as effection air ventilation and renovation systems.The meeting rooms should have dimensions appropriate to the number of people, smoking habits and the existence of computers.To avert the harmful effects of 'risk environment' inside the factories and industrialised buildings, the following measures should be taken: â Environmental vigilance â Medical watchfulness of the labours.The environmental vigilance corresponds fundamentally in outhing the wonn place, measuring pollutants concentration, and the existence of air ventilation and renovation means.The medical watchfulness of labours should begin in admission and periodical tests for a certain work-place.The tests should incise on clinical inquiry, chest X-ray and assessment of lung function. Palavras-chave: Prevenção, Doenças Respiratórias, Ambiente de risco, Key-words: Prevention, Respiratory Diseases, Risk environment

Au cours de notre recherche de manuscrits arthuriens français en rapport avec des témoins ibériques, spécialement du Libro de Lançarote de Lago, nous avons trouvé les manuscrits 3479 et 3480 de la Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal. Ils contiennent un cycle arthurien révélant plusieurs points de contact avec celui qui a circulé dans le centre et l’occident de la Péninsule Ibérique. Nous nous proposons de présenter une brève description de ce témoin français, tout en réfléchissant sur les concepts actuellement utilisés par la critique, notamment celui de « Vulgate ». Nous démontrerons son caractère inadéquat dans le contexte d’un corpus textuel marqué par la variété des versions ; nous montrerons aussi que cette variété conforte la conception selon laquelle les textes ibériques représentent des versions et des cycles narratifs différents de ceux que la critique a identifiés en se basant sur la tradition manuscrite française.

The use of molecular tools with a great capacity to detect and differentiate strains of Pneumocystis has resulted: in the identification of low numbers of P. jiroveci organisms in clinically silent, colonized, immunocompromised patients and in immunocompetent persons. Considering this information, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of P. jiroveci carriers (subclinical infections) in Portuguese patients with pulmonary disorders and in healthy individuals. A total of 45 pulmonary specimens were collected from 45 immunocompetent adults with pulmonary disorders, and 37 oral washings from 37 healthy adults, between March 2001 and February 2004. All samples were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies and by amplification of the LSU mtrRNA by nested PCR. The results obtained in this study indicate that: 1) P. jiroveci is frequently detected (24.4%) in patients with pulmonary disorders in Portugal; 2) this population might play a role in circulation and transmission of P. jiroveci organisms in the community; 3) patients receiving corticosteroids are more likely to have detectable P. jiroveci in lungs (18%) than patients who are not receiving this immunosuppressor (12%); 4) P. jiroveci is infrequently detected in healthy adults. This may be due to very low numbers of latent organisms present in the lungs of healthy adults, difficulty in detecting few organisms, or due to the type of samples used. Screening of these individuals and notification of the results to their physician might be important: for further follow-up and whether or not prophylaxis or treatment should be prescribed; and for the clarification of the epidemiology of P. jiroveci asymptomatic infections.

Abstract Extramammary Paget disease is a rare neoplastic condition that more commonly affects postmenopausal Caucasian women. Although the vulvar area is the most frequently affected location, it corresponds solely to 1 to 2% of all vulvar malignancies. A 72-year-old female patient was observed in our outpatient clinic with a 2-year history of an erythematous and pruritic plaque on the vulva. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry studies were compatible with extramammary Paget disease of the vulva. Associated neoplastic conditions were excluded. Due to multiple relapses, the patient was submitted to three surgical interventions, including a total vulvectomy, and to external radiotherapy. The present case illustrates the chronic and recurrent nature of extramammary Paget disease despite aggressive procedures as well as the challenge in obtaining tumor-free resection margins.