Search

Objectives To assess validity of record linkage using multiple indirect personal identifiers to identify same-patient hospitalisations and definition of episode of care (EC) due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods Using national hospital discharge data to identify all admissions due to ACS, we used six different linkage rules using indirect identifiers with increasing level of detail and compared validity against a pseudonymised unique identifier used as gold standard (GS). Contiguous hospitalisations within each matched group of hospitalizations occurring within 28 days of each other were considered one EC. We classified hospitalisations according to time between the first pair of hospitalisations as hospital transfer (HT: ≤1 day), early readmission (ER: 2–28 days) or recurrent cases (>28 days).Results There were 146 671 hospitalisations (unlinked), 121 987 ACS 28-day EC (linked GS), with 18 398 HTs (≤1 day), and 6286 ERs (≤28 days). Linkage rules using demographic and residence code variables produced linkage rates with highest validity for rule using sex, date of birth and four-digit residence code with sensitivity of 98.4 (95% CI: 98.4 to 98.5); specificity of 97.8 (95% CI: 97.6 to 98.0) and Cohen’s κ of 0.9 to detect ACS-EC, compared with GS linkage rule. Similarly, validity for HT and ER was high and of similar magnitude, with sensitivity ranging between 97.2% and 98.1%, and specificity between 98.8% and 99.9%, respectively.Conclusions Our internal linkage validation study using indirect patient identifiers will allow calibration of incidence rates and performance indicators, accounting for the effect of HT and readmissions.

Abstract Cisplatin is an antineoplastic medicine used in the treatment for various types of cancer. Among its side effects is ototoxicity, which may result in a bilateral and irreversible hearing loss. The ototoxic effect in the pediatric population has a bigger impact as it compromises language acquisition. The discovery of drugs with otoprotective effects and the optimal way to administer them have become significant challenges in minimizing the impact of cisplatin regarding auditory function. The objective was to understand otoprotective drugs and their relevance in the preventive treatment to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in childhood. An integrative review was conducted by consulting databases including PubMed, Bireme, MedLine, LILACS, SciELO, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search strategy was performed by crossing descriptors (DeCS and MeSH) and free terms. Studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were selected, with no publication year restrictions. Subsequently, articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 736 articles were found in PubMed, 431 in Bireme, 425 in MedLine, 6 in LILACS, 0 in SciELO, and 4 in ClinicalTrials.gov. After document analysis, 12 articles were selected for full analysis. Evidence was found for 8 substances with potential otoprotective effects when used with cisplatin, which tend to minimize the impact of cisplatin regarding auditory function. The substances found were: Amifostine, Dexamethasone, Genistein, Ginkgo Biloba, Lycopene, N-acetylcysteine, Polydatin also Sodium Thiosulfate. In general, these drugs are applied before, during, or after cisplatin infusion, depending on the chosen drug, via intravenous, oral, or transtympanic injections, acting as antioxidant therapy. The biochemical effects of these substances are relevant to their potential otoprotective properties, including the inactivation of oxygen free radicals and electrophilic platinum species. The use of these substances can reduce ototoxicity, decreasing cisplatin-induced hearing loss and improving the confort of life, especially for children.

The ceramics sector is crucial to the global economy. This research is devoted to studying the drying process of ceramic parts with arbitrary shapes based on Fick’s second law of diffusion and energy conservation. Herein, the mathematical procedure to obtain the exact solutions of the model equations using the Galerkin-based integral method is provided. In the mathematical modeling are considered constant properties and equilibrium conditions at the surface of the material. Emphasis is given to clay ceramic flat plate. Analytical results of the average moisture content, local temperature, and moisture content and temperature fields within the ceramic parts are presented, followed by an in-depth discussion.

From 1984 until 1994 there were 7 cases of newborn with esophageal atresia without fistulae, five of which were treated through primary anastomosis and two of these presented exceptional long gaps. This article is an analysis of these 7 newborns, their post-operative complications and the therapeutics used. Two deaths occurred due to associated serious cardiac pathologies, which made delayed primary anastomosis impossible, and one sudden death four months after the esophageal anastomosis. Three of these cases present a good stature-weight progression and one remains slightly under the 5 percentile. Considering our results, the delayed primary anastomosis in the esophageal atresias with long gap, in spite of the post-operative complications, shall continue to be the author's choice.

The use of gold for artefact productions underwent substantial developments during Iron Age in western Europe, with the diversification of alloy compositions and the introduction of new technologies and aesthetics. This work presents a detailed study of a Late Iron Age earring from the western Iberian Peninsula and a discussion taking into consideration the alloys and technologies used at the time. The earring has a complex structure, composed of block- and strip-twisted wires and granulation. Characterization by multifocus optical microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF), micro-XRF and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were performed to obtain information on the chemical composition and manufacturing techniques. Results show that the earring was manufactured with wires and granules made of a silver-rich alloy, covered with a gold-rich layer 45 μm thick on average, which acted as an external coating making the entire earring resemble gold. This is a rare example of an Iron Age gilded earring, and its detailed study provides further information on the manufacturing solutions adopted by the Iron Age goldsmiths.

In order to evaluate the influence of different nitrogen rates on the hormetic effect of glyphosate on common bean crop, proposed to study the combination of nitrogen fertilization in succession to low glyphosate doses. The study was conducted under field conditions at the experimental farm of the State University of São Paulo-UNESP, Ilha Solteira campus, located in the city of Selvíria-MS, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with split plots arranged in four blocks. The plots were composed of four glyphosate doses (0, 7.2, 14.4 and 21.6 g of acid equivalent (AE) ha-1) and the subplots were composed of five nitrogen doses (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha-1), with urea as the source. Bean growth was stimulated with a maximum point in the 11 g AE ha-1 sub-dose of glyphosate, however, only in the absence of nitrogen under cover. Leaf N content was higher at the estimated 12 and 11 g AE ha-1 glyphosate doses with 30 and 45 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Hormetic effect on yield was obtained with increments of up to 500 kg ha-1 or 21% at the estimated 10 g AE ha-1 low glyphsate dose. Cooking time was affected by low glyphosate doses, depending on the amount of nitrogen. It was possible to prove the influence of nitrogen on glyphosate hormesis in common bean for dry matter mass, leaf N content, grain yield and cooking time.

El reciente descubrimiento y excavación arqueológica de dos estructuras funerarias ubicadas en Horta do Pinheiro 5 (sur de Portugal) arrojan una nueva luz sobre los primeros momentos del Bronce Medio del suroeste. Estas estructuras, una fosa y un hipogeo, ambas asociadas con otra fosa, han permitido profundizar en el conocimiento de los rituales funerarios practicados en esa época. Las ofrendas funerarias recogidas en ambas estructuras destacan por su carácter opulento y lujoso. Los análisis arqueométricos también han contribuido a identificar las materias primas con las que se fabricaron los ajuares. Dos pulseras, una en cada estructura, son de marfil, una de elefante asiático y la otra de elefante africano, mientras que la daga recuperada en el hipogeo es de cobre y arsénico con remaches de plata, mango recubierto de plata y pomo recubierto de plata y oro. Las manchas rojizas identificadas en la cámara del hipogeo, adheridas tanto al ajuar funerario como a los huesos son de cinabrio. Se analiza y discute la integración e interpretación de estos elementos de prestigio importados, su datación por radiocarbono y la búsqueda de sus paralelos.

The cervical spine is a common site of injury in the vertebral column, with severe injuries often associated with damage to the spinal cord. Several studies have been performed to better understand the mechanisms of such situations and develop ways to treat or even prevent them. Among the most advantageous and most widely used methods are computational models, as they offer unique features such as providing information on strains and stresses that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to help better understand the mechanics of the neck by creating a new finite element model of the human cervical spine that accurately represents most of its components. The initial geometry of the cervical spine was obtained using the computer tomography scans of a 46-year-old female. The complete model was then sectioned, and a functional spinal unit consisting of the C6–C7 segment was simulated to initiate the validation process. The reduced model was validated against experimental data obtained from in vitro tests that evaluated the range of motion of various cervical segments in terms of flexion–extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending.

Abstract Hymenaea martiana is a species popularly known in Northeastern Brazil as “jatobá” and used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of H. martiana. In the present study, we carried out an investigation about the effects of the crude ethanolic extract (Hm-EtOH) and the ethyl acetate fraction (Hm-AcOEt) in models of nociception and inflammation in mice. Chemical (acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin) and thermal stimuli (hot plate) were used for the evaluation of antinociceptive activity, while for the anti-inflammatory profile paw edema induced by carrageenan was used, along with leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. The presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples was characterized through HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt (100, 200 and 400 mg.kg-1, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of abdominal contortions and decreased the paw licking time in the formalin test. In the hot plate, the extract increased the latency time of animals. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited significantly the increase in the edema after the administration of carrageenan. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited leukocyte migration in the peritonitis test. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt revealed the presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples. According to the results of this study, both Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be related with the presence of flavonoid in the extracts. The results reinforce the popular use of this plant.

The circulation trading routes and the characterization of the silver metal used in the European continent in the 15⁻17th centuries are historical issues that are still open. This study aimed to bring an insight into the silver processed within a chronological framework in the Portuguese territory, relating the analytical data with the known historical information. This investigation developed on 230 high silver coins from two important Portuguese coin collections was based mainly on surface particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis, complemented with a few energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyses. The silver processed in different timelines was discriminated based on the variation of the impurity contents, namely Au and Bi. European silver with high Au and Hg and low Pb and Bi contents supplied the 15th century chronologies, being replaced at the dawn of the 16th century by a new metal entering the Portuguese capital. This new metal, with low Au and high Bi contents, was probably derived from European argentiferous copper ores. By the end of the 1500s, the Philippine chronologies reveal the newly discovered Potosí silver, identified for the first time based on PIXE minor and trace element surface contents, distinguishable from the European silver in use until 1578 in the Portuguese territory, by Au contents

Hemos empleado fluorescencia de rayos X por energía dispersiva (EDXRF), emisión de rayos X inducida por partículas (Micro-PIXE) y microscopía (análisis metalográfico), complementada con microscopia electrónica de barrido y espectroscopia de rayos X en energía dispersiva (SEM-EDS), primero para determinar el contenido elemental y segundo para identificar el proceso empleado para unir los componentes (disco, anillo periférico y presilla) de varios de los discos de oro de la Edad del Hierro. Su tipología es muy similar y fueron encontrados en tres yacimientos arqueológicos de la zona suroccidental de la Península Ibérica. Una serie de 35 discos del Castro dos Ratinhos (7), Outeiro da Cabeça (23) y Fortios (5) fueron analizados y sus resultados publicados en Trabajos de Prehistoria (Soares et al. 2010). Recientemente Perea et al. (2016) han publicado análisis de otros 4 discos de oro de Fortios con el mismo propósito pero usando solo SEM-EDS. Al haber analizado solo la capa superficial irregular, los resultados no son reales, ni fiables, considerando las limitaciones asociadas con la técnica, especialmente la escasa profundidad alcanzada (< 2 ?m) por el haz incidente y, consecuentemente, su sensibilidad a la topografía de la superficie analizada. A pesar de esas limitaciones, han aceptado acríticamente sus resultados y, a la vez, han puesto en cuestión nuestros análisis y resultados y las interpretaciones que hemos hecho. Aquí discutimos el enfoque de Perea et al. para determinar no solo el contenido elemental de los discos de oro de Fortios, sino también para identificar el proceso de unión empleado en su manufactura.

Abstract Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring is a species popularly known as “jericó”, and used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate in mice the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hexane (Sc-Hex) and chloroform (Sc-CHCl3) fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) obtained by partition of crude ethanol extract from S. convoluta. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the fractions was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the Sc-Hex and the Sc-CHCl3 were positive for the presence of flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, quinones, triterpenes and steroids. Inhibition of writhing was observed for fractions tested. The Sc-Hex at all doses tested was effective in reducing the nociceptive behavior produced by formalin only in the second phase. However, the Sc-CHCl3 decreased the paw licking time in the first and second phases. In the hot plate no significant effect was observed for any fraction. In the rota-rod test, treated mice did not demonstrate any significant motor performance changes. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity. These results reveal the antinociceptive properties of S. convoluta , which support, in part, its traditional use, since the fractions did not presented significant activity in the inflammatory response profile. We further verify that this antinociceptive effect could be by activation of nociceptive peripheral pathway.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant reservoirs of bacterial resistance. This work aims to identify the determinants of resistance produced by Gram-negative bacteria in the influent and effluent of two WWTPs in Portugal. A total of 96 wastewater samples were obtained between 2016 and 2019. The numbers of total aerobic and fecal contamination bacteria were evaluated, and genomic features were searched by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Enterobacteriaceae corresponded to 78.6% (n = 161) of the 205 isolates identified by 16sRNA. The most frequent isolates were Escherichia spp. (57.1%, n = 117), followed by Aeromonas spp. (16.1%, n = 33) and Klebsiella spp. (12.7%, n = 26). The remaining 29 isolates (14.1%) were distributed across 10 different genera. Among the 183 resistant genes detected, 54 isolates produced extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), of which blaCTX-M-15 was predominant (37 isolates; 68.5%). A KPC-3 carbapenemase-producing K. oxytoca was identified (n = 1), with blaKPC-3 included in a transposon Tn4401 isoform b. A higher number of virulence genes (VG) (19 genes) was found in the E. coli 5301 (O25b-ST131-B2) isolate compared with a commensal E. coli 5281 (O25b-ST410-A) (six genes). Both shared five VG [Enterobactin; Aerobactin, CFA/1 (clade α); Type1 (clade γ1); Type IV]. In conclusion, this work highlights the role of relevant clinical bacteria in WWTPs, such as KPC-3-producing K. oxytoca, and, for the first time, a CTX-M-15-producing Ochromobactrum intermedium, a human opportunistic pathogen, and a SED-1-producing Citrobacter farmeri, an uncommon CTX-M-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase.

Terrestrial plants, due to their sessile nature, are highly exposed to environmental pressure and therefore need to produce very effective molecules that enable them to survive all the threats. Myrica and Morella (Myricaceae) are taxonomically close genera, which include species of trees or shrubs with edible fruits that exhibit relevant uses in traditional medicine. For instance, in Chinese or Japanese folk medicine, they are used to treat diarrhea, digestive problems, headache, burns, and skin diseases. A wide array of compounds isolated from different parts of Myrica and/or Morella species possess several biological activities, like anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and cardio-/neuro-/hepatoprotective activities, both in vitro and in vivo, with myricanol, myricitrin, quercitrin, and betulin being the most promising. There are still many other compounds isolated from both genera whose biological activities have not been evaluated, which represents an excellent opportunity to discover new applications for those compounds and valorize Morella/Myrica species.

A indústria cerâmica tem grande papel ambiental quando o assunto é reciclagem de rejeitos. A grande produção industrial que vem se desenvolvendo na Região Norte do país abre espaço para utilização de rejeitos como substituto de matéria-prima na produção de cerâmicas. Esta substituição, além da vantagem ambiental, também confere vantagens às características físicas da cerâmica produzida. O presente trabalho visou estudar os efeitos causados pela incorporação de rejeito de minério de manganês em formulações de cerâmica argilosa, para avaliar até que ponto é possível incorporar o referido rejeito sem que haja prejuízo das propriedades dos produtos. Foram propostas algumas formulações contendo quantidades variadas de rejeito. Os corpos-de-prova obtidos por prensagem foram sinterizados de 1000 ºC a 1200 ºC por 2 h. Os resultados mostraram que o rejeito atua como fundente, melhorando propriedades do material, diminuindo a porosidade e absorção de água e aumentando a resistência mecânica das peças cerâmicas.

El ajuar funerario de la necrópolis de Palhais (Primera Edad del Hierro) ofrece una oportunidad única para estudiar la introducción de la metalurgia orientalizante en el sur de Portugal. Los metales incluyen objetos destinados al aseo del cuerpo, una fíbula de tipo Alcores y un broche de cinturón, cuya tipología y/o decoración es de inspiración orientalizante. La composición y la cadena operativa de los artefactos se determinaron por EDXRF, Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS, microscopía óptica y microdureza Vickers. Las composiciones indican que se trata de bronces con bajo contenido de estaño (4,4 ± 2,4%), debido al uso de chatarra o al uso intencionado de pequeñas cantidades de esta materia prima por razones económicas o tecnológicas. Las microestructuras indican el trabajo del metal mediante forja y recocido, lo que apunta a que estos objetos de ajuar han sido producidos como artefactos funcionales. La comparación con los artefactos de la Edad del Bronce Final y la Primera Edad del Hierro del sur de Portugal muestra que un bajo contenido de estaño es un rasgo común entre los bronces fenicios. Además, la valoración de los metales coetáneos del suroeste de la Península Ibérica identifica otras características de la metalurgia orientalizante como el aumento de los cobres no aleados y de los bronces plomados que se pueden relacionar con la diversificación de los métodos de producción de bronce en este periodo.

Botones de oro pertenecientes a la primera Edad del Hierro, procedentes de Castro dos Ratinhos, Fortios e Outeiro da Cabeça (Portugal), fueron analizados por EDXRF y Micro-PIXE. Los resultados de los análisis por EDXRF mostraron una composición similar en todos los botones, independientemente de su procedencia. Por otra parte, los microanálisis por PIXE permitieron verificar que los componentes soldados de cada botón (disco, presilla y cordón exterior) tienen la misma composición química. Además de eso, las áreas de soldadura fueron estudiadas mediante Micro-PIXE, SEM-EDS y posterior análisis metalográfico por microscopia óptica de reflexión. Estos análisis permitieron comprobar la ausencia de soldaduras en las zonas de unión de estos componentes, lo que nos permite concluir que debe haber tenido lugar un proceso de fusión parcial y de difusión en estado sólido para unir los componentes de estos botones. La gran semejanza en la composición química, junto a la presencia del mismo tipo de soldadura y tipologías similares, nos sugiere que todas estas piezas fueron resultado del trabajo de un mismo artesano-joyero, cuyo taller se encontraría localizado en el sudoeste de la Península Ibérica.