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Background Venous ethanol ablation (VEA) is effective for treatment of left ventricular (LV) summit (LVS) arrhythmias. The LVS venous anatomy is poorly understood and has inconsistent nomenclature. Objective The purpose of this study was to delineate the LVS venous anatomy by selective venography and 3-dimensional (3D) mapping during VEA and by venous-phase coronary computed tomographic angiography (vCTA). Methods We analyzed (1) LVS venograms and 3D maps of 53 patients undergoing VEA; and (2) 3D reconstructions of 52 vCTAs, tracing LVS veins. Results Angiography identified the following LVS veins: (1) LV annular branch of the great cardiac vein (GCV) (19/53); (2) septal (rightward) branches of the anterior ventricular vein (AIV) (53/53); and (3) diagonal branches of the AIV (51/53). Collateral connections between LVS veins and outflow, conus, and retroaortic veins were common. VEA was delivered to target arrhythmias in 38 of 53 septal, 6 of 53 annular, and 2 of 53 diagonal veins. vCTA identified LVS veins (range 1–5) in a similar distribution. GCV–AIV transition could either form an angle close to the left main artery bifurcation (n = 16; 88° ± 13°) or cut diagonally (n = 36; 133°±12°) (P ≤.001). Twenty-one patients had LV annular vein. In 28 patients only septal LVS veins were visualized in vCTA, in 2 patients only diagonal veins and in 22 patients both septal and diagonal veins were seen. In 39 patients the LVS veins reached the outflow tracts and their vicinity. Conclusion We provide a systematic atlas and nomenclature of LVS veins related to arrhythmogenic substrates. vCTA can be useful for noninvasive evaluation of LVS veins before ethanol ablation.

Background Venous ethanol infusion via an occlusive balloon has been used as a bailout approach to treat ablation-refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Unfavorable venous anatomy (lack of intramural veins at the targeted site or collateral vein–ethanol shunting) limits its efficacy. Blocking collateral flow with a second balloon may optimize myocardial ethanol delivery. Objective The purpose of this study was to validate the “double-balloon” approach to enhance ethanol delivery in cases of unfavorable venous anatomy. Methods Eight patients referred after failed ablations (3 left ventricular [LV] summit, 5 scar-related ventricular tachycardia) underwent endocardial mapping and additional radiofrequency ablation without VA resolution. Coronary veins were mapped using a multipolar catheter or wire, and selective venograms were obtained. The double balloon was used when (1) distal collateral branches shunted flow away from the targeted region; (2) the target vein had optimal signals only proximally; or (3) a large vein was targeted that had multiple branches for a large area of interest. Results Acute successful ethanol infusion myocardial delivery and resolution of VA was accomplished using the posterolateral LV veins (n = 2 patients, 3 procedures), lateral LV vein (n = 1), apical anterior interventricular vein (AIV; n = 1), middle cardiac vein (n = 1), and septal branches of the AIV (n = 3). At median follow-up of 313.5 days, 2 patients experienced recurrence. Conclusion The double-balloon technique can enhance ethanol delivery to target isolated vein segments, block collateral flow, or target extensive areas, and can expand the utility of venous ethanol for treatment of VAs.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy and outcomes of retrograde venous ethanol ablation in treating ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Background Retrograde co...

Atrial fibrillation induced stroke accounts for up to 15% of all strokes. These strokes are caused approximately 90% of the time by clot formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). To prevent these clots, the most common approach is to administer blood thinners. However, contraindications prevent some people from being able to have blood thinners. Devices have been developed to seal the LAA to prevent clot formation in these patients. Current devices, such as the LARIAT® tie off the LAA theoretically preventing blood from entering the LAA. These have had limited clinical success mainly due to failure to completely close the LAA leaving holes and orifices for thrombi to form. To overcome this lack of complete closure, many surgeons use off-label approaches, classically filling the LAA filamentous coils, to cover these holes. Although this usually helps largely cover the holes, placement is challenging, the coils can migrate, the holes are not fully closed as there is space within and around the coils that don't fully mold to the LAA geometry. Furthermore, the coils can develop device related thrombi defeating their purpose. Therefore, these are not fully sufficient to complement the closure techniques in closing the LAA. To address limitation of the closure devices and coil sealing of remaining holes, we developed a thermally responsive hydrogel (Thermogel) that solidifies once injected into the LAA to uniformly and fully close off the LAA thus preventing clot formation and device related thrombi. This Thermogel consists of three portions: 1) a structural component composed of thiolated Pluronic F127 for gel to solid transition following injection, 2) Heparin for anticoagulation, and 3) Dopamine for adhesion to the surrounding endothelium in the turbulent flow encountered in cardiovascular applications. Here we have demonstrated that Thermogel, in conjunction with the LARIAT®, is capable of filling the defects in small and large animals through catheter injection. Thermogel was biocompatible and led to atrophy of the LAA at 5 weeks in a large animal model. Given the advantages of this Thermogel for sealing this defect and ability to be delivered through an endovascular approach, Thermogel presents a viable adjuvant to current occlusion-based treatments for sealing cardiovascular defects.

Sleep apnea is highly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), and both diseases are highly prevalent in the United States. The mechanistic underpinnings that contribute to their association remain uncertain, but numerous possible mechanisms have been proposed, including dysfunction of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS). Studies have reported that apnea induces hyperactivity of the ANS, leading to increases in AF susceptibility. This review compiles the latest evidence on the role of the ANS in sleep-apnea-induced AF.

[Excerto] Este livro pretende oferecer, assim, um contributo relevante para uma melhor compreensão do envolvimento, compromisso e participação pública em C&T, refletindo sobre as potencialidades e virtudes da desta participação na C&T e nas alterações climáticas e sobre alguns preconceitos e limitações de tais exercícios. É objetivo ainda desta obra acrescentar conhecimento sobre o contexto da participação pública na C&T e nas alterações climáticas em Portugal e em Espanha, dois países onde a investigação a este nível ainda é insuficiente, embora sejam já muitos e variados os estudos produzidos pela comunidade académica acerca de várias realidades nacionais e internacionais., Este livro é financiado pela Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia através de fundos nacionais no âmbito do Financiamento Plurianual do Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade 2020-2023, (financiamento base com a referência UIDB/00736/2020). Este livro resulta da tese de doutoramento desenvolvida no âmbito da bolsa de doutoramento SFRH/BD/74735/2010, cofinanciada pela Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) e pelo Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) – Programa Operacional Potencial Humano (POPH), no âmbito do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN) Portugal 2007-2013.

Background: The autonomic nervous system response to apnea and its mechanistic connection to atrial fibrillation (AF) are unclear. We hypothesize that sensory neurons within the ganglionated plexi (GP) play a role. We aimed to delineate the autonomic response to apnea and to test the effects of ablation of cardiac sensory neurons with resiniferatoxin (RTX), a neurotoxic TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) agonist. Methods Sixteen dogs were anesthetized and ventilated. Apnea was induced by stopping ventilation until oxygen saturations decreased to 80%. Nerve recordings from bilateral vagal nerves, left stellate ganglion, and anterior right GP were obtained before and during apnea, before and after RTX injection in the anterior right GP (protocol 1, n=7). Atrial effective refractory period and AF inducibility on single extrastimulation were assessed before and during apnea, and before and after intrapericardial RTX administration (protocol 2, n=9). GPs underwent immunohistochemical staining for TRPV1. Results: Apnea increased anterior right GP activity, followed by clustered crescendo vagal bursts synchronized with heart rate and blood pressure oscillations. On further oxygen desaturation, a tonic increase in stellate ganglion activity and blood pressure ensued. Apnea-induced effective refractory period shortening from 110.20±31.3 ms to 90.6±29.1 ms ( P P =0.0001), and AF was not induced. Vagal bursts remained unchanged. GP cells showed cytoplasmic microvacuolization and apoptosis. Conclusions: Apnea increases GP activity, followed by vagal bursts and tonic stellate ganglion firing. RTX decreases sympathetic and GP nerve activity, abolishes apnea’s electrophysiological response, and AF inducibility. Sensory neurons play a role in apnea-induced AF.

Catheter-based radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an effective, well-established therapy for ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, a large number of patients still have recurrences, particularly those with substrates arising from intramural locations that are inaccessible through endo- or epicardial catheter approaches. Several unconventional ablation techniques have been proposed to treat RF-refractory VT, including transarterial coronary ethanol ablation and retrograde coronary venous ethanol ablation. We review the evidence regarding the mechanisms, procedural aspects, and alcohol ablation outcomes for ventricular arrhythmias.

The impact of obesity in the pathophysiology of human skin seems to be related to various dermatoses, basically resulting from the change in its normal physiology, including changes in the “barrier” and the “envelope" functions as well . However, the available information is still scarce due to the many complexities of the subject. This work aims to define an experimental methodology approach to objectively study the functional changes that characterize the obese skin. This transversal study included 28 healthy volunteers, female (mean age 23 ± 5 years old), after informed consent. Skin functional characterization was obtained in one single measurement by non-invasive techniques, under controlled conditions. Relevant variables were hydration (superficial and deep), barrier function and biomechanical behavior, measured at four different anatomical areas. Through the SPSS (v 20.0) a univariate statistical analysis was performed to calculate central tendency and dispersion measures. The Pearson's and the Spearman's tests were chosen for those variables that followed , or not, a normal distribution, respectively, assuming a confidence level of 95%. Results allow us to propose a methodology for the study of the skin applied to obese patients, including the choice of the anatomical areas and variables appropriate to the intended goal.

In the future, the number of elderly and chronically ill will be quite large. Additionally, pathologies will in many cases be in comorbidity. Alongside this reality, the health care resources will be insufficient for the population, thus the current research for solutions that can be fully implemented in the future. There are available several telemonitoring devices and systems for chronic diseases. Massive use of these devices will be essential to address the current and future lack of health system resources. Research on telemonitoring devices and systems for chronic diseases was con-ducted in academic and scientific databases. The technical specifications were collected in the manufacturers’ web page. The gathered data was analysed and compared in order to propose scenarios for the future trend of technical specifi-cations required in telemonitoring devices/system is performed. Telemonitoring for chronic diseases can bring great benefits to patient and health systems. Widening this practice will be a reality in the near future. This procedure will be fostered by the promotion and regulation of interoperability between de-vices/systems, as well as of front-end programs providing the link between health support systems. Interoperability issues are the main flaw of tedevicesring devices/systems on the market today.

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Introduction: The migration of African populations to Europe poses problems of adaptation that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. We assessed the cardiovascular risk of Cape Verdean university students studying in Portugal (CV-PT) compared to Cape Verdean university students in Cape Verde (CV-CV) and to Caucasian university students in Portugal (PT-PT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing three university populations, 54-62% female, aged 19-28 years: CV-PT (n=104), CV-CV (n=100) and PT-PT (n=100). Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), albuminuria and estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion (UNa+) using the Kawasaki formula were measured. Results: The CV-PT group had higher body mass index and sodium intake (UNa+: CV-PT 235±91, CV-CV 197±85, PT-PT 194±90 mmol/24 h; p

A urgência de um maior envolvimento público nos debates e nos processos de tomada de decisão relacionado com as alterações climáticas tem vindo a ser crescentemente apontada em vários relatórios (eg. IPCC, 2007; 2013; 2014a; 2014b) e por diversos autores (eg. Caride & Meira, 2004; O’Neill & Nicholson-Cole, 2009; Lakoff, 2010; Phillips et al., 2012). No entanto, a participação dos cidadãos portugueses e espanhóis na questão tem sido promovida fundamentalmente através de iniciativas de participação não dialógicas, resumindo-se a sua atuação fundamentalmente a ações de poupança energética e à reciclagem. A partir da administração de um inquérito exploratório a 227 cidadãos portugueses e espanhóis, são analisados os comportamentos, as perceções e os constrangimentos à sua participação nas alterações climáticas, identificando-se os principais fatores que podem influenciar o seu envolvimento nos debates e processos decisórios e analisando a importância que atribuem à sua participação nas decisões que envolvem temas científicos. Os dados obtidos denotam alguma preocupação e bastante interesse na questão das alterações climáticas por parte dos cidadãos inquiridos em ambos os países, com destaque para os seus efeitos, e a maioria referiu sentir-se razoavelmente informada acerca destes temas. Os cidadãos inquiridos consideram que a consulta pública sobre temas de C&T ainda não é suficiente, assumindo na sua grande maioria que não tem estado ativamente envolvidos em tais processos. Reconhecem, igualmente, que têm um papel pouco participativo nestas questões, em particular nas alterações climáticas, apontando como constrangimentos relevantes a sua iliteracia científica e o desinteresse que os cidadãos no geral têm por temas de cariz científico, a resistência demonstrada pelos decisores à democratização deste tipo de debates e à implementação de instrumentos participativos, o difícil acesso à informação e as dificuldades de comunicação entre os cientistas e os cidadãos., An increasingly number of reports (eg. IPCC, 2007, 2013, 2014a, IPCC, 2014b) and scholars (eg. Caride & Meira, 2004; O’Neill & Nicholson-Cole, 2009; Lakoff, 2010; Phillips et al., 2012) have called attention to the urgency of deepening public engagement in debates and decision-making processes on climate change. However, the participation of Portuguese and Spanish citizens on the issue has been basically fulfilled through non-dialogical initiatives and their action is often limited to energy saving behaviours and recycling. Based on an exploratory survey study with 227 Portuguese and Spanish citizens, the article analyses behaviours, perceptions and constraints related to participation in climate change. The main factors that influence citizens’ engagement in debates and decision-making processes are identified, and the importance that they award to participation in decisions that involve science-related matters is analised. Data suggest some concern and a good degree of interest in climate change, and especially its effects, by citizens in both countries. The majority of respondents stated that they felt reasonably well-informed about these themes. Inquired citizens consider that public consultation on science and technology issues is insufficient, although the majority states that they have not been actively involved in such processes. They also recognize that they have little participation in these matters, in particular climate change, and point out, as relevant constraints, their scientific illiteracy and lack of interest for scientific issues, the resistance displayed by decision-makers to democratizing these kinds of debates and implementing participatory mechanisms, the difficulty in accessing information and difficulties in the communication between scientists and citizens., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. P. Humbert et al. (eds.), Measuring the Skin

Obesity is an increasing public health issue, particularly in Portugal, where more than 50% of the population is obese. The pathophysiological consequences of being overweight have a severe cutaneous impact. However, there is still a lack of studies to link these alterations to BMI categories. This present work intends to identify the hydration and biomechanical behaviour changes related to weight augmentation. This transversal study was performed on a convenience sample of 57 volunteers, all females, aged between 20 and 46 (30±8) years old. Volunteers were divided in two groups – group I, with a BMI between 19,9 and 24,9 Kg/m2 and group II, between 25 and 29,9 Kg/m2. One single determination of the superficial hydration, transepidermal water loss and biomechanical behaviour of the skin, was obtained with non-invasive methods. The data showed that weight increase positively influences hydration levels and transepidermal water loss, and negatively influences the skin's biomechanical behaviour. Despite the relevance of these results, there is still a need for complementary studies, with a wider number of individuals, in order to better understand its nature and meaning.

In recent years cutaneous circulation has emerged as an interesting window through which to study microcirculatory function and dysfunction mechanisms. Non-invasive technologies, including Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF), transcutaneous gasimetry and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), helped to consider cutaneous circulation as a useful translational model in vascular disease. In this study we attempted to evaluate the response profile from a group of healthy young individuals (n=8), of both genders (24,5 ± 0,8 years old) to three perfusion-conditioning maneuvers in the lower limb - A: leg elevation while seated; B: leg elevation during dorsal decubitus; C: supra-systolic occlusion with a tourniquet-cuff. Measurement techniques included LDF, transcutaneous (tc) pO2 and pCO2 partial pressures, by gasimetry and TEWL by evaporimetry. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were applied and a 95% confidence level adopted. tcpO2 and tcpCO2 changed significantly during the maneuvers. A reciprocal evolution profile was registered in LDF and TEWL in A and C which might suggest that under the present experimental conditions local perfusion might influence the epidermal “barrier” function. The proposed models seem to be appropriate to characterize the peripheral microcirculation in vivo, justifying further development studies.

Obesity is an increasing public health issue, particularly in Portugal, where more than 50% of the population is obese. The pathophysiological consequences of being overweight have a severe cutaneous impact. However, there is still a lack of studies to link these alterations to BMI categories. This present work intends to identify the hydration and biomechanical behaviour changes related to weight augmentation. This transversal study was performed on a convenience sample of 57 volunteers, all females, aged between 20 and 46 (30±8) years old. Volunteers were divided in two groups – group I, with a BMI between 19,9 and 24,9 Kg/m2 and group II, between 25 and 29,9 Kg/m2. One single determination of the superficial hydration, transepidermal water loss and biomechanical behaviour of the skin, was obtained with non-invasive methods. The data showed that weight increase positively influences hydration levels and transepidermal water loss, and negatively influences the skin's biomechanical behaviour. Despite the relevance of these results, there is still a need for complementary studies, with a wider number of individuals, in order to better understand its nature and meaning.

The various studies on the importance of water in the hydration of human skin have suggested that an increased dietary intake might positively impact the physiology of normal skin. We evaluated the consequences of increasing water intake through drinking in skin hydration in vivo. Eating habits were maintained, evaluated by a Food Frequency Questionnaire and based on total water consumption. In two groups with different total water consumption, we evaluated the impact of 2L/day water after 30 days,. This increase produced no hemodynamic changes or weight changes but an improvement in the epidermal hydration was suggested. The magnitude of the impact on skin hydration was higher in the group that regularly consumed less water, suggesting that the increase in water consumption has more beneficial effects on those individuals who habitually consume less water per day. These data are consistent with the published literature, justifying interest in looking further into this topic, in order to better understand the importance of dietary water in the context of cutaneous physiology, especially in the group of subjects with reduced consumption habits.

© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel, Background/Aims: Recently classified as an epidemic by the WHO, obesity (as well as the state of being overweight) clearly affects significant populations across all ages. The relationship between obesity and some diseases (e.g. cardiovascular ones) is known, although many paradoxes remain to be explained. Very little information is available, however, regarding its impact on skin physiology and skin disease. This study aims to examine the influence of excessive weight on epidermal hydration and transepidermal water loss, key variables of skin water balance and skin biomechanics. Methods: A convenience sample of 89 healthy female volunteers was selected and divided into 4 groups, according to their BMI (body mass index), as normal (control), overweight, obese (I and II), and morbid. Skin physiology was quantitatively assessed in all individuals in 4 anatomical areas using non-invasive biometrical analysis by reference instrumentation. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied, adopting a confidence level of 95%. Results: A nonlinear alteration for all variables was detected as a function of BMI. Conclusion: Results suggest that excessive weight might favour skin performance within certain limits, reflecting a particular adaptation of the skin to the weight gain and body contour.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is a protective organ and of all its known functions, the most significant is the capacity to adapt itself to the contours of the body. The current study aims to determine the extent to which hydration influences or is influenced by elasticity, by comparing the parameters of hydration and elasticity. A convenience sample of 42 volunteers was selected all of whom were female, healthy and with normal BMI according to WHO. The “barrier” function was characterized by the transepidermal water loss (Tewameter TM300); the superficial epidermal hydration was measured by Moisturemeter SC and Corneometer and the “envelope” function was assessed by the Cutometer MPA580 and by the reviscometer RV600. Measurements were taken on the face (zygomatic and frontal areas), in the breast and in the abdominal areas. The most significant results show that almost all hydration and elasticity parameters fluctuate with age, which corresponds to previous studies. Moreover, there is some interaction between hydration parameters and some elasticity descriptors that should be investigated in future studies.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is a protective organ and of all its known functions, the most significant is the capacity to adapt itself to the contours of the body. The current study aims to determine the extent to which hydration influences or is influenced by elasticity, by comparing the parameters of hydration and elasticity. A convenience sample of 42 volunteers was selected all of whom were female, healthy and with normal BMI according to WHO. The “barrier” function was characterized by the transepidermal water loss (Tewameter TM300); the superficial epidermal hydration was measured by Moisturemeter SC and Corneometer and the “envelope” function was assessed by the Cutometer MPA580 and by the reviscometer RV600. Measurements were taken on the face (zygomatic and frontal areas), in the breast and in the abdominal areas. The most significant results show that almost all hydration and elasticity parameters fluctuate with age, which corresponds to previous studies. Moreover, there is some interaction between hydration parameters and some elasticity descriptors that should be investigated in future studies.

Several studies about the importance of water in the hydration of the human skin suggest that higher water intake might have a positive impact on the skin. When measuring water consumption, it must be taken into account that the water comes from various sources. With this in mind, we evaluated the impact of an increased inflow of 2L of water per day, on two groups with different daily water intakes. Results suggest that there is an improvement in the epidermal and dermal hydration obtained by standard methods. The magnitude of this impact on skin hydration is greater in the group that regularly consumes less water. This suggests that an increase in water consumption has more beneficial effects on the skin health of those individuals that consume less water per day. These data are consistent with the published literature, which therefore justifies further research into this topic.

Several studies about the importance of water in the hydration of the human skin suggest that higher water intake might have a positive impact on the skin. When measuring water consumption, it must be taken into account that the water comes from various sources. With this in mind, we evaluated the impact of an increased inflow of 2L of water per day, on two groups with different daily water intakes. Results suggest that there is an improvement in the epidermal and dermal hydration obtained by standard methods. The magnitude of this impact on skin hydration is greater in the group that regularly consumes less water. This suggests that an increase in water consumption has more beneficial effects on the skin health of those individuals that consume less water per day. These data are consistent with the published literature, which therefore justifies further research into this topic.

Bioimpedance seems to be particularly suited to the non-invasive measurement of several physiological variables. The present study aimed to ascertain whether the quantification of total body water and intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments, obtained through a bioimpedance-based analytical device, could be correlated with the concentration sodium, potassium and chloride ions, obtained from venous blood ionogram. Volunteers of both genders, of various ages and with various health conditions were studied. None of the volunteers suffered from any hydro-electrolytic disorder. Body water measurements were obtained by a Bodystat® QuadScan 4000 and ionogram obtained through potentiometry. Under the present experimental conditions, which should be considered merely a preliminary approach to the questions raised, no relations were established between the variables under study. However, the method´s potential interest and its practicability justifies further investigation. This would include increasing the number of patients studied and refining the methodology used.

Bioimpedance seems to be particularly suited to the non-invasive measurement of several physiological variables. The present study aimed to ascertain whether the quantification of total body water and intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments, obtained through a bioimpedance-based analytical device, could be correlated with the concentration sodium, potassium and chloride ions, obtained from venous blood ionogram. Volunteers of both genders, of various ages and with various health conditions were studied. None of the volunteers suffered from any hydro-electrolytic disorder. Body water measurements were obtained by a Bodystat® QuadScan 4000 and ionogram obtained through potentiometry. Under the present experimental conditions, which should be considered merely a preliminary approach

The impact of obesity in the pathophysiology of human skin seems to be related to various dermatoses, basically resulting from the change in its normal physiology, including changes in the “barrier” and the “envelope" functions as well . However, the available information is still scarce due to the many complexities of the subject. This work aims to define an experimental methodology approach to objectively study the functional changes that characterize the obese skin. This transversal study included 28 healthy volunteers, female (mean age 23 ± 5 years old), after informed consent. Skin functional characterization was obtained in one single measurement by non-invasive techniques, under controlled conditions. Relevant variables were hydration (superficial and deep), barrier function and biomechanical behavior, measured at four different anatomical areas. Through the SPSS (v 20.0) a univariate statistical analysis was performed to calculate central tendency and dispersion measures. The Pearson's and the Spearman's tests were chosen for those variables that followed , or not, a normal distribution, respectively, assuming a confidence level of 95%. Results allow us to propose a methodology for the study of the skin applied to obese patients, including the choice of the anatomical areas and variables appropriate to the intended goal.

Promover uma comunicação mais transparente, clara e eficaz entre cidadãos, comunidade científica e decisores tem sido um objetivo prioritário da Comissão Europeia e de outras instituições nos anos mais recentes. Repercutindo-se na forma como os cidadãos se mostram mais ou menos disponíveis para participar e envolver-se no debate e no processo regulatório relacionados com os desenvolvimentos científico-tecnológicos, a comunicação de ciência contribui para garantir a qualidade de resultados e a democratização de decisões. Nas últimas duas décadas, o conceito de Public Engagement with Science and Technology (PEST) tornou-se central nas análises da relação dos cidadãos com a tecnociência. No entanto, o significado deste conceito nem sempre é claro, havendo alguma ambiguidade e discrepância entre fontes. Este artigo visa contribuir para um mapeamento das posições de diferentes autores sobre o PEST e para uma clarificação do conceito e das suas implicações. Depois de discutir diferentes entendimentos dos objetivos do PEST, o artigo avalia a forma como o conceito tem sido usado em Portugal com base numa análise dos textos legislativos e da missão e objetivos de diferentes instituições de investigação e ensino superior. Conclui-se que os argumentos instrumentais ainda predominam nos discursos normativos que enquadram a atividade científica portuguesa., Promoting a more transparent, clearer and more effective communication between citizens, scientists and policy-makers has been a priority goal of the European Commission and other institutions in recent years. Science communication matters for the extent to which citizens may be more or less available to participate and to get involved in the debate and in the regulatory process related to scientific-technological developments thus helping guarantee the quality of scientific results and the democratization of decisions. In the last two decades, the concept of Public Engagement with Science and Technology (PEST) has become central to analyses of the relation between citizens and technoscience. However, its meaning is not always clear as there are ambiguities and divergences between different sources. This article aims to map the views of different scholars, and to contribute to a clearer understanding of the concept of PEST and its implications. Further to discussing different understandings of PEST’s objectives, the article evaluates the way in which the concept has been used in Portugal through an analysis of legal texts and of the mission and goals of research and higher education institutions. We conclude that instrumental arguments still prevail in the normative discourses that frame the Portuguese scientific activity., (undefined)

Summary Background/purpose The importance of water in human physiology is well known, also for skin functionality. This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary water on epidermal skin hydration in healthy females. Methods Thirty-four healthy females (mean 24.5 ± 6.34 years old) were selected and characterized according to their dietary daily habits, by a previously validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. For 1 month, these subjects were asked to add 2 L/day of water to their regular dietary habits. Measurements took place at day D0, D15, and D30, and involved general variables (body weight, blood pressure, Body Mass Index) and specific skin physiological variables in five anatomical sites (ventral forearm, anterior leg, dorsal hand, zygomatic area, and forehead) involving epidermal superficial and deep hydration, by capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Results This water overload (2 L/day/30 days) did not change the blood volume or weight of the individuals. However, both superficial and deep skin hydration were clearly in those individuals that regularly consumed lees water per day. No significant effect was observed in the TEWL. Conclusions This study clearly suggests that dietary water intake seems to influence skin water content. Nevertheless further in vivo investigations involving other variables, such as biomechanical descriptors, should follow to look deeper into this aspect of skin physiology.

O conceito de “framing” tem-se mostrado de grande utilidade e aplicabilidade na análise de processos cognitivos em diversos campos das ciências sociais e humanas, nomeadamente na área da compreensão pública de ciência. O uso estratégico do “framing” demonstrou, segundo alguns estudos, eficácia na comunicação de aspetos científicos que envolvem o risco e a incerteza e no envolvimento e compromisso do público na discussão de algumas questões científicas mais controversas. Este ensaio aprofunda a importância do conceito na construção social de sentido e analisa o seu impacto na forma como o público perceciona o risco e a incerteza presentes na ciência, nas visões que constrói em relação a essas controvérsias e na sua participação no debate em torno das mesmas. O artigo discute ainda os desafios – e as possíveis limitações – do emprego estratégico do “framing” em comunicação de ciência., The concept of "framing" has been widely applied and shown to be very useful in the analysis of cognitive processes in several fields of the human and social sciences, such as the area of public understanding of science and technology. According to some studies, the strategic use of framing has proven efficient in the communication of scientific issues that involve risk and uncertainty, as well as on public engagement with the discussion of some of the most controversial scientific matters. This essay focuses on the importance of framing in the social construction of meaning and examines its impact on how the public perceives risk and uncertainty found in science, on public perceptions of scientific controversies and on public participation in the discussion of those issues. It also discusses the challenges – and the possible limitations – of the strategic employment of framing in science communication

Lídia Palma,1 Liliana Tavares Marques,1 Julia Bujan,2,3 Luís Monteiro Rodrigues1,4 1CBIOS – Research Center for Health Science and Technologies, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal; 2Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; 3CIBER-BBN, Madrid, España, Spain; 4Department of Pharmacological Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal Abstract: It is generally assumed that dietary water might be beneficial for the health, especially in dermatological (age preventing) terms. The present study was designed to quantify the impact of dietary water on major indicators of skin physiology. A total of 49 healthy females (mean 24.5±4.3 years) were selected and characterized in terms of their dietary daily habits, especially focused in water consumption, by a Food Frequency Questionnaire. This allowed two groups to be set – Group 1 consuming less than 3,200 mL/day (n=38), and Group 2 consuming more than 3,200 mL/day (n=11). Approximately 2 L of water were added to the daily diet of Group 2 individuals for 1 month to quantify the impact of this surplus in their skin physiology. Measurements involving epidermal superficial and deep hydration, transepidermal water loss, and several biomechanical descriptors were taken at day 0 (T0), 15 (T1), and 30 (T2) in several anatomical sites (face, upper limb, and leg). This stress test (2 L/day for 30 days) significantly modified superficial and deep skin hydration, especially in Group 1. The same impact was registered with the most relevant biomechanical descriptors. Thus, in this study, it is clear that higher water inputs in regular diet might positively impact normal skin physiology, in particular in those individuals with lower daily water consumptions. Keywords: dietary water, water consume, skin hydration, TEWL, skin biomechanics

Cell culture as a useful tool in drug discovery: from cancer research to safety assessment; A cultura celular como uma ferramenta útil na descoberta de novos fármacos: aplicações na investigação em oncologia e na avaliação da segurança; Ana S. Fernandes CBIOS - Research center for Health Sciences & Technologies, U. Lusófona Ethics and Research; Ética e Investigação; Amilcar Roberto CBIOS - Research center for Health Sciences & Technologies, U. Lusófona Modeling and simulation on pharmacokinetics; Modelação e simulação em farmacocinética; Paulo Paixão CBIOS - Research center for Health Sciences & Technologies, U. Lusófona In vivo models for the study of peripheral microcirculation; Modelação e simulação em farmacocinética; Henrique Silva 1, Hugo Ferreira 1, Liliana Tavares 1, Julia Bujan 2 & L. Monteiro Rodrigues 1 1 CBIOS - Research center for Health Sciences & Technologies, U. Lusófona 2 Universitad de Alcalá Henares, Faculty of Medicine, Madrid, Spain