Síndrome de Cotard: dois casos de recusa alimentar

Introdução: A Síndrome de Cotard é uma condição clínica relativamente rara que se caracteriza por vários graus de delírios niilistas, quase sempre na forma de auto-negação. Objectivos: Descrever dois casos de Síndrome de Cotard associados a recusa alimentar e realizar uma revisão do conceito e das características clínicas desta síndrome. Métodos: Realizou-se a recolha de informa- ção de dois casos clínicos associados a recusa alimentar. Procedeu-se a uma revisão do conceito e das características clínicas que lhe estão associadas. Resultados e Conclusões: O primeiro caso versa sobre uma mulher que acreditava que o seu esófago e estômago estariam colados. Foi medicada com sertralina, mirtazapina e risperidona, com bons resultados. O segundo caso descreve um homem que acreditava que a sua garganta fora queimada e que não possuía nenhum órgão interno. Foi medicado com clomipramina e risperidona, mostrando grande melhoria. Esta síndrome é uma entidade nosológica e clínica que não deve ser esquecida. É essencial fornecer uma abordagem terapêutica urgente e adequada em pacientes com esta síndrome.Background: Cotard´s syndrome is a relatively rare condition characterized by various degrees of nihilist delusions, often in the form of self-negation. Aims: To report two cases of Cotard’s syndrome associated with self-starvation and to review the concept and clinical features of the condition. Methods: Two clinical cases of the syndrome were obtained and a literature review of the theme was shortly surveyed. Results and Conclusions: The first case is about a woman who believed that her esophagus and stomach were glued. She was treated with sertraline, mirtazapine and risperidone with good results. The second case describes a man who believed his throat was burnt and he had no internal organs. He was treated with clomipramine and risperidone showing great improvement. This syndrome is a nosological and clinical entity that should not be forgotten. It is essential to provide an urgent and adequate therapeutic approach to these patients

Echocardiographic evaluation including tissue Doppler imaging in New Zealand white rabbits sedated with ketamine and midazolam

Limited data are available on the use of more recent echocardiographic parameters in the rabbit. Echocardiographic examination, including conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), was performed on 26 male New Zealand white rabbits under ketamine-midazolam sedation. Particular emphasis was placed on the more recent systolic and diastolic parameters, such as myocardial performance index (Tei index) and mitral annular motion (from septal and lateral sides of the left ventricle) obtained using pulsed TDI. Parameters that assessed systolic and diastolic function (fractional shortening, Tei index, and maximal mitral E- and A-wave velocities) were comparable to those reported in the literature for rabbits in the awake state. The less cardiodepressive anaesthetic protocol could offer a good alternative in performing echocardiographic evaluation whenever such caution is necessary. TDI is feasible in healthy rabbits and potentially suitable for the investigation of left ventricle systolic and diastolic function

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Pre-Existing Diabetes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações epidemiológicas, de perfil clínico e de prognóstico obstétrico em pacientes portadoras de diabetes mellitus pré-gestacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospetivo (coorte) de todas as gestações simples, com diagnóstico de diabetes prévio que foram seguidas num centro com apoio perinatal diferenciado entre 2004 e 2011 (n=194). Analisaram-se tendências relacionadas com dados demográficos e variáveis clínicas maternas, dados de indicadores de cuidados pre-concepcionais e durante a gravidez, e de controle metabólico. Dados do parto como a idade gestacional(IG) do parto, via do parto e peso do neonato foram variáveis também estudadas. RESULTADOS: A frequência global de diabetes prévia, durante o período estudado, foi de 4,4 por mil, não se verificando variações significativas durante o período de estudo. Os casos de diabetes tipo 2 permaneceram constantes. Em 67% dos casos o parto foi de termo(máximo de 80% em 2010–2011), registrou-se uma redução significativa dos partos por cesárea eletiva (p=0,03) e na incidência de neonatos considerados grandes para a IG (p=0,04) ao longo dos anos em estudo. Apesar dos bons resultados relacionados com o controle metabólico ao longo da vigilância da gravidez não foi registrada nenhuma melhora ao longo do tempo. Da mesma forma a proporção de gestantes diabéticas com avaliação pre-concepcional permaneceu pouco animadora. CONCLUSÕES: O seguimento de gestantes portadoras de diabetes mellitus em unidades multidisciplinares parece permitir um ajuste metabólico tão precoce quanto possível, de forma a conseguir melhorar o prognóstico obstétrico. A melhora nos cuidados pré-concepcionais continua sendo um desafio

Anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant profiles of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition as chemoprevention for rat bladder carcinogenesis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor in rat bladder cancer chemoprevention, as well as to assess the relevance of inflammation, proliferation and oxidative stress in tumor growth and in its prevention. RESULTS: The main findings were: (I) the incidence of carcinoma was: control: 0% (0/8); BBN: 65% (13/20); CEL: 0% (0/8) and BBN + CEL: 12.5% (1/8); (II) the mean tumor volume per rat with tumor and per tumor were significantly lower in the BBN + CEL group (21.2 and 5.3 +/- 0.4 mm(3)) vs. BBN (138.5 +/- 7.5 and 112.5 +/- 6.4 mm(3)); (III) the incidence of pre-neoplasic (hyperplasia and dysplasia) and neoplasic (papillary tumors and carcinoma in situ-CIS) lesions were notoriously reduced in the CEL + BBN treatment; (IV) CEL significantly reduced serum TGFbeta1 and CRP and increase TNFalpha and IL-1beta (p < 0.001); (V) CEL reduced MDA formation in serum (p < 0.001) and liver (p < 0.05) and also showed a trend to reduction in kidney. METHODS: Drug treatments were performed during the first 8 w, followed by 12 w for tumor expression/prevention, in the following groups: control-vehicle; carcinogen-0.05% of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN); celecoxib (CEL)-10 mg/kg/day and preventive CEL + BBN. The bladders were analyzed for number and volume of tumor and nature of urothelium lesions. Serum was assessed for markers of inflammation, proliferation and redox status. CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib has demonstrated an outstanding inhibitory effect on bladder cancer chemoprevention, which might be due to its expected anti-inflammatory actions, as well as by anti-proliferatory and antioxidant actions. This data supports a pivotal role of cancer chemoprevention strategies based on COX-2 inhibition

Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments

Due to its several economic and ecological consequences, biofouling is a widely recognized concern in the marine sector. The search for non-biocide-release antifouling coatings has been on the rise, with carbon-nanocoated surfaces showing promising activity. This work aimed to study the impact of pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on biofilm development through the representative marine bacteria Cobetia marina and to investigate the antibacterial mechanisms of action of this material. For this purpose, a flow cytometric analysis was performed and a GNP/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface containing 5 wt% GNP (G5/PDMS) was produced, characterized, and assessed regarding its biofilm mitigation potential over 42 days in controlled hydrodynamic conditions that mimic marine environments. Flow cytometry revealed membrane damage, greater metabolic activity, and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. marina when exposed to GNP 5% (w/v) for 24 h. In addition, C. marina biofilms formed on G5/PDMS showed consistently lower cell count and thickness (up to 43% reductions) than PDMS. Biofilm architecture analysis indicated that mature biofilms developed on the graphene-based surface had fewer empty spaces (34% reduction) and reduced biovolume (25% reduction) compared to PDMS. Overall, the GNP-based surface inhibited C. marina biofilm development, showing promising potential as a marine antifouling coating

TEORIAS DE ENFERMAGEM: IMPORTÂNCIA DA CORRETA APLICAÇÃO DOS CONCEITOS

Theoretical-reflexive research, whose aim is to analyze the clarity of concept stimulus in the Roy Model, for best comprehension in nursing practice. It was developed in three phases: 1- Search of studies that utilized the Roy Model; 2- Conducted reading for comprehension of the concept stimulus and 3- Analysis of clarity of the concept. The three studies were conducted at master level. The analysis of the studies shows deficiency in the clarity of the concept stimulus, being predominant the ambiguity in the classification and differentiation of the focal and contextual stimuli, without the existence of consistency and uniformity. The need arises to deepen the theories of nursing for adequate application in the areas of research: nursing education and practice, optimizing and improving its use, as well as, enabling the comprehension of determined concepts that are not sufficiently clear. The worries that arise among the nurses will provide a more profound approach to the study, enabling the advance of theories, as well as new findings, leading to necessary changes.  Investigación teórico-reflexiva cuyo objetivo fue analizar la claridad del concepto estímulo según el  modelo de Roy, para mayor comprensión en la práctica de enfermería. Desarrollada en tres etapas: 1ª- Levantamiento de estudios que utilizaron el Modelo de Roy; 2ª - Lectura dirigida hacia la comprensión del concepto estímulo y 3ª - Análisis de la claridad del concepto. Fueron utilizados tres estudios, a  nivel de maestrado. El análisis de los estudios demuestra deficiencia en la claridad del concepto estímulo, predominando ambigüedad en la clasificación y diferenciación de los estímulos focales y contextuales, sin consistencia y uniformidad. Se evidencia la necesidad de profundizar en las teorías de enfermería, para su aplicación adecuada en las áreas de investigación, enseñanza y práctica, optimizando y mejorando su uso, además de posibilitar la comprensión de determinados conceptos no suficientemente claros. Las inquietudes surgidas entre los enfermeros podrán motivar un abordaje más profundo de los estudios, posibilitando el avance de las teorías, así  como nuevos descubrimientos, dirigiendo los cambios necesariosPesquisa teórico-reflexiva, objetivando analisar a clareza do conceito estímulo no modelo de Roy, para maior compreensão na prática de enfermagem. Desenvolvido em três etapas: 1ª- Levantamento de estudos que utilizaram o Modelo de Roy; 2ª - Leitura dirigida para a compreensão do conceito estímulo e 3ª - Análise da clareza do conceito. Foram utilizados três estudos, em nível de mestrado. A análise dos estudos demonstra deficiência na clareza do conceito estímulo, predominando ambigüidade na classificação e diferenciação dos estímulos focais e contextuais, não existindo consistência e uniformidade. Evidencia-se a necessidade do aprofundamento nas teorias de enfermagem, para a aplicação adequada nas áreas de pesquisa, ensino e prática, otimizando e aprimorando seu uso, além de possibilitar a compreensão de determinados conceitos, não suficientemente claros. As inquietações surgidas entre os enfermeiros poderão proporcionar o aprofundamento nos estudos, possibilitando o avanço das teorias, assim como novos achados, direcionando as mudanças necessárias

National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese General Population (2015-2016): Protocol for Design and Development

Carla Lopes, Duarte Torres, Andreia Oliveira, Milton Severo, Sofia Guiomar, Violeta Alarcão, Elisabete Ramos, Sara Rodrigues, Sofia Vilela, Luísa Oliveira, Jorge Mota, Pedro J Teixeira, Paulo J Nicola, Simão Soares, Lene Frost Andersen, The IAN-AF Consortium. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 15.02.2018.Free PMC Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5832902/BACKGROUND: The assessment of food consumption data using harmonized methodologies at the European level is fundamental to support the development of public policies. Portugal is one of the countries with the most outdated information on individual foodconsumption. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the design and methodology of the National Food, Nutrition and Physical ActivitySurvey, 2015-2016, developed to collect national and regional data on dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and nutritional status, in a representative sample of the Portuguese general population (3 months-84 years). METHODS: Participants were selected by multistage sampling, using the National Heath Registry as the sampling frame. Data collection, during 12 months, was harmonized according to European guidelines (EU-MENU, European Food Safety Authority [EFSA]). Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) was performed on a specific electronic platform synchronized with nutritional composition data and considering the FoodEx2 classification system. Dietary assessment was performed using 24-hour recalls (two nonconsecutive, 8-15 days apart) or food diaries in the case of children aged <10 years, complemented with a food propensity questionnaire; PA data (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ], the Activity Choice Index [ACI], and 4-days PA diaries); sociodemographic data, and other health-related data were also collected. RESULTS: A sample of 6553 individuals completed the first interview, and 5811 participants completed two dietary assessments. The participation rate among eligible individuals was 33.38% (6553/19,635), considering the first interview, and 29.60% (5811/19,635) for the participants with two completed interviews (about 40% in children and adolescents and 20% in elderly individuals). Results of the survey will be disseminated in national and international scientific journals during 2018-2019. CONCLUSIONS: The survey will assist policy planning and management of national and European health programs on the improvement of nutritional status and risk assessment related to food hazards, and the enhancement of PA. The infrastructures and data driven from this Survey are a solid basis to the development of a future national surveillance system on diet, PA, and other health behaviors reproducible over time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Wolbachia in the flesh: symbiont intensities in germ-line and somatic tissues challenge the conventional view of Wolbachia transmission routes

Symbionts can substantially affect the evolution and ecology of their hosts. The investigation of the tissue-specific distribution of symbionts (tissue tropism) can provide important insight into host-symbiont interactions. Among other things, it can help to discern the importance of specific transmission routes and potential phenotypic effects. The intracellular bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has been described as the greatest ever panzootic, due to the wide array of arthropods that it infects. Being primarily vertically transmitted, it is expected that the transmission of Wolbachia would be enhanced by focusing infection in the reproductive tissues. In social insect hosts, this tropism would logically extend to reproductive rather than sterile castes, since the latter constitute a dead-end for vertically transmission. Here, we show that Wolbachia are not focused on reproductive tissues of eusocial insects, and that non-reproductive tissues of queens and workers of the ant Acromyrmex echinatior, harbour substantial infections. In particular, the comparatively high intensities of Wolbachia in the haemolymph, fat body, and faeces, suggest potential for horizontal transmission via parasitoids and the faecal-oral route, or a role for Wolbachia modulating the immune response of this host. It may be that somatic tissues and castes are not the evolutionary dead-end for Wolbachia that is commonly thought