Use (or Misuse) of Drugs in Pediatrics

Introdução e Objectivos: A exposição a fármacos na idade pediátrica pode ser nociva. A utilização elevada de medicamentos não aprovados em Pediatria, bem como o uso para sintomas em que a sua eficácia não foi comprovada, tem sido descrita de forma preocupante. Foi objectivo deste estudo avaliar o padrão de consumo de fármacos numa população pediátrica portuguesa. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com recrutamento prospectivo dos casos e amostra de conveniência; recolha de dados por inquérito; incluídas crianças, sem doença crónica, que recorreram ao serviço de urgência de um hospital na área da Grande Lisboa, num período de dois meses. Resultados: Foram incluídas 189 crianças com idade média de 5,8 anos. A proporção de crianças com consumo de fármacos, nos trêsmeses precedentes, foi de 120/189 (63,5%) – superior entre os seis e 24 meses (74%vs 58,5%; p=0,038).Os fármacos mais prescritos foram os analgésicos/antipiréticos e anti-inflamatórios (83/202, 41,1%), os antibióticos (52/202, 25,8%) e os anti-histamínicos (14/202, 7%). Em 96/202 casos (47,5%) eram medicamentos não sujeitos a receita médica e em 33/174 (19,1%) “automedicações”. Verificou-se utilização de anti-histamínicos, expectorantes, analgésicos e anti-inflamatórios não recomendados para a faixa etária. O consumo de antibióticos foi mais elevado entre os seis e 24 meses (36%vs 18,5%; p=0,012), com predomínio da associação amoxicilina/ácido clavulânico (21/52, 40,4%). Em seis casos foram relatados possíveis efeitos secundários. Conclusões: De acordo com o nosso conhecimento este é o primeiro estudo em Portugal a avaliar o padrão de utilização de fármacos em Pediatria. Este consumo foi elevado, sobretudo na infância precoce, evidenciando a necessidade de vigilância e regulamentação adequadas. Os medicamentos não sujeitos a receita médica, amplamente utilizados, poderão associar-se a riscos acrescidos, pela facilidade no seu acesso. O uso frequente de antibióticos, sobretudo de largo espectro, poderá vir a associar-se ao desenvolvimento de resistências

FK506 prevents mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic cell death induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in rat primary cortical cultures

The mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) has been largely used to study neurodegenerative disorders in which bioenergetic defects are implicated. In the present study, we analyzed the molecular pathways involved in FK506 neuroprotection against cell death induced by 3-NP, using cultured cortical neurons. 3-NP induced cytochrome c release and increased caspases -2, -3, -8, and -9-like activities, although, calpain activity was not significantly affected. FK506 decreased cytochrome c release and caspase-3-like activity induced by 3-NP, without changing the activities of other caspases. FK-506 also decreased the number of apoptotic neurons, determined by Hoechst. Under these conditions, FK506 alone significantly reduced calcineurin activity by about 50%. Our results also showed a decrease in mitochondrial Bax and an increase in mitochondrial Bcl-2 levels upon exposure to FK506 and 3-NP. However, no significant changes occurred in total Bcl-2 and Bax levels. Altogether, the results suggest that FK506 neuroprotection against 3-NP-induced apoptosis is associated with the redistribution of Bcl-2 and Bax in the mitochondrial membrane.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WNK-4DFBTRN-1/1/437ab5ac7896585944bdb87bca46a53

Creating community of microbiology-related professionals through the MIRRI Collaborative Working Environment (CWE)

MIRRI-ERIC supports the biosciences scientific community and bioindustries by providing a single point of access to microbial related services, the MIRRI Collaborative Working Environment (CWE, www.mirri.org). The CWE facilitates the access to the broadest range of high-quality microorganisms, their derivatives, associated data and services, and it is complemented with a forum of experts created to share and generate knowledge within the MIRRI stakeholder community (culture collections, policy makers, scientists, bioindustry, etc.). The clusters covered by the platform will be: Legal/Regulatory Issues & Standards (e.g. ABS, Biosafety, Budapest Treaty) Applications in Biotechnology & Bioindustries (topics aligned with the MIRRI Research & Innovation Agenda) Taxonomy (microbial groups in the scope of MIRRI expertise) Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (microbial groups and samples in the scope of MIRRI expertise) High-end Technologies & Platforms (e.g. MALDI-TOF, Genome analysis, Culturomics, Digital Technologies & FAIR data) The forum is being implemented in the frame of the project IS_MIRRI21 (H2020 GA nº 871129). As a pilot, the cluster on Legal/Regulatory Issues & Standards is available to be used for the community. Consultation of the forum is open to everybody through the public site of the CWE. However, use of the forum (add new topics or reply to posts) requires registration into the platform. With this tool, MIRRI aims to foster innovation within science, research and development, bringing together students and professionals working in cross disciplinary aspects in the microbial-related value chain.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Neurocognitive evaluation using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) in an HIV‐2 population

Objectives: We aimed to characterize neurocognitive impairment (NI) in an HIV-2 population using an observational cross-sectional study in four Portuguese hospitals. Methods: Adult HIV-2-infected patients were included. Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) and International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) scales were applied for screening of NI. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales were used for assessment of depression and functionality. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess for risk factors for NI. Results: Eighty-one patients were included, 50.6% of African origin (n = 41) and 49.4% of Portuguese origin (n = 40). The MoCA scale showed alterations in 81.5% of patients (100% of migrants vs. 62.5% of non-migrants, P < 0.001) and the IHDS scale showed alterations in 42%. Both scales were altered simultaneously in 35.8%. Variables independently associated with NI were age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.885] and migrant status (OR = 9.150). Conclusions: Neurocognitive impairment (both scales altered) was present in 35.8%, which is comparable to what is described for HIV-1. The MoCA performed worse in the migrant population and might not be applicable in this setting.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impacts of therapeutic horticulture on happiness and loneliness in institutionalized clients with mental health conditions

Introduction: Therapeutic horticulture (TH) can be considered a non-pharmacological approach to support psychiatric treatments for the improvement of physical and mental health, but information is lacking on whether it has advantages as compared to more conventional occupational therapies (OTs). Method: The study focused on institutionalized 25 clients attending TH among other OTs and 15 clients attending OT other than TH. The measures used were the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale’ (SHS) and the ‘Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults’ (SELSA-S), along with sociodemographic and clinical data. The study design was descriptive, observational and cross-sectional. Results: Scores obtained from the SHS and SELSA-S were generally similar for both groups, although 40% of clients in the TH group perceived relaxation. These are in agreement with previous studies performed with chronic schizophrenia clients reporting that TH might effectively decrease depression/anxiety symptoms, but the feeling of hopelessness and quality of life did not change, probably due to long-term institutionalization and required medication that may limit other effects. Within the TH group, clients preferred specific horticultural tasks and more days/week attending activities decreased loneliness and increased happiness. Conclusion: TH interventions as an integrative treatment option merits further study on both process and outcome evaluation, to maximize its effectiveness.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of Incorporating NIR Reflective Pigments in Finishing Coatings of ETICS

Near-infrared (NIR) reflective materials are being developed for mitigating building cooling needs. Their use contributes to broadening the range of colours, responding to the urban aesthetic demand without compromising the building performance. Despite the increase in NIR reflective pigments investigation, there is still a knowledge gap in their applicability, impact, and durability in multilayer finishing coatings of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). Hence, the main goal of this work consists of evaluating the impact of incorporating NIR reflective pigments (NRP) in the solar reflectance of the surface layer of ETICS, without affecting the colour perception, as well as their influence on the colour durability and surface temperature. As such, colour, solar reflectance, and surface temperature were monitored for 2 years in dark-coloured specimens of ETICS, with and without NRP and a primer layer. It was confirmed that the main contribution of NRP is the increase of solar reflectance and, consequently, the decrease in surface temperature, especially for high exterior temperatures (around 30 degrees C). Moreover, these pigments highly increase the NIR reflectance without affecting the visible colour. In addition, they contribute to maintaining the colour characteristics. The application of primer increased the surface temperature, especially for higher exterior temperatures. However, it contributes to a lower colour difference and solar reflectance variation, which is an important achievement for durability purposes

Molecular diversity and the fate of biochemical fractions of eucalypt tissues in soil

The molecular diversity of the source substrate has been regarded as a significant controller of the proportion of plant material that is either mineralized or incorporated into soil organic matter (SOM). However, quantitative parameters to express substrate molecular diversity remain elusive. In this research, we fractionated leaves, twigs, bark, and root tissues of 13C-enriched eucalypt seedlings into hot water extractables (HWE), total solvent (acetone) extractables (TSE), a cellulosic fraction (CF), and the acid unhydrolyzable residue (AUR). We used 13C NMR spectroscopy to obtain a molecular diversity index (MDI) based on the relative abundance of carbohydrate, protein, lignin, lipid, and carbonyl functional groups within the biochemical fractions. Subsequently, we obtained artificial plant organs containing fixed proportions (25%) of their respective biochemical fractions to be incubated with soil material obtained from a Haplic Ferralsol for 200-days, under controlled temperature (25 ± 1 ◦C) and moisture adjusted to 70–80% of the soil water holding capacity. Our experimental design was a randomized complete block design, arranged according to a factorial scheme including 4 plant organs, 4 biochemical fractions, and 3 blocks as replicates. During the incubation, we assessed the evolution of CO2 from the microcosms after 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 13, 21, 28, 38, 45, 70, 80, 92, 112, 148, 178 and 200 days from the start of the incubation. After the incubation, soil subsamples were submitted to a density fractionation to separate the light fraction of SOM (LFOM) i.e., with density <1.8 g cm 3. The heavy fraction remaining was submitted to wetsieving yielding the sand-sized SOM (SSOM) and the mineral-associated SOM (MAOM), with particle-size greater and smaller than 53 μm, respectively. We found that HWE and AUR exhibited comparatively higher MDIs than the TSE and CF. During the incubation, HWE and CF were the primary sources of 13C-CO2 from all plant organs and after 92 days, the respiration of the TSE of bark and roots increased. Otherwise, the AUR contributed the least for the release of 13C-CO2. There were no significant relationships between the MDI and the amount of 13C transferred into the LFOM or SSOM. Otherwise, the transfer of 13C into the MAOM increased as a linear-quadratic function of MDI, which in turn was negatively correlated with the total 13C-CO2 loss. Overall, the MDI exerted a stronger control on the 13C-labeled MAOM than on 13C-CO2 emissions, highlighting the need to improve our ability to distinguish and quantify direct plant inputs from those of microbial origin entering soil C pools.publishedVersio

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of portuguese press coverage regarding cosmetic products: a pilot test for a case study

A Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciências Cosmetológicas e a Step Exhibitions têm o orgulho de anunciar um fórum para a comunicação, a colaboração, e a inovação para o Mercado Português de Cosméticos e indústrias relacionadas. O Cosmetinnov reúne os principais decisores e inovadores de todo o setor da cosmética. Durante os dois dias do evento terá a oportunidade de fazer novos contactos e realizar negócios com centenas de profissionais que procuram encontrar soluções, obter respostas e adquirir produtos e serviços fundamentais ao desenvolvimento e fabrico dos seus produtos cosméticos. Ao atrair desde pequenas e médias empresas até grandes empresas internacionais, o Cosmetinnov 2020 oferece uma oportunidade inigualável de colocar a sua empresa em contacto com pessoas chave para o seu negócio.The Sociedade Portuguesa Ciencias Cosmetológicas and Step Exhibitions are proud to announce a forum for communication and collaboration, and innovation for the Portuguese Cosmetics Market and beyond. Cosmetinnov brings together the key decision makers and innovators from across the cosmetic sector. During the two-days event you can meet, network and do business with hundreds of professionals looking to find solutions, obtain answers, and buy the products and services they need to fulfil their cosmetics development and manufacturing requirements. Ranging from SMEs through to major international corporations, Cosmetinnov delivers an unrivalled opportunity to put your business in front of the people you need to meet

Valorização de recursos endógenos em Tierras de Miranda de l Burro i l Gueiteiro

A criação de valor no turismo é alcançada através de experiências autênticas, diferenciadoras e sustentáveis, que preservam os recursos locais. Com base nas propriedades anti-envelhecimento do leite de burra de de raça autóctone, foi desenvolvida uma linha de produtos cosméticos para enriquecer a experiência turística e aumentar o potencial comercial do pacote turístico.Os autores agradecem o apoio financeiro do Projeto NORTE 2020 - SIAC: EMER-n – Empreendedorismo em Meio Rural da Região do Norte. Os autores agradecem à Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) e ao FEDER no âmbito do programa PT2020 pelo apoio financeiro ao CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ab initio modeling of defects in silicon, germanium and SiGe alloys

Understanding the most elemental defects in semiconductors is a fundamental step to grasp the countless solid-state reactions that may occur during crystal growth, device processing and operation stages. The higher carrier mobilitity in SiGe alloys and germanium, when compared with silicon, and the necessity to a higher K dielectric than SiO2 makes these semiconductors the most contendors to a new generation of electronic devices. Our aim is to model self and impurity point defects in SiGe alloys and germanium, and compare with their equivalent complexes in silicon. We use density functional theory and pseudopotentials to determine the structural, electronic and vibrational properties. The calculations are performed in a 32 CPU PC cluster, in Physics Department of Aveiro University.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).INTAS