Influence of post-thaw culture period on the developmental potential of frozen embryos

Tese de mestrado, Biologia (Biologia Humana e Ambiente), 2009, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de CiênciasResumo alargado em português disponível no document

Acuidade de eletrocardiograma no diagnóstico de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda em indivíduos hipertensos no distrito de Portalegre

Mestrado em Gestão e Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde.A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um preditor robusto e independente de morbilidade e mortalidade cardiovascular. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é a técnica mais acessível para o diagnóstico desse processo patológico. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar a acuidade de diagnóstico de HVE em indivíduos com Hipertensão Arterial (HTA) de dois critérios eletrocardiográficos: o critério de Sokolow-Lyon e o critério de Cornell. Foram analisados ecocardiogramas de 83 indivíduos hipertensos. Estimaram-se a sensibilidade e especificidade dos critérios eletrocardiográficos para homens e mulheres. A partir da metodologia Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (Curva ROC) avaliou-se o desempenho do diagnóstico de HVE definido pelo critério ecocardiográfico indexado à superfície corporal (SC) (≥116g/m2 nos homens e 96g/m2 nas mulheres). Na amostra de 83 indivíduos hipertensos a prevalência de HTA foi de 57% (53% no sexo masculino e 60% no sexo feminino). O critério eletrocardiográfico de Sokolow-Lyon para o sexo masculino apresentou uma sensibilidade de 15% e especificidade 100% e no sexo feminino uma sensibilidade de 11% e uma especificidade de 83%, para o diagnóstico de HVE. O critério de Cornell para o sexo masculino apresentou sensibilidade de 10% e especificidade de 94%; quanto ao sexo feminino apresentou uma sensibilidade de 26% e uma especificidade de 83%. Relativamente ao desempenho dos dois critérios eletrocardiográficos para diagnóstico de HVE, em termos globais pode dizer-se que o critério de Sokolow-Lyon apresenta um desempenho superior ao critério de Cornell. Dado que os dois critérios eletrocardiográficos apresentam baixa sensibilidade para diagnóstico de HVE em doentes com HTA, em termos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (ATS) é importante ter em atenção que o diagnóstico de HVE em doentes hipertensos não deve ser baseado só no ECG, devem ser feitos outros exames complementares de diagnóstico.ABSTRACT - Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent and robust predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the technique more accessible for the diagnosis of this condition. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy two electrocardiographic criteria for LVH: the Sokolow-Lyon criteria and the Cornell criteria. We analyzed 83 echocardiograms of hypertensive individuals and estimated the sensitivity and specificity of the electrocardiographic criteria for men and women separately. Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC curve) analysis it was compared the performance of the diagnostic ECG criteria for the LVH diagnosis defined by echocardiographic left ventricular mass indexed to body surface (SC) ≥ 96g/m2 in men and 116g/m2 in women. The Sokolow-Lyon criteria for males had a sensitivity of 15% and a specificity of 100%, and in females had a sensitivity of 11% and a specificity of 83%. The Cornell criteria for males had a sensitivity of 10% and a specificity of 94%, and in females had a sensitivity of 26% and a specificity of 83% for the diagnosis of LVH. Regarding the performance of the two electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of LVH, overall it can be said that the Sokolow-Lyon criteria outperformed the Cornell criteria. As both electrocardiographic criteria showed low sensitivity for diagnosis of LVH, in terms of Technology Assessment in Health (HTA) it is important to note that the diagnosis of LVH in hypertensive patients should not be done only by ECG, and require more diagnostic exams

The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens

The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health

Findings from qualitative research in nine European countries

UID/SOC/04647/2013Prior research has pointed to cross-national variations in media attention for online risks, which are then mirrored in parental concerns regarding the internet. However, little is known so far about how the discursive environment around opportunities and risks of the internet for children shapes the very context in which children’s own perceptions are developed and their online experiences are situated. The aim of this contribution is threefold: (1) to understand how and to what extent children’s perceptions of online risks incorporate media representations, parental worries and discourses circulating among peers; (2) to identify any age- or gender-specific patterns in the appropriation and conversion of media, parents’ and peers’ discourses; and (3) to identify whether there are cross-cultural variations in risk perceptions.publishersversionpublishe

Predicting calcium in grape must and base wine by FT-NIR spectroscopy

Calcium content in sparkling wines may not exceed 80 mg/L due to the risk of aggregation with alginate capsules. The high calcium content usually found in wine and must emphasizes the need to develop alternative and appropriate techniques faster and cleaner than atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). To obtain a robust model to predict calcium content, FT-NIR spectroscopy was used in 98 base white wine samples and 60 must samples from an Alentejo winery. The reference method for calcium determination was AAS technique, with a dry ashing sample procedure, as a prior treatment. Results confirmed the ability of FT-NIR as an alternative technique to AAS, to predict calcium content in grape must and base wine. Advance knowledge of the calcium content in the grape must will help avoid obtaining a mixture of musts with a high calcium content in the same container

Um estudo longitudinal sobre a qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia oncológica na ULS de Castelo Branco mediante a aplicação do SF–36

Uma necessidade que surge com frequência em estudos de Qualidade de Vida é a detecção de alterações ocorridas ao nível da auto-percepção dos pacientes ao longo do tempo. Avaliar a percepção que pacientes oncológicos possuem sobre a sua Qualidade de Vida é muitas vezes difícil já que, juntamente com as alterações reais, os pacientes alteram muitas vezes a sua escala de medida (recalibração), as suas prioridades (repriorização) ou, inclusivamente, o que antes entendiam por Qualidade de Vida (reconceptualização). Com este estudo pretende-se avaliar a Qualidade de Vida em pacientes com diversos tipos de neoplasias a ser seguidos na ULS de Castelo Branco. Em particular pretende-se estudar a ocorrência de alterações ao nível da auto-percepção destes pacientes durante os meses subsequentes à cirurgia. Detectaram-se alterações ao nível das dimensões Dor Corporal, Funcionamento Físico e Desempenho Físico

Endocrine responses of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) females to male pheromone(s)

Dissertação de mest., Biologia Marinha, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Univ. do Algarve, 2013Several lines of evidence suggest that male Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) release a reproductive pheromone via their urine. A recently identified steroid glucuronide, present in male urine, is probably one of the active components that increase levels of a steroid hormone responsible for oocyte maturation, 17,20β-P, in females. The aims of this study were to identify which fraction(s) of male urine is responsible for this increase and whether the steroid glucuronide is sufficient, on its own, to cause a similar increase in 17,20β-P metabolism. Pooled male urine was passed through C18 extraction cartridges, thus obtaining the filtrate (aqueous/polar) and eluate (hydrophobic/non-polar) fractions. Females were exposed to urine, its respective fractions, and the steroid glucuronide (and in combination with each-other). One hour after exposure, water samples were collected and steroids extracted. The same experiment was conducted in males, using a urine pool from dominant males. Steroid levels (17,20β-P, cortisol, 11-ketotestosterone, and testosterone) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Exposure to male urine, its eluate, and the steroid glucuronide (and combinations containing the eluate or steroid) evoked a dramatic increase in release rates of 17,20β-P by females. The filtrate alone had no such effect. In males, release rates of 11-ketotestosterone, but not testosterone, increased after exposure to male urine. These results suggest that the pheromonal activity of the urine is contained wholly in the C18 eluate. Furthermore, the steroid glucuronide (originally isolated from the urine eluate) is sufficient, on its own, to cause an increase in levels of 17,20β-P metabolism. Thus, the steroid glucuronide is responsible for the pheromonal activity of male urine, at least in this endocrine effect in females. The endocrine response of males to this urinary pheromone requires further investigation

Diabetes in the Portuguese population: an analysis of e_COR study

[PT] As doenças cardiovasculares são umas das principais causas de morbilidade e mortalidade a nível mundial, sendo um importante problema de saúde pública. A diabetes mellitus é um fator de risco cardiovascular e a sua incidência tem vindo a aumentar mundialmente. No estudo e_COR avaliou-se a prevalência, tratamento e controlo da diabetes numa amostra da população portuguesa. Participaram 1688 indivíduos, distribuídos pelas 5 regiões continentais. Foram determinados os níveis de glicose e de HbA1c. A prevalência da diabetes na população estudada foi de 8,9%, salientando-se que esta prevalência foi baseada somente nos valores de glicose em jejum. Verificou-se que os níveis de glicose aumentam com a idade, sendo significativamente superiores no sexo masculino, e que os valores de HbA1c apresentam um comportamento similar. Dos indivíduos com diabetes, 82% estavam medicados farmacologicamente, mas apenas 60,7% estavam controlados. A identificação e o conhecimento do controlo dos fatores de risco é uma medida fundamental para as autoridades de saúde implementarem medidas de promoção de saúde adequadas. As baixas taxas de controlo dos fatores de risco, como é o caso da diabetes, são um problema sério de saúde pública que precisa de intervenção através de políticas de saúde locais e nacionais.[EN] Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major public health problem. Diabetes mellitus is a cardiovascular risk factor and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The e_COR study evaluated the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes in a sample of the Portuguese population. A total of 1688 individuals, distributed among the five continental regions, participated in this study. Levels of glucose and HbA1c were determined. The prevalence of diabetes in this population was 8.9%, but this prevalence was only based on glucose fasting values. It was found that glucose levels increase with age and is significantly higher in males, and that HbA1c values behave similarly. From the individuals with diabetes, 82% were treated pharmacologically, but only 60.7% were controlled. The identification and knowledge of the degree of management of risk factors is a key measure for the health authorities implement appropriate health promotion measures. The low control rates of risk factors such as diabetes, is a serious public health problem that needs intervention through local and national health policies

Ulceração Genital Aguda em Jovem

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Necrólise Epidérmica Tóxica Induzida pelo Vemurafenib: Um Efeito Adverso Emergente

Vemurafenib, a selective inhibitor of the BRAF V600 mutation, is Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approved for the treatment of stage IV metastatic melanoma alone or in combination. Among the adverse effects, cutaneous toxicity is the most common. Most of these reactions such as maculopapular rash, photosensitivity and hyperkeratotic lesions are manageable, and the majority of patients are able to continue therapy. However, a few cases of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported and drug withdrawal is mandatory in these cases. Herein, we report a case of vemurafenib- -induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient receiving therapy for metastatic melanoma. After several hospital complications, our patient survived to the drug-induced reaction and he is in remission for 2 years.O vemurafenib, um inibidor seletivo da mutação BRAF V600, está aprovado pela Food and Drug Administration (FDA) e European Medicines Agency (EMA) para o tratamento de melanoma metastático em estadio IV isoladamente ou em combinação. De entre os efeitos adversos, a toxicidade cutânea é a mais comum. A maior parte destas reações, como o eritema, a fotossensibilidade e as lesões hiperqueratósicas, são facilmente controladas podendo a maioria dos doentes continuar terapêutica. Contudo, têm sido descritos alguns casos de reações cutâneas graves com risco de vida e necessidade de suspensão terapêutica. Os autores reportam um caso de necrólise epidérmica tóxica induzida pelo vemurafenib num doente a efetuar tratamento para melanoma metastizado. Após várias complicações hospitalares, o doente sobreviveu à reação provocada pelo fármaco e encontra-se em remissão há 2 anos