Caracterização do betão através de técnicas não-destrutivas

Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Civil (Especialização em Materiais e Processos de Construção). Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 201

Cytometric evaluation of abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes after percutaneous CO2 infiltration

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da infiltração de dióxido de carbono em adipócitos presentes na parede abdominal. MÉTODOS: Quinze voluntárias foram submetidas a sessões de infusão de CO2 durante três semanas consecutivas (duas sessões por semana com intervalos de dois a três dias entre cada sessão). O volume de gás carbônico infundido por sessão, em pontos previamente demarcados, foi sempre calculado com base na superfície da área a ser tratada, com volume infundido fixo de 250 mL/100cm² de superfície tratada. Os pontos de infiltração foram demarcados respeitando-se o limite eqüidistante 2cm entre eles. Em cada ponto se injetou 10mL, por sessão, com fluxo de 80mL/min. Foram colhidos fragmentos de tecido celular subcutâneo da parede abdominal anterior antes e após o tratamento. O número e as alterações histomorfológicas dos adipócitos (diâmetro médio, perímetro, comprimento, largura e número de adipócitos por campos de observação) foram mensurados por citometria computadorizada. Os resultados foram analisados com o teste t de Student pareado, adotando-se nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se redução significativa no número de adipócitos da parede abdominal e na área, diâmetro, perímetro, comprimento e largura após o uso da hipercapnia (p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A infiltração percutânea de CO2 reduz a população e modifica a morfologia dos adipócitos presentes na parede abdominal anterior.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of carbon dioxide infusion to abdominal wall adipocytes. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers were subjected to sessions of CO2 infusion for three consecutive weeks (two sessions per week with intervals of two to three days between each). The volume of carbon dioxide infused per session, at points previously marked, was always calculated on the basis of surface area to be treated, with a fixed infused volume of 250 ml/100cm² of treated surface. The infiltration points were marked respecting the limit of 2cm equidistant between them. At each point 10 ml was injected per session, with a flow of 80ml/min. Fragments were collected from subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall before and after treatment. The number and histomorphological changes of adipocytes (mean diameter, perimeter, length, width and number of adipocytes per field of observation) were measured by computerized cytometry. The results were analyzed with paired Student t test, adopting a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of adipocytes in the abdominal wall, as well as the area, diameter, perimeter, length and width of the adipocytes, after the infusion of CO2 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous infiltration of CO2 reduces the population of adipocytes of the anterior abdominal wall and modifies their morphology

Reliability and accuracy of a radiographic analysis method for posterior maxillary mini-implant location

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of a radiographic analysis method for the location of mini-implants inserted in the posterior region of the maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two self-drilling mini-implants were installed between the second premolar and the first molar on the right side and left side in three dry skulls. Three operators performed three occlusal radiographs, using an occlusal x-ray film holder, at three different times in each of the three skulls. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficient showed a significantly high, positive correlation (

High variability within Candida albicans transcription factor RLM1: Isolates from vulvovaginal infections show a clear bias toward high molecular weight alleles

Previous studies have correlated the severity of recurrent vulvovaginal Candida infections (VVC) and balanitis in patients from China with the presence of some dominant genotypes at the ORF RLM1. Here we tested VVC vs non-VVC isolates from Portugal, Brazil and Greece and, although the same genotypes were identified in VVC isolates, they were present in only five out of 150 strains. However, this analysis showed that VVC isolates presented a higher percentage of genotypes with similar high molecular weight alleles, in comparison with strains isolated from other biological source

Virulence Attenuation of Candida albicans Genetic Variants Isolated from a Patient with a Recurrent Bloodstream Infection

The incidence of Candida albicans infections and the relapse episodes after antifungal treatment have increased in recent decades. Recurrences are mainly due to the persistence of the original infecting strain that may present genetic and genomic rearrangements during interaction with the host, reflecting strain adaptation. In this study, four isolates recovered from a patient during recurrent candidemia episodes were genotyped by microsatellite length polymorphism (MLP) and by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and found to be genetic variants of the same strain. Using experimental mouse infections, a progressive reduction in the virulence of the four isolates was observed, with the first two isolates more virulent than the third and fourth. Additionally, in the mouse model, the first isolate resisted host control more efficiently, resulting in higher kidney fungal burdens and necrosis as compared to the third isolate. The resolution of inflammation was delayed in mice challenged with the first isolate and the message for IFN-γ and TNF-α in the spleen was lower within the first few hours post-infection. Original and recurrent isolates also displayed different phenotypes regarding activity of secreted enzymes and response to stress agents. Overall, the comparative analysis indicated that the virulence decrease of these isolates was related to a lower ability to resist to the host anticandida effector mechanisms. We showed for the first time that C. albicans genetic variants of the same strain, sequentially isolated from an immunocompromised patient, underwent adaptations in the human host that resulted in virulence attenuation when tested in mice

Mandibulectomy in feline with bacterial fibrosing osteomyelitis

Background: Fibrosing osteomyelitis is a chronic inflammatory process caused by infectious agents that lead to the destruction and replacement of bone tissue by fibroblasts. The diagnosis is based especially on histopathological and bacterial culture. In cases where extensive and irreversible injuries are observed, surgical treatment may be indicated. The objective of this work is to report the clinical, radiographic, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of a cat presenting fibrosing osteomyelitis.Case: A 10-year-old male feline, no defined breed, weighing 3.9 kg was referred to one Private Veterinary Clinic of Fortaleza, CE, Brazil with a history of left mandibular enlargement, presenting dysphagia, sialorrhea, an increase in firm consistency along of the left mandibular body, temporomandibular arthralgia and decreased joint motion range. On cranium radiograph, signs of proliferative osteopathy of irregular contours were observed in the branch and body of the left mandible and extending to the rostral region of the right mandible, suggesting a neoplastic process. After anesthesia, for better assessment of the oral cavity, a sample was collected by incisional biopsy, however, the histopathological result was nonspecific. In view of the inconclusive condition, it was decided to perform left hemimandibulectomy combined with right partial mandibulectomy. Tissue samples were obtained and sent for microbiological and histopathological analyses. The last test revealed an inflammatory reaction consisting of neutrophils and plasma cells, associated with a large amount of fibrous connective tissue, multifocal bacterial aggregates, necrosis and bone resorption. Based on the findings, the diagnosis of chronic bacterial osteomyelitis was concluded. The microbiological culture demonstrated the growth of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with sensitivity to cefovecin, which was administered to the treatment in doses of 8 mg/kg/SC, every 15 days, for 60 days. After 10 days of the surgery, the patient was able to start the process of swallowing and seizing pasty food.Discussion: Although radiography is a diagnostic method of choice to assess the extent of bone involvement, it hardly allows the distinction between neoplastic processes and osteomyelitis. Thus, in addition to the cranium radiographic examination, that revealed signs of proliferative osteopathy with irregular contours in branch and body topography of the left mandible were required biopsy and bacterial culture. After mandibulectomy, difficulty in retracting the tongue and anorexia were observed in the first days. Despite that, from the 12th day on, there was an improvement in food seizure, with the return to voluntary feeding. Mandibulectomy is indicated in cases where extensive and irreversible lesions are observed, although excision of the caudal mandible to the third or fourth premolar tooth is not recommended, because it compromises the sublingual musculature, with fall of the tongue and loss of function apprehension. In the present case, the caudal portion of the right mandibular branch was maintained, which facilitated the return of spontaneous feeding. The tissue removed was necessary to perform a microbiological culture with antibiogram, essential to determine the possible etiologic agent and choosing antimicrobial drugs. For the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection, cefovecin was prescribed due to the dosage and route of administration that collaborate with the mandibular surgery, once that the oral treatment is more difficult. Post-surgical complications related to mandibular resection, such as anorexia and difficulty in grasping food, are common. However, in the present case, the patient had an adequate reestablish after 15 days. Therefore, hemimandibulectomy is effective in treating fibrosing osteomyelitis, with maintenance of the patient's ingestive function.

Characterization of oral enterobacteriaceae prevalence and resistance profile in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing public-health concern worldwide. Patients exhibit compromised immunity and are more prone to infection than other populations. Therefore, oral colonization by clinically relevant members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, major agents of both nosocomial and dialysis-associated infections with frequent prevalence of antibiotic resistances, may constitute a serious risk. Thus, this study aimed to assess the occurrence of clinically relevant enterobacteria and their antibiotic resistance profiles in the oral cavity of CKD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (CKD-PD) and compare it to healthy controls. Saliva samples from all the participants were cultured on MacConkey Agar and evaluated regarding the levels of urea, ammonia, and pH. Bacterial isolates were identified and characterized for antibiotic resistance phenotype and genotype. The results showed that CKD-PD patients exhibited significantly higher salivary pH, urea, and ammonia levels than controls, that was accompanied by higher prevalence and diversity of oral enterobacteria. Out of all the species isolated, only the prevalence of Raoultella ornithinolytica varied significantly between groups, colonizing the oral cavity of approximately 30% of CKD-PD patients while absent from controls. Antibiotic resistance phenotyping revealed mostly putative intrinsic resistance phenotypes (to amoxicillin, ticarcillin, and cephalothin), and resistance to sulfamethoxazole (~43% of isolates) and streptomycin (~17%). However, all isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested and multidrug resistance isolates were only found in CKD-PD group (31,6%). Mobile genetic elements and resistance genes were detected in isolates of the species Raoultella ornithinolytica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter asburiae, mostly originated from CKD-PD patients. PD-related infection history revealed that Enterobacteriaceae were responsible for ~8% of peritonitis and ~ 16% of exit-site infections episodes in CKD-PD patients, although no association was found to oral enterobacteria colonization at the time of sampling. The results suggest that the CKD-induced alterations of the oral milieu might promote a dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiome, namely the proliferation of clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae potentially harboring acquired antibiotic resistance genes. This study highlights the importance of the oral cavity as a reservoir for pathobionts and antibiotic resistances in CKD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gestão do risco em situações epidémicas e pandémicas: eventos e animação turística

Na sequência da situação epidemiológica da COVID-19, foram adotadas várias medidas transversais, aplicáveis a vários setores e ramos de atividade. As Medidas de Saúde Pública e as diferentes estratégias de testagem, vacinação e tratamento revelaram-se como uma resposta central e efetiva, perspetivando o controlo do risco de transmissão da infeção por SARS-CoV-2. O turismo nacional apresenta um importante potencial de crescimento e valorização, associando-se ao elevado valor de recursos patrimoniais naturais e socioculturais, assente em segmentos estratégicos abrangentes. Desta forma, a animação turística, e o seu potencial para a valorização de destinos e produtos turísticos e eventos, encontra-se enraizada no setor turístico, um mercado cada vez mais especializado, segmentado e exigente. Neste âmbito, e considerando a característica essencial associada à aglomeração de turistas e participantes e colaboradores, uma comunicação atualizada de proximidade e a correta informação relativamente às regras de funcionamento, acesso, higiene e segurança aplicáveis a cada instalação, demonstram a sua relevância, sendo de extrema importância, sempre que possível, a garantia de distanciamento físico em aglomerados de pessoas. Todas as medidas preconizadas neste Guia foram desenvolvidas em conformidade com as melhores práticas e regras conhecidas. Essas regras são as que se aplicam à sociedade em geral, adaptadas à realidade a desenvolver em postos de turismo, em particular. O objetivo maior é que em cada atividade turística, exista um nível de risco aceitável.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gestão do risco em situações epidémicas e pandémicas: eventos ao ar livre

Na sequência da situação epidemiológica da COVID-19, foram adotadas várias medidas transversais, aplicáveis a vários setores e ramos de atividade. As Medidas de Saúde Pública e as diferentes estratégias de testagem, vacinação e tratamento revelaram-se como uma resposta central e efetiva, perspetivando o controlo do risco de transmissão da infeção por SARS-CoV-2. A organização de eventos, em particular de festivais e espetáculos ao ar livre, é um setor em crescimento impulsionado pela forte adesão daqueles que procuram uma experiência cultural ou artística diferenciada. Caracterizada pela forte adesão do público, a organização de eventos ao ar livre pode apresentar vários desafios e constrangimentos, sendo garantida a existência de impactos a nível social, ambiental e económico. Neste âmbito, e considerando a característica essencial associada à aglomeração de turistas e participantes e colaboradores, uma comunicação atualizada de proximidade e a correta informação relativamente às regras de funcionamento, acesso, higiene e segurança aplicáveis a cada instalação, demonstram a sua relevância, sendo de extrema importância, sempre que possível, a garantia de distanciamento físico em aglomerados de pessoas. Todas as medidas preconizadas neste Guia foram desenvolvidas em conformidade com as melhores práticas e regras conhecidas. Essas regras são as que se aplicam à sociedade em geral, adaptadas à realidade a desenvolver em postos de turismo, em particular. O objetivo maior é que em cada atividade turística, exista um nível de risco aceitável.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gestão do risco em situações epidémicas e pandémicas: unidades hoteleiras

Na sequência da situação epidemiológica da COVID-19, foram adotadas várias medidas transversais, aplicáveis a vários setores e ramos de atividade. As Medidas de Saúde Pública e as diferentes estratégias de testagem, vacinação e tratamento revelaram-se como uma resposta central e efetiva, perspetivando o controlo do risco de transmissão da infeção por SARS-CoV-2. A importância do turismo e da sua indústria na economia nacional, fomenta a relevância da célere adaptação dos estabelecimentos e unidades hoteleiras a cenários de emergência em saúde pública que influem, naturalmente, no desenvolvimento nacional, regional e local. A gestão de unidades hoteleiras caracteriza-se pela diversidade e heterogeneidade de tarefas e funções, sendo uma das mais árduas, a gestão de expectativas de clientes, internos e externos. Pelo exposto, o momento é decisivo, não só pelos desafios de competitividade que a indústria do turismo deverá estar apta a trilhar, como pela resposta efetiva aos exigentes desafios decorrentes da adaptação a cenários de emergência em saúde pública e modelos organizacionais adotados de gestão das unidades hoteleiras. Neste âmbito, uma comunicação atualizada de proximidade e a correta informação dos clientes relativamente às regras de funcionamento, acesso, higiene e segurança aplicáveis a cada instalação, demonstram a sua relevância, sendo de extrema importância, sempre que possível, a garantia de distanciamento físico em aglomerados de pessoas. Todas as medidas preconizadas neste Guia foram desenvolvidas em conformidade com as melhores práticas e regras conhecidas. Essas regras são as que se aplicam à sociedade em geral, adaptadas à realidade a desenvolver em unidades hoteleiras, em particular. O objetivo maior é que em cada unidade hoteleira se dê continuidade à adaptação às demais regras higiossanitárias, de forma que exista um nível de risco aceitável.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio