Diagnostic Ability Of Barrett’s Index to Detect Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy Using Multidetector Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a muscular index (Barrett's Index), calculated with multidetector computed tomography, to detect dysthyroid optic neuropathy in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with Graves' orbitopathy were prospectively studied and submitted to neuro-ophthalmic evaluation and multidetector computed tomography scans of the orbits. Orbits were divided into two groups: those with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy. Barrett's index was calculated as the percentage of the orbit occupied by muscles. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for several index values. RESULTS: Sixty-four orbits (19 with and 45 without dysthyroid optic neuropathy) met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean Barrett's index values (± SD) were 64.47% ± 6.06% and 49.44% ± 10.94%in the groups with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy, respectively (p<0.001). Barrett's index sensitivity ranged from 32% to 100%, and Barrett's index specificity ranged from 24% to 100%. The best combination of sensitivity and specificity was 79%/72% for BI=60% (odds ratio: 9.2). CONCLUSIONS: Barrett's Index is a useful indicator of dysthyroid optic neuropathy and may contribute to early diagnosis and treatment. Patients with a Barrett's index >60% should be carefully examined and followed for the development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy

High in vitro activity of synthetic 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamidrazones against Candida biofilms formation on nanohydroxyapatite

Comunicação apresentada no: "4th I3S Annual Meeting"Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia [PEst-C/QUI/UI0686/2013 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-037302)], PTNMR and a PhD grant awarded to Nádia Senhorães (SFRH/BD/73721/2010)

Standardised sampling of lepidopterans (Lepidoptera) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014. v1.2

Mountain ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation since they host high biodiversity. This study reports novel information on lepidopteran species diversity, distribution and abundance from Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal). Seventy two lepidopteran species were sampled in this protected area, including the first findings of Apatura ilia (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Vanessa virginiensis (Drury, 1773). New populations of Euphydrias aurinia (Rottemburg, 1775), a protected species under the Habitats Directive, was found in this Natural Park and novel distribution and ecological data was collected for most species, including several rare species [e.g., Coenonympha glycerion iphioides Staudinger, 1870, Cyaniris semiargus (Rottemburg, 1775)]. All data were collected using standardised sampling allowing its use as baseline for environmental changes long-term monitoring of Serra da Estrela mountain biodiversity.FUNDING: The study was financed by Energias de Portugal (EDP) under the Fundo EDP para a Biodioversidade 2011.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Standardised sampling of odonates (Odonata) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014

Mountain ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation since they host high biodiversity. This study reports novel information on odonate species diversity, distribution and abundance from Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal). Twenty six odonate species were sampled in this protected area, including the first finding of Macromia splendens (Pictet, 1843). New populations of Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834), a protected species under the Habitats Directive, was found in this Natural Park and novel distribution and ecological data was collected for most species, including several rare species (e.g., Aeshna juncea (Linnaeus, 1758), Sympetrum flaveolum (Linnaeus, 1758)). All data were collected using standardised sampling allowing its use as baseline for long-term monitoring of Serra da Estrela mountain biodiversity.FUNDING: This work was financed by Energias de Portugal (EDP) Fund for Biodiversity 2011 through project "Biodiversidade, endemismos e espécies protegidas associadas às lagoas e cursos de água da Serra da Estrela: valorização de um século de aproveitamento hidroeléctrico". Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia supported MB by contract DL 57/2016/CP1375/CT0001.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biochemical and histopathological impacts of rutile and anatase (TiO2 forms) in Mytilus galloprovincialis

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles have been widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products. Due to their large production and use, they will eventually enter into aquatic environments. Once in the aquatic environment TiO2 particles may interact with the organisms and induce toxic effects. Since the most common crystallographic forms of TiO2 are rutile and anatase, the present study evaluated the effect of these two forms of TiO2 particles in Mytilus galloprovincialis. For this, mussels were exposed to different concentrations of rutile and anatase particles (0, 5, 50, 100 µg/L) for twenty-eight days. Ti concentrations, histopathological alterations and biochemical effects were evaluated. Similar Ti concentrations were found in mussels exposed to rutile and anatase, with the highest values in mussels exposed to the highest exposure concentration. Histopathological results demonstrated that both forms of TiO2 induced alterations on gills and digestive glands along the increasing exposure gradient. Biochemical markers showed that mussels exposed to rutile maintained their metabolic capacity (assessed by the activity of the Electron Transport System, ETS), while anatase increased the metabolism of mussels. Mussels exposed to rutile increased their detoxifying defences which, due to the low tested concentrations, were sufficient to avoid cellular damage. On the other hand, mussels exposed to anatase suffered cellular damages despite the increase of the antioxidant defences which may be related to the high ETS activity. Both rutile and anatase particles were toxic to M. galloprovincialis, being the highest oxidative stress exerted by the crystalline form anatase.publishe

87sr/86sr dating of the alcácer do sal formation (Upper miocene, mainland portugal)

Funding Information: The authors are grateful for the financial support of GeoBioTec (UIDB/04035/2020). We would like to thank the late João Pais for the several discussions about the Neogene problematics in the Lower Tagus and Alvalade basins. We also thank Pedro Proença e Cunha, Nuno Pimentel and Ildefonso Armenteros for the constructive comments and suggestions that greatly improved the manuscript.The Lower Tagus Basin was subjected to several marine transgressions along the Neogene, related to positive eustatic oscillations and also controlled by the regional tectonic activity. In the Alcácer do Sal-Sines region, previous studies identified an episode of marine sedimentation interpreted as having occurred during the late Serravalian to early Tortonian interval, based on biostratigraphic data. This episode is represented in the Alcácer do Sal Formation. The study of the SMS-12-01B borehole, drilled for mineral prospection purposes, located about 10 km NNE of Melides, allowed the identification of a 3 m thick layer of sediments containing marine fossils.87Sr/86Sr determinations of oyster shells point to deposition about 11.5 Ma ago, validating previous proposals for the age of the formation. These data correspond to the first numerical ages obtained for the Alcácer do Sal Formation, allowing a solid correlation with other known marine units in the Lower Tagus and Algarve basins related to the same transgression episode.publishersversionpublishe

Psychometric properties of the measure of achieved capabilities in homeless services

Background Purposeful participation in personally meaningful life tasks, enjoyment of positive reciprocal relationships, and opportunities to realize one’s potential are growth-related aspects of a meaningful life that should be considered important dimensions of recovery from homelessness. The extent to which homeless services support individuals to achieve the capabilities they need to become who they want to be and do what they want to do is, in turn, an important indicator of their efectiveness. In this study, we developed a measure of achieved capabilities (MACHS) for use in homeless services settings, and assessed its construct and concurrent validity. Methods We analysed data collected from homeless services users at two time points in eight European countries to assess the factor structure and psychometric properties of the new measure. Participants were adults engaged with either Housing First (n=245) or treatment as usual (n=320). Results Exploratory and confrmatory factor analyses yielded a four-factor structure of the capabilities measure: community integration, optimism, safety, and self-determination. We obtained evidence for construct validity through observed correlations between achieved capabilities and recovery, working alliance and satisfaction with services. Moreover, we obtained evidence of the measure’s concurrent validity from its positive association between HF and personal recovery, which was fully mediated by achieved capabilities. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that the MACHS is a valid and reliable measure that may be used to assess the extent to which homeless services support their clients to develop capabilities needed for growth-related recovery. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio