Drogas e prisões em Portugal

Circulam e consomem-se drogas nas prisões da maior parte dos países do mundo. Este é um fenómeno que se acentuou ao longo dos últimos anos do século XX, provocando alterações significativas no sistema prisional. Conhecer os contornos do fenómeno para o caso de Portugal foi o objectivo da pesquisa que está na base do presente livro.Este livro foi adjudicado pelo Instituto Português da Droga e Toxicodependência e resultou de uma deliberação conjunta de Suas Excelências, o Sr. Ministro da Ciência e Tecnologia, Professor Doutor José Mariano Gago, o Sr. Ministro da Justiça, Dr. António Costa e o Secretário de estado da Presidência do Conselho de Ministros, Dr. Vitalino Canas, do XIV Governo Constitucional

Thrombophilic risk factors for retinal vein occlusion

The aim is to study risk factors for retinal vein occlusion (RVO), such as thrombophilic and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF). A retrospective consecutive case series of 60 patients with RVO was made, tested for CRF, hyperhomocysteinemia, lupic anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibody and 5 gene variants: factor V (FV) Leiden (G1691A), factor II (PT G20210A), 5,1-methylenetetra-hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; 677 C > T and 1298 A > C), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1; 4 G/5 G). More than 1 CRF were present in 36 patients (60%), which had a significantly higher mean age at diagnosis (66.7 ± 12.9 versus 59.5 ± 13.7 with ≤1 CRF, [t(57) = -2.05, p = 0.045, d = 0.54). Patients with thermolabile MTHFR forms with decreased enzyme activity (T677T or C677T/A1298C) had a significant lower mean age [57.6 ± 15.1; t (58) = 3.32; p = 0.002; d = 0.846] than patients with normal MTHFR enzyme activity (68.5 ± 10.2). Regarding CRF and thermolabile forms of MTHFR, the mean age at diagnosis could be significantly predicted [F(2,56) = 7.18; p = 0.002] by the equation: 64.8 - 10.3 × (thermolabile MTHFR) - 5.31 × ( ≤ 1CRF). Screening of MTHFR polymorphisms may be useful in younger RVO patients, particularly when multiple CRF are absent.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fatores associados a sintomas osteomusculares em profissionais que trabalham sentados

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares e analisar os fatores a eles associados em profissionais de setores administrativos que trabalham predominantemente na postura sentada. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal com dados obtidos de 451 trabalhadores de instituição pública federal na região Sul do país. A variável dependente foi o número de sintomas osteomusculares nos últimos 12 meses, aferido utilizando-se o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Foram investigadas 19 variáveis independentes, divididas em quatro categorias: características sociodemográficas, comportamentais, ocupacionais e de saúde. Foi realizada análise univariada e, na sequência, regressão múltipla de Poisson com variância robusta. As variáveis independentes foram inseridas em blocos com critério backward stepwise, considerando o valor para estatística de Wald igual a 0,20. As medidas de efeito foram expressas em aumento relativo (AR) no valor médio, sendo os dados analisados para um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A prevalência estimada de sintomas osteomusculares nos últimos 12 meses foi de 90% (intervalo de confiança – IC95% 87–93). No modelo final da análise de regressão, as variáveis sexo feminino (AR = 14,75%), índice de capacidade para o trabalho baixo (AR = 100,02%) e moderado (AR = 64,06%), uso de medicamentos (AR = 48,06%) e circunferência da cintura em risco (AR = 15,59%) tiveram associação significativa com o aumento da média de sintomas; já a escolaridade com ensino técnico atuou como fator de proteção, reduzindo a média em 36,46%. CONCLUSÕES: A alta prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares encontrada e os fatores associados indicam a necessidade de propor ações e cuidados específicos para essa população, como tratamento imediato dos sintomas e mudanças na organização e no ambiente laboral, a fim de alcançar equilíbrio e harmonia nas exigências do trabalho sentado prolongado e evitar o impacto dessa condição na saúde pública. DESCRITORES: Saúde do Trabalhador. Medidas de Associação, Exposição, Risco ou Desfecho. Transtornos Traumáticos Cumulativos. Postura. Estilo de Vida Sedentário.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and analyze their associated factors in professionals from administrative sectors working predominantly in sitting position. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with data obtained from 451 workers from a federal public institution in Southern Brazil. The dependent variable was the number of musculoskeletal symptoms in the prior 12 months, measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. In the analyses, 19 independent variables were investigated, divided into four categories: sociodemographic, behavioral, occupational and health characteristics. Univariate analysis and multiple Poisson regression with robust variance were performed. The independent variables were inserted into blocks with stepwise backward criterion, considering the value for Wald statistics equal to 0.20. The effect measures were expressed in a relative increase (RI) in the mean value, and the data were analyzed for a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the prior 12 months was 90% (confidence interval – 95%CI 87–93). In the final model of regression analysis, the variables female gender (RI = 14.75%), low (RI = 100.02%) and moderate (RI = 64.06%) work ability index, use of medications (RI = 48.06%) and waist circumference at risk (RI = 15.59%) had a significant association with the increase in the mean number of symptoms; schooling with technical education acted as a protective factor, reducing the mean by 36.46%. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms found and the associated factors indicate the need to propose specific actions and care for this population, such as immediate treatment of symptoms and changes in the organization and work environment, to achieve balance and harmony in the demands of prolonged sitting work and avoid its impact effect of this condition on public health. DESCRIPTORS: Occupational Health. Measures of Associa

CuMV VLPs Containing the RBM from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Drive Dendritic Cell Activation and Th1 Polarization.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most specialized and proficient antigen-presenting cells. They bridge innate and adaptive immunity and display a powerful capacity to prime antigen-specific T cells. The interaction of DCs with the receptor-binding domain of the spike (S) protein from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pivotal step to induce effective immunity against the S protein-based vaccination protocols, as well as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Herein, we describe the cellular and molecular events triggered by virus-like particles (VLPs) containing the receptor-binding motif from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells, or, as controls, in the presence of the Toll-like receptors (TLR)3 and TLR7/8 agonists, comprehending the events of dendritic cell maturation and their crosstalk with T cells. The results demonstrated that VLPs boosted the expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules and co-stimulatory receptors of DCs, indicating their maturation. Furthermore, DCs' interaction with VLPs promoted the activation of the NF-kB pathway, a very important intracellular signalling pathway responsible for triggering the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, co-culture of DCs with T cells triggered CD4+ (mainly CD4+Tbet+) and CD8+ T cell proliferation. Our results suggested that VLPs increase cellular immunity, involving DC maturation and T cell polarization towards a type 1 T cells profile. By providing deeper insight into the mechanisms of activation and regulation of the immune system by DCs, these findings will enable the design of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2

An ultra-sensitive electrochemical biosensor using the Spike protein for capturing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in point-of-care

Funding Information: The authors acknowledge funding through project TecniCov ( POCI-01-02B7-FEDER-069745 ), co-funded by FEDER through COMPETE2020 and Lisboa2020 and CY-Sensors ( POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032359 ) through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) , Portugal. ARC acknowledge funding to National Foundation for Science and Technology , I.P., Portugal ( FCT ) through the PhD. Grant, reference SFRH/BD/130107/2017 . Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsThis work presents an innovative ultra-sensitive biosensor having the Spike protein on carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), for monitoring in point-of-care antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, a very important tool for epidemiological monitoring of COVID-19 infection and establishing vaccination schemes. In an innovative and simple approach, a highly conductive support is combined with the direct adsorption of Spike protein to enable an extensive antibody capture. The high conductivity was ensured by using carboxylated carbon nanotubes on the carbon electrode, by means of a simple and quick approach, which also increased the surface area. These were then modified with EDC/NHS chemistry to produce an amine layer and undergo Spike protein adsorption, to generate a stable layer capable of capturing the antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum with great sensitivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to evaluate the analytical performance of this biosensor in serum. It displayed a linear response between 1.0 ​pg/mL and 10 ​ng/mL, with a detection limit of ∼0.7 ​pg/mL. The analysis of human positive sera containing antibody in a wide range of concentrations yielded accurate data, correlating well with the reference method. It also offered the unique ability of discriminating antibody concentrations in sera below 2.3 ​μg/mL, the lowest value detected by the commercial method. In addition, a proof-of-concept study was performed by labelling anti-IgG antibodies with quantum dots to explore a new electrochemical readout based on the signal generated upon binding to the anti-S protein antibodies recognised on the surface of the biosensor. Overall, the alternative serologic assay presented is a promising tool for assessing protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and a potential guide for revaccination.publishersversionpublishe

Factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in professionals working in sitting position

Objetivos: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares e analisar os fatores a eles associados em profissionais de setores administrativos que trabalham predominantemente na postura sentada.Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com dados obtidos de 451 trabalhadores de instituição pública federal na região Sul do país. A variável dependente foi o número de sintomas osteomusculares nos últimos 12 meses, aferido utilizando-se o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Foram investigadas 19 variáveis independentes, divididas em quatro categorias: características sociodemográficas, comportamentais, ocupacionais e de saúde. Foi realizada análise univariada e, na sequência, regressão múltipla de Poisson com variância robusta. As variáveis independentes foram inseridas em blocos com critério backward stepwise, considerando o valor para estatística de Wald igual a 0,20. As medidas de efeito foram expressas em aumento relativo (AR) no valor médio, sendo os dados analisados para um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A prevalência estimada de sintomas osteomusculares nos últimos 12 meses foi de 90% (intervalo de confiança – IC95% 87–93). No modelo final da análise de regressão, as variáveis sexo feminino (AR = 14,75%), índice de capacidade para o trabalho baixo (AR = 100,02%) e moderado (AR = 64,06%), uso de medicamentos (AR = 48,06%) e circunferência da cintura em risco (AR = 15,59%) tiveram associação significativa com o aumento da média de sintomas; já a escolaridade com ensino técnico atuou como fator de proteção, reduzindo a média em 36,46%. Conclusões: A alta prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares encontrada e os fatores associados indicam a necessidade de propor ações e cuidados específicos para essa população, como tratamento imediato dos sintomas e mudanças na organização e no ambiente laboral, a fim de alcançar equilíbrio e harmonia nas exigências do trabalho sentado prolongado e evitar o impacto dessa condição na saúde pública.Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and analyze their associated factors in professionals from administrative sectors working predominantly in sitting position. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data obtained from 451 workers from a federal public institution in Southern Brazil. The dependent variable was the number of musculoskeletal symptoms in the prior 12 months, measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. In the analyses, 19 independent variables were investigated, divided into four categories: sociodemographic, behavioral, occupational and health characteristics. Univariate analysis and multiple Poisson regression with robust variance were performed. The independent variables were inserted into blocks with stepwise backward criterion, considering the value for Wald statistics equal to 0.20. The effect measures were expressed in a relative increase (RI) in the mean value, and the data were analyzed for a 5% significance level. Results: The estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the prior 12 months was 90% (confidence interval – 95%CI 87–93). In the final model of regression analysis, the variables female gender (RI = 14.75%), low (RI = 100.02%) and moderate (RI = 64.06%) work ability index, use of medications (RI = 48.06%) and waist circumference at risk (RI = 15.59%) had a significant association with the increase in the mean number of symptoms; schooling with technical education acted as a protective factor, reducing the mean by 36.46%. Conclusions: The high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms found and the associated factors indicate the need to propose specific actions and care for this population, such as immediate treatment of symptoms and changes in the organization and work environment, to achieve balance and harmony in the demands of prolonged sitting work and avoid its impact effect of this condition on public health

Chemical characterization and cytotoxic potential of an ellagitannin-enriched fraction from Fragaria vesca leaves

The hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary malignancy of the liver, has a very poor prognosis and a lower survival rate. Moreover, the inefficacy of conventional therapies emphasizes the importance of discovering new bioactive compounds. Several studies clearly state that plant-derived polyphenols, namely ellagitannins, have several health benefits. Fragaria vesca leaves contain high amounts of polyphenols, being especially rich in ellagitannins. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize an ellagitannin-enriched fraction (EEF) from F. vesca leaves and to unveil the anticancer potential of this fraction on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The analysis of EEF by HPLC-PDA-ESI/MSn allowed the detection of 12 ellagitannins. The cell viability of both EEF and crude extract was determined after 24 h of cells treatment and the halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was evaluated. The IC50 of the EEF (113 lg/mL) was about 6 times lower than the IC50 of the crude extract (690 lg/mL). Furthermore, EEF induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M checkpoint and decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent way. This fraction also induced an accumulation of LC3-II protein through blockage of autophagic flux, and inhibited chymotrypsin-like activity of 26S proteasome. These results showed, for the first time, that EEF from F. vesca leaves inhibits both, autophagic and ubiquitin-proteasome system pathways, two main intracellular protein degradation systems that are targets for anticancer therapies. Additionally, a proteomic analysis allowed the identification of 914 proteins, among which 133 were modulated after cells treatment with EEF, most of them related to metabolic pathways. Overall, this study shows that the EEF from F. vesca leaves decreased cell proliferation, inhibited the proteolytic mechanisms and modulated the metabolic pathways of the cell. Additionally this study points out F. vesca as a source of valuable molecules with anticancer potential, suggesting that ellagitannins, the polyphenols identified in this fraction, could be useful in the development of new fine-tuned therapeutic strategies against carcinogenesis