Relação entre a 1,2-o-dilauril-rac-glicero-3-ácido glutárico-(6’metilresorufina) éster (DGGR) Lipase e ecografia pancreática em felinos

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina VeterináriaA pancreatite é atualmente considerada a doença mais comum do pâncreas exócrino no gato. Contudo, o diagnóstico ante-mortem continua a ser um desafio pela sua apresentação clínica inespecífica e subtil. O exame ecográfico é uma técnica imagiológica com sensibilidade baixa e variável e com utilidade limitada para o diagnóstico de pancreatite felina (PF). Não obstante os diversos estudos existentes, é necessário continuar a avaliar e atualizar segundo a evolução do conhecimento da doença e da tecnologia disponível incluindo testes laboratoriais recentes e cada vez mais utilizados na prática clínica, tal como a 1,2-o-dilauril-rac-glicero-3-ácido glutárico-(6’metilresorufina) éster (DGGR) Lipase. O principal objetivo é avaliar a relação entre a DGGR-Lipase e a ecografia abdominal em gatos com suspeita clinica de pancreatite e valores de DGGR-Lipase >25 U/L (consistente com diagnóstico de pancreatite), nomeadamente obtenção da sensibilidade da ecografia no diagnóstico da PF, prevalência dos sinais ecográficos e valores médios de DGGR-Lipase para os diferentes sinais ecográficos pancreáticos e extra-pancreáticos. O estudo incluiu 46 gatos com valores de DGGR-Lipase acima dos valores de referência e exame ecográfico realizado com um intervalo máximo de 72h entre os dois exames. Usando o aumento da atividade sérica da DGGR-Lipase como marcador de pancreatite em gatos com suspeita clínica, a sensibilidade da ecografia foi variável (21,7 a 73,9%), dependendo dos critérios ecográficos considerados. Verificou-se que os sinais ecográficos mais prevalentes foram parênquima pancreático hipoecogénico, aumento da espessura do pâncreas e espessamento difuso da parede do intestino delgado sem perda de camadas. Gatos com aumento da espessura do pâncreas, parênquima hipoecogénico, lesões focais pancreáticas e reatividade mesentérica peri-pancreática, isoladamente ou em conjunto, apresentaram valores de DGGR-Lipase significativamente superiores em relação aos animais sem estes sinais ecográficos. Concluiu-se que, devido à natureza da doença nos gatos, não podem ser aplicados critérios ecográficos estritos em prejuízo da sensibilidade do diagnóstico ecográfico de PF. A presença de um ou dois dos três sinais ecográficos (aumento de espessura, parênquima pancreático hipoecogénico e reatividade mesentérica peri-pancreática) poderá ser um bom critério para considerar fortemente a suspeita e/ou presença de PF, para além da presença de outros sinais extra-pancreáticos. Estes três sinais ecográficos tradicionalmente associados a PF apresentam valores superiores de DGGR-Lipase e sugerem uma possível relação com situações de maior grau de inflamação. Assim, a aplicabilidade da ecografia permanece limitada sendo um exame complementar que não deve ser utilizado isoladamente na exclusão ou diagnóstico de PF.ABSTRACT - Pancreatitis is currently considered the most common disease of the exocrine pancreas in the cat. However, ante-mortem diagnosis remains a challenge due to its nonspecific and subtle clinical presentation. The ultrasound is an imaging technique with low and variable sensitivity and with limited utility for the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis (FP). Despite several published studies, it is necessary to continue to evaluate and update according to the evolution of knowledge of the disease and available technology, including recent laboratory tests and increasingly used in clinical practice, such as the 1,2-O-Dilauryl-Rac-Glycero-3-Glutaric Acid-(6’Methylresorufin) (DGGR) Lipase. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the association between DGGR-Lipase and abdominal ultrasound in cats with clinical suspicion of pancreatitis and DGGR-Lipase values> 25 U / L, consistent with a diagnosis of pancreatitis,, to determine the sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of FP, as well as the prevalence of echographic signs in cats with pancreatitis. It is also our objective to determine the mean values of DGGR- Lipase for the different pancreatic and extra-pancreatic ultrasound signs. The study included 46 cats with DGGR-Lipase values above the reference values and an ultrasound examination performed within a maximum of 72 hours between both exams. Using the increased serum activity of DGGR-Lipase as a marker of pancreatitis in cats with clinical suspicion, the sensitivity of the ultrasound was variable (21.7 to 73.9%), depending on the ultrasound criteria considered. The results showed the most prevalent ultrasound signs were hypoechogenic pancreatic parenchyma, increased pancreas thickness and diffuse thickening of the small intestine wall without loss of layers. Cats with increased pancreas thickness, hypoechogenic parenchyma, pancreatic focal lesions and peri-pancreatic mesenteric reactivity, alone or together, presented DGGR-Lipase values significantly higher than animals without these echographic signs. We concluded that, due to the nature of the disease in cats, strict ultrasound criteria cannot be applied to the detriment of the sensitivity of the ultrasound diagnosis of PF. The presence of one or two of the three ultrasound signs (thickening, hypoechogenic pancreatic parenchyma and peri-pancreatic mesenteric reactivity) may be a good criterion to strongly consider the suspicion and/or presence of FP, in addition to the presence of other extra-pancreatic signs. These three echographic signs traditionally associated with FP present higher values of DGGR-Lipase and suggest a possible relationship with a higher degree of inflammation. Therefore, the applicability of ultrasound remains limited, being a complementary exam that should not be used alone in the exclusion or diagnosis of FP.N/

Interplay between Erythrocyte Peroxidases and Membrane

Red blood cells (RBCs) are continuously exposed to oxidative stress (OS), mainly due to their primary function as oxygen carriers. Since RBC is a unique cell, without nucleus or other organelles, it presents a very special metabolism and a highly efficient antioxidant system to face OS conditions. Hemoglobin and RBC membrane are the major targets of oxidative modifications when RBC antioxidant capacity is overwhelmed. Fortunately, non-enzymatic agents, such as glutathione, and enzymatic agents, namely, several peroxidases, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin 2, are able to prevent OS damage. Although these peroxidases are mainly cytosolic enzymes, evidence exists about their association to the RBC membrane. So far, it appears that the relative importance of the three enzymes is related to hydrogen peroxide levels within the RBC. In this chapter, we will focus on the importance of these peroxidases in the RBC’s defense against OS mainly in the RBC cytosol and also the interplay between them and the RBC membrane. The potential role of their binding to the membrane will also be addressed

Do pianists play with their Teeth?

The aim of this study was to find out whether the masticatory and postural muscles are used by pianists during their music performances. The study also aimed to ascertain whether the complex neuromuscular activity involved in the act of playing the piano also encourages hyperactivity in terms of the masticatory muscles. The bio-electric potentials of the masticatory and postural muscles of 20 pianists were recorded. The electromyographical figures obtained from regarding the temporal and masseter muscles are much higher than those recorded when in the resting position. These registrations, which are not the same as those obtained, for example, when the individuals are chewing hard food such as a carrot, are nonetheless indicative of daily parafunctional activity in musicians who often study for as much as 7 hours per day

Avaliação individual do desempenho da Administração Pública no GEADAP

Tese de mestrado, Engenharia Informática (Sistemas de Informação), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2009Este documento descreve o estágio da aluna Ana Daniela Coimbra Pinto na empresa Unisys, que corresponde ao segundo ano do Mestrado em Engenharia Informática da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa. O estágio consiste no desenvolvimento de funcionalidades de um Sistema de Informação a ser utilizado na Administração Pública para a sua avaliação de desempenho de acordo com a legislação em vigor. O sistema foi desenvolvido por uma equipa da Unisys na qual a autora se integrou, através de casos de uso fornecidos pelo Instituto de Informática (instituição onde decorria o desenvolvimento) recorrendo a tecnologias como o .NET e SQL Server. O resultado deste desenvolvimento é uma aplicação Web disponível a qualquer pessoa que possua uma ligação à internet e as devidas credenciais para aceder ao sistema. Ao longo do documento é dado mais ênfase ao desenvolvimento do componente “Avaliação Individual de trabalhadores e dirigentes” porque muitas das suas funcionalidades foram desenvolvidas pela autora.This document describes Ana Daniela Coimbra Pinto’s traineeship for Unisys, which corresponds to the second year of the science Faculty of Universidade de Lisboa’s Master Degree in Computer Science. The traineeship consisted in the development of functionalities for an Information System for the Public Administration to evaluate its own performance according to the legislation. The system was developed by a Unisys team in which the author was incorporated, through use cases provided by the Instituto de Informática (institution where the development occurred) using technologies like .NET and SQL Server. The result of this development is a Web application available to any person that has an internet connection and the appropriate credentials to access the system. Throughout the document is given more emphasis to the development of the component “Individual evaluation of workers and leaders” because many of its functionalities were developed by the author

The Prospective Co-Parenting Relationship Scale (PCRS) for sexual minority and heterosexual people: preliminary validation

The coparenting relationship begins with a process of planning and negotiation about having children. Available psychological instruments have not been adapted to sexual minority people, which compromises their ecological validity. This mixed method study aimed to adapt and validate a prospective version of the Co-Parenting Relationship Scale in a Portuguese sample of sexual minority and heterosexual adults who did not have children and who were in a dyadic relationship. In study 1, cognitive interviews were used to gather participants’ reflections about the original items and the role played by the family of origin and anticipated stigma in coparenting (n = 6). In study 2, using a sample of individuals from 18 to 45 years old, two Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) were conducted separately for sexual minority (n = 167) and heterosexual persons (n = 198), and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for heterosexual persons (n = 176). Results showed underscored the importance of families of origin independent of sexual orientation. Different factorial structures for sexual minority and heterosexual persons were observed. Among sexual minority persons, the role of stigma was also highlighted. Implications for practice and research are discussed

Application of Infrared Thermal Imaging in a Violinist with Temporomandibular Disorder

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of a group of pathologies that affect the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and/or related structures. String instrumentalists, like many orchestra musicians, can spend hours with head postures that may influence the biomechanical behavior of the TMJ and the muscles of the craniocervicomandibular complex (CCMC). The adoption of abnormal postures acquired during performance by musicians can lead to muscular hyperactivity of the head and cervical muscles, with the possible appearance of TMD. Medical infrared thermography is a non-invasive procedure that can monitor the changes in the superficial tissue related to blood circulation and may serve as a complement to the clinical examination. The objective of this study was to use infrared thermography to evaluate, in one subject, the cutaneous thermal changes adjacent to the CCMC that occur before, during, and after playing a string instrument

IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON BRAZIL’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Globalization brings states together in processes of integration and interdependence, resulting in immeasurable effects on the economy. However, given the inseparable link between development and the exploitation of natural resources, the phenomenon likewise impacts the natural environment on a global scale. On this note, the environmental damage that has plagued Brazil, especially due to the imbalances that characterize its multiple relations with rich countries, requires investigation. Thus, by adopting the deductive, bibliographic, and documentary method, the present work analyzes the impacts of globalization on Brazil’s natural environment. To this end, it contextualizes the concept of sustainability from a global scenario, addressing some of the challenges of economic globalization for sustainable development, especially in poor countries. In addition, reflections of the globalized economy on Brazil’s natural environment, especially the displacement of environmental damage from rich to poor nations, are discussed. The results demonstrate that the advanced Brazilian constitutional text reflects the spread of environmental protection as a universal value. However, this new order does not yet reflect the environmental awareness of Brazilian society. Subsequently, economic globalization could represent a force contrary to the maintenance of Brazil’s ecosystems. The expansion of the market allows some companies to relocate polluting activities to poor countries, where the environmental protections are lower or, in practice, even nonexistent due to the lack of supervision.A globalização aproxima os Estados em processos de integração e interdependência. Seus efeitos sobre a economia são bastante conhecidos. Contudo, dado o indissociável liame entre desenvolvimento e exploração de recursos naturais, o fenômeno impacta o meio natural, em escala global. O debate é amplo e complexo, de modo que, sobre esse viés, os danos ambientais que têm assolado o Brasil, especialmente em decorrência do desequilíbrio que marca suas múltiplas relações com países desenvolvidos, carece de investigação. Assim, adotando-se o método dedutivo, bibliográfico e documental, o presente trabalho traz uma análise dos impactos da globalização sobre o meio natural brasileiro. Para tanto, contextualiza a concepção de sustentabilidade no cenário global, abordando alguns desafios da globalização econômica para o desenvolvimento sustentável, notadamente nos países pobres. São discutidos reflexos da economia globalizada sobre o meio natural brasileiro, sobretudo o deslocamento de danos ambientais, de nações ricas para pobres. Os resultados demonstram que que o avançado texto constitucional brasileiro reflete a disseminação da proteção ambiental como um valor universal. No entanto, essa nova ordem não representa a consciência da sociedade brasileira sobre o valor do meio natural. Ademais, a globalização econômica poderia representar uma força contrária à manutenção dos ecossistemas do Brasil. A expansão do mercado permite que algumas empresas realoquem atividades poluidoras para países pobres, onde as proteções ambientais são mais baixas ou, na prática, até inexistentes, dados os limites que se impõe à atuação dos órgãos ambientais

Kenny music performance anxiety inventory: contribution for the Portuguese validation

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to contribute to the validation of the Portuguese version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) and to study its psychometric properties. (2) Methods: A sample of 164 undergraduate music students in Portugal (62.2% female; mean age = 22.63; SD = 4.36) completed an online survey composed of the K-MPAI Portuguese version, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The K-MPAI psychometric properties were examined using exploratory factor analyses, known-group differences, and Cronbach’s alpha. (3) Results: A four-factor structure was identified, in line with recent validation of this measure in other countries: music performance anxiety-related symptoms, depression and hopelessness, parental support, and memory self-efficacy. Concurrent and known group validity were established, and reliability scores were appropriate for the dimensions and total score. (4) Conclusions: The results provide initial evidence of the appropriateness of the Portuguese version of the K-MPAI.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio