Ageing and Quality of Life - New Responses from the Real Estate Sector in Portugal

In the second half of the 20th century, the history of European demography is associated with a pronounced and widespread process of ageing. The 21st century will have to cater to the needs of an elderly population in transformation. Portugal is also part of this process and in efforts to improve the quality of life of the elderly, a wide range of facilities, services and social responses have been established by a variety of promoters, targeting several social levels. This paper will analyze a specific segment directed at an exclusive niche of the elderly population, the Senior Residential Condominiums. This is a very recent segment of the housing market, with high levels of comfort, quality, sanitation, health, and recreation, essential to full well-being. The paper intends to characterize this real estate market niche so as to identify its distinctive features, the promoting agents and how they can contribute to residents' quality of life

Reabilitação urbana da Baixa Portuense - Qualidade Habitacional

Neste artigo apresentamos, um estudo de mercado, cujo objectivofoi obter um quadro dos aspectos que potenciais interessados em habitar naBaixa do Porto valorizam quando procuram uma habitação.Para responder a este objectivo, a preocupação que orientou este estudo foia de procurar compreender as aspirações e expectativas que alguns grupospretendem ver satisfeitas com a sua habitação.Na primeira parte, apresentamos um breve enquadramento dos conceitos dereabilitação/revitalização urbana. Depois a caracterização geral do parquehabitacional e das características sociodemográficas da Baixa Portuense e porfim, a análise dos inquéritos efectuados à procura potencial, tendo-se inquiridoum segmento da população que utiliza esta área por motivos deemprego, compras, lazer e utilização de serviços diversos, apoiado numinquérito de rua administrado a 442 indivíduos.In this article, we present a market study, whose goal it was toobtain a profile of the aspects that those who are potentially interested in livingin Oporto's City Centre value when they are looking for housing.So as to accomplish this goal, the main concern guiding this study was theneed to understand the aspirations and expectations that some groups hopeto see fulfilled with their new homes.In the first part, we present a brief review of the concepts of urban regeneration/rehabilitation. This is followed by the general characterization of thehousing stock and the sociodemographic characteristics of Oporto's City Centreand finally, an analysis of the survey conducted on the potential demandfor housing. A segment of the population, which uses this area for employmentreason, purchases, leisure and the use of diverse services, was interviewedby questionnaire, during a street survey with 442 individuals

Ageing and quality of life - new responses from the real estate sector in Portugal

In the second half of the 20th century, the history of European demography is associated with a pronounced and widespread process of ageing. The 21st century will have to cater to the needs of an elderly population in transformation. Portugal is also part of this process and in efforts to improve the quality of life of the elderly, a wide range of facilities, services and social responses have been established by a variety of promoters, targeting several social levels. This paper will analyze a specific segment directed at an exclusive niche of the elderly population, the Senior Residential Condominiums. This is a very recent segment of the housing market, with high levels of comfort, quality, sanitation, health, and recreation, essential to full well-being. The paper intends to characterize this real estate market niche so as to identify its distinctive features, the promoting agents and how they can contribute to residents' quality of life

The role of transthyretin and thyroid hormones on functional recovery after experimental stroke

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Focal ischemic cortical stroke results in tissue demise in the infarct core and neuronal dysfunction in areas surrounding the core. The loss of neuronal function triggers specific neuroanatomical and neurophysiological changes in both adjacent and remote areas during the first weeks after stroke onset. During this critical time window, there is a profound reorganization of cortical maps that is accompanied with spontaneous neuroplasticity, however, with limited and partially aberrant recovery of motor function. Induced plasticity with external interventions such as rehabilitation, facilitates recovery and promotes improvement of lost neurological function, albeit to a limited extent. Despite much effort has been spent in developing adjuvant therapies to foster spontaneous underlying endogenous mechanisms, none of the treatment attempts reached clinical use. Thus, rehabilitation remains the only evidence-based long-term treatment in stroke survivors. We hypothesized that by targeting thyroid hormones (TH) and their carrier protein transthyretin (TTR) might be a promising therapeutic strategy to foster endogenous mechanisms of neurorepair. TH are of fundamental importance for brain development and essential factors to warrant brain functions throughout life. In particular, the active form 3,5,3’-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) is involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, stimulation of angiogenesis and neurogenesis as well as modulation of the dynamics of cytoskeletal elements and intracellular transport processes. These mechanisms overlap with those that have been identified to enhance recovery of lost neurological functions during the first weeks and months after ischemic stroke. Independent of its role as a TH carrier protein, TTR has been studied as a neuroprotective molecule in the brain, which has been emphasized as promising target to enhance lost neurological functions during the recovery phase after stroke. In the experimental setting, we investigated if TH and TTR are involved in the reorganization of cortical neuronal function after stroke. We found that administration of T3 50 μg/kg during the first two weeks after photothrombotic stroke in mice significantly enhanced functional recovery of lost neurological function without affecting infarct size. Motor improvement was accompanied by mechanisms of homeostatic regulation in the peri-infarct area in favor for an increased excitability. The mechanisms involved an increased level of the AMPA receptor subunit glutamate receptor 2 and synaptotagmin 1 and 2, which are pre-synaptic vesicles involved in neurotransmitter release. In addition, T3 increased dendritic spine density of principal neurons in the peri-infarct motor cortex. Moreover, we have shown that T3 regulates glutamatergic neurotransmission in cortical glutamatergic neurons. In parallel, T3 suppressed tonic GABAergic signaling in the peri-infarct tissue shown by a reduced number of parvalbumin positive neurons activity and decreased glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 levels. Despite TTR has been demonstrated as neuroprotective after ischemic stroke, we could not find ttr or TTR protein expression in the infarct core and peri-infarct area, and it seems unlikely that TTR is involved in mechanisms of tissue reorganization following PT during the recovery phase after stroke. Our results indicate that T3 modulates excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission relevant for plasticity processes in the postischemic brain. T3 administration during the critical period for brain recovery regulates mechanisms that balance excitation – inhibition in favor of excitation. Further understanding and target those mechanisms might be exploited in future therapies to enhance functional recovery in stroke patients.O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) continua a representar uma das maiores causas de morte e comorbidade a nível mundial, sendo o AVC isquémico o tipo mais comum, que representa 87% dos casos. Em Portugal o AVC é a primeira causa de morte e incapacidade em pessoas idosas. Os sintomas são variáveis de acordo com a região cerebral afetada e com e extensão do AVC, no entanto, a hemiparesia é experienciada por cerca de 75% dos doentes. A causa mais frequente de um AVC isquémico deve-se à obstrução do fluxo sanguíneo numa artéria cerebral devido à oclusão por um trombo, geralmente um ateroma ou um coágulo, ou por um êmbolo proveniente do coração ou das artérias carótidas. A extensão dos danos depende do tempo em que as células cerebrais ficam privadas de oxigénio e glicose, ou seja, em ambiente de hipóxia. No centro do enfarte, onde o fluxo sanguíneo é inexistente, há uma rápida degeneração do tecido cerebral e morte celular. A morte celular deve-se, principalmente, ao aumento do influxo de cálcio, resultante da excitotoxicidade devido a excesso de glutamato extracelular e ativação excessiva dos canais de glutamato N-metilo-D-aspartato (NMDA) e ácido alfa-amino-3-hidroxi-5-metil-4-isoxazol-propiónico (AMPA). Todavia, na região adjacente ao centro do enfarte ou na penumbra, os danos são menores e potencialmente reversíveis, devido ao fluxo sanguíneo colateral. As primeiras 4 horas e 30 minutos após o início de um AVC são cruciais para reduzir os efeitos da excitotoxicidade, edema e inflamação aguda. O tratamento com agentes fibrinolíticos ou trombectomia durante esse período após um AVC é eficaz, na medida em que restabelece o fluxo sanguíneo e previne que as células cerebrais sofram danos irreversíveis. Porém, uma minoria de doentes é elegível a este tipo de tratamento na fase aguda, o que limita a sua aplicabilidade. Atualmente, o tratamento de um AVC consiste na recanalização dos vasos obstruídos se possível, e a longo prazo na reabilitação do doente. Após um AVC, o processo de recuperação funcional ocorre com maiores progressos durante as primeiras quatro semanas e prolonga-se durante meses a anos. Durante este período, o cérebro adota diversos mecanismos de reorganização anatómica e fisiológica espontânea nas áreas subjacentes ao centro do enfarte e na região contralateral, ou seja, neuroplasticidade espontânea. No entanto, a recuperação neurológica espontânea é muito limitada, na medida em que o doente recupera apenas parcialmente algumas funções motoras. Todavia, a recuperação pode ser otimizada através de estímulos terapêuticos. Muitos esforços têm sido feitos no desenvolvimento de terapias adjuvantes que promovam a neuroplasticidade, contudo, nenhuma foi ainda aprovada em ensaios clínicos. De momento, a abordagem clínica a longo prazo em sobreviventes de um AVC continua a ser a reabilitação. As hormonas da tiroide (TH) e a sua proteína de transporte, transtirretina (TTR), são potenciais alvos terapêuticos para estimular os mecanismos endógenos de reparação neuronal. As TH desempenham funções essenciais durante o desenvolvimento cerebral e na vida adulta. Em particular a forma ativa 3,5,3’-triiodo-L-tironina (T3) é crucial na regulação de mecanismos de plasticidade neuronal, estimulação da angiogénese e neurogénese, na modulação da função de componentes do citoesqueleto e em processos de transporte intracelular. Estes mecanismos estão também presentes durante o processo de recuperação e estimulam a recuperação da função motora durante as primeiras semanas a meses após um AVC. Independentemente da sua função como proteína de transporte, a TTR tem sido estudada como uma molécula neuroprotetora no cérebro e posta em evidência como alvo promissor durante a fase de recuperação após um AVC, de forma a melhorar as funções neurológicas perdidas. Os ensaios experimentais apresentados nesta tese tiveram como objetivo investigar o papel das TH e da TTR na reorganização da função neuronal após fototrombose (PT). A administração de T3 a 50 μg/kg durante as primeiras duas semanas após a indução experimental de AVC, realizada por PT em murganhos, melhorou significativamente a recuperação da função neurológica perdida sem afetar o volume do enfarte. Observámos uma recuperação da função motora, acompanhada por mecanismos de regulação homeostática na periferia do enfarte, em favor da excitabilidade. A nível celular e estrutural demonstramos que a T3 tem efeitos modulatórios que atuam a diferentes escalas temporais e locais, de forma a assegurar uma eficiente neurotransmissão sináptica. Mostrámos também que a administração a longo prazo da T3, após PT, induz alterações estruturais ao aumentar a densidade das espículas dendríticas na periferia do enfarte e na região contralateral. A eficácia da neurotransmissão sináptica parece ter sido aumentada, após administração da T3, devido ao aumento dos níveis de sinaptotagmina 1 e 2, que são proteínas vesiculares pré-sinápticas envolvidas na libertação de neurotransmissores e ao aumento dos níveis da subunidade 2 dos recetores de glutamato AMPA, na periferia do enfarte. A administração da T3 também diminui a ação inibitória do neurotransmissor ácido gama-aminobutírico (GABA) na periferia do enfarte devido à redução da atividade dos neurónios que expressam a parvalbumina e à redução dos níveis da descarboxilase do glutamato (GAD) 65/67. Além disso, mostrámos que a T3 modula, in vitro, propriedades intrínsecas da membrana neuronal, com o equilíbrio das correntes dos recetores ionotrópicos ativados pelo glutamato e diminuição dos níveis de sinaptotagmina em neurónios submetidos a privação de oxigénio e glicose. Curiosamente, encontrámos níveis aumentados do recetor TRβ1, que medeia as ações da T3, no centro do enfarte de amostras post-mortem de doentes que sofreram um AVC. Apesar do seu já demonstrado efeito neuroprotetor, não encontramos expressão do gene nem da proteína TTR no córtex cerebral de murganhos nas duas semanas após PT e, temos dúvidas que a TTR participe em mecanismos de recuperação motora após um AVC. Em conclusão, os nossos resultados indicam que a T3 modula a neurotransmissão, excitatória e inibitória, relevante para os processos de plasticidade neuronal após um AVC. A administração da T3 durante o período crítico para a recuperação regula mecanismos que equilibram o rácio excitação – inibição, em favor da excitação. Nesse contexto, os resultados apresentados parecem muito promissores, no sentido de serem explorados em futuros ensaios clínicos, de forma a desenvolver novas terapias para melhorar a recuperação motora em doentes que sofreram um AVC

Accessibility on the Santiago Ways: the Portuguese Central Way

In this article the authors discuss the accessibility of religious architectural heritage, using the case of Santiago de Compostela and one of its routes: the Portuguese Central Way between Porto and Valença. The discussion includes a comparison with results obtained in a study of the itinerary between Tui and Santiago, made by Xunta de Galicia (2015), the only existing study to the best of our knowledge. The historical and theoretical framework draws on the extant literature and its critical review, related to religious and cultural tourism, with special emphasis on accessible tourism. Accessible Tourism must comprise a set of products and / or services that offer equal opportunity of use to all citizens, regardless their capacity. The use of good practices in leisure and tourism equipment and services is fundamental, so the tourist supply must be reconfigured to ensure the necessary means for the enjoyment and circulation in different public and private spaces. An empirical study was conducted using the official statistics provided by the Pilgrim\u27s Office of Santiago de Compostela, between 2004 and 2017. The results show an exponential increase of pilgrims / religious and cultural tourists during and after the last Holy Year (2010). The statistical and analytical characterisation of the distinct types of accessibilities to the places of worship and to the shelters, allowed a reflection on the existing ones and the need for transformation of the cultural equipment and pilgrims\u27 hostels located in the studied section of the Santiago Way, in order to make accessible religious tourism for all a reality. The results of this study are identical to the results of a similar study conducted in Galicia. However, in Galicia, the study was carried out by official entities and has already led to the elaboration and implementation of a plan to overcome difficulties and problems related to accessibility. In Portugal there is only the result of the research that we have been developing

Universal Accessibility on the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago in Porto Municipality

In this article, the authors seek to understand if improvement to the conditions of universal accessibility on the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago was one of the factors that contributed to the development of this Way and consequently the increase of pilgrims. To this end, an evolutionary analysis of the number of pilgrims was carried out, which involved a study of the universal accessibility of the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago and its religious heritage in the municipality of Porto. An analysis was also undertaken of the guiding and explanatory signage and the elements of innovation introduced, as well as the information from websites and digital applications, resulting from technological innovation implemented by various institutions associated with this route. In methodological terms, a critical review of the existing literature and its contextualisation was carried out. 17 religious places were selected in the municipality of Porto, and intensive research was developed, filling in accessibility diagnostic forms that studied in detail the accessibility conditions of each of these spaces. a study of the virtual accessibility of a sample of websites of institutions related to the Portuguese Coastal Way was also conducted. Comparative studies from May 2019 and December 2021, proved to be quite interesting and a valuable aid in the evolutionary characterisation and benchmarking of possible improvements implemented. Analysis of the results provided quantifiable data that prove the initial hypothesis, leading to the conclusion that, among other factors, universal accessibility solutions and the innovations implemented, regarding the Portuguese Coastal Way, have had a very positive impact, resulting in an exponential increase in pilgrims and tourists along the way, reinforcing the sustainability of the regions

A paisagem duriense a partir de uma obra de John Gibbons

In this article from the book of John Gibbons I Gathered no Moss, we describe the landscape of the Douro see from a small village lost in the slops of this river, Coleja, in the municipality of Carrazeda de Ansiães. John Gibbon's book can be included in travel reports, written by foreign authors, which earn large expansion from the mid 18th century, a body which became known as "travel literature". In these reports emerged descriptions of landscapes that reveal a sensitivity fully of Romanticism, don't have a scientific nature, intended primarily to public readers. The author remains in Coleja four months and describes in detail the characteristics of the region and the population, in addition to other journeys that he does, such as to Carrazeda de Ansiães, to Porto and Miranda do Douro

Regeneration and new urban interventions the Polis programme in Portugal

The theme of urban renewal and environmental quality in cities has drawn increasing attention over the last few years in Portugal. The Regional Development Plan for the 2000-2006 period has set the rehabilitation of urban areas and their environmental improvement as ones of its major aims, considered of strategic importance for the country's development.In this paper we propose to analyse one of the programmes of urban reabilitation that was implemented in Portugal in 2000 (Resolution of the Ministers Council nº 26/2000), with the major goal of improving the quality of life in cities, through urban and environmental operations, to increasing the attractiveness of cities and its competitiveness in the National Urban Network System.- Programa de Requalificação Urbana e Valorização Ambiental das Cidades (POLIS).The theme of urban renewal and environmental quality in cities hasdrawn increasing attention over the last few years in Portugal. The RegionalDevelopment Plan for the 2000-2006 period has set the regeneration of urban areas andtheir environmental improvement as ones of its major aims, considered of strategicimportance for the country's development.In this paper we propose to analyse one of the programmes of urban regenerationthat was implemented in Portugal in 2000 (Resolution of the Ministers Council nº26/2000), whose major goal was the improvement of the quality of life in cities, fromurban and environmental operations, to increasing the attractiveness of cities and theircompetitiveness in the National Urban Network System - Programa de RequalificaçãoUrbana e Valorização Ambiental das Cidades (POLIS)

Recent dynamics in the Portuguese housing market as compared with the European union

The closing years of the 20th century witnessed profound changes in the European housing market, characterised by an increase in owner-occupied housing; instability of house prices (leading to a serious crisis in some regions, in light of a fall in demand); a change in people's attitude to the housing market, involving a rise in the importance of location, the quality of materials and spaces, environmental sustainability, and architectural and urban innovation. The European Union does not have a common housing policy, which it believes is the responsibility of Member-States. However, it is recognised that the problems related to the socio-urban inclusion of low-income individuals do have an impact on Community policies. Because we are in the midst of a transformation, it is difficult to talk today about the dynamics and policies of housing, the functioning of markets, and thereby about the ways in which public administrations are facing the current crisis of real estate overproduction. This article aims at analysing the dynamics of the housing market in Portugal as compared with other European countries, highlighting the characteristics of demand and supply and the main changes recorded in the last few years