A longitudinal analysis

Funding Information: This research was funded by Fundação Álvaro Carvalho (funding manager), Câmara Municipal de Cascais, Fundação Vox Populi, Fundação Manuel Viegas Guerreiro, and Claude and Sofia Foundation. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Carvalho, Henriques, Queirós, Rodrigues, Mendonça, Rodrigues, Canhão, de Sousa, Antunes and Guimarães.Background and aim: The kinetics of antibody production in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is not well-defined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its dynamics during 9-months in a cohort of patients infected during the first phase of the pandemic. As a secondary aim, it was intended to evaluate the factors associated with different concentrations of IgG antibodies. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2020 to January 2021. This study recruited a convenience sample of adult individuals who where recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and were living in mainland Portugal. A total of 1,695 blood samples were collected from 585 recovered COVID-19 patients up to 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. A blood sample was collected at baseline and three, 6 and 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection to assess the concentration of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The positivity rate of IgG reached 77.7% in the first 3 months after symptom onset. The IgG persists at all subsequent follow-up time-points, which was 87.7 and 89.2% in the 6th and 9th months after symptom onset, respectively. Three distinct kinetics of antibody response were found within the 9 months after infection. Kinetic 1 (K1) was characterized by a constant low IgG antibody concentration kinetic (group size: 65.2%); kinetic 2 (K2), composed by constant moderate IgG kinetic (group size: 27.5%) and kinetic 3 (K3) characterized by higher IgG kinetic (group size: 7.3%). People with ≥56 years old (OR: 3.33; CI 95%: [1.64; 6.67]; p-value: 0.001) and symptomatic COVID-19 (OR: 2.08; CI 95%: [1.08; 4.00]; p-value: 0.031) had higher odds of a “Moderate IgG kinetic.” No significant association were found regarding the “Higher IgG kinetic.” Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a lasting anti-spike (anti-S) IgG antibody response at least 9 months after infection in the majority of patients with COVID-19. Younger participants with asymptomatic disease have lower IgG antibody positivity and possibly more susceptible to reinfection. This information contributes to expanding knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 immune response and has direct implications in the adoption of preventive strategies and public health policies.publishersversionpublishe

Differential Quercus spp pollen-particulate matter interaction is dependent on geographical areas

Particulate matter (PM) and pollen interaction, either airborne or at the respiratory mucosa needs further clarification, as allergic reaction intensification can be related to the PM physical characteristics and toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the physical-chemical properties of PM that can adhere to the pollen wall during its transport or inhalation, using Quercus spp. as a model, in three Portuguese cities with different geographical locations, meteorological influence and urbanization levels. Possible sources were evaluated through air masses trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model and correlation with meteorological factors. The sampling was performed using a 7-days Hirst-type volumetric sampler, and the pollen grains were observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron image of each pollen grain was taken, to determine the adhered particles characteristics and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra were obtained for individual particles. A total of 484 pollen grains was observed, with 7683 particles counted and 1914 EDS spectra analyzed. The particle's equivalent diameter ranged from 0.3-16 μm, with most having a diameter < 3 μm. For the three cities, there were significant differences in the number of particles per pollen and the % area occupied by the particles. Particles adhered were mainly Si-rich, but variations in other dominant groups were observed. For Évora and Guarda, Ca-rich, SO-rich were second and third more representative, while Porto were Organic and Cl-rich. Metals&Oxides were found in all cities with the highest number in Porto. P-rich particles were only found in Évora. Sea salt particles were observed in Évora, coincide with air mass trajectories possible carrying them from the Mediterranean Sea. In conclusion, the PM physical characteristics are similar between the studied cities, however, the dominant chemical composition is different, certainly impacting the exposome influence and pollen-allergy intensification towards the same pollen type and concentration

Gerenciamentos de Projetos Complexos de TI: Estudo de Caso sob o Enfoque da Estratégia Empresarial na Indústria de Serviços Financeiros

This study aims to analyze what is the relationship between the concepts of complex project management and IT strategic planning in companies from the financial industry. To this end, from the literature review, we present four research assumptions that were analyzed empirically through the strategy of a single case study in a company in the financial sector with high representation in the Brazilian scenario. It was found that the strategic management of IT is related to the alignment between business and IT being the correct execution of complex projects in IT is naturally part of the strategic plans of the organizations due to the key role that IT plays in supporting the business. Additionally, it was found to be necessary alignment between strategic objectives and business of an organization that relies on IT to substantially that the implementation of a complex IT project has effective foundation to be properly implemented.Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar cuál es la relación entre los conceptos de la gestión de proyectos complejos y de planificación estratégica en las empresas de la industria financiera. Para ello, a partir de la revisión bibliográfica, se presentan cuatro hipótesis de investigación que se analizaron empíricamente a través de la estrategia de un solo estudio de caso en una empresa del sector financiero con una alta representación en el escenario brasileño. Se encontró que la gestión estratégica de las TI está relacionado con la alineación entre el negocio y TI ser la correcta ejecución de proyectos complejos de TI es, naturalmente, una parte de los planes estratégicos de las organizaciones debido al papel clave que desempeña en el apoyo a la empresa. Adicionalmente, se encontró que es necesario un alineamiento entre los objetivos estratégicos y de negocio de una organización que se basa en TI a lo esencial de que la aplicación de un complejo proyecto de TI tiene hormigón base efectiva para que se aplique correctamente.Este estudo pretende analisar qual é a relação existente entre os conceitos de gerenciamento de projetos complexos de TI e o planejamento estratégico em empresas do segmento financeiro. Para este fim, a partir da revisão da literatura, apresentamos quatro pressupostos de pesquisa que foram analisados empiricamente através da estratégia de estudo de caso único em uma empresa do ramo financeiro com alta representatividade no cenário brasileiro. Verificou-se que o gerenciamento estratégico de TI está relacionado ao alinhamento entre negócios e TI sendo que a correta execução de projetos complexos em TI é naturalmente parte dos planos estratégicos das organizações devido o papel fundamental que TI exerce no apoio ao negócio. Adicionalmente, constatou-se ser necessário o alinhamento entre os objetivos estratégicos e de negócio de uma organização que dependa substancialmente da TI para que a execução de um projeto complexo de TI tenha embasamento efetivo para ser corretamente implementado.DOI:10.5585/riae.v11i3.192

GESTIÓN DE PROYECTO COMPLEJOS DE TI: ESTUDIO DE CASO EN EL ENFOQUE DE LA ESTRATEGIA DE NEGOCIOS EN LA INDUSTRIA DE SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS

Este estudo pretende analisar qual é a relação existente entre os conceitos de gerenciamento de projetos complexos de TI e o planejamento estratégico em empresas do segmento financeiro. Para este fim, a partir da revisão da literatura, apresentamos quatro pressupostos de pesquisa que foram analisados empiricamente através da estratégia de estudo de caso único em uma empresa do ramo financeiro com alta representatividade no cenário brasileiro. Verificou-se que o gerenciamento estratégico de TI está relacionado ao alinhamento entre negócios e TI sendo que a correta execução de projetos complexos em TI é naturalmente parte dos planos estratégicos das organizações devido o papel fundamental que TI exerce no apoio ao negócio. Adicionalmente, constatou-se ser necessário o alinhamento entre os objetivos estratégicos e de negócio de uma organização que dependa substancialmente da TI para que a execução de um projeto complexo de TI tenha embasamento efetivo para ser corretamente implementado.DOI:10.5585/riae.v11i3.1923This study aims to analyze what is the relationship between the concepts of complex project management and IT strategic planning in companies from the financial industry. To this end, from the literature review, we present four research assumptions that were analyzed empirically through the strategy of a single case study in a company in the financial sector with high representation in the Brazilian scenario. It was found that the strategic management of IT is related to the alignment between business and IT being the correct execution of complex projects in IT is naturally part of the strategic plans of the organizations due to the key role that IT plays in supporting the business. Additionally, it was found to be necessary alignment between strategic objectives and business of an organization that relies on IT to substantially that the implementation of a complex IT project has effective foundation to be properly implemented.Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar cuál es la relación entre los conceptos de la gestión de proyectos complejos y de planificación estratégica en las empresas de la industria financiera. Para ello, a partir de la revisión bibliográfica, se presentan cuatro hipótesis de investigación que se analizaron empíricamente a través de la estrategia de un solo estudio de caso en una empresa del sector financiero con una alta representación en el escenario brasileño. Se encontró que la gestión estratégica de las TI está relacionado con la alineación entre el negocio y TI ser la correcta ejecución de proyectos complejos de TI es, naturalmente, una parte de los planes estratégicos de las organizaciones debido al papel clave que desempeña en el apoyo a la empresa. Adicionalmente, se encontró que es necesario un alineamiento entre los objetivos estratégicos y de negocio de una organización que se basa en TI a lo esencial de que la aplicación de un complejo proyecto de TI tiene hormigón base efectiva para que se aplique correctamente

O papel do enfermeiro na recuperação de idosos depressivos

A depressão é um importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil e em outros países, alcançando principalmente os idosos. Trata-se de uma síndrome psiquiátrica multifatorial com sintomas psicológicos, comportamentais e físicos comprometedores da qualidade de vida dos doentes. Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, cujos objetivos são identificar as causas da depressão no idoso, destacar as contribuições do enfermeiro no processo de recuperação, e ressaltar a importância da inserção da família nesse processo. As contribuições do enfermeiro são valiosas à recuperação de idosos depressivos, mas a prevenção da depressão deve envolver também os familiares do doente, especialmente, quanto à atenção aos aspectos biopsicossociais e espirituais do idoso. Resultados: A depressão em idosos apresenta complexidade, que pode levar a maiores índices de mortalidade. É preciso que o enfermeiro realize a anamnese do paciente, junto com a família, para que sérias consequências sejam evitadas. &nbsp; Descritores:&nbsp;Depressão; Idoso; Assistência; Enfermage

Avaliação do extrato de Physalis angulata sobre larvas do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus

The tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is responsible for large losses in livestock worldwide, causing a drop in meat and milk production, leather depreciation, annoyance to animals and transmission of hemoparasitosis that can lead to death. The control of this ectoparasite is currently carried out by synthetic chemical compounds, however, most with reported cases of resistance, makes it necessary to study new natural alternatives necessary. The present study aimed to evaluate the Physalis angulata extract between concentrations 100 - 12.5 mg mL-1 on R. (B.) microplus larvae by the impregnated paper patch test (IPPT). The results were promising and the concentrations of 100 and 50 mg mL-1 were the most effective, presenting 92.24% and 58.47% of larval mortality, respectively.La garrapata Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus es responsable de grandes pérdidas en el ganado a nivel mundial, provocando caída en la producción de carne y leche, depreciación del cuero, molestias a los animales y transmisión de hemoparasitosis que puede llegar a causar la muerte. El control de este ectoparásito actualmente se realiza mediante compuestos químicos de síntesis, sin embargo, la mayoría con casos reportados de resistencia, hace necesario el estudio de nuevas alternativas naturales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el extracto de Physalis angulata entre concentraciones de 100 - 12,5 mg mL-1 sobre larvas de R. (B.) microplus mediante la prueba del parche de papel impregnado (TCPI). Los resultados fueron promisorios y las concentraciones de 100 y 50 mg mL-1 fueron las más efectivas, presentando 92,24% y 58,47% de mortalidad larvaria, respectivamente.O carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus é responsável por grandes perdas na pecuária mundial, causando queda na produção de carne e leite, depreciação do couro, incômodo aos animais e transmissão de hemoparasitoses que podem levar os animais a óbito. O controle desse ectoparasita atualmente é realizado por compostos químicos sintéticos, porém, a maioria com casos de resistência relatados, torna necessário o estudo de novas alternativas naturais necessárias. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o extrato de Physalis angulata entre as concentrações 100 - 12,5 mg mL-1 sobre larvas de R. (B.) microplus pelo teste de contato em papel impregnado (TCPI). Os resultados se mostraram promissores sendo as concentrações 100 e 50 mg mL-1 as mais efetivas apresentando 92,24% e 58,47% de mortalidade das larvas respectivamente

Longitudinal association of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with adipokines and markers of glucose metabolism among Brazilian pregnant women

This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of vitamin D status with glycaemia, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin and leptin. A prospective cohort with 181 healthy, pregnant Brazilian women was followed at the 5th–13th, 20th–26th, and 30th–36th gestational weeks. In this cohort, 25(OH)D plasma concentrations were analysed using liq¬uid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vitamin D status was categorized as sufficient or insufficient using the Endocrine Society Practice Guidelines (ES) (≥75/<75 nmol/L) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (≥50/<50 nmol/L) thresholds. Linear mixed-effect regression models were employed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and each outcome, considering the interaction terms between vitamin D status and gestational age (P<0.1). At baseline, 70.7% of pregnant women had 25(OH)D levels <75 nmol/L and 16% had levels <50 nmol/L. Women with sufficient vitamin D status at baseline, using both the ES and IOM thresholds, presented lower glycaemia than those with insufficient 25(OH)D. Pregnant women with 25(OH)D concentrations <75 nmol/L showed lower insulin (β=-0.12; 95% CI -0.251, 0.009; P=0.069) and adiponectin (β=-0.070; 95% CI -0.150, 0.010; P=0.085) concentrations throughout pregnancy than those with 25(OH)D levels ≥75 nmol/L. Pregnant women with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L at baseline presented significantly higher leptin concentrations than those with 25(OH)D levels ≥50 nmol/L (β=-0.253, 95% CI: -0.044; 0.550, P=0.095). The baseline status of vitamin D influences the biomarkers involved in glucose metabolism. Vitamin D sufficient women at baseline had higher increases of insulin and adiponectin changes throughout gestation than those who were insufficient

Abdominal hernia repair with bovine pericardium seeded with mesenchymal stem cells in Wistar rats

Background: Biological membranes demonstrate superiority over synthetic ones for its biocompatibility and strength in the reduction of abdominal hernias. Recents tissue engineering researches add mesenchymal stem cells to biological membranes with the purpose of obtaining additional cellular proliferation and consequent muscle regeneration, using biological membranes as cellular scaffolds. This article aimed to study the infl uence of mesenchymal stem cells in muscle regeneration in abdominal hernias, reduced with biological membranes. Materials, Methods & Results: Adult Wistar rats underwent abdominal hernia-inducing. They were divided into two groups as to the form of treatment for the reduction of hernia: stem cells associated with biological membranes or only biological membranes. After the treatment the macro and microscopic reviews were carried out in days seven, 14 and 60 postoperatively. Preparation of bovine pericardium with glycerin 98% presented effi ciency in decellularization and conservation, maintaining its strength and avoiding bacterial growth. The mesenchymal stem cells obtained from bone marrow of adult Wistar rats, had capacity of proliferation. The majority of the cells was positive for the expression of surface antigens CD44, CD29 and CD99 and was negative for CD 34. In the differentiation trials, the same cells were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes. With 24 h from co-cultivating adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells in the membranes was observed. There was no foreign body reaction or contamination of surgical wounds and there was intense postoperative neovascularization on seven days. All animals presented omentum adherence, but no adherence to other organs. There was no statistically difference for the different times in macroscopic assessment: deposition of fi brous tissue, implant integration. The same occurred with the microscopic evaluations between the different treatment groups. The groups of immediate and later repair presented different responses to treatment. Discussion: The use of rats as animal model was satisfactory, being suitable for surgical procedures and assessments of the abdominal cavity. The different results obtained between groups of immediate repair and late repair corroborate with the idea that there is difference between induction and repair models in the same surgery or in different surgeries with the time interval between the two, suggesting the need for methodologies that simulate the hernias chronicity. The cells used were classifi ed as mesenchymal stem cells, because it met all the criteria of Mesenchymal and Tissue Stem Cell Committee of the International Society of Celullar Therapy. The membranes conserved with glycerin 98% demonstrated biocompatibility, because there was no rejection or necrosis, infection or exacerbated infl ammation. However the muscle regeneration was not obtained over the membranes - and the methodological difference in other latest experiments about the membranes decellularization and the co-cultivating - can leads to conclusion that the cells attached to membranes were insuffi cient in number to obtain the desired result. These results suggest the need of new research studies or co-cultivating times and decellularization methods of bovine pericardium for association with mesenchymal stem cells

Light means power: harnessing light spectrum and UV-B to enhance photosynthesis and rutin levels in microtomato plants

Urban vertical agriculture with lighting system can be an alternative green infrastructure to increase local food production irrespective of environmental and soil conditions. In this system, light quality control can improve the plant physiological performance, well as induce metabolic pathways that contribute to producing phenolic compounds important to human health. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of RBW (red, blue and white) and monochromatic (red and blue; R and B, respectively) light associated or not with UV-B on photosynthetic performance and phenolic compound production in microtomato fruits cultivated via vertical agriculture. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, with six replicates illuminated with 300 µmol·m−2·s−1 light intensities (RBW, RBW + UV, B, B + UV, R, and R + UV), 12 h photoperiod, and 3.7 W·m−2 UV-B irradiation for 1 h daily for the physiological evaluations. Twenty-six days after the installation, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and nocturnal breathing were evaluated. Fruits in different ripening stages (green, orange, and red) were collected from microtomato plants grown under with different light qualities, to evaluate the physiological performance. The identification and quantification of the phenolic compound rutin was also performed to investigate their metabolic response. This study identified that plants grown under B + UV had high photosynthetic rates (A=11.57 µmol·m−2·s−1) and the fruits at all maturation stages from plants grown under B and B + UV had high rutin content. Meanwhile, the activation of suppressive mechanisms was necessary in plants grown under R because of the high nocturnal respiration and unregulated quantum yield of the non-photochemical dissipation of the photosystem II. These results highlight the importance of selecting light wavelength for vegetable cultivation to produce fruits with a high content of specialized metabolites that influence color, flavor, and health promotion, which is of special interest to farmers using sustainable cropping systems

Influenza severe cases in hospitals, between 2014 and 2016 in Portugal

Rede Portuguesa de Laboratórios para o Diagnóstico da GripeBackground: Since 2009, the Portuguese Laboratory Network (PLNID) for Influenza Diagnosis has integrated 15 Laboratories in mainland and Atlantic Islands of Azores and Madeira. This PLNID added an important contribute to the National Influenza Surveillance Program regarding severe and hospitalized influenza cases. The present study aims to describe influenza viruses detected in influenza like illness (ILI) cases: outpatients (Outp), hospitalized (Hosp), and intensive care units (ICU), between 2014 and 2016. Methods: The PLNID performs influenza virus diagnosis by biomolecular methodologies. Weekly reports to the National Influenza Reference Laboratory ILI cases tested for influenza. Reports include data on detecting viruses, hospital assistance, antiviral therapeutics, and information on death outcome. Were reported during two winter seasons 8059 ILI cases,being 3560 cases in 2014/15 (1024 in Outp, 1750 Hosp, and 606 in ICU) and 4499 cases in 2015/2016 (1933 in Outp, 1826 Hosp, and 740 in ICU). Results: The higher percentage of influenza positive cases were detected in Outp in both seasons, 18% during 2014/15 and 20% in 2015/16. In 2014/15,influenza cases were more frequent in individuals older than 65 years old and these required more hospitalizations,even in ICU. In 2015/16,the influenza cases were mainly detected in individuals between 15-64 years old. A higher proportion of influenza positive cases with hospitalization in ICU were observed in adults between 45-64 years old.During the study period,the predominant circulating influenza viruses were different in the two seasons: influenza B and A(H3) co-circulated in 2014/15,and influenza A(H1)pdm09 was predominant during 2015/16. Even when influenza A is notthe dominant virus, A(H3) and A(H1)pdm09 subtypes correlate with higher detection rate in hospitalized cases (Hosp and UCI), with higher frequencies in adults older than 45. Influenza B,detected in higher proportion in outpatients, was frequently relatedwith influenza cases in younger age groups: 0-4 and 5-14 years old. Conclusions: This study highlights the correlation of theinfluenza virus type/subtype that circulates in each season with the possible need for hospitalization and intensive care in special groups of the population. Circulation of influenza A subtypes can cause more frequentdisease in individuals older than 45, with need of hospitalization including intensive care. On the other hand, influenza B is more frequently associated with less severe cases and with infection in children and younger adults. Influenza B circulation might predict lower number of hospitalizations.The identification of influenza type in circulation,byPLNID ineach season, could guide action planning measures in population health care.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio