Evaluation of chemicals against esca-related pathogens, in vitro and as pruning wound protectants

Mestrado em Viticultura e Enologia - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL / Faculdade de Ciências - Universidade do PortoDuring the past decades, Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Trunk Diseases (GTDs) have been under study due to their increase in incidence through all winegrowing regions worldwide. Among the most common GTDs, the esca disease complex is one of the most concerning, leading to important losses in longevity and yield. Pruning wounds are considered the main entry port for fungal spores which, if not protected, may allow the penetration of several wood pathogens, such as Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch) and Phaeoacremonium minimum. In the present study, the first goal was to evaluate nine chemicals – cyprodinil + fludioxonil, copper oxychloride, copper oxychloride + summer oil, blad, fosetyl-Al, elemental silver, hydrogen peroxide, glutaraldehyde and a bituminous coating - in vitro against the growth of these fungi. The second goal was to evaluate four selected chemicals - cyprodinil + fludioxonil, copper oxychloride + summer oil, blad and a bituminous coating - as pruning wound protectants under field conditions against Pch in cv Cabernet Sauvignon. The pruning wounds were inoculated with Pch 1, 31 and 90 days after pruning. Three months after each inoculation the canes were collected and reisolations of the isolate were made. Our study found that most chemicals tested were effective in vitro, in reducing mycelial growth of both fungi. However, the results obtained under field conditions showed that one of the treatments significantly reduced the presence of Pch on the first inoculation, providing a partial protection to fresh wound. The remaining treatments were not effective as wound protectants. In summary, novel chemicals were tested that were capable to greatly inhibit in vitro the growth of esca-related pathogens and a chemical treatment was identified which was capable of reducing the incidence of Pch as wound protectant. This study improved the current knowledge in chemicals used against some esca-related fungi and in pruning wound protectionN/

Associations between muscular strength and vertical jumping performance in adolescent male football players

This study aimed to investigate the associations between muscular strength tests and vertical jumping performance (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) in adolescent male football players, while controlling for important predictors such as chronological age and body composition. Methods. The sample involved 161 male footballers (mean age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years) from the under-19, under-17, and under-15 age groups. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated with Slaughter equations. Muscular strength assessment included handgrip strength and push-up and sit-up tests. Vertical jumping was examined through CMJ and SJ. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were run to analyse the data. Results. All muscular strength tests showed significant correlations with CMJ and SJ. Handgrip strength was the most substantial predictor for CMJ (r = 0.43, p < 0.01) and SJ (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). However, regression models identified sit-ups (CMJ: = 0.15, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.23; SJ: = 0.16, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.27) and push-ups (CMJ: = 0.13, p < 0.01; SJ: = 0.15, p < 0.01) as significant predictors after controlling for chronological age, body mass, and BF%. In contrast, BF% remained a significant predictor of jumping performance (CMJ: = –0.43, p < 0.01, R2 = –0.39; SJ: = –0.52, p < 0.01, R2 = –0.52) in the whole hierarchical regression model. Conclusions. This study reinforces the importance of players’ overall physical development, including healthy diet habits, to enhance jumping performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Infection with carcinogenic helminth parasites and its production of metabolites induces the formation of DNA-adducts

Background: Infections classified as group 1 biological carcinogens include the helminthiases caused by Schistosoma haematobium and Opisthorchis viverrini. The molecular mediators underlying the infection with these parasites and cancer remain unclear. Although carcinogenesis is a multistep process, we have postulated that these parasites release metabolites including oxysterols and estrogen-like metabolites that interact with host cell DNA. How and why the parasite produce/excrete these metabolites remain unclear. A gene encoding a CYP enzyme was identified in schistosomes and opisthorchiids. Therefore, it is reasonable hypothesized that CYP 450 might play a role in generation of pro-inflammatory and potentially carcinogenic compounds produced by helminth parasites such as oxysterols and catechol estrogens. Here, we performed enzymatic assays using several isoforms of CYP 450 as CYP1A1, 2E1 and 3A4 which are involved in the metabolism of chemical carcinogens that have been associated with several cancer. The main aim was the analysis of the role of these enzymes in production of helminth-associated metabolites and DNA-adducts. Method: The effect of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP 1A1, 2E1 and 3A4 during the interaction between DNA, glycocholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholate sodium on the formation of DNA-adducts and metabolites associated with urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) and opisthorchiasis was investigated in vitro. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify metabolites. Main findings: Through the enzymatic assays we provide a deeper understanding of how metabolites derived from helminths are formed and the influence of CYP 450. The assays using compounds similar to those previously observed in helminths as glycocholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholate sodium, allowed the detection of metabolites in their oxidized form and their with DNA. Remarkably, these metabolites were previously associated with schistosomiaisis and opisthorchiasis. Thus, in the future, it may be possible to synthesize this type of metabolites through this methodology and use them in cell lines to clarify the carcinogenesis process associated with these diseases. Principal conclusions: Metabolites similar to those detected in helminths are able to interact with DNA in vitro leading to the formation of DNA adducts. These evidences supported the previous postulate that imply helminth-like metabolites as initiators of helminthiases-associated carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, studies including these kinds of metabolites and cell lines in order to evaluate its potential carcinogenic are required.This work was financed by FEDER - Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Portugal 2020, and by Portuguese funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in the framework of the project, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences” (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007274). The FCT and FEDER (European Union) also supported these studies through project number IF/00092/2014/CP1255/CT0004info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterization of Static Strength, Vertical Jumping, and Isokinetic Strength in Soccer Players According to Age, Competitive Level, and Field Position

: Muscular strength is strongly related to speed and agility tasks, which have been described as the most decisive actions preceding goals in the soccer game. This study aimed to characterize the players’ strength indicators and to analyze the variation associated with age, competition level, and positional role. Eighty-three male soccer players from A team (n = 22), B team (n = 17), U-23 (n = 19), and U-19 (n = 25) participated in this study. Handgrip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer (Jamar Plus+), countermovement jump (CMJ) and the squat jump (SJ) were evaluated using Optojump Next, and a Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer was used to assess the isokinetic strength of knee extension/flexion. Team A players showed increased lower-body strength compared to their peers, mainly through their increased vertical jumping capacity (i.e., CMJ and SJ; ps < 0.019), and superior performance in isokinetic assessments (i.e., peak torque, total work, and average power). Overall, older players outperformed their younger peers regarding vertical jumping, static strength, and average power in isokinetic strength (ps < 0.005). This study emphasizes the superior strength levels of professional soccer players compared with their lower-division peers, even after controlling by age. This information is of great value to sports agents and coaches, underlining the need to design and include strength-specific content during soccer training.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A conquista do espaço subterrâneo

Neste documento agrega-se a informação partilhada na sessão de comemoração dos 50 anos da SPG e 75 anos do LNEC. Nesse evento pretendeu-se divulgar a organização da Comissão Portuguesa de Túneis e Espaço Subterrâneo (CPT), assim como os principais objetivos, atividades realizadas e constituição dos Grupos de Trabalho. Os coordenadores dos Grupos de Trabalho expuseram a situação das atividades em desenvolvimento em cada grupo – i) GT6 (Metodologias Construtivas: Métodos Convencional e Mecanizado nas Obras Subterrâneas); ii) GT5 (Investigação e Desenvolvimento – Ciclo de Vida das Obras); iii) GT4 (BIM e Gestão da Informação nos Túneis e nas Obras Subterrâneas) e iv) GT2 (Engenharia e Legislação: Práticas Contratuais)

Systematic Observation of Corner Kick Strategies in Portuguese Football Players

Set pieces are important for the success of football teams, with the corner kick being one of the most game defining events. The aim of this research was twofold: (1) to analyze the corner kicks of a senior football amateur team, and (2) to compare the corner kicks of successful and unsuccessful teams (of the 2020/21 sporting season). In total, 500 corners were observed using a bespoke notational analysis tool, using a specific observational instrument tool (8 criteria; 25 categories). Out of the 500 corner kicks, 6% resulted in a goal. A greater number of direct corners using inswing trajectories were performed (n = 54%). Corners were delivered to central and front post areas most frequently (n = 79%). Five attackers were most predominantly used for offensive corners (n = 58%), but defenders won the ball more frequently (n = 44%). Attempts at goal occurred following a corner most commonly from outside of the box (n = 7%). Goals were scored most frequently with the foot (n = 16%) and head (n = 15%). Successful teams are more effective at reaching the attackers and score more goals directly from corners. Unsuccessful teams deliver more corner kicks out of play, the first touch is more frequently from the opposition defenders, and fewe goals are scored from corner kicks. The study provides an insight into the determining factors and patterns that influence corner kicks and success in football matches. This information should be used by coaches to prepare teams for both offensive and defensive corner kicks to increase team success and match outcomes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

BILATERAL ILIAC ANEURYSMS AND CONCOMITANT SEVERE MULTILEVEL OCCLUSIVE ARTERIAL DISEASE: STAGED HYBRID PROCEDURE AS SOLUTION TO A NIGHTMARE

Introduction: Severe ilio-femoral occlusive disease can limit the endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms. In high surgical risk patients, inventive and staged hybrid interventions can be the answer to achieve definitive treatment. Clinical Case: A 68-year-old male, with multiple comorbidities, presented with simultaneous occurrence of bilateral common iliac aneurysms and severe ilio-femoral occlusive disease associated with right critical limb-threatening ischemia. In order to exclude the iliac aneurysms, preserve pelvic flow and revascularize the threatened limb we decided for a three-staged hybrid intervention. First, we began with a right external iliac angioplasty with femoral endarterectomy to create adequate arterial access. In a second intervention, we implanted a bifurcated aortoiliac endograft through this access. In order to prevent pelvic ischemia, contralateral leg outflow was directed to the left internal iliac artery with a combination of self-expandable and balloon-expandable covered stents. Finally, a right femoro-posterior tibial artery bypass completed the revascularization. At 1,5-year follow-up, no complications are reported and the patient is asymptomatic. Conclusion: In patients with poor medical condition and complex aorto-iliac aneurysmal and occlusive disease, a staged hybrid approach like the one described in this case-report can be feasible and associated with durable midterm patency and excellent clinical outcome

3D digital breast cancer models with multimodal fusion algorithms

Breast cancer image fusion consists of registering and visualizing different sets of a patient synchronized torso and radiological images into a 3D model. Breast spatial interpretation and visualization by the treating physician can be augmented with a patient-specific digital breast model that integrates radiological images. But the absence of a ground truth for a good correlation between surface and radiological information has impaired the development of potential clinical applications. A new image acquisition protocol was designed to acquire breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 3D surface scan data with surface markers on the patient's breasts and torso. A patient-specific digital breast model integrating the real breast torso and the tumor location was created and validated with a MRI/3D surface scan fusion algorithm in 16 breast cancer patients. This protocol was used to quantify breast shape differences between different modalities, and to measure the target registration error of several variants of the MRI/3D scan fusion algorithm. The fusion of single breasts without the biomechanical model of pose transformation had acceptable registration errors and accurate tumor locations. The performance of the fusion algorithm was not affected by breast volume. Further research and virtual clinical interfaces could lead to fast integration of this fusion technology into clinical practice.publishersversionpublishe

SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY PSEUDOANEURYSM RUPTURE: A RARE COMPLICATION OF PANCREATIC SURGERY

Pseudoaneurysms after gastro-intestinal tract surgery are rare. Most of them occur after biliary tract and pancreatic surgery. They can lead to potentially serious consequences, such as rupture, hemorrhage and death. For these reasons, pseudoaneurysms should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

INTERNAL CAROTID PSEUDOANEURYSM CAUSED BY MIGRATION OF A CORONARY GUIDEWIRE FRAGMENT: A CASE OF A BROKEN ARROW

Introduction: Guidewire fracture is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Retained fragments can cause thrombosis, dissection, perforation of the vessel or embolize. When is impossible to withdraw or to trap the fragment during the procedure, management is debatable between surgical removal or conservative approach. When choosing to leave the fragment in place, the patient remains at risk for all of the aforementioned complications.  Clinical Case: 65-year-old male patient submitted to PCI with stenting of distal right coronary artery in 2017. A proximal optimization technique was performed, with a guidewire placed in the posterior descending artery (PDA). After stenting, the protection guidewire became entrapped and after several retrieval attempts, it fractured. Wire fragment remained within the RCA and ascending aorta with a free mobile distal part in the beginning of the innominate artery. Multiple attempts went in vain for wire retrieval and a conservative approach was adopted. Two and a half years later, the patient felt a sudden chest pain and then collapsed. He was transferred to our Hospital for emergent surgery due to cardiac tamponade. Intra-operatively, cardiac surgeons found the guidewire perforating the posterior descending artery. When trying to pull it out, the guidewire fractured again. Post-intervention CTA revealed migration of the fragmented guidewire now it was entrapped in a tortuous initial portion of the right internal carotid artery and a small pseudoaneurysm was visible at the distal portion of the wire. Surgical approach was performed revealing the presence of the wire within the carotid medial wall, in a subintimal plane. The 7 cm fragment was successfully withdrawn, through a common carotid transverse incision. Pseudoaneurismectomy was performed and carotid artery bifurcation reconstruction with internal carotid artery re-implantation into the bifurcation, end-to-end anastomosis. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.  Conclusion: Although leaving the wire in place remains an option, coronary guidewire fractured fragments can be associated not only with immediate complications but also with potential adverse events in the long run.