Screening of cryptic species among clinical Aspergillus isolates collected during one year period in a Portuguese reference laboratory

Objectives: Correct identification of Aspergillus species is important given that sibling species may show variable susceptibilities to multiple antifungal drugs and also because sharper definition of species may facilitate epidemiological studies. Thus, we screened Aspergillus clinical isolates from Portuguese hospitals to determine which, if any, of the cryptic species of Aspergillus were involved in patient infections. Methods: Over a one year period, Aspergillus isolates from Portuguese health institutions were collected. These isolates were identified on the basis of microscopic morphology and through the use of molecular tools. Genomic DNA was prepared from each isolate and the sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) regions, specifically the ITS1 and ITS2 non-coding regions flanking the 5.8S rDNA was used to determine the species complex, whereas β-tubulin and calmodulin sequencing was done to achieve the correct species identification. Results: Over the study period, 57 Aspergillus isolates from clinical samples were collected from 10 Portuguese health institutions. According to the morphological observations, 29 isolates were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, 11 A. flavus, 8 A. niger, 3 A. nidulans, 2 A. terreus, 2 A. candidus and 2 Aspergillus sp. Among those isolates, six species-complexes were detected by ITS sequencing, and were distributed as follows: fumigati (50.1%), flavi (21.0%), nigri (15.8%), terrei (5.3%), nidulantes (3.6%) and versicolores (3.6%). β-tubulin and calmodulin sequencing resulted in ten (17.5%) cryptic species being identified among the 57 isolates. Six of those isolates belonged to the nigri complex (A. brasiliensis, A. awamorii and A. tubigensis), two to the versicolores complex (A. sidowii and A. fructus), one to the fumigati complex (A. lentulus) and one to the nidulantes complex (Emmericella echinulata). Conclusion: With rigorous application of molecular tools, cryptic species of Aspergillus are not uncommon in the clinic. The identification of cryptic species among the collected clinical isolates of Aspergillus alerts the clinician to isolates with reduced susceptibilities to antifungal drugs and emphasizes a correct identification to species level

Tinea Corporis Causada por Trichophyton Benhamiae de Transmissão Canina: Primeiro Relato em Portugal

Dermatophytoses are superficial and contagious infections caused by dermatophyte fungi. They are the most fre-quent infectious dermatosis in clinical practice, and can affect the skin, hair and nails. Its correct diagnosis allows the understanding of clinical, ecological and epidemiological aspects associated with these microorganisms. Clinical presentation is variable and depends on the habitat (human, animal or soil origin), virulence of the fungus and on the host’s immune status.We report the clinical case of a 62-year-old man with tinea corporis, which stands out for its exuberant clinical pres-entation and by the isolated agent, Trichophyton benhamiae (formerly known as Arthroderma benhamiae), an etiologi-cal agent of dermatophytosis that has not been scientifically reported in Portugal yet.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Perfis de comportamento inibido e sintomas de ansiedade em idade pré-escolar

Behavioral inhibition (BI) during the preschool years can be defined as a biologically-based wariness when exposed to novel people, situations and activities, and has been associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety symptoms. Although BI is not a unitary concept, to date, few studies aimed to characterize different subgroups of children, using multidimensional parental measures, and compare them in terms of anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to identify different profiles of children with BI and explore potential differences concerning anxiety symptoms. One hundred and eight mothers of children with a mean age of 54 months completed the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire and the Preschool Anxiety Scale. Two profiles of children were identified: children with high and medium levels of BI. Children with high levels of BI displayed more generalized anxiety, social anxiety and physical injury fears symptoms than children with average BI levels. These differences were of greater magnitude for social anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention with children who display high levels of BI as early as the preschool years.A inibição comportamental (IC) em idade pré-escolar pode ser definida com o retraimento biologicamente determinado perante pessoas, situações e atividades novas e associa-se a um risco acrescido de se vir a desenvolver sintomas de ansiedade. Apesar da IC não ser um conceito unitário, poucos estudos até à data procuraram caracterizar diferentes subgrupos de crianças, com recurso a medidas multidimensionais de relato parental, e compará-los relativamente à manifestação de sintomas de ansiedade. Este estudo teve como objetivos identificar diferentes perfis de crianças com IC e explorar se estes diferentes perfis se distinguem ao nível da sintomatologia ansiosa. Centro e oito mães de crianças, com uma média de idade de 54 meses preencheram o Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire e o Preschool Anxiety Scale. Foram identificados dois perfis: crianças com níveis elevados, e médios de IC. As crianças com níveis elevados de IC apresentaram mais sintomas de ansiedade generalizada, ansiedade social e medo de danos do que as crianças com níveis médios de IC. Estas diferenças foram de maior magnitude para os sintomas de ansiedade social. Os resultados obtidos veem reforçar a importância de se intervir precocemente com as crianças que, já nas idades pré-escolares, evidenciem níveis elevados de IC

Early Acute Allograft Dysfunction in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Multi-criteria Analysis for the Selection of the Best Energy Efficient Option in Urban Water Systems

AbstractThis paper presents the application of multi-criteria decision analysis to select the best energy efficient option for a water supply system. The case study is a part of the Multi-Municipal Water Supply System (MMWSS) for the Algarve region in Portugal. There is a micro-hydropower plant installed in one of the two water treatment plants. The system has two operating schemes due to the seasonality of tourism: one for the high season from June to September; and the other one for the low season from October to May. The aim of the analysis is to compare the energy efficiency of the system for the two operating schemes and for different demands. Energy audits (i.e., hydraulic energy balance along the pipe system) are carried out for each option (pair operating scheme – demand). Different energy efficiency metrics are calculated and two different multi-criteria analysis methods are used and compared to rank the options. Results obtained are discussed and the main conclusions are presented

Effect of physical exercise on lipid metabolism in the elderly

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of regular physical exercise on plasma lipids and apoproteins in an elderly group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-three old people of both sexes, aged between 65 and 94, were randomly distributed between a test group (n = 31) and a control group (n = 32). The test group followed a program of physical exercise for eight months, with intensity of 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve, consisting of three weekly sessions, on alternate days, of 60 minutes each. Before the beginning of the program and eight months afterwards, blood samples were collected to assess total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, HDL2-C. HDL3-C, apo A1, apo B-100 and apo (a). The ratios total cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, HDL2-C/HDL3-C and apo A1/apo B-100 were also calculated. RESULTS: In the test group total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, apo B-100, total cholesterol/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C decreased significantly; HDL-C, HDL2-C, apo A1, HDL2-C/HDL3-C and apo A1/apo B-100 increased significantly; HDL3-C and apo (a) did not change. The control group did not present any significant alterations in any of the parameters assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical exercise decreases vascular risk and may help to reduce cardiovascular events in the elderly

Influence of physical exercise and protein supplementation in quality of life (SF36) in seniors to live in the community

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identification of Aspergillus cryptic species in hospital environment

Selected hospital wards, housing patients at higher risk to develop invasive fungal infections, were screened in order to understand the epidemiology and distribution of Aspergillus, especially regarding the presence of cryptic species.Aspergillus species were identified by b-tubulin and calmodulin sequencing, and a high percentage of cryptic species (i.e., not sensu stricto) was found (59%). Sections Usti, Versicolores and Circumdati harbored the highest proportion of cryptic species [100% (4/4), 95% (19/20) and 90% (9/10), respectively].The high number of cryptic species found raises concerns about the possible reduced susceptibility to antifungals of hospital environmental Aspergillus isolates. These data reinforce the importance of hospital air and surface monitoring, mainly in immunocompromised patients’ wards

Desenvolvimentos recentes no domínio da conexão aço concreto no contexto das estruturas mistas

Este trabalho apresenta desenvolvimentos recentes sobre conexão aço-concreto para estruturas mistas. Os estudos realizados envolvem campanhas experimentais com diversos tipos de conectores de cisalhamento, utilizando-se concreto normal e concretos leves de alta resistência. A caracterização do comportamento das conexões tem sido realizada através de ensaios tipo push-out. Os resultados experimentais recentemente obtidos são comparados com resultados de outros autores. Os resultados das pesquisas que vêm sendo realizadas indicam uma boa perspectiva de utilização de novos conectores de cisalhamento no contexto das estruturas mistas de aço e concreto.This work presents recent developments on steel-concrete connection in composite structures. The accomplished studies involve experimental programs with various types of shear connectors, using normal weight, as well as lightweight concrete. The behaviour of shear connectors has been assessed through push-out tests. The experimental results recently obtained are compared with results from other authors. The results of the research programme that has been carried out in the last few years show good perspective for the use of new types of shear connectors in steel-concrete composite structures

Design and experimental analysis of a new shear connector for steel and concrete composite structures

This work presents the design of a new shear connector and the corresponding results obtained on push-out tests. This new shear connector consists on a steel rib with indented cut shape that provides resistance to longitudinal shear and prevents transversal separation between the concrete slab and the steel profile (uplift). Adding to this, the connector openings cut makes easier the arrangement of transversal reinforcement bars. The installation of the connectors is simple and requires only common welding procedure. Due to its load capacity, the indented connector is able to replace a group of stud bolts. Its structural behaviour is analyzed and compared with other existing connectors, like the stud bolt and the Perfobond. The influence of different geometrical and mechanical aspects on the ultimate load capacity and ductility is assessed. The performed studies indicate that the proposed indented connector presents a good mechanical performance, associated with constructive and economical advantages.(undefined