Dynamical properties of nuclear and stellar matter and the symmetry energy

The effects of density dependence of the symmetry energy on the collective modes and dynamical instabilities of cold and warm nuclear and stellar matter are studied in the framework of relativistic mean-field hadron models. The existence of the collective isovector and possibly an isoscalar collective mode above saturation density is discussed. It is shown that soft equations of state do not allow for a high density isoscalar collective mode, however, if the symmetry energy is hard enough an isovector mode will not disappear at high densities. The crust-core transition density and pressure are obtained as a function of temperature for $\beta$-equilibrium matter with and without neutrino trapping. An estimation of the size of the clusters formed in the non-homogeneous phase as well as the corresponding growth rates and distillation effect is made. It is shown that cluster sizes increase with temperature, that the distillation effect close to the inner edge of the crust-core transition is very sensitive to the symmetry energy, and that, within a dynamical instability calculation, the pasta phase exists in warm compact stars up to 10 - 12 MeV.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures. Submitted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Biotecnologia de la fermentación de aceitunas de la variedad portuguesa ‘Galega'

‘Galega' is the main Portuguese olive variety providing the greatest percentage of table olive production from homemade and industrial methods. In this work a better understanding of the fermentation involved in both methods is intended. Yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute the microflora acting in olive fermentation, with Pichia membranaefaciens being the dominant yeast specie present throughout the process. LAB develop their activity mainly along the second fermentation stage where Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus pentosus were isolated and identified, as well as Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Results of a chemical analysis have shown the effectiveness of both homemade and industrial fermentation methods. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of the brines from homemade samples was more similar than those from the industrial ones. Remarkable differences were found in the phenolic compound profile mainly on the final fermentation stage. The amount of volatile compounds has enhanced on the same phase in both methods and some differences were found between them. Sensorial analysis has shown the best results obtained through the homemade method.La variedad de aceitunas más importante en Portugal es la ‘Galega', que representa un gran porcentaje de la producción de aceitunas de mesa portuguesas por métodos caseros ó industriales. La fermentación se produce por una compleja flora microbiana, principalmente levaduras y bacterias del ácido láctico (LAB), siendo la especie Pichia membranaefaciens la que domina en todo el proceso. Las LAB desarrollan su actividad a lo largo de la segunda fase de la fermentación, en donde Lactobacillus plantarum y Lactobacillus pentosus fueran aislados y identificados, así como Leuconostoc pentosaceus. Los resultados de los análisis químicos muestran la mejor eficiencia del método casero. Además, la composición química de la salmuera es más parecida entre las muestras caseras que entre las de la industria. Importantes diferencias se encuentran en el perfil de los compuestos fenólicos, principalmente en la fase final de la fermentación. La cantidad de compuestos volatiles aumenta en la misma fase en ambos métodos y se encuentran algunas diferencias entre ellos. El análisis sensorial muestra que los mejores resultados corresponden a las aceitunas obtenidas por el método casero

Efficiency of a new Waitea circinata extract against rice pathogens.

Waitea circinata (Warcup & Talbot) is an orchid antagonist mycorrhizal fungus with biocontrol potential against rice pathogens. This study aimed to optimize the extraction method, obtain a new extract and evaluate its efficiency against rice pathogens in vitro and in vivo, as well as to compare it with other extraction methods and W. circinata. The extracts were obtained and screened for in vitro growth inhibition against the pathogens Cochliobolus miyabeanus, Monographella albescens and Sarocladium oryzae, using the following extracts: mycelial, crude, lyophilized and mycelial mass. An additional in vitro assay was performed with the principal rice pathogen (Magnaporthe oryzae), in order to evaluate the conidial germination and appressorium formation. Based on this evaluation, the lyophilized and mycelial mass extracts were tested in vivo against rice blast (M. oryzae) and compared to the W. circinata mycelial suspension, in different application forms (simultaneous and previous). The mycelial mass extract inhibited all the pathogens, and the crude and lyophilized extracts inhibited C. miyabeanus and M. albescens, respectively. The mycelial mass extract inhibited the M. oryzae conidial germination and appressorium formation by 80 %, and the simultaneous and previous applications suppressed the rice blast by 94 %. These results indicate that the new extract can be used to control rice pathogens

Modelo Semiclássico Para Excitações Vibracionais em Núcleos Atómicos

O trabalho apresentado nesta dissertação insere-se no contexto de diversos modelos macroscópios propostos para a descrição de movimentos colectivos nucleares em particular das chamadas ressonâncias gigantes. De um modo geral, estes modelos são formulados em termos de campos macroscópios (densidade de partículas, densidade de corrente,…)ligados entre si por relações com significado físico e, através dos quais, se pretende descrever comportamentos globais dos sistemas nucleares. Os resultados numéricos, usalmente mais fáceis de manejar do que nos cálculos microscópios (e.g.RPA), permitem realizar um importante teste às hipóteses em que assentam os modelos macroscópios. Nesta prespectiva, desenvolvemos um modelo que privilegia uma aproximação semiclássica, ao basear-se na equação de Vlasov, que resulta das equações de Hartree-Fock quando se faz uma expansão de Wigner- Kirkwood e se desprezam as correcções em h. Constituem aspectos relevantes da investigação realizada a forma de parametrização da função de distribuição e o tratamento variacional dos campos introduzidos. É discutido o efeito da tensão superficial nos modos de superficie de baixa energia. Os resultados numéricos obtidos para o núcleo de 208 Pb mostram que o modelo proposto permite descrever de uma forma unificada ressonâncias gigantes e modos de superfície de baixa energia, no sentido de que uns e outros emergem como soluções do mesmo problema variacional. As energias dos modos excitados e as correspondentes percentagens das regras de soma (EWSR) revelam-se, na maioria dos casos, em bom acordo com os resultados experimentais disponíveis para o núcleo estudado

CÁRIES E ÍNDICE DE MASSA CORPORAL, QUE RELAÇÃO?

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in pediatric age and that is traditionally associated with worse oral health. However, in the literature this association is controversial. We intend to characterize the prevalence of overweight, obesity and caries in a pediatric population and check for an association between caries and body mass index. Methods: Retrospective study of children aged 5 years or older, followed in a primary care unit in Lisbon.Demographic data such as age and sex, anthropometric data (height, weight and body mass index with percentile) and presence or absence of caries were analyzed. Results: A sample of 1,398 children with an average age of 9.96 ± 3.39 years at the last visit was obtained, without gender predominance. In relation to the body mass index percentile, 3.1% had < 3, 72.0% between 3-85, 14.7% between 85-97 and 10.2% > 97. Only 730 clinical records referenced oral health, with a caries prevalence of 59.5%. There was a statistically significant association between the body mass index percentile < 3 and caries (p = 0.004; odds ratio 4.27, confidence interval 95% 1.47-12.48) that was independent of age. Discussion: These results reveal that approximately one in four children are overweight or obese and three in five have caries. Body mass index percentiles < 3 are associated with a higher prevalence of caries. It is vital to continue to promote healthy lifestyles in all primary care consultations.Introdução: Nos últimos anos verificou-se um aumento da prevalência de excesso de peso/obesidade (EP/O) em idade pediátrica, aspeto fulcral das consultas de Saúde Infantil (SI). Classicamente, associa-se EP/O a pior saúde oral. Contudo, na literatura esta associação é controversa. Pretende caracterizar-se a prevalência de EP/O e de cáries e verificar se existe associação entre o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e cáries. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de crianças seguidas numa USF da capital Portuguesa com idade compreendida entre 2 e 18 anos e com última consulta realizada com ≥ 2 anos de idade. Foram analisados dados demográficos como idade e sexo, dados antropométricos (altura, peso e IMC com respetivo percentil) e a presença ou ausência de cáries. Resultados: Obteve-se uma amostra de 1788 crianças com idade média na consulta de 8,49 ± 4,12 anos, das quais 912 (51%) eram do sexo masculino. Relativamente ao IMC, 3,0% tinha <P3; 73,1% entre P3-P85; 14,9% entre P85-P97 e 9,0% >P97. Apenas 914 crianças tinham referência à saúde oral, com uma prevalência de cáries de 50,8%. Verificou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre o percentil de IMC e cáries (χ2, p=0,012), com maior prevalência nos extremos do percentil, sobretudo <P3. Não se verificou associação entre sexo e cáries. Discussão: Estes resultados revelam que aproximadamente 1 em cada 4 crianças tem EP/O e 1 em cada 2 tem cáries. A associação entre percentis de IMC e cáries é mais forte no <P3. É fundamental continuar a promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis em todas as consultas de SI

Arterial Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index of Children and Adolescents in a Family Health Unit

Introdução: Nas últimas décadas foi identificado um aumento da prevalência de excesso de peso (EP) e obesidade (Ob) assim como de hipertensão arterial (HTA) em crianças e adolescentes. A HTA em idade pediátrica é amplamente reconhecida como fator preditor de HTA em idade adulta precoce. Pretendemos avaliar a prevalência de EP e Ob em idade pediátrica numa Unidade de Saúde Familiar (USF) e verificar a existência de associação com valores de pressão arterial (PA) aumentados. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo das crianças inscritas numa USF de Lisboa, avaliadas na última Consulta de Saúde Infantil e Juvenil com 3 ou mais anos. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, antropométricos, o último valor PA e foi analisada a existência de associação entre EP e Ob e PA recorrendo ao teste Qui-quadrado, SPSS®. Resultados: Foi obtida uma amostra de 1625 doentes. Em 14,7% foi verificado EP e em 9,4% Ob. Da amostra em análise, foi avaliada a PA a 1325 doentes, dos quais 6,9% apresentou PA entre ≥p90 e <p95 ou PA nos adolescentes ≥120/80mmHg; 2,4% entre ≥p95 e <p99+5mmHg e 0,2% no ≥p99+5mmHg. Verificámos existência de associação estatisticamente significativa entre EP ou Ob e valores de PA≥p90 (,p<0,001); sendo a associação forte entre EP ou Ob e PA≥p95 (adj res 3,6); as crianças sem EP ou Ob têm uma forte associação com PA normais (adj res 5,0). Conclusões: Cerca de ¼ dos doentes têm EP ou Ob, cerca de 10% tem PA≥p90 e existe associação estaticamente significativa entre EP ou Ob e PA aumentada.Introduction: In recent decades, an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity as well as hypertension in children and adolescents has been identified. Hypertension in the paediatric age is recognized as a predictor factor of hypertension in early adulthood. We intend to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents in a primary health care unit and verify if there is an association with increased blood pressure. Methods: Retrospective study of children enrolled in a family health unit (FHU), evaluated at the last health surveillance visit who are 3 years of age or older. Demographic and anthropometric data and the last blood pressure values were analysed as well as the existence of an association between overweight and obesity and hypertension using Excel® and SPSS®. Results: A sample of 1,625 was obtained, 14.7% of the patients were overweight and 9.4% were obese. Blood pressure was evaluated in 1,325 patients (81.5%), of who 6.9% had blood pressure values from 90th to <95th percentile or blood pressure equal or exceeding 120/80 mmHg in adolescents; 2.4% had blood pressure from 95th percentile to the 99th percentile plus 5 mmHg and 0.2% had blood pressure above the 99th percentile plus 5 mmHg. We found an association between overweight and obesity and blood pressure values ≥ P90 (p < 0.001); there was a strong association between overweight or obesity and blood pressure values ≥ P95 (adjusted residues 3.6); children without overweight or obesity had a strong association with normal blood pressure values (adjusted residues 5.0). Discussion: About 25% of the sample are overweight or obese, 10% have blood pressure ≥ P90 and there is a statistically significant association between overweight or obesity and increased blood pressure values. Lifestyle change and weight control are crucial to avoiding the early development of hypertension

Biological activity of heterologous murine interleukin-10 and preliminary studies on the use of a dextrin nanogel as a delivery system

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which active form is a non-covalent homodimer with two intramolecular disulphide bonds essential for its biological activity. A mutated form of murine IL-10 was successfully expressed in E. coli, recovered and purified from inclusion bodies. Its ability to reduce tumor necrosis factor synthesis and down-regulate class II major histocompatibility complex molecules expression on endotoxin-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages was confirmed, and shown to be similar to that of a commercially available IL-10. Given the potential of IL-10 for application in various medical conditions, it is essential to develop systems that can effectively deliver the protein. In this work it is shown that a dextrin nanogel effectively incorporate IL-10, stabilize, and enable the slow release of biologically active IL-10 over time. Altogether, these results demonstrate the suitability of dextrin nanogel to be used as a system for the controlled release of IL-10.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT

Central and Effector Memory Human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T Cells during Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and after In Vitro Stimulation with <i>Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis</i> Epitopes

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a Neglected Tropical Disease characterized by skin ulcers caused by Leishmania spp. protozoans and there is no safe and effective vaccine to reduce its negative consequences. In a previous work by our group, we identified T cell epitopes of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis which stimulated patients’ T cells in vitro. In the present work, the peptides were tested as two pools for their ability to rescue memory T cells during natural infection by Leishmania. We analyzed the frequency of central memory (TCM, CD45RA-CD62L+) and effector memory (TEM, CD45RA + CD62L-) cells during active CL and post-treatment. In parallel, we investigated cell proliferation levels and the cytokines produced after stimulation. Interestingly, we observed higher frequencies (%) in CD4+ TEM during CL, and CD8+ TEM and CD8+ TCM during CL and post-treatment. Cell proliferation was increased, and a significant difference in expression was observed on T-bet and RORγT. Besides that, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were detected in patient samples. Collectively, this dataset suggests that during CL there is an increase in the frequency of TCM and TEM, especially in the CD8 compartment. These results indicate a potentially immunogenic profile of the peptide pools, which can support the development of anti-Leishmania formulations