Hematoma Cervical Secundário a Hemorragia Espontânea da Tiroide

Spontaneous thyroid haemorrhage is rare, but it can be a potentially life-threatening condition in severe cases, due to acute upper airway compromise. We report the case of a 75-year-old patient on chronic anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation, who presented with sudden painful neck bulging and dysphagia. Physical examination revealed a hard mass on the anterior left side of the neck. Preliminary laryngoscopy was normal. The diagnosis was made using ultrasonography and further characterization with computed tomography, showing haemorrhage of a thyroid nodule with capsular disruption and diffusion of the haematoma to the deep cervical spaces, causing important tracheal deviation and hypopharynx compression. The patient developed dyspnoea and ultimately required urgent hemithyroidectomy. This case also highlights the importance of having a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt imaging in patients with atypical presentations of a neck mass.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Study of chaos in hamiltonian systems via convergent normal forms

We use Moser's normal forms to study chaotic motion in two-degree hamiltonian systems near a saddle point. Besides being convergent, they provide a suitable description of the cylindrical topology of the chaotic flow in that vicinity. Both aspects combined allowed a precise computation of the homoclinic interaction of stable and unstable manifolds in the full phase space, rather than just the Poincar\'e section. The formalism was applied to the H\'enon-Heiles hamiltonian, producing strong evidence that the region of convergence of these normal forms extends over that originally established by Moser.Comment: 29 pages, REVTEX, 22 postscript figures on reques

High magnetic field induced charge density wave states in a quasi-one dimensional organic conductor

We have measured the high field magnetoresistence and magnetization of quasi-one- dimensional (Q1D) organic conductor (Per)2Pt(mnt)2 (where Per = perylene and mnt = maleonitriledithiolate), which has a charge density wave (CDW) ground state at zero magnetic field below 8 K. We find that the CDW ground state is suppressed with moderate magnetic fields of order 20 T, as expected from a mean field theory treatment of Pauli effects[W. Dieterich and P. Fulde, Z. Physik 265, 239 - 243 (1973)]. At higher magnetic fields, a new, density wave state with sub-phases is observed in the range 20 to 50 T, which is reminiscent of the cascade of field induced, quantized, spin density wave phases (FISDW) observed in the Bechgaard salts. The new density wave state, which we tenatively identify as a field induced charge density wave state (FICDW), is re-entrant to a low resistance state at even higher fields, of order 50 T and above. Unlike the FISDW ground state, the FICDW state is only weakly orbital, and appears for all directions of magnetic field. Our findings are substantiated by electrical resistivity, magnetization, thermoelectric, and Hall measurements. We discuss our results in light of theoretical work involving magnetic field dependent Q1D CDW ground states in high magnetic fields [D. Zanchi, A. Bjelis, and G. Montambaux, Phys. Rev. B 53, (1996)1240; A. Lebed, JETP Lett. 78,138(2003)].Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

In Vitro Methods for Specific IgE Detection on Cow’s Milk Allergy

Background: A new method for determining serum specific IgE (IMMULITE“ 2000 3gAllergy) has recently become available. Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of IMMULITE 2000 in the diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy compared with that of UniCAP“. Additionally, we verified the behavior of both methods at two diagnostic decision points proposed by other authors. Methods: The study population consisted of 31 children with cow’s milk allergy (group A) and a control group of 19 atopic children without food allergy(group B). A blood sample from each child was tested using both methods and the results were compared. Results: In group A, the values for cow’s milk IgE ranged from 0.35 kU/L (the lowest common detection limit) to above 100 kU/L. In group B, the values were less than 1.1 kU/L for IMMULITE 2000 and less than 1.6 kU/L for UniCAP. An agreement of 90 % in IgE classes was obtained. Both methods demonstrated exactly the same diagnostic performance(sensitivity: 100 %; specificity: 78.9 %; negative predictive value: 100%; positive predictive value: 84.6%;efficiency: 90.2 %). The evaluation of the two methods at the two different decision points proposed in the literature showed a better positive predictive value with UniCAP, but we obtained equivalent performance with IMMULITE 2000 by choosing higher cutoff values. Conclusions: We conclude that IMMULITE 2000 is as effective as UniCAP in the diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy. Both methods can be used to obtain site-specific decision points that are population, age and disease dependent

Network Biology Identifies Novel Regulators of CFTR Trafficking and Membrane Stability

Free PMC article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/31231217/In cystic fibrosis, the most common disease-causing mutation is F508del, which causes not only intracellular retention and degradation of CFTR, but also defective channel gating and decreased membrane stability of the small amount that reaches the plasma membrane (PM). Thus, pharmacological correction of mutant CFTR requires targeting of multiple cellular defects in order to achieve clinical benefit. Although small-molecule compounds have been identified and commercialized that can correct its folding or gating, an efficient retention of F508del CFTR at the PM has not yet been explored pharmacologically despite being recognized as a crucial factor for improving functional rescue of chloride transport. In ongoing efforts to determine the CFTR interactome at the PM, we used three complementary approaches: targeting proteins binding to tyrosine-phosphorylated CFTR, protein complexes involved in cAMP-mediated CFTR stabilization at the PM, and proteins selectively interacting at the PM with rescued F508del-CFTR but not wt-CFTR. Using co-immunoprecipitation or peptide-pull down strategies, we identified around 400 candidate proteins through sequencing of complex protein mixtures using the nano-LC Triple TOF MS technique. Key candidate proteins were validated for their robust interaction with CFTR-containing protein complexes and for their ability to modulate the amount of CFTR expressed at the cell surface of bronchial epithelial cells. Here, we describe how we explored the abovementioned experimental datasets to build a protein interaction network with the aim of identifying novel pharmacological targets to rescue CFTR function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We identified and validated novel candidate proteins that were essential components of the network but not detected in previous proteomic analyses.This work was supported by FCT, Portugal, through center grant UID/MULTI/04046/2019 to BioISI and the BioSys PhD program PD65-2012 (fellowships SFRH/BD/52488/2014, SFRH/ BD/106084/2015, and SFRH/BD/52490/2014 to CL, JS, and AM, respectively).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Magnetic Field Dependent Behavior of the CDW ground state in Per2M(mnt)2 (M = Au, Pt)

The Per2M(mnt)2 class of organic conductors exhibit a charge density wave (CDW) ground state below about 12 K, which may be suppressed in magnetic fields of order 20 to 30 T. However, for both cases of counter ion M(mnt)2 species studied (M = Au (zero spin) and M = Pt (spin 1/2)), new high field ground states evolve for further increases in magnetic field. We report recent investigations where thermopower, Hall effect, high pressure and additional transport measurements have been carried out to explore these new high field phases.Comment: 6 pages, 10 figures, 27 reference

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Latex-Fruit Syndrome in Patients with Latex Allergy

A associação de alergia ao látex e alergia alimentar a frutos e outros vegetais com reactividade cruzada com látex é denominada síndrome látex-frutos (SLF). Não existem estudos que avaliem factores de risco para SLF em doentes alérgicos ao látex, nomeadamente incluindo diferentes grupos populacionais de risco. Objectivo: Investigar a prevalência e factores de risco para SLF. Material e Métodos: Foram estudados 61 doentes alérgicos ao látex, com média etária de 25.9 (±16.6) anos e relação sexo M/F de 0.3/1, pertencendo a diferentes grupos de risco: 15 com espinha bífida (EB), 13 submetidos a múltiplas cirurgias sem EB e 33 profissionais de saúde (PS). A todos os doentes foram efectuados questionário, testes cutâneos por prick (TC) com aeroalergénios comuns e látex(extractos comerciais) e alimentos com reactividade cruzada descrita com látex (extractos comerciais e alimentos em natureza), IgE total sérica (AlaSTAT®, DPC) e IgE específica para látex (UniCAP®, Pharmacia Diagnostics). Definiu-se SLF se história clínica e TC para o alimento positivos. Resultados: A prevalência de SLF nos doentes alérgicos ao látex foi 28% (17). Os alimentos implicados foram castanha-71% (12), banana-47% (8), pêssego-29% (5), abacate e kiwi-24% (4),ananás, maracujá, papaia e espinafre-18% (3), ameixa, manga, melão, tomate e mandioca-12%(2), alperce, figo, uva e pimentão doce-6% (1). Os sintomas clínicos foram anafilaxia-65% (11),urticária-24% (4) e síndrome de alergia oral-12% (2). Os doentes com SLF eram na quase totalidade PS. A prevalência de SLF neste grupo foi 45% (15). Comparando PS com SLF (15) e sem SLF (18), encontrou-se relação entre SLF e níveis mais elevados de IgE específica para látex (mediana: 19.4 vs. 0.6kU/l; p=0.006). Os PS com CAP-classe ≥ 3 tinham SLF em 74%, para 26% nos PS com CAP-classe <3 (p<0.001). Idade, sexo, antecedentes pessoais e familiares de alergia, número de cirurgias, tempo de profissão, atopia e IgE total não foram identificados como factores de risco. Conclusões: A SLF afecta essencialmente os PS alérgicos ao látex, sendo frequente neste grupo; a explicação reside nos diferentes perfis de sensibilização alergénica, relacionados com a via de exposição. A sensibilização ao látex com CAP-classe ≥ 3 foi identificada como factor de risco para SLF nos PS. A SLF revelou-se na maioria dos casos por anafilaxia,realçando a importância desta síndrome potencialmente fatal

ISePorto Robotic Soccer Team: A New Player Generation

Proceedings of the Scientific Meeting of the Portuguese Robotics Open 2004This paper describes the recent modifications in ISePorto MSL robotic football team and future improvements concerning the development and evolution of the team. The robot was substantially redesigned in order to achieve high reliability, allow better control and coordination capabilities and substantial increase in perception. New mechanical and hardware redesign is presented. Motion control subsystems, new vision hardware sensor and overall architecture are described. The team redesign is done for preparation for participating in the Robocup 2004. The main goal is to achieve not only an important evolution in the team control and coordination but also increased overall reliability

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Portugal: Pneumobil (1995) and 2002 prevalence studies revisited

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, over the years. In 1995, the implementation of a respiratory function survey seemed to be an adequate way to draw attention to neglected respiratory symptoms and increase the awareness of spirometry surveys. By 2002 there were new consensual guidelines in place and the awareness that prevalence of COPD depended on the criteria used for airway obstruction definition. The purpose of this study is to revisit the two studies and to turn public some of the data and respective methodologies. METHODS: From Pneumobil study database of 12,684 subjects, only the individuals with 40+ years old (n = 9.061) were selected. The 2002 study included a randomized representative sample of 1,384 individuals with 35-69 years old. RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD was 8.96% in Pneumobil and 5.34% in the 2002 study. In both studies, presence of COPD was greater in males and there was a positive association between presence of COPD and older age groups. Smokers and ex-smokers showed a higher proportion of cases of COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence in Portugal is lower than in other European countries. This may be related to lower smokers' prevalence. Globally, the most important risk factors associated with COPD were age over 60 years, male gender and smoking exposure. All aspects and limitations regarding different recruitment methodologies and different criteria for defining COPD cases highlight the need of a standardized method to evaluate COPD prevalence and associated risks factors, whose results can be compared across countries, as it is the case of BOLD project

Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica em Portugal: estudo Pneumobil (1995) e estudo de prevalência de 2002 revisitados

ResumoIntroduçãoA doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) tem sido, ao longo dos anos, uma importante causa de morbilidade e mortalidade no mundo. Em 1995, a implementação de um rastreio da função respiratória pareceu a forma mais adequada para alertar para os sintomas respiratórios negligenciados e sensibilizar para os rastreios espirométricos. Em 2002, foram criadas novas normas consensuais de diagnóstico e o reconhecimento de que a prevalência da DPOC depende dos critérios de definição de obstrução das vias aéreas. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisitar estes 2 estudos e publicar alguns dos resultados e respetivas metodologias.MétodosDos 12 684 indivíduos que constavam da base de dados do Pneumobil, apenas os indivíduos com 40 e mais anos (n = 9061) foram considerados para esta análise. No estudo de 2002 foi incluída uma amostra aleatorizada e representativa de 1384 indivíduos, com idades entre os 35 e os 69 anos.ResultadosA prevalência da DPOC foi de 8,96% no estudo Pneumobil e de 5,34% no estudo de 2002. Em ambos os estudos, a presença da DPOC foi superior no sexo masculino, tendo-se verificado uma associação positiva entre a presença da DPOC e os grupos etários mais velhos. Nos fumadores e ex-fumadores encontrou-se maior proporção de casos com DPOC.ConclusõesA prevalência em Portugal é mais baixa do que noutros países europeus, o que pode estar relacionado com uma menor prevalência de tabagismo. De um modo geral, os fatores de risco mais importantes que mostraram a associação com a DPOC foram a idade maior do que 60 anos, o sexo masculino e a exposição tabágica. Todos os aspetos e as limitações que se referem a diferentes critérios de definição e a metodologias de recrutamento realçam a necessidade de métodos padronizados para determinar a prevalência da DPOC e os fatores de risco associados, cujos resultados possam ser comparados entre países, como acontece no projeto BOLD.AbstractBackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, over the years. In 1995, the implementation of a respiratory function survey seemed to be an adequate way to draw attention to neglected respiratory symptoms and increase the awareness of spirometry surveys. By 2002 there were new consensual guidelines in place and the awareness that prevalence of COPD depended on the criteria used for airway obstruction definition. The purpose of this study is to revisit the two studies and to turn public some of the data and respective methodologies.MethodsFrom Pneumobil study database of 12,684 subjects, only the individuals with 40+ years old (n = 9.061) were selected. The 2002 study included a randomized representative sample of 1,384 individuals with 35-69 years old.ResultsThe prevalence of COPD was 8.96% in Pneumobil and 5.34% in the 2002 study. In both studies, presence of COPD was greater in males and there was a positive association between presence of COPD and older age groups. Smokers and ex-smokers showed a higher proportion of cases of COPD.ConclusionsPrevalence in Portugal is lower than in other European countries. This may be related to lower smokers’ prevalence. Globally, the most important risk factors associated with COPD were age over 60 years, male gender and smoking exposure. All aspects and limitations regarding different recruitment methodologies and different criteria for defining COPD cases highlight the need of a standardized method to evaluate COPD prevalence and associated risks factors, whose results can be compared across countries, as it is the case of BOLD project