On the occurrence of Metadiaptomus chevreuxi (Calanoida, Diaptomidae, Paradiaptominae) in the Iberian Peninsula, with notes on the ecology and distribution of its European populations

Temporary ponds are one of the most peculiar ecosystems in the world, being characterized by an extraordinarily rich crustacean fauna, with a high degree of endemism. Among them, diaptomid copepods are among the most biogeographically interesting taxa. However, the present knowledge on diaptomid distribution is still far from being exhaustive, even in the relatively well-studied western European countries. In this study, we report the first record of the diaptomid calanoid copepod Metadiaptomus chevreuxi for the Iberian Peninsula, where it was collected in five temporary ponds in Andalusia (Spain). The characteristics of the new sites are described, the literature dealing with the European localities of the species is reviewed, and a molecular phylogenetic tree has been built, based on new and previously available mitochondrial DNA sequences, thus expanding the knowledge on the ecology and phylogeography of this rare species. The species mainly occupies small isolated temporary ponds in (semi-)arid regions, suggesting adaptations to unpredictable aquatic habitats. The existence of two molecular clades separating the Iberian from the Sicilian and Tunisian populations supports the existence of a longitudinal long-term disjunction, whereas the north-south flow is probably facilitated by migrating birds. Further research on the biota of the small water bodies of the western Mediterranean area may help to expand our knowledge on rare aquatic species, such as M. chevreuxi, and to better interpret their natural history

A importância da Comissão de Proteção contra Radiações no contexto da qualidade do Centro Hospitalar do Porto

Os meios complementares de diagnóstico e terapêutica transformaram-se em ferramentas essenciais para todos os ramos e especialidades da Medicina. Devido às suas propriedades únicas, a radiação ionizante apresenta múltiplas aplicações terapêuticas. Contudo, pode também originar potenciais danos para os utilizadores e para os pacientes. A quantificação da dose de radiação nos pacientes e o tempo de exposição dos procedimentos são uma preocupação crescente dos utilizadores. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar a importância da Comissão de Proteção contra Radiações (CPCR) no contexto da qualidade do Centro Hospitalar do Porto (CHP). A CPCR detém múltiplas atividades, estando, atualmente, as suas sinergias direcionadas para a normalização do registo de dose no processo clínico dos pacientes e para a notificação, pelos Técnicos de Radiologia, dos eventos radiológicos contemplados nas normas pré--estabelecidas pela Comissão. A atribuição à CPCR da competência de identificação, acompanhamento e avaliação das exposições dos doentes a procedimentos específicos com radiação tem contribuído para reforçar a sensibilização dos profissionais para os valores de dose e os seus efeitos. A implementação dos procedimentos da Comissão permite assegurar um melhor acompanhamento dos doentes em risco, uma maior acuidade na monitorização das doses e uma otimização de protocolos.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Maternal Undernutrition And The Offspring Kidney: From Fetal To Adult Life.

Maternal dietary protein restriction during pregnancy is associated with low fetal birth weight and leads to renal morphological and physiological changes. Different mechanisms can contribute to this phenotype: exposure to fetal glucocorticoid, alterations in the components of the renin-angiotensin system, apoptosis, and DNA methylation. A low-protein diet during gestation decreases the activity of placental 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, exposing the fetus to glucocorticoids and resetting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the offspring. The abnormal function/expression of type 1 (AT1(R)) or type 2 (AT2(R)) AngII receptors during any period of life may be the consequence or cause of renal adaptation. AT1(R) is up-regulated, compared with control, on the first day after birth of offspring born to low-protein diet mothers, but this protein appears to be down-regulated by 12 days of age and thereafter. In these offspring, AT2(R) expression differs from control at 1 day of age, but is also down-regulated thereafter, with low nephron numbers at all ages: from the fetal period, at the end of nephron formation, and during adulthood. However, during adulthood, the glomerular filtration rate is not altered, due to glomerulus and podocyte hypertrophy. Kidney tubule transporters are regulated by physiological mechanisms; Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is inhibited by AngII and, in this model, the down-regulated AngII receptors fail to inhibit Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, leading to increased Na(+) reabsorption, contributing to the hypertensive status. We also considered the modulation of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors during nephrogenesis, since organogenesis depends upon a tight balance between proliferation, differentiation and cell death.431010-