Real and complex variable positive definite functions

nuloIn this paper we present an overview of the implications of our previously derived results for positive definite kernels on the general theory of positive definite functions. We begin by exploring the consequences of a set of differential inequalities on the global behaviour of a smooth positive definite function of one real variable. Then we propose a natural extension of this study to the complex variable case and derive consequences of positive definiteness for meromorphic functions

Subaortic Stenosis Following Anatomic Correction for Transposition of the Great Arteries

Os autores descrevem o caso clínico de uma criança do sexo masculino, com 12 anos de idade, com diagnóstico pós-natal de transposição das grandes artérias com comunicação interventricular, submetida a switch arterial e encerramento da comunicação interventricular. Durante o seguimento pós-operatório detectou-se um obstáculo entre o ventrículo esquerdo e a aorta ascendente que foi, inicialmente, de grau ligeiro. No último ano começou a referir sintomatologia (cansaço para esforços moderados). Na avaliação efectuada detectou-se uma estenose aórtica subvalvular grave, tendo o doente sido submetido a tratamento cirúrgico, com bom resultado. A estenose aórtica subvalvular é uma complicação rara, que tem sido descrita em estudos de follow-up de switch arterial, sobretudo nas situações em que o defeito primário é a transposição das grandes artérias com comunicação interventricular

Effectiveness of unsupervised physical activity interventions in people with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

No abstract available.publishe

Unsupervised physical activity interventions for people with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction and objectives Unsupervised PA interventions might have a role in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but their effectiveness is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify and synthesise data on the effects of unsupervised PA interventions in people with COPD. Material and methods Databases were systematically searched in April 2020, with weekly updates until September 2021. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies comparing unsupervised PA with usual care, were included. Primary outcomes were dyspnoea, exercise capacity and physical activity. The effect direction plot was performed to synthesise results. Meta-analysis with forest plots were conducted for the Chronic Respiratory Disease questionnaire – dyspnoea domain (CRQ-D), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWD). Results Eleven studies with 900 participants with COPD (68±10 years; 58.8% male, FEV1 63.7±15.8% predicted) were included. All interventions were conducted at home, most with daily sessions, for 8-12 weeks. Walking was the most common component. The effect direction plot showed that unsupervised PA interventions improved emotional function, fatigue, health-related quality of life, muscle strength and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Meta-analysis showed statistical, but not clinical, significant improvements in dyspnoea (CRQ-D, MD=0.12, 95% CI 0.09-0.15) and exercise capacity, measured with 6MWD (MD=13.70, 95% CI 3.58-23.83). Statistical and clinical significant improvements were observed in exercise capacity, measured with ISWD (MD=58.59, 95% CI 5.79-111.39). None to minor adverse events and a high adherence rate were found. Conclusions Unsupervised PA interventions benefits dyspnoea and exercise capacity of people with COPD, are safe and present a high adherence rate. Unsupervised PA interventions should be considered for people with COPD who cannot or do not want to engage in supervised PA interventions or as a maintenance strategy of PA levels.publishe

Unsupervised physical activity interventions for people with COPD: a systematic review

Effects of supervised physical activity (PA) are well-established in COPD however, the evidence about the effectiveness of unsupervised PA interventions in this population is still scarce. Thus, we aimed to identify and synthesise the effects of unsupervised PA interventions in people with COPD. A systematic search was conducted on Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of science and EBSCOhost databases, in April 2020. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies comparing unsupervised PA with daily life, were included. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Effect sizes were calculated via Cohen’s d. 7 studies were included, 3 of moderate and 4 of weak quality. Most studies were conducted in a homebased setting (6/7), with the interventions lasting between 8-12 weeks (5/7). Frequencies of the interventions ranged from daily-2x/week (7/7). The components of interventions were: mobility (2/7), aerobic (2/7), strength (2/7), endurance (1/7) and lifestyle PA (2/7). Very small to huge effects [0.14 to 5.26] were found for exercise capacity (4/7) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [-2.25 to 0.19] (2/7). Very small to small effects were found for symptoms [-0.03 to 0.28] (2/7). Unsupervised PA interventions seem to be effective in increasing exercise capacity and HRQoL in people with COPD. Nevertheless, its application is still limited and highly heterogeneous thus, further studies, with robust methodologies, are needed to confirm our results and establish recommendations.publishe

Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia: an Incessant Tachycardia in Children

A taquicardia juncional recíproca permanente é uma forma de taquicardia supraventricular de reentrada pouco comum, embora constitua a causa mais frequente de taquicardia incessante em crianças. O seu carácter permanente causa disfunção ventricular esquerda e miocardiopatia dilatada e é de difícil controlo terapêutico. Objectivo: Rever as características clínicas mais significativas desta arritmia, a sua evolução e as opções terapêuticas actuais. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, analisando a forma de apresentação e evolução, com particular relevo para a resposta à terapêutica farmacológica e alternativas terapêuticas. Doentes: Grupo de 5 doentes com o diagnóstico de taquicardia juncional recíproca permanente. Resultados: As crianças estudadas tinham idades compreendidas entre os 14 dias e os 12 anos. Três encontravam-se assintomáticas. O primeiro ecocardiograma demonstrou dilatação do ventrículo esquerdo e diminuição da fracção de encurtamento em uma das crianças. A terapêutica farmacológica foi inicialmente eficaz em todos os casos. Ao longo do seguimento (0,2-4,5 anos) a arritmia tornou-se refractária em um dos casos, pelo que se procedeu a ablação da via anómala por radiofrequência. Conclusões: A taquicardia juncional recíproca permanente tem diversas formas de apresentação. A terapêutica farmacológica é recomendada, mas tem carácter transitório. A ablação por radiofrequência é o tratamento definitivo, estando condicionada pela idade dos doentes

Functional impairment in people with interstitial lung diseases: is one measure enough?

Introduction: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) comprehend a large group of lung diseases that include disease settings associated with sustained progression and leading to respiratory failure, decreased functional status and premature death. Functional status can be defined as an individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities required to meet basic needs, fulfill usual roles and maintain health and well-being. It includes functional capacity, i.e., an individual’s maximum capacity to perform daily life activities in a standardized environment; and functional performance, i.e., the activities people actually do during the course of their daily life. Decreased functional status is the most frequent reported impact by people with ILD and is associated with increased dependence on others, exacerbations and hospital admissions. Yet, little is known how functional status is impaired in people with ILD. Objectives: To explore functional impairments in people with ILD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with people with ILD. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and lung function were collected. Functional capacity was assessed with the 1-minute sit-tostand test (1-minSTS), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quadriceps maximum voluntary contraction (QMVC). Functional performance was assessed with the London Chest Activities of Daily Living (LCADL). Participants’ functional capacity was classified as impaired if the 1-minSTS, 6MWT and/or QMVC values were below 70% of predicted. Participants’ functional performance was considered impaired if above the cut-off point of 28% of the LCADL. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: In total, 156 people with ILD (65 ± 13 years; 51.9% female; BMI 28.7 ± 6.1 kg/m2 ; FVC 79.2 ± 20.1%predicted; DLCO 55.4 ± 21.2%predicted) participated. ILD diagnosis included fibrosis hypersensitivity pneumonitis (43%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (24%), connective tissue disease-associated ILD (14%), dust-related (1%) and others (17%). Functional capacity was impaired in 55.3%, 23.8% and 41.8% of the sample assessed with the 1-minSTS, 6MWT and QMVC, respectively. Functional performance was impaired in 48.5% of people with ILD. Conclusions: A large proportion of people with ILD show impairments in functional status, i.e., in capacity, in performance or in both. Lack of impairment in one measure does not rule out functional status impairment. Patient-centered and comprehensive assessment of functional status seems vital to guide individually tailored interventions and improve this meaningful domain for the daily life of ILD patients.publishe

Investigar e inovar na educação em ciências para um futuro sustentável

No pico de uma real situação de emergência planetária, a educação torna-se a melhor aliada de uma luta global com vista a um desenvolvimento sustentável. Para concretizar a Década da Educação para um Futuro Sustentável, a investigação em educação em ciências e a correspondente inovação na formação de professores e no ensino, apresentam-se entre os contributos mais fortes, amplos e eficazes. Parte do nosso contributo, que se apresenta neste artigo, tem passado pelo desenvolvimento de alguns estudos situados no quadro teórico que sustenta a educação CTS e assentes em temáticas centrais para a educação para a sustentabilidade ambiental: os transportes e a mobilidade, o uso da água, a fome no mundo, a preservação da biodiversidade. A aposta tem-se dirigido para o ensino nos primeiros anos através do desenho de propostas didácticas validadas por especialistas e em sala de aula e utilizadas quer no ensino quer como ferramentas de formação inicial e contínua de professores

Pulmonary rehabilitation in primary health care: an effective intervention even with minimal resources

No abstract available.publishe