Diagnóstico do estado nutritivo de uma plantação jovem de olival

Na Primavera de 2009 foi instalado em S. Pedro Vale do Conde, em Mirandela, um olival em duas densidades 4 x 1,35 m e 7 x 3,5 m. Na densidade 4 x 1,35 m foram instaladas três cultivares: Cobrançosa, Negrinha e Arbequina. Na densidade 7 x 3,5 m foram instaladas as cultivares: Cobrançosa, Madurai e Verdeal Transmontana. O olival foi instalado num solo franco-arenoso, com 1% de matéria orgânica e pH em água de 4,3. No Verão seguinte à instalação iniciou-se a monitorização do estado nutritivo das plantas através de análise foliar efetuada duas vezes ao ano, em julho e janeiro. A concentração de azoto nas folhas revelou elevada variação nas duas primeiras datas de amostragem, com estabilização dos valores na gama de concentrações adequadas a partir do segundo ano. Não foram registadas diferenças significativas entre cultivares. Os valores de fósforo e potássio revelaram-se com bastante variabilidade, com tendência para estabilizarem dentro da gama de concentrações adequadas. A concentração de cálcio nas folhas manteve-se abaixo do limite critico de deficiência refletindo o pH particularmente baixo do solo. Os valores de magnésio também se mantiveram baixos, frequentemente abaixo do limite de concentrações críticas de deficiência. O boro revelou elevada diferença entre as amostragens de Verão e de Inverno, aspeto característico deste elemento, com valores mais altos no Verão. A Madurai parece manter valores estatisticamente mais elevados que as restantes cultivares. Apesar da Importância da monitorização do estado nutritivo das plantas nas fases juvenis, a elevada variabilidade encontrada parece dificultar a definição da melhor estratégia de fertilização

Exploring triazene derivative's antimicrobial activity and its incorporation onto 3D-printed coatings

Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the Portuguese government, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), for the financial support through national funds: PTDC/BTMSAL/29335/2017. Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The AuthorsAntimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant health concern demanding the urgent development of new active molecules. Furthermore, within healthcare settings, medical devices can be the cause of microorganisms’ proliferation leading to infection. Thus, nowadays the need for novel antimicrobial biomaterials is mandatory. In this work different 1,3-diaryltriazenes were synthesized for incorporation as antimicrobials onto 3D-printed hydrogel coatings for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates used in the production of different medical devices. Symmetric and asymmetric aryltriazenes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Antimicrobial activity was screened and the most active triazene was selected to be incorporated into the 3D-printed coatings that were further characterized by contact angle measurements, FTIR-ATR, SEM, drug release, antimicrobial activity, and cytocompatibility. The 1,3-bis (4-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) triazene showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 μg/mL and revealed no cytotoxicity towards HaCat cells. 3D-printed hydrogel coatings (comprising chitosan/starch and sodium alginate) loaded triazene were successfully produced for PDMS substrates. Triazene coatings presented high wettability and smoothness and revealed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity (i.e., 96 % reduction) towards S. aureus. Additionally, the produced coatings showed no cytotoxicity under the tested conditions. This study marks the initial proof that incorporating triazenes into 3D-printed hydrogel-based coatings can diminish biofilm formation on widely used biomaterials, such as PDMS surfaces. Herein achieved outcomes have allowed us to confirm and propose a novel type of hybrid construct as an antimicrobial hydrogel coating.publishersversionpublishe

Climate change potential effects on grapevine bioclimatic indices: a case study for the Portuguese demarcated Douro Region (Portugal)

In this work, bioclimatic parameters and indices relevant to the grapevine are estimated for the years 2000 (recent-pat), 2049 (medium-term future) and 2097 (long-term future), based on very high resolution (1 km × 1 km) MPI-WRF RCP8.5 climate simulations. The selected parameters and indices are the mean temperature during the grapevine growing season period (April to October, Tgs), the cumulative rainfall during the grapevine growing season period (Pgs), the Winkler index (WI), the Huglin heliothermic index (HI), the night cold index (CI) and the dryness index (DI). In general, a significant increase in mean temperature during the grapevine growing season period is observed, together with a significant decrease in precipitation. The recent-past WI is associated with the production of high-quality wines; the higher values predicted for the future represent intensive production of wines of intermediate quality. The HI shows the passage of a grapevine growing region considered as temperate-warm to a warm category of higher helio-thermicity. The recent-past CI indicates very cool conditions (associated with quality wines), while in the future there is a tendency for temperate or warmer nights. Finally, DI indicates an increase in water stress considered already high under the recent-past climate conditions. These results point to an increased climatic stress on the Douro region wine production and increased vulnerability of its vine varieties, providing evidence to support strategies aimed to preserve the high-quality wines in the region and their typicality in a sustainable way.The authors wish to thank the financial support of the DOUROZONE project (PTDC/AAG-MAA/3335/2014; POCI- 01-0145-FEDER-016778) through the Project 3599 – Promoting the scientific production and the technological development, and thematic networks (3599-PPCDT) and through FEDER, and the national funds from FCT-Science and Technology Portuguese Foundation for the doctoral grants of Blanco-Ward, D. (SFRH/BD/139193/2018) and Silveira, C. (SFRH/BD/112343/2015). Thanks, are also due for the financial support to CESAM (UID/AMB/50017 - POCI-01-0145-FEDER- 007638), to FCT/MEC through national funds (PIDDAC), and the co-funding by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Climate change impact on a wine-producing region using a dynamical downscaling approach: Climate parameters, bioclimatic indices and extreme indices

Climate change is of major relevance to wine production as most of the winegrowing regions of the world are located within relatively narrow latitudinal bands with average growing-season temperatures (GSTs) limited to 13–21 C. This study focuses on the incidence of climate variables and indices that are relevant both for climate change assessment and for grape production, with emphasis on grapevine bioclimatic indices and extreme events (e.g., cold waves, storms, heatwaves). Dynamical downscaling of European Reanalysis-Interim and Max Planck Institute Earth System low-resolution global simulations forced with a Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) greenhouse gas emission scenario was performed with the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model to a regional scale including the Douro Valley of Portugal for recent-past (1986–2005) and future periods (2046–2065, 2081–2100). The number, duration and intensity of events were superimposed over critical phenological phases estimated by using a specific local grapevine varietal phenological model in order to assess their positive or negative implications for wine production in the region. An assessment of the relevance of climate parameters and indices and their progression in recent-past and future climate scenarios with regard to the potential impact on wine production was performed. Results indicate a positive relation between higher growing-season heat accumulations and greater vintage yields. A moderate incidence of very hot days (daily maximum temperature above 35 C) and drought from pre-véraison phenological conditions have a positive association with vintage ratings. However, the mid- and long-term WRF-MPI RCP8.5 future climate scenarios reveal shifts to warmer and drier conditions, with the mean GST not remaining within range for quality wine production in the long-term future climate scenario. These results indicate potential impacts that suggest a range of strategies to maintain wine production and quality in the region.The authors wish to thank the DOUROZONE project (PTDC/AAG-MAA/3335/2014; POCI-01-0145-FEDER- 016778) for financial support through Project 3599 – Promoting the Scientific Production and the Technological Development, and Thematic Networks (3599-PPCDT) – and through FEDER, and the national funds from FCT-Science and Technology Portuguese Foundation for the doctoral grant of D. Blanco-Ward (SFRH/BD/139193/2018). Thanks are also due for the financial support to CESAM (UID/AMB/50017 - POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007638), to FCT/MEC through national funds, and the co-funding by FEDER within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Novel antibacterial agents: an emergent need to win the battle against infections

Multiple strategies have been recommended for prevention and control of antibacterial resistance. Solutions will need to be found soon if we are not to run the serious risk of losing the ability to treat bacterial infections, especially the ones arising from multi-resistant strains. Deep knowledge of the resistance mechanisms followed by novel therapeutic drugs and vaccines are needed. A consolidated, multidisciplinary and regulated strategy is required by this challenge.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A scope at antifouling strategies to prevent catheter-associated infections

The use of invasive medical devices is becoming more common nowadays, with catheters representing one of the most used medical devices. However, there is a risk of infection associated with the use of these devices, since they are made of materials that are prone to bacterial adhesion with biofilm formation, often requiring catheter removal as the only therapeutic option. Catheter-related urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and central lineassociated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) worldwide while endotracheal intubation is responsible for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Therefore, to avoid the use of biocides due to the potential risk of bacterial resistance development, antifouling strategies aiming at the prevention of bacterial adherence and colonization of catheter surfaces represent important alternative measures. This review is focused on the main strategies that are able to modify the physical or chemical properties of biomaterials, leading to the creation of antiadhesive surfaces. The most promising approaches include coating the surfaces with hydrophilic polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(acrylamide) and poly(acrylates), betaine-based zwitterionic polymers and amphiphilic polymers or the use of bulk-modified poly(urethanes). Natural polysaccharides and association with polysaccharides, namely with heparin, have also been used to improve hemocompatibility. Recently developed bioinspired techniques yielding very promising results in the prevention of bacterial adhesion and colonization of surfaces include slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) based on the superhydrophilic rim of the pitcher plant and the Sharklet topography inspired by the shark skin, which are potential candidates as surface-modifying approaches for biomedical devices. Concerning the potential application of most of these strategies in catheters, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to assure their efficacy and safety for possible future use.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

DOUROZONE - Risco de ozono para a vinha duriense em clima atual e futuro

O ozono (O3) troposférico é um poluente atmosférico que pode danificar severamente a vegetação. É um poluente atmosférico secundário, i.e. não é emitido diretamente para atmosfera, mas formado através de reações fotoquímicas entre compostos precursores, sendo a sua produção favorecida em períodos de elevada temperatura e insolação (Seinfeld & Pandis, 2006). A vegetação é simultaneamente uma fonte de precursores e um consumidor de ozono. Emite precursores de ozono, como compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV), e remove ozono através da absorção pelos estomas, por deposição seca. Os efeitos fisiológicos da absorção de ozono pela vegetação manifestam-se através da redução da fotossíntese, aumento do envelhecimento ao nível celular e através de danos nos processos reprodutivos (Ainsworth et al., 2012), potenciando um aumento da suscetibilidade a doenças, uma diminuição do crescimento e da capacidade reprodutiva das plantas e a perda de biodiversidade. Os níveis elevados de ozono podem, pois, conduzir à perda de produtividade e qualidade dos campos agrícolas, e consequentemente, a perdas económicas (Avnery et al., 2011; Black et al., 2000; Feng et al., 2008). A resposta da planta ao ozono depende de vários fatores ambientais, tais como a temperatura, precipitação, concentração de dióxido de carbono (CO2) na atmosfera e disponibilidade de azoto (Ainsworth et al., 2012). Em condições meteorológicas muito quentes e secas, que proporcionam níveis elevados de ozono, o fluxo estomático é mínimo (Emberson et al., 2000). Ao estudar os efeitos do O3 na vegetação é necessário contemplar não só as concentrações de ozono, que determinam a exposição das culturas, mas também a deposição de ozono na vegetação, que condiciona a entrada do ozono via estomas (Pleijel et al., 2007). A produção de vinho em Portugalinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of gastric toxicity of indomethacin acid, salt form and complexed forms with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin on Wistar rats: histopathologic analysis

3910-3178-31BA | MARIA MARGARIDA COUTINHO DE SEABRA CASTEL-BRANCO CAETANOinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The relationship between masticatory and swallowing behaviors and body weight

The present study aimed to compare the main objective parameters of mastication among individuals with different body mass indexes. One hundred and sixty participants matched for gender and age were divided in the following groups according to their body mass index (BMI): Obese group (30 ≤ BMI b 35), Overweight group (25 ≤ BMI b 30), normal range group (18.5 ≤ BMI b 25) and underweight group (17 ≤ BMI b 18.5). Each group was composed by forty subjects. The maximum bite force, the masticatory performance, chewing rate and three variables related to swallowing (number of chewing cycles, chewing time, and median particle size) were assessed in all groups. The oral conditions, including the number of teeth, number of occlusal units and salivary flow (unstimulated and stimulated) were also evaluated. Regardless of the BMI, males had a larger bite force and better masticatory and swallowing performances than females. They also chewed faster than females. Individuals of the obese group had the largest median particles sizes (both after 20 chewing cycles and at the moment of swallowing), which indicates a less good masticatory performance. The median particle sizes were negatively correlated with the number of teeth and number of occlusal units in the obese group. We did not observe large differences in masticatory performance and swallowing variables among the four weight groups, although there was a tendency that individuals of the obese group swallowed larger particles. The results of this study do not support the existence of an “obese chewing style”

The relationship between masticatory and swallowing behaviors and body weight

The present study aimed to compare the main objective parameters of mastication among individuals with different body mass indexes. One hundred and sixty participants matched for gender and age were divided in the following groups according to their body mass index (BMI): Obese group (30 ≤ BMI b 35), Overweight group (25 ≤ BMI b 30), normal range group (18.5 ≤ BMI b 25) and underweight group (17 ≤ BMI b 18.5). Each group was composed by forty subjects. The maximum bite force, the masticatory performance, chewing rate and three variables related to swallowing (number of chewing cycles, chewing time, and median particle size) were assessed in all groups. The oral conditions, including the number of teeth, number of occlusal units and salivary flow (unstimulated and stimulated) were also evaluated. Regardless of the BMI, males had a larger bite force and better masticatory and swallowing performances than females. They also chewed faster than females. Individuals of the obese group had the largest median particles sizes (both after 20 chewing cycles and at the moment of swallowing), which indicates a less good masticatory performance. The median particle sizes were negatively correlated with the number of teeth and number of occlusal units in the obese group. We did not observe large differences in masticatory performance and swallowing variables among the four weight groups, although there was a tendency that individuals of the obese group swallowed larger particles. The results of this study do not support the existence of an “obese chewing style”