the incomplete process of an action research in the hospital

Health professionals are at high risk for developing burnout symptoms. Directed at reducing the organizational variables affecting professionals’ burnout, an action research was developed in a specific sector of a large hospital, with 59 doctors, 66 nurses, and 42 ancilliary professionals. Researchers conducted 11 interviews, one focus group, and 20 h of in loco observation. Professionals report demotivation and the need to address the emotional part of their job. Nonetheless, the hierarchy blocked the proposed intervention possibilities. Organizational factors are unequivocally relevant, particularly in complex settings with emotionally charged interactions, and the direct hierarchy is pivotal for facilitating organizational change.publishersversionpublishe

Case Report

We report a case of a cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in a chronic kidney disease patient with three CVT predisposing conditions. A 53 year-old woman on chronic peritoneal dialysis presented to the emergency department with acute headache and vertigo. The neurological examination and head CT scan performed at the emergency department were normal but, three days later, a lateral gait deviation and a horizontal nystagmus were identified. A brain MRI and MRI-venogram confirmed a left lateral sinus thrombosis. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), a positive lupus anticoagulante and a homozygous mutation on the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, with hyperhomocysteinaemia, were the three well-known prothrombotic conditions identified in this patient. HRT was discontinued, the patient started anticoagulation with warfarin and folic acid supplementation and was discharged, 10 days after admission, complaining of a mild vertigo. After six months of therapy the patient had vertigo improvement and maintained a positive lupus anticoagulant. The head MRI and MRI-venography showed a thrombus reduction.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Translational control of UIS4 protein of the host-parasite interface is mediated by the RNA binding protein Puf2 in Plasmodium berghei sporozoites

Copyright: © 2016 Silva et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.UIS4 is a key protein component of the host-parasite interface in the liver stage of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei and required for parasite survival after invasion. In the infectious sporozoite, UIS4 protein has variably been shown to be translated but also been reported to be translationally repressed. Here we show that uis4 mRNA translation is regulated by the P. berghei RNA binding protein Pumilio-2 (PbPuf2 or Puf2 from here on forward) in infectious salivary gland sporozoites in the mosquito vector. Using RNA immunoprecipitation we show that uis4 mRNA is bound by Puf2 in salivary gland sporozoites. In the absence of Puf2, uis4 mRNA translation is de-regulated and UIS4 protein expression upregulated in salivary gland sporozoites. Here, using RNA immunoprecipitation, we reveal the first Puf2-regulated mRNA in this parasite.This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) grants PTDC/SAU-MIC/122082/2010 and PTDC/BIA-BCM/105610/2008 to GRM, and SFRH/BPD/72619/2010 to PAGCS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of chitosan and Aloe Vera extract concentrations on the physicochemical properties of chitosan biofilms

Chitosan films have been extensively studied as dressings in formulations for the treatment of chronic wounds. The incorporation of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) into chitosan dressings could potentialize the healing process since aloe vera shows several pharmacological activities. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of aloe vera and chitosan concentrations on the physicochemical properties of the developed films. The films were obtained by casting technique and characterized with respect to their color parameters, morphology, barrier and mechanical properties, and thermal analysis. Results showed that the presence of aloe vera modified the films color parameters, changed barrier properties, increased fluid handling capacity (FHC), and decreased water-vapor permeability (WVP). The reduced elongation at break resulted in more rigid films. Aloe vera concentration did not significantly change film properties, but the presence of this gel increased the films stability at temperatures below 200 °C, showing similar behavior as chitosan films above 400 °C. The results suggest a crosslinking/complexation between chitosan and aloe vera, which combine appropriate physicochemical properties for application as wound dressing materials.This work was supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (2010/17.721-4), Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) through the projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015 (PAIRED) and UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund) funded by national funds, and co-financed Education (FCT/MEC) from national funds and FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT202info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Neurodevelopment and Dietary Intake in Toddlers: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Healthy Children 2021 Project

Little is known about the potential associations between neurodevelopment, dietary diversity and food processing in the toddler period. This study aimed to estimate the association between these dietary quality dimensions and neurodevelopment in toddlers. Data for this cross-sectional analysis came from the Healthy Children 2021 project and included 212 toddlers (51.9% females, aged 1236 months) from 15 Portuguese childcare centers. Neurodevelopment was assessed through Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Dietary intake was gathered by a two-day non-consecutive dietary recall. The food items were categorised with NOVA classification. Dietary diversity was explored through Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed. Girls with a higher energy contribution of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and with an above median MDD score had higher odds of achieving a higher neurodevelopment score (aOR:1.04; 95%CI 1.01; 1.08 and aOR:2.26; 95%CI 1.01; 5.06, respectively); no significant association was observed in boys. Our findings suggest that these dietary dimensions are associated with a higher neurodevelopment in toddler girls. This should be further studied as a possible early link between dietary factors and neurodevelopment. Promotion of healthy eating can be promising in improving neurocognitive development and might help to introduce public health recommendations for toddlers nutrition.</jats:p

Indução floral de beterraba por meio de vernalização artificial das raízes nas condições de Brasília / Table beet floral induction by artificial vernalization of roots under Brasília conditions

Beet is a biennial plant with requirement of exposure to low temperatures and long photoperiods. This species usually does not flower naturally in most parts of Brazil, including Brasília conditions of temperature and day length. Thus, the treatment duration in cold storage should be quantified to evaluate the feasibility of producing beet seed from artificially vernalized roots. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal period of cold treatment of tablebeet through artificial vernalization to flower plants under Brasilia conditions. Different durations of exposure to cold (5°C) were evaluated: 0, 30, 60 and 90 days.Roots of ‘Itapuã 202’ beet produced internally at Embrapa Vegetables were used. After this period, the roots were transplanted to the field. The low flowering rate (ranging from 31% to 54%) suggests the non feasibility of commercial use of artificial vernalization to floral induction of ‘Itapuã 202’ beet in Brasília conditions. &nbsp; RESUMO A beterraba é uma planta bianual que requer exposição a temperaturas baixas e a fotoperíodos longos para indução do florescimento. Esta espécie, em geral, não floresce naturalmente na maioria das regiões brasileiras, incluindo as condições de temperatura e comprimento do dia de Brasília. Assim, a duração da exposição a temperaturas baixas em câmaras frigoríficas deve ser quantificada para avaliar a viabilidade de se produzir sementes de beterraba por meio da vernalização artificial das raízes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o período ideal do tratamento térmico de raízes de beterraba por meio da vernalização artificial visando ao florescimento das plantas nas condições de Brasília. Foram avaliados diferentes períodos de exposição ao frio (5°C): 0, 30, 60 e 90 dias, utilizando raízes da cultivar Itapuã 202 produzidas na Embrapa Hortaliças. Após esse período, as raízes foram levadas para o campo. A baixa porcentagem de florescimento (variando de 31 a 54%) obtida sugere a inviabilidade comercial do uso da vernalização artificial de raízes de beterraba para indução floral da cultivar Itapuã 202 nas condições de Brasília.A beterraba é uma planta bianual que requer exposição a temperaturas baixas e a fotoperíodos longos para indução do florescimento. Esta espécie, em geral, não floresce naturalmente na maioria das regiões brasileiras, incluindo as condições de temperatura e comprimento do dia de Brasília. Assim, a duração da exposição a temperaturas baixas em câmaras frigoríficas deve ser quantificada para avaliar a viabilidade de se produzir sementes de beterraba por meio da vernalização artificial das raízes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o período ideal do tratamento térmico de raízes de beterraba por meio da vernalização artificial visando ao florescimento das plantas nas condições de Brasília. Foram avaliados diferentes períodos de exposição ao frio (5°C): 0, 30, 60 e 90 dias, utilizando raízes da cultivar Itapuã 202 produzidas na Embrapa Hortaliças. Após esse período, as raízes foram levadas para o campo. A baixa porcentagem de florescimento (variando de 31 a 54%) obtida sugere a inviabilidade comercial do uso da vernalização artificial de raízes de beterraba para indução floral da cultivar Itapuã 202 nas condições de Brasília. &nbsp; ABSTRACT Beet is a biennial plant with requirement of exposure to low temperatures and long photoperiods. This species usually does not flower naturally in most parts of Brazil, including Brasília conditions of temperature and day length. Thus, the treatment duration in cold storage should be quantified to evaluate the feasibility of producing beet seed from artificially vernalized roots. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal period of cold treatment of tablebeet through artificial vernalization to flower plants under Brasilia conditions. Different durations of exposure to cold (5°C) were evaluated: 0, 30, 60 and 90 days.Roots of ‘Itapuã 202’ beet produced internally at Embrapa Vegetables were used. After this period, the roots were transplanted to the field. The low flowering rate (ranging from 31% to 54%) suggests the non feasibility of commercial use of artificial vernalization to floral induction of ‘Itapuã 202’ beet in Brasília conditions

Elemental mapping of Portuguese ceramic pieces with a full-field XRF scanner based on a 2D-THCOBRA detector

UID/FIS/04559/2020In this work, we present a novel application of the full-field energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) imaging system based on a MicroPattern Gaseous Detector (2D-THCOBRA) in the cultural heritage field. The detector has an intrinsic imaging capability with spatial resolution of 400μmFWHM, and is energy sensitive, presenting an energy resolution of approximately 1keVFWHM at 5.9keV. The full-field XRF scanner based on the 2D-THCOBRA detector allows mapping the distribution of elements in large area samples with high detection efficiency (75 % at 5.9keV), being a very promising choice for elemental mapping analysis of large area cultural heritage samples. In this work, we have demonstrated the imaging capabilities of the full-field XRF scanner and used it to assess the restoration of a Portuguese faience piece.publishersversionpublishe

Micro/mesoporous LTL derived materials for catalytic transfer hydrogenation and acid reactions of bio-based levulinic acid and furanics

The biomass-derived platform chemicals furfural and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) may be converted to α-angelica lactone (AnL) and levulinic acid (LA). Presently, LA (synthesized from carbohydrates) has several multinational market players. Attractive biobased oxygenated fuel additives, solvents, etc., may be produced from AnL and LA via acid and reduction chemistry, namely alkyl levulinates and γ-valerolactone (GVL). In this work, hierarchical hafnium-containing multifunctional Linde type L (LTL) related zeotypes were prepared via top-down strategies, for the chemical valorization of LA, AnL and HMF via integrated catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) and acid reactions in alcohol medium. This is the first report of CTH applications (in general) of LTL related materials. The influence of the post-synthesis treatments/conditions (desilication, dealumination, solid-state impregnation of Hf or Zr) on the material properties and catalytic performances was studied. AnL and LA were converted to 2-butyl levulinate (2BL) and GVL in high total yields of up to ca. 100%, at 200°C, and GVL/2BL molar ratios up to 10. HMF conversion gave mainly the furanic ethers 5-(sec-butoxymethyl)furfural and 2,5-bis(sec-butoxymethyl)furan (up to 63% total yield, in 2-butanol at 200°C/24 h). Mechanistic, reaction kinetics and material characterization studies indicated that the catalytic results depend on a complex interplay of different factors (material properties, type of substrate). The recovered-reused solids performed steadily.publishe

Apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 polymorphism is associated with younger age at referral to a lipidology clinic and a poorer response to lipid-lowering therapy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is related to environmental factors and genetic variants. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphisms are heritable determinants of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with some authors suggesting an association between the ε4 allele and CHD. We investigated the relationship between apoE genotype and age at referral to a specialized lipid clinic by the primary care physician and whether the benefits of treatment with statin differed between genotypes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We assessed individual apoE genotypes and lipid blood profile in a total of 463 patients followed at a specialized lipid clinic due to dyslipidemia, with a 3-year median follow-up time. The primary care physician at the time of the referral had no access to the apoE genotyping results. Carriers of apoE ε4/ε2 genotype were excluded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The frequencies of ε2, ε3 and ε4 alleles were 7.8, 78.9 and 13.3%, respectively. There were no significant differences between genders. Although with similar lipid profiles and antidyslipidemic drug usage at baseline, ε4-carriers were referred to the clinic at a younger age (44.2 ± 14.7 years) compared with non-ε4 carriers (50.6 ± 13.8 years) (p < 0.001), with a substantially younger age of referral for homozygous E4/4 and for all genotypes with at least one copy of the ε4 allele (p < 0.001 for trend). Although both ε4 and non-ε4 carriers achieved significant reductions in total cholesterol during follow-up (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), the mean relative decrease in total cholesterol levels was higher in non-ε4 carriers (-19.9 ± 2.3%) compared with ε4 carriers (-11.8 ± 2.3%), p = 0.003.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings support the concept that there is a reduced response to anti-dyslipidemic treatment in ε4 carriers; this can be a contributing factor for the earlier referral of these patients to our specialized lipid clinic and reinforces the usefulness of apoE genotyping in predicting patients response to lipid lowering therapies.</p