Procura-PALavras (P-PAL): a new measure of word frequency for contemporary European Portuguese

Neste trabalho apresentamos as estratégias e os procedimentos adoptados na constituição de uma nova medida de frequência lexical do Português Europeu contemporâneo, o Procura-PALavras (P- -PAL). Baseado num corpus de mais de 227 milhões de palavras, o P-PAL é uma aplicação web que oferece, por defeito, valores de frequência lexical para todas as suas entradas lexicais (lemas e formas) e que permite a computação de uma grande diversidade de outras medidas objectivas (lexicais e sublexicais) e subjectivas. Descrevemos ainda o processo de defi nição das suas entradas lexicais e da extracção dos respectivos valores de frequência. O elevado número de índices e de entradas lexicais tornam o P-PAL numa aplicação web avançada e indispensável à promoção e internacionalização da investigação em Portugal. O P-PAL encontra-se disponível em http://p-pal.di.uminho.pt/toolsIn this paper we present the strategies and procedures undertaken in the development of a new measure of lexical frequency of the contemporary European Portuguese – Procura-PALavras (P-PAL). Based on a corpus of over 227 million words, P-PAL offers the default frequency per million words (lemmas and wordforms), and the computation of several other objective (lexical and sublexical) and subjective word metrics. We also describe lexical entry integration and word frequency extraction. The high number of indices and lexical entries makes P-PAL an advanced and indispensable web application for the promotion and internationalization of Portuguese research. P-PAL is available at http://p-pal.di.uminho.pt/toolsFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

P-PAL: uma base lexical com índices psicolinguístico do português europeu

Neste trabalho apresentamos o projecto Procura-PALvras (P-PAL) cujo principal objectivo é desenvolver uma ferramenta electrónica que disponibilize informação sobre índices psicolinguísticos objectivos e subjectivos de palavras do Português Europeu (PE). O P-PAL será disponibilizado gratuitamente à comunidade científica num formato user-friendly a partir de um website a construir para o efeito. Ao utilizar o P-PAL, o investigador poderá fazer uma utilização personalizada do programa ao seleccionar, da ampla variedade de análises oferecidas, os índices que se adequam aos propósitos da sua investigação e numa dupla funcionalidade de utilização: pedir ao programa para analisar listas de palavras previamente constituídas nos índices considerados relevantes para a investigação ou para obter listas de palavras que obedeçam aos parâmetros definidos. O P-PAL assume-se assim como uma ferramenta fundamental à promoção e internacionalização da investigação em Portugal.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER

AÇÃO PROFILÁTICA DO ISOTÔNICO FEITO A PARTIR DAS CASCAS DO FRUTO DA Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. (Arecaceae) CONTRA O ESTRESSE OXIDATIVO INDUZIDO POR CICLOFOSFAMIDA EM CAMUNDONGOS

Isotonic is a sports drink intended for athletes. In general, it has synthetic dyes in its composition, and these in turn can harm health and the environment, a fact that has been discussing the replacement of synthetic dyes by dyes from natural sources. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of the isotonic produced from the peel of the Oenocarpus bacaba fruit on oxidative stress in mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP), as well as to evaluate the antimutagenic activity. The animals received 15 days of isotonic treatment (solution 2%) and intraperitoneal injection of CYP (100 mg kg-1) or saline solution (0.9%) on the 15th day and euthanasia on the 16th day to remove the liver and bone marrow for analyses. The isotonic prevented the decrease of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, SOD) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, ASA) antioxidants, promoted the reduction of lipid peroxidation (substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid, TBARS) and was antimutagenic in the micronucleus test. The study showed that isotonic was beneficial against oxidative events and prevented DNA damage.O isotónico é uma bebida deportiva destina a atletas. De modo general, se presentan corantes sintéticos en su composición, y estes por sua vez se pueden detectar malefícios en salud y en el medio ambiente, y se discutió a substituição de corantes sintéticos por corantes de fonte naturais. Este estudio teve como objetivo investigar o efeito profilático do isotônico produzido a partir de la cascada del fruto Oenocarpus bacaba sobre o estresse oxidativo em camundongos induzidos pela ciclofosfamida (CYP), bem como avalição da atividade antimutagênica. Os animais receberam 15 días de tratamiento com o isotónico (solução 2%) e inyección intraperitoneal de CYP (100 mg kg-1) o soro fisiológico (0,9%) no 15º dia e eutanasia no 16° dia para retirada do fígado e da medula óssea para análises. O isotónico previene la disminución de los antioxidantes enzimáticos (superóxido dismutasa, SOD) y no enzimático (ácido ascórbico, ASA), promueve la reducción de la peroxidación lipídica (sustancias reactivas del ácido tiobarbitúrico, TBARS) y antimutagênico en la prueba del micronúcleo. O estudo mostrou que o isotônico foi benéfico contra eventos oxidativos e preveniu danos no DNA.O isotônico é uma bebida esportiva destinada a atletas. De modo geral apresenta corantes sintéticos na sua composição, e estes por sua vez podem trazer malefícios a saúde e ao meio ambiente, por isso tem se discutido a substituição de corantes sintéticos por corantes de fonte naturais. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito profilático do isotônico produzido a partir da casca do fruto Oenocarpus bacaba sobre o estresse oxidativo em camundongos induzidos pela ciclofosfamida (CYP), bem como avaliação da atividade antimutagênica. Os animais receberam 15 dias de tratamento com o isotônico (solução 2%) e injeção intraperitoneal de CYP (100 mg kg-1) ou soro fisiológico (0,9%) no 15º dia e eutanásia no 16° dia para retirada do fígado e da medula óssea para análises. O isotônico preveniu a diminuição dos antioxidantes enzimático (superóxido dismutase, SOD) e não enzimático (ácido ascórbico, ASA), promoveu a redução da peroxidação lipídica (substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, TBARS) e foi antimutagênico no teste do micronúcleo. O estudo mostrou que o isotônico foi benéfico contra eventos oxidativos e preveniu danos ao DNA. Palavras-chave: antimutagênica; antioxidante; antocianinas; fruto amazônico; nutracêutica.   Prophylactic action of isotonic made from the peels of Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. (Arecaceae) fruit against oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in mice   ABSTRACT: Isotonic is a sports drink intended for athletes. In general, it has synthetic dyes in its composition, and these, in turn, can harm health and the environment, so the replacement of synthetic dyes by natural source dyes has been discussed. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of the isotonic produced from the peel of the Oenocarpus bacaba fruit on oxidative stress in mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP), as well as to evaluate the antimutagenic activity. The animals received 15 days of isotonic treatment (solution 2%) and intraperitoneal injection of CYP (100 mg kg-1) or saline solution (0.9%) on the 15th day and euthanasia on the 16th day to remove the liver and bone marrow for analyses. The isotonic prevented the decrease of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, SOD) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, ASA) antioxidants, promoted the reduction of lipid peroxidation (substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid, TBARS) and was antimutagenic in the micronucleus test. The study showed that isotonic protects against oxidative events and prevents DNA damage. Keywords: antimutagenic; antioxidant; anthocyanins; Amazonian fruit; nutraceuticals

Influenza seroprotection correlates with predominant circulating viruses during 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons in Portugal

Rede Portuguesa de Laboratórios para o Diagnóstico da GripeBACKGROUND: Population immune profile for influenza is highly affected by circulating influenza viruses, thus changing the risk of infection for influenza. This study aims to assess influenza immunity in the Portuguese population by age groups, during 2014 and 2015 and establish a relationship between seroprotection and circulating influenza viruses in 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were developed based on a convenience serum sample collected in June 2014 (n=626) and July 2015 (n=675) in hospitals from mainland and Azores and Madeira.Serums equally represent all age groups. Antibody titers were evaluated by HI assay for strains recommended for seasonal influenza vaccine northern hemisphere,2014/15 and 2015/2016. Seroprevalences were estimated for each strain by age group and the association with seasonal cumulative influenza-like illness (ILI) rates for influenza virus during both seasons was analised. RESULTS: In June 2014 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza A(H3) (39.0%; 95% CI: 36.2-43.8%) and A(H1)pdm09 (29.7; 95% CI: 26.3-33.4%), with higher levels in children 5-14 years old. In 2014/2015 a dominant circulation of influenza B/Yamagata was observed with high incidence rates in individuals under 65 years old, the ones that had lower seroprotection. Although before the start of the season high protection for A(H3) was observed, the circulation of the new drift A(H3) strains had gained an immunological advantage,in accordance with A(H3) elevated incidence rates observed during 2014/15. In July 2015 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza B/ Yamagata (55.1%; 95% CI: 51.4-58.9%), 2.4 times the estimated 2014.This increase was even more pronounced in younger (≤ 4 years old), 6.3 times increase in 2015.This fact is in agreement with the predominant influenza B virus detected and the high ILI incidence rate observed in children during 2014/2015 epidemic. Seroprotection levels for influenza A in July 2015 were not significantly different from 2014.During 2015/16 season, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was predominant, with high incidence rate in < 65 year old. Influenza B/Victoria lineage,although detected at low levels increased in frequency, in agreement with the lowest level of seroprotection detected in the general population before the start of 2015/2016 season (21.8%; 95% CI: 18.7-24.0%). CONCLUSIONS There was a correlation between virus circulation, incidence rates for each age group and the previous seroprotection for seasonal influenza viruses.Our study highlights the value of measuring the serological profile for influenza to establishe risk groups for infection for which an increase preventive measures, including vaccination, should be fostered.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The complete genome sequence of Chromobacterium violaceum reveals remarkable and exploitable bacterial adaptability

Chromobacterium violaceum is one of millions of species of free-living microorganisms that populate the soil and water in the extant areas of tropical biodiversity around the world. Its complete genome sequence reveals (i) extensive alternative pathways for energy generation, (ii) ≈500 ORFs for transport-related proteins, (iii) complex and extensive systems for stress adaptation and motility, and (iv) wide-spread utilization of quorum sensing for control of inducible systems, all of which underpin the versatility and adaptability of the organism. The genome also contains extensive but incomplete arrays of ORFs coding for proteins associated with mammalian pathogenicity, possibly involved in the occasional but often fatal cases of human C. violaceum infection. There is, in addition, a series of previously unknown but important enzymes and secondary metabolites including paraquat-inducible proteins, drug and heavy-metal-resistance proteins, multiple chitinases, and proteins for the detoxification of xenobiotics that may have biotechnological applications

ANÁLISE DO EXTRATO AQUOSO DA JABUTICABA FRENTE AO STATUS REDOX E MUTAGÊNESE EM CAMUNDONGOS

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria ssp) is well known for having in its bark phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate antioxidant effects in the liver and brain and antimutagenic effects in the bone marrow of male Swiss mice with the aqueous extract of jabuticaba (MYR) and as a mutagenic damage-inducing agent to cyclophosphamide (CPA). Four groups were analyzed (N = 6): Control (C), CPA (25 mg.kg-1), Aqueous jabuticaba extract + CPA (MYR + CPA) and Aqueous jabuticaba extract (MYR). Through the micronucleus test in bone marrow cells, the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes was evaluated for antimutagenic/mutagenic activity. The biochemical parameters evaluated were: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Ascorbic Acid (VIT C) and Carbonyl. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of jabuticaba did not have an antimutagenic or mutagenic effect. Vit C increased in liver tissue in the MYR group when compared to the MYR + CPA group. It is concluded that, under the experimental conditions used, the jabuticaba extract did not show protective potential against damage induced by CPA, nor did it significantly modify the parameters of oxidative stress in animals treated with MYR.A jabuticaba (Myrciaria ssp) é bem conhecida por possuir em sua casca compostos fenólicos com alta atividade antioxidante. Assim, este estudo objetivou avaliar efeitos antioxidantes em fígado e cérebro e antimutagênicos na medula óssea de camundongos Swiss machos com o extrato aquoso de jabuticaba (MYR) e como agente indutor de danos mutagênicos a ciclofosfamida (CPA). Foram analisados 4 grupos (N = 6): Controle (C), CPA (25 mg.kg-1), Extrato aquoso de jabuticaba + CPA (MYR + CPA) e Extrato aquoso de jabuticaba (MYR). Através do teste do micronúcleo em células de medula óssea avaliou-se a frequência de micronúcleos em eritrócitos policromáticos para a atividade antimutagênica/mutagênica. Os parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados foram: Superóxido dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutationa-S-transferase (GST), Glutationa reduzida (GSH), Ácido Ascórbico (VIT C) e Carbonil. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o extrato aquoso da jabuticaba não teve efeito antimutagênico, bem como mutagênico. A Vit C aumentou no tecido hepático no grupo MYR quando comparada ao grupo MYR + CPA. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais utilizadas, o extrato da jabuticaba não apresentou potencial protetor aos danos induzidos pela CPA, nem modificou de forma relevante os parâmetros do estresse oxidativo nos animais tratados com MYR. Palavras-chave: ciclofosfamida; estresse oxidativo; Myrciaria ssp; teste de micronúcleos.   Analysis of jabuticaba aqueous extract against redox status and mutageness in mice   ABSTRACT: Jabuticaba (Myrciaria ssp) is well known for having in its bark phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate antioxidant effects in the liver and brain and antimutagenic effects in the bone marrow of male Swiss mice with the aqueous extract of jabuticaba (MYR) and as a mutagenic damage-inducing agent to cyclophosphamide (CPA). Four groups were analyzed (N = 6): Control (C), CPA (25 mg.kg-1), Aqueous jabuticaba extract + CPA (MYR + CPA) and Aqueous jabuticaba extract (MYR). Through the micronucleus test in bone marrow cells, the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes was evaluated for antimutagenic/mutagenic activity. The biochemical parameters evaluated were: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Ascorbic Acid (VIT C) and Carbonyl. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of jabuticaba did not have an antimutagenic or mutagenic effect. Vit C increased in liver tissue in the MYR group when compared to the MYR + CPA group. It is concluded that, under the experimental conditions used, the jabuticaba extract did not show protective potential against damage induced by CPA, nor did it significantly modify the parameters of oxidative stress in animals treated with MYR. Keywords: cyclophosphamide; oxidative stress; Myrciaria ssp; micronucleus test

Acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme with substance addicts

The complexity of the problems related to the harmful use of substances requires regular questioning of practices. This article aims to explore the acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme for patients with problematic substance use. Qualitative study. Data collection, through a focus group with 6 nurses and 6 semi-structured interviews with patients under treatment. We have used lexicographic textual analysis. From the focus group, 151 text segments were analysed, retaining 85.8% of the total for the creation of five classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of two central nuclei, represented by the words “Nursing” and “Intervention”. From interviews, 252 text segments were analysed, retaining 71.83% for the creation of 5 classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of three central nuclei, represented by the words “want”, “programme” and “see”. Nurses recognise the need for a more structured and flexible approach focused on people’s needs. Users also affirm the need for flexible interventions, without a pre-established time frame, that promote labour integration, therapeutic support for abstinence and management of comorbidities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antioxidant potential of Carica papaya Linn (Caricaceae) leaf extract in mice with cyclophosphamide induced oxidative stress

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effects of crude extract of Carica papaya leaves on oxidative stress in mice induced by cyclophosphamide, as well as phytochemical profile characterization of this extract.METHODS: The male Swiss mice received 15 days of treatment with the extract (500 mg kg-1, via gavage) and intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (75 mg kg-1) or saline (0.9%) on the 15th day. After 24 h the last treatment, the animals were anesthetized for blood withdrawal, sacrificed and removal of the organs for analyses (liver, kidney and heart). In the biochemical tests were determined: hematological parameters in blood, aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, glucose and total cholesterol dosages in plasma, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid damage marker were evaluated in different tissues, besides genotoxic and histopathological analyzes.RESULTS: In the extract of Carica papaya leaves, the flavonoids quercetin-3β-D-glucoside and rutin were identified, besides present positive results for alkaloids, saponins and tannins. This extract increased the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase enzymes in the liver and reduced the levels of reduced glutathione in the kidneys and hematocrit levels, red cell count, and hemoglobin. It promoted the decrease of the reactive species of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) in the kidneys and the activity of enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the plasma and was antimutagenic in the micronucleus test.CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that extract of Carica papaya was beneficial against oxidative events and prevented DNA damage. The extract also showed hepatotoxicity, therefore prolonged infusion of papaya leaves is not advisable.OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do extrato bruto de folhas de Carica papaya sobre o estresse oxidativo em camundongos induzidos pela ciclofosfamida, bem como a caracterização do perfil fitoquímico deste extrato.MÉTODOS: Os camundongos Swiss machos receberam 15 dias de tratamento com o extrato (500 mg kg-1, via gavagem) e injeção intraperitoneal de ciclofosfamida (75 mg kg-1) ou salina (0,9%) no 15º dia. Após 24 h do último tratamento, os animais foram anestesiados para retirada do sangue, sacrificados e retirada dos órgãos para análises (fígado, rim e coração). Nos testes bioquímicos foram determinados: parâmetros hematológicos em sangue, aminotransferases, fosfatase alcalina, dosagens de glicose e colesterol total no plasma, antioxidantes enzimáticos e não enzimáticos e marcador de dano lipídico foram avaliados em diferentes tecidos, além de análises genotóxicas e histopatológicas.RESULTADOS: No extrato de folhas de Carica papaya foram identificados os flavonoides quercetina-3β-D-glicosídeo e rutina, além de resultados positivos para alcaloides, saponinas e taninos. Este extrato aumentou a atividade das enzimas glutationa-S-transferase e catalase no fígado e diminuiu os níveis de glutationa reduzida nos rins, a concentração do hematócrito, a contagem dos glóbulos vermelhos e a hemoglobina. Promoveu a diminuição das espécies reativas de ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) nos rins, a atividade da enzimaaspartato aminotransferase no plasma e foi antimutagênico no teste do micronúcleo.CONCLUSÕES: O estudo mostrou que o extrato de Carica papaya foi benéfico contra eventos oxidativos e preveniu danos no DNA. O extrato também mostrou hepatotoxicidade, portanto, a infusão prolongada de folhas de mamão não é aconselhável

Effect of propranolol on the splanchnic and peripheral renin angiotensin system in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To evaluate the effect of β-blockade on angiotensins in the splanchnic and peripheral circulation of cirrhotic patients and also to compare hemodynamic parameters during liver transplantation according to propranolol pre-treatment or not

Relationship between angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin II correlates with hemodynamic changes in human liver cirrhosis

AIM: To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system (RAS) components and hemodynamic changes