Bronchial pulmonary carcinoma: molecular and clinical characterization: histology, mutations, staging, therapeutics and survival

Trabalho final de mestrado integrado em Medicina, apresentado à Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra.OBJECTIVE: Clinical characterization and therapeutic follow-up after histological typing and molecular pathology of Bronchial-Pulmonary Carcinoma MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study is supported by information collected from a 2011-2013 data basis provided by Instituto de Anatomia Patológica e Patologia Molecular of Faculty of Medicine of Coimbra, concerning histological typing and EGFR, KRAS and ALK mutation status in biopsies, and subsequent follow up of patients, treated at University Hospital of Coimbra, Instituto Português de Oncologia of Coimbra and Hospital of Guarda. RESULTS: Data corresponds to 56 patients with bronchial-pulmonary carcinoma, most (64.3%) of whom were male. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (66.1%), followed by pleomorphic (8.9%), epidermoid (7.1%), adenosquamous (7.1%), large cell (5.4%), sarcomatoid (3.6%) and mucoepidermoid (1.8%) carcinomas. In men, the most common histological type was adenocarcinoma (66.7%), as well as in women (65%). The mean age at diagnosis was 66 years old. About 62.5% had prior history of smoking. 64.3% presented stage IV at diagnosis, 14.3 % IIIB, 7.1 % IIIA and the remaining 14.3% was classified as stage I or II. In 29 cases patients showed mutated epidermal growth factor receptor, comparing with 27 biopsies wild type. About 39.3% received tyrosine kinase inhibitors and 32.1% were treated with chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed higher incidence of bronchial pulmonary carcinoma in men. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type either in men and women. Smoking habit was prevalent. The majority of patients with mutated status for epidermal growth factor receptor received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (19). For patients wild type, conventional chemotherapy was applied in most cases (19) .The overall survival for patients carrying mutated epidermal growth factor receptor is higher, comparing with the ones wild type, and this result has statistical significance. Radiotherapy was used in association with chemotherapy or alone in palliative therapeutic measures. Most patients presented advanced stages at diagnosis and so curative options were applied only in few cases (11)

From animal to human: (Re)using acellular extracellular matrices for temporomandibular disc substitution

Current treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc dysfunctions are not fully effective and lack regenerative capacity. Therefore, the search for tissue-engineered materials for TMJ disc substitution is critical to fill this gap. Decellularization presents tremendous potential, as it is possible to obtain an extracellular matrix with an adequate biomechanical structure and biochemical components. However, its application to the TMJ disc is still in progress, since there are few studies in the literature, and those that exist have many gaps in terms of characterisation, which is decisive to ensure its success. Ultimately, we intend to emphasize the importance of the decellularization technique for the development of an engineered TMJ disc.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Systematic Review of Syngas Bioconversion to Value-Added Products from 2012 to 2022

ABSTRACT: Synthesis gas (syngas) fermentation is a biological carbon fixation process through which carboxydotrophic acetogenic bacteria convert CO, CO2, and H-2 into platform chemicals. To obtain an accurate overview of the syngas fermentation research and innovation from 2012 to 2022, a systematic search was performed on Web of Science and The Lens, focusing on academic publications and patents that were published or granted during this period. Overall, the research focus was centered on process optimization, the genetic manipulation of microorganisms, and bioreactor design, in order to increase the plethora of fermentation products and expand their possible applications. Most of the published research was initially funded and developed in the United States of America. However, over the years, European countries have become the major contributors to syngas fermentation research, followed by China. Syngas fermentation seems to be developing at "two-speeds", with a small number of companies controlling the technology that is needed for large-scale applications, while academia still focuses on low technology readiness level (TRL) research. This systematic review also showed that the fermentation of raw syngas, the effects of syngas impurities on acetogen viability and product distribution, and the process integration of gasification and fermentation are currently underdeveloped research topics, in which an investment is needed to achieve technological breakthroughs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Assessment of the adequacy of different Mediterranean waste biomass types for fermentative hydrogen production and the particular advantage of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp

ABSTRACT: The conversion of agro-industrial byproducts, residues and microalgae, which are representative or adapted to the Mediterranean climate, to hydrogen (H2) by C. butyricum was compared. Five biomass types were selected: brewery’s spent grain (BSG), corn cobs (CC), carob pulp (CP), Spirogyra sp. (SP) and wheat straw (WS). The biomasses were delignified and/or saccharified, except for CP which was simply submitted to aqueous extraction, to obtain fermentable solutions with 56.2e168.4 g total sugars L 1. In small-scale comparative assays, the H2 production from SP, WS, CC, BSG and CP reached 37.3, 82.6, 126.5, 175.7 and 215.8 mL (g biomass) 1, respectively. The best fermentable substrate (CP) was tested in a pH-controlled batch fermentation. The H2 production rate was 204 mL (L h) 1 and a cumulative value of 3.9 L H2 L 1 was achieved, corresponding to a H2 production yield of 70.0 mL (g biomass) 1 or 1.6 mol (mol of glucose equivalents) 1. The experimental data were used to foresight a potential energy generation of 2.4 GWh per year in Portugal, from the use of CP as substrate for H2 production.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An analysis of the perceived effects of European Economic Monetary Union upon the hotel industry in the north of Portugal.

As a catalyst for a closer economic integration through a single currency, Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) held out the promise of welfare gains for the participating countries and their respective industries. Among the potential benefits of monetary union, EMU was expected to enhance business competition through a stability-oriented macroeconomic policy framework, including greater transparency, reduced exchange rate uncertainty, greater credibility to the policy regime and lower transactions costs, among others. Whether the hotel stakeholders perceived, or did not perceive, significant changes brought about by EMU for Portugal, and the hotel business environment in the north of Portugal in particular, was the central aim of this study. To meet this aim the following was done: First, based on a literature review focussing on the economics of integration, business management and competitiveness theories the underpinning framework of the primary research were identified and developed. In particular, this research focused on the perceptions of the hotel stakeholders towards the implications of EMU using and adapting three of Porter's models: the Diamond, Five Forces, and Value Chain models. By combining Porter's models together in an all-encompassing framework, it was possible to confirm that there are advantages in merging more than one business environment level into an integrated study procedure. Second, three sets of surveys were conducted based on the underlying analytical frameworks and knowledge of EMU and tourism/hotel industry. one survey for each of the three target groups. Together, these three surveys provided a multi-stakeholder perspective - the national, the industry and the businesses perspective - using people involved directly at each level of the business environment (the Portuguese national authorities, the hotel industry associations and the hotel businesses in the North of Portugal). Finally, the data analysis was structured into two parts based on the type of questionnaire used: structured and semi-structured. The semi-structured questionnaires were analysed using two types of content analysis, summation and explanation, using QSR NUD*IST 6 software programme. The structured questionnaires were analysed using basic descriptive methods, such as frequencies and cross tabulations. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Packagefo r SocialS cience(sS PSS). One of the main conclusions the study reached through the conceptual framework used was that, EMU not only changed the business environment at a national level, but also changed the competitive and operational environment of the hotels. However, the effects expected in literature were greater than the effects observed by the hotel stakeholders and, in particular, by the business respondents

Maria Degolada como feminicídio: Um exercício de análise interseccional de fontes históricas com estudantes da Vila Maria da Conceição

Este artigo enlaça os achados e reflexões de uma professora de história, estudantes e comunidade escolar, sobre o assassinato da “Maria Degolada”, emblemático caso de feminicídio da Porto Alegre do final do século XIX. Na primeira parte, apresento as fontes escritas, visuais e orais por nós exploradas. Na segunda parte, relato o exercício de análise interseccional de algumas destas fontes históricas, realizado por um grupo de alunas de 8° e 9° anos do Ensino Fundamental, moradoras da Vila Maria da Conceição, registrado no documentário As Marias da Conceição – Por um Ensino de História Situado. Ao operar a interseccionalidade entre os marcadores de gênero, raça e classe, e como atuam na distribuição das oportunidades e violências, as estudantes produzem narrativas históricas situadas, construindo sentidos para o tempo presente

Exacerbação aguda da fibrose pulmonar idiopática

AbstractSome patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) have disease accelerated deterioration without identifiable cause referred as “acute exacerbation” or “accelerated stage”. It is characterized by severe worsening of dyspnea, hypoxemia and new or progressive opacities on imaging studies. The typical histological findings are diffuse alveolar damage in addition to the features of usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. Mortality in this clinical entity is very high and no efficacious therapeutic have been described.The authors describe the clinical, functional and radiological features, treatment and evolution of five patients with IPF acute exacerbation. A discussion will be carry out concerning the IPF acute exacerbation usual features comparing with the alterations noticed in those patients.Rev Port Pneumol 2009; XV (2): 305-31

Youth and urban violence in San Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Praia: public policies, community-based responses and recommendations

Overall, despite the differences between Rio de Janeiro, San Salvador and Praia in terms of the incidence of youth violence, historical approaches and experience in dealing with the issue, Brazil, El Salvador and Cape Verde have all favoured an enforcement-based approach, focusing primarily on repression and law-enforcement mechanisms (police action, specific youth violence legislation, and prosecution, prison and socio-educational systems), instead of interventions aimed at the root causes of violent behaviour. However, recent changes in federal government approaches to public security in Brazil, coupled with state level changes, suggest the materialisation of a discourse shift in the field of youth violence, which has been in the making since the late 1990s. Another common feature in these countries is the incomplete availability of qualified information systems on violence and violent criminality, especially on organised crime and female involvement in urban violence. Civil society actions to prevent and combat urban violence are very diverse. In Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, NGOs, associations and grassroots organisations have a fairly long track record when dealing with the issue of youth violence, promoting initiatives and programmes mostly aimed at youth violence prevention, especially at the primary level. These initiatives and programmes have been based on skills training, sports, culture, empowerment and, to lesser extent, professional training and labour market integration. In San Salvador, despite the severity of youth violence, civil society approaches are less diversified and effective. Like any other violence-afflicted country in Central America, violence prevention and especially intervention programmes, namely those aimed at the perpetrators of violence, face greater disadvantages and less funding and support from the region’s crime-weary population. In Praia, the involvement of civil society in this matter has been slow. However, in recent years, the experiences of civil society organisations, sometimes in partnership with public institutions, have been singled out as good examples and as having had some direct impact on youth involved in violence in the Cidade da Praia. Responding to and effectively preventing youth urban violence requires a comprehensive approach which takes into account the intra-social forms of violence committed by and against youth, as well as the structural conditions which determine the marginalisation of youth. This includes prevention programmes which help young people in vulnerable situations, intervention programmes which offer alternatives for those attracted to violence, rehabilitation prospects for those who wish to leave violent groups, and those leaving prison and socioeducational systems. Capable and accountable law-enforcement bodies, protection and support mechanisms for victims of violence, adequate arms control policies, up-to-date data collection and analysis systems on youth and violence, and whole-of-government and multi-disciplinary approaches to violence are also key

Youth and urban violence in San Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Praia: public policies, community-based responses and recommendations

Overall, despite the differences between Rio de Janeiro, San Salvador and Praia in terms of the incidence of youth violence, historical approaches and experience in dealing with the issue, Brazil, El Salvador and Cape Verde have all favoured an enforcement-based approach, focusing primarily on repression and law-enforcement mechanisms (police action, specific youth violence legislation, and prosecution, prison and socio-educational systems), instead of interventions aimed at the root causes of violent behaviour. However, recent changes in federal government approaches to public security in Brazil, coupled with state level changes, suggest the materialisation of a discourse shift in the field of youth violence, which has been in the making since the late 1990s. Another common feature in these countries is the incomplete availability of qualified information systems on violence and violent criminality, especially on organised crime and female involvement in urban violence. Civil society actions to prevent and combat urban violence are very diverse. In Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, NGOs, associations and grassroots organisations have a fairly long track record when dealing with the issue of youth violence, promoting initiatives and programmes mostly aimed at youth violence prevention, especially at the primary level. These initiatives and programmes have been based on skills training, sports, culture, empowerment and, to lesser extent, professional training and labour market integration. In San Salvador, despite the severity of youth violence, civil society approaches are less diversified and effective. Like any other violence-afflicted country in Central America, violence prevention and especially intervention programmes, namely those aimed at the perpetrators of violence, face greater disadvantages and less funding and support from the region’s crime-weary population. In Praia, the involvement of civil society in this matter has been slow. However, in recent years, the experiences of civil society organisations, sometimes in partnership with public institutions, have been singled out as good examples and as having had some direct impact on youth involved in violence in the Cidade da Praia. Responding to and effectively preventing youth urban violence requires a comprehensive approach which takes into account the intra-social forms of violence committed by and against youth, as well as the structural conditions which determine the marginalisation of youth. This includes prevention programmes which help young people in vulnerable situations, intervention programmes which offer alternatives for those attracted to violence, rehabilitation prospects for those who wish to leave violent groups, and those leaving prison and socioeducational systems. Capable and accountable law-enforcement bodies, protection and support mechanisms for victims of violence, adequate arms control policies, up-to-date data collection and analysis systems on youth and violence, and whole-of-government and multi-disciplinary approaches to violence are also key

The Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL Questionnaire: validation and clinical application

AbstractIntroductionRhinosinusitis constitutes an important health problem, with significant interference in personal, professional, and social functioning. This study presents the validation process of the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL, to be used as a routine procedure in the assessment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.ObjectiveTo demonstrate that the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL is as valid as the English version to measure symptoms and health-related quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis.MethodsThe Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL was administered consecutively to 58 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, assessed for endoscopic sinus surgery. A follow-up survey was completed three months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed to determine its psychometric properties.ResultsFace and content validity were confirmed by similar internal consistency as the original questionnaire for each sub-scale, and strong correlation between individual items and total score. The questionnaire was easy and quick to administer (5.5min). At three months, there was a significant decrease from baseline for all sub-scale scores, indicating clinical improvement, with an effect size considered as large.ConclusionThis study provides a questionnaire that is equivalent to the original English version, with good responsiveness to change, which can be especially valuable to measure the outcome of surgery