Implementação de algoritmos no domínio da resistência quântica de hall

É apresentada e descrita a definição da arquitectura do sistema de informação e de suporte lógico desenvolvido e implementado no LMEINETI, em linguagem de programação gráfica LabView, que possibilita a automatização do sistema experimental de Resistência Quântica de Hall, através do controlo da instrumentação associada, aquisição, processamento, tratamento estatístico e gestão de dados relativos a estudos comportamentais de amostras e de padrões convencionais. Considerando a diversidade de instrumentação utilizada no sistema experimental de EHQ, o elevado número de dados correspondentes à caracterização de amostras, a multiplicidade de parâmetros necessários à avaliação da sua quantificação e a necessidade de caracterizar o comportamento de padrões convencionais ao longo do tempo, tornou-se essencial o recurso a módulos aplicacionais integrados. Foram definidos algoritmos para o desenvolvimento e implementação de módulos aplicacionais, de forma a automatizar os seguintes aspectos: Controlo e Aquisição de Dados, Processamento e Análise e Gestão de Dados

Systemic hemodynamic and left ventricular function of diabetic-induced hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) induction on systemic hemodynamic and ventricular function of normotensive and hypertensive rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DM1 was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats (WST), borderline hypertensive rats (BHR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The systemic hemodynamic was evaluated by thermodilution and ventricular function by Langendorff preparation. RESULTS: DM1-induction increased tail arterial pressure of WST and BHR. DM1 also increased total peripheral resistance in WST and decrease in cardiac output stroke volume in WST and BHR. Systolic function indexes were reduced and ventricular stiffness increased in all WST-diabetic rats. All of these effects were more prominent on diabetic WST rats. CONCLUSION: The DM1 in rats was accompanied by important changes in both systolic and diastolic heart function leading to significant changes in the systemic hemodynamics that were not significantly enhanced by hypertension.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a indução do diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) na hemodinâmica sistêmica e função ventricular de ratos normotensos e hipertensos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O DM1 foi induzido por estreptozotocina em ratos Wistar (WST), borderline hypertensive rats (BHR) e spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A hemodinâmica sistêmica foi avaliada por termodiluição e a função ventricular, pela preparação de Langendorff. RESULTADOS: A indução de DM1 produziu aumento na pressão arterial de WST e BHR. O DM1 determinou aumento na resistência periférica total no grupo WST e diminuição do débito cardíaco e do volume sistólico nos grupos WST e BHR. Índices de função sistólica foram reduzidos e a rigidez ventricular, apenas nos ratos WST diabéticos. Todos esses efeitos foram mais proeminentes nos ratos WST diabéticos. CONCLUSÃO: O DM1 foi acompanhado por importantes alterações nas funções sistólica e diastólica, levando a uma diminuição nos valores hemodinâmicos sistêmicos que não foram alterados pela hipertensão arterial.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo Departamento de Ciências FisiológicasUNIFESPSciEL

Gaining competence in needle - knife fistulotomy - can I begin on my own?

BACKGROUND: While there are guidelines for appropriate training in ERCP, these are non-existent for needle-knife precut. The aim of this study was: (1) evaluate the experience curve of three endoscopists in needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF); (2) propose a minimum number of NKF procedures to attest proficiency. METHODS: Between November 1997 and March 2011, the first 120 consecutive NKF performed by three endoscopists (A, B, and C) were selected (360 patients) from three centers. Each group of 120 patients was chronologically ordered into three subgroups of 40.?The main outcomes were: NKF use, NKF success, and post-ERCP adverse events. RESULTS: The need for NKF did not decrease over time. The NKF success rate in the first attempt for endoscopist A and C in each of the three subgroups was 85?%/85?%, 87.5?%/87.5?%, and 87.5 %/90?%, respectively. Furthermore, both demonstrated a high NKF success in their initial 20 NKFs (85?% and 80?%, respectively). Endoscopist B however presented a different pattern as the success rate initiated at 60?%, then rose to 82.5?% and 85?% for the last group (P?=?0.03). Adverse events were mild (28 of the 32 occurrences) with no clear reduction with increased experience. CONCLUSIONS: A skillful endoscopist may expect to master NKF easily with few adverse events. While some endoscopists could begin on their own because of their innate skills, a minimal training is needed for all, as we cannot predict skills in advance. We propose a minimum of 20 NKF precuts to attest a trainee's competence in this procedure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Predictive biomarkers of bacillus calmette-guérin immunotherapy response in bladder cancer : where are we now?

The most effective therapeutic option for managing nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), over the last 30 years, consists of intravesical instillations with the attenuated strain Bacillus Calmette-Gu´erin (the BCG vaccine). This has been performed as an adjuvant therapeutic to transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and mostly directed towards patients with highgrade tumours, T1 tumours, and in situ carcinomas. However, from 20% to 40% of the patients do not respond and frequently present tumour progression. Since BCG effectiveness is unpredictable, it is important to find consistent biomarkers that can aid either in the prediction of the outcome and/or side effects development. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic critical review to identify themost preeminent predictive molecular markers associated with BCG response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review exclusively focusing on predictive biomarkers for BCG treatment outcome. Using a specific query, 1324 abstracts were gathered, then inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, and finally 87 manuscripts were included. Several molecules, including CD68 and genetic polymorphisms, have been identified as promising surrogate biomarkers. Combinatory analysis of the candidate predictive markers is a crucial step to create a predictive profile of treatment responseThe first author has a PhD grant from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia /FCT (SFRH/BD/43399/2008), cofinanced by European Social Fund (ESF) underHuman Potential Operation Programme (POPH) from National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)

Quality of Life in Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Refractory Chronic Heart Failure Undergoing Devices Implantation

Heart failure is the final stage of most of cardiac diseases. It is a complex syndrome in which the patients should have the following features: symptoms of heart failure, typically shortness of breath at rest or during exertion, and/or fatigue; signs of fluid retention such as pulmonary congestion or ankle swelling; and objective evidence of an abnormality of the structure or function of the heart at rest. This progressive syndrome as a high incidence and prevalence and poor prognosis: four-year mortality is around 50% with 40% of the patients admitted to hospital dying or readmitted within a year. With ageing, many patients will develop chronic heart failure, which, because of its symptoms, patient’s awareness of their risk of dying, and the effects of therapy, together with frequent hospitalizations, has considerable impact on patient’s health-related quality of life

Happiness, hope, and affection as predictors of quality of life and functionality of individuals with heart failure at three-month follow-up

The scientific evidence supporting the management of the chronically ill in a positive psychological perspective in opposition to traditional pathological approach is scarce. This study examines issues associated with recovery of health status in heart failure, in particular hope, affection, and happiness. We use a longitudinal study of 128 symptomatic patients who after medical intervention reported improved quality of life and function at 3-month follow-up. We evaluated the contribution of happiness, hope and affection, individually and as a whole, in the quality of life and functionality of individuals with heart failure. Happiness (Subjective Happiness Scale), Hope (HOPE Scale), and affection (PANAS (positive and negative affect schedule)) were determined before medical intervention. Individually, we found that happiness is correlated with the quality of life and functionality, hope to self-efficacy dimension of the quality of life scale, positive affect to functionality and negative affect with symptoms dimension, quality of life dimension, and overall sum of the quality of life scale. Overall, we found that happiness has a unique contribution to the quality of life, except in self-efficacy dimension where hope takes this contribution and positive affect has a unique contribution to the functionality in this short-term follow-up. The results highlight the importance of positive variables to health outcomes for people with heart failure and should be considered in intervention programs for this syndrome

Clinic and epidemiologic profile of preterm infants with very low birth weight in Rio de Janeiro: 152 patients study

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência, frequência e distribuição dos estágios evolutivos da retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) realizado num hospital de nível terciário no Rio de Janeiro. Identificar fatores de risco sistêmicos associados ao seu aparecimento e progressão, descrever o tratamento instituído e evolução dos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de coorte, entre março de 2005 e fevereiro de 2007. Foram examinados 152 recém-natos(RN) prematuros com 32 semanas ou menos de idade gestacional(IG), e ou 1500gramas ou menos de peso ao nascimento(PN). Uma revisão simultânea dos prontuários foi realizada procurando correlação dos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da ROP com a clínica encontrada. Foram feitas análises estatísticas descritiva, intervalo de confiança e multivariados (Anova / pós-teste:Tukey). RESULTADOS: Dos 302 olhos examinados, 72,19% estavam normais e 27,81% desenvolveram ROP. O estágio 2 com 29 (9,60%) de olhos acometidos foi o mais prevalente. O tratamento foi indicado em 6,57% dos RN triados, com regressão em 90% dos casos. Houve diferença estatística significativa entre a média dos principais fatores de risco pesquisados de acordo com apresentação clínica da ROP. CONCLUSÃO: O perfil epidemiológico dos RN prematuros no nosso hospital foi definido ao longo desses 2 anos. O APGAR de 1 minuto deve ser levado em consideração nos RN que desenvolveram a ROP e o seu acompanhamento feito com cautela. Os dados referentes aos RN prematuros nesse tipo de estudo são sempre dinâmicos e variáveis, exigindo pesquisas periódicas para se estabelecer estratégias, melhorando o desempenho e resultados nos programas de prevenção a cegueira.ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To resolve the prevalence, frequency and the evolutive stages distribution of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a tertiary level hospital in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). To identify some of the systemic risk factors associate with their appearing and progression, and describe the treatment and evolution of these patients. METHODS: Cohort observational study did between march 2005 and february 2007. It were included 152 preterm infants with 32 weeks or less of gestacional age(GA), and or 1500grams or less of birth weight(BW). A simultaneous data review were did, search for correlation the risk factors of ROP development to the found clinic. It were done descriptive statistic analyze, confidence interval and Anova with Tukey pos-test. RESULTS: 302 examined eyes, 71,19% were normal and 27,81% developed ROP. The stage 2 with 29 (9,60%) of the affected eyes were the most prevalent. The treatment was indicated in 6,57% of the preterm infants, with more than 90% of regression. It had a significative statistic difference between the mean of searched main risk factors from accord the clinic presentation of ROP. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological profile of the preterm infants in our hospital was definite by this 2 years. The 1 minute APGAR must be leaved in consideration at the preterm infants who developed ROP, and their follow up maide with precaution. The datas referees to the preterm infants in this kind of study are always dynamics and variables, requiring periodics researches to strategies established, improving the performance and results at blindness prevention programs

Psychosocial aspects associated with pain perception in individuals undergoing coronary surgery

Objectivo: Identificar os factores psicossociais que influenciam a percepção da dor pós-operatória em doentes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). Material e Métodos: Estudo exploratório correlacional de 91 doentes (71 homens e 20 mulheres) submetidos a CRM (pontagem aortocoronária) por esternotomia). A idade média era de 63,8 ± 9,6 anos (entre 39 e 84). Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Escala Analógica Visual às 24, 48 e 96 horas do pós-operatório; Questionário de Caracterização Demográfica; Mental Health Inventory de 5 itens; Percepção de Saúde Geral (SF-36); Escala de Expectativas de Dor; Escala de Percepção de Apoio; Escala de Expectativas de Auto-eficácia; Satisfação com o tratamento, médicos e enfermeiros (American Pain Society Questionnaire) aplicados às 96 horas após a cirurgia. Resultados: Os doentes que apresentaram expectativas elevadas de dor, percepcionaram maior apoio, apresentaram níveis elevados de auto-eficácia para lidar com a dor ou, se pertenciam ao sexo masculino, sentiram menos dor. De igual modo, os doentes que apresentaram melhor saúde mental, percepcionaram a sua saúde como boa e os doentes que expressaram maior satisfação com o tratamento sentiram menos dor. A dor não foi influenciada pela idade, grau de escolaridade ou pela satisfação com a conduta de médicos e enfermeiros. Conclusão: Após as primeiras 48 horas do pós-operatório, a experiência de dor é influenciada por factores psicossociais, em oarticular pela expectativa de dor, expectativa de auto-eficácia, apoio percebido, percepção da saúde geral, percepção de saúde mental e satisfação com o tratamento para a dor. Perante os resultados, evidencia-se a necessidade de conjugar conhecimentos no sentido de dar respostas mais alargadas e de carácter multidisciplinar no tratamento da dor pós-operatória em CRM devendo, a par de outros aspectos, focar-se na gestão das expectativas dos doentes. ABSTRACT - Objective: To identify the psychological factors that influence post-surgery pain perception in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: This was an exploratory correlational study of 91 patients (71 men and 20 women) who underwent CABG (aortocoronary anastomosis) by sternotomy. Mean age was 63.8 ± 9.6 years (between 39 and 84). The following instruments were used: visual analogical scales at 24, 48 and 96 hours of post-surgery; demographic characteristics survey; pain expectations scale; perceived support scale; self-efficacy scale, Mental Inventory (5 items); health perception scale; and satisfaction with treatment, doctors and nurses (American Pain Society questionnaire) at 96 hours after surgery. Results: Patients who had presented high expectations of pain, perceived more support, presented high levels of self-efficacy to deal with pain or were male, felt less pain. Furthermore, patients who presented better mental health, perceived their general health as being good, or expressed greater satisfaction with treatment, felt less pain. Pain was not influenced by age, level of education or satisfaction with doctors and nurses. Conclusion: After the first 48 hours following surgery, the pain experience is influenced by psychosocial factors, in particular by expectation of pain and of self-efficacy, perceived support, perception of general and mental health, and satisfaction with pain treatment. The results confirm the need to bring together different kinds of knowledge for a broad, multidisciplinary approach to postoperative CABG pain treatment, focusing, along with other aspects, on management of patients’ expectations

MicroRNAs biomarkers for early screening of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most incident neoplasia in Portugal. When diagnosed early, the 5-year cancer survival rate increases to 90% [2]. However, the current noninvasive screening method for CRC, Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), has low sensitivity and specificity for detecting precancerous lesions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new screening method for CRC. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a role in genetic events associated with carcinogenesis, and their disrupted expression in tumors can be readily detected in biological fluids [5-8]. This characteristic offers a promising tool for CRC screening. Review the existing literature to assess the advancements made in recent years in the potential use of miRs as a biomarker to improve the CRC screening. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing a total of 54 studies that investigated miRs expression in stool and blood samples and evaluated is potential as biomarkers for CRC identification. In our search, we identified a total of 104 miRs with potential relevance to CRC screening in both stool and blood samples. Among these miRs, miR-21-5p and miR-92a-3p, along their cluster including miR-29a-3p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-18-5p, emerged as the most frequently mentioned and promising candidates. Furthermore, is reported a differential expression of miR-135b-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-451 only in stool specimens, while miR-139-3p and miR-4516 exhibit this altered expression in blood samples. Other notable miRs, including miR-146a-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-421, miR-27a-3p, and miR-221-3p, have shown promising results in detecting advanced adenomas, exhibiting a better performance compared to FIT. However, these findings require further validation in a larger patient cohort and across different biological samples to confirm their significance for CRC and precancerous lesions detection. Therefore, miRs are regarded as a promising approach for enhancing the detection of CRC, particularly in the identification of precancerous lesions. Nevertheless, further studies are required to assess the accuracy of these molecules as biomarkers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Strength and Power Performance Changes During an In-Season Resistance Training Program in Elite Futsal Players: A Case Study

In this study, we aimed to analyze (i) the strength and power changes after resistance training (RT) in elite futsal players, and (ii) the associations between the session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and perceived total quality recovery (TQR), and the sRPE and TQR with the volume load of the RT program. Ten elite futsal players (24.8 ± 5.4 years; 76.2 ± 7.1 kg; 1.77 ± 0.05 m) performed an in-season 8-week RT program twice per week. RT consisted of 2-3 sets x 3-6 reps at 45-65% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with maximal velocities in the full squat and complementary exercises with the same volume. We assessed the TQR before every session, while the sRPE was calculated after each RT session. One week before and after the intervention, we measured the countermovement jump (CMJ) height, isometric hip adduction strength (IHAS), 1RM, and peak power (PP) in the full squat progressive loading test. After the 8-week training program, there was a significant improvement in most outcomes, yet the gains (%Δ) remained below the minimal detectable change (MDC), except for IHAS (CMJ: p < 0.05, %Δ = 6.7, MDC% = 7.2; IHAS: p < 0.001, %Δ = 19.1, MDC% = 14.6; 1RM: p > 0.05, %Δ = 9.2, MDC% = 21.5; PP: p < 0.05; %Δ = 14.4, MDC% = 22.4). We also found a significant negative correlation between TQR and the sRPE (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). Our data suggest that RT based on low-volume and low-to-moderate loads may not produce a sufficient stimulus to induce meaningful dynamic strength and power gains in elite futsal players, although it improves isometric strength. Furthermore, monitoring TQR before sessions may show coaches how the elite futsal player will perceive the session's intensity.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio