Development of a platform to align education and practice: bridging academia and the profession in Portugal

Limited fitness for practice may result from a mismatch between education and practice. Aiming to meet the common interests of academics and practitioners, the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (PPS) developed the Education and Practice Platform (EPP). The EPP includes one representative from each pharmacy faculty, and all Councils of Speciality Boards of Practice. Brainstorming with involved parties enabled sharing of interests, concerns and identifying a common path. Aims, mission, vision and values were set. The EPP's mission is to: act as an enabler to foster the quality and adequacy of education through sharing best practices, ultimately leading to facilitate professional integration, and to foster quality development in teaching practices with recognition for autonomy in freedom to teach and to learn. Its vision is an alignment of education and practice with the PPS' statutes to ensure validation of the competences defined for each practice area, and compliance with international guidance. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were set. Activities developed include the creation of a national forum to discuss education and practice, development of workshops on teaching methods and pharmacy internships, enhanced representation in international events and response to global and national requests. Ongoing work focuses on the creation of a common training framework in hospital and community pharmacy practice adapted to Portugal. The EPP is a worldwide case study, encouraging the development of discussion contributing to an open climate of sharing best practices, indirectly leading to foster a better alignment between education and practice. Many of these results are so far intangible in scientific terms but worth describing.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estudio exploratorio sobre maduración y nivel de competición en jóvenes practicantes de karate

[ES] El establecimiento de categorías en competiciones de jóvenes mejora las posibilidades de éxito y reduce las lesiones en el deporte. A pesar de que existen diferencias de maduración, la edad cronológica sigue siendo el criterio principal para igualar los niveles de competición, lo cual tiene una eficiencia limitada. En karate, el peso también se utiliza para agrupar atletas. Hemos investigado si existe asociación entre la edad cronológica y los indicadores de maduración y si es posible encontrar modelos sencillos que permitan plantear nuevas formas para evaluarla. Se recogieron datos de 54 jóvenes practicantes de karate (edad: 12,67 ± 2,49 años; experiencia: 4,99 ± 2,44 años, altura: 150,45 ± 15,25 cm, peso: 43,09 ± 14,17 kg, 20 niñas). La edad se correlacionó significativamente con la auto-observación de la maduración sexual (rho = 0,838, p < 0,01). Se encontraron modelos de regresión sencillos, utilizando variables como la altura, peso y perímetro del brazo, que explican moderadamente la maduración. Estos resultados deben hacer reflexionar a las entidades competentes sobre cómo agrupar a los atletas en las competiciones de manera justa en términos de maduración.[EN] Paring children improve the chance for success and reduce injury in sport. Despite the maturity differences between children, chronological age remains the main criterion to equalize competition levels, but with limited efficiency. However, in Karate, weight is also considered. We went to investigate the association between chronological age and maturational indicators and find simple models to put on reflection new ways to assess the maturity. Data were collected in 54 young Karate practitioners (age: 12.67 ± 2.49 years, experience: 4.99 ± 2.44 years, height: 150.45 ± 15.25 cm, weight: 43.09 ± 14, 17 kg, 20 girls). Age correlated significantly with self-observation of sexual maturation (rho = 0.838; p< 0.01), and it was possible to find simple regression models that have a moderate explanation in maturation, using only simple measurable variables such as the height, weight and arm circumference. These results should lead the competent entities to reflect on the way of pairing of the athletes in the competitions, in a fair way in terms of maturation.[PT] Emparelhar crianças propicia sucesso e reduz lesões no desporto. Apesar das diferenças de maturação entre crianças, a idade cronológica mantém-se o principal critério para equalizar os níveis de competição, mas com uma eficiência limitada. No entanto, no karaté, o peso também é considerado. Fomos verificar se existe associação entre a idade cronológica e os indicadores maturacionais e, encontrar modelos simples que permitam colocar em reflexão novas formas de avaliação da maturação. Foram recolhidos dados em 54 jovens praticantes de karaté (idade: 12,67± 2,49anos; experiência: 4,99 ± 2,44 anos; altura: 150,45 ± 15,25cm; peso: 43,09± 14,17 kg, 20 raparigas). A idade correlacionou-se significativamente com auto-observação da maturação sexual (rho = 0,838;p < 0,01), e foi possível encontrar modelos de regressão simples que têm uma explicação moderada na maturação, apenas utilizando variáveis de medição simples, tal como a altura, o peso e o perímetro do braço. Estes resultados devem levar as entidades competentes a refletir acerca do modo de emparelhamento dos atletas nas competições de uma forma justa em termos de maturação

Should the Management of Embolic Stroke in the Elderly Be Changed if They Also Have COVID-19?

Introduction: A strong association between stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated. Anticoagulation for the prevention of stroke in high-risk patients has the benefit of improving the life expectancy, quality of life, autonomy and social functioning of the patient. The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges for stroke patients because of the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and thromboembolic risk.Case description: We describe the case of an 84-year-old female patient admitted due to an embolic stroke and non-anticoagulated AF. Her admission symptoms were sensory-motor aphasia and severe right limb paresis with an NIHSS score of 24. The diagnosis of embolic stroke (namely, total anterior circulation infarct; TACI) was made. Her stroke was extensive so she was not started on anticoagulation. During hospitalization, new embolic events occurred and a concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19 was made with progressive respiratory dysfunction followed by multiorgan failure. The patient died despite appropriate treatment.Discussion: The prognosis of elderly patients with cardioembolic stroke depends on anticoagulation administration. The NIHSS score on admission of our patient meant anticoagulation therapy was not appropriate. The diagnosis of COVID-19 contributed to the patient’s death

La influencia de las prácticas deportivas en la composición corporal, la maduración y la absorción máxima de oxígeno en niños y jóvenes

Systematic sport practice at younger ages positively influences body composition and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). On the other hand, its influence on maturation is still not consensual, and some studies claim a negative effect. Few studies have approached the differences in this influence according to different sport practices. The present study aims to analyse and compare the influence of karate and swimming practices, and the non-practice of sports, on body composition, VO2max and maturation in children and youth. Data were collected in 126 youth, 54 karate athletes, 36 swimming athletes and 36 participants with no sport practice (M=11.56±2.06 years). The type of sport practice had a different influence on body composition and VO2max, no negative influence was verified on maturation. In general, the sport practices revealed a positive influence in children and youth’s body composition. The karate practice provided significant lower body fat mass and higher lean mass in males. Swimming athletes revealed a significant higher VO2max compared to all other groups, while karate didn´t differed from no-practice group. The different influence of sport practices verified highlighted the importance of a multilateral development of children and youth by practising several sports.La práctica deportiva sistemática a edades más tempranas influye positivamente en la composición corporal y la absorción máxima de oxígeno (VO2max). Por otro lado, su influencia en la maduración aún no es consensuada, y algunos estudios afirman un efecto negativo. Pocos estudios se han acercado a las diferencias en esta influencia según las distintas prácticas deportivas. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar y comparar la influencia de las prácticas de kárate y natación, y la no práctica de deportes, sobre la composición corporal, el VO2máx y la maduración en niños y jóvenes. Los datos fueron recolectados en 126 jóvenes, 54 atletas de kárate, 36 atletas de natación y 36 participantes sin práctica deportiva (M = 11.56 ± 2.06 años). El tipo de práctica deportiva influyó de manera diferente en la composición corporal y el VO2max, no se verificó influencia negativa en la maduración. En general, las prácticas deportivas revelaron una influencia positiva en la composición corporal de niños y jóvenes. La práctica del karate proporcionó una masa grasa corporal significativamente más baja y una masa magra más alta en los hombres. Los atletas de natación revelaron un VO2max significativamente más alto en comparación con todos los demás grupos, mientras que el karate no difirió del grupo sin práctica. La diferente influencia de las prácticas deportivas verificada resaltó la importancia de un desarrollo multilateral de la niñez y la juventud a través de la práctica de varios deportes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Culture-dependent characterization of cyanobacterial diversity in the intertidal zones of the Portuguese coast: A polyphasic study

Cyanobacteria are important primary producers, and many are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen playing a key role in the marine environment. However, not much is known about the diversity of cyanobacteria in Portuguese marine waters. This paper describes the diversity of 60 strains isolated from benthic habitats in 9 sites (intertidal zones) on the Portuguese South and West coasts. The strains were characterized by a morphological study (light and electron microscopy) and by a molecular characterization (partial 16S rRNA, nifH, nifK, mcyA, mcyE/ndaF, sxtI genes). The morphological analyses revealed 35 morphotypes (15 genera and 16 species) belonging to 4 cyanobacterial Orders/Subsections. The dominant groups among the isolates were the Oscillatoriales. There is a broad congruence between morphological and molecular assignments. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 9 strains have less than 97% similarity compared to the sequences in the databases, revealing novel cyanobacterial diversity. Phylogenetic analysis, based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences showed at least 12 clusters. One-third of the isolates are potential N2-fixers, as they exhibit heterocysts or the presence of nif genes was demonstrated by PCR. Additionally, no conventional freshwater toxins genes were detected by PCR screening

Aspectos genéticos da atividade física: um estudo multimodal em gêmeos Monozigóticos e Dizigóticos

The present study sought to test the feasibility of a multiform evaluation of the physical activity in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ), that were monitored for five consecutive days using three evaluation instruments simultaneously - accelerometer, pedometer and questionnaire. The sample of this research was constituted by 51 pairs of twins of both sexes and different zygosity, aged between 12 and 18 years old. The subjects were monitored with the triaxial accelerometer (TRITRAC - R3D) and the pedometer (Yamax DW-SW 700) from Thursday to Monday. The questionnaire used was that of Baecke, Burema and Frijters (1982). The statistical procedures used were the following: calculation of residues of multiple regression according to three adjustments: intraclass correlation coefficient; canonic correlation and index of redundancy of Stewart and Love; heritability (h ) and estimation of models. The main results and conclusions of this research were: a) the five-day evaluation presented reliability numbers superior to 0.75 showing, that, they were enough to calculate accurately the levels of habitual physical activity; b) the indexes of activity resulting from the questionnaire seemed to supply information somehow independent of the accelerometer and the pedometer; *c) in spite of the consistency of the estimated physical activity, average resulting of different indicators which were supplied by the accelerometer and pedometer presented significant differences whether the days of the week and the weekend were concerned; d) the effect of the environment (shared and unique) assumed the most significant importance for the explanation of the interindividual differences in six of the seven indicators of physical activity studied, thus it is not possible to enhance genetic effects in all the differentiated expressions of this phenotypeO presente estudo visou testar a exequibilidade de uma avaliação multimodal da atividade física habitual em gêmeos monozigóticos (MZ) e dizigóticos (DZ). A amostra foi constituída por 51 pares de gêmeos de ambos os sexos e diferente zigotia com idades compreendidas entre os 12 e os 18 anos. Para a avaliação multimodal da atividade física recorreu-se a três instrumentos acelerômetro, pedômetro e questionário. Os sujeitos foram monitorizados com o acelerômetro triaxial (TRITRAC R3D) e o pedômetro (Yamax DW-SW 700) de quinta a segunda-feira. O questionário utilizado foi o de Baecke, Burema e Frijters (1982). Os procedimentos estatísticos utilizados foram os seguintes: cálculo de resíduos de regressão múltipla em função de três ajustes distintos; coeficiente de correlação intraclasse; correlação canônica e índice de redundância de Stewart e Love; cálculo da heritabilidade (h ) e estimação de modelos. Os principais resultados e conclusões retirados desta pesquisa foram: a) os cinco dias de avaliação apresentaram valores de fidedignidade superiores a 0,75 mostrando, por isso, serem suficientes para se estimar com precisão os níveis de atividade física habitual; b) os índices de atividade provenientes do questionário parecem fornecer informações algo independentes do acelerômetro e do pedômetro; c) apesar da consistência da estimação da atividade física, os valores médios dos diferentes indicadores fornecidos pelo acelerômetro e pedômetro apresentaram diferenças significativas em função dos dias de semana relativamente aos de fim-de-semana; d) o efeito do envolvimento (comum e único) assumiu a maior importância para a explicação das diferenças interindividuais em seis dos sete indicadores de atividade física estudados não sendo, por isso, possível realçar efeitos genéticos em todas as expressões diferenciadas deste fenótip

Habitual physical activity characteristics of adolescents boys and girls evaluated by accelerometry and pedometry

The purposes of this study were: a) to study the physical activity of boys and girls in five consecutive days, included the weekend, analyzing the inter-individual variability and the gender differences; b) to study the communality and the uniqueness of the accelerometry and pedometry information data. 102 adolescents (57 girls and 45 boys) with 12 to 18 years (14.55 ± 1.69) of age were evaluated with Tritrac R3D accelerometer and with Yamax DW-SW 700 pedometer. The intra-class correlation (R) was used to estimate data reliability. To analyze the communality and the uniqueness of both instruments information data. The inter-individual variability was analyzed through the: a) auto-correlation model (Pearson r); b) Cohen's K; and Foulkes &amp; Davis y. The repeated measures MANOVA (days x gender) were used to analyze gender differences between days. We found an enormous inter-individual variability during the five days in both gender, with no significant differences between boys and girls. In the weekend a significant physical activity decrease occurred, particularly on Sunday. Both instruments evaluate common aspects of physical activity, although, even if reduced, each one has unique informationOs propósitos desta pesquisa foram os seguintes: a) estudar o perfil de atividade física de adolescentes de ambos os sexos ao longo de cinco dias consecutivos, incluindo o fim-de-semana, analisando a variabilidade interindividual e as diferenças entre os sexos; b) estudar a comunalidade e o caráter único da informação fornecida pela acelerometria e pedometria. Foram monitorizados, com o acelerômetro Tritrac R3D e o pedômetro Yamax DW-SW 700, 102 adolescentes de ambos os sexos (fem. n = 57 e masc. n = 45) com 12 a 18 anos de idade (14,55 ± 1,69). Recorreu-se ao coeficiente de correlação intra-classe (R) para estimar a confiabilidade dos dados. A correlação canônica foi utilizada para analisar os aspectos da comunalidade e o caráter único da informação dos dois instrumentos. A variação interindividual foi analisada através do: da auto-correlação (r de Pearson), do K de Cohen e do y de Foulkes &amp; Davis. A MANOVA de medidas repetidas (dias x sexo) foi usada para analisar as diferenças entre os sexos ao longo dos cinco dias. Verificou-se uma forte variabilidade interindividual ao longo dos cinco dias de registo, em ambos os sexos, não se tendo verificado diferenças significativas entre os sexos. No fim-de-semana ocorreu um redução acentuada da atividade física, sobretudo no domingo. Os dois instrumentos utilizados avaliam aspectos comuns da atividade física, embora cada um forneça informação única, sendo, contudo, relativamente reduzid

Fatores genéticos na variação inter-fratrias das componentes do somatótipo

The aims of this study were to determine the influence of genetic and environmental factors in siblings variation in somatotype components, as well as to present a sequence of didactic steps when conducting a Quantitative Genetic analysis. The sample is comprised of 366 sibling pairs aged from 10 to 18 years of age residing in the northeast of Portugal. Somatotype components were estimated according to Carter & Heath (1990) protocol based on 10 somatic measurements. Exploratory data analysis was done in SPSS and PEDSTATS. Genetic factors were estimated in the SAGE software. Results showed a high quality of data available (technical error of measurement &#8776;1%). Mesomorphy was the most salient component is physique structure of siblings, being it brother-brother, sister-sister, or brother-sister. Even when adjusted for covariates, genetic factors are high: 0.49 for endomorphy, 0.55 for mesomorphy, and 0.71 for ectomorphy. These results suggest that substancial genetic factors govern somatotype variation in the population.Esta pesquisa pretende determinar a influência de fatores genéticos e ambientais na variação inter-fratrias nas componentes do somatótipo, bem como apresentar, de modo didático, um conjunto de etapas associados a pesquisa de Genética Quantitativa. A amostra foi constituída por 366 pares de irmãos dos 10 aos 18 anos de idade residentes no nordeste de Portugal Continental. As componentes do somatótipo foram estimadas com base no protocolo descrito por Carter & Heath (1990), a partir de 10 medidas somáticas. A análise exploratória dos dados foi efetuada nos "softwares" SPSS e PEDSTATS. As estimativas dos fatores genéticos foram obtidas no "software" SAGE. Os resultados salientaram uma elevada qualidade da informação (erro técnico de medida &#8776;1%). A componente mesomorfa é a mais elevada qualquer que seja a estrutura das irmandades: irmão-irmão, irmã-irmã, ou irmão-irmã. Mesmo depois de ajustadas para diferentes covariáveis as estimativas dos fatores genéticos são elevadas: 0,49 para a endomorfia, 0,55 para a mesomorfia, e 0,71 para e ectomorfia. Estes resultados sugerem a presença de fatores genéticos substanciais a governar a variação no somatótipo no seio da população

Pharmacogenomics of Methotrexate Membrane Transport Pathway: Can Clinical Response to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Predicted?

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be used as predictors of patients’ therapeutic outcome variability. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the influence of SNPs in genes encoding for MTX membrane transport proteins in order to predict clinical response to MTX. Methods: Clinicopathological data from 233 RA patients treated with MTX were collected, clinical response defined, and patients genotyped for 23 SNPs. Genotype and haplotype analyses were performed using multivariate methods and a genetic risk index (GRI) for non-response was created. Results: Increased risk for non-response was associated to SLC22A11 rs11231809 T carriers; ABCC1 rs246240 G carriers; ABCC1 rs3784864 G carriers; CGG haplotype for ABCC1 rs35592, rs2074087 and rs3784864; and CGG haplotype for ABCC1 rs35592, rs246240 and rs3784864. GRI demonstrated that patients with Index 3 were 16-fold more likely to be non-responders than those with Index 1. Conclusions: This study revealed that SLC22A11 and ABCC1 may be important to identify those patients who will not benefit from MTX treatment, highlighting the relevance in translating these results to clinical practice. However, further validation by independent studies is needed to develop the field of personalized medicine to predict clinical response to MTX treatment