A inovação aberta em Portugal : o nível de recetividade das PME

A inovação tem ganho progressivamente maior importância para as empresas ao longo do tempo. Ao multiplicarem-se os desafios a que são atualmente sujeitas, são cada vez mais aquelas que aplicam a inovação aberta por forma a ultrapassar essas barreiras e manterem-se competitivas. Apesar do crescente interesse no conceito, os estudos existentes sobre inovação aberta concentram-se maioritariamente nas empresas de grande dimensão. Assim, a presente investigação pretende contribuir para a literatura ao estudar a aplicação do conceito de inovação aberta nas PME portuguesas. Em concreto, através do estudo exploratório desenvolvido, foi possível concluir que existe atualmente um elevado nível de recetividade à inovação aberta por parte das PME portuguesas, tendo sido igualmente possível analisar quais as principais práticas, motivações e benefícios da inovação aberta para estas empresas.Innovation has progressively gained greater importance for companies over time. Considering the numerous challenges to which they are currently subject to, more and more companies are applying open innovation in order to overcome those barriers and remain competitive. Despite the growing interest in the concept, existing studies on open innovation focus mainly on large firms. Thus, the present investigation intends to study the application of the concept of open innovation in portuguese SMEs. Specifically, through the research carried out, it was possible to conclude that there is currently a high level of open innovation in portuguese SMEs. It was also possible to analyze the main practices, motivations and benefits of open innovation for these companies

Toxicidade de nanoplásticos : estudos com microalgas e rotíferos

Atualmente é cada vez maior a quantidade de plástico produzido mundialmente. Este é um fator preocupante, uma vez que o plástico representa uma ameaça para o ambiente marinho quando não é devidamente descartado ou reciclado. A existência de nanoplásticos (partículas de plástico inferiores a 100 nm) no meio aquático constitui um perigo, não só pelas substâncias que podem ser adsorvidas, mas também pelos diversos efeitos negativos associados ao facto de se apresentarem na forma de nanopartícula. Os organismos aquáticos podem estar expostos a vários tipos de plásticos, como por exemplo, o polimetilmetacrilato. Deste modo, o primeiro objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura e analisar os efeitos dos nanoplásticos em animais marinhos. A revisão mostrou que os nanoplásticos podem afetar os ecossistemas marinhos desde produtores a consumidores, no entanto, a informação disponível é ainda reduzida tornando-se necessário continuar a estudar este tema em diferentes organismos e com diferentes tipos de plásticos. Assim, o segundo objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de nanopartículas de polimetilmetacrilato (~50 nm), polímero pouco estudado, nas microalgas Tetraselmis chuii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Isochrysis galbana e Thalassiosira weissflogii e no rotífero marinho Brachionus plicatilis. Os resultados demonstraram que nanoplástico tem a capacidade de afetar tanto o crescimento das algas marinhas, sendo que a mais sensível foi a T. weissflogii com uma concentração de efeito (EC50) de 83.75 mg/L, como a sobrevivência dos rotíferos, sendo que o tipo L da espécie B. plicatilis foi o mais sensível com uma concentração letal (LC50) de 13.27 mg/L. A sobrevivência deste organismo começa a ser afetada a partir de concentrações superiores a 9.38 mg/L. Por último, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito, nas microalgas T. chuii e N. gaditana, da exposição simultânea a polimetilmetacrilato e um contaminante ambiental. Para este efeito foi selecionada a cafeína, considerada como um marcador de contaminação antropogénica. A cafeína afetou o crescimento das algas, tendo sido registada uma EC20 de 565.4 mg/L para a T. chuii e uma EC20 de 567.6 mg/L para a N. gaditana. O crescimento de ambas as microalgas foi significativamente afetado quando expostas à mistura de nanoplásticos com a cafeína.Nowadays the production of plastic is increasing all around the world. This is a worrying situation since plastic constitutes a threat to the marine environment when it is not properly discarded or recycled. The existence of nanoplastics (particles with less than 100 nm) in the marine environment may became dangerous, not only because of the substances that can be adsorbed, but also because of their expression as nanoparticles. Marine organisms can be exposed to several types of nanoplastics such as polymethylmethacrylate. Thus, the first object of this work was to do a literature review on the effects of nanoplastics on marine organisms. The review showed that nanoplastics affect all marine ecosystems from producers to consumers, however there is still a lot of information that is needed regarding different organisms or different types of plastics. Therefore, the second goal was to evaluate the effects of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics (~50 nm), a less studied polymer, on marine microalgae, Tetraselmis chuii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Isochrysis galbana and Thalassiosira weissflogii, as well as on the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. Nanoplastics significantly affected both growth rate of marine microalgae with T. weissflogii being the most sensitive one with an EC50 of 83.75 mg/L, and rotifers survival, where B. plicatilis type L was the most affected one with significantly results from 9.38 mg/L and a LC50 of 13.27 mg/L. The last goal of this work was to evaluate the effect, on marine algae T. chuii and N. gaditana, of a combined exposure between polymethylmethacrylate and an environmental contaminant. For this purpose, caffeine was selected as an anthropogenic contamination marker. Caffeine significantly affected the growth rate of both algae with an EC20 of 565.4 mg/L for T. chuii and an EC20 of 567.6 mg/L for N. gaditana. Growth rate of both marine microalgae was significantly affected when they were exposed to a mixture of nanoplastics and caffeine.Mestrado em Biologia Marinh

Bromine, a contaminant of emerging concern in Portuguese cabbage

O bromo é um dos principais halogéneos da tabela periódica e tem vindo a ser classificado como contaminante de preocupação emergente, porque devido à sua bio-magnificação pode constituir um risco para a saúde humana. Os compostos bromados são contaminantes não biodegradáveis que se acumulam nos diferentes níveis tróficos da cadeia alimentar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os teores de bromo em amostras de couve portuguesa (Brassica Oleracea var. costata DC), uma hortícola do género brássica bastante consumida pela população portuguesa. Foram recolhidas cento e dezassete amostras durante o período 2015-2017 em diferentes locais representativos de cada distrito de Portugal, em dois períodos de colheita. O teor de bromo foi determinado por espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivo acoplado (ICP-MS), precedido por uma extração alcalina com Tetrametilhidróxido de amónia (TMAH). Os valores de bromo encontrados na primeira colheita estavam compreendidos entre 0,5 e 14,5 mg/kg e na segunda colheita os valores observados estavam compreendidos entre 1,0 e 7,8 mg/kg. As amostras foram organizadas de acordo com a Nomenclatura de Unidades Territoriais NUTS II para Portugal e constatou-se que as regiões com valores mais elevados de bromo foram a Região do Algarve e a Região Autónoma da Madeira. Em comparação com o LMR (limite máximo de resíduos) para os teores do ião brometo em alimentos da espécie brássica (30 mg/kg) verificou-se que nenhuma das amostras analisadas ultrapassou esse valor estipulado. No entanto, serão necessários estudos adicionais sobre a avaliação da exposição, bem como sobre a toxicologia deste contaminante, para que entidades reguladoras possam avaliar a pertinência da revisão da legislação em vigor.Bromine is one of the principal halogens of the periodic table and has been classified as a contaminant of emerging concern because due to its biomagnification it may pose a risk to human health. Brominated compounds are non-biodegradable contaminants that accumulate at different trophic levels in the food chain. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the bromine contents in samples of Portuguese cabbage (Brassica Oleracea var. Costata DC), a vegetal of the Brassica genus that is widely consumed by the Portuguese population. One hundred and seventeen samples were collected between 2015-2017 in different representative locations of each district of Portugal. This was done in two harvest periods. The Bromine contents were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), preceded by an alkaline extraction with 25% ammonium tetramethylhydroxide (TMAH). The Bromine amounts found in the first crop were between 0.5 and 14.5 mg/kg and in the second crop between 1.0 and 7.8 mg/kg. The samples were organized according to the Nomenclature of NUTS II Territorial Units for Portugal and it was found that the regions with the highest bromine contents were the Algarve Region and the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Compared to the MRL (maximum residue limit) for bromide ion contents in foods of the Brassica species (30 mg/kg), none of the analysed samples exceeded this legislated value. However, further studies on the exposure assessment as well as the toxicology of this contaminant will be required, so that regulatory authorities can assess the relevance of the review of existing legislation.Este trabalho teve o apoio financeiro do Projeto PRO-METROFOOD, o qual recebeu financiamento do programa de investigação e inovação Horizonte 2020 da União Europeia ao abrigo do contrato de subvenção 739568.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ciclosporina no Tratamento da Urticária Crónica Espontânea na Era do Omalizumab

Introduction: In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) unresponsive to anti H1-histamines, national recommendations propose omalizumab, which is not always promptly available. Thus, other treatments should be discussed. In this context, we have analysed efficacy and safety of cyclosporine and possible relations between characteristics of urticaria and response to cyclosporine.Material and Methods: Retrospective study of CSU patients from a department of dermatology treated with cyclosporine (2010-2016). We evaluated the demographic and clinic-laboratorial parameters, doses, treatment duration, follow-up, side effects and efficacy, using the weekly urticarial activity score 7 (UAS7). Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05.Results: We evaluated 23 patients (19 female/4 male; mean age 46.0y ± 14.0) with CSU which evolved for 129.7 ± 128.1 months and who were treated with cyclosporine (mean dose 3.2 ± 0.3 mg/kg). There was a good response in 10 patients (44%) at the first month, with a significant mean UAS7 reduction. Side effects from cyclosporine occurred in eight patients, leading to treatment suspension in six patients (26%), mostly due to arterial hypertension and infections. None of the parameters evaluated was associated with response to cyclosporine.Conclusion: Cyclosporine was effective in 44% of patients with moderate to severe CSU. When omalizumab is not immediately available, it may be worth trying cyclosporine, with a narrow monitoring for adverse effects.Introdução: Na urticária crónica espontânea (UCE) refratária a anti-histamínicos, as recomendações nacionais propõem utilizar o omalizumab mas este nem sempre está prontamente disponível, justificando-se discutir o valor de outros fármacos. Neste contexto, analisámos a eficácia e a segurança da ciclosporina e explorámos a relação entre características da urticária e a resposta terapêutica.Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo num serviço de dermatologia (2010-2016). Foram reunidos dados demográficos, clínico-evolutivos e laboratoriais da UCE moderada a grave tratada com ciclosporina, dose, duração do tratamento, período de follow-up e reações adversas. A eficácia foi avaliada pela escala de atividade da urticária durante 7 dias (UAS7). A significância estatística foi definida para 0,05.Resultados: Foram estudados 23 doentes (19 feminino/4 masculino; idade média 46,0 ± 14,0 anos) com UCE que evolui há 129,7 ± 128,1 meses, tratados com ciclosporina numa dose média de 3,2 ± 0,3 mg/kg. Em 10 doentes (44%) observou-se boa resposta logo no primeiro mês com redução significativa do UAS7 (UAS7 ≤ 6) relativamente aos não respondedores (p < 0,05). Ocorreram eventos adversos em oito doentes, com necessidade de suspensão em seis (hipertensão arterial não controlada ou infeções). Nenhum dos dados avaliados mostrou relação com a resposta terapêutica.Conclusão: A ciclosporina, eficaz em 44% dos doentes com urticária moderada a grave, poderá ser considerada alternativa ao omalizumab, quando este não está disponível, mas com monitorização estreita de eventos adversos

Pain diagnosis, pain coping, and function in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Purpose: Research supports a role for coping responses in adjustment to chronic pain. However, it is likely that some coping responses play a larger role in adjustment to pain for some individuals than others. The identification of the factors that moderate the association between coping responses and pain-related outcomes has important clinical implications. This study sought to determine if musculoskeletal pain diagnosis moderates the associations between eight pain-coping responses and both pain and function. Patients and Methods: A non-probabilistic sample of 323 persons with different chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions completed measures of pain intensity, physical function, psychological function, and pain-coping responses. Results: With only one exception, the frequency of use of pain-coping responses was not associated with pain diagnosis. Statistically significant moderation effects of pain diagnosis on the association between coping and pain outcomes were found for two coping responses: 1) support seeking when predicting pain intensity, and 2) resting when predicting both physical and psychological function. Conclusion: The findings indicate that coping responses tend to play a similar role in patients' pain and function across different musculoskeletal pain conditions, with some important exceptions. If the findings are found to replicate in other samples, they would have important implications for determining when psychosocial pain treatments might (and when they might not) need to be adapted for specific diagnostic groups.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A COMUNICAÇÃO NA PROMOÇÃO DA DIGNIDADE EM CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS: DESAFIOS PARA A ENFERMAGEM

Objetivo: compreender a influência da comunicação enquanto instrumento básico de Enfermagem na promoção da dignidade em Cuidados Paliativos. Método: reflexão teórica mediante revisão da literatura e com recurso ao Modelo da Dignidade de Chochinov. A pesquisa de artigos científicos foi realizada na biblioteca do conhecimento online, na base de dados das publicações Elsevier e na plataforma agregadora de bases de dados EBSCO Host Web, publicados durante o período 2010-2016. Resultados: identificou-se intervenções associadas às competências comunicacionais dos enfermeiros que promovem a dignidade dos clientes em cuidados paliativos. As intervenções comunicacionais que mais promovem a dignidade são as que transmitem ao cliente paliativo o respeito pela sua individualidade e valorização da sua história pessoal. Conclusão: o enfermeiro deve adotar uma postura de compreensão empática, escuta ativa, disponibilidade, atenção às necessidades emocionais, aos componentes não verbais (como a presença física e o contacto visual), à gestão de expectativas e o incentivo do autocuidado.Descritores: Enfermagem. Cuidados Paliativos. Comunicação. Dignidade Humana

Phenolic profile of Croton urucurana Baill. Leaves, stems and bark: pairwise influence of drying temperature and extraction solvent

Cerrado biome represents an area with great biodiversity. Some of its plants have significant ethnopharmacological uses, with specific purposes. Croton urucurana Baill., for instance, was previously acknowledged for its anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, and potentially antifungal and entomopathogenic actions. Nevertheless, the compounds supporting these empirical applications are still unknown. Accordingly, this work was designed to achieve a complete characterization of the phenolic profile of di erent botanical tissues obtained from C. urucurana, and also to verify how di erent operational conditions (di erent drying temperatures and extraction conditions) a ect that profile. All samples were further characterized by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MSn, and results were compared by advanced chemometric tools. In general, the drying temperatures that maximize the extraction yield of specific individual phenolic compounds were established. Likewise, it was possible to verify that samples extracted with the hydroethanolic solution allowed higher phenolic yields, either in individual compounds (except (epi)catechin-di-O-gallate) or total phenolics. The identification of the best operational conditions and phenolic profiles associated with each C. urucurana botanical part contributes to enabling their use in food or pharmaceutical-related applications.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for the contracts of M.I. Dias and L. Barros, and to the individual scientific employment program-contract for J.C.M. Barreira; to the FEDER–Interreg España–Portugal program for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E. The authors are also grateful to the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Microencapsulation of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) AND ciriguela (Spondias purpurea L) mixed juice with different wall materials

The effect of five different mixtures containing xanthan gum (XG), maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) on microencapsulation by spray drying of mixed acerola and ciriguela juice was investigated in order to preserve its contents of ascorbic acid (AA), total phenolic compounds (PC) and total carotenoids (TC), as well as its an tioxidant activity (AO) under different temperatures. All microcapsules produced with the different mixtures showed effective AA retention. Microcapsules produced using the mixtures with the highest and the lowest XG concentrations showed the greatest TC and PC retentions, respectively. As the mixture with MD and the lowest XG concentration ensured the highest AO retention, these microcapsules were stored for 30 days at 5°C, which ensured satisfactory preservation of AA, PC, TC and AO. Examination of their morphology by scanning electron microscopy showed the absence of pores or cracks, which allowed us to infer low oxygen permeability and high oxidative stability

Are prayer-based Interventions effective pain management options? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This review examined the efects of private and communal participatory prayer on pain. Nine databases were searched. Six randomized controlled trials were included. For private prayer, medium to large efects emerged for 67% to 69% of betweengroup comparisons; participants in the prayer condition reported lower pain intensity (0.59<d<26.17; 4 studies) and higher pain tolerance (0.70<d<1.05; 1 study). Preto post-intervention comparisons yielded medium to large efects (0.76<d<1.67; 2 studies); pain intensity decreased. Although frm conclusions cannot be made because meta-analysis was based on only two studies, the analysis suggested prayer might reduce pain intensity (SMD=−2.63, 95% CI [−3.11, −2.14], I=0%). (PROSPERO: CRD42020221733)Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Secondary aortoenteric fistula after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair – a narrative review

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the technique of choice in most vascular centres for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). However, due to its low incidence, literature regarding secondary aortoenteric fistula (AEF) as an EVAR complication is still scarce. We aim to summarise the latest evidence on the topic through a narrative review. METHODS: We conducted a MEDLINE literature search and included studies on secondary aortoenteric fistula, abdominal aortic aneurysms and endovascular aneurysm repair. Relevant studies were selected by reading of the titles and abstracts. Only English literature was considered. RESULTS: Despite secondary AEF after EVAR first being reported in 1998, its incidence is hard to calculate, but is recognized to be lower (<0.5%) when compared to open aortic repairs (up to 1.6%). Aetiology may be categorised into local infection factors (pre-existent or associated with the procedure), mechanical factors associated with the aneurysm (such as anatomical shape and size) or mechanical factors associated with the stent graft (such as kinking, endoleak or endotension). Most common symptoms include abdominal or back pain, nausea, fever and gastrointestinal bleeding. Haemodynamic instability and shock at presentation is only present in less than a fifth of patients. Patients should be thoroughly submitted to a laboratory work-up, cultures and imaging tests, particularly CT scan and upper endoscopy. There are no guidelines regarding management, but it should include total graft excision along with arterial reconstruction (either in-situ or extra-anatomical), bowel repair and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, AEF is associated with a high mortality rate, even if adequate treatment is performed. CONCLUSION: Secondary AEF is an uncommon life-threatening complication after EVAR. Clinical presentation is non-specific, so a high level of suspicion is necessary to rapidly reach diagnosis. Treatment requires infection source control and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Considering the increasing use of endovascular devices, there is a need for future studies providing more insight on the most adequate treatment for this complication