A espada do Basileus: a política imperial e a cristianização do exército romano, século IV d.C.

Tese de mestrado, História (História Antiga), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Letras, 2012Nesta dissertação, discutiu-se como o Estado romano lidou com os cristãos em seu exército, bem como as diversas posições de eclesiásticos sobre a questão e como o problema foi resolvido após a conversão de Constantino. Contrariando a tese formulada por Edward Gibbon no século XVIII, foi explicado como o cristianismo na verdade fortaleceu o “espírito militar” e contribuiu na formação de uma identidade militar tardia. Para tal esforço foi realizada uma contextualização histórica da guerra romana dos seus primórdios ao fim do século IV, levando em conta diversas fontes que tratam do tema em questão. De entre essas fontes se destaca o Epitoma rei militaris de Flávio Vegécio (séc. IV d.C.), que foi analisado em sintonia com o contexto político da basileia, termo aplicado ao sistema imperial romano tardio. Não obstante uma visão crítica sobre os breviários e epítomes do Baixo Império, Vegécio não se resumiu a compilar informações acerca da estrutura, organização e disciplina da legião clássica. Em um período conturbado, em que os velhos símbolos pagãos eram resignificados, a cristianização da milícia constituiu um dos derradeiros processos de coesão e renovação do ideal dos soldados romanos, do qual o novo sacramentum fornece importante prova. Palavras-chave: Exército romano – Cristianismo – Basileia – Vegécio – Século IV d.C.Abstract: In this thesis, we discussed how the Roman state dealt with the Christians in their army, and the various ecclesiastical positions on the issue and how the problem was resolved after the conversion of Constantine. Contrary to the thesis formulated by Edward Gibbon in the eighteenth century, it was explained how Christianity actually strengthened the “military spirit” and contributed to the formation of a late military identity. For such an effort was made into a historical context of the Roman war of its beginnings to the end of the fourth century, taking into account various sources dealing with the issue in question. Among these sources highlight is the Flavius Vegetius’ Epitoma rei militaris (fourth century A.D.), which was analyzed in line with the political context of basileia, a term applied to the Late Roman imperial system. Despite a critical view of the breviary and epitomes of the Lower Empirer, Vegetius was not reduced to complein information about the structure, organization and discipline of classical legion. In a troubled period in which the old pagan symbols were resignified, the Christianization of the militia was one of the last processes of cohesion and renewal of the ideal of the Roman soldiers, which the new sacramentum provides important evidence. Keywords: Roma

Absence of Tau triggers age-dependent sciatic nerve morphofunctional deficits and motor impairment

Dementia is the cardinal feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the clinical symptoms of this disorder also include a marked loss of motor function. Tau abnormal hyperphosphorylation and malfunction are well-established key events in AD neuropathology but the impact of the loss of normal Tau function in neuronal degeneration and subsequent behavioral deficits is still debated. While Tau reduction has been increasingly suggested as therapeutic strategy against neurodegeneration, particularly in AD, there is controversial evidence about whether loss of Tau progressively impacts on motor function arguing about damage of CNS motor components. Using a variety of motor-related tests, we herein provide evidence of an age-dependent motor impairment in Tau-/- animals that is accompanied by ultrastructural and functional impairments of the efferent fibers that convey motor-related information. Specifically, we show that the sciatic nerve of old (17-22-months) Tau-/- mice displays increased degenerating myelinated fibers and diminished conduction properties, as compared to age-matched wild-type (Tau+/+) littermates and younger (4-6months) Tau-/- and Tau+/+ mice. In addition, the sciatic nerves of Tau-/- mice exhibit a progressive hypomyelination (assessed by g-ratio) specifically affecting large-diameter, motor-related axons in old animals. These findings suggest that loss of Tau protein may progressively impact on peripheral motor system.The work was supported by grants 'PTDC/SAU-NMC/113934/2009,' 'PTDC/SAU-NSC/118194/2010,' 'SFRH/BPD/97281/2013,' PTDC/SAU-NSC/118194/2010,' 'SFRH/BPD/80118/2011,' 'SFRH/BD/89714/2012' funded by FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and project DoIT-Desenvolvimento e Operacionalizacao da Investigacao de Translacao (No do projeto 13853), funded by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) throughout the Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade (POFC). In addition, this work was also co-financed by European Union FP7 project SwitchBox (NS) and the Portuguese North Regional Operational Program (ON.2 - O Novo Norte) under the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pronação excessiva e varismos de pé e perna: relação com o desenvolvimento de patologias músculo-esqueléticas - Revisão de Literatura

A literatura propõe mecanismos biomecânicos que relacionam a pronação subtalar excessiva ao desenvolvimento de diversas patologias músculo-esqueléticas. A presença dos desalinhamentos anatômicos antepé varo, retropé varo e tíbia vara pode levar à ocorrência da pronação subtalar excessiva. Entretanto, não existe um consenso sobre a contribuição do padrão de movimento e da presença desses desalinhamentos para o desenvolvimento de patologias. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura para investigar a influência de varismos aumentados de antepé, retropé e tíbia e da pronação subtalar excessiva no surgimento de patologias músculo-esqueléticas. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica sistematizada nas bases Medline, ISI - Web of Science, Lilacs e Scielo, tendo sido selecionados 13 estudos analíticos. Do total de 13 estudos, 10 encontraram associação de patologias no membro inferior com um ou mais dos desalinhamentos anatômicos analisados ou com um ou mais parâmetros cinemáticos relacionadas à pronação subtalar excessiva. A análise dos estudos sugere que a pronação subtalar excessiva e/ou a presença de desalinhamentos que podem levar a esse padrão de movimento são possíveis fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de patologias músculo-esqueléticas no membro inferior.The literature proposes biomechanical mechanisms that link excessive subtalar joint pronation to the development of several musculoskeletal pathologies. The presence of forefoot varus, rearfoot varus and tibiofibular varum can lead to the occurrence of excessive subtalar pronation. However, there is no consensus about the contribution of the movement pattern and/or the presence of these anatomical misalignments to the development of pathologies. The aim of the present study was to conduct a literature review in order to investigate the influence of increased varus alignment of forefoot, rearfoot and shank and of excessive subtalar pronation on the development of musculoskeletal pathologies. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases Medline, ISI - Web of Science, Lilacs and Scielo, and 13 analytic studies were selected. Ten studies found significant associations of lower-limb musculoskeletal pathologies with one or more of the anatomical misalignments analyzed or with one or more kinematic parameters related to excessive subtalar pronation. The analysis of the studies suggests that excessive pronation and/or the presence of these anatomical misalagniments should be regarded as possible risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal pathologies in the lower limb

Identification of earlier predictors of pregnancy complications through wearable technologies in a Brazilian multicentre cohort : Maternal Actigraphy Exploratory Study I (MAES-I) study protocol

Introduction Non-invasive tools capable of identifying predictors of maternal complications would be a step forward for improving maternal and perinatal health. There is an association between modification in physical activity (PA) and sleep–wake patterns and the occurrence of inflammatory, metabolic, pathological conditions related to chronic diseases. The actigraphy device is validated to estimate PA and sleep–wake patterns among pregnant women. In order to extend the window of opportunity to prevent, diagnose and treat specific maternal conditions, would it be possible to use actigraphy data to identify risk factors for the development of adverse maternal outcomes during pregnancy? Methods and analysis A cohort will be held in five centres from the Brazilian Network for Studies on Reproductive and Perinatal Health. Maternal Actigraphy Exploratory Study I (MAES-I) will enrol 400 low-risk nulliparous women who will wear the actigraphy device on their wrists day and night (24 hours/day) uninterruptedly from 19 to 21 weeks until childbirth. Changes in PA and sleep–wake patterns will be analysed throughout pregnancy, considering ranges in gestational age in women with and without maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth (spontaneous or provider-initiated), gestational diabetes, maternal haemorrhage during pregnancy, in addition to perinatal outcomes. The plan is to design a predictive model using actigraphy data for screening pregnant women at risk of developing specific adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes

Importance of superficial circumflex iliac artery preservation to prevent abdominal wall necrosis in patients who underwent mini-abdominoplasty: an surgical-anatomic descriptive and prospective study

INTRODUCTION: Abdominoplasty is the third most performed procedure in plastic surgery. To avoid surgical complications, a study of the superficial circumflex iliac artery of the abdomen (SCIA) was carried out to investigate the importance of this artery preservation in abdominoplasties as one of the high importance factors to prevent necrosis. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at the Plastic Surgery Service of the Agamenon Magalhaes Hospital. We included 33 patients who underwent abdominoplasty using Pitanguy's technique where the resected surgical flaps underwent hemodynamic studies to analyze the anatomical area irrigated by SCIA. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients underwent surgery, of them 33 met the study inclusion criteria, and 6 (18.9%) were excluded for technical reasons. Patients' age ranged from 23 and 49 years (36.6±7.5), their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 22.0 to 30.5 (24.9 ± 2.1), and weight of resected surgical specimens ranged from 450 to 1010 grams (623.1 ± 141.5). Pearson's test between BMI and weight of surgical specimens showed significant correlation r = 0.91 and r2 = 0,83. We included in the study 32 women (97%) and 1 man (3%). One patient had hypertension (3%). Of the sample, 27 patients were pardo (81.8%), 2 white (6.1%), 3 black (9.1%) and 1 native south American (3.0%). In hemodynamic studies, images and videos obtained showed that injection of iodinated contrast in SCIA were considered adequate, and consistent with the objective of this study in 25 (92%) patients and inadequate for 2 (8%) patients. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic results of our study indicated that preservation of SCIA of the abdomen in mini-abdominoplasties is important to prevent necrosis of abdominal wall

Pré-eclâmpsia associada ao autismo em recém-nascidos: revisão sistemática / Preeclampsia associated with autism in newborns: Systematic review

Os transtornos do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) são uma variedade de distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos nos quais estudos atuais apontam que fatores perinatais e pré-eclâmpsia contribuem para o neurodesenvolvimento deficiente do feto. Este artigo consiste numa revisão sistemática de literatura acerca da associação entre pré-eclâmpsia e o espectro autista em recém-nascidos. O levantamento sistemático envolveu as bases de dados Embase, Scopus e PubMed utilizando-se os termos “autismo”, “transtorno do espectro autista”, “pré-eclâmpsia” e “distúrbios hipertensivos da gravidez”. A eliminação de referências repetidas e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão resultaram em 17 artigos eleitos para análise mais detalhada. Crianças portadoras de TEA têm maiores chances de terem sido expostas em útero à pré-eclâmpsia, além de geralmente desencadear partos prematuros. A partir da evidência de uma ampla associação entre pré-eclâmpsia e o TEA, buscou-se compreender melhor quais fatores ambientais podem interferir nessa relação. Com isso, analisou-se o papel inflamatório das citocinas e quimiocinas na pré-eclâmpsia e seus efeitos, como a má perfusão e alterações no desenvolvimento neural. Conclui-se, então, que há associação efetiva entre pré-eclâmpsia e autismo, de modo que, juntos, proporcionam o atraso do desenvolvimento neuronal. Todavia, novos estudos precisam destacar com mais clareza de que forma esse evento ocorre

Profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV (PrEP) como estratégia de prevenção combinada e sua eficácia clínica: Uma revisão integrada da Literatura.

This study aims to highlight the importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as an essential part of the combined HIV prevention strategy. To this end, an integrative review was conducted from June to September 2023, with research carried out in the SciELO and PubMed databases, using descriptors such as "PrEP/Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis", "HIV", "profilaxis/prophylaxis" and "effectiveness." The initial search resulted in 42 articles, which were subsequently subjected to rigorous selection criteria, resulting in the choice of 30 relevant articles. After applying the selection criteria, the 30 selected articles were subjected to a thorough reading by all members of the research team, aiming to collect effectiveness data. Seven large studies that evaluated the effectiveness of PrEP were identified and represented in a unified table, addressing the thematic categories of daily and on-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis. This made these studies easier to view and understand, providing a comprehensive view of PrEP effectiveness in different contexts. In summary, PrEP represents a significant advance in HIV prevention and plays a fundamental role in the fight against the epidemic. However, your success is intrinsically linked to awareness, education and ongoing support. Furthermore, PrEP must be integrated with other prevention strategies to optimize its impact in reducing the spread of HIV. The challenge now lies in ensuring equitable and effective access to PrEP, especially for vulnerable populations, in order to achieve goals related to ending the HIV epidemic. Consequently, PrEP plays a crucial role in the evolution of HIV prevention and the search for a future free from this epidemic.Este estudo tem como objetivo destacar a importância da Profilaxia Pré-Exposição (PrEP) como parte essencial da estratégia de prevenção combinada do HIV. Para isso, foi conduzida uma revisão integrativa no período de junho a setembro de 2023, com pesquisa realizada nas bases de dados SciELO e PubMed, utilizando descritores como "PrEP/Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis", "HIV", "profilaxia/ Prophylaxis" e "eficácia/effectiveness". A pesquisa inicial resultou em 42 artigos, que foram posteriormente submetidos a critérios de seleção rigorosos, resultando na escolha de 30 artigos relevantes. Após a aplicação dos critérios de seleção, os 30 artigos selecionados foram submetidos a uma leitura minuciosa por todos os membros da equipe de pesquisa, visando a coleta de dados de eficácia. Sete grandes estudos que avaliaram a eficácia da PrEP foram identificados e representados em uma tabela unificada, abordando as categorias temáticas de profilaxia pré-exposição de uso diário e sob demanda. Isso facilitou a visualização e compreensão desses estudos, fornecendo uma visão abrangente da eficácia da PrEP em diferentes contextos. Em resumo, a PrEP representa um avanço significativo na prevenção do HIV e desempenha um papel fundamental na luta contra a epidemia. No entanto, seu sucesso está intrinsecamente ligado à conscientização, educação e apoio contínuo. Além disso, a PrEP deve ser integrada a outras estratégias de prevenção para otimizar seu impacto na redução da disseminação do HIV. O desafio agora reside em garantir um acesso equitativo e eficaz à PrEP, especialmente para populações vulneráveis, a fim de alcançar as metas relacionadas ao término da epidemia de HIV. Consequentemente, a PrEP desempenha um papel crucial na evolução da prevenção do HIV e na busca por um futuro livre dessa epidemia

Ebola: an international public health emergency

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa could become one of the worst infectious-disease-driven humanitarian crises of recent times. With more than 3000 deaths since the first case was confirmed in March 2014, the international community has recognized Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern and a clear threat to global health security. The complexity of dealing with this Ebola outbreak has highlighted the need for traditional actors, such as WHO and the CDC, to embrace the wider health and humanitarian community. The epidemic reinforces the need for nations to investment in health infrastructure and disease surveillance to keep pace with other developments in Africa. If Ebola arrives in high-income and middleincome nations, it should be contained quickly. The crisis shows the importance of sufficient levels of multilateral funding for WHO. The world needs a strong WHO, with the financing and political influence to fulfil its historic mission

Plagiarism as another ethical issue in scientific research

The excessive demand for publications results in high plagiarism and duplicate numbers by scientists who take over existing texts into new publications. In addition to serious ethical problems, this practice hinders the generation of original material. In order to reduce the problem, softwares such as eTBLAST are being used to detect plagiarism and repeated papers. Despite the persistence of fraudsters, these tools have helped to reduce these problems; however, the ideal solution would be the basic ethical establishment principles. Therefore, plagiarism has always been a foible that could lead to fraudulent and dishonorable development of science