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The Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) (YLH) is an invasive insect that arrived in Europe in 2004 and is now spread across nine countries. It is a threat to the native entomofauna and harmful to beekeeping and agriculture, as it is a ravenous predator of the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and other pollinating species. Its expansion has been unstoppable and all resources are needed to fight against it, including native vertebrate predators. Among these, the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (EBE) is a potential one, but little is known about its predation on YLH. In a study carried out in Portugal, remains of YHL were detected in EBE nesting sites, which to the best of our knowledge is the first such report. This means that this bird could be one more agent in the biological control of this pest (although research on predation intensity is still needed), in conjunction with other natural predators and other strategies. In the Iberian Peninsula both species are allopatric in vast regions, so the role of EBE may be more limited. However, in the rest of Europe, at a country or continent scale, the scenario may be different and sympatry may occur to a greater extent.

In 2004, Vespa velutina was first seen in France. Since then, this fierce honey bee predator spread across many countries, giving rise to one of the most phenomenal insect invasions in Europe. An early study in France showed a genetically depauperate population, originating from a single multi-mated queen introduced from China. Here, we further unveil V. velutina invasion genetics in Europe by surveying the Iberian and Italian peninsulas using cytonuclear markers. Our results show that the French population acted as the colonists’ source in Spain, Portugal and Italy, leading to rejecting the hypothesis of multiple introductions from the native range. While Spain and Italy were colonized predominantly by leading-edge expansions from the French core population, in Portugal the invasion started from long-distance jump. Both processes were accompanied by a significant reduction in genetic diversity, with stronger losses for Portugal (Ar = 17.4%; uHe = 42.3%) than for Spain (Ar = 9.0%; uHe = 20.6%) or Italy (Ar = 16.3%; uHe = 26.8%). Signatures of differentiation and population structure, associated to the founding event in Portugal, enabled detection of secondary contact between the front derived from the primary propagule introduced in France and the front derived from the secondary propagule introduced in Portugal. Detection of first-generation migrants in the three countries suggests continuous gene flow that is bringing in new alleles, and this effect is stronger in Portugal, as reflected by a 20.3% increase in allelic richness. Overall, this study provides further insights into the invasion genetics of V. velutina in Europe, which can aid developing strategies to manage this major threat to beekeeping. This research was funded by the program POSEUR- 03-2215-FC-000008, through the project ‘‘GesVespa: Estratégias de gestão sustentável da Vespa velutina no Norte de Portugal’’. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia provided financial support by national funds (FCT/MCTES) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This paper describes the SPOWTT project. The intention of this project was to understand how sailing by crew transfer vessel (CTVs) to offshore wind farms affects the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals on board. The focus was on quantifying this impact, understanding the key drivers, with an aim to ensuring personnel can arrive to the wind turbines in a fit state to work safely and effectively. Impacts looked at subjective state beyond simply vomiting. Key results include the ability now to predict vessel motions from given Metocean conditions and vessel designs. We also discovered that the impact of vessel motions on seasickness is different for different symptoms and is driven not only by vertical z‐axis accelerations but also by certain frequencies of motion in the y‐axis. Frequencies other than 0.16 Hz were found to be impactful, and x‐axis movements appeared to have a longer‐lasting effect on the day's work. Through the formulation of a new, evidence‐based understanding of seasickness, we have created an operational planning tool, designed to have a direct benefit on the safety and productivity of offshore wind farm operations.

Neste artigo fazemos uma revisão dos predadores vertebrados naturais da Vespa-asiática (Vespa velutina) na Europa e em Portugal em particular, enumerando aqueles para os quais já existem observações comprovadas e aqueles que, por se alimentarem da Vespa-europeia (Vespa crabro), mesmo que irregularmente, podem ser considerados consumidores potenciais da primeira. Damos particular atenção ao Vespeiro (Pernis apivorus) e ao Abelharuco (Merops apiaster), por serem potencialmente os predadores vertebrados mais importantes da Vespa-asiática, seja porque são especialistas em insectos da subordem Apocrita -que inclui as vespas, abelhas e formigas -, seja porque para eles existe considerável informação sobre a sua ecologia trófica. Fruto de um estudo realizado em 2021, os resultados confirmam que o Abelharuco captura Vespa-asiática, mas desconhecemos ainda quão importante é este consumo. Embora a Abelha-europeia (Apis mellifera) seja a espécie mais frequente nos restos de presas colhidos, a dieta desta ave aparenta ser diversa.

ScopeDiets rich in (poly)phenols have been associated with positive effects on neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Several low-molecular weight (poly)phenol metabolites (LMWPM) are found in the plasma after consumption of (poly)phenol-rich food. It is expected that LMWPM, upon reaching the brain, may have beneficial effects against both oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and possibly attenuate cell death mechanisms relate to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in PD.Methods and ResultsThis study investigates the neuroprotective potential of two blood-brain barrier permeant LMWPM, catechol-O-sulfate (cat-sulf), and pyrogallol-O-sulfate (pyr-sulf), in a human 3D cell model of PD. Neurospheroids were generated from LUHMES neuronal precursor cells and challenged by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to induce neuronal stress. LMWPM pretreatments were differently neuroprotective towards MPP+ insult, presenting distinct effects on the neuronal transcriptome. Particularly, cat-sulf pretreatment appeared to boost counter-regulatory defense mechanisms (preconditioning). When MPP+ is applied, both LMWPM positively modulated glutathione metabolism and heat-shock response, as also favorably shifting the balance of pro/anti-apoptotic proteins.ConclusionsOur findings point to the potential of LMWPM to trigger molecular mechanisms that help dopaminergic neurons to cope with a subsequent toxic insult. They are promising molecules to be further explored in the context of preventing and attenuating parkinsonian neurodegeneration. published

Objective: The purpose of this correlation study was to evaluate a possible association between the styloid process size and different craniofacial skeletal patterns, in the sagittal and the vertical planes. Methods: 59 consecutive orthodontic adult patients were selected. The styloid process length was measured on pretreatment panoramic radiographs and the cephalometric skeletal variables on lateral cephalometric radiographs. Data were analyzed using independent sample T-Tests, Mann-Whitney U Tests and Spearman´s partial correlations (=5%). Results: Males exhibited longer styloid processes than females (p=0.029), with a mean difference of 7.5mm. Within each individual, right and left styloid process length was similar (r= 0.77; p

This research aimed to determine the nonlinear correlation between lateral cephalometric measurements and facial attractiveness, evaluated in the frontal and profile views. A quadratic correlation was studied, in which the vertex of the function indicates the cephalometric value corresponding to the maximum attractiveness.Frontal and profile facial attractiveness of 60 patients with Class I (n = 20), Class II (n = 20), or Class III malocclusion (n = 20) aged 18-35 years without previous orthodontic treatment was evaluated by 14 laypersons (7 men and 7 women) with a visual analog scale. Soft- and hard-tissue measurements were collected on lateral cephalometric radiographs. Pearson and nonlinear quadratic correlations between the attractiveness of the face and cephalometric measurements were calculated. Maximum attractiveness values (MxAt) were determined for the significant cephalometric variables.Significant quadratic correlations were found between frontal facial attractiveness and the following variables: Ls-SnPog' (r = 0.45; MxAt = 3.1 mm), Li-SnPog' (r = 0.41; MxAt = 3.8 mm), the ANB angle (r = 0.42; MxAt = 0.2°) and MPA (r = 0.51; MxAt = 31.9°). Profile attractiveness correlated nonlinearly with Ls-SnPog' (r = 0.42; MxAt = 3.2 mm), Li-SnPog' (r = 0.41; MxAt = 3.9 mm) and MPA (r = 0.46; MxAt = 32.4°).Significant quadratic correlations were found between facial attractiveness and cephalometric measurements, which were stronger than linear correlations. The maximum attractiveness points indicated a tendency for laypeople to consider a more protrusive lower lip and an ANB angle lower than the norm as the most attractive.

Breast cancer (BC) brain metastases is a life-threatening condition to which accounts the poor understanding of BC cells’ (BCCs) extravasation into the brain, precluding the development of preventive strategies. Thus, we aimed to unravel the players involved in the interaction between BCCs and blood–brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells underlying BBB alterations and the transendothelial migration of malignant cells. We used brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) as a BBB in vitro model, under conditions mimicking shear stress to improve in vivo-like BBB features. Mixed cultures were performed by the addition of fluorescently labelled BCCs to distinguish individual cell populations. BCC–BMEC interaction compromised BBB integrity, as revealed by junctional proteins (β-catenin and zonula occludens-1) disruption and caveolae (caveolin-1) increase, reflecting paracellular and transcellular hyperpermeability, respectively. Both BMECs and BCCs presented alterations in the expression pattern of connexin 43, suggesting the involvement of the gap junction protein. Myosin light chain kinase and phosphorylated myosin light chain were upregulated, revealing the involvement of the endothelial cytoskeleton in the extravasation process. β4-Integrin and focal adhesion kinase were colocalised in malignant cells, reflecting molecular interaction. Moreover, BCCs exhibited invadopodia, attesting migratory properties. Collectively, hub players involved in BC brain metastases formation were unveiled, disclosing possible therapeutic targets for metastases prevention.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a telehealth-delivered nutritional intervention via telephone in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients during the coronavirus outbreak. Methods This was a multicenter, observational, prospective, and longitudinal study of 156 patients undergoing maintenance HD from 15 dialysis units conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assigned patients to receive dietary counseling through a phone call, according to their biochemical and nutritional parameters. Dry weight, intradialytic weight gain percentage (%IDWG), body mass index, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, calcium/phosphorus product, normalized protein catabolic rate, albumin, and hemoglobin were recorded at baseline and 1 month after nutrition counseling. Results The prevalence of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia decreased significantly after dietary advice. A statistically significant reduction in serum potassium and phosphorus levels was observed in patients receiving counseling for hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of hypophosphatemia. We also observed a significant decrease in %IDWG, although no statistically significant differences were detected in patients with high %IDWG. The data demonstrated statistically significant differences in potassium and phosphorus values when the person receiving the phone contact was the patient or the caregiver. The main statistically significant differences in hypophosphatemia %IDWG were only observed when contact was made directly with the patient. No differences were observed when the contact was made through nursing homes. Conclusion Our results suggest that telehealth-delivered dietary interventions can improve the clinical and nutritional parameters of HD patients. Consequently, this strategy may be effective for promoting continuous nutritional monitoring in these patients, in particular when conducting a face-to-face option is not crucial.

Background and Aims Telehealth technologies are being implemented widely and can be used to provide education and self-management support to help and sustain lifestyle changes, namely in patients with chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a telehealth-delivered nutritional intervention, via the telephone, in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients during the coronavirus outbreak. Method This was a multicenter observational prospective longitudinal study of a cohort of 156 patients in maintenance HD from 15 dialysis units conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assigned patients to receive dietary counselling, through a phone call, according to their biochemical and nutritional parameters (potassium >5.5mEq/L; phosphorus >5.5mg/dL or 4.5%). Dry weight, %IDWG, body mass index, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, calcium/phosphorus product, normalized protein catabolic rate, albumin and hemoglobin were recorded at baseline and 1 month after the nutrition counselling. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Results The prevalence of patients with hyperkaliemia and hyperphosphatemia decreased significantly after the dietary advice (50% vs. 34.6% and 36.5% vs. 19.2%, respectively). A statistical significant reduction in serum potassium (mEq/L) [median: 6.2 (IQ:6.0-6.5) vs. 5.7 (IQR:5.3-6.1)] and phosphorus (mg/dL) [median: 6.5 (IQR: 6.1-7.2) vs. 5.5 (4.7-6.1)] was observed in patients receiving counselling for hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia. In addition, there was a statistical significant decrease in the prevalence of patients with hypophosphatemia (28.8% vs. 18.6%). There was also a significant decrease in the %IDWG [(median: 4.8% (IQR: 4.2-6.8) vs. 4.4% (IQR: 3.8-6.2)], although no statistically significant differences were observed in the prevalence of patients with high %IDWG. Regarding the person contacted by telephone, data showed statistically significant differences in potassium (mEq/L) [patient – median: 6.2 (IQR:6.1-6.4) vs. 5.7 (IQR: 5.4-6.0); caregiver – mean: 6.3 ± 0.3 vs. 5.7 ± 0.7] and phosphorus (mg/dL) [patient –median: 6.5 (6.1-7.2) vs. 5.6 (4.9-6.1); caregiver – mean: 6.7±0.8 vs. 5.1±1.5] values when the contact was with the patient or the caregiver. In relation to hypophosphatemia (mg/dL) (mean: 2.4±0.7 vs. 3.0±0.9) and %IDWG [median: 4.6% (IQR: 4.1-7.1) vs. 4.1% (IQR: 3.5-6.6)], the main statistically significant differences were only observed when the contact was done directly with the patient. No differences were seen whenever the contact was with the nursing homes. Conclusion Our results suggest that telehealth-delivered dietary interventions can improve clinical and nutritional parameters in HD patients. Therefore, it may be an effective strategy to promote a continuous nutritional monitoring in these patients, at least, when or where the face-to-face option is a critical factor.

Triple negative breast cancer presents higher mortality and poorer survival rates than other breast cancer (BC) types, due to the proneness to brain metastases formation, which are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, the discovery of BC brain metastases (BCBM) biomarkers appears pivotal for a timely intervention. With this work, we aimed to disclose microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the circulation as biomarkers of BCBM formation. Using a BCBM animal model, we analyzed EVs in plasma by nanoparticle tracking analysis and ascertained their blood-brain barrier (BBB) origin by flow cytometry. We further evaluated circulating miRNAs by RT-qPCR and their brain expression by in situ hybridization. In parallel, a cellular model of BCBM formation, combining triple negative BC cells and BBB endothelial cells, was used to differentiate the origin of biomarkers. Established metastases were associated with an increased content of circulating EVs, particularly of BBB origin. Interestingly, deregulated miRNAs in the circulation were observed prior to BCBM detection, and their brain origin was suggested by matching alterations in brain parenchyma. In vitro studies indicated that miR-194-5p and miR-205-5p are expressed and released by BC cells, endothelial cells and during their interaction. These results highlight miRNAs and EVs as biomarkers of BCBM in early and advanced stages, respectively.

Objectives: Esthetics is the main reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, demonstrating the importance of smile attractiveness in human relations. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the influence of the smile and other facial components on overall facial attractiveness. Methods: Eight laypersons evaluated the attractiveness of 60 adults (30 men, 30 women) before orthodontic treatment using a visual analog scale. Pearson and stepwise correlations were carried out between the smiling face’s attractiveness and the attractiveness of the facial components: upper two-thirds, lower third, and smile. Results: For the entire sample, strong to moderate correlations were found between facial attractiveness and the smile (r = 0.71), the lower third (r = 0.70), and the upper two-thirds of the face (r = 0.42). When divided by gender, the facial parts’ correlation values were moderate and similar among each other in men, while in women, the face showed strong correlations with the smile (r = 0.83) and the attractiveness of the face’s lower third (r = 0.75). Conclusions: In general, correlations were found between the attractiveness of the smiling face and the components. In males, the lower third of the face accounted for 66% of the variation in facial attractiveness. In females, 83% of the variance in facial attractiveness could be ascribed to smile, with the value increasing only to 86% when the upper two-thirds were added.

Abstrac Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the surface treatment and adhesive system on the shear bond strength and the failure mode of orthodontic brackets bonded to polymethylmethacrylate surfaces. Methods: Ninety metal brackets (n=15) were bonded to aged discs of polymethylmethacrylate SR Ivocron subjected to three surface conditions (no treatment; sandblasting with 50-μm aluminum oxide; roughening with a tungsten bur), using two combinations of adhesives (methylmethacrylate monomer + Transbond XT Primer; Scotchbond Universal Adhesive) followed by the composite Transbond XT. In the control group, metal brackets were bonded with Transbond XT to 15 human mandibular incisors. The specimens were thermocycled, stored in distilled water (37oC, 7 days), and tested in shear, using an Instron universal machine. Failure mode was classified according to the adhesive remnant index using a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed with an analysis of variance and posthoc tests (p

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the surface treatment and adhesive system on the shear bond strength and the failure mode of orthodontic brackets bonded to polymethylmethacrylate surfaces. Methods: Ninety metal brackets (n=15) were bonded to aged discs of polymethylmethacrylate SR Ivocron subjected to three surface conditions (no treatment; sandblasting with 50-μm aluminum oxide; roughening with a tungsten bur), using two combinations of adhesives (methylmethacrylate monomer + Transbond XT Primer; Scotchbond Universal Adhesive) followed by the composite Transbond XT. In the control group, metal brackets were bonded with Transbond XT to 15 human mandibular incisors. The specimens were thermocycled, stored in distilled water (37ºC, 7 days), and tested in shear, using an Instron universal machine. Failure mode was classified according to the adhesive remnant index using a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed with an analysis of variance and posthoc tests (p

Disease profiling, treatment development, and the identification of new cell populations are some of the most relevant applications relying on differentially expressed genes (DEG) analysis. Three leading technologies emerged; namely, DNA microarrays, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the main focus of this work. We introduce two novel approaches to assess DEG: extended Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial factorization (ext-ZINBayes) and single-cell differential analysis (SIENA). We benchmark the proposed methods with known DEG analysis tools using two real public datasets. The results show that the two procedures can be very competitive with existing methods (scVI, SCDE, MAST, and DEseq) in identifying relevant putative biomarkers. In terms of scalability and correctness, SIENA stands out and may emerge as a powerful tool to discover functional differences between two conditions. Both methods are publicly available at https://github.com/JoanaGodinho/.

Objectives: This cephalometric study intended to evaluate pre-surgical changes in cephalometric variables on the lower third of the face produced by the orthodontic treatment, in patients with severe Class III malocclusions. Methods: The sample included 40 adults, divided into three groups: no-extractions (N), extractions for orthodontic reasons (E), and previous extractions for non-orthodontic reasons (E-NO). Student t-tests were used to evaluate the influence of orthodontic treatment on the cephalometric variables. An ANOVA was used for group comparisons before treatment and to compare the changes produced by the orthodontic treatment in the three groups. The significance level was established at 5%. Results: In Group E, significant (p

Berries are rich sources of (poly)phenols which have been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in animal models and in human clinical trials. Recently, a berry enriched diet was reported to decrease blood pressure and attenuate kidney disease progression on Dahl salt-sensitive rats. However, the relationship between kidney function, metabolism and (poly)phenols was not evaluated. We hypothesize that berries promote metabolic alterations concomitantly with an attenuation of the progression of renal disease. For that, kidney and urinary metabolomic changes induced by the berry enriched diet in hypertensive rats (Dahl salt-sensitive) were analyzed using liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS) and 1H NMR techniques. Moreover, physiological and metabolic parameters, and kidney histopathological data were also collected. The severity of the kidney lesions promoted in Dahl rats by a high salt diet was significantly reduced by berries, namely a decrease in sclerotic glomeruli. In addition, was observed a high urinary excretion of metabolites that are indicators of alterations in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, citrate cycle, and pyruvate metabolism in the salt induced-hypertensive rats, a metabolic profile counteracted by berries consumption. We also provide novel insights that relates (poly)phenols consumption with alterations in cysteine redox pools. Cysteine contribute to the redox signaling that is normally disrupted during kidney disease onset and progression. Our findings provide a vision about the metabolic responses of hypertensive rats to a (poly)phenol enriched diet, which may contribute to the understanding of the beneficial effects of (poly)phenols in salt-induced hypertension., CB, CNS, CO were funded by Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) (ANR-13-ISV1-0001-01) and Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (FCTANR/BEX-BCM/0001/2013). We also acknowledge the Investment for the Future program ANR-11-IDEX-0003-01 within the LABEX ANR-10-LABX-0033 (CB, CO), FCT financial support of AG (SFRH/BD/103155/2014). iNOVA4Health Research Unit (LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-007344), which is cofunded by FCT through national funds, and by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement is acknowledged. CERMAX - Centro de Ressonância Magnética António Xavier, located within ITQB for the (1H) NMR spectroscopy on an 800 MHz Bruker AvanceII+ funded by FCT project AAC 01/SAICT/2016 and ONEIDA (LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-016417) which is co-funded by FEEI - “Fundos Europeus Estruturais e de Investimento” from “Programa Operacional Regional Lisboa 2020″ and by national funds from FCT.

Introduction This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the precision and trueness of dental models produced using 2 rapid prototyping 3-dimensional printers. Methods A digital crowded maxillary arch with a T-shaped base and 2 hemispheres of 2.5 mm radius was printed 10 times with a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) in the highest precision and minimum layer thickness (z-resolution) mode. The copies were scanned using the D710 3Shape desktop scanner and assessed for precision and trueness via arch superimpositions and hemisphere measurements. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare trueness and precision among printers. Hemisphere radius was compared with the reference measurement and between 3-dimensional printers using 1 sample and independent Student t tests, respectively (α = 0.05). Results The root mean square values of arch superimpositions showed statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques, both for precision (P = 0.011): SLA (46.8 μm ± 13.5); DLP (111.1 μm ± 71.9), and trueness (P = 0.015): SLA (61.1 μm ± 9.8); DLP (99.8 μm ± 47.2). The color map model analysis indicated greater distortion on premolar and molar surfaces, with a higher range of contraction on the SLA and both contraction and expansion on the DLP. Anterior and posterior hemisphere radius registered increased values with DLP (1.7% and 0.49%) and reduced values with SLA (0.6% and 0.7%); however, only the anterior SLA hemispheres revealed a significant decrease from the reference value (P = 0.037). Conclusions In this study, the SLA printer was significantly different from the DLS printer, with the highest precision and trueness.

Disease profiling, treatment development, and the identification of new cell populations are some of the most relevant applications relying on differentially expressed genes (DEG) analysis. In this context, three leading technologies emerged; namely, DNA microarrays, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the main focus of this work. Although scRNA-seq tends to offer more accurate data, it is still limited by many confounding factors. We introduce two novel approaches to assess DEG: extended Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial factorization (ext-ZINBayes) and single-cell differential analysis (SIENA). In addition, we benchmark the proposed methods with known DEG analysis tools for single-cell and bulk RNA data, using two real public datasets. One contains house mouse cells of two different types, while the other gathers human peripheral blood mononuclear cells divided into four types. The results show that the two procedures can be very competitive with existing methods (scVI, SCDE, MAST, and DEseq) in identifying relevant putative biomarkers. In terms of scalability and correctness, SIENA stands out from ext-ZINBayes and some of the existing methods. As single-cell datasets become increasingly larger, SIENA may emerge as a powerful tool to discover functional differences between two conditions. Both methods are publicly available (https://github.com/JoanaGodinho/SIENA, https://github.com/JoanaGodinho/ext-ZINBayes).

Esta investigação, de carácter qualitativo, pretendeu avaliar a resposta da Associação Pais em Rede face aos pedidos de ajuda direcionados à mesma, no sentido de compreender se a resposta foi eficaz, adequada e qual foi o seu alcance de acordo com a perspetiva dos pais/cuidadores. Participaram neste estudo 12 pais/cuidadores que solicitaram pedidos de ajuda ao Pais em Rede nos anos de 2016 e 2017. Segundo os resultados, a avaliação da resposta da Associação foi extremada. Os principais fatores para uma avaliação positiva estão relacionados com a resolução (total ou parcial) do problema/pedido, a forma como foram atendidos e as características dos técnicos. Por outro lado, no que diz respeito às avaliações negativas, estas parecem ser motivadas pela ausência de resposta, pela não resolução do problema/pedido e pela demora da resposta. A dimensão relacional assume especial importância para os pais/cuidadores. Constatou-se uma relação entre a satisfação dos pais/cuidadores e a perceção de suporte emocional. Os resultados sugerem, ainda, que a rede de suporte destes pais/cuidadores é maioritariamente formal e que a maioria dos pedidos solicitados à Associação situam-se ao nível do suporte informacional. Os resultados do presente estudo permitem identificar algumas necessidades específicas destes pais/cuidadores e fazer algumas sugestões à Associação Pais em Rede por forma a melhorar a sua atuação, tendo em conta a experiência destes participantes. Permitiu ainda identificar algumas das lacunas ao nível das respostas dos recursos existentes. This qualitative study aimed to assess the Associação Pais em Rede’s response to the aid requests it receives, in order to understand if the answer is effective and adequate, according to the parents/caregivers’ perspective. In this study, participated 12 parents/caregivers who requested aid from Pais em Rede in 2016 and 2017. According to the results, the evaluation of the Associação’s response was extreme. The main factors for a positive evaluation relate to a solution (total or partial) to the problem/request, the way parents/caregivers were attended to, and the professionals characteristics. On the other hand, with respect to negative evaluations, they seem to be motivated by the lack of response, by the non-solution of the problem/request, and by response delays. The relational dimension has a special relevance to parents/caregivers. Findings suggest an association between parents/caregivers’ satisfaction and their perception of emotional support. Results also suggest that the parents/caregivers’ support network is, for the most part, formal and most requests sent to the Associação are at the informational support level. The results of the present study allow the identification of specific parents/caregivers needs and inform recommendations to the Associação Pais em Rede so it can improve its service provision, taking into account these participants’ experience. Findings also allow the identification of some gaps in the response, when considering existing public resources.

Introduction Esthetic improvement is a key motivator in undergoing orthodontic treatment. This study aims to quantify the contribution of the smile and other facial components to the overall esthetics of attractiveness. Methods The attractiveness of 60 subjects (30 men, 30 women), aged 18-35 years, before orthodontic treatment, was retrospectively evaluated by 8 laypersons using the Visual Analog Scale. Pearson and stepwise correlations were calculated between the attractiveness of the smiling face and the attractiveness of facial components; namely the smile, nose, eyes, hair, chin, eyebrows, and skin. Results A strong correlation between the face and smile attractiveness was found (r = 0.71) for the whole sample. No significant correlations were found between attractiveness and the other facial components. When divided by gender, the smile (r = 0.70) and the eyes (r = 0.51) correlated with the attractiveness of the smiling face for men. For women, the face registered a significant correlation with the smile (r = 0.83) and the skin (r = 0.37). Conclusions In general, smile attractiveness was strongly correlated with the attractiveness of the smiling face, which is the only significant component. For men, the smile was responsible for 49% of the variation in the attractiveness of the smiling face, the eyes for 22%, and the hair for 6%. For women, 69% of the variation in facial attractiveness could be attributed to smile.

Our society is currently experiencing increased lifespan; one of the top causes for the high incidence of neurodegenerative disorders. The lack of effective treatments delaying or blocking disease progression has encouraged the active search for novel therapies. Many evidences support the protective role of phytochemicals in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly (poly)phenols. In this review, we described the use of cellular-based models of neurodegenerative diseases and the benefits of their use as potent tools in the search for bioactive molecules, particularly (poly)phenols. Studies to assess the biological activity of (poly)phenols involve experimentation with in vitro and in vivo systems. In vitro systems are a useful tool as a first approach to test the underlined molecular mechanisms of candidate molecules. They can provide valuable information about biological activity, which can be then used to design animal and human intervention studies.

BACterial Hosts for production of Bioactive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production of novel high-value phenolic compounds isolated from berry fruits using bacterial platforms. The project aimed at covering all stages of the discovery and pre-commercialization process, including berry collection, screening and characterization of their bioactive components, identification and functional characterization of the corresponding biosynthetic pathways, and construction of Gram-positive bacterial cell factories producing phenolic compounds. Further activities included optimization of polyphenol extraction methods from bacterial cultures, scale-up of production by fermentation up to pilot scale, as well as societal and economic analyses of the processes. This review article summarizes some of the key findings obtained throughout the duration of the project., The authors would like to thank the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (BacHBerry, Project No. FP7-613793, and FP7-PEOPLE2013-COFUND, Project No. FP7-609405) for the financial support. AD, RF, MHHN, PG, SGS, and JF would also like to acknowledge the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We express our gratitude to Dr. Martha Cyert (Stanford School of Medicine, EUA), Dr. Hitoshi Shimoi (National Research Institute of Brewing, Japan) and Dr. Yoshio Araki (Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Japan) for providing the yeast strain YAA5. We also thank Dr. Ian Macraedie, RMIT University, Australia) for providing the plasmid p416_GPDprGFP-A42., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The purpose of this in vitro study is to assess whether the elemental content of tooth enamel is altered when bleaching the teeth with bleaching gel. Because of tooth bleaching growing popularity and to match the public demands, manufacturers increased the range of bleaching products available, changing its presentation, techniques and concentration of active principles. This way, two different bleaching products were compared, one for in-office and another for domestic use. In order to perform this evaluation, sound vestibular surfaces of anterior healthy teeth, extracted for periodontal or orthodontic reasons, were treated with the bleaching products accordingly to manufacturer instructions. Spectra were acquired using the M4 Tornado μ-XRF setup, and quantitative calculations were performed using fundamental parameter method to determine the elemental composition of the analyzed samples before and after treatment. No significant statistical differences in the mineral content of the analyzed teeth were obtained. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The purpose of this in vitro study is to assess whether the elemental content of P, Ca and Zn in tooth enamel is altered when bleaching the teeth with bleaching gel. In order to perform this evaluation, sound vestibular surfaces of six anterior healthy teeth, extracted for periodontal or orthodontic reasons were used. Cuts were made in order to obtain 8 × 2 mm samples. Samples were then treated with the bleaching product (Opalescence PF 10%) accordingly to manufacturer instructions and stocked in artificial saliva between each application. The elemental content of each sample, before and after treatment was obtained by a portable micro Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (μ-EDXRF), making use of a polycapillary optic to obtain a focal spot of 100 μm for Fe-Kα. Quantitative calculations were obtained by WinAXIL compare mode method, using four standard reference materials. The obtained results show that no significant statistic differences were observed for the studied elements.

A Cultura Pop Japonesa nasceu no pós-2ª Guerra Mundial como forma de o Japão se dar a conhecer ao mundo. Através de ideias originais que criaram mundos fantásticos e personagens fascinantes, foi possível ao ocidente descobrir um outro mundo. Um mundo que antes se achava fechado e regido por regras muito próprias, ficando o mundo Ocidental a compreendê-lo melhor. Este trabalho pretende dar a conhecer, de uma forma sintetizada, o universo pop japonês, mostrando a sua influência na vida dos seus entusiastas. The Japanese Pop Culture was born in the post 2nd World War. It was a way that Japan found to be known worldwide. Through original ideas that have created fantastic worlds and fascinating characters, it was possible to the west to discover another kind of world. The Japanese world that was closed and governed by very specific rules was then better understood by the western world. This work aims to present, in a summarized way, the Japanese pop universe, showing its influence in the lives of its fans.

A disciplina de Educacao Fisica engloba, em sua especificidade, diversos conteudos, entre eles, os esportes, os jogos, a danca, a ginastica. De forma geral os esportes sao descritos, tanto nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais quanto na Proposta Curricular de Santa Catarina como muito importantes para o desenvolvimento dos estudantes. A Educacao Fisica em Santa Catarina possui diversos documentos que norteiam a sua pratica e apresentam as diretrizes, os conteudos a serem desenvolvidos. Porem o que ocorre e que muitas vezes a pratica pedagogica e negligenciada pelos profissionais da area. Negligenciada no sentido que nao apresentam uma sequencia pedagogica estruturada e planejada fazendo com que alguns conteudos sejam trabalhados com mais enfase em detrimento a outros. Por conta disso, buscou-se nesta pesquisa apontar algumas razoes que os profissionais a desenvolverem determinada pratica pedagogica. O objetivo geral foi investigar como e abordada a Educacao Fisica em relacao aos seus conteudos, em duas escolas da rede publica estadual de Cerro Negro e Lages/SC, no ano de 2014 e 2015. Para isso foi necessario relacionar os conteudos contemplados nas aulas de Educacao Fisica do Ensino Fundamental e Medio nas duas escolas; verificar como e construido/elaborado o planejamento anual das aulas de Educacao Fisica nas duas instituicoes de ensino; apontar se os conteudos contemplados no planejamento sao desenvolvidos nas aulas. Metodologicamente esta pesquisa foi organizada da seguinte forma: quanto a finalidade e basica, porque teve como objetivo a construcao de conhecimentos fundamentais a partir dos diferentes objetos (sujeitos nas suas diversas faixas etarias) ou fenomenos (a percepcao de que os conteudos da Educacao Fisica, contidos na proposta curricular nao sao trabalhados na sua totalidade); quanto aos objetivos e descritiva uma vez que caracterizou um fato ou fenomeno, procurando estabelecer relacoes entre as suas variaveis. Em relacao aos procedimentos e de carater bibliografico e de levantamento de dados, ancorando-se nos autores da area da Educacao Fisica. O instrumento de coleta dos dados utilizado foi um questionario com questoes objetivas e subjetivas que foi aplicado aos alunos dos Anos Finais do Ensino Fundamental ao Ensino Medio, no ano de 2014 e 2015, totalizando 40 sujeitos, com media de idade de 14 anos . Os dados foram organizados em graficos demonstrativos e analisados quantiqualitativamente. Entre outras conclusoes, verificou-se que apesar do planejamento ser construido em grupo atraves dos orgaos gestores da educacao tendo como documento norteador a Proposta Curricular de Santa Catarina o conteudo mais trabalhado nas aulas de Educacao Fisica foi o voleibol e o Futsal com 24% de prevalencia sobre os demais conteudos e evidenciou-se tambem que 44% dos alunos prefere a modalidade de Futsal.

Tese de doutoramento, Medicina Dentária (Ortodontia), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, 2015 Submitted by Amelia Janeiro (ajaneiro@reitoria.ul.pt) on 2015-10-20T12:14:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ulsd071494_td_Joana_Silva.pdf: 6705539 bytes, checksum: 4e8229ac36fd0d42cd1929f6abf68566 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-26T18:20:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ulsd071494_td_Joana_Silva.pdf: 6705539 bytes, checksum: 4e8229ac36fd0d42cd1929f6abf68566 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015

Objective To present a synthetic review and analysis of data describing the epidemics of HIV, syphilis and drug use in Central Asia (except Turkmenistan), and structural factors driving these. Design Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the co-epidemiology of HIV and STI and the structural factors driving these is key to the development of an effective response. We used a multi-methods situational analysis design to achieve this. Methods We used three primary methods of data collection during the first 6 months of 2004: interviews with key informants; recording and analysis of government statistics and review of scientific and grey literature. Results The Central Asian countries are experiencing major epidemics of drug use driven by poor economic circumstances and the transit of at least 35% of global opiate production from Afghanistan through their territories. They are in the early stages of drug injection-associated epidemics of HIV infection, set against a background of high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. The region is one of the poorest in the world and experiences extremely high levels of economic migration, with attendant vulnerability to HIV transmission. Conclusions Central Asia is highly vulnerable to a crisis of HIV/AIDS, driven by structural factors which require a regional response. Without concerted action, we may expect to see the rapid development over 4–5 years of an HIV epidemic concentrated among IDUs, and achieving very high prevalence levels in this group; followed by a generalising epidemic, developing over 15–30 years with sexual transmission as the predominant mode. The region should be considered a global priority for intervention.

Livia PERSANO ODDOa*, Roberto PIROb with the collaboration of: Etienne BRUNEAU, Christine GUYOT-DECLERCK (Belgium); Tzeko IVANOV (Bulgaria); Ji ina PISKULOVA (Czech Republic); Christian FLAMINI, Joel LHERITIER, Monique MORLOT (France); Harald RUSSMANN, Werner VON DER OHE, Katharine Von der OHE (Germany); Panagiota GOTSIOU, Sophia KARABOURNIOTI, Panagiotis KEFALAS, Maria PASSALOGLOU-KATRALI, Andreas THRASYVOULOU, Angeliki TSIGOURI (Greece); Gian Luigi MARCAZZAN, Maria Lucia PIANA, Maria Gioia PIAZZA, Anna Gloria SABATINI (Italy); Jacob KERKVLIET (Netherlands); Joana GODINHO (Portugal); Antonio BENTABOL, Alberto ORTIZ VALBUENA (Spain), Stefan BOGDANOV, Kaspar RUOFF (Switzerland)