Repository logo

Browsing by Author "Ferreira, Pedro"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Morbidity associated with schistosomiasis in adult population of Chókwè district, Mozambique
    Publication . Serra, João Tiago; Silva, Carina; Sidat, Mohsin; Belo, Silvana; Ferreira, Pedro; Ferracini, Natália; Kaminstein, Daniel; Thompson, Ricardo; Conceiçao, Claúdia
    Background: Mozambique is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis, although there is little data on the prevalence of the disease and associated morbidity in the adult population. This study aimed to describe and characterize the morbidity associated with schistosomiasis in the adult population of the Chókwè district and to explore the use of anamnestic questionnaires and urine dipsticks, as well as point-of-care ultrasound for urinary-related findings, to better characterize disease prevalence and morbidity. Methodology: Between April and October 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study embedded within the Chókwè Health Research and Training Centre. Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis, and water-related activities. Infection status was determined by urine filtration, Kato-Katz thick smear, and DNA detection. Point-of-care urinary tract ultrasonography was performed to assess structural morbidity associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection. Multivariate logistic regression was used to search for associations between risk factors, signs and symptoms, infection status, and ultrasound abnormalities. Principal findings: Our study included 1033 participants with a mean age of 32 years old. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and ultrasound-detected urinary tract abnormalities was 11.3% (95% CI 9.5%-13.4%), 5.7% (95% CI 4.3%-7.5%) and 37.9% (95% CI 34.8%-41.2%), respectively. Of the 37.9% with urinary tract abnormalities, 14.5% were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Reported hematuria in the last month (p = 0.004, aOR 4.385) and blood in the urine dipstick (p = 0.004, aOR 3.958) were markers of Schistosoma haematobium infection. Reporting lower abdominal pain (p = 0.017, aOR 1.599) was associated with ultrasound abnormalities. Conclusion: Using microscopy and DNA analysis for both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in conjunction with urinary ultrasound abnormalities gives us several insights into correlations between disease prevalence (microscopic and anatomical) and demographic details in a high-risk population.
    2024-12Journal article Open access Show more
  • Optimização de um método de avaliação simultânea da dissolução e permeabilidade de fármacos
    Publication . Ferreira, Pedro; Serra, Hugo; Pedro, João Mário; Graça, Anabela; Simplício, Ana Luísa
    Englobado na temática do desenvolvimento de métodos in vitro para avaliação da biodisponibilidade de fármacos, este trabalho de investigação teve como objectivo a optimização de um método para avaliar em simultâneo a dissolução e permeabilidade de fármacos usando uma célula de fluxo bilateral com membranas de Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). Através de uma avaliação inicial, na qual se testou o efeito de diversas variáveis na permeabilidade da cafeína e do ácido acetilsalicílico, obtiveram-se resultados que permitiram concluir que os ensaios realizados são mais reprodutíveis, quando a célula de fluxo é utilizada em circulação unilateral no lado dador e com agitação do lado aceitador. Observou-se ainda que o método permite detectar a influência do pH (Papp da cafeína a pH 7,4 e 4,5: 4,84±1,57x105cm.s-1 e 6,00±0,70x105cm.s app do ácido acetilsalicílico a pH 7,4 e 4,5: 3,85±0,38x10-5cm.s-1 e 5,1 1±0,65x105cm.s-1) e dos excipientes (Papp da cafeína isoladamente e em presença de excipientes: 6,76±1,22 x 10-5cm.s1 e 5,84±0,43x10-5cm.s-1 app do ácido acetilsalicílico isoladamente e em presença de excipientes: 7,07±1,56x105 cm.s e 5,19±0,23x10-5cm.s1) na permeabilidade dos compostos. Na avaliação da dissolução testou-se um método descrito na United States Pharmacopeia (USP) com meio de dissolução a pH 4,5 e um método com meio de dissolução a pH 7,4 pois na perspectiva de no futuro se realizarem ensaios com membranas celulares Caco-2, foi necessário testar um meio compatível com estas. As percentagens de dissolução dos ensaios a pH 7,4 foram de 96,3% para a cafeína e de 87,1% para o ácido acetilsalicílico, o que permitiu a utilização deste meio, visto ter sido superior ao limite mínimo de 80% estabelecido pela USP. Após estabelecimento das metodologias de dissolução e permeabilidade individuais, passou-se ao acoplamento das duas técnicas, tendo sido realizados ensaios de dissolução/permeabilidade com uma forma farmacêutica contendo os dois compostos em estudo (Melhoral®), nos quais se obtiveram permeabilidades aparentes de 3,97±0,37x105cm.s1 e 3,69±0,29 x105cm.s para a cafeína e ácido acetilsalicílico a pH 4,5 e de 3,77±0,40x105cm.s e 4,08± 0,04x1 05cm.s1 para a cafeína e ácido acetilsalicílico a pH 7,4, resultados estes que foram reprodutíveis e descriminativos e que perspectivam a possibilidade da utilização do sistema para futuros trabalhos envolvendo membranas de culturas celulares (Caco-2) ou tecidos (pele ou intestino).
    2008-11Journal article Open access Show more
  • Sustainable nooks: unveiling the potential of pocket ecosystems
    Publication . Silvestre, Cláudia; David, Alexandra; Ziesmann, Lara; Ferreira, Pedro; Serra, Rita; Gordo, Vítor
    In this work we will talk about what Paul Hawken described as, “a gift to a despairing world, a way to change the Earth in practical, restorative, and substantive ways, a simple act that creates beauty and enchantment: a mini-forest” (in the foreword Lewis, H., 2022,p.xi). When considering how to combat climate change, biodiversity and soil health are two aspects to take into account. However, on the one hand, it is better to make efforts to maintain existing forests than to plant new ones. On the other hand, in many parts of the world, old forests have disappeared, and the space for planting new forests is sometimes very limited (Charkow, 2022). Mini forests, also known as micro-forests or urban forests, are compact green spaces composed of a variety of trees, shrubs, plants, and native vegetation. This concept of high-density, layered planting with native species in very limited spaces is called the "Miyawaki forest." Despite their diminutive size, mini forests play a vital role in promoting urban,sustainability (Egerer and Suda, 2023). By sequestering carbon dioxide and serving as natural air filters, they contribute significantly to mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Moreover, these green pockets regulate local climates, reduce ambient temperatures, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The environmental benefits extend to public health and well-being, with mini forests offering spaces for recreation, stress reduction, and community engagement with nature. These pocket forests have an active role in surrounding society in different aspects. They promote biodiversity, regulate the local climate by reducing ambient temperature, minimizing the heat island effect in urban areas, and by absorbing rainwater, contribute to public health, and can improve people's emotional and mental well-being, reduce stress, and promote mental health. They also serve as an important educational tool, providing opportunities for environmental awareness and community connection with nature (Fratini, 2022). Recognizing the value of green spaces, the Eco Schools Council of the School of Social Communication, in collaboration with Biodiversity Islands and sponsored by NOESIS, spearheaded the establishment of a mini forest adjacent to Lisbon's bustling 2nd Circular Road. In addition to the previously mentioned advantages, this green corridor also aims to reduce noise pollution. In a space of 50m2, 150 trees and shrubs were planted, with 24 species being the same as those already existing in the surrounding area, such as the olive, ash, and holm oak. Other herbaceous species were also planted to help prepare the soil. The strawberry tree, lavender, and wild strawberry are some examples. On November 25, 2023, ESCS hosted an activity involving students, teachers, and a Noesis team-building event that also welcomed several families, including young children as young as 2 years old. This initiative aimed to raise awareness, particularly among the younger generations. Regarding the urban forest planted approximately 5 months ago (between November 25th and April 26th), it has shown significant growth, as evidenced by provided photographs. It is estimated that 10 years will be necessary to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing noise pollution, acting as a natural barrier to minimize the sound impact of the second circular. Moreover, an increase in local fauna and flora diversity has been noted, indicating successful biodiversity promotion efforts. Acknowledgments - This work was funded by Noesis and Ilhas da Biodiversidade. REFERENCES Charkow, M. (2022) Forests for the future. The Arboricultural Association (ARB MAGAZINE)| Issue 197, Summer 2022, , 29-33. Retrieved February, 11, 2024 from https://www.avtree.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ARBMagazine197-pp29-33-Forests-of-the-future.pdf Egerer, M., & Suda, M. (2023). Designing “Tiny Forests” as a lesson for transdisciplinary urban ecology learning. Urban Ecosystems, 26:1331–1339 Fratini, F. (2022). Microforeste eco-pedagogiche Una risposta green, locale e multistakeholder alle sfide climatiche e non. Contesti. Città, territori, progetti, (2), 113-128. Lewis, H. (2022) Mini-Forest Revolution - Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild the World. Chelsea Green Publishing, Longon, UK.
    2024-04-26Conference object Restricted access Show more
  • The introduction of a group embryo culture protocol in donor oocyte-recipient cycles did not increase the total useable blastocyst rates: a retrospective study
    Publication . Barradas-Ribeiro, Inês; Santos, Joana; Braula-Reis, Ana; Castro, Miriam; Fernandes, Micaela; Ferreira, Pedro; Metello, José Luís; Soares, Ana Paula; Calado, Cecília; Santos-Ribeiro, Samuel; Gallardo, Miguel
    Group culture of human preimplantation embryos could increase the number of useable blastocysts per in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The present study compares the outcomes of a specific group embryo culture strategy vs. single culture of 1 embryo per media droplet.
    2021-09Conference object Restricted access Show more