Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-12"
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- Enhancing the performance of double-flush riveted joints through hybridization with adhesive bondingPublication . Alpendre, João M. B.; Rosado, Pedro M. S.; Sampaio, Rui F. V.; Pragana, João P. M.; Bragança, Ivo; Silva, Carlos M. A.; Martins, Paulo A. F.This paper explores the potential to enhance the mechanical performance of joints created through a new joining-by-forming technique called hybrid double-flush riveting. To achieve this, adhesive bonding is used to form hybrid lap joints with superior mechanical properties. The study focuses on high-strength steel sheets and starts by identifying the appropriate surface conditions necessary for producing strong adhesive-bonded joints. A similar strategy is applied to construct double-flush riveted joints, focusing on the geometric variables involved in the process. Hybrid joints are then created by integrating adhesive bonding with double-flush riveting, with the second carried out before or after curing is completed. The experimental development is supported by finite element analysis conducted with an in-house computer program. The mechanical performance of the hybrid joints is compared to that of purely adhesive-bonded and conventionally double-flush riveted joints through shear and peel destructive testing. Results demonstrate that hybrid joints ultimately provide greater joint strength for both solicitations. This allows showcasing the hybridization of double-flush riveting with adhesive bonding as an effective solution for applications where joint strength and continuity are essential.
- Association between lung function and dyspnoea and its variation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) studyPublication . Müller, A.; Wouters, E. F.; Koul, P.; Welte, T.; Harrabi, I.; Rashid, A.; Loh, L. C.; Al Ghobain, M.; Elsony, A.; Ahmed, R.; Potts, J.; Mortimer, K.; Rodrigues, F.; Paraguas, S. N.; Juvekar, S.; Agarwal, D.; Obaseki, D.; Gislason, T.; Seemungal, T.; Nafees, A. A.; Jenkins, C.; Dias, Hermínia Brites; Franssen, F. M.; Studnicka, M.; Janson, C.; Cherkaski, H. H.; El Biaze, M.; Mahesh, P. A.; Cardoso, João; Burney, P.; Hartl, S.; Janssen, D. J.; Amaral, A. F.Background: Dyspnoea is a common symptom of respiratory disease. However, data on its prevalence in general populations and its association with lung function are limited and are mainly from high-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dyspnoea across several world regions and to investigate the association of dyspnoea with lung function. Methods: Dyspnoea was assessed, and lung function was measured in 25,806 adult participants of the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Dyspnoea was defined as ≥2 on the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale. The prevalence of dyspnoea was estimated for each of the study sites and compared across countries and world regions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of dyspnoea with lung function in each site. Results were then pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: The prevalence of dyspnoea varied widely across sites without a clear geographical pattern. The mean prevalence of dyspnoea was 13.7 % (SD=8.2 %), ranging from 0 % in Mysore (India) to 28.8 % in Nampicuan-Talugtug (Philippines). Dyspnoea was strongly associated with both spirometry restriction (FVC
- Complexidades educacionaisPublication . Versuti , Andrea; Bonacho, FernandaNo panorama desta aceleração, propomos o debate desta obra, que reúne textos que se relacionam ao olhar retrotópico sobre a ecologia dos meios e os temas do livro. A partir de uma seleção rigorosa e realizada às cegas pelas coordenações, chegou-se à composição capitular. Espero, com este conteúdo, que pensamentos sobre o ecossistema em que vivemos sejam alavancados e soluções para um cotidiano eticamente saudável sejam encontradas. Boa leitura.
- Spatial frequency of environments and myopia: a systematic review on associated evidence and underlying mechanismsPublication . Li, Dan-Li; Lança, Carla; Zhang, Xiu-Juan; Grzybowski, Andrzej; He, Xian-Gui; Pan, Chen-WeiPurpose: Previous animal studies have found a relationship between spatial frequency and myopia. New research in humans suggests that reduced high spatial content of the visual environment may be a contributing factor to myopia development. This study aims to review the literature and elucidate the potential biological mechanisms linking spatial frequency and myopia. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed and Web of Science databases. The studies published from their inception to August 2024 have explored the connection between spatial frequency and myopia. Only full-text articles in English were included. PRISMA was used for data validity. Results: A total of 13 articles were included in this review, comprising seven animal model studies, four population-based studies, one pictorial analysis, and one study on research design. Epidemiological evidence is comparatively limited and has only begun to emerge in recent years. Mid- to high spatial frequencies were found to play an important role in the emmetropization process of the eye. Low spatial frequencies can increase the risk of myopia incidence. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of how spatial frequency affects myopia are summarized as visual information processing characteristics, eye accommodation function, eye movements, contrast sensitivity, and relevant molecules involved in the pathway. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that indoor spatial frequency may be related to the development of myopia. Further studies are warranted to understand if the incorporation of changes in indoor environments is helpful in the prevention and control of myopia.
- Toxicogenic fungi and mycotoxins seasonality in poultry farms: implications for animal health and food safetyPublication . Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Grajewski, Jan; Carolino, Elisabete; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaPoultry farms are hostpost for fungi and mycotoxins proliferation. Still, seasonal dynamics of these hazards on the farm and their impacts on animals/workers' health, and lastly on food safety, remain unexplored. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of seasonal (summer/winter) fungal/mycotoxin exposure in poultry farm environments (Electrostatic dust cloths (EDC), feed, bed) and broiler chicken tissues (breast, liver) to identify potential exposure risks for broiler chickens/workers' health and food safety. Viable mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins profile (LC-MS/MS) was characterized, and cytotoxicity assessment was performed using A549 (human alveolar epithelial) and SK (swine kidney) cells. Zootechnical parameters were also measured to evaluate broiler chickens’ growth performance. Summer conditions favour the proliferation of mycotoxigenic fungi belonging to the Penicillium and Aspergillus genera, where co-contamination of hazardous mycotoxins (ZEN/TRCs/FBs) was prevalent. Considering cytotoxicity assessment, EDC samples induced high toxicity in 47 % of A549 cells during summer, whereas on bed samples, high toxicity was obtained during winter on both cell lines (100 % SK cells; 83 % A549 cells). Our results evidence diverse exposure pathways (inhalation, dermal contact) and seasonal health risks. Regarding mycotoxins in biological samples, ZEN was detected in 53.3 % of liver samples, highlighting chronic exposure risks. Thus, future research should focus on toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics of co-occurring mycotoxins in animal production environments and their subsequent human exposure through the food chain. Given that climate change may exacerbate seasonal fungal/mycotoxin contamination, understanding these interactions is crucial for improving risk assessment frameworks and implementing protection measures on the farm level and along the food chain.
- Implementation challenges of the learner clinical trial in pregnant women with sickle cell disease in AngolaPublication . Ginete, Catarina; Brito, Miguel; Gomes, Tatiana; Pintangueira, Helena; Mendes, Manuela; Furtado, Ana; Alves, Ligia; Simão, Fernanda; Gonçalves, Mauer; Morais, JoanaSickle Cell Disease (SCD), a severe inherited blood disorder, poses significant risks during pregnancy, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is high. Pregnancy often intensifies the complications associated with SCD, including severe anemia and vaso-occlusive crises, while also elevating the risk of obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and maternal or fetal death. These heightened risks underscore the critical importance of close medical surveillance throughout pregnancy. Moreover, there is an urgent need to identify affordable, preventive strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are often overburdened, and resources are limited. Considering these critical needs, clinical research initiatives like the LEARNER clinical study (NCT06417411) are crucial for developing and evaluating interventions that could improve outcomes for pregnant women with SCD in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, conducting such research in countries like Angola is fraught with complex implementation challenges. These include resource limitations in both the research sites and the patient population, and societal norms related to prenatal visits. The use of daily low-dose aspirin is considered safe in pregnant women with SCD and is recommended after 12 weeks of gestational age by the British Society of Hematology for those at severe risk of preeclampsia. The LEARNER Study aims to evaluate the effects of daily low-dose aspirin in SCD pregnancy, comparing its impact on severe outcomes if this prophylactic and affordable medication is started in the first or the second trimester. This study aims to recruit 450 pregnant women with a confirmed SCD diagnosis in multiple maternity and infant hospitals in Luanda, Angola. Consenting patients will be assigned to either the first (weeks 6-13) or second (weeks 14-27) trimester groups, based on their gestational age, as confirmed by ultrasound. Participants will start daily low-dose aspirin and will do regular follow-up appointments till 6 weeks postpartum. Aspirin will be interrupted at week 36, delivery time, or earlier if decided by the clinical team.
- Newborn screening for sickle cell disease in a hospital setting in Luanda, Angola: local implementing learning from an international ConsortiumPublication . Brito, Miguel; Ginete, Catarina; Mendes, Manuela; Afonso, Roberto; Siatembo, Adriano; Neto-Vasconcelo, Jocelyne; Inusa, BabaEarly diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is critical to reducing mortality and morbidity in affected children; however, it remains largely unavailable in Sub-Saharan Africa, where disease prevalence is highest. This severe monogenic recessive disorder has an estimated mortality rate of 50–90% by age five if left undiagnosed. The Lancet Haematology Commission strongly recommends that all children worldwide be screened for SCD by 2025. This work aims to share the results from implementing newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease at Hospital Materno-Infantil Dr. Manuel Pedro Anzacot de Menezes, Angola.
- Methodological quality of pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment evidence-based guidelines: a systematic review using the AGREE II and AGREE REX toolsPublication . Vilela, Ana Paula; Deffert, Flávia; Lucchetta, Rosa Camila; Pires, Yara Maria; Mainka, Felipe Fernando; Tonin, Fernanda; Pontarolo, RobertoPurpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis, and its management should be grounded in well-developed clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Thus, we critically assess the methodological quality of the available CPG for pharmacological treatments for PAH. Methods: A systematic review (CRD42023387168) was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Tripdatabase (Jan-2023). Eligible records were appraised by four reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research, and Evaluation Collaboration tool (AGREE II) and the complementary tool for assessing recommendations' quality and certainty, AGREE REX. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: Overall, 31 guidelines, mainly authored by professional societies (90%), targeting only physicians as primary users (84%), were identified. Guidelines presented a moderate overall quality (scores of 63% and 51% in AGREE II and AGREE REX, respectively), with a few domains showing slight improvements over the years. AGREE II "Scope and Purpose" (94%) and "Presentation Clarity" (99%) domains obtained the highest scores. The items related to "Stakeholder involvement," "Editorial independence," and "Clinical applicability" (AGREE REX) were fairly reported. Conversely, CPG lacks rigor in development (32% score, AGREE II), scarcely discusses the role of stakeholders, and provides deficient data on the implementation of recommendations (scores of 35% and 46% in AGREE II and AGREE REX, respectively). No differences in the quality of guidelines published by different developers or countries were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Methodological weaknesses are common among guidelines addressing PAH treatment, especially regarding scientific rigor, stakeholders' values and preferences, and facilitators and barriers to implementability. Particular attention should be given to developing future guidelines.
- O impacto dos sistemas de lembrete na redução da não comparência dos utentes às consultas externas: revisão de âmbitoPublication . Barão, Sónia; Coelho, AndréIntrodução – A não comparência dos utentes às consultas externas é um problema prevalente e sistemático que impacta negativamente tanto na efetividade dos sistemas de saúde como na saúde dos utentes. Os sistemas de lembrete emergiram como uma solução promissora para mitigar esse problema. Objetivo – Sintetizar a evidência disponível sobre o impacto dos sistemas de lembrete na taxa de não comparência (Tx.NC) dos utentes às consultas externas. Métodos – Sustentada na metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute, a pesquisa realizou-se nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, utilizando palavras-chave como no-show patients, non-attendance e reminder systems, combinadas com operadores booleanos. O desenho do estudo seguiu os itens do PRISMA-ScR para Scoping Reviews, tendo sido incluídos apenas artigos de investigação original com foco nos sistemas de lembrete aplicados no âmbito de consultas externas. Resultados – Foram identificados 429 artigos, dos quais 15 foram incluídos na análise após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade. A implementação de sistemas de lembrete reduziu a Tx.NC dos utentes às consultas externas até 40-50%. Embora o SMS tenha sido a estratégia mais observada, foi a chamada telefónica, com confirmação de consulta, que revelou maior efetividade na redução da Tx.NC. Conclusão – Esta revisão evidencia a importância dos sistemas de lembrete na redução da Tx.NC às consultas externas, contribuindo ativamente para a efetividade dos sistemas de saúde.
- Validação de método de análise quantitativa de carvacrol por HPLC-DAD em creme veterinário de Origanum vulgare L. 2% (m/m)Publication . Pádua, Mário; Machado, Alexandra; Zegre, Miguel; Martinho, Pedro; Costa-Veiga, AnaIntrodução – A utilização de cremes contendo óleos essenciais de plantas aromáticas é uma área em crescente desenvolvimento em medicina veterinária. Os óleos essenciais apresentam propriedades biológicas, incluindo atividades antimicrobianas, antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias que podem coadjuvar o tratamento de problemas de pele em gatos e cães. O controlo de qualidade de um creme com óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. inclui, entre outros ensaios, a quantificação de carvacrol (um monoterpeno fenólico maioritário). Objetivos – Pretende-se extrair, separar e quantificar o carvacrol presente num creme farmacêutico, validando este método de controlo de qualidade. Métodos – Foram realizadas três extrações sólido-líquido consecutivas de 100mg de creme, tendo-se obtido uma distribuição da quantidade de carvacrol extraída de 74,7%, 19,4% e 5,9%, respetivamente, correspondendo a 95% de recuperação do total de óleo essencial contido no creme. Os extratos foram analisados por HPLC-DAD numa coluna RP-C18 com uma fase móvel de metanol:água:acetonitrilo. Resultados – O método foi validado, tendo resultado em precisão intraensaio e interensaio inferiores a 2%RSD. Obteve-se limite de deteção de 0,65µg/mL e limite de quantificação de 1,95µg/mL. O carvacrol constituía cerca de 36% da massa do óleo essencial do quimiotipo principal. Conclusões – O método desenvolvido pode ser utilizado para controlo de qualidade de cremes contendo carvacrol, podendo ser aplicado a outros monoterpenos.