Long-Term Survival with Heart Transplantation for Fibrosarcoma of the Heart

Primary sarcoma of the heart is a rare disease that has an ominous prognosis with either medical or surgical therapy. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman with sarcoma of the heart who received a transplant and is clinically well after 7 years. We believe that transplantation must be considered in this kind of pathology for selected cases.

Nitrite biosensing via selective enzymes—a long but promising route

Sensors 2010, 10, 11530-11555

TURTLE: Systems and technologies for deep ocean long term presence

This paper describes the TURTLE project that aim to develop sub-systems with the capability of deep-sea long-term presence. Our motivation is to produce new robotic ascend and descend energy efficient technologies to be incorporated in robotic vehicles used by civil and military stakeholders for underwater operations. TURTLE contribute to the sustainable presence and operations in the sea bottom. Long term presence on sea bottom, increased awareness and operation capabilities in underwater sea and in particular on benthic deeps can only be achieved through the use of advanced technologies, leading to automation of operation, reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency of human activity.

Responses of the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata to long-term exposure to metal stress

The green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata has been widely used in ecological risk assessment, usually based on the impact of the toxicants in the alga growth. However, the physiological causes that lead algal growth inhibition are not completely understood. This work aimed to evaluate the biochemical and structural modifications in P. subcapitata after exposure, for 72 h, to three nominal concentrations of Cd(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II) and Zn(II), corresponding approximately to 72 h-EC10 and 72 h-EC50 values and a high concentration (above 72 h-EC90 values). The incubation of algal cells with the highest concentration of Cd(II), Cr(VI) or Cu(II) resulted in a loss of membrane integrity of ~16, 38 and 55%, respectively. For all metals tested, an inhibition of esterase activity, in a dose-dependent manner, was observed. Reduction of chlorophyll a content, decrease of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II and modification of mitochondrial membrane potential was also verified. In conclusion, the exposure of P. subcapitata to metals resulted in a perturbation of the cell physiological status. Principal component analysis revealed that the impairment of esterase activity combined with the reduction of chlorophyll a content were related with the inhibition of growth caused by a prolonged exposure to the heavy metals.

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy Is Associated with Long-Term Progression of Renal Disease

Orthotopic liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the renal complications post orthotopic liver transplantation in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy and their impact. We retrospectively studied 185 recipients who underwent 217 orthotopic liver transplants. Mean age 36.8±9.5 years, 59% males, 14.3% with renal dysfunction pre orthotopic liver transplantation. Mean follow-up 3.6±3.7 years. Thirty-two patients died. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, and p<0.05 was considered significant. Acute kidney injury occurred in 57 patients and renal replacement therapy was needed in 16/57. In multivariate analysis, acute kidney injury was correlated with development of chronic kidney disease (p<0.001). Relating to development of chronic kidney disease, 23.5% had progress to stage 3, 6% to stage 4 and 5.1% to stage 5d. According to Spearmen correlation, risk factors for chronic kidney disease development were age (p<0.001), renal dysfunction pre orthotopic liver transplantation (p<0.001) and acute kidney injury post orthotopic liver transplantation (p<0.001). Mortality was correlated with age (p<0.001), retransplantation need (p=0.004), renal dysfunction pre orthotopic liver transplantation (p<0.001), acute kidney injury post orthotopic liver transplantation (p=0.04), and chronic kidney disease stage 5 (p<0.001). Using binary regression, mortality was correlated with chronic kidney disease development (p=0.02). In conclusion, familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy patients are disposed to renal complications that have a negative impact on the survival of these patients.

Exploring the long-term associations between adolescents’ music training and academic achievement

There is a positive relationship between learning music and academic achievement, although doubts remain regarding the mechanisms underlying this association. This research analyses the academic performance of music and non-music students from seventh to ninth grade. The study controls for socioeconomic status, intelligence, motivation and prior academic achievement. Data were collected from 110 adolescents at two time points, once when the students were between 11 and 14 years old in the seventh grade, and again 3 years later. Our results show that music students perform better academically than non-music students in the seventh grade (Cohen’s d = 0.88) and in the ninth grade (Cohen’s d = 1.05). This difference is particularly evident in their scores in Portuguese language and natural science; the difference is somewhat weaker in history and geography scores, and is least pronounced in mathematics and English scores (η2 p from .09 to .21). A longitudinal analysis also revealed better academic performance by music students after controlling for prior academic achievement (η2 p = .07). Furthermore, controlling for intelligence, socioeconomic status and motivation did not eliminate the positive association between music learning from the seventh to the ninth grade and students’ academic achievement (η2 p = .06). During the period, music students maintained better and more consistent academic standing. We conclude that, after controlling for intelligence, socioeconomic status and motivation, music training is positively associated with academic achievement.

Profissionalidade docente: fonte de possibilidades e de (in)certezas

O longo percurso de formação, iniciado com a Licenciatura em Educação Básica, termina agora com a conclusão do Mestrado em Ensino do 1º e 2º Ciclos do Ensino Básico surgindo, por isso, o presente relatório de estágio no âmbito da unidade curricular de Integração Curricular: Prática Educativa Supervisionada e Relatório de Estágio. Este caminho foi trilhado tomando opções fundamentadas e intencionais, conciliando saberes teóricos e práticos, construídos e desenvolvidos nos contextos educativos onde decorreu a Prática Educativa Supervisionada (PES). Ancorada numa perspetiva de investigação, onde se reconhecem características da metodologia de investigação-ação, a supervisão pedagógica desenrolou-se por etapas que promoveram o crescimento pessoal e profissional da futura professora. Todo o percurso espelhado no decorrer das próximas páginas foi solidamente cimentado graças à experiência partilhada dos orientadores cooperantes, dos supervisores institucionais e do par pedagógico, permitindo desenvolver e consolidar competências heurísticas, bem como a transformação e o melhoramento das práticas. Atribuiu-se, neste processo, um especial significado à relação com o par pedagógico por ter constituído um apoio fundamental, valorizando-se a colaboração, enquanto agente potenciador da tomada de decisão em contextos de incerteza e de complexidade da prática docente. Este relatório de estágio configura-se como mais uma oportunidade de autoconsciência e de reflexão relativamente ao processo de construção da identidade profissional. O constante progresso do mundo atual, as dificuldades sentidas e os obstáculos ultrapassados reforçam a ideia de que o processo de formação será sempre ávido de uma permanente atualização.

Long-term biosignals visualization and processing

Thesis submitted in the fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Biomedical Engineering

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal protozoa infection in elderly residents at Long Term Residency Institutions in Southeastern Brazil

This study determined the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in Long Term Residency Institutions for the Elderly (ILPI) in elders, nurses and food handlers, identifying the risk factors associated with the infections. Stool samples taken from the elderly (n = 293), nurses (63) and food handlers (19) were studied. Questionnaires were used with questions related to sociodemographic variables, health, behavior and health characteristics. Stool samples were examined using the techniques of Faust and Ziehl Neelsen, and the prevalence of G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica/dispar in the elderly was 4.0%, 1.0% and 0.3% respectively. Nurses and food handlers showed 4.8% and 5.2% positivity only for G. duodenalis, respectively. The origin of the individuals and contact with domestic animals has been associated with infection by G. duodenalis in the elderly, and contact with domestic animals was considered a risk factor for infection. The last stool examinations were related to Cryptosporidium spp.. None of the variables were associated with E. histolytica/dispar. The frequency of hand washing was significantly associated with G. duodenalis among nurses. The frequency of positive samples of G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica/dispar showed that ILPIs environments are conducive to this occurring due to contact between the elderly, nurses and food handlers, which are often poorly trained in hygiene procedures and food handling.

Long-Term Evaluation of Recurrence after Photodynamic Therapy with Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: a Hospital-Based Study

Introduction & Objectives: Several factors may influence the decision to pursue nonsurgical modalities for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive alternative treatment reported to have a high efficacy when using standardized protocols in Bowen’s disease (BD), superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and in thin nodular BCC. However, long-term recurrence studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of PDT with topical methylaminolevulinate (MAL) for the treatment of BD and BCC in a dermato-oncology department. Materials & Methods: All patients with the diagnosis of BD or BCC, treated with MAL-PDT from the years 2004 to 2008, were enrolled. Treatment protocol included two MAL-PDT sessions one week apart repeated at three months when incomplete response, using a red light dose of 37-40 J/cm2 and an exposure time of 8’20’’. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, and data regarding age, sex, tumour location, size, treatment outcomes and recurrence were registered. Descriptive analysis was performed using chi square tests, followed by survival analysis with the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. Results: Sixty-eight patients (median age 71.0 years, P25;P75=30;92) with a total of 78 tumours (31 BD, 45 superficial BCC, 2 nodular BCC) and a median tumour size of 5 cm2 were treated. Overall, the median follow-up period was 43.5 months (P25;P75=0;100), and a total recurrence rate of 33.8% was observed (24.4 % for BCC vs. 45.2% for BD). Estimated recurrence rates for BCC and BD were 5.0% vs. 7.4% at 6 months, 23.4% vs. 27.9% at 12 months, and 30.0% vs. 72.4% at 60 months. Both age and diagnosis were independent prognostic factors for recurrence, with significantly higher estimated recurrence rates in patients with BD (p=0.0036) or younger than 58 years old (p=0.039). The risk of recurrence (hazard ratio) was 2.4 times higher in patients with BD compared to superficial BCC (95% CI:1.1-5.3; p=0.033), and 2.8 times higher in patients younger than 58 years old (95% CI:1.2-6.5; p=0.02). Conclusions: In the studied population, estimated recurrence rates are higher than those expected from available literature, possibly due to a longer follow-up period. To the authors’ knowledge there is only one other study with a similar follow-up period, regarding BCC solely. BD, as an in situ squamous cell carcinoma, has a higher tendency to recur than superficial BCC. Despite greater cosmesis, PDT might no be the best treatment option for young patients considering their higher risk of recurrence.

Serum Zn Levels in Dysphagic Patients Who Underwent Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Long Term Enteral Nutrition

Background and aims: Dysphagic patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) usually present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about micronutrient malnutrition. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of serum zinc in patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy and its relationship with serum proteins, whole blood zinc, and the nature of underlying disorder. Methods: From patients that underwent gastrostomy a blood sample was obtained minutes before the procedure. Serum and whole blood zinc was evaluated using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Serum albumin and transferrin were evaluated. Patients were studied as a whole and divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). Results: The study involved 32 patients (22 males), aged 43-88 years: HNC = 15, ND = 17. Most (30/32) had low serum zinc, 17/32 presented normal values of whole blood zinc. Only two, with traumatic brain injury, presented normal serum zinc. Serum zinc levels showed no differences between HNC and ND patients. There was no association between serum zinc and serum albumin or transferrin. There was no association between serum and whole blood zinc. Conclusions: Patients had low serum zinc when gastrostomy was performed, similar in HNC and ND, being related with prolonged fasting and unrelated with the underlying disease. Decrease serum zinc was unrelated with low serum proteins. Serum zinc was more sensitive than whole blood zinc for identifying reduced zinc intake. Teams taking care of PEG-patients should include zinc evaluation as part of the nutritional assessment, or include systematic dietary zinc supply.

Long-Term and Concentration-Dependent Beneficial Effect of Efavirenz on HDL-Cholesterol in HIV-Infected Patients

AIMS: To investigate the long-term effects of efavirenz on cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). METHODS: Thirty-four HIV-infected patients who commenced efavirenz therapy were monitored for 36 months. RESULTS: In patients with baseline HDL-C<40 mg.dL-1 an increase in HDL-C from 31+/-1 mg.dL-1 to 44+/-2 mg.dL-1 (95% confidence interval 5.9, 21.9, P<0.01) was observed and remained throughout the follow-up period. Median efavirenz plasma concentration was 1.98 mg.L-1 and a direct correlation between percentage of HDL-C variation or TC/HDL-C ratio and efavirenz plasma concentrations was found. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of a long-term and concentration-dependent beneficial effect of efavirenz on HDL-C in HIV-infected patients.