Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in chronic hepatitis C patients

IntroductionThe prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and dissatisfaction with sexual life (DSL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) was jointly investigated via a thorough psychopathological analysis, which included dimensions such as fatigue, impulsiveness, psychiatric comorbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsMale and female CHC patients from an outpatient referral center were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Structured psychiatric interviews were performed according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. SD was assessed based on specific items in the BDI (item 21) and the HAM-A (item 12). DSL was assessed based on a specific question in the WHOQOL-BREF (item 21). Multivariate analysis was performed according to an ordinal linear regression model in which SD and DSL were considered as outcome variables.ResultsSD was reported by 60 (57.1%) of the patients according to the results of the BDI and by 54 (51.4%) of the patients according to the results of the HAM-A. SD was associated with older age, female gender, viral genotype 2 or 3, interferon-α use, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, and lower HRQL. DSL was reported by 34 (32.4%) of the patients and was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant use, and lower HRQL.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SD and DSL in CHC patients was high and was associated with factors, such as depressive symptoms and antidepressant use. Screening and managing these conditions represent significant steps toward improving medical assistance and the HRQL of CHC patients.

Recycled asphalt mixtures produced with high percentage of different waste materials

The use of sustainable solutions in construction is not just an option, but is increasingly becoming a need of the Society. Thus, nowadays the recycling of waste materials is a growing technology that needs to be continuously improved, namely by researching new solutions for waste valorisation and by increasing the amount of wastes reused. In the paving industry, the reuse of reclaimed asphalt (RA) is becoming common practice, but needs further research work. Thus, this study aims to increase the incorporation of RA and other waste materials in the production of recycled asphalt mixtures in order to improve their mechanical, environmental and economic performance. Recycled mixtures with 50% RA were analysed in this study, including: i) RA selection, preparation and characterization; ii) incorporation of other waste materials as binder additives or modifiers, like used motor oil (UMO) and waste high density polyethylene (HDPE); iii) production of different mixtures (without additives; with UMO; with UMO and HDPE) and comparison of their performance in order to assess the main advantages of each solution. With this study it was concluded that up to 7.5 % of UMO and 4.0 % of HDPE can be used in a new modified binder for asphalt mixtures with 50 % of RA, which have excellent properties concerning the rutting with WTS = 0.02 mm/103 cycles, the fatigue resistance with ε6 = 160.4, and water sensitivity with an ITSR of 81.9 %.

Effect of incorporating different waste materials in bitumen

The increasing environmental concern about waste materials and the necessity of improving the performance of asphalt mixtures prompted the study of incorporating different waste materials in conventional bitumen. The reuse of waste materials can present benefits at an environmental and economic level, and some wastes can be used to improve the pavement performance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the incorporation of different waste materials in bitumen, namely waste motor oil and different polymers. In order to accomplish this goal, 10% of waste motor oil and 5% of polymers (high density polyethylene, crumb rubber and styrene-butadiene-styrene) were added to a conventional bitumen and the resulting modified bitumens were characterized through basic and rheological tests. From this work, it can be concluded that the incorporation of different waste materials improve some important properties of the conventional bitumen. Such improvements might indicate a good behaviour at medium/high temperatures and an increase of fatigue and rutting resistance. Therefore, these modified bitumens with waste materials can contribute to a sustainable development of road paving industry due to their performance and environmental advantages.

Trabalhos para casa no 1.ºCiclo: ter ou não ter, eis a questão

Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Educação Pré-Escolar e Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Innovative methodologies for the enhancement of the flexural strengthening performance of NSM CFRP technique for RC beams

Tese de Doutoramento em Engenharia Civil

Using polymers to improve the rutting resistance of asphalt concrete

This study assesses rutting on two types of modified asphalt mixtures containing: (i) amorphous polyolefin polymer and (ii) a particular polymer obtained by combining LDPE (low density polyethylene) and EVA (ethyl-vinyl-acetate). Rutting tests were performed by a wheel tracking device. Stiffness and fatigue tests were carried out to confirm the performance of the asphalt mixtures. The testing showed that polymer modification in this study improved rut resistance without compromising the stiffness and fatigue behavior. The rutting results were fit in the NCHRP 1-37A model and the in situ rutting performance of asphalt mixtures can be predicted.

Otimização das características de um chassis tubular de automóvel de competição com tração a duas rodas motrizes

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Mecânica

Characterization of the oculomotor alterations in inicial phase of Multiple Sclerosis

Dissertação de mestrado em Advanced Optometry

Biomaterials for cartilage tissue engineering under mechanical stimulus

Tese de Doutoramento em Ciências (Especialidade de Física)

Estudo numérico sobre o reforço de pilares de betão armado com cantoneiras e presilhas metálicas: análise paramétrica e modelo de cálculo

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Civil

Pharmacological evaluation of plant extracts from Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil): Focus on antioxidant and cytotoxic properties

Tese de Doutoramento em Biologia de Plantas MAP - Bioplant

Deteção e classificação de regiões de interesse em vídeos de endoscopia

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Biomédica (área de especialização em Informática Médica)

Isolated noncompaction of the myocardium

We report the case of a 42-year-old female with fatigue on exertion and palpitation consequent to the existence of isolated noncompaction of the myocardium. We discuss clinical and familial findings, diagnostic possibilities, and prognostic and therapeutical implications of this rare disorder of endomyocardial morphogenesis.

Double-outlet left ventricle. Echocardiographic diagnosis

This is a case report of a double-outlet left ventricle associated with tricuspid atresia and hypoplasia of the right ventricle, diagnosed during echocardiography with color-flow imaging, in a three-month-old child who presented with fatigue and cyanosis. The child underwent palliative pulmonary arterial banding without an invasive procedure, and showed sustained improvement during follow-up.

Antibacterial properties of multifunctional coatings Ag-ZrCN for biomedical devices: a novel approach

PhD in Sciences Specialty in Physics