Excess pneumonia and influenza hospitalizations associated with influenza epidemics in Portugal from 1998 to 2015

In Portugal there is no severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system in place. Estimation of influenza burden has been accessed using hospital discharge database that covers the mainland Portuguese population. The objective of this study was to estimate the excess of pneumonia or influenza (P&I) hospitalizations during influenza epidemics from seasons 1998-99 to 2014-15 in mainland Portugal.

Investigation of the functional roles of host cell proteins involved in Coronavirus infection using highly specific and scalable RNA interference (RNAi) approach

Since its identification in the 1990s, the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway has proven extremely useful in elucidating the function of proteins in the context of cells and even whole organisms. In particular, this sequence-specific and powerful loss-of-function approach has greatly simplified the study of the role of host cell factors implicated in the life cycle of viruses. Here, we detail the RNAi method we have developed and used to specifically knock down the expression of ezrin, an actin binding protein that was identified by yeast two-hybrid screening to interact with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike (S) protein. This method was used to study the role of ezrin, specifically during the entry stage of SARS-CoV infection.

Pneumonia and influenza: specific considerations in care homes

This review provides an update on current evidence surrounding epidemiology, treatment and prevention of lower respiratory tract infection, with special reference to pneumonia and influenza, in care home residents. The care home sector is growing and provides a unique ecological niche for infections, housing frail older people with multiple comorbidities and frequent contact with healthcare services. There are therefore considerations in the epidemiology and management of these conditions which are specific to care homes. Opportunities for prevention, in the form of vaccination strategies and improving oral hygiene, may reduce the burden of these diseases in the future. Work is needed to research these infections specifically in the care home setting and this article highlights current gaps in our knowledge.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome : a review with six clinical cases

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária