Aquatic wild meat consumption of cetaceans in São Tomé and Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea)

Relatively little is known about cetaceans in São Tomé and Príncipe and in recent years, some episodes of cetacean bycatch and human consumption have been described. Aiming to provide insight into the reliance upon cetaceans as a source of meat, we present findings from complementary studies conducted in the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe from 2012 to 2021. Based on interviews with local residents, we assessed the prevalence of human consumption of cetaceans and identified potential sociodemographic drivers. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of harvest (direct remove or incidental take) and consumption of cetaceans (mainly the family Delphinidae) in the country. These findings will be useful in the development of regional conservation measures and contribute to our understanding of anthropogenic activities affecting cetacean populations in the Gulf of Guinea.

Morphological and mechanical characterization of 3D printed PLA scaffolds with controlled porosity for trabecular bone tissue replacement

Bone transplant is still the gold standard approach when dealing with orthopedic trauma or disease. When this solution is not possible, scaffolding is a possibility provided by bone tissue engineering. To support the regeneration process, damaged bone tissue is removed and replaced by porous scaffold structures. In recent years, additive manufacturing has shown huge potential to produce scaffold structures with the required performance. In the current work, PLA scaffolds with different designs were 3D printed, using optimal manufacturing parameters. Scaffolds with three different porosity values were obtained by changing the filament offset from 571 to 1333 μm. A total of twelve designs were tested under monotonic and dynamic compression conditions. Numerical analysis showed good correlation with experimental results, allowing for a better assessment of scaffold mechanical behavior. Stress relaxation was measured on four different strain levels, assessing scaffold's behavior after implantation and consequent static response over time. Overall, orthogonal design provided better performance, due to improved material deposition. With lower porosity scaffolds equilibrium stress reached 24 MPa after 300 s relaxation time under 4% deformation, and the obtained equilibrium modulus was 428 MPa. Overall, attained results show that 3D printing with PLA can be applied in the manufacture of scaffolds for trabecular bone replacement.

Prevalence of enteroparasitic infections and related hormonal and immunological repercussions that may compromise students' physical performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enteroparasitic infections in students and their hormonal and immunological repercussions on physical development. Students of basic education of both sexes were evaluated. Parasitological stool tests were performed using the Hoffman and Kato-Katz methods. The students were divided into two groups: a control group (negative parasitological examination, N=25) and an infected group (positive parasitological test, N=25). Anthropometric variables (height, weight, and BMI), concentrations of hormones (melatonin and cortisol), cytokine/chemokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17 and TNF-α) and physical performance (aerobic capacity, upper- and lower-limb muscle strength and abdominal performance) were evaluated. The prevalence of parasitic infection among the students was 7.98%. No anthropometric differences were observed among the groups. IL-2 and TNF-α levels were higher and IL-8 levels were lower in serum from students who were positive for parasitic infection. Serum from students who were positive for parasitic infection showed higher levels of melatonin than that from parasitenegative students. No differences were observed in cortisol levels. Students who were positive for parasitic infection presented greater lower-limb strength and lower abdominal performance than parasite-negative students. In the parasitic infection group, IL-12 was positively correlated with melatonin. In the parasitic infection group, IL-8 showed a positive correlation with aerobic capacity, while IL-17 and TNF-α showed a positive correlation with abdominal performance. These data suggest that parasitic infections determine the profile of inflammatory cytokines and that melatonin may be involved in the control of this process to minimize tissue damage. Additionally, students' difficulty in practising physical exercises can be an indication of enteroparasitic infection.

Patterns of biodiversity response along a gradient of forest use in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil

The preservation of tropical forests is increasingly at risk, including forests located within human-modified landscapes that retain high conservation value. People modify and interact with these landscapes through a wide range of uses. However, our knowledge of how different forest uses affect biodiversity is limited. Here, we analyse the responses of different taxa to four distinct categories of forest management, namely old-growth forest, Brazil nut extraction areas, reduced impact logging areas, and eucalyptus plantations. Within six independent replicates of each category, we sampled three taxa (fruit-feeding butterflies, dung beetles, and trees) in eastern Amazonia. Forests under moderate use (Brazil nut extraction and reduced-impact logging) had similar, albeit slightly lower, diversity levels relative to old-growth forests, while communities in plantations were significantly less diverse. Only 4%, 20%, and 17%, of the sampled butterfly, dung beetle, and tree species, respectively, were restricted to old-growth forests. This study provides further empirical evidence of the importance of old-growth forest conservation in the context of human-modified landscapes. It also suggests that landscape matrices integrating forest uses at varying intensities are well positioned to reconcile biodiversity conservation with the production of goods that support local livelihoods.

The Forest Observation System, building a global reference dataset for remote sensing of forest biomass

Forest biomass is an essential indicator for monitoring the Earth's ecosystems and climate. It is a critical input to greenhouse gas accounting, estimation of carbon losses and forest degradation, assessment of renewable energy potential, and for developing climate change mitigation policies such as REDD+, among others. Wall-to-wall mapping of aboveground biomass (AGB) is now possible with satellite remote sensing (RS). However, RS methods require extant, up-to-date, reliable, representative and comparable in situ data for calibration and validation. Here, we present the Forest Observation System (FOS) initiative, an international cooperation to establish and maintain a global in situ forest biomass database. AGB and canopy height estimates with their associated uncertainties are derived at a 0.25 ha scale from field measurements made in permanent research plots across the world's forests. All plot estimates are geolocated and have a size that allows for direct comparison with many RS measurements. The FOS offers the potential to improve the accuracy of RS-based biomass products while developing new synergies between the RS and ground-based ecosystem research communities.

Carbon recovery dynamics following disturbance by selective logging in Amazonian forests

When 2 Mha of Amazonian forests are disturbed by selective logging each year, more than 90 Tg of carbon (C) is emitted to the atmosphere. Emissions are then counterbalanced by forest regrowth. With an original modelling approach, calibrated on a network of 133 permanent forest plots (175 ha total) across Amazonia, we link regional differences in climate, soil and initial biomass with survivors' and recruits' C fluxes to provide Amazon-wide predictions of post-logging C recovery. We show that net aboveground C recovery over 10 years is higher in the Guiana Shield and in the west (21 ±3 Mg C ha-1) than in the south (12 ±3 Mg C ha-1) where environmental stress is high (low rainfall, high seasonality). We highlight the key role of survivors in the forest regrowth and elaborate a comprehensive map of post-disturbance C recovery potential in Amazonia.

2016 update of the Portuguese recommendations for the use of biological therapies in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based guidance for the rational and safe prescription of biological therapies in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAs) considering the latest available evidence and the new licensed biologics.

METHODS

Rheumatologists and Pediatricians with expertise in Pediatric Rheumatology updated the recommendations endorsed by the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology and the Portuguese Society of Pediatrics based on published evidence and expert opinion. The level of agreement with final propositions was voted using an online survey.

RESULTS

In total, 20 recommendations to guide the use of biological therapy in children and adolescents with JIAs are issued, comprising 4 general principles and 16 specific recommendations. A consensus was achieved regarding the eligibility and response criteria, maintenance of biological therapy, and procedures in case of non-response, for each JIA category. Specific recommendations concerning safety procedures were also updated.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations take into account the specificities of each JIA category and are intended to continuously improve the management of JIA patients.

Effect of polyphenols on glucose and lactate transport by breast cancer cells

One of the cancer molecular hallmarks is a deviant energetic metabolism, known as the Warburg effect, whereby the rate of glucose uptake is significantly increased and a high rate of glycolysis and lactic acid production occurs even when oxygen is present-"aerobic lactatogenesis". Accordingly, GLUT1 and MCT1, which are the main glucose and lactate transporters in cancer cells, respectively, have been proposed as oncogenes and are currently seen as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Polyphenols, commonly contained in fruits and vegetables, have long been associated with a protective role against cancer. Generally considered as nontoxic, dietary polyphenols are considered ideal chemopreventive and possibly chemotherapeutic agents. Several mechanisms of action of polyphenols in breast cancer cells have been proposed including modulation of intracellular signaling, induction of apoptosis through redox regulation or modulation of epigenetic alterations. Additionally, in vitro studies have shown that several polyphenols act as specific inhibitors of glucose transport in breast cancer cell lines and an association between their anticarcinogenic effect and inhibition of glucose cellular uptake has been described. Also, some polyphenols were found to inhibit lactate transport. Importantly, some polyphenols behave as inhibitors of both glucose and lactate cellular uptake by breast cancer cells and these compounds are thus very interesting in the context of a chemopreventive effect, because they deplete breast cancer cells of their two most important energy suppliers. So, the antimetabolic effect of polyphenols should be regarded as a mechanism of action contributing to their chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic potential in relation to breast cancer.

Recommendations for Vaccination in Adult Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology

BACKGROUND

Serious infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease (SIRD) patients. Although vaccination may prevent numerous infections, vaccination uptake rates are low in this group of patients.

OBJECTIVES

To develop evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in SIRD patients.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (until 31 October 2014) and EMBASE (until 14 December 2014) databases, as well as the ACR and EULAR congress abstracts (2011-2014). Patients with any systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease were included and all vaccines were considered. Any safety and efficacy outcomes were admitted. Search results were submitted to title and abstract selection, followed by detailed review of suitable studies. Data were subsequently pooled according to the type of vaccine and the SIRD considered. Results were presented and discussed by a multidisciplinary panel and systematic literature review (SLR)-derived recommendations were voted according to the Delphi method. The level of agreement among rheumatologists was assessed using an online survey.

RESULTS

Eight general and seven vaccine-specific recommendations were formulated. Briefly, immunization status should routinely be assessed in all SIRD patients. The National Vaccination Program should be followed and some additional vaccines are recommended. To maximize the efficacy of vaccination, vaccines should preferably be administered 4 weeks before starting immunosuppression or, if possible when disease activity is controlled. Non-live vaccines are safe in SIRD, including immunosuppressed patients. The safety of live attenuated vaccines in immunosuppressed patients deserves further ascertainment, but might be considered in particular situations.

DISCUSSION

The present recommendations combine scientific evidence with the multidisciplinary expertise of our taskforce panel and attained desirable agreement among Portuguese rheumatologists. Vaccination recommendations need to be updated on a regular basis, as more scientific data regarding vaccination efficacy and safety, emergent infectious threats, new vaccines as well as new immunomodulatory therapies become available.

[X-linked agammaglobulinemia: experience in a Portuguese hospital]

INTRODUCTION

X-Linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is characterized by an arrest of B cell differentiation, leading to recurrent bacterial infections. Lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is indicated to prevent infections and their complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with XLA followed in a level three hospital was performed; data was collected retrospectively by review of clinical files.

RESULTS

XLA was diagnosed in 9 children. One (11%) had a positive family history with a prenatal diagnosis. Infection was the clinical presentation in all the others (89%), at an average age of 13 months; diagnosis was established at a mean age of 3.4 years. Acute otitis media (7/9) and pneumonia (5/9) were the most frequently observed. Seven (78%) presented serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels below 200mg/dL and all of them had CD19(+) B cells below 2%. Neutropenia was present at diagnosis in three patients (33%). Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) mutations were identified in all cases. Intravenous IRT was initiated, switched later to subcutaneous administration, in all. The mean time of follow-up was 10.7 years with cumulative time of 97 years. Eight children (89%) achieved IgG serum levels above 800 mg/dL. One presented lower values due to renal loss. No deaths occurred. After diagnosis the most frequent infections were acute otitis media (6/9). In spite of stable adequate IgG levels on IRT, two patients developed bronchiectasis.

CONCLUSIONS

XLA overall prognosis is good, as long as patients have an early and adequate treatment. However, bronchiectasis can occur even on adequate immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

Autologous stem cell transplantation in a patient with severe systemic sclerosis

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of the connective tissue, whose pathogenesis involves abnormalities of the immunological system. It has a variable course and there is a subgroup of patients with rapidly progressive disease or unresponsive to conventional treatment. These patients can benefit from intensive immunosuppression and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

CLINICAL CASE

19-year-old (y.o.) woman diagnosed with SSc at the age of 13 y.o. with cutaneous, vascular and articular involvement with initial response to methotrexate. Three years later the disease progressed with severe digestive involvement (dysphagia, delayed gastric emptying and weight loss) needing gastrostomy for nutritional support. She was treated with cyclophosphamide without improvement In May 2012 she had an autologous transplant with myeloablative regimen (BEAM): carmustine 300 mg/m2x1 day; etoposido 120 mg/kgx4 days; cytarabine 120 mg/kg 12/12:hx4 days; melphalan 140 mg/m2x1 day. A year and a half after transplantation she is asymptomatic, without any signs or symptoms of the disease, feeds by mouth and the gastric emptying study is normal. Currently she is free of medication.

Concurrent training with different aerobic exercises

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of using different intensities and types of aerobic exercise (i. e., cycle ergometer or running) during concurrent training on neuromuscular adaptations. A total of 44 young women were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: concurrent strength and continuous running training (SCR, n=10), concurrent strength and interval running training (SIR, n=11), concurrent strength and continuous cycle ergometer training (SCE, n=11), or strength training only (STO, n=12). Each group trained twice a week during 11 weeks. The following strength measurements were made on all subjects before and after training period: maximal strength (1RM) in knee extension, bench press and leg press exercises; local muscular endurance (number of repetitions at 70% of 1 RM) in knee extension and bench press exercises; and isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extension. There were significant increases in the upper and lower-body 1 RM, isometric and isokinetic peak torque in all training groups (p<0.001), with no differences between groups. The present results suggest that in young women, concurrent training performed twice a week promotes similar neuromuscular adaptations to strength training alone, regardless of the type and the intensity in which the aerobic training is performed.

[How our pediatric services work]

The results of a questionnaire sent by the College of Pediatrics of the Portuguese Doctors Association (Ordem dos Médicos) to the pediatric departments all over the country are presented. From the answers of fifty-one services, physical conditions, equipment, human resources, assistancial and scientific activities developed are characterized.

[Comparative study of the lepromin reaction performed on medical students and on a control group]

The lepromin test was studied in 64 medical students and in a control group consisted of 40 patients from the orthopedic clinic. Both groups matched with respect to age and sex, but differed with regard to socio-economical conditions. The Fernandez reaction showed low frequency of positive results in both groups: 10% in the first group and 5,6% in the second one. This difference was not significant. The Mitsuda reaction showed high frequency of positive results: 98,4% in the medical students and 85,0% in the control group. This difference was significant. The authors discuss the factors that might have caused the high positivity of the lepromin test among the medical students.

[Comparative study of the intradermal reaction performed with whole lepromin and ultrasonic-treated lepromin in normal subjects]

A comparative study on the Fernandez and on the Mitsuda reaction was made in 104 normal people employing whole and sonicated lepromin. Both types of lepromin can induce a good early reaction, and there was no significant difference in the results of the Fernandez reaction. The sonicated lepromin, though it contains all of the components of the original preparation, gives weaker late skin reactions. The results of the Mitsuda reaction were statistically significant.