Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-06-26"
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- Neuroprotective and mental health benefits of salt-tolerant plants: A comprehensive review of traditional uses and biological propertiesPublication . Rodrigues, Maria João; Guerreiro Pereira, Catarina Alexandra; Custódio, LuísaThis study undertakes a thorough review of the ethnomedicinal properties of salt-tolerant plants and their potential to treat neurological disorders and enhance mental health. Aimed at bridging the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary scientific validation, our research meticulously evaluates both the traditional uses and the existing scientific evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of these plants, leveraging in vitro and in vivo experimental findings. Through a comprehensive search of articles from 2001 to December 2023 across scientific databases, we identified sixteen species across nine plant families with demonstrated in vitro neuroprotective properties. Among these, the Chenopodiaceae and Juncaceae families emerged as the most represented, including plants such as Salicornia sp., Juncus sp., and Limonium sp., primarily recognized for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity. However, a notable disparity exists between traditional applications and scientific examination, with only six species undergoing in vivo testing. This discrepancy underscores the imperative for future research to delve deeper into validating traditional uses and elucidating the mechanisms underlying neuroprotection. Our findings highlight the need for research on salt-tolerant plants traditionally used for neurological benefits. Key steps include systematic screening, identification of active compounds through bioassay-guided fractionation, and in vivo testing. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology, while emphasizing sustainable and ethical approaches, is essential for advancing neuroprotective drug discovery.
- Potentially inappropriate medication: a pilot study in institutionalized older adultsPublication . Andrade, Amanda de Oliveira; Nascimento, Tânia; Cabrita, Catarina; Leitao, Helena; Pinto, EzequielInstitutionalized older adults often face complex medication regimens, increasing their risk of adverse drug events due to polypharmacy, overprescribing, medication interactions, or the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM). However, data on medication use and associated risks in this population remain scarce. This pilot study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic profiles, and the use of PIM among institutionalized elders residing in Residential Structures for Elderly People (ERPI) in the Faro municipality, located in the Portuguese region of the Algarve. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a non-randomized sample of 96 participants (mean age: 86.6 ± 7.86 years) where trained researchers reviewed medication profiles and identified potentially inappropriate medications using the EU(7)-PIM list. Over 90% of participants exhibited polypharmacy (≥5 medications), with an average of 9.1 ± 4.15 medications per person. About 92% had potential drug interactions, including major and moderate interactions. More than 86% used at least one potentially inappropriate medication, most commonly central nervous system drugs. This pilot study demonstrates that institutionalized older adults may be at high risk of potential medication-related problems. Implementing comprehensive medication review programs and promoting adapted prescribing practices are crucial to optimize medication use and improve the well-being of this vulnerable population.
- Avaliação do impacto dos planos de manutenção na produção de energia em turbinas eólicasPublication . Pinho, Guift Cangremo; Sequeira, Cláudia Dias SequeiraA manutenção condicionada em turbinas eólicas é entendida como um conjunto de operações que garantem a funcionalidade, segurança e longevidade destes equipamentos, com uma reflexão notável para a qualidade de energia produzida, bem como para os custos relacionados com as prováveis indisponibilidades das mesmas. As tendências atuais na utilização das turbinas eólicas na produção de energia elétrica, justificam a importância de investir em estudos contínuos sobre o princípio de funcionamento o controlo dos seus componentes, com destaque aos mais suscetíveis a falhas que conduzem a retirada do grupo gerador. Com a realização do presente trabalho avaliaram-se diferentes estratégias utilizadas na manutenção de turbinas eólicas, tendo como foco variáveis relacionadas com a monitorização de óleos lubrificantes, análise de vibrações e a temperatura. As análises integram dois momentos chave, o antes e o depois de várias substituições de caixas multiplicadoras e dos seus componentes, geradores e rolamentos dentro do gerador, localizados no Drive End (DE) e no None Drive End (NDE). O principal objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação das estratégias utilizadas na manutenção de turbinas eólicas a a sua eficiência na produção de energia elétrica. A metodologia aplicada foi de analisar os parâmetros acima mencionados para as 38 turbinas pertencentes à empresa VentientEnergy localizadas no parque eólico da Pampilhosa da Serra, este estudo utilizou dados recolhidos durante um período de 5 anos, de 2019 até 2023. As ferramentas utilizadas para a análise e tratamento de dados foram, Renewables Management System-RMS iberwind, MATLAB e excel. Os resultados desse estudo apontam para fortes correlações entre as curvas de potência antes e depois das intervenções de manutenção, bem como a redução de valores de vibração, contudo na variável temperatura e análises de óleos não se encontrou um padrão entre o antes e depois da substituição.
- Pre-hospital ultrasonography screening for biliary disease in remote settingsPublication . Miravent, Sérgio; Jimenez, Cármen; Lobo, Manuel; Figueiredo, Teresa; Almeida, RuiScreening ultrasound, including Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS), is widely utilized for rapid clinical guidance in diverse healthcare settings. In this case report, a 34-year-old male with recurrent biliary colic symptoms underwent a Basic Emergency Service ultrasound, revealing a 13 mm gallbladder calculus and signs of inflammation, and was promptly referred to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Medical specialist confirmation at the hospital underscored the significance of early detection through POCUS. Despite inconclusive laboratory results, the detailed ultrasound assessment provided a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the tool's value in averting complications. Thus, screening ultrasound played a pivotal role in justifying the hospital referral, showcasing its vital role in healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. The judicious use of POCUS can lead to superior outcomes, avoiding unnecessary referrals for non-emergent cases.
- Blood management in total knee arthroplasty: an exploratory study regarding the use of drain and tranexamic acid in two types of instrumentationPublication . Dias, Pedro Alexandre; Caldeira-Dantas, Sofia; Carvalho, Maria Miguel; Marreiros, Ana; de Almeida Fontes, Ana Paula; Sousa, João PauloBackground: This study investigates how presence or absence of drain or tranexamic acid (TXA) in 2 different types of instrumentation with invasion/sparing femoral canal affects hemoglobin drop after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that included 736 individuals divided in five groups, regarding conventional instrumentation (CI) or patient specific instrumentation (PSI), presence or absence of drain and TXA. Mean percentage of hemoglobin drop after the first postoperative day was compared for each group. Results: Patients submitted to CI using drain and no TXA revealed the highest value (21,3%±9,1; p<0,001). Groups who received TXA and drain was not used, presented the lowest blood loss. Moreover, with the introduction of TXA PSI lost its advantage over CI. Conclusions: TKA using CI, without drain and with TXA administration showed better results, reducing mean percentage of hemoglobin drop after surgery.