José Carlos Martins

Microcystin Dynamics in Aquatic Organisms

Eutrophication of surface water has increased significantly during the past decade, resulting in increased occurrences of toxic blooms. Cyanotoxins have become a global health threat to humans, wild animals, or domestic livestock. Hepatotoxic microcystins (MC) are the predominant cyanotoxins, which accumulate in aquatic organisms and are transferred to higher trophic levels. This is an issue of major concern in aquatic toxicology, as it involves the risk for human exposure through the consumption of contaminated fish and other aquatic organisms. The persistence and detoxification of MC in aquatic organisms are important issues for public health and fishery economics. Bioaccumulation of MC depends on the toxicity of the strains, mode of feeding, and detoxication mechanisms. Although mussels, as sessile filter feeders, seem to be organisms that ingest more MC, other molluscs like gastropods, as well as zooplankton and fish, may also retain average similar levels of toxins. Edible animals such as some species of molluscs, crustaceans, and fish present different risk because toxins accumulate in muscle at low levels. Carnivorous fish seem to accumulate high MC concentrations compared to phytophagous or omnivorous fish. This review summarizes the existing data on the distribution and dynamics of MC in contaminated aquatic organisms.

Differential protein expression in Corbicula fluminea upon exposure to a Microcystis aeruginosa toxic strain.

Changes in protein expression induced by a Microcystis aeruginosa toxic strain in the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea were studied using a proteomic approach in an effort to identify new molecular biomarkers. Clams were fed with 1 x 10(6) cells mL(-1) of a M. aeruginosa toxic strain (IZANCYA 2), during 24 b. Cytosolic fractions of gills and digestive tract were analyzed by two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis in 7 cm IPG strips (pH 4-7). On average, about 400 spots were resolved using Coomassie staining. Altered protein expression was quantitatively detected in 16-13 spots in gills and digestive tract, respectively. In 2D electrophoresis gel protein maps from gills, 10 of 16 spots were downregulated. In the digestive tract, the general tendency was an increase in the protein expression level after the exposure. The altered protein spots were excised and analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS, with identification of 8 proteins in gills and 5 in the digestive tract. Most of the identified proteins are involved in cytoskeleton assembly. Metabolic proteins were also detected. These results are in agreement with predicted effects of PP1 and PP2A phosphatase inhibition as major effect of microcystins-related toxicity.

Sexual violence against children and vulnerability

OBJECTIVE To analyze the demographic and epidemiological profile of children and adolescents victims of sexual violence treated in a Unit of Forensic Medicine and the relationship between victims and perpetrators. METHODS A descriptive study, with data collection from information gathered from sex abuse reports performed in 2009 on victims of sexual violence aged less than 18 years. The data collection tool was a form filled out with demographic information about the victim - gender and age - and information regarding the sexual violence -, location of the occurrence, time elapsed between abuse and expert report, complaints reported, sexological examination findings, description of lesions outside the genital region, and aggressors relationship to victim. RESULTS In 2009, 421 individuals victim of sexual violence were assisted. Of those, 379 (90%) were younger than 18 years, and 66 cases were excluded from these reports. Most were female (81.2%). The most affected age group was 10 to 13 years old (36.7%), followed by 5 to 9 year-olds (30.7%). In most cases (86.3%), there were family or friendship ties between victims and perpetrators, being most frequently accused an acquaintance or friend of the family (42.3%), followed by the stepfather (16.6%) and the father (10.9%). CONCLUSION The results are similar to other studies conducted in the country. This work aims at filling a gap caused by the lack of research on this topic in the State, hoping to collaborate to improve public policies against child sexual abuse.

Oxygen consumption by Daphnia magna straus as a marker of chemical stress in the aquatic environment

Oxygen consumption by Daphnia magna Straus was investigated as a bioindicator for the presence of 11 common aquatic pollutants: Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), mercury(II) chloride (HgCl(2)), 2-dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio-N-methylacetamide (dimethoate), hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane), 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea (linuron), 4-chloro-o-tolyloxyacetic acid, bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), tetramethylthiuram disulfide (thiram), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)). The measurement of oxygen consumption by D. magna was carried out after 15 and 210 min of exposure to the toxicants under controlled laboratory conditions. The technique applied in the present study was found to be useful for the detection of significant changes in oxygen consumption for most toxicants, with the exception of BbF, dimethoate, and CCl4. Significant differences in oxygen consumption were noted, relative to the control treatments, for six of the compounds after only 15 min of exposure. For thiram and TBTO, statistically significant changes in oxygen consumption were recorded after 210 min of exposure. The present results suggest that the measurement of oxygen consumption by D. magna is a useful biomarker and could possibly be used as a biological early warning system for detecting pollutants in the aquatic environment.

Transcriptional Responses of Glutathione Transferase Genes in Ruditapes philippinarum Exposed to Microcystin-LR

Glutathione Transferases (GSTs) are phase II detoxification enzymes known to be involved in the molecular response against microcystins (MCs) induced toxicity. However, the individual role of the several GST isoforms in the MC detoxification process is still unknown. In this study, the time-dependent changes on gene expression of several GST isoforms (pi, mu, sigma 1, sigma 2) in parallel with enzymatic activity of total GST were investigated in gills and hepatopancreas of the bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to pure MC-LR (10 and 100 µg/L). No significant changes in GST enzyme activities were found on both organs. In contrast, MC-LR affected the transcriptional activities of these detoxification enzymes both in gills and hepatopancreas. GST transcriptional changes in gills promoted by MC-LR were characterized by an early (12 h) induction of mu and sigma 1 transcripts. On the other hand, the GST transcriptional changes in hepatopancreas were characterized by a later induction (48 h) of mu transcript, but also by an early inhibition (6 h) of the four transcripts. The different transcription patterns obtained for the tested GST isoforms in this study highlight the potential divergent physiological roles played by these isoenzymes during the detoxification of MC-LR.

Palliative care and nursing in dissertations and theses in Portugal: a bibliometric study

OBJECTIVE To identify the academic scientific production on palliative care in master dissertations and PhD theses carried out by nurses in Portugal. METHOD A descriptive retrospective study of bibliometric type with search for the abstracts available in repositories of higher education institutions in the period 2000-2014. RESULTS Of the 1814 papers identified, 249 met the inclusion criteria (ten doctoral theses and 239 master dissertations). The most representative methodological approach was quantitative (31.35%) and the most studied area was family/informal caregiver (20.69%). The most studied target population were the students/health professionals (38.51%). CONCLUSION The academic scientific production in this area has been growing in spite of the need for continued investment in order to fill the identified gaps. OBJETIVO Identificar a produção científica académica sobre cuidados paliativos nos estudos de mestrados e doutoramentos efetuados por enfermeiros em Portugal. MÉTODO Estudo descritivo e retrospetivo, do tipo bibliométrico, recorrendo aos resumos disponíveis nos repositórios das instituições de ensino superior no período 2000-2014. RESULTADOS Dos 1814 trabalhos identificados, 249 corresponderam aos critérios de inclusão (10 teses de doutoramento e 239 dissertações de mestrado). A abordagem metodológica mais representativa é a quantitativa (31,35%), a área mais estudada foi a família/cuidador informal (20,69%) e a população-alvo mais estudada foram os estudantes/profissionais de saúde (38,51%). CONCLUSÃO A produção científica académica nessa área tem vindo a crescer. Embora exista necessidade de investimento contínuo de forma a colmatar as lacunas identificadas.OBJETIVO Identificar a producao cientifica academica sobre cuidados paliativos nos estudos de mestrados e doutoramentos efetuados por enfermeiros em Portugal. METODO Estudo descritivo e retrospetivo, do tipo bibliometrico, recorrendo aos resumos disponiveis nos repositorios das instituicoes de ensino superior no periodo 2000-2014. RESULTADOS Dos 1814 trabalhos identificados, 249 corresponderam aos criterios de inclusao (10 teses de doutoramento e 239 dissertacoes de mestrado). A abordagem metodologica mais representativa e a quantitativa (31,35%), a area mais estudada foi a familia/cuidador informal (20,69%) e a populacao-alvo mais estudada foram os estudantes/profissionais de saude (38,51%). CONCLUSAO A producao cientifica academica nessa area tem vindo a crescer. Embora exista necessidade de investimento continuo de forma a colmatar as lacunas identificadas.Objective: To identify the academic scientific production on palliative care in master dissertations and PhD theses carried out by nurses in Portugal. Method: A descriptive retrospective study of bibliometric type with search for the abstracts available in repositories of higher education institutions in the period 2000-2014. Results: Of the 1814 papers identified, 249 met the inclusion criteria (ten doctoral theses and 239 master dissertations). The most representative methodological approach was quantitative (31.35%) and the most studied area was family/informal caregiver (20.69%). The most studied target population were the students/health professionals (38.51%). Conclusion: The academic scientific production in this area has been growing in spite of the need for continued investment in order to fill the identified gaps.

Impact of Invasions on Water Quality in Marine and Freshwater Environments

Water quality of marine and freshwater environments, including brackish waters, can be highly impacted by the introduction, establishment, and spread of non-native species. Phytoplankton are among the most common arrivals, with the bloom-forming species, such as toxic freshwater cyanobacteria and marine dinoflagellates, being of particular concern. Their massive population increase may lead to water discolouration, reduced transparency, changes in nutrients cycling, events of anoxia, and release of potent toxins contaminating the food web and drinking water. Top-down control that regulates primary productivity is carried out by filter-feeding organisms. Bivalve mollusks are often the dominant filter feeders in many aquatic systems. The high filtration rates of some non-native bivalves may significantly increase the ecosystem filtration capacity, resulting in drastic changes of phytoplankton biomass and composition. Invasive bivalves also have a marked role removing other suspended particles, which result in increasing water clarity with subsequent growth of submerged vegetation. This apparent benefit may not be innocuous because changes in phytoplankton composition may lead to dominance of toxic algae species. Biomagnification of contaminants filtered from the water column, biofouling, and increase of sedimentation are among other detrimental effects associated with the increase of non-native bivalve populations. In this chapter, the main impacts on water quality raised by non-native phytoplankton and bivalve species are reviewed.

Dificuldades de comunicação e deglutição em doentes em cuidados paliativos: visão dos doentes e familiares e/ou cuidadores informais

Introducao Muitos dos sintomas apresentados pelos doentes em cuidados paliativos culminam em disfagia e perturbacoes da comunicacao. Objetivo Analisar a opiniao dos doentes em Cuidados Paliativos e de seus familiares e/ou cuidadores informais sobre as dificuldades sentidas na comunicacao e na degluticao. Metodos A amostra foi constituida por 38 doentes e 26 familiares e/ou cuidadores informais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em um hospital central e escolar e em uma unidade local de saude em Portugal, por meio de dois questionarios distintos. Resultados Constatou-se que 55,3% dos doentes inquiridos afirmaram apresentar dificuldades para se comunicar e que 34,2% assinalaram a opcao “comunico com muita dificuldade”, no questionario. Por sua vez, 57,7% dos familiares e/ou cuidadores informais tambem consideraram esta dificuldade como uma das primordiais, sendo que a maioria (30,8%) especificou, igualmente, a opcao do questionario supramencionada. A percentagem de dificuldades de degluticao apresentada pelos doentes e referida pelos familiares e/ou cuidadores foi superior em ambos os grupos, comparativamente as dificuldades de comunicacao. Na otica de 68,5% dos doentes inquiridos, as dificuldades de degluticao ocorriam com liquidos, enquanto que 71,1% afirmaram apresentar dificuldades na degluticao de alimentos com consistencia solida. Na opiniao dos familiares e/ou cuidadores informais, 80,8% dos doentes apresentavam dificuldades na degluticao de liquidos e 84,6%, na degluticao de solidos. Conclusao A maioria dos doentes em Cuidados Paliativos apresentou dificuldades de comunicacao e degluticao, sendo as de degluticao mais referidas do que as de comunicacao. As dificuldades de degluticao de consistencias solidas foram as mais prevalentes, nesta amostra.

Cuidados paliativos e enfermagem nas dissertações e teses em Portugal: um estudo bibliométrico

OBJECTIVE To identify the academic scientific production on palliative care in master dissertations and PhD theses carried out by nurses in Portugal. METHOD A descriptive retrospective study of bibliometric type with search for the abstracts available in repositories of higher education institutions in the period 2000-2014. RESULTS Of the 1814 papers identified, 249 met the inclusion criteria (ten doctoral theses and 239 master dissertations). The most representative methodological approach was quantitative (31.35%) and the most studied area was family/informal caregiver (20.69%). The most studied target population were the students/health professionals (38.51%). CONCLUSION The academic scientific production in this area has been growing in spite of the need for continued investment in order to fill the identified gaps. OBJETIVO Identificar a produção científica académica sobre cuidados paliativos nos estudos de mestrados e doutoramentos efetuados por enfermeiros em Portugal. MÉTODO Estudo descritivo e retrospetivo, do tipo bibliométrico, recorrendo aos resumos disponíveis nos repositórios das instituições de ensino superior no período 2000-2014. RESULTADOS Dos 1814 trabalhos identificados, 249 corresponderam aos critérios de inclusão (10 teses de doutoramento e 239 dissertações de mestrado). A abordagem metodológica mais representativa é a quantitativa (31,35%), a área mais estudada foi a família/cuidador informal (20,69%) e a população-alvo mais estudada foram os estudantes/profissionais de saúde (38,51%). CONCLUSÃO A produção científica académica nessa área tem vindo a crescer. Embora exista necessidade de investimento contínuo de forma a colmatar as lacunas identificadas.OBJETIVO Identificar a producao cientifica academica sobre cuidados paliativos nos estudos de mestrados e doutoramentos efetuados por enfermeiros em Portugal. METODO Estudo descritivo e retrospetivo, do tipo bibliometrico, recorrendo aos resumos disponiveis nos repositorios das instituicoes de ensino superior no periodo 2000-2014. RESULTADOS Dos 1814 trabalhos identificados, 249 corresponderam aos criterios de inclusao (10 teses de doutoramento e 239 dissertacoes de mestrado). A abordagem metodologica mais representativa e a quantitativa (31,35%), a area mais estudada foi a familia/cuidador informal (20,69%) e a populacao-alvo mais estudada foram os estudantes/profissionais de saude (38,51%). CONCLUSAO A producao cientifica academica nessa area tem vindo a crescer. Embora exista necessidade de investimento continuo de forma a colmatar as lacunas identificadas.Objective: To identify the academic scientific production on palliative care in master dissertations and PhD theses carried out by nurses in Portugal. Method: A descriptive retrospective study of bibliometric type with search for the abstracts available in repositories of higher education institutions in the period 2000-2014. Results: Of the 1814 papers identified, 249 met the inclusion criteria (ten doctoral theses and 239 master dissertations). The most representative methodological approach was quantitative (31.35%) and the most studied area was family/informal caregiver (20.69%). The most studied target population were the students/health professionals (38.51%). Conclusion: The academic scientific production in this area has been growing in spite of the need for continued investment in order to fill the identified gaps.

Palliative Care for Institutionalized Elderly Persons: Experience of Caregivers

The number of elderly persons institutionalized in residential facilities that provide various types of care is increasing all the time. Care is provided by caregivers who, often unknowingly, are delivering palliative care, and in doing so, are accompanying the elderly persons to their death. The aim of the present study was to investigate how terminal illness and death are experienced by caregivers. A qualitative explorative-descriptive study was carried out, featuring a phenomenological approach, in accordance with Giorgi. The sample was comprised of nine individuals who worked in residential facilities, with data collected through a semi-structured interview. Following data analysis, eight categories were defined: relationship with the elderly person; positive experiences, positive feelings, negative experiences, negative feelings, strategies, consequences and training. These categories were then divided into subcategories. It can be concluded that the caregivers experienced great difficulty when dealing with suffering at the end of life. This did not prevent them from enjoying their work, and a number of positive aspects of their relationships with the elderly were mentioned. The need to provide more support for these professionals, whether through further training or the level of psychological support provided, is also fundamental in this area of palliative care, as only in this way will individuals feel more able and confident about performing their tasks, brining greater benefit for the elderly persons.