I propose the Relative h-index of a scientist, which is based on his or her Hirsch's h-index divided by the total number of published papers recorded in the database. The Relative index h allows for a comparison of the scientific output among researchers and can be very useful for research support institutions, universities, and institutes to rank researchers for the purposes of recruitment, promotions, awards, and grant funding for projects.

The aim of this research was to determine the number of eggs and eggs hatching of Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes obtained from the Parasitology and medical entomology insectarium FKH IPB. This research was consisted of five groups of treatment which each treatment involved 20 females and 10 males of Aedes aegypti. The eggs which produced in 1st gonotrophic cycle stored for the longest period of 180 days. Otherwise, the eggs produced in the last gonotrophic cycle has the shortest of stored period (0 day). The highest number of eggs produced on the 12th day (third gonotrophic cycle) with average of each mousquitoes are 88,4 eggs. The lowest number of eggs produced on the 60th day (14th gonotrophic cycle) are 17,92 eggs. The highest eggs hatching on the 9th gonotrophic cycle (7th day store periode) are 67,4%. The lowest eggs hatching on the first gonotrophic cycle (180th day store peride) are 0% or no eggs hatched. The number of eggs influenced by the age of mousquito. The number of eggs is diminish along with the female mosquitoes age increasing. Otherwise, the eggs hatcing of Aedes aegypti influenced by store period because the eggs hatching diminish along with the store period increasing.

The estimated genetic parameters were used for selection of important conformation traits and reduction in the number of the described characteristics. For reduction in the number of described traits from the original 36 to 24, the traits were selected according to: measure of genetic similarity (cluster analysis), measure of uncertainty multidimensional quantity, value of the variance of aggregate genotype, value of the variance of selection index and correlation of trait to the first principal component of the genetic matrix. Reduction in the number of the described traits was based on the value of heritability coefficient and genetic correlations matrix. The reliabilities of selection indexes were estimated between 0.41 and 0.53. Among the three multivariate analysis methods evaluated in this study, the variance of selection index had the highest reliabilities of selection indexes. The estimation of selection index variance which omitted traits with low heritability coefficient and high genetic correlation was the most suitable for the traits selection. This procedure would enable the breeders to reduce field costs (e.g. time, labour) required for obtaining the genetic parameter estimates necessary for a specific breeding programme.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Surgery is the mainstay therapy for HPV-induced laryngeal papillomatosis (LP) and adjuvant therapies are palliative at best. Research revealed that conjugated-linoleic acid (CLA) may improve the outcome of virally-induced diseases. The effects of Clarinol™ G-80 (CLA) and high oleic safflower oil (HOSF) on children with LP (concomitant with surgery) were evaluated.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>A randomized, double-blinded, crossover and reference-oil controlled trial was conducted at a South African medical university. Study components included clinical, HPV type/load and lymphocyte/cytokine analyses, according to routine laboratory methods.</p> <p>Participants</p> <p>Overall: ten children enrolled; eight completed the trial; five remained randomized; seven received CLA first; all treatments remained double-blinded.</p> <p>Intervention</p> <p>Children (4 to 12 years) received 2.5 ml p/d CLA (8 weeks) and 2.5 ml p/d HOSF (8 weeks) with a washout period (6 weeks) in-between. The one-year trial included a post-treatment period (30 weeks) and afterwards was a one-year follow-up period.</p> <p>Main outcome measures</p> <p>Changes in numbers of surgical procedures for improved disease outcome, total/anatomical scores (staging system) for papillomatosis prevention/viral inhibition, and lymphocyte/cytokine counts for immune responses between baselines and each treatment/end of trial were measured.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>After each treatment all the children were in remission (no surgical procedures); after the trial two had recurrence (surgical procedures in post-treatment period); after the follow-up period three had recurrence (several surgical procedures) and five recovered (four had no surgical procedures). Effects of CLA (and HOSF to a lesser extent) were restricted to mildly/moderately aggressive papillomatosis. Children with low total scores (seven/less) and reduced infections (three/less laryngeal sub-sites) recovered after the trial. No harmful effects were observed. The number of surgical procedures during the trial (n6/available records) was significantly lower [(p 0.03) (95% CI 1.1; 0)]. Changes in scores between baselines and CLA treatments (n8) were significantly lower: total scores [(p 0.02) (95% CI −30.00; 0.00)]; anatomical scores [(p 0.008) (95% CI −33.00: -2.00)]. Immune enhancement could not be demonstrated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These preliminary case and group findings pave the way for further research on the therapeutic potential of adjuvant CLA in the treatment of HPV-induced LP.</p>

[resumo] | [abstract]

Trabalho complementar (Monografia) realizado no âmbito da Unidade Curricular Estágio da Licenciatura em Ciências da Nutrição da Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, sob orientação de Dr.ª Ana Araújo (Associação de Paralisia Cerebral de Guimarâes) e coorientação de Dr.ª Fátima Fonseca (Centro Hospitalar do Alto Ave - Unidade de Guimarâes) | Resumo da tese: A Síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW) define-se como uma desordem multissistémica caracterizada por baixa estatura, atraso mental, hipotonia, hiperfagia com início na infância e obesidade. A síndrome é causada pela ausência de expressão de genes ativos da região crítica do braço longo do cromossoma 15 de origem paterna. Com prevalência mundial de 350-400mil indivíduos é a causa mais comum de obesidade crónica de origem genética em humanos. A disfunção hipotalâmica parece ser responsável por muitas das características clínicas da síndrome, que evoluem ao nível comportamental e fenotípico ao longo da vida. A intervenção envolve uma abordagem multidisciplinar com objetivo de melhorar a qualidade de vida, prevenir complicações inerentes ao excesso ponderal e prolongar a esperança de vida. Esta passa por ajustar o aporte energético sem prejuízo de desenvolvimento do individuo portador e educar o meio de forma a constituir uma mais-valia na terapêutica.Thesis abstract: The Prader-Willi Sydrome (PWS) is complex multisystem disorder characterized by short stature, mental retardation, hypotonia, childhood onset hyperphagia and obesity. The syndrome is caused due to lack of expression of paternal active genes of the long arm critical region in chromosome 15. With a worldwide prevalence of 350-400 thousand individuals is the most common cause of chronic genetic obesity in humans. Hypothalamic dysfunction seems to be responsible for many of the lifelong phenotypic and behavioral features of the syndrome. The management involves a multidisciplinary approach in order to improve quality of life, prevent complications associated with overweight and prolong life expectancy. Energy intake must be adjusted without compromising the development of the individual and is necessary to educate the community for therapeutics benefit.

A alimentação dos mais velhos tem sido alvo de investigação nas últimas décadas, especialmente no que se refere ao estado nutricional e ao consumo de alimentos. Embora os determinantes biológicos, psicológicos, pessoais e económicos da escolha de alimentos sejam bem conhecidos, a relação com o ambiente cultural tem sido menos explorada. As regras culturais determinam a sequência diária e semanal das refeições, o tempo e tipo de refeição, o que constitui uma refeição, o que é considerado uma verdadeira refeição, e distingue ainda uma refeição de uma merenda. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender as refeições em idade sénior numa população de idosos Portugueses, focando as diferenças ao longo do ciclo de vida, usando uma abordagem qualitativa. A nossa investigação incluiu 80 idosos portugueses a viver na comunidade. Verificou-se que a abundância ou as dificuldades económicas na infância apresentam um impacto positivo ou negativo na visão que os idosos têm sobre as suas refeições no passado e no presente. As experiências na vida adulta (migração, casamento, ter filhos, trabalho, doença) influenciaram as rotinas diárias, incluindo a alimentação, para homens e mulheres. As refeições ao longo da vida são definidas por papéis relacionados com o sexo e a descontinuidade nos relacionamentos. Assim, a presença de novas relações e circunstâncias de vida irá refletir-se em novos desafios nas atividades domésticas. Na velhice, estar sozinho e isolado era um importante determinante dos hábitos alimentares. A perda do parceiro foi a situação mais reportada, estando associada a comer sozinho e a menos satisfação com as refeições. Ter o apoio da família ou de uma instituição especializada era essencial para as rotinas diárias com as refeições. Compreender o significado de refeições na velhice pode ser muito útil para o desenvolvimento de melhores estratégias para esta população. | Food in later life has been the focus of research in the past decades, especially in what refers to nutritional status and food consumption. Although biological, psychological, personal and economic determinants in food choice are well known, the relationship with the cultural environment has been less explored. Cultural rules determine daily and weekly sequence of meals, time and type of meal, what constitutes a meal, what is considered a proper meal, and distinguish a meal event from a snack. The purpose of this study was to understand meals in the later life of Portuguese older people, focusing on the differences in the life cycle through a qualitative approach. Our research involved 80 Portuguese older people, free living in the community. We found that an easy childhood or the economic constraints in early childhood had a positive or negative impact in older people view of meals in past and present. The experiences in adult life (migration, marriage, having children, labour, disease) influenced daily routines, including eating, for both men and women. Meals across life were defined by gendered roles and discontinuity in relationships. Therefore, the presence of new relationships or life conditions will reflect in new challenges in domestic activities. In older age, being alone or isolated was an important determinant for eating habits. The loss of partner was the most reported situation, which was linked to eating alone and less satisfaction with meals. Having support from family or a specialized institution is central to the daily routines with meals. Understanding the meaning of meals in later life can be very useful in order to develop appropriate strategies for this population.

Trabalho complementar (Monografia) realizado no âmbito da Unidade Curricular Estágio da Licenciatura em Ciências da Nutrição da Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, sob orientação de Drª Carla Ferreira Silva (Hospital de Santo António do Porto) | Resumo da tese: A obesidade é uma epidemia mundial e a sua prevalência tem aumentado continuamente durante as ultimas três décadas. Esta patologia já não afeta apenas pessoas em idade adulta, mas também em idade pediátrica. Esta está associada a diversas comorbilidades e a uma esperança de vida diminuída. Também conduz a consequências psicossociais, como depressão, baixa autoestima, preconceito e discriminação social, problemas estes que também deterioram a qualidade de vida destes doentes. A cirurgia bariátrica é o tratamento mais eficaz e duradouro para esta doença, resultando numa diminuição marcada da morbilidade e mortalidade. Esta solução para a obesidade também resulta numa melhoria significativa em termos psicossociais, conduzindo a mudanças na qualidade de vida.Thesis abstract: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and its prevalence has increased considerably during the last three decades. This pathology does not only affect people in adulthood, but also children. It is associated with various comorbilities and people with this disease have a reduced life expectancy. It is also leads to psychosocial consequence, such as depression, low self-esteem, prejudice and discrimination, problems that also deteriorate the quality of life of these patients. Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment for this disease, resulting in a marked decrease morbidity and mortality. This solution to obesity also leads to a significant improvement in psychosocial terms, leading to positive changes in their quality of life.