Browsing by Author "Freitas, Pedro"
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- Dengue em Portugal – Experiência da Região Autónoma da madeiraPublication . Castro, Leonor; Marçal, Filipa; Goncalves, Jenny F; Oliveira, Joana; Miranda, Victor; Freitas, Cristina; Barros, Andreia; Freitas, PedroIntroduction: Dengue is a self-limited viral disease, transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. The introduction of the vector to the island of Madeira raised the menace of an epidemic outbreak. Despite the implementation of vector control measures, the first dengue outbreak was reported eight years after the first detection of the vector in the region. The objective of this study was to characterize cases in paediatric ages during the first outbreak of dengue in Madeira. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational, descriptive study including children aged 0 to 14 years with laboratory confirmed dengue. Clinical, demographic and laboratory variables were characterized, followed by statistical analysis.Results: One hundred and eighty-two cases were confirmed by laboratory methods, predominantly male, mean age 9.6 years. The incidence was 413.5/100 000 population, the peak incidence being observed in November 2012. The most frequently described symptoms were fever (98.3%), headache (75.2%), myalgia (66.5%) and rash (51.6%). Bleeding was identified in 9.9% of cases. Of the paediatric cases,15.9% were admitted, with a mean duration of 3.8 days. No deaths were reported. Only the DEN-1 serotype was identified. Conclusions: The high density of the vector, together with susceptible hosts, may have triggered the outbreak following the introduction of the virus in the region. Given the possibility of a new outbreak, and since immunity is specific to the infecting serotype, vector management strategies and individual protection measures must be sustained.
- Epicardial Adipose Tissue: The Genetics Behind an Emerging Cardiovascular Risk MarkerPublication . Sousa, João Adriano; Mendonca, Maria Isabel; Serrão, Marco; Borges, Sofia; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Tentem, Margarida; Santos, Marina; Freitas, Pedro; Ferreira, António; Guerra, Graça; Drumond, António; Palma Reis, RobertoEvidence points epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) as an emerging cardiovascular risk marker. Whether genetic polymorphisms linked with atherosclerosis are associated with higher EAT is still unknown. We aim to assess the role of genetic burden of atherosclerosis and its association to EAT in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals without coronary disease. A total of 996 participants were prospectively enrolled in a single Portuguese center. EAT volume was measured by Cardiac Computed Tomography and participants were distributed into 2 groups, above and below median EAT. SNPs were genotyped and linked to their respective pathophysiological axes. A multiplicative genetic risk score (mGRS) was constructed, representing the genetic burden of the studied SNPs. To evaluate the association between genetics and EAT, we compared both groups by global mGRS, mGRS by functional axes, and SNPs individually. Individuals above-median EAT were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI) and higher prevalence of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. They presented higher GRS, that remained an independent predictor of higher EAT volumes. The group with more EAT consistently presented higher polymorphic burden across numerous pathways. After adjustment, age, BMI, and mGRS of each functional axis emerged as independently related to higher EAT volumes. Amongst the 33 SNPs, MTHFR677 polymorphism emerged as the only significant and independent predictor of higher EAT volumes. Patients with higher polymorphism burden for atherosclerosis present higher EAT volumes. We present the first study in a Portuguese population, evaluating the genetic profile of EAT through GWAS and GRS, casting further insight into this complicated matter.
- As novas unidades combatentes na Marinha e o impacto operacional do seu futuro empregoPublication . Freitas, PedroO presente trabalho tem como objectivo identificar o impacto operacional dos novos meios combatentes da Marinha Portuguesa. A importância deste tema está ligada ao acréscimo militar que estes meios representam nas capacidades oceânica de superfície e submarina. A investigação centralizar-se-á nas novas unidades combatentes da Marinha Portuguesa, nomeadamente as fragatas da classe “Bartolomeu Dias” e os submarinos da classe “Tridente”. Este acréscimo de capacidades e o seu respectivo emprego nas missões da Marinha representa um significativo impacto operacional que importa quantificar e conhecer, como forma de operar uma marinha equilibrada de maneira eficaz e eficiente. A sustentação logística destes novos meios veio alterar ou criar novos ciclos operacionais e planos de manutenção, bem como adaptar a organização para a sua recepção. Será avaliado o impacto que estas novas unidades tem nas operações da Marinha Portuguesa. Pretende-se, adicionalmente, comparar estes novos meios com outros em operação na nossa Marinha. As conclusões e recomendações a retirar desta investigação serão aplicáveis à Marinha Portuguesa. Abstract: The goal of the current work is to identify the operational impact of the new combatant units of the Portuguese Navy. The importance of this subject is connected to the increase in the surface warfare and submarine capabilities. This investigation is centered in the “Bartolomeu Dias” class frigates and in the “Tridente” class submarines. The increase in the referred capabilities and the employment of those units in the Portuguese Navy missions represents a significant operational impact that needs to be quantified and known, as a way to operate a balanced, effective and efficient navy. The logistic support of the new units changed or created new operational cycles and maintenance plans, the entire organization is adapting for the reception of those units. The impact of the new units in the Portuguese Navy operations is evaluated; additionally a comparison between those units and others in operation in the navy is made. The conclusions and recommendations from this investigation are applicable to the Portuguese Navy.
- Plano de marketing digital: o caso da Moyo ConceptPublication . Freitas, Pedro; Pires, HenriqueNo âmbito do Mestrado de Gestão de Marketing do IPAM Porto, foi realizado o estágio curricular na empresa Moyo Concept na área do marketing digital. O objetivo deste trabalho é a formulação da estratégia de marketing digital para a empresa em questão através da análise interna da empresa e da análise ao mercado onde a empresa atua. Após a análise, são apresentadas sugestões para uma posterior concretização do planeamento de marketing digital. Após verificar que a Moyo Concept não possuía um plano de marketing, considerou-se oportuno desenvolvê-lo, visto que a empresa tem vindo a intensificar a sua comunicação no meio digital. Com este plano pretende-se que empresa tenha ações de marketing e de comunicação mais sustentadas com vista ao desenvolvimento da mesma.
- “Saved by the Pacing Catheter”: Gigantic Right Atrial Thromboembolus as a Cause of Pulmonary EmbolismPublication . Costa, Ana; Jacinto, Joana; Freitas, Tiago; Freitas, Pedro; Brazão, Maria Da LuzPulmonary embolism (PE) related to the presence of right heart thromboemboli entails a higher mortality rate than PE alone. Furthermore, right heart thromboemboli are often associated with deep venous thrombosis. The most effective therapy for haemodynamically stable patients remains unknown, although recent data suggest that thrombolytic therapy is associated with a better outcome. We describe the case of an 83-year-old woman, hospitalized with PE consequent to right heart thrombus-in-transit, in whom investigation revealed a concomitant deep venous thrombosis. She required thrombolysis, given the high mortality risk that is traditionally associated with this clinical entity.