Van der Waals materials as dielectric layers for tailoring the near-field photonic response of surfaces.

Epsilon near-zero photonics and surface polariton nanophotonics have become major fields within optics, leading to unusual and enhanced light-matter interaction. Specific dielectric responses are required in both cases, which can be achieved, e.g., via operation near a material's electronic or phononic resonance. However, this condition restricts operation to a specific, narrow frequency range. It has been shown that using a thin dielectric layer can adjust the dielectric response of a surface and, therefore, the operating frequency for achieving specific photonic excitations. Here, we show that a surface's optical properties can be tuned via the deposition/transference of ultra-thin layered van der Waals (vdW) crystals, the thicknesses of which can easily be adjusted to provide the desired response. In particular, we experimentally and theoretically show that the surface phonon resonance of a silica surface can be tuned by ∼50 cm-1 through the simple deposition of nanometer-thick exfoliated flakes of black phosphorus. The surface properties were probed by infrared nanospectroscopy, and results show a close agreement with the theory. The black phosphorus-silica layered structure effectively acts as a surface with a tunable effective dielectric constant that presents an infrared response dependent on the black phosphorus thickness. In contrast, with a lower dielectric constant, hexagonal boron nitride does not significantly tune the silica surface phonon polariton. Our approach also applies to epsilon near-zero surfaces, as theoretically shown, and to polaritonic surfaces operating at other optical ranges.

Noncompliance to iodine supplementation recommendation is a risk factor for iodine insufficiency in Portuguese pregnant women: results from the IoMum cohort.

PURPOSE: After a recommendation for iodine supplementation in pregnancy has been issued in 2013 in Portugal, there were no studies covering iodine status in pregnancy in the country. The aim of this study was to assess iodine status in pregnant women in Porto region and its association with iodine supplementation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, from April 2018 to April 2019. Pregnant women attending the 1st trimester ultrasound scan were invited to participate. Exclusion criteria were levothyroxine use, gestational age < 10 and ≥ 14 weeks, non-evolutive pregnancy at recruitment and non-signing of informed consent. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in random spot urine by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Median UIC was 104 µg/L (IQR 62-189) in the overall population (n = 481) of which 19% had UIC < 50 µg/L. Forty three percent (n = 206) were not taking an iodine-containing supplement (ICS) and median UIC values were 146 µg/L (IQR 81-260) and 74 µg/L (IQR 42-113) in ICS users and non-users, respectively (p < 0.001). Not using an ICS was an independent risk factor for iodine insufficiency [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 6.00 (2.74, 13.16); p < 0.001]. Iodised salt use was associated with increased median iodine-to-creatinine ratio (p < 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: A low compliance to iodine supplementation recommendation in pregnancy accounted for a mild-to-moderately iodine deficiency. Our results evidence the need to support iodine supplementation among pregnant women in countries with low household coverage of iodised salt. Trial registration number NCT04010708, registered on the 8th July 2019.

Sulfadiazine removal using green zero-valent iron nanoparticles: A low-cost and eco-friendly alternative technology for water remediation.

In this work, the effectiveness of green zero-valent iron nanoparticles (gnZVIs) for the removal of the antibiotic sulfadiazine (SDZ) from water via adsorption and reduction was tested. Additionally, the effectiveness of this material as a catalyst for the Fenton and photo-Fenton processes was also investigated. This represents the first study concerning the use of gnZVIs for the degradation of a sulfonamide antibiotic. The results obtained indicate that gnZVIs were able to remove up to 58% of SDZ via adsorption and up to 69% via adsorption plus reduction using a SDZ/Fe3+ molar ratio of 1:61.6. Furthermore, gnZVIs showed strong effectiveness as a catalyst for the Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions, with complete SDZ removal in 8 h and 5 min, respectively, using a SDZ/Fe3+/H2O2 molar ratio of 1:38.4:38.4. These results demonstrate that the use of gnZVIs constitutes an attractive and potential alternative technology for water remediation, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

An approach to the implementation of Low Impact Development measures towards an EcoCampus classification.

Impervious cover has important hydrologic impacts, namely the increased runoff volume and peak discharges in the rainwater network, which can lead to significant consequences like rapid urban floods with social, environmental and economic implications. LID (Low Impact Development) consist of distributed runoff management measures, like green roofs, pervious pavements, waterways covered with vegetation and filter trails, among others, that seek to control stormwater in the origin, reducing imperviousness. These solutions avoid increased runoff rate and volume, increase infiltration and groundwater recharge. The main goal of the research work here presented is to study the hydrological impact of LID's in UTAD (University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro) campus, which is an institution focused on sustainability, since it has defined in its Strategic Plan to achieve, in a near future, an EcoCampus classification. To achieve the proposed goal, the campus area was studied in detail in order to evaluate the technical possibility of LID's implementation. A peak discharge comparison was made between the current situation and the one with LID's implementation, using the rational method. The results showed that peak discharges reduction between 68 and 95% may be achieved with LID solutions in UTAD campus.

Adsorption of anti-inflammatory nimesulide by graphene materials: a combined theoretical and experimental study.

Interactions of anti-inflammatory nimesulide (NM) with different graphene material species were explored employing both ab initio calculations, based on Density Functional Theory (DFT), and a batch adsorption process. The adsorption of NM onto graphene, with and without a vacancy, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and functionalized graphene nanoribbons was simulated, providing a good understanding of the adsorption process of the NM molecule onto graphene material surfaces. The theoretical results indicate a physisorption interaction between NM and all of the evaluated adsorbents. Based on batch adsorption experiments, it was found that rGO, obtained via a modified Hummers method, is a good nanoadsorbent for the removal of the anti-inflammatory NM from aqueous solutions. The general-order kinetic equation displays the best fit to the experimental data compared with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetics. The equilibrium data fitted well into the Liu isotherm equation, and the maximum sorption capacity for the adsorption of NM by rGO was 82.4 mg g-1 at 25 °C. Our results of the first principle calculations and the batch adsorption experiments point out that graphene materials are promising nanomaterials for extracting NM from aqueous solutions.

ESGAR consensus statement on liver MR imaging and clinical use of liver-specific contrast agents.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a consensus and provide updated recommendations on liver MR imaging and the clinical use of liver-specific contrast agents. METHODS: The European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) formed a multinational European panel of experts, selected on the basis of a literature review and their leadership in the field of liver MR imaging. A modified Delphi process was adopted to draft a list of statements. Descriptive and Cronbach's statistics were used to rate levels of agreement and internal reliability of the consensus. RESULTS: Three Delphi rounds were conducted and 76 statements composed on MR technique (n = 17), clinical application of liver-specific contrast agents in benign, focal liver lesions (n = 7), malignant liver lesions in non-cirrhotic (n = 9) and in cirrhotic patients (n = 18), diffuse and vascular liver diseases (n = 12), and bile ducts (n = 13). The overall mean score of agreement was 4.84 (SD ±0.17). Full consensus was reached in 22 % of all statements in all working groups, with no full consensus reached on diffuse and vascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus provided updated recommendations on the methodology, and clinical indications, of MRI with liver specific contrast agents in the study of liver diseases. KEY POINTS: • Liver-specific contrast agents are recommended in MRI of the liver. • The hepatobiliary phase improves the detection and characterization of hepatocellular lesions. • Liver-specific contrast agents can improve the detection of HCC.

Do knowledge of uterine artery resistance in the second trimester and targeted surveillance improve maternal and perinatal outcome? UTOPIA study: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether screening for pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by uterine artery (UtA) Doppler in the second trimester of pregnancy and targeted surveillance improve maternal and perinatal outcomes in an unselected population. METHODS: This was a multicenter randomized open-label controlled trial. At the routine second-trimester anomaly scan, women were assigned randomly to UtA Doppler or non-Doppler groups. Women with abnormal UtA Doppler were offered intensive surveillance at high-risk clinics of the participating centers with visits every 4 weeks that included measurement of maternal blood pressure, dipstick proteinuria, fetal growth and Doppler examination. The primary outcome was a composite score for perinatal complications, defined as the presence of any of the following: PE, IUGR, spontaneous labor < 37 weeks' gestation, placental abruption, stillbirth, gestational hypertension, admission to neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal complications. Secondary outcomes were a composite score for maternal complications (disseminated intravascular coagulation, maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, sepsis), and medical interventions (for example, corticosteroid administration and induction of labor) in patients developing placenta-related complications. RESULTS: In total, 11 667 women were included in the study. Overall, PE occurred in 348 (3.0%) cases, early-onset PE in 48 (0.4%), IUGR in 722 (6.2%), early-onset IUGR in 93 (0.8%) and early-onset PE with IUGR in 32 (0.3%). UtA mean pulsatility index > 90(th) percentile was able to detect 59% of early-onset PE and 60% of early-onset IUGR with a false-positive rate of 11.1%. When perinatal and maternal data according to assigned group (UtA Doppler vs non-Doppler) were compared, no differences were found in perinatal or maternal complications. However, screened patients had more medical interventions, such as corticosteroid administration (relative risk (RR), 1.79 (95% CI, 1.4-2.3)) and induction of labor for IUGR (RR, 1.36 (95% CI, 1.07-1.72)). In women developing PE or IUGR, there was a trend towards fewer maternal complications (RR, 0.46 (95% CI, 0.19-1.11)). CONCLUSIONS: Routine second-trimester UtA Doppler ultrasound in an unselected population identifies approximately 60% of women at risk for placental complications; however, application of this screening test failed to improve short-term maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Adsorption of sodium diclofenac on graphene: a combined experimental and theoretical study.

The interactions of sodium diclofenac drug (s-DCF) with different graphene species were investigated using both first principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and adsorption experiments. Through batch adsorption experiments, it was found that rGO was a good adsorbent for removing the s-DCF drug from aqueous solutions. The general-order kinetic model shows the best fit to the experimental data compared with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic adsorption models. The equilibrium data (at 25 °C) were fitted to the Liu isotherm model. The maximum sorption capacity for adsorption of the s-DCF drug was 59.67 mg g(-1) for rGO. The s-DCF adsorption onto pristine graphene, graphene with a vacancy, reduced oxide graphene (rGO) and functionalized graphene nanoribbons were simulated providing a good understanding of the adsorption process of this molecule on graphene-family surfaces. The results predict a physisorption regime in all cases. Based on these results, the ab initio calculations and the adsorption experiments point out that the graphene-family are promising materials for extracting s-DCF from wastewater effluents.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: levels and phase distributions in preschool microenvironment.

This work aims to characterize levels and phase distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor air of preschool environment and to assess the impact of outdoor PAH emissions to indoor environment. Gaseous and particulate (PM1 and PM(2.5)) PAHs (16 USEPA priority pollutants, plus dibenzo[a,l]pyrene, and benzo[j]fluoranthene) were concurrently sampled indoors and outdoors in one urban preschool located in north of Portugal for 35 days. The total concentration of 18 PAHs (ΣPAHs) in indoor air ranged from 19.5 to 82.0 ng/m(3) ; gaseous compounds (range of 14.1-66.1 ng/m(3)) accounted for 85% ΣPAHs. Particulate PAHs (range 0.7-15.9 ng/m(3)) were predominantly associated with PM1 (76% particulate ΣPAHs) with 5-ring PAHs being the most abundant. Mean indoor/outdoor ratios (I/O) of individual PAHs indicated that outdoor emissions significantly contributed to PAH indoors; emissions from motor vehicles and fuel burning were the major sources.

[Rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty of hip and knee]. / Revalidation après les arthroplasties de hanche et de genou.

Numbers of total hip and knee arthroplasties are increasing on a regular basis. Clinical pathways tend to shorten the duration of hospitalization in acute care after surgery. Therefore, the preoperative preparation of the patient and his abilities for postoperative rehabilitation should be carefully addressed. Before the surgical intervention, it is recommended that the patient receives an educational program and a physical preparation. After the surgical intervention, the patient can benefit from a home-based rehabilitation program supervised by a physiotherapist, if there were no preoperative reasons for prolonging the hospital stay and if the surgery took place without complications. Some patients may benefit from postsurgical rehabilitation in a specialized locomotor rehabilitation long-stay care unit. The indications for inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation are : two simultaneous arthroplasties, revision of a previous hip or knee arthroplasty, postsurgical complications, advanced age, comorbidities influencing the rehabilitation process, social difficulties, necessity for adaptation of the environment, insufficient or unadapted out-patient (para)medical care. The goals of the rehabilitation treatment depend on the patient's characteristics and environment, on the properties of the prosthesis and on the postsurgical complications. The functional prognosis of a total joint arthroplasty of the knee or hip is excellent, provided that there are no post-surgical complications and that the patient benefits from adequate rehabilitation therapy. The present paper describes the different phases of rehabilitation treatment and the general and specific complications of total hip and knee arthroplasties that may influence the rehabilitation outcome.

Molecular screening of ovine mastitis in different breeds.

Clinical and subclinical mastitis directly affect mammary gland function and have a great economic impact on the sheep and goat dairy industries. The present study explores molecular diagnosis of ovine subclinical mastitis as a faster and more precise screening method compared with microbiology and biochemical techniques to assess the molecular and chemical properties of raw milk samples from healthy animals from 3 breeds of sheep raised in Portugal. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA screening by PCR, milk samples from all sheep were categorized as contaminated (n=123) or noncontaminated (n=104). For contaminated milk, different specific primers were used for pathogen identification (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis). Streptococcus agalactiae was identified as the most frequent agent. We further assessed whether contaminated versus noncontaminated samples were chemically different in terms of fat, protein, lactose, pH, and solids-not-fat. This molecular screening method allowed rapid and efficient identification of contaminated raw sheep milk, including pathogen identification, before significant alterations in milk chemical properties could be detected. This methodology may lead to a specific and efficient animal treatment and consequently less expensive flock management.

Effects of paddles and fins on front crawl kinematics, arm stroke efficiency, coordination, and estimated energy cost.

Paddles and fins are used in swimmers training with different objectives (e.g., increase propulsive areas of hands and feet, improve the feeling of water flow). These artificial modifications of the stroke might be viewed as external constraints of the stroke task, both will either disturb or facilitate swimming modalities, so the coaches should manipulate its use to extract benefits for performance. This study seeks to investigate the precise effects of wearing either paddles (PAD) or fins (FINS) vs. a no-equipment (NE) trial in three all-out front crawl exercises on swimmer kinematics, arm stroke efficiency (ηp), upper-limbs coordination patterns (Index of Coordination, IdC), and estimated energy cost (C). Eleven regional to national-level male swimmers participated in the study (age: 25.8 ± 5.5 years, body mass: 75.2 ± 5.5 kg, height: 177 ± 6.5 cm) and were recorded from both sides of the swimming pool to collect all variables. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare the variables. Effects sizes were calculated. Time to cover the distance and velocity were higher in FINS swimming, with larger values of stroke length (SL) and lower kick amplitude in comparison to the other trials (PAD and NE). The use of FINS also modified the stroke phases durations by presenting significant lower propulsion time during the stroke in comparison to PAD or NE. Values of IdC were lower (IdC < -1%, so catch-up pattern of coordination) for FINS in comparison to NE. In terms of ηp, using PAD or FINS demonstrate higher arm stroke efficiency than swimming without equipment. Finally, C was significantly higher in FINS swimming in comparison to NE and PAD. From the present results, it should be noted that the use of equipment such as fins deeply modify the structure of the swimming stroke (from the performance-related parameters through the kinematics of both upper and lower limbs to the stroke efficiency and coordination pattern). So, using equipment should be appropriately scaled by the coaches to the objectives of the training session in swimming, and in emergent sports such as "SwimRun", paddles and fins must be viewed as tools to achieve higher velocities to cover a given distance.

[Castleman-like presentation of systemic lupus: About a case report]. / Présentation « Castleman-like ¼ de lupus systémique : à propos d'un cas.

INTRODUCTION: Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferation, which may mimic systemic lupus. Conversely, systemic lupus sometimes presents like an hematological malignancy. In these cases, a "Castleman-like" histology has been exceptionally described. OBSERVATION: A 55-year-old female treated by methotrexate for systemic lupus with skin and joint involvement presented weight loss, polyadenopathy and clinical signs of lupus flare. Biology showed pancytopenia, complement activation, and positive anti-DNA antibodies. PET/CT showed hypermetabolic polyadenopathy. The lymph node biopsy showed "Castleman-like" features. Treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine resulted in complete remission. CONCLUSION: Systemic lupus and Castleman disease may share common clinical, biological, and histological features. The presence of specific elements of systemic lupus flare and the remission obtained by low-dose corticosteroids results in considering the diagnosis of Castleman-like systemic lupus and avoiding treatment intensification.

Next-generation sequencing improves precision medicine in hearing loss.

Background: An early etiological diagnosis of hearing loss positively impacts children's quality of life including language and cognitive development. Even though hearing loss associates with extremely high genetic and allelic heterogeneity, several studies have proven that Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based gene panel testing significantly reduces the time between onset and diagnosis. Methods: In order to assess the clinical utility of our custom NGS GHELP panel, the prevalence of pathogenic single nucleotide variants, indels or copy number variants was assessed by sequencing 171 nuclear and 8 mitochondrial genes in 155 Spanish individuals with hearing loss. Results: A genetic diagnosis of hearing loss was achieved in 34% (52/155) of the individuals (5 out of 52 were syndromic). Among the diagnosed cases, 87% (45/52) and 12% (6/52) associated with autosomal recessive and dominant inheritance patterns respectively; remarkably, 2% (1/52) associated with mitochondrial inheritance pattern. Although the most frequently mutated genes in this cohort were consistent with those described in the literature (GJB2, OTOF or MYO7A), causative variants in less frequent genes such as TMC1, FGF3 or mitCOX1 were also identified. Moreover, 5% of the diagnosed cases (3/52) were associated with pathogenic copy number variants. Conclusion: The clinical utility of NGS panels that allows identification of different types of pathogenic variants-not only single nucleotide variants/indels in both nuclear and mitochondrial genes but also copy number variants-has been demonstrated to reduce the clinical diagnostic odyssey in hearing loss. Thus, clinical implementation of genomic strategies within the regular clinical practice, and, more significantly, within the newborn screening protocols, is warranted.

What is the optimal b value in diffusion-weighted MR imaging to depict prostate cancer at 3T?

OBJECTIVE: To determine an optimal b value to visualise prostate cancer using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. METHODS: Forty one patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer underwent 3 T diffusion-weighted MRI performed with 5 b values (0, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 s/mm(2)) using a 16-channel coil. Best lesion visibility, the central gland-lesion (CG-L) and the peripheral zone-lesion (PZ-L) contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between different b value images, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured. In a subset of 29 patients a high resolution b1,500 s/mm(2)diffusion-weighted sequence was additionally assessed. RESULTS: The b = 1,500 s/mm(2) and b = 2,000 s/mm(2) images provided the best lesion visibility respectively in 27/41 and in 10/41 patients. The highest CG-L and PZ-L CNR were obtained with b = 1,500 s/mm(2) (P < 0.0001). The mean ADC value calculated from 0 to 1,500 s/mm(2) b values in cancer lesions (ADC = 736 ± 173 10(-6) mm(2)/s) was statistically significantly lower than in the peripheral zone (ADC = 1,338 ± 256 10(-6) mm(2)/s, P < 0.0001) and in the central gland (ADC = 1,270 ± 239 10(-6) mm(2)/s, P < 0.0001). The high resolution diffusion sequence was judged of better lesion visibility than (17/29) or equivalent to (6/29) the best images from the 5b sequence. CONCLUSION: At 3 T, prostate cancer lesions are best depicted with b = 1,500 s/mm(2) and b = 2,000 s/mm(2) images, b = 1,500 s/mm(2) high-resolution diffusion images improve the image quality and contrast. KEY POINTS: • Multiple b ≥ 1,000 s/mm ( 2 ) 3 T-DW Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides excellent prostate cancer depiction. • Prostate DWI and ADC maps are attainable at 3 T without endorectal coil. • Prostate cancer depiction is improved on high resolution b 1,500 s/mm ( 2 ) 3 T-DWI.

Microbiological characteristics of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus spp. in Bahia, Brazil: molecular types and antifungal susceptibilities.

To determine the profiles of susceptibility to antifungal and the genotypes of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus in Bahia, Brazil, 62 isolates were collected from cases of meningitis in the period from 2006 to 2010. Their susceptibilities to fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine were determined by the broth microdilution technique described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and genotyping of the URA5 gene was accomplished by restriction fragment length polymorphism. C. neoformans accounted for 79% of the identified yeast and C. gattii represented the remaining 21%. Evaluation of the genotypes determined that 100% of the C. gattii isolates belong to the VGII genotype, and 98% of the C. neoformans isolates belong to the VNI genotype. Determination of susceptibility revealed isolates resistant to fluconazole (4.8%), 5-flucytosine (1.6%) and amphotericin B (3.2%); the stratification of sensitivity results for each species showed significant differences in susceptibility to azoles. This study is the first to describe the susceptibility profiles of molecular and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus in Bahia, Brazil. The high percentage of C. gattii isolates belonging to the VGII genotype and its lower susceptibility to antifungal agents highlight the importance of knowing which species are involved in cryptococcal infections in northeastern Brazil.

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant adolescents: prevalence and association with maternal and foetal morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant adolescents have a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections and higher risk of adverse birth outcome. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in pregnant adolescents and the associations between these infections and adverse birth outcome. METHODS: A prospective study with a face-to-face interview to pregnant adolescents was followed by first-void urine and cervical swabs collection for polymerase chain reaction testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. After child delivery, clinical files were also reviewed for serological and microbiological results for other infections and data concerning maternal-foetal morbidity. A 5% level of significance was used. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 204 pregnant adolescents, and the prevalence of C. trachomatis was 11.8% and of N. gonorrhoeae was 4.9%, with the majority being asymptomatic. No antibodies for syphilis or human immunodeficiency virus were found. Maternal morbidity occurred in 3.4%, prematurity was observed in 11.8% of the newborns and low birth weight in 9.8%. Statistically significant associations were observed between maternal morbidity and the presence of gonorrhoea, younger adolescents and severe prematurity and between infection with C. trachomatis and/or N. gonorrhoea and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually transmitted infections are frequently asymptomatic and cause maternal-foetal morbidity. The opportunity that pregnancy offers for screening and counselling should not therefore be missed, especially in adolescents.

Physical and rehabilitation medicine intervention in stroke in the acute hospital setting: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke represents the main cause of death and disability in Portugal. Resulting functional deficits are widely recognized. This work aims to evaluate the variation in functionality of stroke patients in the acute hospital setting under a rehabilitation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients admitted to the Neurology department, from January to June 2019, with acute stroke. The variation in functionality was assessed using the Barthel index. Statistical analysis used Student's t-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient, with a p-value≤0.05 as significant. RESULTS: 106 patients with mean age of 63.7±14.2 years and a male predominance (60.4%) were included. Patients started rehabilitation program at 1.37±1.19 days after admission. A gain in functionality between admission and discharge was identified (50.18±32.37 versus 68.73±28.94, p<0.001). A significantly greater increase was observed in patients diagnosed under code stroke protocol (CSP) (p=0.021) and undergoing some type of acute phase treatment (p=0.017). From 90.5% of the patients that pursued rehabilitation after discharge, 40.6% were referred to an inpatient unit on average 12.7±7.0 days after admission. DISCUSSION: In this study, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) provided early rehabilitation care to stroke patients. According to international evidence this is associated with greater functional gains. The variation in functionality verified during hospitalization demonstrates the importance of PRM in the acute hospital, assessing the rehabilitation needs after hospital discharge and maximizing outpatient rehabilitation. Diagnosis under CSP and undergoing acute treatment were determinants of greater functional improvement. CONCLUSION: PRM plays a central role in the early management of functional impairment resulting from stroke and in the post-discharge guidance of patients.

A pilot study of common health problems in smallholder pigs in Angónia and Boane districts, Mozambique.

A pilot survey was conducted in 2 districts in Mozambique to determine the most important health problems facing smallholder pig producers. While African swine fever is the most serious disease that affects pigs at all levels of production in Mozambique, it is likely that productivity is reduced by the presence of mange and gastrointestinal parasites, while in traditional systems the conditions are favourable for the development of porcine cysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, which poses a health risk to communities. Results of the pilot survey confirmed that, with the exception of African swine fever, ecto- and endoparasites are probably the most important health risks for producers. Porcine cysticercosis is more prevalent among pigs in traditional, free-ranging systems, while mange becomes a serious factor when pigs are permanently confined.