Publications by authors named "Joao Conceicao"

The current industrial and human activities scenario has accelerated the widespread use of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which can be found in everyday products, including plastic containers, bottles, toys, cosmetics, etc., but can pose a severe risk to human health and the environment. In this regard, fungal bioremediation appears as a green and cost-effective approach to removing pollutants from water resources.

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Background: We intended to estimate the proportion hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic emergency episodes in treated diabetes mellitus (DM) patients admitted to a hospital ward, and calculate the prevalence of risk factors for hypoglycemia and diabetic complications.

Methods: In this cross-sectional, multicentered study, the observational data was collected by physicians from patient's hospitalization to discharge/death. Statistical tests were 2-tailed considering 5% significance level.

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Background: Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus are the main urban vectors of arthropod-borne viruses causing human disease, including dengue, Zika, or West Nile. Although key to disease prevention, urban-mosquito control has met only limited success. Alternative vector-control tactics are therefore being developed and tested, often using entomological endpoints to measure impact.

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Introduction: Hypoglycemia leading to hospitalization is associated with adverse economic outcomes, although the real burden is unknown. The HIPOS-WARD (Hypoglycemia In Portugal Observational Study-Ward) aimed to characterize ward admissions due to hypoglycemia episodes in treated patients with diabetes and assess their economic impact to the National Health System.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, conducted in 16 Portuguese centers for 22 months.

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The filamentous fungus Trametes versicolor is a rich source of laccase (Tvlac). Laccases catalyze reactions that convert substituted phenol substrates into diverse derivatives through aromatic oxidation. We investigated methyl p-coumarate, methyl ferulate, and methyl caffeate biotransformation by Trametes versicolor ATCC 200801.

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Aims: This study aimed to characterize and estimate prevalence and frequency of mild to moderate hypoglycemia and potentially associated factors in a population of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated at ambulatory care level.

Methods: HIPOS-PHARMA was a nationwide observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted in community pharmacies, which surveyed T2DM patients treated for at least 3 months.

Results: Overall, 233 pharmacies recruited 1890 patients (males: 50.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study analyzed the prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients needing emergency room assistance, particularly focusing on different antihyperglycaemic agents (AHAs).
  • In a nationwide cross-sectional study, 425,706 ER admissions were recorded, revealing a hypoglycaemia prevalence of 0.074%, with over half of the patients on insulin therapy and many experiencing hypoglycaemic episodes due to missed meals.
  • The results showed that those on secretagogue therapies were more frequently hospitalized than those on insulin, highlighting the need for individualized diabetes treatment to reduce the risk of severe hypoglycaemia.
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Article Synopsis
  • Severe hypoglycemia is a serious complication of diabetes that leads to increased healthcare costs and impacts on patient health, which the study aims to measure from a societal perspective.
  • Conducted in Portugal, the study analyzed data from 238 Type-2 diabetes patients to assess healthcare resource use and costs associated with severe hypoglycemic events, including expenses from emergency services and hospital stays.
  • The findings revealed that each hypoglycemic episode costs an average of €1493, with hospitalization costs being significant, highlighting the financial burden these events place on the healthcare system, particularly the National Health Service.
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