[Visualization of deep lung lymphatic network using radioliposomes].

Deep lymphatic drainage plays an important role in the lung, as it removes foreign materials laying on the airways surface, such as pathogenic microorganisms. This drainage is also associated with lung tumour dissemination route. Liposomes with a specially tailored membrane were used as foreign particles to be removed by the lung lymphatics.

Silicosis - brief review and experience of a pulmonology ward.

Silicosis is a diffuse interstitial fibronodular lung disease, caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica. We undertook a brief review of the topic, focusing on the most important aspects and performed a retrospective analysis of 84 patients admitted to the Pulmonology Ward of the Coimbra University Hospital over a 10-year period whose main or secondary diagnosis was silicosis. We also present the most relevant clinical features and the conclusions drawn from this review.

Dynamics of CD86 expression on allergic inflammation--new insights.

CD86 is a well-known costimulatory molecule in its interaction with CD28 and/or CTLA present on T cells, and is essential for full activation of naïve T-cell and subsequent differentiation. Usually the B7 molecules are expressed mainly on APCs and B cells and in specific conditions on other activated cells. These costimulatory molecules are involved in the development of allergic inflammation and airways hyperreactivity (AHR) in allergen-challenged mice.

Ectopic thyroid in the anterior mediastinum.

Ectopic thyroid is a rare condition, and its location in the anterior mediastinum is even rarer, there having been only 5 reported cases in the past 30 years. Here, we describe 2 clinical cases and present a review of the literature regarding the etiology, embryology and clinical manifestations of ectopic thyroid.

Immigrant involvement in the informal economy: the Portuguese case.

"This article demonstrates how Portugal, despite appearing to be a country which would be [an] unattractive country to immigrants, is rapidly becoming a country of immigration. The existence and extent of opportunities for immigrants in Portugal is assessed with this objective in mind. On the basis of an analysis of the country's labour market, the immigrants' economic profiles and the Portuguese informal economy--and the interaction of these factors--it is concluded that the Portuguese economy is currently generating labour demands which the immigrants are satisfying.