Publications by authors named "Miguel Alpalhao"

Article Synopsis
  • * The study employed a SEIR model to analyze transmission dynamics and found that MSM with high sexual activity contributed significantly more to mpox spread than those with low sexual activity, but vaccinated individuals were less likely to spread the virus.
  • * Findings suggest that ongoing vaccination efforts, increased awareness in at-risk communities, and regular genomic surveillance are essential for managing future mpox outbreaks and potential threats from new viral clades.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates cutaneous (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) cases in mainland Portugal from 2010 to 2020, identifying 43 CL and 7 ML cases, predominantly in immunosuppressed individuals.
  • - Most cases were autochthonous, with common symptoms including papules/nodules, particularly on the head, and a varied treatment approach noted, mainly using liposomal amphotericin B for ML.
  • - The findings highlight a need for better surveillance, clinical awareness, and diagnostic capabilities for leishmaniasis, advocating a One Health approach to tackle the complexities of the disease in Portugal and globally.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * By sequencing 52% of confirmed cases, researchers uncovered key sublineages of the mpox virus and found evidence of early emergence and spread in Portugal, particularly among men who have sex with men.
  • * The findings emphasize the importance of sexual networks and events like saunas in the virus's spread, showcasing genomic epidemiology as a valuable tool for monitoring and controlling mpox outbreaks and informing vaccine strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Vemurafenib (VB), a BRAF inhibitor and a first-line treatment for unresectable or metastatic melanoma, is strongly phototoxic towards normal skin cells. Herein, we show that in cultured HS 68 human diploid dermal fibroblasts, low concentrations of VB suffice to promote photosensitization to low doses of UVA (∼ 5 J/cm), as evidenced by a significant decrease in cell viability. In contrast to data obtained in chemico our results support a role for ROS (reactive oxygen species).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients examined via dermatology emergency consultation over 1 year. A total of 1352 diagnoses, including 100 distinct disorders, were recorded. Regardless of the diversity of skin conditions observed, a relatively small number of disorders were found repeatedly.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The impact of psoriasis, response to treatment, and patients' perceptions of treatment satisfaction vary by body area.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the level of response in lower limbs versus other body regions in patient with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with secukinumab and ustekinumab.

Methods: Data were pooled from CLEAR and CLARITY trials, which included patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] score of ≥ 12) aged ≥ 18 years and a diagnosis of ≥ 6 months before randomisation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A 33-year-old female, Fitzpatrick IV phototype, developed varicella zoster eruption over the ophthalmic dermatome of the right trigeminal nerve, confirmed through Polymerase Chain Reaction, 4 weeks after recovering from COVID-19 disease. After the resolution of the acute manifestations, she developed significant atrophic scars on the forehead, about 2 mm deep, with marked post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. She came to our clinic looking for treatment, as the scars caused significant psychological distress.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Psoriatic disease (PsD), which includes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, negatively impacts patients' quality of life and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatology and rheumatology for effective management and treatment.
  • In Portugal, five hospitals have established specialized clinics for assessing PsD, each with unique operational models while agreeing on core assessment criteria that include all disease manifestations and quality of life.
  • The main goal of these clinics is to achieve remission or minimal disease activity, though they face challenges such as financial limitations, time management, and resource constraints in implementing effective integrated care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary skin disorder that results in white, hypopigmented macules and patches. It causes a considerable psychological and emotional burden on the affected individuals and their families. Several therapeutic options have been employed in vitiligo including topical and oral drugs, surgical techniques, and phototherapy which is considered the cornerstone treatment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The principles and practice of a methodology of cell cycle analysis that allows the estimation of the absolute length (in units of time) of all cell cycle stages (G1, S, and G2) are detailed herein. This methodology utilizes flow cytometry to take full advantage of the excellent stoichiometric properties of click chemistry. This allows detection, via azide-fluorochrome coupling, of the modified deoxynucleoside 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) incorporated into replicated DNA through incremental pulsing times.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

We are entering a new stage of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic with the initiation of large-scale vaccination programs globally. In these circumstances, even rare adverse effects of vaccines may be encountered more often, if millions of people are to be vaccinated in a short period. Vaccination has the potential for causing cutaneous adverse effects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Occupational activities are well-known triggers for the onset or aggravation of several dermatoses. The Koebner phenomenon is characterized by the appearance of cutaneous lesions typical of a given inflammatory dermatosis in an area where the skin was injured by mechanical, chemical, or biological agents. Although it is usually easily identified when associated to significant trauma, the Koebner phenomenon may go unnoticed when a small-scale injury underlies its pathogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF