IHMT

Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical

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2013

Competitive funding and structures for public health research in European countries

The European Union is giving increasing emphasis to research as a driver for innovation and economic development. The European collaborative study PHIRE (Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe) investigated the funding and structures of public health research at national level in European countries.
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Impact of innovations in national public health markets in Europe

Social innovations can contribute to health and wellbeing. PHIRE (Public Health Innovation and Research in Europe) investigated the impacts at national level of innovation projects funded by the European Union Public Health Programme.
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Molluscum contagiosum eyelid lesions in an HIV-patient

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) lesions on the face are mainly observed in HIV patients and are related to low CD4 cells counts. We report a 41-year-old female patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus who had a CD4 count of 22 cells/mm³. She developed molluscum contagiosum lesions at the right upper eyelid. Skin biopsy was performed to exclude other serious conditions, such as dimorphic fungal infections.
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In vitro drug susceptibility of Leishmania infantum isolated from humans and dogs

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by parasites of Leishmania donovani complex is a severe human disease which often leads to death if left untreated. Domestic dogs are the main reservoir hosts for zoonotic human visceral infection caused by Leishmania infantum. In the absence of effective human and dog vaccines, the only feasible way to treat and control leishmaniasis is through the use of suitable medications.
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Leishmania infection and host-blood feeding preferences of phlebotomine sandflies and canine leishmaniasis in an endemic European area, the Algarve Region in Portugal

The Algarve Region (AR) in southern Portugal, which is an international tourist destination, has been considered an endemic region of zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum since the 1980s. In the present study, phlebotomine and canine surveys were conducted to identify sandfly blood meal sources and to update the occurrence of Leishmania infection in vectors and dogs.
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Non-classic metallointercalators with dipyridophenazine: DNA interaction studies and leishmanicidal activity

[Cu(II)(dppz)2(AcOO)]+ and [Zn(II)(dppz)2]2+ bind DNA by intercalation and covalent binding modes. A loss of a dppz unit, which occurs only when DNA is present, justifies such dual binding mode.
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High-level resistance to isoniazid and ethionamide in multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis of the Lisboa family is associated with inhA double mutations

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of isoniazid and ethionamide resistance and to identify associated mutations in endemic multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal.
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Short communication: Prevalence of HIV type 1 transmitted drug resistance in Slovenia: 2005-2010

Slovenia is a small European country with a total of 547 HIV-infected individuals cumulatively reported by the end of 2011. However, the estimated incidence rate of HIV infections increased from 7.0 per million in 2003 to 26.8 per million in 2011. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in the past 6 years (2005–2010) and analyzed the time trend of the proportion of men having sex with men (MSM) and HIV-1 subtype B among newly diagnosed individuals in a 15-year period (1996–2010) in Slovenia.
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An atypical case of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Portugal

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan that belongs to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by a phlebotomine sandfly. In Southwest Europe, including Portugal, cutaneous leishmaniasis is considered a rare disease of unknown or underestimated prevalence. Leishmania infantum is the only species identified as responsible for the autochthonous cases.
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Health status and preventative behaviors of immigrants by gender and origin: A Portuguese cross-sectional study

Migration has been associated with a greater vulnerability in health. Migrants, especially women, go through several experiences during the migration process and in the host countries that ultimately put their health at risk. This study examines self-reported health status and preventive behaviors among female and male immigrants in Portugal, and identifies sociodemographic and behavioral factors underlying gender differences.
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