Study of the Efficiency of Vertical Drains by an FEM Method in Soil Treatment for Road Projects: Case of the Development and Bitumination Works of the ROCADE Porto-Novo in Benin

This article aims to study the efficiency of coupled vertical drains for the treatment of long-lasting compressible clay soils for the road project platform of the ring road of Porto Novo, capital of Benin. The experimental data allowed us to estimate a consolidation of 29% in 9 months, justifying the drainage of the soil. In order to study the efficiency of drainage, a FEM model was proposed simulating different scenarios. These include a drainless road, pavements equipped with vertical drains with meshes of 0.5 m 0.5 m, 1 m 1 m and 1.5 m 1.5 m respectively and horizontal drains. The results expressed in terms of variations in vertical stresses, effective stresses and shear deformations revealed significant variations in pavement performance depending on the mesh size of the vertical drains. The configuration with a mesh of 0.5 m 0.5 m showed the least deformations, thus indicating a reduction in deformations and better stress distribution. However, the other mesh configurations showed variable results, underlining the importance of choosing the right mesh for the specific project conditions.

Lower Limb Arteriopathy in Diabetics at the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Hospital in Porto-Novo: Frequency and Associated Factors

Introduction: The distribution of arteriopathy of the lower limbs (ALL) is not familiar in the city of Porto-Novo. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ALL in diabetic patients in treatment at the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study from July 12 to October 10, 2021, at the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital in Porto-Novo. ALL was screened by performing systolic pressure index (SPI) in all diabetic patients aged at least 18 years, seen in consultation or hospitalization during the study period and who had given their consent. Results: The study registered 165 diabetics and 98.2% of them were type 2. Subjects aged between 55 and 65 years were the most represented (33.9%), with an average age of 59.4 years. Women were in the majority (61.2%), with a sex ratio of 0.6. High blood pressure was associated with diabetes in 61.2% of patients. The prevalence of ALL was 48.5% (80 patients). Obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs (OALL) was observed in 70 patients (42.4%), mediacalcosis in 8 patients (4.8%), and mixed arteriopathy in 2 patients (1.2%). In 88.5% of patients, the pathology was symptomless. Factors significantly associated with ALL included advanced age (p = 0.01), the age of the glycemic imbalance (p = 0.03), lack of regular physical activity (p = 0.001) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Pelvic limb arteriopathy is usual among diabetics at Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital. The use of SPI, which enables diagnosis, requires simple, low-cost means, and should be encouraged.

Is porto sinusoidal vascular disease to be actively searched in patients with portal vein thrombosis?

Porto sinusoidal vascular liver disease (PSVD) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are distinct vascular liver diseases characterized, respectively, by an intrahepatic and a prehepatic obstacle to the flow in the liver portal system. PVT may also occur as a complication of the natural history of PSVD, especially if a prothrombotic condition coexists. In other cases, it is associated to local and systemic pro-thrombotic conditions, even if its cause remains unknown in up to 25% despite an active search. In our opinion, the presence of PSVD should be suspected in patients with PVT especially in those with PVT “sine causa” and the active search of this condition should be included in their diagnostic work-out. However, sometimes the diagnosis of pre-existing PSVD is very hard. Biopsy cannot be fully discriminant as similar histological data have been described in both conditions. Liver stiffness may help as it has been shown to be higher in PSVD than in “pure” PVT, due to the presence of sclerosis in the portal venous radicles observable in PSVD patients. Nevertheless, comparing liver stiffness between PVT and PSVD has until now been restricted to very limited series of patients. In conclusion, even if it is still totally hypothetical, our point of view may have clinical consequences, especially when deciding to perform a liver biopsy in patients with a higher liver stiffness and suspending the anticoagulation in patients with PVT and no detectable prothrombotic factors.

Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt in the elderly:Palliation for complications of portal hypertension

AIM:To present a dedicated series of transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunts(TIPS) in the elderly since data is sparse on this population group.METHODS:A retrospective review was performed of patients at least 65 years of age who underwent TIPS at our institutions between 1997 and 2010.Twentyfive patients were referred for TIPS.We deemed that 2 patients were not considered appropriate candidates due to their markedly advanced liver disease.Of the 23 patients suitable for TIPS,the indications for TIPS placement was portal hypertension complicated by refractory ascites alone(n = 9),hepatic hydrothorax alone(n = 2),refractory ascites and hydrothorax(n = 1),gastrointestinal bleeding alone(n = 8),gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites(n = 3).RESULTS:Of these 23 attempted TIPS procedure patients,21 patients had technically successful TIPS procedures.A total of 29 out of 32 TIPS procedures including revisions were successful in 21 patients with a mean age of 72.1 years(range 65-82 years).Three of the procedures were unsuccessful attempts at TIPS and 8 procedures were successful revisions of our existing TIPS.Sixteen of 21 patients who underwent successful TIPS(excluding 5 patients lost to follow-up) were followed for a mean of 14.7 mo.Ascites and/or hydrothorax was controlled following technically successful procedures in 12 of 13 patients.Bleeding was controlled following technically successful procedures in 10 out of 11 patients.CONCLUSION:We have demonstrated that TIPS is an effective procedure to control refractory complications of portal hypertension in elderly patients.

Body composition changes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis

AIM:To investigate the effect of transjugular intra-hepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) on malnutrition in portal hypertensive cirrhotic patients.METHODS: Twenty-one patients with liver cirrhosis and clinical indications for TIPS insertion were investigated before and 1, 4, 12, 52 wk after TIPS. For each patient we assayed body composition parameters [dry lean mass, fat mass, total body water (TBW)], routine liver and kidney function tests, and free fatty acids (FFA). Glucose and insulin were measured for the calculation of the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); liver function was measured by the galactose elimination capacity (GEC); the severity of liver disease was graded by model for end-stage liver disease (MELD).RESULTS: Porto-systemic gradient decreased after TIPS (6.0±2.1 mmHg vs 15.8±4.8 mmHg, P<0.001). Patients were divided in two groups according to initial body mass index. After TIPS, normal weight patients had an increase in dry lean mass (from 10.9±5.9 kg to 12.7±5.6 kg, P=0.031) and TBW (from 34.5±7.6 L to 40.2±10.8 L,P=0.007), as well as insulin (from 88.9±49.2 pmol/L to 164.7±107.0 pmol/L,P=0.009) and HOMA-IR (from 3.36%±2.18% to 6.18%±4.82%,P=0.023). In overweight patients only FFA increased significantly (from 0.59±0.24 mmol/L to 0.93±0.34 mmol/L, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: TIPS procedure is effective in lowering portal pressure in patients with portal hypertension and improves body composition without significant changes in metabolic parameters.

Duodenal variceal bleeding secondary to idiopathic portal hypertension treated with transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt plus embolization: A case report

BACKGROUND Duodenal varices are a lesser-known complication with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. We report a circuitous route from missed diagnosis of duodenal varices to correction. An extremely rare case of duodenal variceal bleeding secondary to idiopathic portal hypertension(IPH) is expounded in this study, which was controlled by transjugular intra-hepatic porto-systemic shunt(TIPS) plus embolization. CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old woman with anemia for two years was frequently admitted to the local hospital. Upon examination, anemia was attributed to gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which resulted from duodenal variceal bleeding detected by repeated esophagogastroduodenoscopy. At the end of a complete workup, IPH leadingto duodenal varices was diagnosed. Portal venography revealed that the remarked duodenal varices originated from the proximal superior mesenteric vein. TIPS plus embolization with coils and Histoacryl was performed to obliterate the rupture of duodenal varices. The anemia resolved, and the duodenal varices completely vanished by 2 mo after the initial operation. CONCLUSION TIPS plus embolization may be more appropriate to treat the bleeding of large duodenal varices.

SSME在欧洲的教学:Porto和Masaryk大学的一个联合硕士培养计划(英文)

Service Science,Engineering and Management(SSME)is emerging as a new discipline and several universities have been evolving or creating courses/programs to educate for the needs of the service fields of the economy.The University of Porto started in 2007 a master program in Service Engineering and Management,and Masaryk University started in 2008 a program in Service Science,Management,and Engineering.Both programs concentrate on services that are supported by technology,in particular information and communication technologies.This paper presents a summary of both programs and a proposal for a joint 2 year master program involving the two universities that is expected to start in 2010.Students in this program will take courses in the two universities,and lecturers will be involved in joint research projects. Individual students will have a semester research or applied project in a European service organization,being supervised by a lecturer or a researcher from each universities.It is expected that graduates will understand technological,organizational and cultural aspects of the diverse businesses in a wide European context and will be ready for service requirements of this century.

Puerto Madero and Porto Maravilha： The Transformation Process of Port Areas into Tourist Zones

Transformations in the use of urban space in contemporary cities have common features and projects in the global era take similar themes, such as requalifications of port areas and waterfronts. The main objective of this paper is to revisit the process of urban transformation and valorization of the port areas of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, completed in 1990 and 2015, respectively. It recapitulates their historical processes from decay to recovery as tourist zones, following the implementation of the ＂Strategic Plan of Antiguo Puerto Madero＂, from 1990, in Buenos Aires, and of ＂Urban Operation Porto Maravilha＂, from 2009, in Rio de Janeiro. While planning and strategies differ as they sought distinct locations in different times, they were similar in attracting massive investment from the real estate market. Therefore, consequences of the projects for the cities and the local population are a more important issue than formal results achieved.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus in the Adult Population of Porto-Novo (Benin)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus in the adult population of Porto-Novo. Methods: A cross-sectional study with random sampling, stratified cluster, was used. Fasting blood glucose was measured in capillary blood (Accu-Chek Active). Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting glucose ≥ 1.26 g/L, and fasting hyperglycemia in non-diabetic fasting glucose ≥ 1.10 and < 1.26 g/L. Results: The survey involved 240 individuals. The sex ratio was 0.48. The mean age was 46 ± 13 years (range 25 - 80 years). The prevalence of hyperglycemic patients was 7.9%. The prevalence of diabetes was 6.7%, including 3.3% of unknown diabetes, half of diabetics. The prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia without diabetes was 1.2%. The risk factors for diabetes type 2 onset were a family history of diabetes (p = 0.017), older age (p = 0.003), hypertension (p = 0.005) and abdominal obesity (NCEP: p = 0.044;FID: p = 0.001). Conclusion: These high figures confirm the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Benin, documented in many developing countries.

Factors Associated with Hypovitaminosis D in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Followed up in Porto-Novo in 2019

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among PLWHA compared to the general population and is promoted by several factors. Aim: To identify the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) followed up in Porto-Novo in 2019. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. PLWHA who were monitored on an outpatient basis and who gave their consent were included in this work. Subjects unable to answer questions or under ongoing vitamin D supplementation or suffering from chronic liver diseases were not included. Hypovitaminosis D was defined by a blood level of 25 hydroxy-vitamin D less than 30 ng/mL. Results: A total of 270 PLWHA were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.51 ± 6.85 years with a female predominance (73.3%). The frequency of hypovitaminosis D was 56%. Hypertension, low protein intake, anemia and low glomerular filtration rate were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common among PLWHA, which justifies routine screening, especially among those at risk.

Diurnal Cycle of Heating and Water Vapor in the Metropolitan Area of Porto in Portugal

In this work, it is investigated the Urban Heat Island (UHI) using conservative thermodynamic variables observed by surface weather stations on the Metropolitan Area of Porto (Oporto) in Portugal, under adiabatic conditions at the surface. These conditions are usually present and associated with the development of a mixture layer into the diurnal Convective Boundary Layer (CBL), which residual layer in the late afternoon defines the initial state for the development of the nocturnal UHI. Both the spatial structure and temporal variation of potential temperature and specific humidity were considered, along the hours and days of the year, from a statistical point of view, resulting in hourly climatology. Details of the hourly evolution of the meteorological variables on the Oporto surface are presented and discussed. Results show a seasonal variation of the potential temperature up to 17&#176;C throughout the year, which is associated with horizontal thermal gradients that can control and trigger mesoscale circulations such as sea-land, urban and valley-mountain breezes.

Evaluation of the Knowledge and Practice about Diabetes Mellitus of Adult Population in Porto Novo (Benin)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world. The aim of our study was to assess the level of knowledge of the adult population of Porto-Novo on clinical manifestations and complications of diabetes mellitus. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted under STEP wise approach. It took place from June 1 to July 28, 2014. Results: A total of 240 subjects were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 46.07 years ± 12.63 years, ranging from 25 to 80 years. Subjects age between 35 - 45 years are the most represented. Women were mostly represented 162 against 78 men respectively 67.5% against 32.5% with sex ratio of 0.48. The majority of the subjects were scholar (73.3%). For clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus, 64.2% of subjects had quoted polyuria, asthenia 57.5%, 56.7% weight loss. Polydipsia and polyphagia were less familiar with, respectively, 27.5% and 23.3%. Regarding the complications of diabetes, diabetic foot and coma were the best known, respectively, 78.8% and 58.8%. Nephropathy (45.0%), 39.6% retinopathy and neuropathy (21.7%) were the least known. The prevalence of physical inactivity in this study population was 95.0%. It was 98.1% in women versus 88.5% for men. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, whose prevalence is steadily increasing, is not yet well known in our population.

Dementia and Diabetes Mellitus in Porto-Novo: Frequency and Determining Factors

Background: Chronic hyperglycemia promotes the development of degenerative diseases such as dementia. Our objective is to study dementia in diabetic patients in a hospital environment in Porto-Novo. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, prospective study with a descriptive and analytical aim that took place from May 18 to September 18, 2017, i.e. 4 months. The study population consists of all diabetic patients who consulted in the internal medicine departments of the Oueme-Plateau Teaching Hospital and at Saint Gérard clinic in Porto-Novo during the study period and who gave their enlightened consent. Results: The study included 246 patients with a mean age of 56.47 ± 11.97 years. There were 172 (69.9%) women, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.43. Diabetes had been known for less than 10 years in the majority (67.9%). Type 2 diabetics were in the majority (95.5%). Of the 246 patients, 42 (17.1%) had a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) less than or equal to 24. Of these 42 patients, 32 met the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual disorders, 5th edition) criteria for dementias, i.e. a frequency of 13.0%. Of the 32 demented patients, 21 (65.6%) had vascular dementia and 34.4% had degenerative dementia. We did not note a mixed etiology. Dementia was severe in 15.6% of cases. In multivariate analysis, only age (OR = 10.09;95% CI [4.19 - 24.27];p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (OR = 7.10;95% CI [1.92 - 26.22];p = 0.003), and alcohol consumption (OR = 3.95;95% CI [1.29 - 12.15];p = 0.017) were statically associated with the onset of dementia in our diabetic patients. Conclusion: Screening for dementia should be systematic in diabetics, especially at old age.

Fluctuating Asymmetry of Elopes lacerta (Valenciennes, 1847) Otoliths in the Western African Waters

The importance of this study lies in the in-depth exploration of the ecological diversity of otoliths in Elopes lacerta, based on the analysis of data from 260 individuals collected from various sites, including the Porto Novo lagoon, the Cotonou lagoon, Lake Nokou, and the Atlantic coast in southern Benin. The results highlight significant variations in otolith morphology, establishing relevant links with the biological parameters of the fish at each site. Exploration of the asymmetry between the right and left sides reveals notable distinctions between these two aspects. Analysis of otolith shape thus emerges as a valuable tool for discriminating between stocks and providing a better understanding of ecological variations. The local diversity observed highlights the crucial importance of implementing adaptive management strategies to ensure effective conservation of the species and its habitat.

Analysis of Otolith Shape as a Tool for Discriminating Stocks of Cassava Croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) in Beninese Waters

This study examined the right and left otoliths of 174 individuals of Pseudotolithus senegalensis from the Porto-Novo lagoon, Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic coast. The results show a significant variation in the population according to geographic location. Mixed-effects linear analysis showed no significant variation by site, side or sex (p > 0.05). Analysis of otolith shape using ANOVA showed significant differences for length, width and area (p 0.05). Canonical discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between sites (p < 0.05). Finally, shape analyses showed significant differences between sites (p = 0.0001) and between right and left sides (p = 0.007), but no difference by sex (p = 0.395). The study of otolith morphology is therefore proving to be a valuable tool for differentiating stocks and understanding ecological variations.

Acute Metabolic Complications of Diabetes in the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital: Epidemiological, Clinical, Paraclinical and Evolutionary Aspects

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease, is now an important public health problem across the world. Our aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary aspects of acute metabolic complications (AMC) of diabetes in the endocrinology department of the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with data collection based on the medical records of patients presenting with acute metabolic complications of diabetes in the endocrinology department of the Oueme-Plateau Provincial Teaching Hospital during the 3 years study period (from January 2020 to December 2022). Results: Over 788 patients hospitalized during the study period, 157 had an acute metabolic complication of diabetes, which is a hospital prevalence of 19.9%. Among these 157 cases, 140 were suitable for analysis and therefore constituted our study sample. The mean age of the patients was 49.9 ± 14.7 years, with 19 as minimum and 90 years as maximum. Most of them were women (52.4%). Hypertensive diabetics accounted for 54.9% of cases. Ketoacidosis was the most common complication (62.1%), followed by hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (23.6%) and hypoglycemia (14.3%). Infection (69.3%) and therapeutic noncompliance (22.9%) were the most common triggers. The average length period of their hospital stay was 7.1 ± 5.1 days, and the outcome was satisfactory in 87.9% of the cases. Unfortunately, there were 3.6% deaths during hospitalization. Conclusion: Acute metabolic complications of diabetes were dominated by ketoacidosis. Infection was the dominant factor in decompensation. Therapeutic education of diabetic patients as well as clinical and biological monitoring must be more stringent and rigorous.

门脉肝窦血管病的研究进展

门脉肝窦血管病(PSVD)是近年提出的新的疾病命名,是特发性非硬化性门静脉高压的重要补充,纳入了病理符合但不合并门静脉高压症状、合并门静脉血栓及合并病毒性肝炎等患者。本文对门脉肝窦血管性疾病的命名、流行病学、病因学、临床表现、预后及治疗进行阐述,以期提高临床医生对该病的认识。

法拉利Portofino 浪漫气息

新年的脚步越来越近,2019年法拉利带给我们的惊喜有F8Tributo、F8Spider,还有Roma,每一款革新之作都带来专属法拉利的驾驶乐趣。当北方下起了雪,南方下起了雨,越是寒冷,越想念温暖的海边和海风。嗖~~许愿成功,一辆黄色的法拉利Portofino说来就来!

LANXESS Eliminates Climate Gas Emissions in Porto Plant

The specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG is building its own innovative,highly ef-ficient cogeneration plant at its Brazilian sitein Porto Feliz for the combined generation of steam

出口波尔图地铁司机台设计及验证

文章主要介绍了出口葡萄牙波尔图地铁司机台的设计及验证。司机台在结构上整体采用玻璃钢材料,切割为三部分,之间采用螺栓连接的方式,为司机台的安装和研配提供了便利性;电气布局采用模块化分布,依据司机台台头的大小将功能类似的部件布置在同一台头上,将操作频率越高的器件放置于司机越方便操作的位置;使用Process Simulate人机分析软件进行人机仿真分析,计算结果表明司机台器件布置完全满足人体视野及作业空间需求;使用Hyperworks得到有限元模型并进行静强度和模态分析仿真,得到了材质最大利用系数和合理的自振频率,数值均在允许范围之内,表明司机台静强度和模态均满足要求。司机台是司机室的核心部件,而司机室又是城铁的基础构成部分,因此司机台的合理设计和科学验证是安全高效行车的重要因素。