Maria Amélia A. Grácio

Dr. Maria Amélia A. Grácio

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

10Years (2017-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 August 2017 in BioMed Research International
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AGA. J. dos Santos Grácio
A. J. dos Santos Grácio
MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio
Plague, in the Middle Ages known as Black Death, continues to occur at permanent foci in many countries, in Africa, Asia, South America, and even the USA. During the last years outbreaks were reported from at least 3 geographical areas, in all cases after tens of years without reported cases. The recent human plague outbreaks in Libya and Algeria suggest that climatic and other environmental changes in Northern Africa may be favourable for Y. pestis epidemiologic cycle. If so, other Northern Africa countries with plague foci also may be at risk for outbreaks in the near future. It is important to remember that the danger of plague reoccurrence is not limited to the known natural foci, for example, those of Algeria, Angola, and Madagascar. In a general context, it is important that governments know the dangerous impact that this disease may have and that the health and medical community be familiar with the epidemiology, symptoms, treatment, and control of plague, so an appropriated and timely response can be delivered should the worst case happen. Plague can be used as a potential agent of bioterrorism. We have concluded that plague is without a doubt a reemerging infectious disease.

4 November 2021 in Infectious Disease Reports
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AAAna Margarida Alho
Ana Margarida Alho
Pedro Manuel FerreiraPedro Manuel Ferreira
Pedro Manuel Ferreira
ICIsabel Clemente
Isabel Clemente
MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio
Silvana Maria Duarte BeloSilvana Maria Duarte Belo
Silvana Maria Duarte Belo
Toxocariasis is one of the most widespread and important zoonotic parasitic diseases, although neglected. Data regarding human Toxocara infection in Portugal are almost absent. This article gives an overview of the situation of toxocariasis in Portugal over the last decade based on casuistic data. A total of 846 serum samples from individuals suspected of toxocariasis, collected from 2010 to 2020, were analyzed at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sera were tested for IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis excreted–secreted larval antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Positivity was detected in 18.8% (159/846) [CI 95%: 16.3–21.6], with positives detected throughout continental Portugal. Overall, 59.7% of the positives were diagnosed in younger than 20 years (35.2% aged 0–9 years and 24.5% aged 10–19 years). Eosinophilia was the most frequent feature reported (27.7%). Pediatrics (41.5%) and Infectiology (25.8%) were the specialties with the highest number of positives. An average of 77 samples/year were received, recording a maximum positivity in 2012 (41.5%, n = 27/65) and a minimum in 2020 (6.4%, n = 3/47). These numbers may reflect the effectiveness of current preventive measures, highlighting the need to maintain public awareness to control this helminthozoonosis and promote a higher public health standard.

9 January 2018 in Tropical Doctor
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AGAntónio J Dos Santos Grácio
António J Dos Santos Grácio
MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio

17 March 2020 in MOJ Public Health
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MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio
AGAntónio J Santos Grácio
António J Santos Grácio
II. To emphasize the present situation concerning obesity control in the world Thus, we present: i. Concept of obesity ii. Who is at risk? iii. Conclusions Concept of obesity Obesity is the condition in which excess fat has accumulated in the body, mostly in the subcutaneous tissues. Obesity is usually considered to be present when a person is 20% above the recommended weight for his/her height and build. The accumulation of flat is caused principally by the consumption of more food than is required for producing enough energy for daily activities. Other factors can contribute for the obesity, such as: individual genetics characteristics; physical inactivity; a diet high in simple carbohydrates; frequency of eating; medications; psychological factors; diseases such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushi. As is logical, obesity has health consequences. Effectively, there are different illnesses connected to obesity, namely: diabetes, sleep apnea, and even cancer, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease and gallstones, osteoarthritis, gout.

1 July 2019 in Journal of Nursing and Patient Health Care
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MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio
We think that there is a generalized opinion that nursing professionals have to possess a strong vocation for their profession, which can be compared with the priesthood.

8 April 2018
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MGMaria Amélia A. Grácio
Maria Amélia A. Grácio
AGAntónio J Santos Grácio
António J Santos Grácio
During human history we found several procedures which can be considered as strong attacks on the physical and psychological integrity of human communities. Amongst these procedures are male and female genital mutilation. We have selected for this manuscript female genital mutilation (FGM) because we have personal knowledge of this practice in Africa and as there is today a growing perception on the necessity of to stop FGM, we want to share our experience of the knowledge of FGM. Effectively, some years ago, when we were working in research projects in Angola (West Africa) we were present at ceremonies (not the act) of female genital mutilation (FGM, whose popular name in Angola is “fanado”) by invitation of the community where the FGM was carried out, and we can transmit the following : (i) the images then seen remain in our memory -men, women and the young had vestments with many colors and adornments of metal, straw etc, were singing and dancing with strong energy ; (ii) the girls were stressed and fearful, thinking of their future suffering. Then, in this context, here we have as:1) general objective: to give our modest contribution to reinforce the necessity to end with the FGM practice, in that the dignity and rights of all girls are not respected; 2) particular objectives: (i) to show the negative repercussion of the FGM on girls concerning their physical and psychological health, since we are convinced that a genuine awareness of the gravity of the problems is an essential pre-condition for the implementation of any tangible measures for its end; (ii) to transmit the actual hope for the end of this procedure, considering, principally, that on 6 February 2019, WHO joins individuals, organizations, and UN partners worldwide in marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM [1]. To reach our objectives, we have selected information that we have considered as more relevant in the context of an edital.