Outbreak of ruminal acidosis in cattle caused by the ingestion of hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus L. Willd.) in Northeastern Brazil.

This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of an outbreak of ruminal acidosis and ruminitis caused by the ingestion of hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus L.) in 70 cattle in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil. The herd had been transported from the state of Piauí to Paraiba.

New insights into the immunomodulatory potential of sialic acid on monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Sialic acids at the cell surface of dendritic cells (DCs) play an important immunomodulatory role, and their manipulation enhances DC maturation, leading to heightened T cell activation. Particularly, at the molecular level, the increased stability of surface MHC-I molecules in monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) underpins an improved DC: T cell interaction. In this study, we focused on the impact of sialic acid remodelling by treatment with Clostridium perfringens sialidase on MoDCs' phenotypic and functional characteristics.

Sex workers' peer support during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned from a study of a Portuguese community-led response.

To respond to the consequences felt by the COVID-19 pandemic, a community-led intervention was developed by the Portuguese national Movement of Sex Workers. With this exploratory study, we aimed to document their work and analyze their perceptions of this impact. To do so, we interviewed them individually, between May and August of 2020.

Heterogeneity in families with ATTRV30M amyloidosis: a historical and longitudinal Portuguese case study impact for genetic counselling.

Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is an inherited disease, where the study of family history holds importance. This study evaluates the changes of age-of-onset (AOO) and other age-related clinical factors within and among families affected by ATTRv amyloidosis.

Methods: We analysed information from 934 trees, focusing on family, parents, probands and siblings relationships.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I: The Importance of Early Diagnosis for Adequate Treatment.

Mucopolysaccharidoses are rare lysosomal storage disorders in which glycosaminoglycans accumulate in tissues, causing multiorgan dysfunction. Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, resulting in the accumulation of dermatan and heparan sulfate. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment and improved outcomes.

Balance and Gait: Associations With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Individuals With Down Syndrome.

Background: Atypical aging in Down syndrome (DS) is associated with neuropathological characteristics consistent with Alzheimer disease. Gait abnormalities have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of dementia for the general population. The aim of this study was to determine whether gait disorders are associated with worse cognitive performance and dementia in adults with DS.

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Centro region of Portugal: a population based study of school age children within the ASDEU project.

Introduction: Accurate prevalence estimates for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are fundamental to adequately program medical and educational resources for children. However, estimates vary globally and across Europe, and it is therefore wise to conduct epidemiological studies in defined geo-cultural contexts.

Methods: We used a population screening approach to estimate the prevalence of ASD in the Centro region of Portugal, using a harmonized protocol as part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders in the European Union (ASDEU) project.

Evidence for an association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter with clinical severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Early-life exposure to air pollutants, including ozone (O), particulate matter (PM or PM, depending on diameter of particles), nitrogen dioxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO) has been suggested to contribute to the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this study, we used air quality monitoring data to examine whether mothers of children with ASD were exposed to high levels of air pollutants during critical periods of pregnancy, and if higher exposure levels may lead to a higher clinical severity in their offspring. We used public data from the Portuguese Environment Agency to estimate exposure to these pollutants during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, full pregnancy and first year of life of the child, for 217 subjects with ASD born between 2003 and 2016.

An Analysis of Seafood Recalls in the United States, 2002 Through 2022.

This review analyzes the seafood recalls registered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) from October 2002 through March 2022. There were more than 2,400 recalls for seafood products over this 20-year period. Biological contamination was the listed root cause for about 40% of these recalls.

Graphene Biosensors-A Molecular Approach.

Graphene is the material elected to study molecules and monolayers at the molecular scale due to its chemical stability and electrical properties. The invention of scanning tunneling microscopy has deepened our knowledge on molecular systems through imaging at an atomic resolution, and new possibilities have been investigated at this scale. Interest on studies on biomolecules has been demonstrated due to the possibility of mimicking biological systems, providing several applications in nanomedicine: drug delivery systems, biosensors, nanostructured scaffolds, and biodevices.

Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common compressive neuropathy linked to disability in severe cases. Tools capable of distinguishing the severity spectrum median nerve entrapment in clinical practice are desirable.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58 CTS patients assisted in a Brazilian neurologic clinic.

Graphene Oxide Thin Films with Drug Delivery Function.

Graphene oxide has been used in different fields of nanomedicine as a manager of drug delivery due to its inherent physical and chemical properties that allow its use in thin films with biomedical applications. Several studies demonstrated its efficacy in the control of the amount and the timely delivery of drugs when it is incorporated in multilayer films. It has been demonstrated that oxide graphene layers are able to work as drug delivery or just to delay consecutive drug dosage, allowing the operation of time-controlled systems.

Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep.

Thyroid dysfunction substantially affects the quality of life due to its association with various disorders in different organs. A low intake of selenium and zinc can predispose to thyroid alterations, resulting in hypothyroidism. A deficiency of selenium and zinc causes direct and indirect skin lesions, both by the action of free radicals on the skin and by thyroid dysfunction.

Occupational Goal Intervention Method for the Management of Executive Dysfunction in People With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: The occupational goal intervention (OGI) method has been proven effective in improving executive function (EF) in people with schizophrenia, but it has not yet been tested with those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS).

Objective: To test the efficacy of the OGI in people with TRS.

Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Adjunctive Therapy to Manage Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Moderate and Severe Dementia: Randomized Clinical Trial Using an Outpatient Version of Tailored Activity Program.

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as aggression, apathy, agitation, and wandering may occur in up to 90%of dementia cases. International guidelines have suggested that non-pharmacological interventions are as effective as pharmacological treatments, however without the side effects and risks of medications. An occupational therapy method, called Tailored Activity Program (TAP), was developed with the objective to treat NPS in the elderly with dementia and has been shown to be effective.

Classification of Tea Aromas Using Multi-Nanoparticle Based Chemiresistor Arrays.

Nanoparticle based chemical sensor arrays with four types of organo-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were introduced to classify 35 different teas, including black teas, green teas, and herbal teas. Integrated sensor arrays were made using microfabrication methods including photolithography and lift-off processing. Different types of nanoparticle solutions were drop-cast on separate active regions of each sensor chip.

"To Suffer in Paradise": Feelings Mothers Share on Portuguese Facebook Sites.

Motherhood is an emotional rollercoaster. This is overlooked by most literature, which tends to refer mothers' pathological states of postpartum depression and anxiety, mainly seeking to understand their causes or predicting factors, and consequences on children's development. In this study, we aim to observe the diversity of mothers' emotional states, and to analyze both positive and negative feelings they disclose on specific public and closed motherhood sites on Facebook.

An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program-outpatient version.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the tailored activity program-outpatient version (TAP-O) and to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia and caregiver burden compared with a control group (psychoeducation intervention).

Methods: Twenty-one persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited and randomized. The intervention group received TAP-O, designed for outpatients with dementia and their caregivers.

[Sex workers and public health: intersections, vulnerabilities and resistance].

Since the 19th century with syphilis and most recently with AIDS, sex workers have been seen as a means for disease transmission and a public health problem that requires intervention. However, researchers have shown that in Western countries, HIV rates in people involved in commercial sex are low, except for in specific groups, such as intravenous drug users. Moreover, the risks faced by sex workers due to stigmatization and other forms of violence have been put into evidence.

Development and Validation of a Health and Work Survey Based on the Rasch Model among Portuguese Workers.

The purpose of this study was to develop the Health and Work Survey (INSAT) and examine the validity of the discomfort rating scale. Data were collected from 706 Portuguese workers from six economic sectors with the support of the Health and Work Survey (INSAT - Inquérito Saúde e Trabalho). The INSAT is a self-administered questionnaire to assessing working conditions, health and wellbeing, and to provide information to the occupational health systems in the organisations.

Modified Atmosphere Systems and Shelf Life Extension of Fish and Fishery Products.

This review aims at summarizing the findings of studies published over the past 15 years on the application of modified atmosphere (MA) systems for shelf life extension of fish and fishery products. This review highlights the importance of CO₂ in the preservation of seafood products, and underscores the benefits of combining MA technology with product storage in the superchilled temperature range. It is generally accepted that MA technology cannot improve product quality and should not be utilized as a substitute for good sanitation and strict temperature control.

Data Mining in HIV-AIDS Surveillance System : Application to Portuguese Data.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infectious agent that attacks the immune system cells. Without a strong immune system, the body becomes very susceptible to serious life threatening opportunistic diseases. In spite of the great progresses on medication and prevention over the last years, HIV infection continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives over the last 35 years since the recognition of the disease.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Occupational Goal Intervention method for the improvement of executive functioning in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a chronic disabling mental disorder that involves impairments in several cognitive domains, especially in executive functions (EF), as well as impairments in functional performance. This is particularly true in patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of the Occupational Goal Intervention (OGI) method for the improvement of EF in patients with TRS.