Effectiveness of Integrated Digital Solutions to Empower Older Adults in Aspects Related to Their Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Digital solutions, such as mobile apps or telemonitoring devices, are frequently considered facilitators in the process of empowering older adults, but they can also act as a source of digital exclusion or disempowerment if they are not adequate for older adults' needs and characteristics.

Objective: This study aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate existing evidence on the effectiveness of integrated digital solutions that enable interaction for empowering older adults in aspects related to their health and to explore potential factors (eg, type of technology, participants' characteristics) impacting effectiveness.

Methods: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and SciELO using a combination of terms informed by previous reviews on empowerment.

Pharmacological inhibition of key metabolic pathways attenuates Leishmania spp infection in macrophages.

Macrophages represent a fundamental component of the innate immune system that play a critical role in detecting and responding to pathogens as well as danger signals. Leishmania spp. infections lead to a notable alteration in macrophage metabolism, whereby infected cells display heightened energy metabolism that is linked to the integrity of host mitochondria.

Antibiotic candidates for Gram-positive bacterial infections induce multidrug resistance.

Several antibiotic candidates are in development against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, but their long-term utility is unclear. To investigate this issue, we studied the laboratory evolution of resistance to antibiotics that have not yet reached the market. We found that, with the exception of compound SCH79797, antibiotic resistance generally readily evolves in .

Screening for STIs: Results of a Health-Promotion Programme in a Portuguese University.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are an important and growing public health concern. Implementation of screening programmes and awareness campaigns are crucial to mitigate this problem. A university in the central region of Portugal has devised a health-promotion programme, named , specifically directed towards the sexual health of the university community.

Transvaginal Evisceration in a Patient With Rectovaginal Prolapse: A Twist in the Tale.

Transvaginal evisceration is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition involving herniation of intra-abdominal contents, typically the small bowel, through a defect in the vaginal wall. Most commonly observed in postmenopausal women with a history of pelvic surgery or trauma, it necessitates prompt surgical intervention. We report a unique case of transvaginal evisceration in a 67-year-old postmenopausal female with rectovaginal prolapse following minor trauma.

Evaluation of two low-level laser techniques as an adjunct to basic periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

To assess and compare two techniques of low-level laser application-transgingival (TLLLT) and intrasulcular (ILLLT)-used in photobiomodulation as an adjunct to basic periodontal therapy (BPT) in patients with periodontitis. A randomized, split-mouth, double-blind clinical trial was conducted, selecting three diseased periodontal sites from different quadrants in each patient. These sites were assigned to one of three treatment groups: SRP (control), SRP + TLLLT (test 1), and SRP + ILLLT (test 2).

A comprehensive review of non-invasive optical and microwave biosensors for glucose monitoring.

Frequent glucose monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. Currently, glucose monitoring is done using invasive methods such as finger-pricking and subcutaneous sensing. However, these methods can cause discomfort, heighten the risk of infection, and some sensing devices need frequent calibration.

First-trimester screening and small for gestational age in twin pregnancies: a single center cohort study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal factors and first-trimester biophysical and biochemical markers with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates in twin pregnancies (TwPs).

Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study of TwPs followed from January 2010 to December 2022 at a tertiary perinatal center, Portugal. Maternal and pregnancy characteristics, mean arterial pressure, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) were analyzed.

Upgrading skin barrier Protection: Addition of active ingredients to a Gelatin/Tannic Acid-Based hydrogel patch for treating skin lesions related to Personal protective Equipment.

Prolonged use of Personal Protective Equipment, like surgical masks, can cause skin issues such as acne ("maskne") and rosacea flare-ups due to pressure and moisture. While dressings can protect the skin, they often reduce mask effectiveness and lack pharmaceuticals to treat common skin lesions. This study introduces an innovative dual-function gelatin/tannic acid-based hydrogel patch incorporating metronidazole (1% w/w) or salicylic acid (2% w/w) to offer both skin protection and treatment.

A Statistical Assessment of Drilling Effects on Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composites.

Fiber-reinforced composites are extensively used in many components and structures in various industry sectors, and the need to connect and assemble such types of components may require drilling operations. Although drilling is a common machining process; when dealing with fiber-reinforced composite materials, additional and specific problems may arise that can com-promise mechanical integrity. So, the main goal of this work is to assess how various input variables impact two main outcomes in the drilling process: the exit-adjusted delamination factor and the maximum temperature on the bottom surface where the drilling tool exits.

Heparan sulfate in cerebrospinal fluid as a biomarker to assess disease severity and for treatment monitoring in patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II: a position statement.

Patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) can present with a severe neuronopathic phenotype or an attenuated non-neuronopathic phenotype. In the light of the recent development of drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier for treatment of neurologic MPS II symptoms, it is critical to define biomarkers that objectively differentiate phenotypes and monitor therapeutic outcomes of advanced treatments. In December 2023, a panel of Brazilian experts discussed the potential of quantifying heparan sulfate (HS) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a biomarker for assessing neurological impairment in patients with MPS II, as well as the potential of the molecule as an objective parameter for therapeutic monitoring.

α-mannosidosis diagnosis in Brazilian patients with MPS-like symptoms.

Background: α-mannosidosis is an inborn error of metabolism caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-mannosidase, which is encoded by the MAN2B1 gene and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The impairment of affected individuals is multisystemic and very similar to the observed in some mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients. The aim of this study was to search for α-mannosidosis cases in individuals with clinical suspicion of MPS without a confirmed diagnosis.

C-P Bond Cleavage Through Hydrogenation in Ruthenium Complexes Supported by P,N Ligands.

The reactivity of ruthenium hydride complexes supported by 2-((di--butylphosphaneyl)methyl)pyridine, and 2-(di--butylphosphaneyl)pyridine, , was explored. The reaction of {Ru(COD)Cl} with in the presence of base and 10 bar of H gave the expected complex [Ru(L1)(H)Cl], , while the same reaction with gave [Ru(L2)(P(H)Bu)(H)Cl], , that results from the cleavage of a C-P bond. We were able to establish that under the reaction conditions the first species formed is [Ru(L2)(H)Cl], , and that this species decomposes to give complex and is in equilibrium with [Ru(L)Cl], .

Emerging technologies for supporting patients during Hemodialysis: A scoping review.

Purpose: To synthesize the available evidence about the use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to support patients during hemodialysis.

Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidelines for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR checklist were employed. Bibliographic searches across MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Scopus, MedicLatina, and Cochrane yielded 932 records.

Validity and reliability of a digital solution for cognitive assessment: The Brain on Track®.

Background: Cognitive assessment and the early detection of cognitive impairments have been enhanced by the use of remote digital solutions. The Brain on Track® is one of these digital solutions used in clinical practice for online screening and monitoring of cognitive functioning.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the validity and reliability of the Brain on Track® computerized test on a tablet device in adults.

Aminocarb Exposure Induces Cytotoxicity and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Mouse Sustentacular Sertoli Cells: Implications for Male Infertility and Environmental Health.

Exposure to pesticides, poses a significant threat to male fertility by compromising crucial cells involved in spermatogenesis. Aminocarb, is a widely used carbamate insecticide, although its detrimental effects on the male reproductive system, especially on sustentacular Sertoli cells, pivotal for spermatogenesis, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of escalating concentrations of aminocarb on a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4.

A conversational agent for enhanced Self-Management after cardiothoracic surgery.

Background: Enhanced self-management is crucial for long-term survival following cardiothoracic surgery.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a conversational agent to enhance patient self-management after cardiothoracic surgery.

Methodology: The solution was designed and implemented following the Design Science Research Methodology.

Risks of oral anticoagulants: Analysis of adverse drug reactions reported to the Portuguese National Pharmacovigilance System.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making the use of oral anticoagulants for prevention increasingly important. Historically, warfarin has played a significant role in this context. In recent years, introduction of new oral anticoagulants, such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban, has been seen.

A web step-based digital solution's impact on physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning of community-dwelling older adults: A mixed methods randomized and controlled trial.

Background: As the population ages, innovative responses are urgently needed to promote physical activity at scale. Thus, this study investigated whether a step-based activity mediated by a digital solution impacts the physical functioning of community-dwelling older adults. The secondary aims were to assess whether the same activity impacts cognitive and psychosocial functioning and explore participants' views towards the activity.

Maple syrup urine disease diagnosis in Brazilian patients by massive parallel sequencing.

Biallelic pathogenic variants cause maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) in one of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex genes (BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DBT, DLD, and PPM1K) leading to the accumulation of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This study aimed to perform a molecular diagnosis of Brazilian patients with MSUD using gene panels and massive parallel sequencing. Eighteen Brazilian patients with a biochemical diagnosis of MSUD were analyzed by massive parallel sequencing in the Ion PGM Torrent Server using a gene panel with the BCKDHA, BCKDHB, and DBT genes.