Sustainable Films Derived from spp. Bark: Improving Properties Through Chemical and Physical Pretreatments.

This study investigates the sustainable use of spp. bark through different chemical (hydrothermal, acid, alkaline, and bleaching) and physical (milling) pretreatments in the production of sustainable films. Valorization of agro-industrial residues and the demand for sustainable materials pose challenges for environmentally responsible solutions.

Spatiotemporal analysis of mosquito-borne infections and mosquito vectors in mainland Portugal.

Background: The incidence of mosquito-borne infections has increased worldwide. Mainland Portugal's characteristics might favour the (re)emergence of mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of vectors and notification rates of imported cases of mosquito-borne infections in mainland Portugal and demarcate the areas where these geographies overlap.

Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Case Report Exploring Multisystemic Involvement.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, multisystemic, non-Langerhans cell histiocytic neoplasm predominantly affecting middle-aged males in their fifth to seventh decades of life. It often presents with nonspecific symptoms, leading to a delay in its diagnosis. We report a case of an 85-year-old male with multisystemic manifestations, including retroperitoneal, skeletal, vascular, cardiac, orbital, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

Social Support and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Portuguese Women: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health issue affecting 14% of mothers worldwide, with long-term implications for both maternal and child well-being. Understanding the factors contributing to PPD is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and postpartum depression symptoms, with a focus on the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties.

Compatibilizer Efficiency in Enhancing Marine Plastic Waste Valorization Through Simulated Recycled Plastic Blends.

This study investigated the optimal combination of compatibilizers and stabilizers to enhance the value of marine environment plastic (MEP). The composition of the plastics was analysed, and a simulated recycled plastic blend (sMEP) was prepared based on a simplified composition of actual MEP. Different concentrations of three commercial compatibilizers (C1, C2 and C3) were tested to improve tensile strength.

The Elusive Biological Activity of Scorpionates: A Useful Scaffold for Cancer Therapy?

Cancer remains a formidable challenge, requiring the constant pursuit of novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Scorpionates, known for their unique coordination properties, have recently gained attention for their anticancer potential. Traditionally applied in catalysis, these compounds have demonstrated notable cytotoxicity across various cancer cell lines, often surpassing the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics.

Protocol for whole-mount preparation, clearing, and visualization of the adult zebrafish spinal cord structures.

The vascular repair, a pivotal element of the spinal cord (SC) injury response, has been notably neglected in zebrafish research. Here, we detail the extraction and dissection of whole-mount zebrafish SCs and the optimized whole-mount immunofluorescence staining and clearing protocols for the visualization of SC structures, such as the vascular network. Additional downstream applications of these samples, from gelatin embedding to cryosectioning and tissue staining, can be done after clearing reversion and are also described in this work.

The COVID-19 health emergency: the influence of the Human Development Index on the reorganization of primary care.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze and compare the organization and care offered by Primary Health Care (PHC) to people with suspected and/or diagnosed COVID-19 in Brazilian municipalities, considering the Human Development Index (HDI).

Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study carried out with managers of PHC services in Brazilian municipalities. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms between April and September 2022 and were analyzed using prevalence ratios, using a Poisson regression model with a random effect and a 5% significance level.

High-affinity T cell receptor ImmTAC® bispecific efficiently redirects T cells to kill tumor cells expressing the cancer-testis antigen PRAME.

Background: PRAME (eferentially expressed ntigen in lanoma) is a cancer-testis antigen expressed in several tumor indications, representing an attractive anticancer target. However, its intracellular location limits targeting by traditional methods. PRAME peptides are presented on the surface of tumor cells by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, indicating that a T cell receptor (TCR)-based strategy that redirects T cells to kill PRAME tumors could be a novel immunotherapeutic option.

Effect of therapeutic exercises on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a protocol of a systematic review.

Introduction: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects an estimated 200 million adolescents globally and curvatures exceeding 30° at skeletal maturity are associated with increased health risks in adulthood. The International Society for the Orthopedic and Rehabilitative Treatment of Scoliosis recommends specific therapeutic exercises to prevent the progression of AIS. However, studies have questioned the effects of specific and general therapeutic exercises on the progression of AIS.

Omega-3 supplementation attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity but is not related to the ceramide pathway.

Cardiotoxicity is the serious side effect of doxorubicin treatment. Ceramides are formed from the degradation of sphingolipids in cell membranes and play an important role in signaling and modulating biological processes. There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acid administration can act on this pathway.

Spatial pattern of congenital toxoplasmosis incidence and its relationship with vulnerability and national health indicators in Brazil.

There is a gap in evidence regarding spatial clusters of the congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and its association with social and health indicators in the Brazilian territory. Thus, we aimed herein to identify CT risk areas in Brazil and its association with social vulnerability and health indicators. An ecological and population-based study was conducted.

Development and validation of a multicompound LLE-LC-MS/MS method for biomonitoring of hazardous medicinal products in urine of exposed workers.

Antineoplastic drugs are carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogenic substances, which can pose serious risks to professionals. Concerns about chronic exposure to these hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) have led to their prominence in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027. To estimate and mitigate human exposure to HMPs, regular monitoring programs and, consequently, reliable, sensitive, multicomponent methods are crucial.

Long-Term Physical Activity Mitigates Inflammaging Progression in Older Adults Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Inflammaging and physical performance were investigated in older adults before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Older women ( = 18) and men ( = 7) (mean age = 73.8 ± 7.

Measuring Parental Response Styles to Child Stress in Severe Pediatric Illness: A Validation Study.

Background: Pediatric illnesses not only impose physical challenges on affected children, but also profoundly impact their emotional well-being. Understanding how parents respond to their children's psychological distress during medical experiences is crucial for enhancing the overall support provided to these families.

Aim: This study evaluated the internal structure of the Parental Response Styles Questionnaire (PRSQ), designed to differentiate parental responses to psychological distress in children with pediatric illnesses.

Hyperkeratotic gastritis in two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) from wildlife rescue.

Xenarthran mammals of the suborder Folivora are arboreal species that feed mainly on leaves and Cecropia spp, an abundant plant in the Brazilian Amazon region, is favoured. The stomach of sloths represents 20-30% of their body weight and is adapted to gastric fermentation of plant material. These anatomical and physiological adaptations can be altered by many factors when confined to captivity, which favours fatal gastric conditions.

Health care for patients with long COVID: a scoping review.

Objective: To map the scientific evidence on the care offered to health service users with Long Covid-19.

Method: This is a scoping review based on the methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Primary studies were included, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, published between December 2019 and June 2023, in the Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus, PUBMED, SciELO and LITCovid LongCovid databases.

The Role of STING-Mediated Activation of Dendritic Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy.

The signaling pathway that comprises cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP or GMP-AMP) synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is emerging as a druggable target for immunotherapy, with tumor-resident dendritic cells (DC) playing a critical role in mediating its effects. The STING receptor is part of the DNA-sensing cellular machinery, that can trigger the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, priming effector T cells and initiating specific antitumor responses. Yet, recent studies have highlighted the dual role of STING activation in the context of cancer: STING can either promote antitumor responses or enhance tumor progression.

Occurrence of micropollutants in surface waters: Monitoring of Portuguese Lima and Douro River estuaries and interconnecting northwest coast.

This study monitored the occurrence of 34 MPs in 2 Portuguese estuaries and adjacent coastal area using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, covering: (i) an extensive monitoring study area; (ii) a multi-class group of organic MPs, including some outlined in European Union guidelines for water protection; (iii) a year-long monitoring campaign including different seasons; (iv) samples collected at both flood and ebb tide; and (v) samples taken from the water surface and bottom at each sampling point. Results showed that a specific group of compounds prevailed in the monitored areas, with concentrations depending on season, tide, and location. In general, the MPs found more frequently were isoproturon and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, along with pharmaceuticals trimethoprim, acetaminophen, tramadol, diclofenac, and ketoprofen, which were mostly detected at higher concentrations.

Studies of physical activity and COVID-19 during the pandemic: an updated scoping review.

Background: This review is an update of the previous study aiming to identify the available evidence related to physical activity (PA) in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) in April 2024. Medical subject headings and keywords related to PA and COVID-19 were combined to conduct the online search, which covered the period from July 2020 to April 2024.