Diversity and Distribution of Species Along an Elevation Gradient in Natural and Semi-Natural Forest Ecosystems in Portugal.

Globally, forests are constantly threatened by a plethora of disturbances of natural and anthropogenic origin, such as climate change, forest fires, urbanization, and pollution. Besides the most common stressors, during the last few years, Portuguese forests have been impacted by severe decline phenomena caused by invasive pathogens, many of which belong to the genus . The genus includes a large number of species that are invading forest ecosystems worldwide, chiefly as a consequence of global trade and human activities.

Sustainable extraction of phytoestrogens from soybean and okara using green solvents.

Soy extract waste, okara, is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens with potential health benefits. To develop a green approach to recovering these compounds and valorizing okara, a study was developed to screen variables for the extraction of isoflavones from okara and soybean (for comparison) using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) composed with choline chloride ([Ch]Cl) and acetic acid (AA) ([Ch]Cl: AA, 1:2). A fractional design (2) was used to evaluate variables in the extraction of isoflavones, followed by a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD).

Fractionation of pequi pulp oil and modeling by thermodynamic phase equilibrium theory.

This study focused on evaluating the fractionation of pequi oil and modeling the process using solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) theory. The pequi oil was comprehensively characterized, including its fatty acid (FA) and acylglycerol (AG) profiles, moisture content, acidity, carotenoid levels, and thermal behavior. Low acidity and partial acylglycerols content, along with its TAG profile (mainly OOP, POP, OOO and PPP) and melting behavior proved that, in fact, this oil is quite suitable for fractionation.

Prediction of total lipids and fatty acids in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) dried larvae by NIR-hyperspectral imaging and chemometrics.

The unique fatty acid composition of BSF larvae oil makes it suitable for various applications, including use in animal feed, aquaculture, biodiesel production, biomaterials, and the food industry. Determination of BSF larvae composition usually requires analytical methods with chemicals, thus needing emerging techniques for fast characterization of its composition. In this study, Near Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging (NIR-HSI) (928 - 2524 nm) coupled with chemometrics was applied to predict the lipid content and fatty acid composition in intact black soldier fly (BSF) larvae.

Longitudinal data collection in pediatric and adult patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy in Latin America: LATAM RegistrAME study - a clinical registry study protocol.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. The most common form of SMA is linked to 5q (5q-SMA) and is classified into subtypes according to the age of onset and maximum motor function achieved. The severity ranges from progressive infantile paralysis and premature death (type 1) to limited motor neuron loss in adults (type 4).