Toscana Virus in Wild-Caught Sand Flies in Portugal, Findings from the National Vector Surveillance Network, 2023.

Phlebotomine sand flies play a crucial role in both human and veterinary medicine, acting as vectors for parasites and most known phleboviruses. In Portugal, the REVIVE program, a comprehensive national surveillance network under the Ministry of Health, has included sand fly surveys since 2016. REVIVE aims to identify existing sand fly species in the country, determine which pathogens are circulating among them, and provide actionable insights for prevention and control measures when necessary.

Embedded Bioprinting of Tumor-Scale Pancreatic Cancer-Stroma 3D Models for Preclinical Drug Screening.

The establishment of organotypic preclinical models that accurately resemble the native tumor microenvironment at an anatomic human scale is highly desirable to level up platforms potential for screening candidate therapies. The bioengineering of anatomic-scaled three-dimensional (3D) models that emulate native tumor scale while recapitulating their cellular and matrix components remains, however, to be fully realized. In this focus, herein, we leveraged embedded 3D bioprinting for biofabricating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models combining gelatin-methacryloyl and hyaluronic acid methacrylate extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic biomaterials with human pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts to generate models capable of emulating native tumor size (∼6 mm) and stromal elements.

The spread of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Portugal: a first genetic analysis.

Background: Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has become one of the most invasive mosquito species. Over the last 5 decades, it has been introduced and established in various tropical and temperate regions worldwide. First reported in Europe in 1979 in Albania and later in Italy in 1990, the species is now established in 13 European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and 337 regions (2023).

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the three Iberian vipers, Vipera aspis, V. Latastei and V. seoanei by Illumina MiSeq sequencing.

Background: European vipers (genus Vipera) are a well-studied taxonomic group, but the low resolution of nuclear sanger-sequenced regions has precluded thorough studies at systematic, ecological, evolutionary and conservation levels. In this study, we developed novel microsatellite markers for the three Iberian vipers, Vipera aspis, V. latastei and V.

Optimization of Inhalation Technique Knowledge in the Pharmacies of Matosinhos Municipality, Portugal: An Intervention Project.

Introduction: The therapeutic approach to the most common respiratory diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), involves the use of inhalation devices. Its use is essential, but incorrect use is frequent, and learning and reviewing the technique is necessary for the adequate management of these diseases.

Objective: This study aims to increase the knowledge of health professionals from pharmacies in the municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal, about the correct inhalation technique.

Local niches explain coexistence in environmentally-distinct contact zones between Western Mediterranean vipers.

Species' ecological niches are frequently analysed to gain insights into how anthropogenic changes affect biodiversity. Coping with these changes often involves shifts in niche expression, which can disrupt local biotic interactions. Secondary contact zones, where competition and ecological segregation commonly occur, are ideal for studying the ecological factors influencing species' niches.

Phylogeographic and Paleoclimatic Modelling Tools Improve Our Understanding of the Biogeographic History of (Colubridae).

Phylogeographic and paleoclimatic modelling studies have been combined to infer the role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations as drivers of the genetic structure and distribution of Mediterranean taxa. For the European whip snake, , previous studies based on paleoclimatic modelling have depicted a low reliability in the pattern of past climatic suitability across the central Mediterranean Basin, which barely fits the species' genetic structure. In this study, we combined phylogeographic and paleoclimatic modelling tools to improve our understanding of the biogeographic history of , particularly extending the sampling and phylogeographic inferences to previously under-sampled regions.

One Size Fits All-Venomics of the Iberian Adder (, Lataste 1878) Reveals Low Levels of Venom Variation across Its Distributional Range.

European vipers (genus ) are medically important snakes displaying considerable venom variation, occurring at different levels in this group. The presence of intraspecific venom variation, however, remains understudied in several species. is a venomous snake endemic to the northern Iberian Peninsula and south-western France, presenting notable phenotypic variation and inhabiting several diverse habitats across its range.

Canine idiopathic orbital inflammation: A case series of four affected dogs (five orbits).

Purpose: In humans, idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI) is a diagnosis attributed to benign, inflammatory orbital conditions without identifiable local or systemic cause. We describe the clinical signs, imaging and histopathological findings, management and outcome of four dogs diagnosed with IOI.

Methods: Multicentric retrospective study.

Susceptibility of Sea Bream () to AIP56, an AB-Type Toxin Secreted by subsp. .

subsp. () is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects a large number of marine fish species in Europe, Asia, and America, both in aquacultures and in the natural environment. Among the affected hosts are economically important cultured fish, such as sea bream (), sea bass (), yellowtail (), and cobia ().

IL-31 and IL-8 in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Looking for Their Role in Itch.

The itch associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), is often severe and poorly responsive to treatment with antihistamines. Recent studies have highlighted the possible role of interleukins in nonhistaminergic itch. We investigated the role of IL-31 and IL-8 in CTCL, concerning disease severity and associated itch.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Acute Liver Failure: An Uncommon Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare entity, particularly in the context of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). BCS is an uncommon disorder with multiple risk factors, most commonly myeloproliferative disorders. In BCS, active search and exclusion of underlying malignancy is mandatory, particularly in the context of ALF, as it may contraindicate liver transplantation (LT).

αIIbβ3 variants in ten families with autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenia: Expanding the mutational and clinical spectrum.

Background: Rare pathogenic variants in either the ITGA2B or ITGB3 genes have been linked to autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenia associated with abnormal platelet production and function, deserving the designation of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia-Like Syndrome (GTLS) or ITGA2B/ITGB3-related thrombocytopenia.

Objectives: To describe a series of patients with familial macrothrombocytopenia and decreased expression of αIIbβ3 integrin due to defects in the ITGA2B or ITGB3 genes.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical and laboratory records of 10 Portuguese families with GTLS (33 patients and 11 unaffected relatives), including the functional and genetic defects.

Thermal melanism explains macroevolutionary variation of dorsal pigmentation in Eurasian vipers.

Colouration may endorse thermoregulatory and antipredatory functions in snakes. The thermal melanism hypothesis predicts that dark-coloured individuals are ecologically favoured in cool climates. However, the loss of aposematic and cryptic colourations may imply high predation for melanistic snakes.

Interferon lambda rs368234815 ΔG/ΔG is associated with higher CD4:CD8 T-cell ratio in treated HIV-1 infection.

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships between polymorphisms at the interferon lambda (IFNL) locus and CD4:CD8 ratio normalisation in people living with HIV (PLWH) on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART); and to examine whether these polymorphisms influence the composition of T lymphocyte compartments in long-term treated HIV-1 infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in PLWH enrolled into the Mater Immunology study. We performed IFNL genotyping on stored samples and evaluated the association of IFNL single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs368234815 and rs12979860) with CD4:CD8 ratio normalization (> 1) and expanded CD4 and CD8 T-cell subsets; CD45ROCD62L (central-memory), CD45RO CD62L(effector-memory) and CD45ROCD62L (naïve), using logistic and linear regression models, respectively.

Upregulated Wnt-11 and miR-21 Expression Trigger Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among men. microRNAs have been identified as having potential roles in tumorigenesis. An oncomir, miR-21, is commonly highly upregulated in many cancers, including PCa, and showed correlation with the Wnt-signaling axis to increase invasion.

Comparison of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Parturients With and Without a Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes.

Objective:  The present study aims to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of parturients with and without a gestational diabetes diagnosis.

Methods:  A case-control study including parturients with (cases) and without (control) a gestational diabetes diagnosis, who delivered at a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil, between May and August 2018. Primary and secondary data were used.

Outcome of phacoemulsification in 71 cats: A multicenter retrospective study (2006-2017).

Purpose: To assess outcome of phacoemulsification in cats.

Methods: Records of 71 cats (82 eyes) from five referral centers were reviewed. Groups were divided by cause of cataract (congenital/juvenile [n = 32], traumatic [n = 33], and secondary to uveitis [n = 6]), and group comparisons were performed for the most common complications: postoperative ocular hypertension (POH), uveitis, corneal ulceration, synechia/dyscoria, and posterior capsular opacity (PCO) in three different time periods: immediately postoperatively, at 1-90 days, and at >90 days.

Cataracts in Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier From the United Kingdom: A Two-Year Retrospective Study.

Cataracts are among the most common ocular diseases, and are a leading cause of vision loss in humans and dogs. Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) and Labrador Retrievers (LR) are among the most popular canine breeds in the United Kingdom, and also among the most affected by cataracts. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and the surgical outcome of cataracts in JRT and LR in an ophthalmologic reference Veterinary Hospital in the United Kingdom.

D816V Positive Acute Mast Cell Leukemia Associated with Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Introduction: Mast cell (MC) leukemia (MCL) is extremely rare. We present a case of MCL diagnosed concomitantly with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML).

Case Report: A 41-year-old woman presented with asthenia, anorexia, fever, epigastralgia, and diarrhea.

Systemic mastocytosis with V560G mutation presenting as recurrent episodes of vascular collapse: response to disodium cromoglycate and disease outcome.

Background: Mastocytosis are rare diseases characterized by an accumulation of clonal mast cells (MCs) in one or multiple organs or tissues. Patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM), whose MCs frequently arbor the activating D816V mutation, may have indolent to aggressive diseases, and they may experience MC mediator related symptoms. Indolent SM with recurrent anaphylaxis or vascular collapse in the absence of skin lesions, ISMs(-), is a specific subtype indolent SM (ISM), and this clonal MC activation disorder represents a significant fraction of all MC activation syndromes.

Hepatitis C Virus Core Mutations Associated with False-Negative Serological Results for Genotype 3a Core Antigen.

Genetic characterization of the genotype 3a (GT3a) hepatitis C virus (HCV) core region from HCV core antigen (HCVcAg)-negative/RNA-positive cases and HCVcAg-positive/RNA-positive controls identified significant associations between the substitutions A48T and T49A/P and failure to detect HCVcAg (P < 0.05). Polymorphisms at residues 48 and 49 in the core protein are present across all major epidemic and endemic GTs.

Survey of ophthalmic anterior segment findings and intraocular pressure in 95 North American box turtles (Terrapene spp.).

Objective: To describe the ophthalmic biomicroscopy findings and intraocular pressures (IOP) in a captive population of box turtles and to determine whether a relationship exists between body morphometrics or health status and IOP.

Procedures: Hundred and three box turtles (69 Gulf coast, 24 three-toed, one ornate, one eastern, and eight unidentified) were triaged into three different color-coded groups: green (healthy), yellow (abnormal physical examination with no need for immediate care), and red (immediate care required). Both eyes were evaluated by rebound tonometry and slit-lamp biomicroscopy.

Adult mastocytosis: a review of the Santo António Hospital 's experience and an evaluation of World Health Organization criteria for the diagnosis of systemic disease.

Background: Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal mast cells in the skin and/or in extracutaneous organs.

Objectives: To present all cases of mastocytosis seen in the Porto Hospital Center and evaluate the performance of World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for systemic disease.

Methods: The cases of twenty-four adult patients with mastocytosis were reviewed.