Novel Insights into the Biological Activity of Twigs Extracts and Advancements in Their Sustainable Recovery.

Sangre de drago, the sap of Müll. Arg. tree, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine owing to its diverse biological activities.

Sustainable Transformation of Two Algal Species of Different Genera to High-Value Chemicals and Bioproducts.

This study investigates the potential of two algae species from different genera, namely the recently isolated BGP and , from the perspective of their integral sustainable transformation to valuable substances. Conventional Soxhlet and environmentally friendly supercritical fluid extraction were applied to recover oils from the species. The extracts were characterized through analytical techniques, such as GC-Fid and LC-MS/MS, which allowed their qualitative and quantitative differentiation.

Epidemiology, Management, and Survival Outcomes of Germ Cell Cancer in Southern Portugal: A Population-Based Study (2008-2012).

Introduction: Building on previous suboptimal survival results, we aimed to perform a study of the epidemiological status, management, and outcomes of germ cell tumors (GCT) in the Portuguese population.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective populational study of GCT cases diagnosed between 2008 and 2012 in southern Portugal. Joinpoint regression was used to compute average annual percentage change (AAPC) in incidence rate.

Characterization of Functional Coatings on Cork Stoppers with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging.

Evaluating the efficiency of surface treatments is a problem of paramount importance for the cork stopper industry. Generically, these treatments create coatings that aim to enhance the impermeability and lubrification of cork stoppers. Yet, current methods of surface analysis are typically time-consuming, destructive, have poor representativity or rely on indirect approaches.

Comparative study using propensity score matching analysis in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer with or without multimodal prehabilitation.

Introduction: The complication rate after major abdominal surgery is from 35 to 50%. The multimodal prehabilitation covers all the pre-operative problems to guarantee a faster recovery and reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality after a colorectal procedure.

Methods: Observational study, in patients with CRC who underwent surgical treatment between November 2020 and September 2022.

Structural modification of naturally occurring phenolics as a strategy for developing cytotoxic molecules towards cancer cells.

Natural products belonging to different chemical classes have been established as a promising source of novel anticancer drugs. Several low-molecular-weight compounds from the classes of monoterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids were shown to possess anticancer activities in previous studies. In this work, over 20 semisynthetic derivatives of molecules belonging to these classes, namely thymol, eugenol, and 6-hydroxyflavanone were synthesized and tested for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, namely AGS cells (gastric adenocarcinoma) and A549 cells (human lung carcinoma).

EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLASSIFICATION, AND TREATMENT OF BILATERAL FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS.

Objective: To study epidemiology, fracture pattern, associated injuries, and treatment of individuals with bilateral distal radius fracture, in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study developed based on patients with bilateral distal radius fracture from January 2012 to November 2017. Demographic data, trauma mechanism, radiological patterns, degree of deviation, associated injuries, classification of fractures according to the Association of Osteosynthesis (AO), the Salter-Harris (SH) and Frykman scales, and type of treatment used in each case.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds. Process Optimization Applying Design of Experiments.

In this study, sustainable technology microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in association with green solvents was applied to recover phenolic compounds from spent coffee grounds (SCGs). A design of experiments (DOE) was used for process optimization. Initially, a 2 two level Fractional Factorial Design was used and ratios "solvent to solute" and "ethanol to water" were identified as the significant experimental factors.

Analysis of Nerve Endings in the Superior Labrum-Biceps Complex by Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry and Confocal Laser Microscopy.

 The capsuloligamentous structures of the shoulder work as static stabilizers, together with the biceps and rotator cuff muscles, increasing the contact surface of the glenoid cavity. Free nerve endings and mechanoreceptors have been identified in the shoulder; however, there are a few studies that describe the presence of these nerves in the biceps' insertion. The present study aimed to describe the morphology and distribution of nerve endings using immunofluorescence with protein gene product 9.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation versus left atrial appendage occlusion for primary and secondary stroke prevention after cardioembolic stroke.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC) in patients with previous stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in primary and secondary stroke prevention settings.

Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized cohort study of 302 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF and at high risk for stroke. Two treatment strategies were compared: LAAO (n=91) and long-term treatment with NOAC (n=149).

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation versus left atrial appendage occlusion for primary and secondary stroke prevention after cardioembolic stroke.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC) in patients with previous stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in primary and secondary stroke prevention settings.

Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized cohort study of 302 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF and at high risk for stroke. Two treatment strategies were compared: LAAO (n=91) and long-term treatment with NOAC (n=149).

Recognition of Bathroom Activities in Older Adults Using Wearable Sensors: A Systematic Review and Recommendations.

This article provides a systematic review of studies on recognising bathroom activities in older adults using wearable sensors. Bathroom activities are an important part of Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The performance on ADL activities is used to predict the ability of older adults to live independently.

Phospholipase A2 and Ischemic Stroke Etiology.

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), which is involved in the inflammatory atherosclerotic process, has emerged as an independent risk factor for atheromatous vascular events. Its impact on coronary disease has already been demonstrated, however, its influence in cerebrovascular etiology is still unknown. We aimed to observe and describe the potential association between Lp-PLA2 levels and the etiologic subtype of ischemic stroke.

Medication non-adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with full access to medicines.

Purpose: The pharmacological treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is continuous and adherence to medication is critical for disease control. Restricted access to medicines is one of the most important barriers to adherence to T2DM treatment. This study aimed to evaluate other factors for medication non-adherence by studying patients with full access to oral hypoglycemic agents.

Dietary patterns and their relationships to sarcopenia in Portuguese patients with gastrointestinal cancer: An exploratory study.

Objectives: The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the main dietary patterns of a Portuguese population of patients with gastrointestinal cancer and to analyze their association with sarcopenia.

Methods: This was a prospective study with a consecutive sample of 100 patients with gastrointestinal cancer enrolled at diagnosis. Dietary intake was assessed with a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and dietary patterns were obtained with principal component analysis.

Comparative analysis of the patency of the internal thoracic artery in the CABG of left anterior descending artery: 6-month postoperative coronary CT angiography evaluation.

Objective: To assess the patency of the pedicled right internal thoracic artery with an anteroaortic course and compare it to the patency of the left internal thoracic artery , in anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting by using coronary CT angiography at 6 months postoperatively.

Methods: Between December 2008 and December 2011, 100 patients were selected to undergo a prospective coronary artery bypass grafting procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were randomly divided by a computer-generated list into Group-1 (G-1) and Group-2 (G-2), comprising 50 patients each, the technique used was known at the beginning of the surgery.

Designing a Facebook interface for senior users.

The adoption of social networks by older adults has increased in recent years. However, many still cannot make use of social networks as these are simply not adapted to them. Through a series of direct observations, interviews, and focus groups, we identified recommendations for the design of social networks targeting seniors.

Extraction of volatile oil from aromatic plants with supercritical carbon dioxide: experiments and modeling.

An overview of the studies carried out in our laboratories on supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of volatile oils from seven aromatic plants: pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.

Different clinical aspects of Wirsungocele: case series of three patients and review of literature.

The association of Santorinicele with pancreas divisum has been described. This anatomic condition creates ideal conditions for acute pancreatitis episodes and chronic abdominal pain. Saccular dilation of main pancreatic duct has also been described as incidental finding and causing episodes of acute pancreatitis.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and endoscopic treatment of post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts.

Objective: Surgery is the treatment of choice for traumatic pseudocyst. Minimally invasive management of these collections has been used. The aim was to analyze the outcome after endoscopic treatment and the integrity of the main pancreatic duct caused by abdominal trauma.

Herbicidal activity of volatiles from coriander, winter savory, cotton lavender, and thyme isolated by hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction.

The volatiles from Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja montana L., Santolina chamaecyparissus L.

Bioconversion of D-glucose into D-glucosone by glucose 2-oxidase from Coriolus versicolor at moderate pressures.

Glucose 2-oxidase (pyranose oxidase, pyranose:oxygen-2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.