The Role of Liver Stiffness Measurement and Spleen Stiffness Measurement in Predicting the Risk of Developing HCC.

Background/objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer worldwide. More than 90% of cases occur in cirrhotic patients, with the degree of fibrosis being the main risk factor for the development of HCC. Liver biopsy is the gold-standard for fibrosis assessment, but it is an invasive procedure.

A Comparative Evaluation of Leaching Reagents of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Catalytic Converters Using Microwave Heating.

Platinum group metals (PGMs) are increasingly recycled from spent automotive catalysts due to their scarcity in nature. Many studies were developed using different leaching reagents in order to achieve greener benefits and reduce environmental pollution. This article reports for the first time direct comparison of leaching reagents on the efficiency of PGMs using microwave (MW) assisted heating.

Galvanic vestibular stimulation for the postural rehabilitation of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy.

Introduction: Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a simple, safe, and noninvasive method of neurostimulation that can be used to improve body balance. Several central nervous system diseases cause alterations in body balance, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM).

Objective: To test GVS as a balance rehabilitation strategy for HAM.

[Medication Reconciliation in Primary Care: Practices, Knowledge and Attitudes in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Region].

Introduction: Despite the importance of medication reconciliation for the continuity of care, there is currently no information on the practices, knowledge, and attitudes of Portuguese family doctors on this subject. This study aimed to characterize the formal medication reconciliation procedures in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Region, as well as the perception of family doctors in this region about what they know, how they think and how they practice medication reconciliation.

Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study, using two observation units: primary health care units (study 1) and family doctors (study 2) in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Region.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α is necessary for high fat diet-induced pancreatic β-cell mass expansion and metabolic compensations.

Aims: This study investigates the role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (HNF4α) in the adaptation of pancreatic β-cells to an HFD-induced obesogenic environment, focusing on β cell mass expansion and metabolic adaptations.

Main Methods: We utilized an HNF4α knockout (KO) mouse model, with CRE-recombinase enzyme activation confirmed through tamoxifen administration. KO and Control (CTL) mice were fed an HFD for 20 weeks.