Addressing the overuse of hospital emergency departments in the Portuguese NHS: a new paradigm.

The escalating trend of inappropriate visits to Emergency Departments (ED) has led to significant concerns, including resource misallocation, compromised patient care, and an increased burden on healthcare workers. Portugal faces a notable challenge, reporting one of the highest ED visit rates, with an annual average of approximately 6 million ED visits from 2013 to 2023. In response, the "Call First, Save Lives" pilot project was launched by the Portuguese NHS Executive Board, in 2023, at the Local Health Unit (LHU) of Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde.

Development of Thermoplastic Bi-Component Electrodes for Triboelectric Impact Detection in Smart Textile Applications.

Smart textiles provide a significant technological advancement, but their development must balance traditional textile properties with electronic features. To address this challenge, this study introduces a flexible, electrically conductive composite material that can be fabricated using a continuous bi-component extrusion process, making it ideal for sensor electrodes. The primary aim was to create a composite for the filament's core, combining multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), polypropylene (PP), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), optimised for conductivity and flexibility.

Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors.

Magnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites with magnetite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The composites were prepared by compression moulding and the magnetic field was applied on the mould cavity during processing.

Coordinated regulation of eosinophil production and migration by glucocorticoids, prostaglandins, and cysteinyl-leukotrienes.

Introduction: The spectrum of eosinophil functions has expanded from fighting helminths to multiple novel roles in malignancy, infection, cancer, and metabolism. In asthma, glucocorticoids, prostaglandins (PG), and cysteinyl-leukotrienes (LT) regulate eosinophil biology through separate signaling pathways. Here we've evaluated the complex interplay between Dexa, PGE2, and CysLTs in eosinopoiesis and eosinophil biology in an allergic asthma model.

TREATMENT OF ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS WITH THE TRIPLE PROCEDURE: INTRA-ARTICULAR INJECTION WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS, HYDRODILATION AND SHOULDER MANIPULATION UNDER SEDATION.

Objective: There are several conservative treatment options for adhesive capsulitis (AC), but no previous study combines hydrodilation, corticosteroid injection and joint manipulation under sedation (triple procedure), followed by daily home exercises.

Methods: Patients included were evaluated before the procedure, at 30 days, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment in prospective cohort. The outcomes used were the ASES, UCLA, SANE, VAS scales and passive range of motion (ROM).