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.

Improving protein hydrolysis and digestibility in biomass through recombinant peptidases (EC 3.4): Opportunities for monogastric animal diets.

This study investigates the use of recombinant peptidases (EC 3.4) to improve protein hydrolysis and digestibility in , with a focus on addressing the challenge of reduced protein bioavailability for monogastric animals due to resistant protein-pigment formations, such as phycocyanin, and increased digesta viscosity caused by jellification properties. A library of 192 peptidases was generated, from which 142 soluble peptidases were expressed in and subsequently screened for activity against an suspension .

Arginase Activity Inhibition With Thymoquinone Induces a Hybrid Type of Cell-Death in MDA-MB-231 Cell Line.

Arginase plays a crucial role in the urea cycle; it also has immunosuppressive and pro-tumor effects. The present study aimed to assess the effects of arginase inhibition by thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone), an active compound of Nigella sativa, on cell death in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast tumor cell line. Cell viability assays, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry analysis were used to characterize oxidative stress and cell death.

Risk assessment of pesticide residues ingestion in food offered by institutional restaurant menus.

The chronic ingestion of pesticide residues through food appears to be a global public health issue, especially in Brazil. This study evaluates 120 menus across six Brazilian institutional restaurants, estimating the allowance of active pesticide ingredients, residue characterization, and chronic exposure risk through food. Data analysis reveals 263 authorized active ingredients, predominantly insecticides (43%), fungicides (40%), and herbicides (14%) for use in 40 foods.

Agenesis of all premolars - the first reported case.

The agenesis of teeth is the most common developmental anomaly in humans. Although third molars, mandibular second premolars, maxillary lateral incisors and maxillary second premolars are frequently found to be missing, the absence of all premolars has never been reported in the literature. This case report highlights the first-ever case of the complete agenesis of premolars in a 10-year-old male patient.