Biomarkers.

Background: Analysis of neuroimaging data based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can improve detection of clinically relevant characteristics of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, our group developed a CNN-based approach for detecting AD via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and for identifying features that are relevant to the decision of the network. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the potential utility of applying this approach to MRI scans to assist in the identification of individuals at high risk for amyloid positivity to aid in the selection of study samples and case finding for treatment.

Biomarkers.

Background: The quantification of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has proved useful in many contexts, for the diagnosis and prognosis of various neurological disorders. There is, however, a diversity of practices between centers, essentially linked to the context of use (COU), analytical methods, consideration of comorbidities, determination of cut-points or use of interpretation scales. Finally, for the same biochemical profile, the interpretation and reporting of results may differ from one center to another, raising the question of test commutability.

Developing Topics.

Background: Mnemonic discrimination tasks (MDTs) hold potential for early detection of memory changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Object and scene processing tasks differently tap into memory networks vulnerable to early tau and amyloid pathology, respectively. We used an object and scene MDT to assess longitudinal effects of AD on distinct functional memory networks and investigate their potential as markers for different disease stages.

Developing Topics.

Background: Inadequate glymphatic clearance through perivascular spaces (PVS) is hypothesized to contribute to the formation of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, longitudinal evidence for such a mechanistic link in aging remains limited. Using multivariate modelling, we investigated the interrelationship between PVS and WMH over time to elucidate potential cascades of early cerebrovascular alterations and tested whether AD-biomarkers and inflammatory markers associated with vascular disease can explain individual variability in their occurrence and progression.

Developing Topics.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which contribute to synaptic dysfunction and extensive neuronal loss. Protein phosphorylation is a key event in AD pathogenesis. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine kinase with two isoforms, GSK3α and GSK3β.

Developing Topics.

Background: Aβ peptide is a central player in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, which once generated rapidly tends to aggregate, from oligomers to fibrils and finally deposits into senile plaques, one of the disease hallmarks. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by all cell types and recognized as key intercellular communication mediators. In AD, it has been reported that EVs can carry Aβ and may potentially accelerate its aggregation, thus contributing to the seeding of the toxic peptide.

Drug Development.

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia or obesity, constitute major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially among middle-aged individuals. The increasing incidence and association with aging and lifestyle, render the cardiometabolic diseases a societal concern. This is further reinforced by their association with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases (namely dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD)).

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Environmental factors account for a considerable percentage of dementia cases. Studies in animal models have shown that environmental enrichment (EE; i.e.

Histopoly: A serious game for teaching histology to 1st year veterinary students.

Histology is a preclinical subject transversal in medical, dental, and veterinary curricula. Classical teaching approaches in histology are often undermined by lower motivation and engagement of students, which may be addressed by innovative learning environments. Herein, we developed a serious game approach and compared it with a classical teaching style.

Lichen novelties from Corvo Island (Azores, Portugal).

Background: Corvo is a small and remote island in the western group of the Azores Archipelago, Portugal. The Island's lichen biodiversity was largely understudied, with only 17 species documented to date.

New Information: This study reports 68 new records of lichen species on Corvo Island, representing an addition of two classes, eight orders, 18 families and 43 genera.

Differences in association between hypoalbuminaemia and mortality among younger versus older patients on haemodialysis.

Background: Ageing often affects biomarker production. Yet, clinical/optimal thresholds to guide clinical decisions do not consider this. Serum albumin decreases with age, but hypoalbuminaemia is defined as serum albumin <4.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Case Report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare clinical entity characterized by fever, constitutional symptoms, and hepatosplenomegaly associated with the presence of hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow and other organs. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe zoonotic disease hypoendemic in Portugal, particularly in the Alto Douro region. We report the case of a 21-year-old female patient with a recent diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, stage C3, in the context of severe pneumonia, who presented to the emergency department with fever, erythematous rash on the upper limbs and trunk, choluria and jaundice, one week after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Platelet distribution width-a prognosis marker in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Increased levels of platelet distribution width (PDW) can predict cardiac death and infarction recurrence in acute myocardial infarction. PDW appears to be a prognosis marker in acute heart failure (HF); however, its impact on chronic HF is still unknown. We investigated the impact of PDW on chronic HF.

Iron deficiency in acute coronary syndromes: prevalence and prognostic impact.

Introduction And Objectives: Iron deficiency (ID) is a well-known prognostic marker in heart failure (HF), independent of anemia. However, its impact in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) is not well established.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with ACS from January to December 2019.

Septoplasty-mediated improvements in nasal patency and pulmonary function: A prospective study.

Background And Objective: Septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery (STR) is hypothesized to affect pulmonary function by modifying airway dynamics. This study investigates the impact of STR-mediated improvements in nasal patency on pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

Methods: In a prospective analysis, 37 adult patients undergoing STR were enrolled.

Measuring trends in extinction risk: a review of two decades of development and application of the Red List Index.

The Red List Index (RLI) is an indicator of the average extinction risk of groups of species and reflects trends in this through time. It is calculated from the number of species in each category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with trends influenced by the number moving between categories when reassessed owing to genuine improvement or deterioration in status. The global RLI is aggregated across multiple taxonomic groups and can be disaggregated to show trends for subsets of species (e.

Hydroxychloroquine-induced Sweet's Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Sweet's syndrome (or acute febrile dermatosis) is a neutrophilic dermatosis with a characteristic presentation encompassing specific clinical (fever and erythemato-violaceous oedematous papules, plaques and nodules), laboratory (neutrophilia and increased inflammatory markers), and histological (dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis) features. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood but there seems to be an auto-inflammatory component related to mutations in inflammasome genes. It has been subdivided into its classic form, malignancy-associated, and drug-induced, according to its aetiology.

Sports experience, affects and life satisfaction in Portuguese athletes with disabilities.

This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86 for positive affect and 0.

Iatrogenic intramural esophageal hematoma during EUS-B-FNA procedure.

Background: Esophageal ultrasound with bronchoscope fine needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, complementing endobronchial lung ultrasound (EBUS). While generally considered safe, there is a notable lack of comprehensive knowledge within the interventional pulmonology community regarding potential complications.

Case Presentation: We present a case involving a 66-year-old male with squamous cell lung carcinoma undergoing mediastinal staging.

Impact of variables on recovery time in patients undergoing hemodialysis: an international survey.

Background: Dialysis recovery time (DRT) refers to the period during which fatigue and weakness subside following hemodialysis treatment, allowing patients to resume their daily routines. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing DRT in hemodialysis patients in Turkey and Portugal, where the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is notably high.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a private dialysis center in Turkey and three dialysis centers in Portugal.

Pangenome graphs and their applications in biodiversity genomics.

Complete datasets of genetic variants are key to biodiversity genomic studies. Long-read sequencing technologies allow the routine assembly of highly contiguous, haplotype-resolved reference genomes. However, even when complete, reference genomes from a single individual may bias downstream analyses and fail to adequately represent genetic diversity within a population or species.