Blinded by the Mind: Exploring the Hidden Psychiatric Burden in Glaucoma Patients.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss worldwide and has a profound impact on patients' quality of life. Vision impairment is strongly associated with several psychiatric disorders, like depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. These psychiatric issues are often exacerbated by the gradual, irreversible, and typically silent progression of the disease, contributing to increased mental health challenges for affected individuals.

Fetal Hemoglobin as a Predictive Biomarker for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Portugal.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of vision impairment in preterm infants, with its pathogenesis linked to oxygen exposure. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, commonly performed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), reduce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) fraction, altering oxygen dynamics and potentially contributing to ROP. We aimed to investigate the relationship between RBC transfusions, HbF percentage, and ROP, evaluating HbF as a potential predictive biomarker.

Structural Disruption of Cilia and Increased Cytoplasmic Tubulin in Biliary Atresia-An Exploratory Study Focusing on Early Postoperative Prognosis Following Portoenterostomy.

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive hepatobiliary disease in infants, leading to liver failure and the need for transplantation. While its etiopathogenesis remains unclear, recent studies suggest primary cilia (PC) disruption plays a role. This study investigates correlations between PC and cytoplasmic tubulin (TUBA4A) alterations with hypoxia in patients with the isolated form of BA, focusing on native liver survival.

Rescue of Mutant CFTR Channel Activity by Investigational Co-Potentiator Therapy.

The potentiator VX-770 (ivacaftor) has been approved as a monotherapy for over 95 cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing variants associated with gating/conductance defects of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel. However, despite its therapeutic success, VX-770 only partially restores CFTR activity for many of these variants, indicating they may benefit from the combination of potentiators exhibiting distinct mechanisms of action (i.e.

Effectiveness of Global Postural Reeducation in Postural Changes and Postural Stability in Young Adults.

Background: Postural changes are considered a public health issue and have gathered significant interest in both research and clinical practice.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) in improving postural changes and postural stability in healthy young adults. Additionally, this study aims to identify the main postural changes in the sample population.

Effects of an Easily Implemented Physical Exercise Program on the Ventricular Ejection Fraction of Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women, with an incidence of 85-94 per 100,000 people annually in Europe. Despite the increasing incidence of BC, advancements in early detection and novel therapeutic approaches have improved survival rates. However, adjuvant treatments are associated with side effects, including a reduction in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which can result in severe cardiac damage and progress to heart failure.

Green Environments and Healthy Aging: Analyzing the Role of Green Infrastructure in the Functional Well-Being of Seniors-A Pilot Study.

Health professionals have slowly integrated the environment and green areas into their prescriptions to connect patients with nature and outdoor activities. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone reside within 300 m of green regions to improve well-being and physical and mental health. The study aimed to explore the effects of urban and rural green areas on multiple physiological and functional variables, as well as evaluate the perception of individuals regarding the ease of use of these same spaces.

Relationship Among Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Blood Pressure in Portuguese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study examined the associations between age, adiposity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and elevated blood pressure (BP) in 2901 Portuguese children and adolescents aged 2-18. BP, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), physical activity, and sedentary behavior were measured. Elevated BP was defined as a BP above the 90th percentile for age, sex, and height.

The Effects of CrossFit Practice on Physical Fitness and Overall Quality of Life.

We have examined the impact of CrossFit workout sessions on physical fitness, comparing the obtained outcomes with the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition, we provide suggestions to improve training monitoring, as well as practical applications for researchers, coaches and practitioners. CrossFit imposes high cardiorespiratory and metabolic demands, promoting improvements in circulatory capacity, oxidative metabolism and muscular endurance.

Health Outcomes of Construction Workers Building Infrastructure for Mega-Sporting Events: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Migrant construction workers involved in building infrastructure for mega-sporting events face elevated risks of illness and death. However, specific health outcomes for these workers have not been systematically reviewed, limiting opportunities to identify and address their challenges.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed health outcomes among migrant construction workers involved in mega-sporting events.

Genetic Variants Related to Increased CKD Progression-A Systematic Review.

The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasing worldwide. CKD is associated with high morbidity, premature mortality, and high healthcare costs. Genetic variants may influence CKD development and progression.

Microbial Contamination and Food Safety (Volume I).

Food safety is a global concern driven by the constant need to find innovative solutions to mitigate contamination risks by pathogenic microorganisms [...

The History of the Brazilian Sardine () Between Two Fishery Collapses: An Ecosystem Modeling Approach to Study Its Life Cycle.

The inter-annual fluctuations of abundance of the Brazilian sardine () during the last decades have deeply modified the purse seine fishery dynamics. This study evaluates the trophic relationships of the main species exploited by this fishery and the importance of its biomass for the southeast-south Brazil marine ecosystem (22° S-34° S). Data were analyzed using a mass balance model (ECOPATH) between the two fishery collapses: 2000 and 2017.

Physical Exercise Interventions Using Virtual Reality in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture. Physical activity (PA) is safe and crucial for healthy development; however, this population faces barriers that hinder its implementation. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging and promising technology that promotes PA in young people with CP.

Dealing with Childhood Externalizing Behavior: Protocol for a Feasibility RCT of the Being a Parent Program.

Concerning numbers of childhood behavior problems have been reported worldwide. Parenting interventions are considered one of the most effective early strategies to intervene with externalizing conduct. This protocol outlines a feasibility RCT that aims to implement a parenting intervention in Portugal and (a) test key feasibility parameters, (b) assess the fidelity and acceptability of the program, and (c) explore its effectiveness in childhood behavior problems, parenting skills, parental concern, and parental sense of competence.

Exploring Literacy and Knowledge Gaps and Disparities in Genetics and Oncogenomics Among Cancer Patients and the General Population: A Scoping Review.

Background: Genetic and genomic literacy is pivotal in empowering cancer patients and citizens to navigate the complexities of omics sciences, resolve misconceptions surrounding clinical research and genetic/genomic testing, and make informed decisions about their health. In a fast-evolving scenario where routine testing has become widespread in healthcare, this scoping review sought to pinpoint existing gaps in literacy and understanding among cancer patients and the general public regarding genetics and genomics.

Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the review included 43 studies published between January 2018 and June 2024, which evaluated the understanding of genetics and genomics among cancer patients, caregivers, and citizens.

Voices from the Rainbow: Exploring Participants' Experiences in an Online LGBTIQ+-Affirmative Psychoeducation Program.

: This article highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of LGBTQ people, specifically through psychoeducation/intervention programs. The primary objective was to understand the effects of participating in an online affirmative program. The theoretical frameworks of the minority stress model and the concept of decompensation were used to understand and address disparities with the general population.

Wellbeing and Retirement in Europe: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

: Given the observed increase in life expectancy within Europe, it is anticipated that there will be a growing number of retirees and a lengthening of the retirement phase for individuals. This has brought attention to the examination of how the disengagement from professional endeavors influences overall wellbeing. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a comprehensive literature review spanning the period from 1998 to 2024, focusing on the intersection of retirement and wellbeing.

Clinical Dental Midline Shift Is Not a Predictor of the Side of Shorter Hemimandible: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Diagnostic Study.

: Interincisive midline deviation is frequent. Determining the cause (dental versus skeletal) is crucial for treatment planning. This study assessed the null hypothesis that neither clinical dental midline shift nor the temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-affected side correlate with maxillary/mandibular asymmetry.

PET-CT Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Narrative Review on Risk Stratification and Prognosis.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous cardiac disease and one of its major challenges is the limited accuracy in stratifying the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Positron emission tomography (PET), through the evaluation of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and metabolism using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, can reveal microvascular dysfunction, ischemia, and increased metabolic demands in the hypertrophied myocardium. These abnormalities are linked to several factors influencing disease progression, including arrhythmia development, ventricular dilation, and myocardial fibrosis.

Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.

Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Safflower ( L.) Germplasm.

Safflower ( L.) is a promising oilseed crop with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Understanding the oil content and fatty acid composition of safflower germplasm is crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing its agronomic and nutritional traits.

Effects of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato Lyophilized Powder on the Physicochemical Properties, Lactic Acid Bacteria Viability, Microstructure, and Textural Properties of Stirred Yogurt.

This study proposes the use of lyophilized powder of purple-fleshed sweet potato (LP) as a new multifunctional ingredient to improve the identity and quality parameters of stirred yogurts. The physical and chemical properties, color, monomeric anthocyanin content, lactic acid bacteria viability, water retention capacity, microstructure, and texture were evaluated for yogurts enriched with LP at the levels of 2% (YLP2), 4% (YLP4), and 6% (YPL6), stored for 30 days under refrigeration (4 °C). The results indicated that LP provided different intensities and shades of pink coloration to yogurt, in addition to increasing ( < 0.

Nutritional, Chemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Screening of L. and L. Different Morphological Parts.

The chemical composition and biological activity of and are scarcely investigated. In this study, the nutritional and chemical profiles of and , considering their different morphological parts (leaves, fruits and roots), were assessed together with their antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Our results showed that carbohydrates are the major macronutrients in both species (above 62 g/100 g dry weight-DW).

Green and Innovative Extraction: Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Underutilized Plant Extracts Using Pulsed Electric Fields and Maceration.

Underutilized plant species such as (Forssk.) Less., Pomel, and L.