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Simple Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials with versatile applications, including fluorescence imaging, drug and gene transport, drug delivery, medical diagnosis, and biosensing. In this study, we successfully synthesized various CDs without significantly impacting the cell viability of cancer cells, which suggests the potential for future bioimaging and drug delivery applications. These findings contribute to advancing the potential of CDs in various biomedical research contexts. Backgroung: The rising complexity and associated side effects of cancer treatments highlight the need for safer and more effective therapeutic agents. Carbon-based nanomaterials such as CDs have been gaining prominence for their unique characteristics, opening avenues for diverse applications such as fluorescence imaging, drug and gene transport, controlled drug delivery, medical diagnosis, and biosensing. Despite promising advancements in research, it remains imperative to scrutinize the properties and potential cytotoxicity of newly developed CDs, ensuring their viability for these applications. Methods: We synthesized four N-doped CDs through a hydrothermal method. Cell viability assays were conducted on A549 and UM-UC-5 cancer cells at a range of concentrations and incubation times, both individually and with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Results: The obtained results suggest that the newly developed CDs exhibit suitability for applications such as bioimaging, as no significant impact on cell viability was observed for CDs alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke stands as a significant global health concern, constituting a leading cause of disability worldwide. Rehabilitation interventions are crucial in aiding the recovery of stroke patients, contributing to an overall enhancement in their quality of life. This scoping review seeks to identify current trends in gait rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Methods: The review followed the methodological framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. Electronic databases, such as CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, and Nursing & Allied Health Collection, were systematically searched in November 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised papers published in either English or Portuguese from 2013 to 2023. Results: From the initial search, a total of 837 papers were identified; twenty-one papers were incorporated into this review. Thirteen distinct categories of gait rehabilitation interventions were identified, encompassing diverse approaches. These categories comprise conventional rehabilitation exercises, traditional gait training with integrated technology, and gait training supported by modern technologies. Conclusions: Although traditional rehabilitation exercises have historically proven effective in aiding stroke survivors, a recent trend has emerged, emphasizing the development and integration of innovative therapeutic approaches that harness modern technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outcome of dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function. Implementing psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions is crucial for bolstering cognitive abilities, promoting independence, and elevating the quality of life for individuals with dementia. This review aims to identify current trends in psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia. A Scoping review was developed based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search was conducted on electronic databases, including Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, and MedicLatina. Executed in June 2023, the search focused on articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 2013 and 2023. Through this search, 1409 articles were initially identified. After selecting and analyzing the reports, sixteen trials were included in this review. Eight distinct categories were identified, covering different strategies. These categories run from computerized gamebased cognitive training and reminiscence therapy to compensatory and restorative strategies, memory and attention training, calculation training, dualtask training, counseling, and personalized goal attainment. The findings of this scoping review highlight the diverse landscape of psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable matrix based on eucalyptol essential oil/sawdust was developed and applied on laminated plywood. This finish aims to serve as a eucalyptol odor slow release. Eucalyptol odor release was monitored with gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID: Limits of Detection and Quantification of 0.70 g/m3 and 2.11 g/m3, respectively, and with linearity up to 18.6 g/m3). Measurement of the eucalyptol odor released was performed during a six-month period, and it was found that the release followed a first-order exponential decay with a decay rate constant of 0.0169 per day. The half-life was determined to be of 48 days. The granulometry and particle size porosity of sawdust were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. A sawdust size fraction of 112–200 μm showed the best eucalyptol absorption capacity, with 1:3 masses ratio (sawdust:eucalyptol). The release duration of eucalyptol is influenced by the quantity of the eucalyptol–sawdust composite and the aperture size for release. Through the determination of this relationship, it was found that applying 15.0 g of the composite through a 0.8 mm diameter aperture resulted in a 6-month eucalyptol release period. This outcome is regarded as highly favorable, considering the inherent high volatility of eucalyptol and the relatively small amount of composite required for future product applications. The new product is characterized by a carbon footprint (considering the industry frontiers) of 5.94 kg CO2eq/m2 of plywood floor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a life-threatening illness affecting all dimensions of a person’s health. Cancer survivors must build resilience to face this adversity and continue their life projects. The present study explores the enablers, barriers, and strategies to build resilience among cancer survivors. This qualitative, descriptive exploratory study will use purposive sampling to recruit cancer survivors and healthcare professionals from two hospital centers in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. Interviews will be conducted until data saturation occurs. Data analysis will be performed using an inductive content analysis process with the help of the QDA Miner Lite database. The findings from this study will generate knowledge that may help stakeholders to identify effective strategies to build resilience among cancer survivors. By implementing strategies to foster resilience, healthcare professionals can potentially promote positive adaptations to cancer by strengthening resilience enablers and reducing the impact of barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has an associated burden that continues to grow, affecting patients, family caregivers, and the individual's community. The family caregivers' unmet needs may harmfully jeopardize their well-being and the patient's health outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to understand the needs and expectations of family caregivers of cancer patients to develop and improve care practices. The present study aims to explore the needs and expectations of family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care. This qualitative, descriptive exploratory study will use purposive sampling to recruit family caregivers and healthcare professionals from the palliative care units of two hospital centers in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. First, the Focus group will be performed until data saturation occurs. Then, a conventional thematic analysis will be applied to analyze data with the help of the coding software QDA Miner Lite database. This study's findings will help identify gaps in care and provide data that can support healthcare professionals in providing evidence-based centered care to family caregivers. It can also generate knowledge that may help stakeholders to develop a comprehensive support system for cancer survivors in palliative care and their family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer review supports the integrity and quality of scientific publishing. However, although it is a fundamental part of the publishing process, peer review can also be challenging for reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders. The present study aims to explore the nurses' motivations, barriers, and facilitators in engaging in a peer review process. This qualitative, descriptive exploratory study will be developed in partnerships with three research centers. Researchers followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist to ensure the quality of this study protocol. According to the selection criteria, the purposive sampling will be used to recruit nurse researchers that act as peer reviewers for several scientific journals in various fields of knowledge. Interviews will be conducted until data have been sufficiently consistent with meeting the initial objectives. Researchers will develop a guide comprising a set of open-ended questions to collect participants' characteristics, descriptive review behavior, and perceptions regarding their motivations, barriers, and facilitators. Researchers will analyze data using an inductive process of content analysis with the help of the QDA Miner Lite database. Findings from this study will generate knowledge that may help stakeholders identify facilitating factors and barriers and guide the development of strategies to remove or minimize these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials with remarkable properties that can be produced from a wide variety of synthesis routes. Given that "standard" bottom-up procedures are typically associated with low synthesis yields, different authors have been trying to devise alternative high-yield fabrication strategies. However, there is a doubt if sustainability-wise, the latter should be really preferred to the former. Herein, we employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to compare and understand the environmental impacts of high-yield and "standard" bottom-up strategies, by applying different life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. These routes were: (1) production of hydrochar, via the hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursors, and its alkaline peroxide treatment into high-yield CDs; (2) microwave treatment of carbon precursors doped with ethylenediamine; (3) and (6) thermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (4) hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (5) microwave treatment of carbon precursor and urea. For this LCA, four LCIA methods were used: ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, AWARE, and USEtox. Results identified CD-5 as the most sustainable synthesis in ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and USEtox. On the other hand, in AWARE, the most sustainable synthesis was CD-1. It was possible to conclude that, in general, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) was not more sustainable than "standard" bottom-up synthesis, such as CD-5 and CD-6 (also with relatively high-yield). More importantly, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) did not generate much lower environmental impacts than "standard" approaches with low yields, which indicates that higher yields come with relevant environmental costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the barriers to family resilience in caregivers of people who have schizophrenia. Design: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia registered at the psychiatry outpatient unit of a hospital center. Content analysis was performed on audio‐recorded and verbatim‐transcribed interviews. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was applied to this study. Results: A total of 31 family caregivers participated, the majority of whom were female (71%) with an average age of 57.5 years. Most participants lived with and cared for their relative (90.3%). The caregiver role was assumed mostly by mothers (54.8%) and fathers (22.6%). Barriers to family resilience in caregivers of people experiencing schizophrenia broadly fall under five categories: lack of knowledge about the disease, social stigma, expressed emotion, involvement in the relationship, and blame. Conclusions: In view of the paucity of studies exploring and understanding the barriers to family resilience, this study presents itself as one of the first in this area. There are different barriers to family resilience. This research provides an overview and an understanding of key barriers to family resilience in caregivers of people experiencing schizophrenia. Clinical Relevance: There is a need for nurses to help families to be resilient. By understanding the barriers to resilience, nurses are able to focus on these factors and help families to remove or reduce their influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition, all studies demonstrating clinical benefit of these drugs in patients with COVID-19 patients were conducted in unvaccinated individuals and most in unimmunized individuals with no previous infection. Cutaneous adverse reactions to the new oral antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 Currently, there are two oral antivirals directed to SARS-CoV-2: molnupiravir (Lagevrio SP ® sp ), which induces an antiviral effect via viral error catastrophe, and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid™) (nirmatrelvir inhibits an enzyme needed for coronavirus replication and ritonavir decreases metabolism of nirmatrelvir, maintaining its antiviral activity at higher levels). [Extracted from the article]

Dear Editor, An 81-year-old male patient with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, Crohn's disease, and a high-grade metastatic urothelial bladder carcinoma with 12 years of evolution was treated with chemotherapy and radical cystoprostatectomy. Skin biopsy showed a subepidermal blister with an inflammatory infiltrate in the papillary dermis, presenting eosinophils and neutrophils (Fig. Bullous pemphigoid after anti-PD-1 therapy: a retrospective case-control study evaluating impact on tumor response and survival outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

However, treatment of the localized cutaneous lesions resorting to local therapy, such as radiotherapy, may postpone or prevent the need for systemic treatment.1,2,4 Several authors state that skin infiltration in CLL patients does not significantly affect survival. When the infiltrate has been defined as a primarily B-cell lymphocytic infiltrate, a careful and complete clinical assessment and a close clinical follow-up are necessary to confirm or eliminate the presence of subclinical B-CLL.1,2,4 CLL treatment often leads to the improvement of leukemia cutis lesions. A punch biopsy specimen revealed a dense nodular infiltrate of monomorphic small to medium-sized B lymphocytes involving the superficial and deep dermis (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

DUBLIN score allows evaluation of disease activity and extent in ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to evaluate DUBLIN score as a predictor of therapeutic failure as well as to associate endoscopic and histological activity scores to assess their joint performance. Retrospective cohort study, with consecutive inclusion of patients undergoing total colonoscopy with serial biopsies between 2016 and 2019. DUBLIN score (0–9) was calculated as the product of Mayo endoscopic score (MSe 0–3) by disease extent (E1–E3). Histological activity was evaluated through Nancy score (0–4). Activity scores were correlated with biomarkers, treatment failure (therapeutic escalation, hospitalization and/or colectomy) and clinical remission at 6 months (Mayo partial score ≤ 1). One-hundred and seven patients were included. In 38.3% (n = 41) there was evidence of endoscopic activity (MSe ≥ 2) and in 50.5% (n = 54) histological activity (Nancy ≥ 2). MSe and DUBLIN scores showed good correlation (r = 0.943; p <.001) and both were significantly higher in patients with histological activity (p <.001). Therapeutic failure occurred in 25.2% (n = 27). MSe, DUBLIN, and Nancy scores were significantly associated with therapeutic failure (p <.001). The areas under the (AUC) ROC curve were 0.74 (MSe; p <.001), 0.78 (DUBLIN; p <.001) and 0.84 (Nancy; p <.001). Joint evaluation of endoscopic and histological activity by combining DUBLIN and Nancy scores was associated with therapeutic failure with a significantly higher AUC of 0.84 (p <.001) compared to the Dublin score alone (p =.003). Mayo and DUBLIN endoscopic scores correlated with each other and with histological activity. The joint evaluation of endoscopic and histological activity allowed to predict with greater accuracy treatment failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As such, and considering that the disease duration was unknown, three doses were administered.1-3 Herein, we present a unique case of nodular syphilis in an 83-year-old immunocompetent patient. Negative immunochemistry studies can occur due to longstanding secondary syphilis or previous antibiotic treatment regimens.1,5 Gold-standard treatment for secondary syphilis consists in a single intramuscular injection of PB. GLO:DIF/01aug21:ijd15548-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 1 Secondary syphilis, clinical picture: (a,b) Multiple violaceous to brown-colored, well-delimited scaly coalescent nodules, papules, and patches, along with erosions on the legs;. [Extracted from the article]

Key message: Plombage is a historical treatment in which a cavity is created surgically in the upper chest wall and the space is filled with inert material, such as fat, paraffin wax, rubber balloons, oil or methyl‐methacrylate (Lucite) balls, and it also promotes lung collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AFONSO A. and FERNANDES S. (2006) Measuring local government spending efficiency: evidence for the Lisbon region, Regional Studies40, 39–53. The expenditure efficiency of Portuguese local governments in 2001 was assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis for production frontier estimation. A composite municipal output indicator was constructed and input and output efficiency scores were computed for 51 Portuguese municipalities in the region of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo. This allows a determination of the extent of municipal spending that seems to be 'wasted' relative to the theoretical 'best-practice' frontier. The results suggest that Vale do Tejo municipalities could achieve, on average, the same level of output allegedly using around one-third fewer resources, improving performance without necessarily increasing municipal spending. Municipal expenditure, Technical efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Lisbon AFONSO A. and FERNANDES S. (2006) L'efficacité de la dépense de l'administration locale: des preuves DEA pour la région de Lisbonne, Regional Studies40, 39–53. A partir de la Data Envelopment Analysis quant à l'estimation de la frontière de la production, on évalue l'efficacité de l' administration locale au Portugal en 2001. On construit une indice composite des sorties de la municipalité et, par la suite, on calcule des scores de l'efficacité des entrées et des sorties pour 51 municipalités portugaises dans région de Lisbonne et de Vale do Tejo. Cela permet la détermination de l'importance de la dépense municipale qui semble être 'gaspillée' par rapport à la frontière de 'la meilleure pratique' théorique. Les résultats laissent supposer que les municipalités de Vale do Tejo pourraient atteindre, en moyenne, le même niveau de sorties en employant, prétendument, un tiers des ressources, ce qui permet une amélioration de la performance sans augmenter, nécessairement, la dépense municipale. Dépenses municipales, Efficacité technique, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Lisbonne AFONSO A. and FERNANDES S. (2006) Ausgaben Efficienz von Ortsverwaltungen: DEA-Beweise für die Lissaboner Region, Regional Studies40, 39–53. Die Ausgabenefficienz von portugiesischen Ortsverwaltungen im Jahre 2001 wird mit Hilfe einer DEA-Analyse für Produktionsgrenzberechnungen beurteilt. Die Autoren konstruieren einen gegliedetenen Gemeindeaufwandsindikator, und berechnen Aufwands- und Ertragseffizienzspunkte für 51 portugiesische Gemeinden in den Regionen von Lissabon und Vale do Tejo. Dies gestattet die Bestimmung des Ausmaßes städtischer Ausgaben, die, gemessen an der theoretischen bestmöglichen Praxisgrenze, anscheinend verschwendet werden. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, daß Vale do Tejo im Durchschnitt die bei angeblich etwa 1/3 geringeren Aufwand die gleiche Ertragshöhe erreichen und die Leistung also steigern könnten, ohne 𝜌unbedingt die Gemeindeausgaben zu erhöhen. Gemeindeausgaben, technische Leistung, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Lissabon AFONSO A. and FERNANDES S. (2006) Gestión eficaz del gasto público por parte de gobiernos locales: Pruebas de AED para la región de Lisboa, Regional Studies40, 39–53. En este ensayo analizamos en qué medida los gobiernos portugueses locales gestionaron eficazmente el gasto público en 2001. Para ello utilizamos el método de Análisis Envolvente de Datos (AED) con el objetivo de obtener una estimación de producción aplicable según un valor límite. Asimismo construimos un indicador de rendimiento municipal compuesto y calculamos la puntuación en función de la eficacia de entrada y de salida en 51 municipios portugueses de la región de Lisboa y Vale do Tejo. Esto nos permite determinar cuál es el gasto municipal 'desperdiciado' con relación al valor límite teórico de 'mejores métodos de trabajo'. Nuestros resultados indican que los municipios de Vale do Tejo supuestamente podrían obtener de promedio el mismo nivel de rendimiento utilizando un tercio menos de los recursos de modo que mejorasen el rendimiento sin tener que aumentar necesariamente el gasto municipal. Gasto público municipal, Eficacia técnica, Análisis Envolvente de Datos (AED), Lisboa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case of a 13-year-old Caucasian girl with a 1-year history of a linear plaque on her thigh is reported. Histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy tissue established the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus panniculitis. Six months later she developed the clinical and laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE). She was treated with azathioprine and oral prednisolone, with a favorable clinical outcome. Our case illustrates a child with linear lupus erythematosus profundus as an initial manifestation of SLE. To our knowledge, only eight other cases of linear lupus erythematosus profundus have been reported in the literature, five in children. In contrast to our patient, none of those cases progressed to SLE during the reported follow-up period. The authors report this case to illustrate an unusual superimposed segmental manifestation of an inflammatory polygenic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to increase older adults' access and adherence to falls prevention strategies. This study aims to explore older adults' perceived barriers to participation in a fall prevention strategy. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 older adult users of a Day Care Unit from a Private Institution of Social Solidarity in the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley in Portugal. The recruitment was made in September 2019. The interviews were recorded transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using the method of constant comparisons. The barriers to participation in a fall prevention strategy are healthcare system gaps, social context, economic context, health status, psychological capability, and lack of knowledge to demystify myths and misconceptions about falls. There are different barriers to participate in a fall prevention strategy. It is urgent to eliminate or reduce the effect of these barriers to increase older adults' participation in fall prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the EU, Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was approved as a preservative in cosmetics and household products in 2005. Since then, several cases of MI contact allergy have been reported. We studied the prevalence of MI sensitization in patients allergic to Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). From a total of 751 patients submitted to patch testing between 2007 and 2011, 26 were sensitized to MCI/MI 100 ppm aq. Fifteen patients were retested with MCI/MI 100 ppm aq, MI 200 ppm aq and personal products, and the relevance of positive results, concerning the use of personal products, was evaluated. Seven of the 15 MCI/MI positive patients were positive to MI: six patients showed an equally intense reaction to MCI/MI and MI alone, and another one presented with a stronger reaction to the latter compound. All positive reactions were relevant. The use of MI alone as a preservative does not seem to be a safe alternative. In this study, the majority of positive reactions to MCI/MI and MI had similar intensity, although primary sensitization to MI has to be considered according to each individual case; moreover, primary sensitization to MCI with cross-reactivity to MI cannot be excluded. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal concentration for MI patch testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While TiO2 nanoparticles have shown potential as photocatalysts in the degradation of organic contaminants, their inability to absorb efficiently visible light has limited their industrial application. One strategy for solving this problem is monodoping TiO2 photocatalysts with transition metals, which has worked in the degradation of several pollutants. However, it is not clear if this improvement is enough to offset the potential environmental impacts of adding metal ions to the synthesis of TiO2. Herein, we have used Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine the sustainability of monodoping TiO2 with transition metals (Fe, Co, Mn and Ni, with a 1% weight ratio) to enhance the photocatalytic properties of the photocatalyst toward the degradation of Carbamazepine and Methyl Orange, under UV-A and visible light irradiation. We found that the addition of transition-metals has no significant effect on the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of TiO2, when a weight-based functional unit was considered. However, when photocatalytic activity was considered, major differences were found. Thus, our results demonstrate that the sustainability of monodoping with different transition metals is solely determined by their ability to enhance (or not) the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Our data also demonstrated that isopropyl alcohol constitutes a critical point in the synthesis of TiO2 photocatalysts, with ethanol being a potential substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 48-year-old man who underwent surgical repair of the iatrogenic duodenal perforation had an intra-abdominal infection and abscesses. The patient had multiple drainages as well as pyloric-duodenal dissociation with pyloric closure, duodenostomy and gastrojejunostomy. A 14-t over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) was applied to the patient's gastric side of the pylorus to close digestive perforations after natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

The article describes the case of a 71-year-old woman who was admitted due to recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting a case of recurrent hematochezia caused by variceal hemorrhage due to a second primary (pancreatic) carcinoma and mesenteric obstruction. It discusses the significance of considering colonic varices in the differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Images of the endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan are also presented.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Oral methoxsalen photochemotherapy of mycosis fungoides," by B. A. Gilchrest and colleagues in the 1976 issue.