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The NEET phenomenon in southern Europe is particularly alarming. Most studies have focused on analysing the socio-demographic characteristics of NEET and policies directed towards them, but more research is needed regarding the psychological aspects that underlie this condition. This paper, grounded in the bioecological model, aims to analyse the psychological dimensions regarding the functioning of Public Employment Services (PESs) in three countries that rely on the South Mediterranean welfare model. Between November 2022 and September 2023, research was conducted across six rural PES locations in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, based on interviews and focus groups with PES operators and young NEET users. Thematic analysis identified two central axes: Enhancing Relationships and Building Strategic Action, which were crucial for improving NEET-PES interactions and fostering connections between PES and other community entities. The results highlighted the importance of psychological elements in the effective involvement of NEETs in policy initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that presents a largely unknown etiopathology. The presence of reactive astrocytes in MS lesions has been described for a long time; however, the role that these cells play in the pathophysiology of MS is still not fully understood. Recently, we used an MS animal model to perform high-throughput sequencing of astrocytes' transcriptome during disease progression. Our data show that astrocytes isolated from the cerebellum (a brain region typically affected in MS) showed a strong alteration in the genes that encode for proteins related to several metabolic pathways. Specifically, we found a significant increase in glycogen degradation, glycolytic, and TCA cycle enzymes. Together with these alterations, we detected an upregulation of genes that characterize "astrocyte reactivity". Additionally, at each disease time point we also reconstructed the morphology of cerebellum astrocytes in non-induced controls and in EAE animals, near lesion regions and in the normal-appearing white mater (NAWM). We found that near lesions, astrocytes presented increased length and complexity compared to control astrocytes, while no significant alterations were observed in the NAWM. How these metabolic alterations are linked with disease progression is yet to be uncovered. Herein, we bring to the literature the hypothesis of performing metabolic reprogramming as a novel therapeutic approach in MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to refine the description of the artefacts and the geomorphological, geological, pedological and chronological (optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) analyses of sedimentary deposits) characterisation of the Rincão I site (southeastern Brazil) to contribute to the understanding of early human–environment interactions. The archaeological site occupation took place on hillslopes truncated by the Mogi‐Guaçu River's lateral (~1200 m) and vertical (~5 m) movements during the Late Quaternary, in an area where in situ bedrock outcrops are uncommon. This geological context favoured human groups simultaneously having access to the resources provided by the alluvial plain and hillslopes. Here we describe how about three hundred lithic artefacts are associated with soils that originated from sandy colluvium with OSL ages between 20.3 and 5.5 thousand years. These ages are consistent with the local palaeopedological and geomorphological contexts of landscape changes, and partly controversial from the perspective of models currently in vogue for the human occupation of southeastern Brazil. The vestiges of past human presence amid the hillslope sandy colluvium deposits include: 1) a set of flakes and formal artefacts (one stemmed point and three convex artefacts) made of sandstone obtained from hillslopes near (<10 km) the site; and 2) predominant detritus and flakes of quartz and flint obtained mostly from the adjacent (<1.5 km) alluvial plain, linked to flaking sequences other than those of the formal artefacts. Only quartz artefacts were found in the lower levels of the site stratigraphy, whereas in the intermediate and upper levels quartz, flint and sandstone artefacts were found, suggesting that there were changes in the raw materials used for flaking over time. The formal artefacts from the site have technological attributes like the ones observed in assemblages associated with a previously known lithic industry (Rioclarense), but a different pattern of choice of raw materials. This suggests that technical standards underwent a process of adaptation to the environmental particularities surrounding the Rincão I site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Experimental models are a powerful aid in visualizing molecular phenomena. This work reports how the worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) can be effectively explored for students to learn how molecular cues dramatically condition axonal guidance and define nervous system structure and behavior at the organism level. Summary of work: A loosely oriented observational activity preceded detailed discussions on molecules implied in axonal migration. C. elegans mutants were used to introduce second-year medical students to the deleterious effects of gene malfunctioning in neuron response to extracellular biochemical cues and to establish links between molecular function, nervous system structure, and animal behavior. Students observed C. elegans cultures and associated animal behavior alterations with the lack of function of specific axon guidance molecules (the soluble cue netrin/UNC-6 or two receptors, DCC/UNC-40 and UNC-5H). Microscopical observations of these strains, in combination with pan-neuronal GFP expression, allowed optimal visualization of severely affected neurons. Once the list of mutated genes in each strain was displayed, students could also relate abnormal patterns in axon migration/ventral and dorsal nerve cord neuron formation in C. elegans with mutated molecular components homologous to those in humans. Summary of results: Students rated the importance and effectiveness of the activity very highly. Ninety-three percent found it helpful to grasp human axonal migration, and all students were surprised with the power of the model in helping to visualize the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly turned into a health, financial and societal problem globally. The complex pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus centers on the unpredictable clinical progression of the disease, which may evolve abruptly and results in critical and life-threatening clinical complications. Effective laboratory biomarkers that can classify patients according to risk of progression to severe disease are essential for ensuring timely treatment. Gal-3BP is a human secreted protein with innate immune functions, which is upregulated in viral infections, promotes inflammation and has been shown to induce IL-6 expression. In this study, Gal-3BP plasma levels were measured retrospectively in a cohort of 84 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These were classified as having either "non-severe" or "severe" disease. Compared to healthy controls, Gal-3BP plasma levels were markedly increased in COVID-19 patients (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the levels were higher in severe than in non-severe patients (P < 0.05). As expected, patients with severe disease had plasma levels of IL-6 higher than patients with non-severe disease (P < 0.01). In non-severe disease patients, Gal-3BP levels collected at a late stage (13.3 + 5.7 days after the first positive PCR result) were significantly lower than those collected at an early stage (4.2 + 2.9 days form the first positive PCR result). Larger prospective analyses are needed to strength our understanding of the prognostic utility of Gal-3BP in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most lithic industries associated with hunter-gatherer groups in Eastern South America, especially the ones with points present, date to the Early Holocene, with some minor industries and lithic points typologies persisting until the Middle Holocene and, more rarely, until the Late Holocene. This is the case for the Garivaldinense lithic industry associated points typologies. In this article we present the technological analysis of the points identified at the Pororó site, located in central Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The site is an artificial mound dated to around 2,500 BP. We applied an established protocol for analysis of stemmed points considering metric, morphological and technological features that allowed us to classify the artefacts in typologies. We identified two types of points associated to the Garivaldinense lithic industry: the Montenegro and Garivaldinense types. We have also identified a new type that has never been described before and proposed to refer to it as the Pororó type. At least one Pay Paso point was identified at the site, although this type of point is not yet known at other sites of this region and chronology. The results indicate persistence of the Garivaldinense Culture from the Early to Late Holocene, as well as technological innovation during the Late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neudesin (Neuron-derived neurotrophic factor, NENF), a membrane-associated progesterone receptor family (MAPR) member, is a neuron secreted protein with neurotrophic properties during embryonic stages. However, its role in the adult brain is still poorly addressed. In this study we have used neudesin-null (Nenf−/−) mice and performed a characterization of the proliferation state of the adult neurogenic niches, the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampus subgranular zone (SGZ). Nenf−/− males did not presented any deficits in proliferation in the SVZ neither in vivo nor in vitro. On the other hand a decrease in cell proliferation in the SGZ was observed, as well as a decrease in the number of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) that was accompanied by impaired context discrimination in a contextual fear conditioning (CFC) task. Since NENF neurotrophic action is suggested to occur via the formation of a progesterone stability complex for the activation of non-genomic cascade, we further evaluated progesterone metabolism in the absence of NENF. Interestingly, expression of progesterone catabolic rate-determining enzyme, 5-α-reductase was upregulated in the DG of Nenf−/−, together with a significant increase in the expression of the δGABAA receptor gene, involved in DG tonic inhibition. Taken together, these findings add in vivo evidence on the neurotrophic properties of NENF in the adult brain. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of NENF in this process might implicate neurosteroids modulation, at least in the DG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Foro Internacional is the property of El Colegio de Mexico AC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aging process correlates with a progressive failure in the normal cellular and organ functioning; these alterations are aggravated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In both aging and AD there is a general decrease in the capacity of the body to eliminate toxic compounds and, simultaneously, to supply the brain with relevant growth and nutritional factors. The barriers of the brain are targets of this age related dysfunction; both the endothelial cells of the blood- brain barrier and the choroid plexus epithelial cells of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier decrease their secretory capacity towards the brain and their ability to remove toxic compounds from the brain. Additionally, during normal aging and in AD, the permeability of the brain barriers increase. As such, a greater contact of the brain parenchyma with the blood content alters the highly controlled neural environment, which impacts on neural function. Of interest, the brain barriers are more than mere obstacles to the passage of molecules and cells, and therefore active players in brain homeostasis, which is still to be further recognized and investigated in the context of health and disease. Herein, we provide a review on how the brain barriers change during aging and in AD and how these processes impact on brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging model for the adult subependymal zone (SEZ) cell population indicates that neuronal diversity is not generated from a uniform pool of stem cells but rather from diverse and spatially confined stem cell populations. Hence, when analysing SEZ proliferation, the topography along the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes must be taken into account. However, to date, no studies have assessed SEZ proliferation according to topographical specificities and, additionally, SEZ studies in animal models of neurological/psychiatric disorders often fail to clearly specify the SEZ coordinates. This may render difficult the comparison between studies and yield contradictory results. More so, by focusing in a single spatial dimension of the SEZ, relevant findings might pass unnoticed. In this study we characterized the neural stem cell/progenitor population and its proliferation rates throughout the rat SEZ anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes. We found that SEZ proliferation decreases along the anterior-posterior axis and that proliferative rates vary considerably according to the position in the dorsal-ventral axis. These were associated with relevant gradients in the neuroblasts and in the neural stem cell populations throughout the dorsal-ventral axis. In addition, we observed spatially dependent differences in BrdU/Ki67 ratios that suggest a high variability in the proliferation rate and cell cycle length throughout the SEZ; in accordance, estimation of the cell cycle length of the neuroblasts revealed shorter cell cycles at the dorsolateral SEZ. These findings highlight the need to establish standardized procedures of SEZ analysis. Herein we propose an anatomical division of the SEZ that should be considered in future studies addressing proliferation in this neural stem cell niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Journalism & Communication / Revista Română de Jurnalism şi Comunicare- RRJC is the property of Romanian Journal of Journalism & Communication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ll published results available regarding ash content and 21 chemical elements were chronologically compiled. The evolution of analytical methodologies, the rising interest in the knowledge of certain elements at a certain time, and the relation between concentrations and time, are among the gathered information within a period of 221 years, starting with the first published study from the year 1787. Rather than establish a correlation between the inorganic content of cork and its quality, the aim of this data collection is to remove all doubts regarding what is already known on the inorganic content of cork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemistry and molecular biology of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is difficult to convey to students in a classroom setting in ways that capture their interest. The understanding of the matrix's roles in physiological and pathological conditions study will presumably be hampered by insufficient knowledge of its molecular structure. Internet-available resources can bridge the division between the molecular details and ECM's biological properties and associated processes. This article presents an approach to teach the ECM developed for first year medical undergraduates who, working in teams: (i) Explore a specific molecular component of the matrix, (ii) identify a disease in which the component is implicated, (iii) investigate how the component's structure/function contributes to ECM' supramolecular organization in physiological and in pathological conditions, and (iv) share their findings with colleagues. The approach-designated i-cell-MATRIX-is focused on .the contribution of individual components to the overall organization and biological functions of the ECM. i-cell-MATRIX is student centered and uses 5 hours of class time. Summary of results and take home message: A "1-minute paper" has been used to gather student feedback on the impact of i-cell-MATRIX. Qualitative analysis of student feedback gathered in three consecutive years revealed that students appreciate the approach's reliance on selfdirected learning, the interactivity embedded and the demand for deeper insights on the ECM. Learning how to use internet biomedical resources is another positive outcome. Ninety percent of students recommend the activity for subsequent years. i-cell-MATRIX is adaptable by other medical schools which may be looking for an approach that achieves higher student engagement with the ECM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde is the property of Edicoes Universidade Fernando Pessoa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde is the property of Edicoes Universidade Fernando Pessoa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anemia and inflammation are common clinical conditions in emergency departments. This study explored a cohort of patients admitted to the emergency department with a particular interest in determining the frequency of anemia and inflammation and the association between hemoglobin (Hb) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. The study included 125 patients categorized according to their demographic (gender and age) and clinical condition (Hb and CRP concentrations, pathological background, and diagnostic). We found that anemia and inflammation were simultaneously present in 36.0% of the cohort, reaching 67.0% in patients that were subsequently hospitalized. The Hb level was significantly lower in patients with elevated concentration of CRP when compared to individuals with normal CRP levels (11.58 ± 2.23 vs. 13.25 ± 1.80, p = 0.001); furthermore, we found a significantly negative correlation between Hb concentration and the CRP level (rs = −0.42, p < 0.001). The linear regression model applied to the cohort showed that CRP levels explain 15% of Hb variations. The sensitivity of the CRP/Hb ratio (cut-off = 1.32) as a predictor of hospitalization was 80.0%, with a specificity of 68.4% for all patients. These findings confirmed the prevalence of anemia and inflammation and identified a moderate but significant association between Hb and serum CRP in a heterogeneous group of patients admitted to the emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde is the property of Edicoes Universidade Fernando Pessoa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde is the property of Edicoes Universidade Fernando Pessoa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aims of this study were to assess the association patterns of 96 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using hierarchical cluster analysis from data obtained from the measurement of the physicochemical cell surface properties, adhesion and initial biofilm formation abilities, to investigate any correspondence with source, serotype, β-lactam pattern, motility and M13-PCR genogroup or clonal lineage, as well as to select clinical isolates that could act as representatives of the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of this P. aeruginosa population from a Portuguese Central Hospital. The isolates were phenotypically characterized by their ability to adhere and form biofilms on polystyrene surfaces, their affinity to hexadecane and silicone, their swimming and twitching abilities, their antibiotic susceptibility patterns and their serotypes. No particular phenotypic cluster associated with the same source, serotype, β-lactam pattern, motility and M13-PCR genogroup and clonal lineage was found. Nevertheless, five representative strains of the P. aeruginosa population from this Hospital, selected on the basis of low genetic similarity, were also found to be dispersed among the phenotypic clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental archaeology, especially experimental lithic technology, has not yet been established as a line of research in Brazil (or most of South America). This article presents the first systematic experimental research aiming the replication of Paleoamerican (or Paleoindian) lithic industries. Experimental replication of the stemmed points from Rioclarense and Garivaldinense industries were carried out in order to better understand their original technology. This article presents the results of this experiment and the comparison of the technological attributes of the replicated points and flakes to the archaeological ones. The results lead us to a discussion on some important technological aspects of the first lithic industries of Eastern South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is associated with cognitive decline. Herein, we studied a large cohort of old age and young adult male rats and confirmed that, as a group, old  rats display poorer spatial learning and behavioral flexibility than younger adults. Surprisingly, when animals were clustered as good and bad performers, our data revealed that while in younger animals better cognitive performance was associated with longer dendritic trees and increased levels of synaptic markers in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the opposite was found in the older group, in which better performance was associated with shorter dendrites and lower levels of synaptic markers. Additionally, in old, but not young individuals, worse performance correlated with increased levels of BDNF and the autophagy substrate p62, but decreased levels of the autophagy complex protein LC3. In summary, while for younger individuals "bigger is better", "smaller is better" is a more appropriate aphorism for older subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous generation of new neurons in the adult mammalian hippocampus is a form of neural plasticity that modulates learning and memory functions, and also emotion (anxiety and depression). Among the factors known to modulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis and brain function, lipocalin-2 (LCN2) was recently described as a key regulator of neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and commitment, with impact on several dimensions of behaviour. Herein, we evaluated whether voluntary running, a well-known regulator of cell genesis, rescue the deficient adult hippocampal neurogenesis observed in mice lacking LCN2. We observed that running, by counteracting oxidative stress in NSCs, reverses LCN2-null mice defective hippocampal neurogenesis, as it promotes NSCs cell cycle progression and maturation, resulting in a partial reduction in anxiety and improved contextual behaviour. Together, these findings demonstrate that running is a positive modulator of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviour in mice lacking LCN2, by impacting on the antioxidant kinetics of NSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]