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Researchers at the Unit of Ophthalmology in Coimbra, Portugal have expanded the understanding of Fhonda Syndrome, a rare recessively inherited syndrome. The syndrome is associated with biallelic disease-causing variants in the SLC38A8 gene, which affects the photoreceptor layer of the eye. The researchers included three unrelated female patients with FHONDA syndrome in their study, describing their symptoms and genetic variants. They also observed features of retinitis pigmentosa in one patient, broadening the understanding of the clinical phenotype associated with this rare syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores a new multiobjective optimization framework for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The study focuses on the optimization of radiation intensities and beam directions in order to achieve the best tradeoffs between irradiating the tumor and sparing healthy organs. The proposed framework allows for more flexibility in finding solutions and understanding the compromises between different objectives. The research concludes that this approach has the potential to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy treatment planning. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has investigated the properties of 4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one (4HQ2O) using infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The compound was synthesized and isolated in cryogenic matrices of argon and xenon. The researchers identified two tautomeric forms of the compound and observed the generation of additional tautomers and fragmentation products when the argon matrix was irradiated with ultraviolet light. The study provides a comprehensive assignment of the infrared spectra of all the observed species. The research was supported by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) and has been published in the Journal of Molecular Structure. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the feasibility of a 12-session Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills group intervention called Bi-REAL for individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD). The study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and outcomes of the intervention compared to treatment as usual. The results showed that the Bi-REAL intervention was well-received by participants, with positive feedback and high attendance rates. The intervention group also showed significant improvements in bipolar recovery and quality of life compared to the control group. However, the study faced challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions and high attrition rates in the control group. Further research is needed to confirm feasibility and improve retention rates before progressing to a definitive trial. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the role of brain endothelial cell (BEC) senescence in the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during aging. The study suggests that the transition from a young to an aged BBB is mediated, at least in part, by BEC senescence. Aged BECs exhibit higher expression of senescent markers and impaired occludin expression, which affects BBB function. The findings contribute to a better understanding of BBB dysfunction in aging. [Extracted from the article]

New research from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the production process of alginate/gelatine aerogels for tissue engineering. The study focuses on optimizing the alcogel formation step, which involves solvent exchange, by using high pressures and mild temperatures. The researchers found that high-pressure solvent exchange resulted in a faster process, reducing processing time by 86%. The study also examined the effects of solvent exchange conditions on the aerogel structure and found that it did not significantly affect density, porosity, and surface area. However, it did influence pore distribution and mechanical properties. The research concludes that integrating solvent exchange and supercritical drying is feasible for alginate-gelatine aerogel production. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed a numerical analysis method for studying light-controlled drug delivery systems. The researchers used a finite difference method in space and the implicit midpoint method in time to solve a non-linear reaction-diffusion system with mixed boundary conditions. The method was found to have second-order convergence in space and time, and numerical examples supported the theoretical results. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have conducted a study on the biomechanical properties of the lens in age-related cataracts, which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. The study used a modified animal model to create different severities of nuclear cataracts and measured the hardness and elasticity of the lens. The results showed significant differences in the lens properties between healthy and cataractous lenses, as well as between different degrees of cataract severity. This study provides valuable insights into the understanding of cataract formation and its impact on the lens. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explored the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of the red seaweed genus Hypnea. The researchers found that different species of Hypnea contain various bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, polyphenolics, vitamins, and minerals, which have shown potential in combating different diseases and complications. The study aims to provide detailed information about the different potentials of Hypnea species and their mode of action. The research was supported by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explored the impact of incorporating sleep-wake information in seizure prediction for patients with epilepsy. The study developed five patient-specific prediction approaches and compared them to a control method that did not integrate sleep-wake information. The best approach, which involved a pool of weighted predictors, achieved a 65% success rate in predicting seizures, compared to 41% in the control method. The researchers concluded that incorporating sleep-wake information into seizure prediction algorithms could improve the quality of life for drug-resistant patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal evaluated the tribocorrosion behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V biomedical alloy in simulated oral environments. The study found that when subjected to fluoridated media, the Ti-6Al-4V alloy experienced higher mass loss but no significant roughness variation. The researchers concluded that fluor-containing substances should be avoided over Ti-6Al-4V alloys in areas of mechanical wear, especially if dental amalgam is also present. This research provides valuable insights for dentistry and technology in the field of oral health. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has found that increased formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of diabetes, increasing the risk of complications. Specifically, the study focused on N epsilon-carboxy-methyl-lysine (CML), one of the most relevant AGEs found in diabetic subjects. The researchers discovered that CML caused pronounced defects in neuronal mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to neurodegenerative events. However, the study also found that MitoTempo, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, was able to counteract most of the CML-induced mitochondrial defects and neuronal damage. These findings suggest that MitoTempo holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for mitigating CML-induced mitochondrial imbalance and neuronal damage. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explored the effectiveness of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention called "Be a Mom" in reducing postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms and improving positive mental health in women at high risk for PPD. The study involved 1,053 postpartum Portuguese women who were allocated to either the intervention group or a waiting-list control group. The results showed that completing the treatment, higher depression scores at baseline, and higher income levels were associated with greater symptom reduction and positive mental health enhancement. The "Be a Mom" intervention was found to be effective in reducing psychological distress and enhancing positive mental health over a 4-month period. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed a new method for purifying adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. The traditional methods of purification are time-consuming and result in low purity. The new method uses a heparin-based affinity chromatography protocol, which simplifies the process and yields clean and high viral titers. This research offers a promising approach for improving the purification of AAV vectors, making them more suitable for use in human clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores alternative strategies for stabilizing nateglinide co-amorphous systems, which are used in antidiabetic agents. The study compares two synthetic approaches, cryo-milling and quench-cooling, for a dual-drug system in combination with ranolazine. The researchers also investigate the use of the essential amino acid tryptophan for the synthesis of a cryo-milled nateglinide co-amorphous system. The study finds that both multicomponent systems achieve enhanced kinetical stability for up to 8 months. The research concludes that cryo-milling and quench cooling can be effective alternatives for stabilizing nateglinide co-amorphous systems. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the impact of high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) on the diagnosis and treatment of unstable angina (UA) patients. The study found that the use of hsTn has led to a reclassification of UA patients as having non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which has changed the clinical features of UA. The researchers developed a risk model to predict significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in UA patients and found that commonly available cardiac tests at hospital admission have limited power in identifying patients at risk of obstructive CAD. The study suggests the need for a revised diagnostic and etiology algorithm for UA patients. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal discusses the findings of a study on the interaction between synthetic 2-substituted-naphtho-1,4-quinones and human serum albumin (HSA). The study used spectroscopic techniques and in silico calculations to investigate the interaction. The results showed that the interaction occurs through a static quenching mechanism and has a moderate binding affinity. The study also revealed the formation of hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen bond interactions with the surrounding amino acid residues in subdomain IIA of HSA. The researchers suggest that further studies are needed to improve the bioavailability of these compounds in the human bloodstream. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the use of high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assays and coronary angiography in the risk stratification of patients with unstable angina (UA). The study found that patients with UA had a favorable prognosis, particularly within the first year after the index event. The presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was the only independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during follow-up. The study highlights the potential importance of assessing coronary anatomy in the risk stratification of patients with UA. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the immunomodulatory properties of glucan particles in human primary cells. Glucan particles, specifically glucan microparticles and glucan nanoparticles, were found to interact with the Dectin-1 receptor on monocytes, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. Glucan nanoparticles also stimulated the maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, which is important for antigen cross-presentation. The study suggests that beta-glucan-based delivery systems could be used as future vaccine adjuvants. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have conducted a study on beam angle optimization (BAO) in radiation therapy treatment planning. BAO is a complex optimization problem that is computationally time-consuming. The researchers tested several randomized direct-search strategies using different sets of polling directions and found that while deterministic direct-search methods produced high-quality results, randomized strategies had difficulties in higher dimensional search spaces. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering worst-case scenarios and the possibility of poor results in real-world healthcare applications. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Global Optimization. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal focused on the development and optimization of polymeric bioresorbable stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The study utilized additive manufacturing to create stents using two different polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), and analyzed their mechanical properties. The researchers used finite element analysis to evaluate the influence of different stent designs on factors such as radial recoil ratio and foreshortening. The study found that reducing strut thickness resulted in reduced radial recoil ratio but increased risk of fracture, and ultimately identified a specific design that achieved the desired mechanical performance without the risk of fracture. This research provides valuable insights for the development of improved polymeric stents. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Coimbra, Portugal, aimed to characterize the occurrence of diabetic macular edema (DME) and abnormal retinal fluid accumulation in nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-Angiography to analyze 122 eyes with type 2 diabetes. The findings showed that eyes with central-involved DME (CI-DME) exhibited increased abnormal retinal fluid and retinal vascular perfusion in the deep capillary plexus (DCP), while eyes with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) showed decreased retinal vascular perfusion and abnormal fluid in the outer retina. The study suggests that CI-DME and CSME may represent different entities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the role of the Association to Protect Poor Diabetics in assisting diabetics in Portugal from 1926 to 1946. The association played a crucial role in structuring diabetology in the country and created a model of assistance based on modern diabetology principles. The report examines the organization of the assistance model, which included treatment and education for poor patients with diabetes. This research provides valuable insights into the historical development of diabetes care in Portugal. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal compared the expression of fatigue in cancer survivors, patients with other chronic diseases, and healthy individuals. The researchers found that fatigue was expressed differently in patients with a history of cancer compared to those without. Cancer survivors on active treatment reported higher levels of fatigue, and some level of cancer-related fatigue persisted even after treatment. Psychological distress and daytime sleepiness were identified as factors associated with fatigue. The study suggests the need for further research to explore interventions targeting these factors to manage cancer-related fatigue. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have published a report on their findings regarding the search for selective p53-activating agents for colorectal cancer therapy. They synthesized a library of novel derivatives and evaluated their antiproliferative activity in human colorectal cancer cells. They identified five compounds that were selective towards p53-expressing cancer cells and two compounds that showed high cytotoxicity against colon cells. The results provide important data for the design of new p53-activating agents for precision therapy of colorectal cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at a university center in Coimbra, Portugal, examined the prognostic impact of hyperreflective foci (HRF) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The study included 175 eyes from 94 RP patients and found that HRF were highly prevalent in RP patients and had a negative impact on visual function and the ellipsoid zone (EZ) area. The research suggests that HRF could be used as a prognostic marker for RP. The study was supported by the Unidade Local de Sade de Coimbra. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Brief Multidimensional Self-Control Scale (BMSCS). The study found that the BMSCS is a valid and reliable measure of self-control, with adequate fits for both the one-factor and two-factor second-order models. The study also demonstrated convergent validity, divergent validity, and criterion-related validity of the BMSCS. Additionally, the study established measurement invariance across gender, with no significant differences found between male and female participants. This research provides new insights into the measurement of self-control and its relevance in criminology and forensic psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the use of deep learning and graph neural networks to predict molecular properties in drug discovery. The researchers propose a few-shot GNN-Transformer architecture that combines graph embedding tokens of different sizes to improve representation learning. They also utilize a multi-scale Transformer with a cross-attention mechanism to exchange information between deep representations. The study demonstrates the superior performance of their model compared to other graph-based methods. The code and data for this research are available in a public repository. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with the progression of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. The study found that insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic dysregulation, is characterized by the downregulation of genes related to adipose tissue vasculature remodeling. Prediabetes was associated with compensatory growth factor-dependent signaling and increased response to hypoxia, while type 2 diabetes was linked to a loss of cellular response to insulin and hypoxia, along with increased inflammation. This research provides valuable insights into the complex processes underlying adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal highlights the efforts of a multidisciplinary team from three universities in the region to promote Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (3PM). The team developed various approaches to enhance and expand personalized medicine in the region, including defining a new regional strategy, training human resources in genomic sequencing, and creating educational materials. The researchers emphasize the importance of increasing literacy on 3PM among citizens, including patients, students, and healthcare professionals. They also suggest the inclusion of multi-omics and suboptimal health status approaches in the 3PM framework to anticipate medical intervention in the subclinical phase. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed a new approach to predict the binding affinity between drugs and their targets. The study proposes an end-to-end binding-region-guided Transformer-based architecture that simultaneously predicts the binding pocket and the binding affinity of drug-target interaction pairs. The results show that this architecture, called TAG-DTA, outperforms existing methods in predicting drug-target affinity. The research highlights the importance of considering the inter-dependency of proteomics, chemical, and pharmacological spaces in drug discovery and demonstrates the applicability of the proposed architecture in this context. The data and source code used in the study are available for further exploration. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have found that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in a tropical seabird community, which could pose a threat to wildlife. The study investigated the role of plastic ingestion, foraging patterns, and trophic preferences of five tropical seabird species in relation to EDC exposure. The researchers discovered that microplastics occurrence and EDC detection frequency varied among species, and that trophic position played a key role in EDC accumulation. These findings have implications for marine wildlife conservation and pollution management in sensitive environments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal examined changes in mortality rates due to tuberculosis in the city of Coimbra between 1861 and 1914. The study analyzed the biographical data of individuals buried in the Coimbra Municipal Cemetery of Conchada who had tuberculosis registered as the cause of death. The findings revealed that mortality from tuberculosis increased over time, with a total of 552 individuals dying from the disease. The researchers suggested that this increase may be attributed to factors such as population growth, deteriorating living conditions, and changes in bacterial virulence and the host immune system. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the impact of extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the cardiovascular system. EVs are small vesicles that transfer bioactive molecules and play a role in long-range communication within the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the beneficial roles of EV-mediated communication in maintaining vascular homeostasis and discusses their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The research concludes that EVs have both cardioprotective and detrimental effects, and further investigation could uncover new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CVDs. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Department of Ophthalmology in Coimbra, Portugal provides insights into the genetic profile of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Portugal. Syndromic RP is a group of inherited retinal degenerations that can have extra-ocular manifestations. The study included 122 patients from 100 families, with Usher syndrome being the most frequent diagnosis (62%), followed by Bardet-Biedl syndrome (19%) and Senior-Loken syndrome (7%). Deleterious genetic variants were identified in 86% of families, with a high diagnostic yield for Usher and Bardet-Biedl syndromes. The study contributes to a better understanding of syndromic RP and has implications for disease prognosis and genetic counseling in Portugal. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Coimbra University Hospital Center in Portugal explores the case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a persistent headache and behavioral changes that progressed to a coma. The patient's symptoms were initially attributed to chronic depression, but she later developed generalized dystonia and fever, leading to rapid clinical deterioration. The research highlights the complexity of diagnosing progressive subacute encephalopathy and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment, particularly in pregnant patients. The study concludes that prompt intervention is crucial in order to make critical decisions regarding pregnancy and treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has examined the relationship between antibiotic residues, zinc concentrations, and resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in piglets. The study aimed to determine the levels of antibiotic residues and zinc in piglets' livers and kidneys, as well as the correlation between the use of zinc and antibiotics and the resistance to zinc and antibiotics in E. coli. The findings suggest that zinc use in pig production may contribute to antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance in bacteria, with implications for One Health. The study was supported by the Portuguese public agency FCT and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the potential of topical nanoemulsions in the treatment of skin cancer. Nanoemulsions are innovative formulations that have shown promise in enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects and improving patient compliance. The study examines the characteristics of nanoemulsions, such as droplet size distribution and surface charge, and their ability to efficiently deliver a wide range of molecules. The research focuses exclusively on the role of topical nanoemulsions in advancing skin cancer therapy, particularly for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal explored the use of numerical rating scales to assess the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on patients' lives. The researchers found that population-based reference values were not suitable as targets for individual patient care, as there was significant variation in the severity of impact that patients considered acceptable. The study concluded that alternative tools are needed to support patient-centered management strategies for rheumatoid arthritis. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal discusses the development of a dual drug delivery system for obesity, fitness, and wellness. The system consists of electrospun fibers made of poly(lactic acid) embedded with halloysite nanotubes. The fibers are capable of releasing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously and in a sustained manner for three weeks. The research demonstrates that these composite fibers are effective for the co-delivery of drugs with opposite water affinities. The study was supported by Portuguese Foundations for Science and Technology and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal has shed light on the concept of augmented renal clearance (ARC) in the treatment of sepsis. The study found that mathematical estimates of renal function in critically ill patients are often inaccurate, which can lead to incorrect dosing of antimicrobials. ARC was found to be more common than previously thought, and it was associated with subtherapeutic levels of certain antibiotics. The researchers recommend using measured creatinine clearance based on urine output to identify ARC and adjust antibiotic dosages accordingly. However, more research is needed to provide concise recommendations for antibiotic dosage regimens. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has explored the use of deep learning models to improve the detection of polyps, which are precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC). The study utilized the YOLOv4 model and deployed it on NVIDIA TensorRT to optimize and quantize the model for real-time performance. Various techniques such as data augmentation and transfer learning were tested to enhance the accuracy of the model. The research found that quantization, specifically at the FP16 and INT8 levels, did not significantly degrade the model's accuracy and could potentially be used as a regularization technique. The study also highlighted the importance of data augmentation in overcoming the lack of labeled data in the medical field. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have published a report on the potential link between microbial toxins in the gut and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study suggests that certain toxins, such as beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), found in certain foods, may trigger PD by promoting chronic gut inflammation that affects the brain. The researchers conducted experiments on mice, neuronal cultures, cell lines, and isolated mitochondria to analyze the impact of BMAA on gut microbiota, inflammation, and neuronal loss. The findings indicate that chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to the progression of PD pathology from the gut to the brain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the progression of macular edema in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy. The study followed 74 patients with type 2 diabetes over a 3-year period using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and measurements of retinal fluid. The results showed that diabetic macular edema occurred independently of the severity of retinopathy and was associated with an increase in retinal extracellular fluid and vision loss. The study provides valuable insights into the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. [Extracted from the article]