Search

Oxytocin (OT) is a key modulator of human social cognition, popular in behavioral neuroscience. To adequately design and interpret intranasal OT (IN-OT) research, it is crucial to know for how long it affects human brain function once administered. However, this has been mostly deduced from peripheral body fluids studies, or uncommonly used dosages. We aimed to characterize IN-OT’s effects on human brain function using resting-state EEG microstates across a typical experimental session duration. Nineteen healthy males participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, cross-over design of 24 IU of IN-OT in 12-min windows 15 min-to-1 h 42min after administration. We observed IN-OT effects on all microstates, across the observation span. During eyes-closed, IN-OT increased duration and contribution of A and contribution and occurrence of D, decreased duration and contribution of B and C; and increased transition probability C-to-B and C-to-D. In eyes-open, it increased A-to-C and A-to-D. As microstates A and D have been related to phonological auditory and attentional networks, respectively, we posit IN-OT may tune the brain for reception of external stimuli, particularly of social nature—tentatively supporting current neurocognitive hypotheses of OT. Moreover, we contrast our overall results against a comprehensive literature review of IN-OT time-course effects in the brain, highlighting comparability issues.

It’s not clear if and how social distancing measures to control COVID-19 transmission may result in more occurrences of child and adolescent abuse perpetrated by their parents. Information often comes from indirect estimates and media reports. More evidence is needed from multiple sources, particularly from the potential victims. The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of violence perpetrated on adolescents by their parents before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. Three different samples with adolescents aged 12–18 years were collected before (n = 1444), during (n = 1427) and after (n = 794) the lockdown and compared to verify variations concerning parental violence behaviors. Higher rates of aggressive parental behavior were found, but results showed that adolescents reported a reduction of psychological, physical, and sexual violence perpetrated by their parents during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Implications and future research needs are discussed.

In recent years, several studies have shown that the use of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as a colloidal drug delivery system was more advantageous than lipid emulsions, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. SLNs have numerous advantages of different nanosystems and rule out many of their drawbacks. Despite the numerous advantages of SLNs, translation from the preclinical formulation to the industrial scale-up is limited. In order to provide a reproducible and reliable method of producing nanoparticles, and thus, obtain an industrial scale-up, several methods of synthesis of nanoparticles by microfluidic have been developed. Microfluidic technique allows a good control and a continuous online synthesis of nanosystems compared to synthesis in bulk, leading to a narrow size distribution, high batch-to-batch reproducibility, as well as to the industrial scale-up feasibility. This work described the optimization process to produce SLNs by microfluidics. The SLNs produced by microfluidics were characterized by complementary optical and morphological techniques and compared with those produced by bulk method. SLNs were loaded with paclitaxel and sorafenib, used as model drugs. The anti-cancer efficiency of the SLNs formulation was estimated with 2D and 3D tumour models of two different cell lines, and the cellular uptake was also studied with fluorescence-assisted measurements. Statement of significance In this work, we describe the production of a single step continuous production for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) via glass capillary-based microfluidic-chip. Comparing to conventional bulk methods, the current synthesis method showed several advantages, including a continuous production with high yield, good reproducibility and precise control over the properties of SLNs, which are critical pre-conditions for its successful industrialization. The superiority of this microfluidic-based method was confirmed by an overall physicochemical characterization of the produced SLNs. The size of the SLNs was controlled by altering the microfluidic parameters, and SLNs with dimensions ca. 100 nm were feasibly fabricated through parameters optimization. The microfluidics production of SLNs offered a good encapsulation efficiency and drug loading degree for a sustained release manner . (c) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brain functional connectivity measured by resting-state fMRI varies over multiple time scales, and recurrent dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) states have been identified. These have been found to be associated with different cognitive and pathological states, with potential as disease biomarkers, but their neuronal underpinnings remain a matter of debate. A number of recurrent microstates have also been identified in resting-state EEG studies, which are thought to represent the quasi-simultaneous activity of large-scale functional networks reflecting time-varying brain states. Here, we hypothesized that fMRI-derived dFC states may be associated with these EEG microstates. To test this hypothesis, we quantitatively assessed the ability of EEG microstates to predict concurrent fMRI dFC states in simultaneous EEG-fMRI data collected from healthy subjects at rest. By training a random forests classifier, we found that the four canonical EEG microstates predicted fMRI dFC states with an accuracy of 90%, clearly outperforming alternative EEG features such as spectral power. Our results indicate that EEG microstates analysis yields robust signatures of fMRI dFC states, providing evidence of the electrophysiological underpinnings of dFC while also further supporting that EEG microstates reflect the dynamics of large-scale brain networks.

RESUMO Objetivo analisar demandas de mulheres segundo o olhar de equipes multiprofissionais. Métodos estudo qualitativo desenvolvido em Unidade de Saúde da Família de um Distrito Sanitário de Saúde em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Realizou-se grupo focal e o material empírico foi analisado pela técnica de Análise de Discurso. Resultados participaram da pesquisa 12 profissionais de saúde com idades entre 27 e 60 anos e atuação de dois a 13 anos na Estratégia Saúde da Família. As profissionais caracterizaram as usuárias com vulnerabilidade social e econômica e as demandas de ordem afetivo-emocional relacionadas a iniquidades de gênero, com sobrecarga do trabalho doméstico e do cuidado à família. A equipe de saúde constitui ponto de apoio e oferece acolhimento e escuta sensível. Conclusão carência afetiva e desgastes pelas funções no âmbito doméstico, familiar e pela relação com o parceiro marcam as demandas de mulheres por cuidado. Profissionais realizam práticas na perspectiva da integralidade, mas há limites institucionais e da equipe em lidar com singularidades. Construir a superação requer abrir caminhos ao empoderamento das mulheres, o que não retrata a realidade problematizada. Implicações para a prática subsidiar profissionais no atendimento ao princípio da integralidade diante de contextos de mulheres em vulnerabilidades sociais e econômicas. RESUMEN Objetivo analizar las demandas de las mujeres desde la óptica de equipos multidisciplinarios. Métodos estudio cualitativo realizado en la Unidad de Salud de la Familia de un Distrito de Salud de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Se realizó un grupo focal y se analizó el material empírico mediante la técnica de Análisis del Discurso. Resultados participaron de la investigación 12 profesionales de la salud, con edades entre 27 y 60 años y actuando de dos a 13 años en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Los profesionales caracterizaron a los usuarios con vulnerabilidad social y económica y las demandas afectivo-emocionales relacionadas a las inequidades de género, con sobrecarga de trabajo doméstico y cuidado de la familia. El equipo de salud es un punto de apoyo y ofrece acogida y escucha sensible. Conclusión la carencia y el desgaste afectivo por las funciones domésticas, familiares y la relación de pareja marcan las demandas de cuidado de las mujeres. Los profesionales realizan prácticas desde la perspectiva de la integralidad, pero existen límites institucionales y de equipo en el abordaje de las singularidades. Construir la superación de desafíos requiere abrir caminos al empoderamiento de las mujeres, lo que no retrata la realidad problematizada. Implicaciones para la práctica subsidiar a profesionales en la atención al principio de integralidad ante contextos de mujeres en situación de vulnerabilidad social y económica. ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the demands of women from the point of view of multi-professional teams. Methods This is a qualitative study developed in a Family Health Unit of a Health Sanitary District in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. A focus group was conducted, and the empirical material was analyzed using the Discourse Analysis technique. Results twelve health professionals aged between 27 and 60 years and working for two to 13 years in the Family Health Strategy participated in the research. The professionals characterized the users with social and economic vulnerability and the demands of affective-emotional order related to gender inequities, with an overload of domestic work and family care. The health team constitutes a support point and offers welcoming and sensitive listening. Conclusion and implications for practice affective deprivation and wear and tear due to domestic and family functions and the relationship with the partner mark women's demands for care. Professionals perform practices from the perspective of integrality, but there are institutional and team limits in dealing with singularities. Overcoming these limitations requires opening paths to the empowerment of women, which does not portray the problematized reality, and support professionals in meeting the principle of integrality in the context of women in social and economic vulnerabilities.

Recently, there has been an increasing interest for utilizing the host immune system to fight against cancer. Moreover, cancer vaccines, which can stimulate the host immune system to respond to cancer in the long term, are being investigated as a promising approach to induce tumor-specific immunity. In this work, we prepared an effective cancer vaccine (denoted as vacosome) by reconstructing the cancer cell membrane, monophosphoryl lipid A as a toll-like receptor 4 agonist, and egg phosphatidylcholine. The vacosome triggered and enhanced bone marrow dendritic cell maturation as well as stimulated the antitumor response against breast cancer 4T1 cells in vitro. Furthermore, an immune memory was established in BALB/c mice after three-time preimmunization with the vacosome. After that, the immunized mice showed inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival period (longer than 50 days). Overall, our results demonstrate that the vacosome can be a potential candidate for clinical translation as a cancer vaccine.

Research in psychology has evolved over the decades creating a movement of greater emphasis on the assessment of strengths and positive characteristics, rather than focusing on risk factors and the diagnosis of pathology. The Social-Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale (SEARS) is an instrument for assessing the children’s strengths, resilience and adaptability in daily life, presenting a form completed by teachers. This study presents the factorial structure of the Portuguese version of teacher-report of SEARS and examines its psychometric properties, namely internal consistency and convergent validity, with a sample of 235 children (116 boys and 119 girls) aged between 5 and 10 years (M = 7.51, SD = 1.63). The factorial structure suggested by Merrell et al. (2011) was tested through a Confirmatory Factor Analyzes, with 41 items making up four factors (responsibility, self-competence, self-regulation, and empathy). In general, our findings support a final structure of 40 items divided into four subscales and provides evidence on the psychometric quality of this instrument. Limitations and future research needs are discussed.

Objetivo: descrever o processo de implantação de Planos de Alta na Clínica Cirúrgica de um hospital de grande porte de Salvador (BA). Método: relato de experiência que descreve aspectos relacionados a elaboração, atualização e implantação de cinco planos de alta hospitalar de enfermagem para pacientes atendidos nessa clínica cirúrgica. Foram direcionados aos seguintes procedimentos cirúrgicos: hernioplastias, colecistectomia, histerectomia, amputação e prostatectomia. Resultados: foram atualizados cinco planos de alta, os quais foram analisados pela coordenadora de enfermagem, médico cirurgião geral e supervisora do componente obrigatório; após sugestões e alterações realizadas, foram encaminhados para a Comissão de Padronização desse Hospital para serem implantados nas Unidades de Clínica Cirúrgica. Conclusão: a experiência possibilitou a afirmação dos instrumentos como um importante material didático para os pacientes sobre as condutas pós-cirúrgicas e para o enfermeiro, que através desse material consegue direcionar as orientações necessárias.

Encephalopathy related to Status Epilepticus during slow Sleep (ESES) is an age-related, epileptic syndrome, which associates cognitive/behavioral disturbances with a peculiar pattern of spike activity. One promising line of research is the study of ESES in cases of early thalamic lesions. We studied 7 ESES patients with unilateral thalamic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging to assess regional white matter (WM) and thalamic nuclei volume differences, and long-term electroencephalogram recordings to localize the epileptogenic cortex. N170 event-related potentials were used to demonstrate the dysfunctional character of the WM abnormalities. Diffusion-weighted images in a subset of 4 patients were used to parcellate the thalamus and evaluate volume asymmetries, based on cortical connectivity. Large WM regional atrophy in the hemisphere with the thalamic lesion was associated with both cortical dysfunction and epileptic activity. A correlation was demonstrated between lesions in the pulvinar and the mediodorsal thalamic nuclei and WM atrophy of the corresponding cortical projection areas. We propose that these abnormalities are due to the widespread structural disconnection produced by the thalamic lesions associated to a yet unknown age-dependent factor. Further exploration of WM regional atrophy association with the spike activity in other etiologies could lend support to the cortical disconnection role in ESES genesis. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Electroencephalogram microstates are recurrent scalp potential configurations that remain stable for around 90 ms. The dynamics of two of the four canonical classes of microstates, commonly labeled as C and D, have been suggested as a potential endophenotype for schizophrenia. For endophenotypes, unaffected relatives of patients must show abnormalities compared to controls. Here, we examined microstate dynamics in resting-state recordings of unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia, patients with schizophrenia, healthy controls, and patients with first episodes of psychosis (FEP). Patients with schizophrenia and their siblings showed increased presence of microstate class C and decreased presence of microstate class D compared to controls. No difference was found between FEP and chronic patients. Our findings suggest that the dynamics of microstate classes C and D are a candidate endophenotype for schizophrenia., EEG microstate abnormalities have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. Here the authors demonstrate that patients and their siblings show similar microstate abnormalities compared to healthy controls.

Introduction. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most devastating complications of diabetes mellitus; however, in contrast to other countries, there are no scientific studies in Portugal evaluating the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics of this pathological entity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gender, metabolic control, age of diabetic patients, as well as time of disease progression, the appearance of complaints related to neuropathic pain. Material and methods. A multicentre study with a non-probabilistic, convenience sample of 359 patients was performed employing the quantitative method, using the Statistical Package for Social Science 24 software. The p-value of p < 0.05 was defined to consider a result statistically significant. The Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was determined to determine the relationship between categorical variables. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of DN between genders (p = 0.633 and r = 0.025). There was a statistically significant relationship between the value of HbA1c and DN, with p = 0.010 and r = 0.136. There is a relationship between age and complaints of neuropathic pain, with p = 0.034 and r = 0.112. The variable, time of disease progression, is also correlated with the appearance of complaints of neuropathic pain with p = 0.020 and r = 0.112. Conclusion. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in subjects with diabetes is not negligible and is associated with modifiable risk factors that can be identified, possibly modified and prevented. The correct approach for these patients, which involves screening and early treatment, is decisive improving functionality and quality of life.

Visual backward masking (VBM) deficits are candidate endophenotypes of schizophrenia indexing genetic liability of the disorder. In VBM, a target is followed by a mask that deteriorates target perception. Schizophrenia patients and, to a lesser extent, their unaffected relatives show strong and reproducible VBM deficits. In patients, VBM deficits are associated with strongly decreased amplitudes in the evoked-related potentials (ERPs). Here, to unveil the neural mechanisms of VBM in schizophrenia, circumventing illness-specific confounds, we investigated the electroencephalogram correlates of VBM in unaffected siblings of schizophrenia patients. We tested 110 schizophrenia patients, 60 siblings, and 83 healthy controls. As in previous studies, patients showed strong behavioral deficits and decreased ERP amplitudes compared to controls. Surprisingly, the ERP amplitudes of siblings were even higher than the ones of controls, while their performances were similar. ERP amplitudes in siblings were found to correlate with performance. These results suggest that VBM is deteriorated in patients and siblings. However, siblings, unlike patients, can partially compensate for the deficits by over-activating a network of brain regions.

Ethionamide (ETH) is a commercial drug, used as a second-line resource to neutralize Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. It is proven that its metabolization in the organism leads to the formation of the active form of the drug, but some metabolic pathways may lead to the loss of its activity. Our work proved that the presence of oxidized methionine in cells could influence ETH's degradation, leading to the appearance of an inactive metabolite that is detectable by HPLC and mass spectrometry. In addition, it was found this process increases with the degree of methionine oxidation. This study contributes to a better understanding of ethionamide's metabolism in living organisms, and can help in the design of new drugs or ethionamide boosters for the combat of multidrug resistant tuberculosis.

Natural biopolymer nanoparticles (NPs), including nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) and lignin, have shown potential as scaffolds for targeted drug delivery systems due to their wide availability, cost‐efficient preparation, and anticipated biocompatibility. Since both CNC and lignin can potentially cause complications in cell viability assays due to their ability to scatter the emitted light and absorb the assay reagents, we investigated the response of bioluminescent (CellTiter‐Glo®), colorimetric (MTT® and AlamarBlue®) and fluorometric (LIVE/DEAD®) assays for the determination of the biocompatibility of the multimodal CNC and lignin constructs in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and 4T1 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Here, we have developed multimodal CNC and lignin NPs harboring the radiometal chelator DOTA (1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid) and the fluorescent dye Cyanine 5 for the investigation of nanomaterial biodistribution in vivo with nuclear and optical imaging, which were then used as the model CNC and lignin nanosystems in the cell viability assay comparison. CellTiter‐Glo® based on the detection of ATP‐dependent luminescence in viable cells revealed to be the best assay for both nanoconstructs for its robust linear response to increasing NP concentration and lack of interference from either of the NP types. Both multimodal CNC and lignin NPs displayed low cytotoxicity and favorable interactions with the cell lines, suggesting that they are good candidates for nanosystem development for targeted drug delivery in breast cancer and for theranostic applications. Our results provide useful guidance for cell viability assay compatibility for CNC and lignin NPs and facilitate the future translation of the materials for in vivo applications.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Arte e Património apresentada à Faculdade de Letras Ao bispado de D. Jorge de Almeida (1483-1543) atribuem-se, há muito, investimentos profundamente transformadores da Sé Velha de Coimbra, como a dotação da capela-mor de um monumental retábulo executado por mestres flamengos, o revestimento azulejar do interior da catedral ou a construção dos portais da fachada norte do templo, conhecidos como Porta Especiosa e Porta de Santa Clara. Os dados com que temos lidado para as dinâmicas artísticas da Sé de Coimbra no século XVI devem-se, no entanto, em grande parte, às informações avançadas pelo historiador António de Vasconcelos, na monografia que dedicou à igreja, em 1930-35. Repetidas de forma geralmente acrítica ao longo das décadas, as suas informações carecem de uma imprescindível confirmação e fundamentação científica, tarefa a que se propõe esta dissertação, em aspectos seleccionados. Assim, a partir de um necessário trabalho de pesquisa de fontes documentais, e de um olhar atento à materialidade do edifício, revêem-se, sistematizam-se e problematizam-se, numa primeira parte, as renovações artísticas e as reformas espaciais da iniciativa de D. Jorge de Almeida. A espacialidade interna da Sé é, deste modo, objecto de estudo não só nas modificações introduzidas pelo revestimento azulejar de inícios de Quinhentos, como no que respeita aos seus equipamentos corais. Na segunda parte da dissertação, a partir da reunião e do confronto de diferentes fontes, procura-se apurar a localização aproximada do coro baixo na igreja, bem como as características da sua estrutura ao longo do século. Objecto de um olhar inquiridor é também o claustro quinhentista, em especial no que concerne a Virgem da Anunciação, que há muito se pensa ser proveniente da capela de Santa Maria. No final do século XVI, o bispado de D. Afonso de Castelo Branco (1585-1615) revela-se igualmente interventivo e transformador do fácies da igreja por via de um informado patrocínio artístico. A terceira parte dedica-se, pois, à sua reforma do coro alto, cujas motivações e encomenda se problematizam, e que se procura reconstituir, nas suas sucessivas etapas, bem como na caracterização do seu provável partido estético. The multiple initiatives of Bishop D. Jorge de Almeida (1483-1543) to artistically reform the old cathedral of Coimbra, during the sixty long years he governed the diocese, have long been aknowledged by the artistic historiography. Works that profoundly transformed Sé Velha of Coimbra, such as the monumental altarpiece created by flemish masters Olivier de Gand and Jean d’Ypres, the redecoration of the temple’s interior walls and columns with ceramic tiles or the construction of the north façade portals designated as Porta Especiosa and Porta of Santa Clara, have long been attributed to his commitment in the renewal of the church. However, the information we have concerning this and other bishops’ initiatives are almost all due to the study that historian António de Vasconcelos dedicated to the Sé Velha’s transformations, from its romanic construction until the 20th century restorations, which have been generally, and uncritically, repeated and which lack indispensable confirmation. It is that crucial task of revising and confirming the historical knowledge of selected aspects of the artistic dynamics the old cathedral underwent, in the 16th century, that we undertake in this dissertation. Based on the research of historical sources and on the careful observation of the building’s characteristics, the artistic and spatial renovations ordered by D. Jorge de Almeida are therefore sistematized and problematized in the first part of our dissertation. The spatial changes the cathedral underwent in the 16th century are also considered, in particular on what pertains to the two choirs of the church. The second part of the present dissertation is thus concerned with trying to approximately locate, inside the church, the first choir, as well as defining its structure. The 16th century cloister, and specially the sculpture of the Virgin of the Annunciation, which is now thought to proceed from the Santa Maria chapel, in the cloister, are also briefly discussed. In the final years of the 16th century, Bishop D. Afonso de Castelo Branco (1585-1615) displayed an equally transformative and informed attitute regarding the interior ecclesial space. For that reason, in the final part of our dissertation we attempt to retrace the spatial and artistic renovation of the upper choir, which the bishop claimed as his enterprise, as well as to understand the reasons behind this operation, its commission and probable aesthetic features.

Objective: To summarize evidence for use of advanced MRI techniques as monitoring biomarkers in the clinic, and to highlight the latest bench-to-bedside developments. Methods: The current evidence regarding the potential for monitoring biomarkers was reviewed and individual modalities of metabolism and/or chemical composition imaging discussed. Perfusion, permeability, and microstructure imaging were similarly analyzed in Part 1 of this two-part review article and are valuable reading as background to this article. We appraise the clinic readiness of all the individual modalities and consider methodologies involving machine learning (radiomics) and the combination of MRI approaches (multiparametric imaging). Results: The biochemical composition of high-grade gliomas is markedly different from healthy brain tissue. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows the simultaneous acquisition of an array of metabolic alterations, with choline-based ratios appearing to be consistently discriminatory in treatment response assessment, although challenges remain despite this being a mature technique. Promising directions relate to ultra-high field strengths, 2-hydroxyglutarate analysis, and the use of non-proton nuclei. Labile protons on endogenous proteins can be selectively targeted with chemical exchange saturation transfer to give high resolution images. The body of evidence for clinical application of amide proton transfer imaging has been building for a decade, but more evidence is required to confirm chemical exchange saturation transfer use as a monitoring biomarker. Multiparametric methodologies, including the incorporation of nuclear medicine techniques, combine probes measuring different tumor properties. Although potentially synergistic, the limitations of each individual modality also can be compounded, particularly in the absence of standardization. Machine learning requires large datasets with high-quality annotation; there is currently low-level evidence for monitoring biomarker clinical application. Conclusion: Advanced MRI techniques show huge promise in treatment response assessment. The clinical readiness analysis highlights that most monitoring biomarkers require standardized international consensus guidelines, with more facilitation regarding technique implementation and reporting in the clinic.

The production of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) has emerged as a way to overcome the highly variable and complex molecular structure of lignin. It can offer morphological control of the lignin polymer, allowing the formation of stable LNP dispersions in aqueous media, while increasing the potential of lignin for high‐value applications. However, the polydispersity and morphology of LNPs varies depending on the lignin grade and preparation method, and a systematic comparison using different technical lignins is lacking. In this study, it was attempted to find a green fabrication method with a distinct solvent fractionation of lignin to prepare LNPs using three different technical lignins as starting polymers: BLN birch lignin (hardwood, BB), alkali Protobind 1000 (grass, PB), and kraft LignoBoost (softwood, LB). For that, three anti‐solvent precipitation approaches to prepare LNPs were systematically compared: 70 % aqueous ethanol, acetone/water (3 : 1) and NaOH as the lignin solvent, and water/aqueous HCl as the anti‐solvent. Among all these methods, the acetone/water (3 : 1) approach allowed production of homogeneous and monodisperse LNPs with a negative surface charge and also spherical and smooth surfaces. Overall, the results revealed that the acetone/water (3 : 1) method was the most effective approach tested to obtain homogenous, small, and spherical LNPs from the three technical lignins. These LNPs exhibited an improved stability at different ionic strengths and a wider pH range compared to the other preparation methods, which can greatly increase their application in many fields, such as pharmaceutical and food sciences., Choose your path: A green fabrication route is discovered to prepare homogeneous and monodisperse lignin nanoparticles with spherical and smooth surfaces, using three different technical lignins as starting polymers. Results show that the acetone/water (3 : 1) method is the most effective approach to obtain such lignin nanoparticles, which can greatly increase their application in many fields (e. g., pharmaceutical and food sciences).

Objective: to describe the application of deliberative bioethics to ethical problem solving in the context of COVID-19. Method: this is a descriptive study, of the ethical case type, with a qualitative approach, developed from March to May 2020, in the curricular component of Biosafety, Ethics and Bioethics, of the Nursing Residency Program with Emphasis in Cardiology, of the Federal University of the Recôncavo da Bahia. Results: The analysis of the proposed case was carried out through the following steps of the deliberative process: Deliberation on facts (presentation of the case and clarification of the facts); Deliberation on values: identification of the moral problems of the case; Indication of the fundamental moral problem and identification of the values in conflict; Deliberation on duties (identification of the extreme, intermediate and optimal courses of action); Deliberation on responsibilities (submitting the optimal course of action to the tests of time consistency, publicity and legality). Conclusion: the use of the deliberative process in everyday ethical problems stimulates the transformation of professional practice in pursuit of prudent decisions, allowing facts to be explored, values to be identified, and duties to be performed. Objetivo: describir la aplicación de la bioética deliberativa en la resolución de problemas éticos en el contexto de COVID-19. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo, tipo caso ético, con abordaje cualitativo, desarrollado de marzo a mayo de 2020, en el componente curricular de Bioseguridad, Ética y Bioética, del Programa de Residencia en Enfermería con Énfasis en Cardiología, de la Universidad Federal de Recôncavo da Bahia. Resultados: el análisis del caso propuesto se realizó a través de los siguientes pasos del proceso deliberativo: Deliberación de los hechos (presentación del caso y esclarecimiento de los hechos); Deliberación sobre los valores: identificación de los problemas morales del caso; Indicación del problema moral fundamental e identificación de valores en conflicto; Deliberación de deberes (identificación de cursos de acción extremos, intermedios y del óptimo); Deliberación sobre responsabilidades (someter el curso de acción óptimo a pruebas de coherencia temporal, publicidad y legalidad). Conclusión: el uso del proceso deliberativo en los problemas éticos cotidianos estimula la transformación de la práctica profesional en la búsqueda de decisiones prudentes, que permitan explorar hechos, identificar valores y realizar deberes. Objetivo: descrever a aplicação da bioética deliberativa na resolução de problemas éticos no contexto da COVID-19. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo caso ético, com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido no período de março a maio de 2020, na componente curricular de Biossegurança, Ética e Bioética, do Programa de Residência de Enfermagem com Ênfase em Cardiologia, da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Resultados: foi realizada a análise do caso proposto através das seguintes etapas do processo deliberativo: Deliberação sobre os fatos (apresentação do caso e esclarecimento dos fatos); Deliberação sobre os valores: identificação dos problemas morais do caso; Indicação do problema moral fundamental e identificação dos valores em conflito; Deliberação sobre os deveres (identificação dos cursos de ação extremos, intermédios e do ótimo); Deliberação sobre as responsabilidades (submeter o curso ótimo de ação às provas de consistência de tempo, publicidade e legalidade). Conclusão: a utilização do processo deliberativo em problemas éticos do cotidiano estimula a transformação da prática profissional na busca por decisões prudentes, permitindo que os fatos sejam explorados, que os valores sejam identificados e que os deveres sejam executados.

Polyoxometalates are an emerging class of molecular clusters, with well-defined structures and chemical compositions that are produced through simple, low-cost, and highly reproducible methods. In particular, the wheel-shaped cluster {Mo154} is a promising photothermal agent due to its intervalence charge transfer transitions. However, its toxicity hinders its systemic administration, being the development of a localized delivery system still incipient. Herein, an injectable and self-healing hydrogel of easy preparation and administration is developed, incorporating both {Mo154} and doxorubicin for synergistic photothermal and chemotherapy applications. The hydrogel is composed of benzylaldehyde functionalized polyethylene glycol, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) functionalized chitosan and {Mo154}. The gelation occurs within 60 s at room temperature, and the dual crosslinking by Schiff base and electrostatic interactions generates a dynamic network, which enables self-healing after injection. Moreover, the hydrogel delivers chemotherapeutic drugs, with a release triggered by dual near infra-red (NIR) radiation and pH changes. This stimuli-responsive release system along with the photothermal conversion ability of the hydrogel allows the simultaneous combination of photothermal and chemotherapy. This synergic system efficiently ablates the cancer tumor in vivo with no systemic toxicity. Overall, this work paves the way for the development of novel {Mo154}-based systems, incorporated in self-healing and injectable hydrogels for dual chemo-photothermal therapy.

Social dominance, the main organizing principle of social hierarchies, facilitates priority access to resources by dominant individuals. Throughout taxa, individuals are more likely to become dominant if they act first in social situations and acting fast may provide evolutionary advantage; yet whether fast decision-making is a behavioral predisposition of dominant persons outside of social contexts is not known. Following characterization of participants for social dominance motivation, we found that, indeed, men high in social dominance respond faster–without loss of accuracy–than those low in dominance across a variety of decision-making tasks. Both groups did not differ in a simple reaction task. Then, we selected a decision-making task and applied high-density electroencephalography (EEG) to assess temporal dynamics of brain activation through event related potentials. We found that promptness to respond in the choice task in dominant individuals is related to a strikingly amplified brain signal at approximately 240 ms post-stimulus presentation. Source imaging analyses identified higher activity in the left insula and in the cingulate, right inferior temporal and right angular gyri in high than in low dominance participants. Our findings suggest that promptness to respond in choice situations, regardless of social context, is a biomarker for social disposition.

Nanomedicines represent innovative and promising alternative technologies to improve the therapeutic effects of different drugs for cancer ablation. Targeting M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has emerged as a favorable therapeutic approach to fight against cancer through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. However, the immunomodulatory molecules used for this purpose present side effects upon systemic administration, which limits their clinical translation. Here, the biocompatible lignin polymer is used to prepare lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) that carry a dual agonist of the toll-like receptors TLR7/8 (resiquimod, R848). These LNPs are targeted to the CD206-positive M2-like TAMs using the “mUNO” peptide, in order to revert their pro-tumor phenotype into anti-tumor M1-like macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of an aggressive triple-negative in vivo model of breast cancer. Overall, we show that targeting the resiquimod (R848)-loaded LNPs to the M2-like macrophages, using very low doses of R848, induces a profound shift in the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment towards an anti-tumor immune state, by increasing the representation of M1-like macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, and activated dendritic cells. This effect consequently enhances the anticancer effect of the vinblastine (Vin) when co-administered with R848-loaded LNPs to the M2-like macrophages, using very low doses of R848, induces a profound shift in the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment towards an anti-tumor immune state, by increasing the representation of M1-like macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, and activated dendritic cells. This effect consequently enhances the anticancer effect of the vinblastine (Vin) when co-administered with R848-loaded LNPs. Statement of significance Lignin-based nanoparticles (LNPs) were successfully developed to target a potent TLR7/8 agonist (R848) of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This was achieved by targeting the mannose receptor (CD206) on the tumor supportive (M2-like) macrophages with the "mUNO" peptide, to reprogram them into an antitumor (M1-like) phenotype for enhanced chemotherapy. LNPs modified the biodistribution of the R848, and enhanced its accumulation and efficacy in shifting the immunological profile of the cells in the TME, which was not achieved by systemic administration of free R848. Moreover, a reduction in the tumor volumes was observed at lower equivalent doses of R848 compared with other studies. Therefore, the co-administration of R848@LNPs is a promising chemotherapeutic application in aggressive tumors, such as the triple-negative breast cancer. (c) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective: To identify in the scientific literature the clinical overview of the pediatric population that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and care recommendations and recommendations among children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the scientific literature. Method: Rapid review based on the guidelines of the Joana Briggs Institute: elaboration of the research question, structured search of the literature in April 2020, in nine databases, selection and critical analysis of the eighteen primary studies (using two instruments to assess methodological quality), elaboration of the synthesis, incorporation of suggestions and dissemination. Result: The most frequent clinical overview was respiratory, gastrointestinal symptoms and fever. The images showed irregular frosted glass opacification. It is recommended to screen the pediatric population and family members who show signs and symptoms and to adopt isolation for more than fourteen days. Conclusion: The clinical overview in pediatric population is varied, not exclusively with respiratory symptoms, and a significant number of asymptomatic patients. The importance of new investigations is highlighted, such as randomized clinical trial or cohort studies, identifying their participation in the transmission of COVID-19. RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura científica el estado clínico de la población pediátrica que probó positivo para el SARS-CoV-2 y las recomendaciones de atención. Método: Revisión rápida basada en las directrices del Instituto Joana Briggs: elaboración de la pregunta de investigación, búsqueda estructurada de la literatura en abril de 2020, en nueve bases de datos, selección y análisis crítico de los dieciocho estudios primarios (utilizando dos instrumentos para evaluar la calidad metodológica), elaboración de la síntesis, incorporación de sugerencias y difusión. Resultado: El cuadro clínico más frecuente fue respiratorio, síntomas gastrointestinales y fiebre. Las imágenes mostraron opacificación irregular de vidrio esmerilado. Se recomienda evaluar a población pediátrica y familiares que muestran signos y síntomas y adoptar aislamiento durante más de catorce días. Conclusiones: El cuadro clínico en la población pediátrica es variado, no exclusivamente con síntomas respiratorios, y un número importante de pacientes asintomáticos. Se destaca la importancia de nuevas investigaciones, como ensayos clínicos aleatorizados o estudios de cohorte, identificando su participación en la transmisión del COVID-19. RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar, na literatura científica, o quadro clínico da população pediátrica que testou positivo para SARS-CoV-2 e recomendações de cuidados. Método: Revisão rápida baseada nas diretrizes da Joana Briggs Institute: elaboração da pergunta de investigação, busca estruturada da literatura no mês de abril de 2020, em nove bases de dados, seleção e análise crítica dos dezoito estudos primários (utilizando dois instrumentos para avaliação da qualidade metodológica), elaboração da síntese, incorporação das sugestões e divulgação. Resultado: O quadro clínico mais frequente foi sintomas respiratórios, gastrointestinais e febre. As imagens demonstraram opacificação irregular de vidro fosco. Recomenda-se triagem da população pediátrica e familiares que apresentam sinais e sintomas e adotar isolamento por período superior a quatorze dias. Conclusão: Quadro clínico na população pediátrica é variado, não exclusivamente com sintomas respiratórios, e número significativo de assintomáticos. Destaca-se importância de novas investigações, como ensaios clínicos randomizados ou estudos de coorte, identificando a participação dessas na transmissão da COVID-19.

Objective: to discuss in the scientific literature the strategies used to prevent hypothermia in newborns undergoing surgical procedures. Methods this is an integrative literature review, with structured search in April and May 2020 in 08 databases, using the descriptors: Hypothermia; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Infant, Newborn; Protocols. Four primary studies were selected and analyzed using three instruments to assess the methodological quality of the Joanna Briggs Institute and content analysis. Results: Among the strategies used, the following stand out: room temperature control; establishment of humidification and quality of air conditioning cleanliness; use of a heated incubator or cradle; use of thermal mattress; use of caps and blanket; heated fluids; temperature monitoring and abdominal organ coverage. Conclusion good hypothermia prevention strategies were identified, despite the small number of publications on this topic; thus, it points out the need for research with strong evidence. RESUMEN Objetivo: discutir, en la literatura científica, las estrategias utilizadas para prevenir la hipotermia en recién nacidos sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos. Métodos: revisión integrativa de la literatura, con búsqueda estructurada en abril y mayo de 2020 en 08 bases de datos, utilizando los descriptores: Hypothermia; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Infant, Newborn; Protocols. Se seleccionaron y analizaron cuatro estudios primarios utilizando tres instrumentos para evaluar la calidad metodológica del Instituto Joanna Briggs y el análisis de contenido. Resultados: entre las estrategias empleadas destacan: control de la temperatura ambiente; establecimiento de humidificación y calidad de aire acondicionado limpio; uso de una incubadora o cuna con calefacción; uso de colchón térmico; uso de gorros y mantas; fluidos calentados; monitoreo de temperatura; cobertura de órganos abdominales. Conclusión: se identificaron buenas estrategias de prevención de la hipotermia, a pesar del escaso número de publicaciones sobre este tema; por lo tanto, señala la necesidad de realizar investigaciones con evidencia sólida. RESUMO Objetivo: discutir, na literatura científica, as estratégias utilizadas para prevenção de hipotermia em recém-nascido submetido a procedimentos cirúrgicos. Métodos: revisão integrativa de literatura, com busca estruturada em abril e maio de 2020 em 08 bases de dados, utilizando os descritores: Hypothermia; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Infant, Newborn; Protocols. Foram selecionados e analisados 04 estudos primários por meio de três instrumentos para avaliação da qualidade metodológica da Joanna Briggs Institute e da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: dentre as estratégias utilizadas destaca-se: controle da temperatura ambiente; estabelecimento de umidificação e qualidade de limpeza do ar condicionado; utilização de incubadora ou berço aquecido; uso de colchão térmico; uso de toucas e cobertor; fluidos aquecidos; monitoramento da temperatura; cobertura de órgãos abdominais. Conclusão: identificaram-se boas estratégias de prevenção de hipotermia, apesar de haver um número reduzido de publicações nesta temática; dessa forma, aponta-se a necessidade de pesquisas com evidências fortes.

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB) 2022, Objective: Histogram-based metrics extracted from diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) have been suggested as potential biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), but methods and results have varied across studies. This work aims to assess the impact of mask selection for extracting histogram-based metrics of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) on their sensitivity as SVD biomarkers. Methods: DTI data were collected from 17 SVD patients and 12 healthy controls. FA and MD maps were estimated; from these, histograms were computed on two whole-brain white-matter masks: normal-appearing white-matter (NAWM) and mean FA tract skeleton (TBSS). Histogram-based metrics (median, peak height, peak width, peak value) were extracted from the FA and MD maps. These were compared between groups and correlated with the patients' cognitive scores (executive function and processing speed). Results: White-matter mask selection significantly impacted FA and MD histogram metrics. In particular, significant interactions were found between Mask and Group for FA peak height (p = 0.027), MD Median (p = 0.035) and MD peak width (p = 0.047); indicating that the mask used affected their ability to discriminate between groups. In fact, MD peak width showed a significant 8.8% increase in patients when using TBSS (p = 0.037), but not when using NAWM (p = 0.69). Moreover, the mask may have an effect on the correlations with cognitive measures. Nevertheless, MD peak width (TBSS: r = - 0.75, NAWM: r = - 0.71) and MD peak height (TBSS: r = 0.65, NAWM: r = 0.62) remained significantly correlated with executive function, regardless of the mask. Conclusion: The impact of the processing methodology, in particular the choice of white-matter mask, highlights the need for standardized MRI data-processing pipelines., We acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for financial support through Grants SFRH/BD/139561/2018, PTDC/BBB-IMG/2137/2012, LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-029675 and UIDB/50009/2020.

© 2021 AlphaMed Press., Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients with cancer show worse outcomes compared with patients without cancer. The humoral immune response (HIR) of patients with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 is not well characterized. To better understand it, we conducted a serological study of hospitalized patients with cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: This was a unicentric, retrospective study enrolling adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to a central hospital from March 15 to June 17, 2020, whose serum samples were quantified for anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain or spike protein IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies. The aims of the study were to assess the HIR to SARS-CoV-2; correlate it with different cancer types, stages, and treatments; clarify the interplay between the HIR and clinical outcomes of patients with cancer; and compare the HIR of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with and without cancer. Results: We included 72 SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects (19 with cancer, 53 controls). About 90% of controls revealed a robust serological response. Among patients with cancer, a strong response was verified in 57.9%, with 42.1% showing a persistently weak response. Treatment with chemotherapy within 14 days before positivity was the only factor statistically shown to be associated with persistently weak serological responses among patients with cancer. No significant differences in outcomes were observed between patients with strong and weak responses. All IgG, IgM, IgA, and total Ig antibody titers were significantly lower in patients with cancer compared with those without. Conclusion: A significant portion of patients with cancer develop a proper HIR. Recent chemotherapy treatment may be associated with weak serological responses among patients with cancer. Patients with cancer have a weaker SARS-CoV-2 antibody response compared with those without cancer. Implications for practice: These results place the spotlight on patients with cancer, particularly those actively treated with chemotherapy. These patients may potentially be more vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, so it is important to provide oncologists further theoretical support (with concrete examples and respective mechanistic correlations) for the decision of starting, maintaining, or stopping antineoplastic treatments (particularly chemotherapy) not only on noninfected but also on infected patients with cancer in accordance with cancer type, stage and prognosis, treatment agents, treatment setting, and SARS-CoV-2 infection risks., LtoINNOV), the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/131605/2017), and research4COVID19 (231_596873172, generating SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion assay), with additional support by Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos.

Polyoxometalates are an emerging class of molecular clusters, with well-defined structures and chemical compositions that are produced through simple, low-cost, and highly reproducible methods. In particular, the wheel-shaped cluster {Mo

The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized niosome formulation for the encapsulation of a poorly water-soluble drug by the ecological probe sonication method. Pluronic L121 and Span 60 were used as surface active agents and the optimization of the composition was made with the aid of Design of Experiment (DoE) concept. Rifampicin was used as a model drug. Concentration levels of charge inducing agent, dicetylphosphate (DCP), and Pluronic L121 were studied as variables. Prepared niosomes with varying concentrations of DCP and Pluronic L121 resulted in small sized niosomes with sizes ranging from 190 nm to 893 nm. During the four weeks stability testing, the particle sizes were reduced slightly. The formulation containing 2 mg of DCP resulted in most stable niosomes with 75.37% entrapment efficiency. All the niosomal formulations showed higher in vitro drug release rates as compared to bulk drug formulation. As a conclusion, rifampicin loaded niosomes prepared with Pluronic L121 and Span 60 resulted in stable, small sized niosomes with improved drug release profile.

Here, an oxidation/acid dual-responsive nanohybrids/ark system was produced. The microfluidics-produced nanohybrids endow the system with an orchestrated cascade from wound detection, reactive oxygen species scavenging, drug release to hydrogel formation. The drug release behavior imitates the dynamic wound healing process, thus rendering an enhanced bio-mimetic regeneration.

Extracellular matrix‐mimicking hydrogels with antioxidant, hemostasis, and antibacterial properties offer translating avenues towards wound repair through the promotion of fibroblast proliferation. In article number 2001122 by Helder A. Santos, Mohammad‐Ali Shahbazi, and co‐workers, hydrogen bonding among the functional groups of gelatin and tannic acid creates a biocompatible hydrogel, where the improvement of re‐epithelialization and collagen deposition are its main features to treat full‐thickness wounds.

Esta versão contém as críticas e sugestões dos elementos do júri Submitted by Iolanda Valente (ivalente@iscap.ipp.pt) on 2021-03-16T09:00:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Joana_Figueiredo_MA_2020.pdf: 14235295 bytes, checksum: 006601d942fbff0e9e8c5eae62d79f79 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-03-16T09:00:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Joana_Figueiredo_MA_2020.pdf: 14235295 bytes, checksum: 006601d942fbff0e9e8c5eae62d79f79 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021-01-18

An isolated population of several hundred Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) inhabits the Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (GXTBR) in north-western Iberian Peninsula, in partial sympatry with tens of thousands domestic goats (Capra hircus). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and shedding intensity of gastrointestinal parasites from sympatric herds of domestic goat and Iberian ibex in autumn 2018. A total of 93 pooled faecal samples were collected from GXTBR (39 from domestic goats and 54 from Iberian ibex) and the host species was identified using molecular techniques, whenever defecation was not visualised in the field. Parasitological analysis was achieved by joint Willis flotation/sedimentation, McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques. Seventy-two samples (25 domestic goats and 47 Iberian ibex) were retained for analysis after discarding the least fresh and those with uncertain specific identification. Generalized linear mixed models compared prevalence and shedding intensity between caprine species. Domestic goats showed a non-significant tendency to be more parasitized than Iberian ibex, as assessed by overall prevalence (100.0%, CI95 86.7–100.0 vs. 74.5%, CI95 69.5–84.8), and shedding intensity. This study reveals a similar community of gastrointestinal parasites in an abundant livestock species and an isolated population of wild caprine, living in partial sympatry. It is the first study on the health status of this endangered Iberian ibex population, in close contact with livestock, highlighting the need for further sanitary surveillance., This research was funded by Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA) through Project UIDB/00276/2020 funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).

Pain is an under-reported but prevalent symptom in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), impacting patients’ quality of life. Both pain and PD conditions cause cortical excitability reduction and non-invasive brain stimulation. Mental representation techniques are thought to be able to counteract it, also resulting effectively in chronic pain conditions. We aim to conduct two independent studies in order to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mental representation protocol in the management of pain in PD patients during the ON state: (1) tDCS over the Primary Motor Cortex (M1); and (2) Action Observation (AO) and Motor Imagery (MI) training through a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) using Virtual Reality (AO + MI-BCI). Both studies will include 32 subjects in a longitudinal prospective parallel randomized controlled trial design under different blinding conditions. The main outcomes will be score changes in King’s Parkinson’s Disease Pain Scale, Brief Pain Inventory, Temporal Summation, Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Pain Pressure Threshold. Assessment will be performed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 15 days post-intervention, in both ON and OFF states., This research received no external funding, neither has an external sponsor.