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Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global public health threat, and development of novel therapeutics for treating infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria is urgent. Staphylococcus aureus is a major human and animal pathogen, responsible for high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The intracellular survival of S. aureus in macrophages contributes to immune evasion, dissemination, and resilience to antibiotic treatment. Here, we present a confocal fluorescence imaging assay for monitoring macrophage infection by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged S. aureus as a front-line tool to identify antibiotic leads. The assay was employed in combination with nanoscaled chemical analyses to facilitate the discovery of a new, active rifamycin analogue. Our findings indicate a promising new approach for the identification of antimicrobial compounds with macrophage intracellular activity. The antibiotic identified here may represent a useful addition to our armory in tackling the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance.

Background: In 2009, Portugal ratified the UN CRPD and a turn to a rights-based approach in disability law and policy has intensified since. It thus becomes important to understand whether these legal changes are furthering the social inclusion of adults with intellectual and complex disabilities. Method: Questionnaires were applied to a stratified sample of 127 adults with intellectual and complex disabilities attending social care and vocational training programmes across the country. Results: Participants reported low rates of social participation, and many (49%) were found to live below the poverty line. High rates of discrimination and violence and feelings of loneliness and sadness were also reported, which can be strong indicators of the oppression that many of them daily endure. Conclusion: Adults with intellectual and complex disabilities in Portugal face exclusion, discrimination, and violence. The poverty and isolation in which many of them live compounds their (de)citizenship status in Portuguese society.

Abstract Background Malaria has come near eradication at archipelago of Cabo Verde in 1970. Infections are now only observed in Santiago, where outbreaks occur. In these islands, malaria is considered by the international community as being of limited risk and, therefore, no prophylaxis is recommended. Since the understanding of factors that determine malaria outbreaks are crucial for controlling the disease, the present study aimed to investigate if the malaria infections observed in Santiago Island are maintained in isolated foci and in asymptomatic individuals. Methods The occurrence of asymptomatic carriers in villages with history of malaria as well as the level of exposure of these populations were investigated using PCR and serological analyses. Results Results indicate that malaria is maintained as asymptomatic and sub-patent infections and that the majority of the circulating parasite populations harbour chloroquine-resistant mutations. Conclusion These observations highlight the alarming prospect of malaria to become a serious public health problem and underscore the need for a tighter surveillance.

The proliferation, differentiation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes depend on signals from the receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CSF1R. The mammalian Csf1r locus contains a highly conserved super-enhancer, the fms-intronic regulatory element (FIRE). Here we show that genomic deletion of FIRE in mice selectively impacts CSF1R expression and tissue macrophage development in specific tissues. Deletion of FIRE ablates macrophage development from murine embryonic stem cells. Csf1rΔFIRE/ΔFIRE mice lack macrophages in the embryo, brain microglia and resident macrophages in the skin, kidney, heart and peritoneum. The homeostasis of other macrophage populations and monocytes is unaffected, but monocytes and their progenitors in bone marrow lack surface CSF1R. Finally, Csf1rΔFIRE/ΔFIRE mice are healthy and fertile without the growth, neurological or developmental abnormalities reported in Csf1r-/- rodents. Csf1rΔFIRE/ΔFIRE mice thus provide a model to explore the homeostatic, physiological and immunological functions of tissue-specific macrophage populations in adult animals.

In this study we aimed to assess the role of wild red deer, along with other ungulates such as roe deer and wild boar, in the soil's physical properties, namely soil penetration resistance and depth (used as a proxy for soil compaction), hydraulic conductivity (a proxy for water infiltration), and the proportion of soil stable aggregates. Results showed that, at the density level found in our study area, red deer have a neutral effect at the soil level, not causing significant soil compaction or significantly influencing measured soil functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite growing research, the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and low back pain (LBP) remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the associations between SDoH and self‐reported LBP in the Portuguese population in 2019 and explore potential differences between rural and urban areas. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional study that includes 13,230 participants from the 2019 Portuguese National Health Interview Survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between SDoH and LBP. Interaction effects were examined to determine whether these relationships are modified by the degree of urbanisation/rurality. Results: The regression model for demographic and economic determinants showed associations between LBP and sex, age, marital status, education and financial capacity, with older rural residents having a higher likelihood of reporting LBP. The psychosocial model revealed that poor health status, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and dissatisfaction with life course were positively associated with LBP. In the behavioural model, obesity and history of smoking increased the probability of reporting LBP, whereas exercise behaviours reduced it and significantly varied across urban and rural regions. Health‐system factors, including hospital visits, medication use, consultations with rehabilitation professionals, delayed healthcare access, and unmet health needs due to financial constraints, were associated with LBP. Rural residents were more likely to seek outpatient care at hospitals. Discussion: These findings emphasise the importance of integrating the evaluation of SDoH into healthcare settings to develop tailored interventions for LBP management. Conclusion: LBP was influenced by several SDoH, but differences between rural and urban areas were limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although access to leisure is a right for all, people with disabilities (PwD) face great constraints in exercising this right. Using a qualitative approach, this study examines the view of a group of Portuguese social organizations (PSO) that support PwD concerning the needs, motivations and constraints that they face when participating in tourism activities, as well as the benefits obtained through the participation in these activities. The results highlight that PwD are strongly motivated to participate in tourism activities, but they face a great number of constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural). Moreover, according to the view of PSO, PwD feel the benefits obtained from their participation in tourism activities intensely, which contributes to enhancing their well-being. The paper ends with strategies that should be implemented in tourism destinations to overcome the travel constraints faced by PwD to increase their participation in tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are pivotal for studying and fostering sustainable interactions between people and nature. In this study, a public participatory geographical information system (PPGIS) approach was employed targeting key stakeholders across the 12 Portuguese BRs, to map their place-based perception over Nature's Contributions to People (NCP). Stakeholders actively mapped NCP within their BRs, highlighting Habitat creation and maintenance (NCP 1), Physical and psychological experiences (NCP 16), and Supporting identities (NCP 17), underscoring the significance of the territories' natural and cultural values. Through our analysis, we identified NCP hotspots, pinpointing the most valued areas for conservation or restoration efforts. Zonation analysis within BRs was also assessed, revealing the perceived effectiveness of the different BR zones by stakeholders. Although our study did not quantify NCP supply through biophysical data, it provided valuable insights into non-material NCP from key stakeholders' perspectives, as well as place-based perceptions of regulating and material NCP provision. We outline that PPGIS may serve as a useful GIS-based decision support system, offering a comprehensive assessment of NCP, especially for cultural values which are not easily quantified by remote methods. Participatory approaches such as PPGIS may play a crucial role in BR governance, enhancing sustainability and equity by integrating key stakeholders' perceptions into land use planning. Our study's findings may contribute on the actionable knowledge advance for sustainable management practices in Portuguese BRs by incorporating stakeholder perspectives, fostering improved co-management practices, and promoting the conservation and enhancement of their ecological and cultural heritage. Key policy highlights: Effective management of territories for sustainability demands the active involvement of local communities in conserving natural resources and landscapes while promoting socio-economic well-being. Participatory approaches with stakeholders provide key outcomes to assess its accomplishment, where UNESCO's Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are pivotal for studying and fostering sustainable interactions between people and nature. We propose that PPGIS may serve as a relevant GIS-based tool to support decision-makers and land managers, depicting the participatory place-based assessment of NCP in the Portuguese Biosphere Reserves. We highlight its relevance especially for cultural values that are not easily quantified by remote methods, reflecting stakeholders' values towards intangible non-material NCP. Our results suggest that incorporating stakeholder perspectives can enhance the co-management of Biosphere Reserves, promoting sustainable practices implementation as advocated by the MAB programme. This approach holds promise on promoting the conservation and enhancement of the Portuguese Biosphere Reserves' ecological and cultural heritage in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many years, high-power laser technology has been divided between industrial applications, which prioritize higher average powers and repetition rates, and academic research, which focuses on achieving higher peak powers and ultrashort pulse durations. The introduction of Yb-doped crystals in laser technology has paved the way for a new generation of laser sources that bridge the gap between industrial and academic requirements, combining high average power with ultrashort pulse capabilities. These advancements enable the integration of compact, adaptable front-end stages, making such lasers versatile for scientific applications. In Lisbon, the Laboratory of Intense Lasers leverages this technology with a system that combines commercial and custom-built front-end stages to enhance operational flexibility. In this paper, we present the current status of this facility and outline upcoming upgrades. We also showcase applications enabled by these high-power laser sources, including semiconductor studies, bi-photonics, and time-resolved spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defined as the benefits derived from nature to humans, the Ecosystem Services (ES) concept clarifies how ecosystems contribute to human well-being. Despite its relevance, integrating this concept into decision-making processes remains a challenge. Participatory approaches have proven crucial in developing mechanisms for managing, conserving, sustainably using and valuing ES. This work aimed to analyse the perceptions of Portuguese Biosphere Reserves' (BR) managers regarding the ES provided by these territories through a participatory workshop. During the workshop, each participant specified the most relevant ES provided by the BR. The study identified three key ES: "Cultivated terrestrial plants (including fungi, algae) grown for nutritional purposes", "Characteristics of living systems that enable scientific investigation or the creation of traditional ecological knowledge" and "Characteristics of living systems that enable education and training". Additionally, participants discussed perceived threats, opportunities and potential solutions to enhance the value of these key ES in these areas. "Climate change" and "Pollution" were identified as the most significant threats, while "Climate adaptation", "Quality of life" and "Sustainable agriculture" emerged as the main opportunities. Solutions to address threats and maximise opportunities include the establishment of a closer, systematic and articulated relationship within BR to promote sustainability and resilience. Overall, the workshop was positively evaluated and deemed productive. It was also considered a powerful tool to foster collaboration towards a more holistic promotion of BR' sustainable governance, benefitting the environment, communities and the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]