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Environmental sustainability is an increasing challenge in the pharmaceutical field, leading to the search for eco-friendly active ingredients. Among natural ingredients, propolis arises as an excellent alternative, being a complex substance with pharmacological properties. This work aims to explore the potential of propolis as a new pharmaceutical ingredient for the replacement of conventional vulvovaginal antifungals. Propolis extracts were obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction using different solvents (water, water/ethanol (50:50, v/v), and ethanol). Afterwards, the extracts were characterized regarding total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant/antiradical activities, radical scavenging capacity, antifungal activity against strains of Candida species, and viability effect on two female genital cell lines. The aqueous extract achieved the best TPC result as well as the highest antioxidant/antiradical activities and ability to capture reactive oxygen species. A total of 38 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC, among which ferulic acid, phloridzin and myricetin predominated. Regarding the anti-Candida spp. activity, the aqueous and the hydroalcoholic extracts achieved the best outcomes (with MIC values ranging between 128 and 512 μg/mL). The cell viability assays confirmed that the aqueous extract presented mild selectivity, while the hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts showed higher toxicities. These results attest that propolis has a deep potential for vulvovaginal candidiasis management, supporting its economic valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary malignant brain tumor. Current therapies are insufficient, and survival for individuals diagnosed with GBM is limited to a few months. New GBM treatments are urgent. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNs) can increase the circulation time of a drug in the brain capillaries. Polymersomes (PMs) are PNs that have been described as having attractive characteristics, mainly due to their stability, prolonged circulation period, biodegradability, their ability to sustain the release of drugs, and the possibility of surface functionalization. In this work, a poly(ethylene glycol)-ε-caprolactone (PEG-PCL) copolymer was synthesized and PMs were prepared and loaded with an hydrolytic instable compound, previously synthesized by our research team, the 3,6-bis(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-glucopyranosyl)xanthone (XGAc), with promising cytotoxicity on glioblastoma cells (U-373 MG) but also on healthy cerebral endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). The prepared PMs were spherical particles with uniform morphology and similar sizes (mean diameter of 200 nm) and were stable in aqueous suspension. The encapsulation of XGAc in PMs (80% encapsulation efficacy) protected the healthy endothelial cells from the cytotoxic effects of this compound, while maintaining cytotoxicity for the glioblastoma cell line U-373 MG. Our studies also showed that the prepared PMs can efficiently release XGAc at intratumoral pHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well-known among neurodegenerative diseases for the decline of cognitive functions, making overall daily tasks difficult or impossible. The disease prevails as the most common form of dementia and remains without a well-defined etiology. Being considered a disease of multifactorial origin, current targeted treatments have only managed to reduce or control symptoms, and to date, only two drugs are close to being able to halt its progression. For decades, natural compounds produced by living organisms have been at the forefront of research for new therapies. Mushrooms, which are well-known for their nutritional and medicinal properties, have also been studied for their potential use in the treatment of AD. Natural products derived from mushrooms have shown to be beneficial in several AD-related mechanisms, including the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and β-secretase (BACE 1); the prevention of amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and neurotoxicity; and the prevention of Tau expression and aggregation, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Several studies in the literature relate mushrooms to neurodegenerative diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no publication that summarizes only AD data. In this context, this review aims to link the therapeutic potential of mushrooms to AD by compiling the anti-AD potential of different mushroom extracts or isolated compounds, targeting known AD-related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum L. is a species widely used in dietary supplements and natural healthcare products. The berries, also known as goji or wolfberries, mostly grow in China, but recent reports on their outstanding bioactive properties have increased their popularity and cultivation around the world. Goji berries are a remarkable source of phenolic compounds (such as phenolic acids and flavonoids), carotenoids, organic acids, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), and vitamins (ascorbic acid). Several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and anticancer activities, have been associated with its consumption. Hence, goji berries were highlighted as an excellent source of functional ingredients with promising applications in food and nutraceutical fields. This review aims to summarize the phytochemical composition and biological activities, along with various industrial applications, of L. barbarum berries. Simultaneously, the valorization of goji berries by-products, with its associated economic advantages, will be emphasized and explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral mucositis (OM), a common side effect of oncological treatment, is an oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and increased risk of infection. The use of natural antioxidants to suppress the redox imbalance responsible for the OM condition has emerged as an interesting approach to prevent/treat OM. This study aims to explore the chestnut (Castana sativa) shells as potential active ingredient against OM. Therefore, chestnut shells were extracted at different temperatures (110–180 °C) by Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), aiming to recover antioxidants. The extracts were also evaluated against microorganisms present in the oral cavity as well as on human oral cell lines (TR146 and HSC3). The highest phenolic content was obtained with the extraction temperature of 110 °C, exhibiting the best antioxidant/antiradical activities and scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC50 = 4.47 μg/mL) and ROO• (0.73 μmol TE/mg DW). High concentrations of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic and protocatechuic acids) and flavanoids (catechin, epicatechin and rutin) characterized the phenolic profile. The antimicrobial activity against several oral microorganisms present in the oral cavity during OM, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia, was demonstrated. Finally, the effects on HSC3 and TR146 cell lines revealed that the extract prepared at 110 °C had the lowest IC50 (1325.03 and 468.15 µg/mL, respectively). This study highlights the potential effects of chestnut shells on OM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. (kiwiberry) leaves are a source of phenolic compounds with pro-health biological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the huge number of studies reporting the composition of A. arguta leaves, no in vitro or in vivo studies explore its potential use as nutraceutical ingredient based on these activities. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the safety profile of kiwiberry leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo approaches through the assessment of intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX), 3D intestinal permeation, and, most important, the redox markers, biochemical profile and liver and kidney function effects after the animal assays. Briefly, wistar rats were orally treated for 7 days with kiwiberry leaf extracts (50 and 75 mg/kg bw), water (negative control), or vitamin C (positive control). The cell viability was above 90% at 1000 μg/mL for both cells. Coumaroyl quinic acid and rutin achieved a permeation higher than 25% in the 3D intestinal model. The animal studies confirmed the extracts' ability to increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase content in animals' livers and kidneys while simultaneously decreasing the triglycerides content. This study highlighted the antioxidant capacity of kiwiberry leaf extracts, ensuring their efficacy and safety as a nutraceutical ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyse the user experience (UX) that researchers have when accessing the websites of the Portuguese district archives. There are 20 Portuguese districts, 16 in the mainland, one in Madeira and three in the Azores islands. The Coimbra and Braga district archives are also university archives and are the only ones that aren't under the supervision of the National Archives Institute. In a year marked by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the gradual opening of public services, the use of websites to search for information has often become the only possibility of research, thus justifying the urgency of carrying out this study, unprecedented in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lycium barbarum L. berries as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. • Response Surface Methodology enabled the optimization of the extraction process. • Phenolic acids, flavanols, and phenylamides were detected. • The extract proved to be safe for intestinal application at doses up to 500 ug/mL. • Different extract's compounds permeated the cell monolayer. Lycium barbarum L. berries have a remarkable chemical composition and extensive biological activities, being a valuable component of health and nutraceutical practices. Nevertheless, a deep insight on the intestinal permeation of the pro-healthy bioactive compounds is urgently needed to predict the real effects on human body. This study attempted, for the first time, to optimize the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of goji berries using a Response Surface Methodology approach and establish the intestinal permeation of the principal pro-healthy compounds. The optimal extraction conditions were a solid:liquid ratio of 8.75 % for 56.21 min, using an intensity of 59.05 W/m2. The optimal extract displayed a remarkable antioxidant capacity, with LC/DAD-ESI-MS analysis unveiled a diverse phytochemical profile, encompassing different compounds (e.g. glu-lycibarbarspermidine F, 2-glu-kukoamine, rutin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). The intestinal co-culture model demonstrated that glu-lycibarbarspermidine F (isomer 2) (73.70 %), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (52.66 %), and isorhamnetin-3- O -rutinoside (49.31 %) traversed the intestinal cell layer, exerting beneficial health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia arguta is a climbing, fruit plant that recently generated a spread interest in many regions of the world, due to world globalization and knowledge expansion. During its production, different by-products are generated, such as fruits, leaves, stems, flowers and roots, being characterized by a rich bioactive composition that wise the scientific community for its health effects. Inboard of this panoply of valuable bioactive compounds, vitamin C, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, caffeic acid, quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, p -coumaric acid, minerals and fatty acids play critical roles. As a result, the valorization and reuse of these by-products is a challenge, particularly for producers. This review aims to summarize the potential cosmetic and medical skincare applications of the different bioactive compounds from A. arguta by-products, describing and exploring their potential to contribute as active ingredients based on the biological activities reported. Simultaneously, a critical analysis of the patents available on the market regarding its use as cosmetic and medical skincare ingredient is provided. Cosmetic and medical skincare products could be a sustainable and green option for the use of A. arguta by-products bioactive compounds. Apart from contribute to skin appearance and health, the addition of these active compounds to the final cosmetic and pharmaceutical products may also provide skin beneficial effects such as photoprotection, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, also acting as depigmenting and emollients, among other activities. Besides that, the impact on food by-product valorization and circular economy will be enormous. [Display omitted] • Actinia arguta by-products are rich in bioactive compounds with skin effects. •The use of A. arguta by-products in topical formulations is extremely promising. •Skin health benefits are enormous. •Few patents are available on the market with A. arguta as skin ingredient. •Add value to fruit byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A. arguta and A. deliciosa dehydrated fruits infusions and decoctions comparison. • Decoctions generally exhibited higher antioxidant values over infusions. • A. arguta showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. • Similar scavenging activity was observed between species. • Polyphenols can served as discriminating markers for infusions and decoctions. Abstract Actinidia deliciosa and A. arguta fruits (kiwifruit and kiwiberry, respectively) are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this paper is to valorize the fruits that are not commercialized (e.g. due to inadequate size or physical damage) in infusions and decoctions. The antioxidant activity, the scavenging activity against reactive species, the phenolic profile and the intestinal effects of infusions and decoctions of dehydrated fruits were evaluated and compared. Decoctions presented the highest antioxidant activity and a good ability to capture HOCl and NO. The phenolic composition of A. arguta present quinic acid, cis -caftaric acid and its derivatives, caffeoyl hexoside, luteolin glucuronide, quercetin derivatives and myristin, while A. deliciosa extracts were characterized by the presence of quinic acid, caffeic acid and its derivatives and caffeoyl hexoside. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells. Kiwiberry decoctions showed to be the best option to keep the fruits benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical records are significant for current climatology studies. Ecclesiastical records deserve attention for the lively description of people's incomprehension of weather adverse phenomena causes, which were invariably seen as a manifestation of God displeasure and punishment. The religious processions and penitence, done in times of calamity, besought God's blessing for calamity's end. In the years 1744, 1753, 1772, 1793, 1800, 1818 and 1824, the Franciscan Secular Order of Coimbra recorded, for future memory, some of these processions related to extreme weather events that devastated the city of Coimbra. In this article, we present the transcription of seven of these registers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimization of UAE with single-factor experiments and response surface methodology • Optimal extract obtained with 50% water, 50% amplitude in 17.5 min • Identification of polyphenols by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS • Optimal extract exhibited stronger antimicrobial and anticancer activities Actinidia arguta fruit (also known as kiwiberry) has a remarkable phytochemical profile, being reported as a promising preventive agent/treatment for chronic diseases and a desirable source of bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite these promising indications, investigating the full potential of A. arguta fruit remains an unmet need for health applications. This work aims to determine the optimal extraction conditions of antioxidant/antiradical compounds from A. arguta fruit (commonly known as kiwiberry), using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The effects of probe amplitude (30%-70%), sonication time (5-30 min) and water:ethanol solvent ratio (0%-100%) were assessed. The optimal extraction conditions were achieved using 50% of water, during 17.5 min and using an amplitude of 50%. A total of 22 compounds, including 6 flavonoids and 4 phenolic acids, were identified in the optimal extract through HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, which exhibited outstanding antioxidant and antiradical activities (TPC = 18.705 mg GAE/g dw; FRAP = 186.876 µmol FSE/g dw; ABTS = 16.334 mg AAE/g dw; O 2 ·− IC 50 = 829.384 µg/mL; HOCl IC 50 = 16.895 µg/mL; ROO· = 0.18 µg TE/mg dw). Moreover, it displayed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 32 mg/mL) and Pseudomonas gingivalis (MIC = 64 mg/mL) and reduced the growth rate of Escherichia coli. In-vitro assays demonstrated that the optimal extract successfully decreased the viability of two human carcinoma cell lines, namely TR146 and HSC-3, at 500 µg/mL and above 500 µg/mL, respectively. The present study showed that A. arguta fruit is a rich source of compounds with potential to be used for pro-healthy purposes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the last decade, the demand for novel active skin ingredients based on sustainable principles arise as a trend. These new concerns transformed the consumer preferences, which are not actually solved by the industry portfolio. Regulatory aspects establish guidelines to assess the safety and efficacy of new cosmetic ingredients, being this step imperative to introduce a new ingredient on the market. Our last studies reported the richness of Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) leaves in bioactive compounds with potential skin applications, but further studies are necessary to validate this extract. Therefore, the current study aimed to screen the hydroalcoholic extract of A. arguta leaves regarding elastase and hyaluronidase inhibition, achieving excellent results (65.62 ± 2.09% and 54.64 ± 4.17%, respectively). The cell viability was assessed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts (0.1–1000 μg/mL), ensuring the absence of cytotoxic effects. Afterwards, 3D models, namely a skin (EpiSkin™) and an ocular (SkinEthic™ HCE, respectively) model, were used to estimate the irritant potential. The viability achieved in both models after exposure to the extract was, respectively, 55.18 ± 10.60% and 101.15 ± 5.96%. The IL-1α released for the skin and ocular models were, respectively, 0 pg/mL and 35.60 ± 2.61 pg/mL, being the extract classified as non-irritant for both models. Lastly, in-vivo studies performed through a patch test in 10 human volunteers proved the absence of allergic or irritative reactions. Overall, the results attained highlighted that the hydroalcoholic kiwiberry leaves extract is an excellent cosmetic ingredient, being not irritant to skin application. [Display omitted] • Actinidia arguta leaves as a new eco-friendly cosmetic ingredient. • Hydroalcoholic extract has elastase and hyaluronidase inhibition. • No adverse effects were observed skin cell lines. • Absence of allergic or irritative reactions in a patch test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to address the origins of the Hospital and Asylum of the Venerable Third Order of Coimbra, Portugal: how and why it was founded (in 1851 and 1884), the adaptation of spaces to assistance functions and its regulations, seeking, whenever possible, giving standard and exceptional examples in order to illustrate the behavior of the Hospital and the Asylum between 1851 and 1910. Since early times their ministers and other members of the Definitory had a founding dream of the implementation of an hospital dedicated exclusively to the secular Franciscan brothers. It was only possible in 1845 with the donation of the Carmo building, localized in Sofia street. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as an active ingredient against chronic diseases. The properties of EVOO are due to its peculiar composition, mainly to its rich content of polyphenols. In fact, polyphenols may contribute to counteract oxidative stress, which often accompanies chronic diseases. In this work, the antioxidant effects of high-value polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) and its main metabolites, tyrosol (Tyr) and oleocanthalic acid (OA), respectively, have been investigated along with their impact on cell viability. (2) Methods: OC, Tyr, and OA have been evaluated regarding antiradical properties in term of scavenging capacity towards biologically relevant reactive species, including O2●−, HOCl, and ROO●, as well as their antioxidant/antiradical capacity (FRAP, DPPH●, ABTS●+). Moreover, the ability to permeate the intestinal membrane was assessed by an intestinal co-culture model composed by Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines. (3) Results: The capacity of OC and Tyr as radical oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, particularly regarding HOCl and O2●−, was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the ability to permeate the intestinal co-culture model was plainly proved by the good permeations (>50%) achieved by all compounds. (4) Conclusions: OC, OA, and Tyr revealed promising properties against oxidative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conception of Web 2.0, where the collective intelligence and technology is the key for its development and can be in the origin of a new concept of communication, has changed the way of work of institutions working with information. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze how Portuguese municipal archives use Facebook in promoting access and dissemination of information. The search made on Facebook using the terms "municipal archive" and "historical municipal archive" reveals that only 9 of this services use Facebook, showing a small participation of Portuguese municipal archives in this social platform. The search also revealed a low engagement of the organizations (9 in 308) and also that the engagement of users in the building and sharing of knowledge is lower still. The results show a small participation of Portuguese municipal archives on Facebook and that they are far away from the concepts of Web 2.0 and Archives 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pickering emulsions (PEs) are attracting increasing attention in the areas of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications owing to their surfactant-free and eco-friendly nature. Herein, PEs stabilized by chitosan/collagen peptides (CH/CP) nanoparticles were assessed as green surfactant-free vehicles for the topical delivery of cannabidiol (CBD), a highly lipophilic unstable drug that is finding an increasing appeal in the cosmetic market. The influence of the oil phase volume fraction (φ) and the oil type on the emulsion properties, stability, rheological properties, as well as on the ex-vivo skin absorption of CBD was evaluated. The PE prepared with olive oil (φ = 0.6) exhibited elastic gel-like properties and demonstrated long-term stability after 5 months of storage, with a CBD content of 99.45% of the initially added amount. The skin absorption studies showed that CBD was retained in high amounts in the stratum corneum , while the CBD skin permeation was extremely low, indicating that the produced formulations are suitable as topical delivery vehicles. ATR-FTIR examination of the treated skin samples confirmed that the produced PEs were able to overcome the stratum corneum barrier. These findings suggest that the PEs stabilized with CH/CP nanoparticles provide an effective surfactant-free alternative for the topical delivery of CBD. [Display omitted] • Chitosan/collagen peptides Pickering emulsions were used as green vehicles for CBD. • The produced Pickering emulsions demonstrated high CBD encapsulation efficiency. • The stability of the developed emulsions is affected by the oil type and amount. • The produced Pickering emulsions led to high CBD deposition in the stratum corneum. • Higher oil volume fractions enhanced the amount of CBD delivered to the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During kiwiberry production, different by-products are generated, including leaves that are removed to increase the fruit's solar exposure. The aim of this work was to extract bioactive compounds from kiwiberry leaf by employing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Compatible food solvents (water and ethanol) were employed. The alcoholic extract contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (629.48 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of plant material on dry weight (dw) (GAE/g dw) and 136.81 mg of catechin equivalents per gram of plant material on dw (CAE/g dw), respectively). Oppositely, the hydroalcoholic extract achieved the highest antioxidant activity and scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (IC50 = 29.10 μg/mL for O2•−, IC50 = 1.87 μg/mL for HOCl and IC50 = 1.18 μg/mL for •NO). The phenolic profile showed the presence of caffeoylquinic acids, proanthocyanidin, and quercetin in all samples. However, caffeoylquinic acids and quercetin were detected in higher amounts in the alcoholic extract, while proanthocyanidins were prevalent in the hydroalcoholic extract. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 viability, while the highest concentration (1000 µg/mL) of hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts conducted to a decrease of HT29-MTX viability. These results highlight the MAE potentialities to extract bioactive compounds from kiwiberry leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, a major world public health problem, is associated with chemotherapy treatments whose administration leads to secondary concerns, such as oral mucositis (OM). The OM disorder is characterized by the presence of ulcers in the oral mucosa that cause pain, bleeding, and difficulty in ingesting fluids and solids, or speaking. Bioactive compounds from natural sources have arisen as an effective approach for OM. This review aims to summarize the new potential application of different natural products in the prevention and treatment of OM in comparison to conventional ones, also providing a deep insight into the most recent clinical studies. Natural products, such as Aloe vera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Camellia sinensis, Calendula officinalis, or honeybee crops, constitute examples of sources of bioactive compounds with pharmacological interest due to their well-reported activities (e.g., antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or wound healing). These activities are associated with the bioactive compounds present in their matrix (such as flavonoids), which are associated with in vivo biological activities and minimal or absent toxicity. Finally, encapsulation has arisen as a future opportunity to preserve the chemical stability and the drug bioa vailability of bioactive compounds and, most importantly, to improve the buccal retention period and the therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CRESAÇOR enquanto Cooperativa Regional de Economia Solidária tem uma visão sociopolítica de mudança assente em três grandes domínios: a democracia económica, a justiça social e a valorização das pessoas. E é imbuída nesta visão de valorização das pessoas e da justiça social que atua em 10 áreas de intervenção, e promove o movimento de economia solidária nos Açores, aliando as dimensões do desenvolvimento local e comunitário, da formação profissional, pessoal e social e da produção e comercialização de produtos e serviços. A educação intercultural, como forma de fomentar a inclusão das pessoas sem barreiras, com igualdade e sem discriminação pela sua situação económica, social, física, étnica ou cultural, originou a criação do Projeto 360° - Interculturalidade em Movimento. O projeto 360° é promovido pela valência do Gabinete de Apoio ao Migrante com o objetivo de enraizar os conceitos de direitos humanos, igualdade de oportunidades, justiça social e sensibilização da comunidade de acolhimento para as formas de promover o diálogo intercultural e a inclusão dos cidadãos migrantes residentes nos Açores. O projeto tem abrangência regional e procura, de certa forma, contribuir para a consolidação da heterogeneidade que carateriza as nove ilhas do arquipélago. O projeto 360° é desenvolvido com o propósito de estimular nos jovens e idosos um olhar multicultural para o mundo que nos rodeia e para as diversas realidades existentes na Região Autónoma dos Açores. Partindo do pressuposto que as pessoas discriminam porque não conhecem o "outro", procuramos, através das nossas ações educativas e pedagógicas, e da nossa comunicação intercultural viajar pelos cinco sentidos (ouvir, tocar, ver, saborear e cheirar) e abordar as vivências, partilhar os aspetos culturais, como a música, as danças, os rituais, as lendas, os trajes tradicionais, a gastronomia, as habitações, os cultos religiosos numa ótica de desmistificar os estereótipos e preconceitos criados pela comunidade local. Visando assim, valorizar e afirmar as diferenças culturais, étnicas e sociais dos grupos minoritários, e fortalecer a sua identidade cultural. A imigração, a diversidade e a multiculturalidade estão cada vez mais presente na realidade açoriana, e a mediação intercultural desta realidade representa um enorme desafio, tanto para a sociedade de acolhimento como para os próprios migrantes. O Projeto 360° pretende por isso, ser um elo de ligação entre a cultura do país de origem e a cultura do país de acolhimento. Contribuindo assim, para um maior conhecimento das mais de 80 diferentes nacionalidades espalhadas pelas nove ilhas dos Açores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, accompanied by a range of pathological pathways, including aberrant protein aggregation, altered energy metabolism, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Some of the most common NDs include Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's Disease (HD). There are currently no available cures; there are only therapeutic approaches that ameliorate the progression of symptoms, which makes the search for new drugs and therapeutic targets a constant battle. Cyanobacteria are ancient prokaryotic oxygenic phototrophs whose long evolutionary history has resulted in the production of a plethora of biomedically relevant compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, that can be valuable in this field. This review summarizes the major NDs and their pathophysiology, with a focus on the anti-neurodegenerative properties of cyanobacterial compounds and their main effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Living with a child with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) has a significant impact on the family. Aims: To identify the difficulties experienced by the parents and the strategies adopted by the nurses to minimize the impact of PD on the family life of children with CKD. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using different search engines and databases with predefined inclusion criteria and descriptors. After critical appraisal of the results, 7 articles were obtained: 5 from MEDLINE and 2 from CINHAL. Results: Changes in family daily lives are consequence of the disease. The results showed that parents, particularly the mothers, are the main caregivers of these children. They mentioned difficulties related to maintaining a steady job, financial constraints and increased medical costs. Conclusion: The changes imposed by the CKD adversely affect the family dynamics. Thus, the nurses’ interventions should focus on identifying the difficulties experienced during the adaptation process, sharing care and promoting the family’s well-being. Future studies on the nurses’ interventions with these families of children on PD are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Living with a child with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) has a significant impact on the family. Aims: To identify the difficulties experienced by the parents and the strategies adopted by the nurses to minimize the impact of PD on the family life of children with CKD. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using different search engines and databases with predefined inclusion criteria and descriptors. After critical appraisal of the results, 7 articles were obtained: 5 from MEDLINE and 2 from CINHAL. Results: Changes in family daily lives are consequence of the disease. The results showed that parents, particularly the mothers, are the main caregivers of these children. They mentioned difficulties related to maintaining a steady job, financial constraints and increased medical costs. Conclusion: The changes imposed by the CKD adversely affect the family dynamics. Thus, the nurses’ interventions should focus on identifying the difficulties experienced during the adaptation process, sharing care and promoting the family’s well-being. Future studies on the nurses’ interventions with these families of children on PD are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Genetic and abiotic factors influence phenolics production in Colocasia esculenta. [•] C. esculenta exhibits infraspecific chemical variability. [•] C. esculenta extracts are strong superoxide radical scavengers. [•] Wound healing may be due to oxidation and hyaluronic acid degradation prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) (RSV) is one of the main non-flavonoid natural polyphenol compounds. Evidence suggests that RSV has a key role in preventing a variety of pathological processes because of its benefits, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, and its expression is influenced by RSV. Vascular nitric oxide (NO) acts to relax smooth muscle cells by preventing thrombogenic processes. It has been shown in vitro and in vivo that RSV is involved in NO metabolism. The aim of this work was evaluate the effects of regular low-dose RSV consumption by determining serum VEGF and NO levels compared to a control group. Methods The study involved 27 clinically healthy individuals, divided into a control group (placebo) and an intervention group, supplemented with 100mg RSV/day. The VEGF levels were determined by slot blot technique and NO levels were determined by spectrophotometry before (T0) and after 30 days (T1) of supplementation. Results The VEGF and NO levels slightly decrease from T0 to T1 moment in both study groups, showing a higher decrease in both parameters in the control group compared to the intervention group, but the variation was not statistically significant. Conclusions Daily supplementation with RSV is associated with benefits at the VEGF level as well as at the vascular level. However, further studies with a larger number of participants are needed to confirm the effects of RSV on VEGF and NO levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the staff of social workers in Portugal's healthcare system, analyzing ratios due to the resident population and their distribution in primary and hospital care, discussing the implications for health system quality. The results of the descriptive study indicate the existence of 1032 health social workers, mainly divided between hospital care (52.4%), and primary care (42.9%). The ratios determine 1 social worker for every 10,000 residents, 1 for 23,000 residents in community-based primary care, and 1 for 65 hospital beds. Within the health team, the asymmetries are evident, with 1 social worker for every 69.3 nurses and for every 50.3 doctors. Conclusions show the stagnation of health social workers, their unequal geographical distribution, and imbalanced ratios to the number of inhabitants, users, health units, hospital beds. and other professionals. This conditions a quality holistic approach and limits equal citizens' rights. The transversality and complexity of health intervention are not compatible with the highlighted limitations, urging the reinforcement of the Social Work professional group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a very poor prognosis. Its treatment is hindered by a lack of new therapeutic alternatives and the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the access of drugs commonly used in ALS, such as riluzole, to the brain. To overcome these limitations and increase brain targeting, riluzole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared and functionalized with lactoferrin (Lf), facilitating transport across the BBB by interacting with Lf receptors expressed in the brain endothelium. NLC were characterized with respect to their physicochemical properties (size, zeta potential, polydispersity index) as well as their stability, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, in vitro release profile, and biocompatibility. Moreover, crystallinity and melting behavior were assessed by DSC and PXRD. Nanoparticles exhibited initial mean diameters between 180 and 220 nm and a polydispersity index below 0.3, indicating a narrow size distribution. NLC remained stable over at least 3 months. Riluzole encapsulation efficiency was very high, around 94–98%. FTIR and protein quantification studies confirmed the conjugation of Lf on the surface of the nanocarriers, with TEM images showing that the functionalized NLC presented a smooth surface and uniform spherical shape. An MTT assay revealed that the nanocarriers developed in this study did not cause a substantial reduction in the viability of NSC-34 and hCMEC/D3 cells at a riluzole concentration up to 10 μM, being therefore biocompatible. The results suggest that Lf-functionalized NLC are a suitable and promising delivery system to target riluzole to the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human populations and natural ecosystems are bound to be exposed to ionizing radiation from the deposition of artificial radionuclides resulting from nuclear accidents, nuclear devices or radiological dispersive devices ("dirty bombs"). On the other hand, Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material industries such as phosphate production or uranium mining, contribute to the on site storage of residuals with enhanced concentrations of natural radionuclides. Therefore, in the context of the European agreements concerning nuclear energy, namely the European Atomic Energy Community Treaty, monitoring is an essential feature of the environmental radiological surveillance. In this work, we obtain 3D maps from outdoor scenarios, and complete such maps with measured radiation levels and with its radionuclide signature. In such scenarios, we face challenges such as unknown and rough terrain, limited number of sampled locations and the need for different sensors and therefore different tasks. We propose a radiological solution for scouting, monitoring and inspecting an area of interest, using a fleet of drones and a controlling ground station. First, we scout an area with a Light Detection and Ranging sensor onboard a drone to accurately 3D-map the area. Then, we monitor that area with a Geiger–Müller Counter at a low-vertical distance from the ground to produce a radiological (heat)map that is overlaid on the 3D map of the scenario. Next, we identify the hotspots of radiation, and inspect them in detail using a drone by landing on them, to reveal its radionuclide signature using a Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride detector. We present the algorithms used to implement such tasks both at the ground station and on the drones. The three mission phases were validated using actual experiments in three different outdoor scenarios. We conclude that drones can not only perform the mission efficiently, but in general they are faster and as reliable as personnel on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]