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While a substantial body of literature has been built on rural well‐being, due to the great heterogeneity of rural territories, the literature is highly fragmented, even contradictory. Moreover, no systematic review of the entire domain exists to guide rural decision‐makers. Debated conceptualization, contradicting results, and pressing policy requirements make it timely to deliver a systematized state‐of‐the‐art on rural well‐being to anchor public policies in the rural development domain. By systematically reviewing the scholarly literature on rural well‐being and all documents developed by government and private entities that academia highlighted as relevant to this subject, the study provides a bibliometric and thematic analysis of the domain without a time limit. Thirty‐three rural well‐being dimensions and over 9,000 indicators within these dimensions have been identified, their interconnections established and their relevance to international development goals highlighted. The study presents the structure and content of this indicator database and provides suggestions for rural researchers and policymakers on how to use it to build their own well‐being framework. It also provides an overview of each rural well‐being dimension by discussing the key theories, the main inconsistencies, the most relevant studies and authors, the fundamental measurement frameworks, and the indicators used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to understand the role of creative industries in the sustainability of low-density territories. Primary data were gathered from semi-structured interviews' transcripts. The interviews were applied to five creative entrepreneurs and heads of companies belonging to the creative industries, and four heads of local institutions, namely a university, two municipalities and a business incubator. The data were processed using NVivo software. The results obtained show that creative industries can be a solution to the problems identified in low-density territories, since creative companies reduce the unemployment rate and increase the population, thus reversing the depopulation of these territories. Creative industries also value local resources and the development of the local economy, thus enabling the emergence of innovation. This research's findings include evidence of creative industries' significant impact on low-density regions. In addition, this study demonstrates information and evidence on the role of creativity and this sector of creative companies, as well as the influence shown by creative entrepreneurs in the development of the region. The main limitations of this study are related, on the one hand, to the subjectivity of qualitative studies, due to the fact that the results can be interpreted in several ways. On the other hand, because only one territory was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The severity of endoscopic recurrence during the first year after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease is predictive of clinical recurrence. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the implementation of an ileocolonoscopy during the first year after surgery on surgical recurrence. Methods. All patients who underwent a first intestinal resection for Crohn's disease between 1992 and 2018 at the University Hospital of Liège were retrospectively included. The time to surgical recurrence was compared in three successive groups of patients operated on in the period 1992–2001 (group A), 2002–2011 (group B), and 2012–2020 (group C) using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Log-Rank test. To identify independent prognostic factors, a multivariate analysis was used via the Cox model. Results. 223 patients (group A = 69, group B = 94, group C = 60) were included. Probabilities of surgical recurrence were significantly lower in group C (2.2% and 4.7% at 3 and 5 years, respectively) compared with group B (4.2% and 7.6% at 3 and 5 years, respectively) and with group A (9% and 18.2% at 3 and 5 years, respectively) (p = 0.0089). Ileocolonoscopy during the year after surgery was associated with a significantly reduced surgical recurrence rate in univariate and multivariate analysis (HR = 0.31, p = 0.0049). Conclusion. The implementation of an early ileocolonoscopy after surgery for Crohn's disease since early 2000 has been associated with a reduced surgical recurrence over the last 30 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to understand how the differences in university-industry (U-I) dynamics in two cross-border regions act on their research and innovation performance. Surveys were administered to academics from research centres or units in Portugal's Northern Region and Spain's Castile and Leon. Data were also collected from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS2014) conducted in Portugal and Spain, to obtain a broader perspective on the topic and regions under analysis. A comparison could thus be made between the researchers' perspective (i.e. micro) and the companies' perspective that answered the CIS questionnaire (i.e. meso) on U-I collaboration dynamics. The questionnaires were analysed using Partial least squares structural equation modelling, and the data from CIS survey using logistic regression. The results show that U-I cooperation is associated with (i) time spent on research and development, (ii) budgets based on direct contracts with industries, (iii) companies' location and (iv) incentives for collaboration. However, the researchers' age and academic field are the only factors affecting which incentives for collaboration are significant. The results also reveal that U-I collaboration influences regions' innovation profiles. These findings contribute to a fuller, more empirical understanding of U-I cooperation, demonstrating that encouragement of this type of collaboration can be a driver of innovation in any region. This article contributes in policy terms to a better understanding of the necessary incentives for both U-I collaboration and the internationalisation of this collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, waste pickers are exposed to adverse health effects resulting from hazards at work. This study aimed to identify possible gender disparities among waste pickers. A quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological study, using semi-structured data was conducted in Estrutural's dumpsite, Brasília, Brazil. It included 1,025 waste pickers, with 67% being female. Most of them lived without partners (73.7%), have 3 to 4 children (47.8%), and have a lower monthly income (62.6%

This study aims to understand better research and innovation strategies for smart specialization (RIS3) and assess how they influence university-industry (U-I) collaboration empirically. Primary data were collected from a focus group consisting of representatives of universities and government entities from Portugal and Spain. Secondary European Union (EU) data on the application of smart specialization measures and the innovation in these two countries were also included. The results reveal difficulties in implementing RIS3, resulting in decreased investment in research and innovation in all production sectors. Evidence also pointed to the negative impact of smart specialization measures on U-I collaboration and, consequently, on the respective knowledge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore which factors of entrepreneurship and innovation influence economic development under the quadruple helix model, contrasting Southern and Northern Europe. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, secondary data are collected from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor databases, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Global Competitiveness Index, for four countries in the North and four Southern European countries, for the period from 2007 to 2015. Data was analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software and subjected to several multivariate statistical tests. Findings: The results show a statistically significant difference in the variables of the four quadruple helix model dimensions. This means that Northern European countries (Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden) display better results on innovation and entrepreneurship than Southern European countries (Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal). The results also showed that per capita gross domestic expenditure on R&D is positively related to government and university dimensions, with significant differences between Southern and Northern European countries. Originality/value: It is hoped that this study will contribute to new evidence on the factors of innovation and entrepreneurship that are decisive for economic development. To the traditional quadruple helix model, control variables were added to meet the endogenous characteristics of the countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If innovation is the engine of economies, the partnerships in the Triple Helix model of innovation are the fuel that makes this engine work. Although each member of this model has its defined role, the present study sought to gain a new perspective on these partnerships, including the role of governments. Based on interviews with representatives of universities, companies, and governments in two countries (i.e., Portugal and Spain), this research focused on how innovation partnerships are formed as well as what obstacles to cooperation can arise. The results show that governments can play the role not only of a financier and legislator but also of a direct participant in innovation by entering into partnerships with the other Triple Helix actors. In addition, this study revealed that, irrespective of which partners and needs are in question, these networks operate mostly with public funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inadequate management of solid waste impacts populations' health and quality of life, and disproportionately affects developing countries. This study aims to describe a protocol for epidemiological diagnosis, the purpose being to estimate the prevalence of chronic and communicable and non communicable diseases in waste pickers, and the occupational and environmental risk factors to which these are exposed.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, based on survey design in an area of extreme social vulnerability - the largest garbage dump in Latin America. Using a multidimensional research protocol, divided in three stages: 1- The identification of the subjects, and the scheduling of tests; 2- Situational diagnosis through interviews, anthropometric evaluation, measuring blood pressure, collecting hair and nail samples to detect exposure to heavy metals and undertaking laboratory tests; 3- The return of the waste pickers to receive the test results, followed by referral to the health team and to report occupational accidents.Results: One thousand twenty-five waste pickers undertook tests and interviews. The majority were women (67.0%), with 36-45 years old (45.7%), and 96.0% had children. In total, 27.3% of the participants did not attend to any school and 47.7% were educated only up to primary level. The majority of waste pickers (68.70%) reported accidents and most of them (89.69%) were related to sharp objects. The mean time working in this open dump was 15 years. According the anthropometric measure, 32.6% were overweight and 21.1% were obese. The most common reported diseases were: osteomuscular disorders (78.7%); arboviruses (28.6%); episodic diarrhea (24.9%); hypertension (24.2%); bronchitis (14.3%); intestinal worms (12.6%) and diabetes (10.1%). According to the blood tests, the values outside the reference limits were: Uric acid (23.89%); creatinine (54.06%); GGT range (16.04%); SGOT - Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (5.29%); SGPT - serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (35.52%).Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate multiple risks and diseases in the majority of waste pickers working in the largest garbage dump of a continent. These findings highlight the importance to address urgently the environmental, social and health impacts related to the management of solid waste in developmental countries to protect these workers and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports and reflects on the results of an evaluation of the contribution to local and regional development of the EDP Sustainable Entrepreneurship Award, as applied in the Tua Valley (North East Interior of Portugal). Using semi-structured interview schedules, data was collected from young participants in the programme - both those who had gone on to set up their own businesses and those who had opted not to proceed with their business plan. Municipal support staff - the institutional partners most closely involved in the programme - were also interviewed. Content analysis of interview transcripts suggests that the implementation of the programme delivered greater awareness of self-employment opportunities both to young people and to support staff, which in turn helped to develop local entrepreneurial potential and, ultimately, foster the emergence of sustainable new firms. Thus the programme set in motion a significant process of entrepreneurship and innovation in what is a relatively peripheral territory. Improvements to the monitoring of programme performance will allow new learning processes to evolve so that shifts in the dynamics of the programme’s stakeholder network can be more quickly reflected in operational terms, delivering greater capacity to stimulate business start-ups whose sustainability is based on policy initiatives that are ‘made-to-measure’ with respect to local conditions, extra-local opportunities and global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study sought to contribute to research on entrepreneurial intention by identifying which constructs of the entrepreneurial profile and internal conditions of health care organisations support entrepreneurship and contribute to the entrepreneurial intention of these organisations' employees. Background: In addition to psychological attributes, cognitive processes, motivations, sociodemographic and professional characteristics, and entrepreneurial skills, the literature indicates that internal conditions of organisations also contribute to explaining entrepreneurial intention. Methods: To evaluate this model empirically, the primary data were collected with questionnaires distributed to nurses in two public hospitals—the Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro Hospital Center and the Local Health Unit of the Northeast. A total of 638 nurses filled out the questionnaire. The data were analysed using inferential and regression analyses. Results: The results suggest that the dimensions related to personal attributes, namely, motivation and entrepreneurial skills, are the constructs that best explain the entrepreneurial intention of these professionals within their organisations. Conclusions: A broad discussion is needed about how to implement internal conditions that promote an intrapreneurial and innovative culture in health care organisations. Implications for Nursing Management: Health care organisation administrators need to prioritise intrapreneurship while structuring their management strategies, thereby creating favourable internal conditions (e.g., support, autonomy, rewards, time availability and appropriate organisational procedures) that enhance their nurses' entrepreneurial intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to research on individual entrepreneurial intention (IEI) by assessing the importance of entrepreneurship education to students in vocational training programmes and using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to analyse these students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The family background of the students and their exposure to entrepreneurship subject matter were included as antecedents of TPB components and IEI.Design/methodology/approach To test the research model, the primary data were collected with questionnaires distributed to students in their last year of vocational training programmes with and without entrepreneurship coursework, in a region of Northern Portugal. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.Findings The results show that TPB dimensions substantially contribute to explaining students’ IEI. However, their family background makes only a minor contribution, and exposure to entrepreneurship education has no influence on IEI.Research limitations/implications Given these results, the authors propose a broader discussion is needed of the importance of introducing business classes into the curricula of vocational training programmes.Originality/value This research’s results show that IEI models need to assign greater importance to variables related to previous exposure to entrepreneurial experiences through direct family members. The findings contribute to a fuller understanding of IEI and the factors that precede the formation of this intention among students in training programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biomass production, yield and composition of essential oil from Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. Brown, cultivated in succession with green manures. The experiment was conducted in the field with five treatments: T 1 – sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea L.); T 2 – velvet-bean ( Mucuna aterrima Holland); T 3 – cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp); T 4 – spontaneous plants; and T 5 – control. Lippia alba essential oils were chemically characterized by gas-chromatography with mass spectrometry detector (GC/MS) at two harvest moments (120 and 262 days after transplantation). The application of green manures, mainly velvet-bean, increased biomass and essential oil production, mainly in the second harvest (total oil yield of 62.43 L ha −1 ). The main volatile compounds identified in the essential oil (β-myrcene, germacrene D, limonene, and carvone) didn’t suffer significant changes in function of the treatment applied. However, all the compounds mentioned report a higher yield in L. alba plants cultivated with velvet-bean (except germacrene D). Compared to control treatment, β-myrcene, limonene, and carvone increased 1.3%, 4.2%, and 6.6% with velvet-bean. The use of velvet-bean as green manure is a cheap resource that causes a positive effect in the cultivation of L. alba plants and may reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, being an eco-friendly strategy for the cultivation of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a multifactorial and progressive condition associated with an increased afterload of the right ventricle leading to heart failure and death. The main aim of this study was to correlate the levels of miR-424(322) with the severity and prognosis of PH and with right ventricle hypertrophy progression. Additionally, we intended to evaluate the mechanisms and signalling pathways whereby miR-424(322) secreted by pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) impacts cardiomyocytes. Methods and results Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed that the levels of circulating miR-424(322) are higher in PH patients when compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, we found that miR-424(322) levels correlated with more severe symptoms and haemodynamics. In the subgroup of Eisenmenger syndrome patients, miR-424(322) displayed independent prognostic value. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-424(322) targets SMURF1, through which it sustains bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 signalling. Moreover, we showed that hypoxia induces the secretion of miR-424(322) by PAECs, which after being taken up by cardiomyocytes leads to down-regulation of SMURF1. In the monocrotaline rat model of PH, we found an association between circulating miR-424(322) levels and the stage of right ventricle hypertrophy, as well as an inverse correlation between miR-424(322) and SMURF1 levels in the hypertrophied right ventricle. Conclusions This study shows that miR-424(322) has diagnostic and prognostic value in PH patients, correlating with markers of disease severity. Additionally, miR-424(322) can target proteins with a direct effect on heart function, suggesting that this miRNA can act as a messenger linking pulmonary vascular disease and right ventricle hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to let people know about the national service of DOI registry (Digital Object Identifiers) as an integrated service and available for the national academic and scientific community, through the Registry Agency DataCite. The main goals are: a) to help the national scientific publications become more visible and referable; b) to provide to the academic and scientific community a service of digital identifiers used by the international community, to publications that are citation worthy, with the association of persistent links to the digital objects; c) to promote the use of good quality metadata on the national and international information systems, allowing the interoperability between systems (e.g. Ciência Vitae, ORCID, institutional repositories, RCAAP portal, etc.). We aim to present the new service and the developments done in its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim: Physical inactivity is the primary risk factor for chronic diseases and health hazards, such as, combining this risk factor with others, as well as snuff using and not healthy feeding, are responsible for approximately 80,0% of not contagious chronic diseases (NCCD). This review aimed to identify articles that relate health promotion programs and it's interface with nutrition. Materials and methods: It was a systematic review, with electronic databases SCIELO, BIREME and LILACS combining theses descriptors in Portuguese: Physical activity and nutrition; physical activity and public health; physical activity and program. Were selected original articles, that evaluated Brazilian's physical activity programs, within nutritionist's role, published from 2004 to 2014. Were excluded review articles, from unindexed journals or that ones that didn't have referred nutritionist 's role. Were included, after complete readings of these studies and exclusion of repeated, 12 articles. Results: Most of the studies were did at southeast region and the most often nutritionist's role was about healthy feeding orientations, or advising based at Brazilian's population alimentary guide. Conclusion: Nutritionist's role at physical activities programs can be considered effective, because it resulted at lower risks of (NCCD). But combining interventions, showed being more effective to more reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a key pathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP) is a neuroprotective antioxidant enzyme regulated at the transcriptional level by the antioxidant master regulator nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Here, we show for the first time that upon MPTP-induced oxidative stress, GSTP potentiates S-glutathionylation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), an endogenous repressor of Nrf2, in vivo. S-glutathionylation of Keap1 leads to Nrf2 activation and subsequently increases expression of GSTP. This positive feedback regulatory loop represents a novel mechanism by which GSTP elicits antioxidant protection in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In cryopreservation, oocytes are subjected to extreme hyperosmotic conditions, inducing large volume changes that, along with an abrupt temperature drop, interfere with their developmental competence. Our objectives in this work were to find conditions enabling an increase in oocyte cryosurvival and subsequent development. Methods: Abattoir-derived bovine oocytes were cultured without (Control group) or with trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid isomer (CLA group). Comparative observations were made for the oocyte developmental competence 1) after exposure to cryoprotectants followed or not by vitrification/warming, the oocyte membrane permeability to 2) water (using the non-permeant cryoprotectant sucrose) and 3) the oocyte membrane permeability to two cryoprotectants (ethylene glycol, EG, and dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO). Mature oocytes cultured with or without CLA and vitrified/warmed or only exposed to cryoprotectants without vitrification were subjected to in vitro fertilization; embryo culture proceeded until the blastocyst stage. The oocyte membrane permeabilities to water and cryoprotectants were estimated using mature oocytes subjected to hyperosmotic challenges. For water permeability, 200 mM sucrose was used, whereas for the cryoprotectant permeability, a 10 % solution of both EG and DMSO was used. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure and Student's -test. T Results: CLA supplementation improves the developmental competence of vitrified/warmed and cryoprotectants exposed oocytes (p < 0.01) and reduces their membrane permeability to water (37 %p < 0.001) and to cryoprotectants p p (42 %, p<0 . 0 0 1 ) . p Conclusions: : By slowing the fluxes of water and of permeant cryoprotectants, CLA contributed to improved oocyte cryosurvival and post-thawed viability. This isomer supplementation to the maturation media should be considered when designing new protocols for oocyte cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The P2X7 receptor (P2X7-R) is a non-selective adenosine triphosphate-gated cation channel present in epithelial and immune cells, and involved in inflammatory response. Extracellular nucleotides released in conditions of cell stress or inflammation may function as a danger signal alerting the immune system from inflammation. We investigated the therapeutic action of P2X7-R blockade in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: Rats with trinitrobenzene sulfonic (TNBS) acid-induced colitis were treated with the P2X7-R antagonists A740003 or brilliant blue G (BBG) through intra-peritoneal (IP) or intra-colonic (IC) injection prior to colitis induction. Clinical and endoscopic follow-up, histological scores, myeloperoxidase activity, densities of collagen fibers and goblet cells were evaluated. P2X7-R expression, NF-kappa B and Erk activities, and densities of T-cells and macrophages were analyzed by immunoperoxidase. The inflammatory response was determined by measuring inflammatory cytokines in cultures of colon explants, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Colonic apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. Results: IP-BBG significantly attenuated the severity of colitis, myeloperoxidase activity, collagen deposition, densities of lamina propria T-cells and macrophages, while maintaining goblet cell densities. IP-BBG inhibited the increase in P2X7-R expression in parallel with apoptotic rates. TNF-α and interleukin-1β stabilized in low levels, while TGF-β and interleukin-10 did not change following IP-BBG-therapy. Colonic NF-kappa-B and Erk activation were significantly lower in IP-BBG-treated animals. Prophylactic IP-A740003 also protected rats against the development of TNBS-colitis. Conclusions: Prophylactic systemic P2X7-R blockade is effective in the prevention of experimental colitis, probably due to a systemic anti-inflammatory action, interfering with a stress-inflammation amplification loop mediated by P2X7-R. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the leading cause of a drug-induced angioedema. This occurrence is frequently underdiagnosed, but its relapse can be life-threatening. The authors' intention in reporting this clinical case is to sound a warning about reviewing attitudes and surveillance to try to improve patient perioperative safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the purpose of this paper is to approach entrepreneurial intention (EI) and the factors preceding the founding of EI among secondary students, both studying general academic and specific professional programs, and thereby establish causal relationships between psychological, demographic and behavioural factors. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of secondary students, both studying general academic and specific professional programs, was chosen. Data were collected through questionnaires and analysed with resource to structural equation models (SEM) to measure the causal relationships among different constructs. Findings – The results show that the EI of secondary school students is influenced by such demographic, psychological and behavioural factors. However, the hypothesis of becoming entrepreneurs in the future remains independent of the fact of whether or not students had already experienced engagement with entrepreneurship-related themes having no impact on EI. These results raise a series of pertinent questions and deserve being subject to a more profound reflection and not only among the scientific and academic community but also among political and government entities. Originality/value – The paper provides important evidence to expand entrepreneurship education specifically in the field of secondary school education. These students are already about to face choices over their professional careers. This remains valid whether or not students intend to proceed with higher education studies or to join the workforce. Therefore this research contributes towards meeting a better understanding of EI and the factors preceding the formation of this intention among secondary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliably assessing the early neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is of utmost importance to advise parents and implement early and personalized interventions. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of neuroimaging modalities, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in NE. Eighteen newborns with NE due to presumed perinatal asphyxia (PA) were included in the study, 16 of whom underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fMRI during passive visual, auditory, and sensorimotor stimulation were acquired between the 10th and 14th day of age. Clinical follow-up protocol included visual and auditory evoked potentials and a detailed neurodevelopmental evaluation at 12 and 18 months of age. Infants were divided according to sensory and neurodevelopmental outcome: severe, moderate disability, or normal. Structural MRI findings were the best predictor of severe disability with an AUC close to 1.0. There were no good predictors to discriminate between moderate disability versus normal outcome. Nevertheless, structural MRI measures showed a significant correlation with the scores of neurodevelopmental assessments. During sensorimotor stimulation, the fMRI signal in the right hemisphere had an AUC of 0.9 to predict absence of cerebral palsy (CP). fMRI measures during auditory and visual stimulation did not predict sensorineural hearing loss or cerebral visual impairment. Conclusion: In addition to structural MRI, fMRI with sensorimotor stimulation may open the gate to improve the knowledge of neurodevelopmental/motor prognosis if proven in a larger cohort of newborns with NE. What is Known: • Establishing an early, accurate neurodevelopmental prognosis in neonatal encephalopathy remains challenging. • Although structural MRI has a central role in neonatal encephalopathy, advanced MRI modalities are gradually being explored to optimize neurodevelopmental outcome knowledge. What is New: • Newborns who later developed cerebral palsy had a trend towards lower fMRI measures in the right sensorimotor area during sensorimotor stimulation. • These preliminary fMRI results may improve future early delineation of motor prognosis in neonatal encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, nitric oxide laser-saturated fluorescence (LSF) measurements were acquired from premixed ethanol flames at atmospheric pressure in a burner. NO-LSF experimental profiles for fuel-rich premixed ethanol flames (Φ =1.34 and Φ =1.66) were determined through the excitation/detection scheme of the Q 2(26.5) rotational line in the A 2 Σ + − X 2 Π (0,0) vibronic band and γ(0,1) emission band. A calibration procedure by NO doping into the flame was applied to establish the NO concentration profiles in these flames. Chemiluminescent emission measurements in the (0,0) vibronic emission bands of the OH* (A 2 Σ + − X 2 Π) and CH* (A 2 Δ − X 2 Π) radicals were also obtained with high spatial and spectral resolution for fuel-rich premixed ethanol flames to correlate them with NO concentrations. Experimental chemiluminescence profiles and the ratios of the integrated areas under emission spectra (ACH*/ACH*(max.) and ACH*/AOH*) were determined. The relationships between chemiluminescence and NO concentrations were established along the premixed ethanol flames. There was a strong connection between CH* radical chemiluminescence and NO formation and the prompt-NO was identified as the governing mechanism for NO production. The results suggest the optimum ratio of the chemiluminescence of two radicals (ACH*/AOH*) for NO diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Significantly higher prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis has been reported in chronic alcoholic patients. The aim of this investigation was to report the prevalence of Strongyloides larvae in stools of chronic alcoholic patients with known daily ethanol intake. Methods: From January 2001 through December 2003 the results of fecal examinations and the daily ethanol intake were retrieved from the records of 263 chronic alcoholic and from 590 non-alcoholic male patients that sought health care at the outpatients unit of the University Hospital C A Moraes. Alcoholic patients were separated into four groups, with 150g intervals between the groups according to the daily ethanol intake. Results: (a) The frequency of Strongyloides was significantly higher in alcoholic patients than in control group (overall prevalence in alcoholic 20.5% versus 4.4% in control group; p = 0.001). Even in the group with a daily intake of ethanol equal to or less than 150g the prevalence was higher than in control group, although non significant (9.5%, versus 4.4% in control group; p = 0,071); (b) the prevalence of Strongyloides in alcoholic patients rises with the increase of ethanol intake (Pearson's Correlation Coefficient = 0.956; p = 0.022), even in patients without liver cirrhosis (Pearson's Correlation Coefficient = 0.927; p = 0.037). Conclusion: These results confirm and reinforce the hypothesis that chronic alcoholism is associated with Strongyloides infection, which is in direct relationship with the severity of alcoholism, independently of the presence of liver cirrhosis. Author Summary: It has been reported that Strongyloides stercoralis infection is more prevalent in chronic alcoholic patients than in non alcoholics living in the same country. In a retrospective study on the prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in a large sample of alcoholic patients, we demonstrate that this prevalence is significantly higher than in non-alcoholic patients admitted at the same hospital. Moreover, the frequency of the parasite was in close relationship with the daily amount of ingested ethanol, even in the absence of liver cirrhosis, reinforcing the idea that chronic alcoholism is associated with increased susceptibility to Strongyloides infection. Beside the bad hygiene profile of alcoholic patients, which explains high risk for acquisition of the parasite, the high prevalence of S. stercoralis in alcoholics may be in relationship with other effects of ethanol on the intestinal motility, steroid metabolism and immune system, which could enhance the chance of autoinfection and the survival and fecundity of females in duodenum. In this way, the number of larvae in the stools is higher in alcoholic patients, increasing the chance of a positive result in a stool examination by sedimentation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Significantly higher prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis has been reported in chronic alcoholic patients. The aim of this investigation was to report the prevalence of Strongyloides larvae in stools of chronic alcoholic patients with known daily ethanol intake. Methods: From January 2001 through December 2003 the results of fecal examinations and the daily ethanol intake were retrieved from the records of 263 chronic alcoholic and from 590 non-alcoholic male patients that sought health care at the outpatients unit of the University Hospital C A Moraes. Alcoholic patients were separated into four groups, with 150g intervals between the groups according to the daily ethanol intake. Results: (a) The frequency of Strongyloides was significantly higher in alcoholic patients than in control group (overall prevalence in alcoholic 20.5% versus 4.4% in control group; p = 0.001). Even in the group with a daily intake of ethanol equal to or less than 150g the prevalence was higher than in control group, although non significant (9.5%, versus 4.4% in control group; p = 0,071); (b) the prevalence of Strongyloides in alcoholic patients rises with the increase of ethanol intake (Pearson's Correlation Coefficient = 0.956; p = 0.022), even in patients without liver cirrhosis (Pearson's Correlation Coefficient = 0.927; p = 0.037). Conclusion: These results confirm and reinforce the hypothesis that chronic alcoholism is associated with Strongyloides [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As a consequence of human activities, large amounts of cadmium, lead and zinc are released in the environment, often simultaneously. The aim of this study was to investigate under experimental conditions the DNA damage induced in Algerian mice (Mus spretus) exposed to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) separately, or in selected combinations. Three cytogenetic end points were considered: the frequencies of micronucleated cells (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in the bone marrow and the frequency of sperm abnormalities. Mice were treated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections with 5 or 10 doses of aqueous solutions of cadmium acetate, lead acetate and zinc acetate in concentrations corresponding to 1/10 of the LD50, respectively, 21.5, 0.46 and 1.5mg/kg bw. The control groups were injected in the same way with distilled water. With only one exception (Cd+Zn group treated with 5 doses), the results show a significant increase of MN in all groups for both treatments (5 and 10 doses). Similarly, the results concerning the SCE revealed a statistically significant increase in all treated animals, with the exception of the Zn group treated with 5 doses. The number of sperm abnormalities was significantly higher in animals treated with 5 doses, except in the group Pb+Zn. In animals treated with 10 doses the number of sperm abnormalities was always statistically higher compared with controls. This study indicates that cadmium, lead and zinc can induce MN, SCEs and sperm abnormalities in Algerian mice and that the clastogenic potential is dependent on the time of exposure and the interaction between the three elements, confirming the environmental damage that may result from the simultaneous action of several metals. Most relevant is the toxic potential for Zn, related with the dose, which may compromise its protective effect against other metal contaminations, such as cadmium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential use of metallothioneins (MTs) as biomarkers of trace metal contamination was evaluated for the first time in the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus). Mice were collected seasonally in an abandoned mining area (Aljustrel) and in a reference area, both located in southern Portugal. MT levels were quantified in liver and kidney by differential pulse polarography and hepatic elemental concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) were determined by particle-induced X-ray emission. Hepatic iron and selenium concentrations were elevated in mice from Aljustrel mine when compared to reference animals. MTs levels were averagely higher in mice from Aljustrel than those originated from the reference area. A season-dependent significant effect was found on the hepatic and renal MT concentrations, characterized by higher levels in winter and lower in autumn. In contaminated mice positive relationship between liver elemental contents (Cu in autumn and Fe in winter) and MTs were found. The seasonal variation of MT suggests that probably physiological and environmental factors could influence hepatic and renal MT induction. Results seem to imply that some environmental disturbance occur in the vicinity of the Aljustrel mine. Therefore, for the management purposes MT levels should be followed in liver of M. spretus, especially in winter. Furthermore, other physiological factors that could influence MT expression and turnover in Algerian mouse should also be monitored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to update the distribution of the Cabrera vole (Microtus cabrerae) in Portugal in order to determine regions of suitable environmental conditions and to assess potential occurrence areas, as a first step towards a conservation strategy for the species. Data on the distribution of the species was derived from barn owl pellet samples. Climatic, topographic and soil descriptors were selected and logistic regression was used to model the species distribution. The effort in data collection resulted in the enlargement of the previously known distribution of M. cabrerae. Two logistic models were developed, one environmental and one autologistic, integrating variation due to spatial autocorrelation. The results showed that the species are more likely to occur over the most central region of Portugal, extending its range to the north-eastern side and to the southwest. The preferred areas of occurrence are characterized by medium rainfall values (between 600 and 1200mm), low to medium humidity values (lower than 85%) and acid to neutral soils (pH between 3 and 7). Species probability of occurrence is discussed in terms of paleontological data and geographical barriers. Potential distribution maps suggest a fragmentation of the overall national population and allowed the identification of three major areas of high probability of occurrence: northeast, center and southwest. As most of these areas are outside Classified Areas Network, models obtained may be regarded as valuable tools in conservation planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and identify its clinical characterization, and medical conditions in a paediatric population in Portugal. A school survey was conducted in elementary schools, targeting 332 808 school-aged children in the mainland and 10 910 in the Azores islands. Referred children were directly assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn), the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Clinical history and a laboratory investigation was performed. In parallel, a systematic multi-source search of children known to have autism was carried out in a restricted region. The global prevalence of ASD per 10 000 was 9.2 in mainland, and 15.6 in the Azores, with intriguing regional differences. A diversity of associated medical conditions was documented in 20%, with an unexpectedly high rate of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals accumulation in parallel with the evaluation of physiological and biochemical effects resulting from continued metal exposure were considered here using for the first time the great white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula as an in vivo model. Shrews were originated from an abandoned lead/zinc mining area and from a reference area, both in Alentejo, southern Portugal. Hepatic contents of nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury and lead were quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Haematological parameters (white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit) were obtained in a Coulter Counter Analyser and biochemical markers of the redox balance (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) activities were measured spectrophotometrically using a Duo-50 spectrophotometer. Compared with control animals, significantly higher concentration of hepatic cadmium (9. 29 vs. 1. 18 μg/g dry weight) and nickel (1. 56 vs. 0. 343 μg/g dry weight) were detected in the shrews collected in the mining area. However, no significant changes were observed on haematological or enzymatic parameters in animals exposed to metal pollution. The obtained results show that shrews are good bioaccumulators of toxic heavy metals, but very tolerant to their effects, revealing an interesting long-term adaptation to polluted environments. In addition, this study provides reference values for haematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes levels in C. Russula, which may be relevant for comparative purposes in further studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatic and renal concentrations of iron, magnesium, zinc, lead, copper, manganese, mercury, cadmium, molybdenum, chromium, and nickel were quantified in shrews (Crocidura russula) inhabiting a pyrite mine site in Portugal. Several morphological parameters (body weight, residual index, and relative weights) were also examined to clarify the physiological effects of pollution. Shrews from the mine showed increased bioavailability of Fe, Pb, Hg, Cd, Mo, and Ni in comparison with reference specimens. Adult shrews had the highest Cd levels while Cr and Ni concentrations diminished. Intersexual differences were found for Mo and Ni. As a consequence of metal pollution, the relative hepatic weight was higher in shrews from the mine site when compared with reference specimens. These data indicate that C. russula is a good bioindicator of metal pollution. We also evaluated the toxic effects of Pb, Hg, Cd, and Ni, because several shrews from the polluted site showed high concentrations of these metals. To approximate at the real biological impact of abandoned mines, after this first step it is necessary to associate the bioaccumulation levels and morphological effects with other physiological, ecological and genetical biomarkers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reburning and burnout simulations were carried out through PLUG code of CHEMKIN-III using a reduced mechanism, in order to determine preliminary experimental parameters for achieving maximum NOx reduction to implement the reburning technology for heavy oil combustion in pilot scale equipments in Brazil. Gas compositions at the entrance of the reburning zone were estimated by the AComb program. Simulations were performed for eight conditions in the usual range of operational parameters for natural gas reburning. The maximum NO reduction (ca. 50%) was reached with 10 and 17.5% of power via natural gas and 1.5 and 3.0% O2 excess, respectively, at 1273 K. The model predicts 250 ppm of NO, 50 ppm of CO and air mass flows in the range of about 50–130 kg/h for burnout. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Post-ovulatory and maternal oocyte aging impair female reproductive capacity through several mechanisms that are not fully understood. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural compound previously identified to exert an anti-aging effects in several cells, which has never been used in bovine germinal cells. Our goal was to study UA effect on the developmental potential of the female gamete and the surround cumulus cells obtained from young and adult cows. A model for in vitro aging of female gametes was implemented to study different problems associated with reproductive aging and fertility impairment. Results confirmed that aging exerts a harmful effect on oocyte quality measured by using different parameters and gene expression levels of cumulus cells. Moreover, UA supplementation was an effective way to prevent oocyte aging, improving the subsequent bovine embryonic development. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with the age-related decline of oocyte quality and strategies for their prevention are currently quested. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural metabolite with pro-apoptotic and antioxidant effects, capable of preventing the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria in different aged cells. UA has never been tested in bovine oocytes. Our aim was to study the effect of UA on the developmental potential of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) and granulosa cells' (GCs) expression of important genes related to reproductive competence. Nuclear maturation progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and developmental competence of physiologically mature (22 h) and in vitro aged oocytes (30 h of IVM) obtained from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not were assessed. Additionally, the amount of mRNA of several genes (NFE2L2, NQO1, and mt-DN5) and the number of mt-ND5 DNA copies were quantified in cultured GCs from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not. Our study confirmed the harmful effect of oocyte aging on the nuclear maturation progression, MMP, developmental competence and gene expression levels. UA treatment during in vitro maturation enhanced (p < 0.05) the maturation rate and subsequent developmental capacity of aged oocytes. A positive effect (p < 0.05) of UA on physiological maturation, MMP and embryonic development was also identified. UA also interfered on the expression profile of NFE2L2 and NQO1 genes in GCs cultures. Our findings demonstrate that UA supplementation is an effective way to prevent oocyte aging and improves the subsequent bovine embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basal units of the Vazante Group, the Santo Antônio do Bonito and Rocinha formations, present different stratigraphic records and younger ages than the rest of the group. These units are characterized by diamictites, sandstones, pelites and rare carbonates originated from subaqueous gravitational sedimentation. U–Pb geochronological data in detrital zircon indicate a Tonian maximum depositional age for both formations. The youngest zircon grains yielded ages ranging from 903 to 935 Ma. The main source for zircon is Paleoproterozoic (mainly Rhyacian and Orosirian) to Mesoproterozoic (Calymmian and Ectasian) areas being probably the São Francisco paleocontinent the main area. Due to the complete absence of ice-rafted debris within fine-grained sediments in the Santo Antônio do Bonito Formation, we interpret a gravitational reworking as the main process of diamictites deposition, probably during a period of ice retreat and sea level rise. The U–Pb data corroborate a lateral correlation between the Santo Antônio do Bonito and Rocinha formations with the glaciogenic Jequitaí Formation (Bambuí Group). From east to west, glacial sediments of the Jequitaí Formation were reworked probably by a slope-apron system during a late-glacial to post-glacial stage on the western margin of the São Francisco paleocontinent. Therefore, the Vazante Group can be divided into two successions: the upper Lagamar-Serra do Garrote formations and the lower Santo Antônio do Bonito-Rocinha formations. The Lagamar-Serra do Garrote sedimentation comprises a late Mesoproterozoic mixed carbonate-siliciclastic deposition in passive margins. The second succession is a gravitational slope-apron resedimentation and probably correlates with the Neoproterozoic glacial rocks of the Jequitaí Formation from the Bambuí Group. Finally, the collisional phase of the Brasília Belt was responsible for stratigraphic inversion, placing the older Lagamar-Serra do Garrote formations over the younger Santo Antônio do Bonito-Rocinha formations. • New regional and local geological mapping of the basal formations of the Vazante Group. • Gravitational sedimentation record in the basal formations of the group, relate to a subaqueous slope-apron system. • New U–Pb data of the Santo Antônio do Bonito and the Rocinha formations and its provenance change during Neoproterozoic. • Lateral correlations between Santo Antônio do Bonito and Jequitaí formations, during final stages of the ice retreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding customers' expectations regarding organisations' social responsibility is fundamental to creating and implementing successful strategies and programmes. More specifically, this process requires the development of a theoretical framework in order to analyse the impact of universities' social responsibility strategies on service quality and students' satisfaction with higher education. The present study sought to identify the factors defining students' perceptions of university social responsibility (USR) and to analyse its impact on their satisfaction and service quality. The research was carried out in a Portuguese higher education institution, with a sample of 903 students. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed research model. The results validate this explanatory model of USR and the latter's influence on service quality and higher education students' satisfaction. Concerning USR's effects, the findings include that, from the students' perspective, USR contributes most directly to quality education through USR's cognitive impacts, that is, those associated with research. This study's results also corroborate that a strategy focused on sustainable development (i.e. promoting a responsible university) influences students' positive perceptions and functions as an antecedent of service quality and student satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which elucidated the mechanism of recognition of damaged proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and determined the working relationship between the UPP and molecular chaperones. Ubiquitination and degradation of heat-denatured luciferase by the UPP; Suppression of the UPP-mediated degradation of denatured proteins in reticulocyte lysate by Hsp70; Suppression of renaturation of denatured proteins by enhancement of ubiquitination.

Presents a study which examined the ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal degradation of the 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE)-modified proteins in lens epithelial cells. Brief background on HNE-modified proteins; Methodology; Findings.

Theaim of this cross-sectional study was to compare workplace conditions and metal exposures in 431 waste pickers who worked nearby at the Estrutural Dump in Brasilia utilizing hair (n = 310) and nail (n = 355) as matrices of exposure. Waste pickers were grouped according to their workplace (open waste dump: G1 and sorting plants: G2). Hair and nail samples were collected and analyzed using ICP-MS. The work duration in the facilities was significantly different between the groups with averages of 16.46 (8.48) yrs and 9.26 (6.28) yrs for hair donors in G1 and G2, and 15.92 (7.72) yrs and 8.55 (5.77) yrs for toenail donors in G1 and G2, respectively. The arithmetic means (µg/g) of cadmium, copper, lead, and manganese in hair were significantly higher in G2 (0.076 ± 0.133; 19.61 ± 18.16; 2.27 ± .56 and 3.87 ± 5.59, respectively) compared to G1 (0.069 ± 0.235; 15.72 ± 15.18; 1.72 ± 4.04 and 3.65 ± 5.5, respectively). Concentrations of arsenic, barium, cadmium, copper, cobalt, lead, manganese, and molybdenum in nail were significantly higher in G2 (0.57 ± 0.39; 22.74 ± 42.06; 0.1 ± 0.08; 22.7 ± 51.60; 0.48 ± 0.45; 4.69 ± 9.43; 19.07 ± 20.75; 1.80 ± 1.76, respectively) compared to G1 (0.40 ± 0.28; 15.32 ± 22.31; 0.08 ± 0.11; 11.91 ± 16.25; 0.37 ± 0.37; 3.94 ± 15.04; 13.01 ± 19.08; 1.16 ± 1.80, respective. Our findings suggest that the studied population was exposed to toxic metals and indicates the need for chemical exposure prevention policies to monitor chemical risk exposures in waste pickers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Highly repeatable detonations were ignited as required for the diagnostic method. • OH* and H 2 O* spontaneous emissions correlated well to the specific impulses. • Images of the OH* radical reveal stable detonations and validate the correlations. • A new optical diagnostic method was developed to evaluate the detonation cycle. Abstract A study on a hydrogen-fuelled single-cycle pulse detonation device, through pressure and spontaneous emission measurements, was carried out. Detonation initiation was effectively achieved by applying a 65 J microsecond discharge associated with the Shchelkin spiral with very small errors in the diagnostic method. OH* and H 2 O* temporal emission measurements were applied at the nozzle exit to establish correlations to specific impulses, determined from pressure curves. OH* emission images were also captured to verify detonation propagation at the exhaust. Both the OH* and H 2 O* emitters correlated well with the specific impulses, and the integrated areas under emission peak maxima resulted in improved correlations. It was found that the OH* amount per kilogram of fuel grows exponentially with the specific impulse based on fuel, while the H 2 O* emission area per kilogram of mixture decays exponentially with the specific impulse, based on the mixture. The OH* images demonstrate stable detonation propagations and validate the established correlations. Furthermore, a new optical method was developed for detonation cycle diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given that the future of corporate social responsibility depends on upcoming generations' attitudes, a better understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility orientation and its predictors has significant implications for various stakeholders. This study sought to examine the factors that influence students' corporate social responsibility orientation in higher education contexts. To this end, primary data were collected through questionnaires distributed to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, a northern Portuguese public institution. Although personal values, gender, religion, political ideology, academic field of study, and volunteerism appear to influence some corporate social responsibility orientation dimensions, the results only show significant relationships with gender, religion, and volunteerism. The most important findings include that women, religious students, and those who volunteer have a stronger philanthropic orientation and that women appear to have a more intense ethical orientation. In addition, the research conducted facilitated the definition of student profiles for each corporate social responsibility orientation dimension. This study's results provide interesting evidence of orientation-determinant links, which expands the literature on corporate social responsibility, especially regarding higher education contexts. As university students are about to make important choices regarding their careers, these findings may help to broaden the field of corporate social responsibility research by identifying factors that contribute to shaping students' corporate social responsibility orientation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, highlighting what still needs to be done to encourage corporate social responsibility orientation in higher education programs. Highlights • Gender, religion and volunteerism are significantly related with students' CSRO. • Women, religious students and volunteers have a greater philanthropic orientation. • Women appear to have a stronger ethical orientation. • The research allowed defining student profiles for each CSRO dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As university–industry cooperation is associated with the transfer of knowledge and technology, this collaboration is an extremely important field of study for the world's economies that helps companies become more competitive. The present research, thus, sought to explore and analyse the literature related to university–industry cooperation, using a co-citation analysis. This study's objectives were to (1) identify the main co-cited references and the groups (i.e. clusters) they form and (2) discuss the challenges this literature presented in the study of university–industry cooperation. The articles reviewed were obtained with a search of the ISI's Web of Science and were submitted to a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software. This systematic literature review revealed that companies are increasingly focused on cooperation with universities. The results include four clusters, namely, (1) Absorption Capacity, Knowledge and Competitiveness in University–Industry Relations, (2) Impact of Knowledge Spill-overs on University–Industry Relations, (3) Strategic Alliances for Industry Innovation, and (4) University–Industry Cooperation. This study thus contributes to a greater and more detailed understanding of the production flow, scientific practices, and trends in this new and stimulating field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo enfoca en la organización brasileña "Comité Nacional para los Refugiados (CONARE). La comisión, integrada por representantes de varios ministerios federales, fue creada en 1997 para abordar las condiciones de los refugiados y regular el marco legal del asilo en Brasil. Se describe cómo abordan los temas de integración social, el reasentamiento y la vida familiar de los refugiados.

The article reports on the Brazilian National Committee for Refugees (CONARE), an inter-ministerial and inter-institutional body which works to determine refugee eligibility, promote refugee-related public policies, design and evaluate resettlement activities and regulate the legal framework for asylum in Brazil. As reported, CONARE has clarified and expanded the 1997 Refugee Act, the first legislation in South America to consider 'severe and generalised violations of human rights' as legitimate grounds for refugee status and became an example for other countries in the region. It is further reported that CONARE gives priority to the protection of refugees without legal and physical protection and women at risk.

Simple Summary: This study mainly aimed to evaluate the seasonal and breed effects on spermatozoa (SPZ) traits of ten Portuguese sheep breeds, cryopreserved and stored in the Portuguese National Germplasm Bank. The mean volume and SPZ concentration of the ejaculate was 0.77 mL and 5039 ± 51 × 106/mL, respectively, and were affected by breed but not by season. The viability (alive SPZ), individual motility, and abnormal morphology of fresh semen were 63.2 ± 0.2%, 61.41 ± 0.2%, and 10.1 ± 0.1%, respectively. A significant decrease of 28.5% of the viability and 35.5% of individual motility, as well as an increase of 54.5% in the SPZ abnormal morphology was observed in thawed semen. An effect of breed, but not of season, was observed on these SPZ traits. Nonetheless, breed × season interactions influenced individual motility and abnormal morphology, except for tail defects. Overall, the effect of season on ejaculate and SPZ traits was not significant and local rams are able to be SPZ donors for cryopreservation during the whole year in our latitudes. The semen quality is one of the determinant factors of ram semen cryopreservation. The present retrospective study aimed to characterize the seasonal ram pattern during the year for ten Portuguese local sheep breeds, hypothesizing that the breed and season had low effects on the main spermatozoa traits. A total of 1471 ejaculates were used and evaluated (fresh semen) from 85 rams between 2004 and 2020 and re-evaluated after thawing (thawed semen). The effect of breed, season, and sperm cryopreservation on nine semen traits were evaluated. The volume per ejaculate, spermatozoa (SPZ) concentration, and total number of SPZ per ejaculate, were affected by breed (p < 0.001) but not by season (p > 0.05). As expected, the semen processing was the most significant (p < 0.001) factor of variation on seminal parameters. Moreover, breed and interactions between breed × semen processing, modulated the response of alive SPZ, abnormal morphology, head, and intermediate piece defects. In fresh semen, season only affected the intermediate piece defects due to the highest percentage observed between February and April period in some breeds. Overall, and despite the mentioned particularities, there were similarities among the ten local breeds. We also concluded that the seasonal effect on ejaculate and SPZ traits is not significant in our region. These local ram breeds have low seasonality and can be employed in natural mating as well as semen donors for cryopreservation and assisted reproductive biotechnologies during the whole year at our latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]