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Abstract 2D MXenes find applications in several technology fields. Solution processing techniques can facilitate the integration of these materials within the technological supply chain. Here, a highly concentrated (up to 1.5 g L−1) and stable dispersion of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes is produced by an environmentally friendly liquid phase exfoliation process (LPE) in dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene). The flakes preserve their elemental composition after 6 months, while those exfoliated in N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), a commonly used solvent, undergo significant oxidation. The cytotoxicity of the MXene flakes in Cyrene and in NMP is investigated by assessing the cellular viability in a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line, which is a relevant model for skin applications. The data show that the MXene flakes in Cyrene induce cytotoxic effects for a dose > 1 µg cm−2, as similarly observed for the MXene flakes in NMP. Efforts are made to overcome this by collecting the MXene flakes and redispersing them in a solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA). MXene in BSA does not affect cellular viability and cell morphology, possibly due to the formation of a protective protein corona around the individual MXene flakes. These findings illustrate an environmentally friendly strategy to produce biocompatible 2D MXene for biomedical applications.

Background: Men’s access to sexual health care is influenced by the nurses’ symbolic universes, translated into maps of signification and normative idealization that structure their practices. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze nurses’ social representations of men’s sexual health, considering the barriers and possibilities in accessing health care. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data were collected through an online focus group with 9 Portuguese nurses. Data were subjected to lexicographic analysis with the support of the interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Results: 269 text segments were analyzed, retaining 84.86% of the total in 4 classes: interactions between professionals and men, therapeutic itineraries, “talking” about sexual health, and men’s access to sexual health care. Similarity analysis led to 3 central cores: problem, saying, and patient. Conclusions: The training of professionals in men’s sexual health to demystify stereotypes about masculinity is fundamental. At the organizational level, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of access and its visibility in electronic records and rethink the planning and provision of primary and differentiated care.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) may manifest with aggressive intracranial stenosis resistant to medical therapy, and patients may develop refractory neurologic deficits and cerebral infarcts, making GCA a life-threatening condition. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman recently diagnosed with GCA, medicated with prednisolone 60 mg daily. Two weeks later, the patient was admitted to our Stroke Unit after a sudden episode of global aphasia. Magnetic resonance angiography showed two recent ischaemic lesions, besides an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 17 mm/hour. A cerebral angiography revealed bilateral stenosis and dilation in the petrous, cavernous and supraclinoid segments of internal carotid arteries (ICA). The patient was started on intravenous methylprednisolone pulses (250 mg daily for five days). Computed tomography (CT) angiography and Doppler ultrasound showed severe vascular disease affecting multiple territories, without significant intracranial involvement. The hypothesis of GCA with extracranial vasculitic involvement was considered as the aetiology of ischaemic cerebral infarctions in multiple territories and, given the severity of the disease, it was decided to add tocilizumab. Despite this, the patient evolved with significant worsening neurological deficits and a CT scan confirmed the presence of new vascular events. Endovascular treatment (EVT) with balloon angioplasty was conducted on both ICAs, with improved calibre and downstream filling. After that, the patient presented sustained clinical improvement, without recurrence of any ischaemic events at the one-year follow-up. This clinical case stands out for the importance of EVT as an effective therapy in patients with medically refractory GCA with symptomatic intracranial stenosis, improving their prognosis.

Introdução: As representações sociais sobre o que é saúde sexual são produzidas, transformadas e reconfiguradas quotidianamente pela ação dos indivíduos, pelas suas experiências nas relações com os outros, e pelas interações sociais em diversos contextos mediados por normas e papéis sociais (Moscovici, 1984; Herzlich, 1992; Jodelet, 1989). Os universos simbólicos dos enfermeiros traduzem-se em mapas de significação e idealização normativa, que estruturam as suas práticas e influenciam o acesso dos homens aos cuidados de saúde sexual. Objetivo: Analisar as representações sociais dos enfermeiros sobre saúde sexual dos homens considerando as possibilidades e os constrangimentos destes no acesso aos cuidados de saúde através da utilização do IRaMuTeQ. Material e Métodos: Estudo qualitativo e descritivo com a realização de um Focus Group online (Morgan, 2019). Na procura de heterogeneidade no grupo de participantes, foram convidados 5 enfermeiras e 4 enfermeiros portugueses com diferentes tempos de exercício profissional nos cuidados de saúde primários e diferentes tipos de serviços dos cuidados de saúde diferenciados. A entrevista de grupo foi transcrita e preparada em corpus textual para a análise lexicográfica, com recurso ao IRaMuTeQ - Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires, um software gratuito, com fonte aberta para análise de dados textuais (Camargo & Justo, 2013; 2018). Foi solicitado parecer ao Conselho de Ética da ESEL e foi obtido o consentimento informado de todos os participantes. Resultados: Análise de 269 segmentos de texto, retendo 84,86% do total para 4 classes: interações entre os profissionais e os homens, itinerários terapêuticos, “falar” sobre saúde sexual e acesso dos homens aos cuidados de saúde sexual. A análise de similitude originou 3 núcleos centrais: problema, dizer e doente. Conclusões: Possibilitar o acesso dos homens aos cuidados de saúde sexual, requer o planeamento e a realização de formação dos profissionais em saúde sexual em geral e sobre os homens em particular. Requer, ainda, uma abordagem positiva da saúde sexual e uma convergência de esforços das políticas de saúde, das instituições formativas, dos investigadores, dos profissionais de saúde e das comunidades em geral para desmistificar crenças e estereótipos sobre a sexualidade, a masculinidade e clarificar a inclusão dos homens como sujeitos de cuidados.

Salt marshes play a critical role in supporting water quality, erosion control, flood protection, and carbon sequestration. Threats from climate change and human activities have prompted global restoration initiatives. We analyzed restoration efforts worldwide from 1978 to 2022, using the Web of Science database and SciMAT mapping tool. After a PRISMA screening to identify methodologies, success rates, and key indicators, a total of 62 publications underwent detailed analysis, to increase knowledge on the best practices to employ in future restoration interventions and evaluation of their effectiveness. The research reveals a growing interest in ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, anthropogenic impacts, and ecosystem services. Assisted interventions emerged as the predominant restoration method, employing 15 indicators across vegetation, sediment, fauna, and water, each one using different metrics for the intervention evaluation based on how good the outcome of the interventions described in the reviewed studies met the desired result. Our analysis suggests that combining natural interventions such as managed realignment with reconnection to tidal waters, along with long-term monitoring of vegetation, fauna, and water indicators such as sedimentation and erosion rates, plant cover and biomass, as well as fauna diversity and density, leads to the most successful outcomes. We provide valuable insights into best practices for future restoration interventions, offering guidance to future practitioners and policymakers based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, contributing to the resilience of these vital ecosystems, and ensuring effective restoration actions in the coming years.

A steady supply of mineral raw materials is vital for the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy. The number of active mines in Europe has severely declined over the last century and half, giving rise to many abandoned mining waste sites and corresponding geological heritage. Also, the rise in minerals demand for large-scale deployment of renewable energy requires the continued and steady availability of key minerals. The supply risk associated with unpredicted geopolitical events needs to be eliminated/mitigated. Historical mine waste sites are the answer but evaluating mine waste is a lengthy and costly exercise. The study, undertaken in the Lousal Mine, used small unmanned aerial systems (sUASs) to model and determine mine waste volumes by generating orthomosaic maps with quick, inexpensive, and reliable results. Calculated mine waste volumes between 308,478 m3 and 322,455 m3 were obtained. XRD and p-XRF techniques determined the mineralogy and chemistry of waste, which varied from mineralization and host rocks with hydrothermal alteration and numerous neogenic sulphates (mostly gypsum, rhomboclase, ferricopiapite, coquimbite, and jarosite) related with supergene processes and weathering. The study shows the viability of using these sUASs to successfully model historical mine waste sites in an initial phase and for future monitoring programs.

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