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A recent report from the Center for Research in Coimbra, Portugal discusses the development and psychometric properties of the Forensic Professional's Stress Inventory (FPSI). The FPSI is a 25-item scale designed to assess stress and psychological distress in justice system professionals such as judges, lawyers, and attorneys. The research conducted exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the most interpretable and parsimonious factor solution for the FPSI. The study concluded that the FPSI has adequate psychometric properties and can be a useful instrument for assessing psychological strain and stress in forensic professionals. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the use of deep learning and graph neural networks to predict molecular properties in drug discovery. The researchers propose a few-shot GNN-Transformer architecture that combines graph embedding tokens of different sizes to improve representation learning. They also utilize a multi-scale Transformer with a cross-attention mechanism to exchange information between deep representations. The study demonstrates the superior performance of their model compared to other graph-based methods. The code and data for this research are available in a public repository. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal conducted a study to assess the validity and reliability of the Authenticity Scale (AS) in a sample of participants from Brazil and Portugal. The study involved an online survey with 1,077 Brazilian citizens and 622 Portuguese citizens. The researchers found that the AS is an effective measure to assess authenticity across different groups, although there were some limitations identified. The study suggests potential modifications for improving the AS. Financial support for the research came from Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES). [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with the progression of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. The study found that insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic dysregulation, is characterized by the downregulation of genes related to adipose tissue vasculature remodeling. Prediabetes was associated with compensatory growth factor-dependent signaling and increased response to hypoxia, while type 2 diabetes was linked to a loss of cellular response to insulin and hypoxia, along with increased inflammation. This research provides valuable insights into the complex processes underlying adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal highlights the efforts of a multidisciplinary team from three universities in the region to promote Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (3PM). The team developed various approaches to enhance and expand personalized medicine in the region, including defining a new regional strategy, training human resources in genomic sequencing, and creating educational materials. The researchers emphasize the importance of increasing literacy on 3PM among citizens, including patients, students, and healthcare professionals. They also suggest the inclusion of multi-omics and suboptimal health status approaches in the 3PM framework to anticipate medical intervention in the subclinical phase. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal examines the characteristics and typologies of rural arsonists, who are responsible for a significant number of fires causing environmental and community damage. The study analyzed the criminal records of 450 rural arsonists and found that 61% had mental health and alcohol problems. The research developed a typology of rural arsonists, categorizing them into three groups: Expressive - Mental Health Problems (39%), Expressive - Alcohol Consumption (38%), and Instrumental - Socially Adjusted (23%). The study aims to increase understanding of rural crime and assist criminal investigations. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Coimbra University Hospital in Portugal discusses a case of descending necrotising mediastinitis (DNM) in a young child. The patient presented with symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, and refusal to eat, which rapidly worsened. Cervicothoracic CT revealed a retropharyngeal abscess extending to the mediastinum, and the patient underwent antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. The research emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approaches to minimize morbidity and mortality. This information may be useful for researchers and medical professionals studying mediastinal diseases and conditions, particularly in pediatric patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra in Portugal examined the safety of direct oral provocation tests (DPT) in infants with mild cutaneous non-immediate reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics. The study analyzed data from 151 infants referred for suspected allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics. The results showed that a direct DPT without prior tests is a safe and effective procedure for delabeling beta-lactam allergy in infants. The researchers emphasized the importance of proper diagnostic procedures to validate allergy suspicions and avoid unnecessary therapeutic restrictions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal discusses the implementation of an evidence-based social and emotional learning program for teachers called the Incredible Years? Teacher Classroom Management (IY-TCM). The program has shown promising results in improving children's social, emotional, behavioral, and problem-solving skills. The study involved 90 teachers and 535 children aged 2 to 10 years old. The findings suggest that the program was effective in improving children's skills, although certain factors such as the child's baseline behavioral difficulties and the mother's education level influenced the outcomes. The research contributes to the understanding of the program's effectiveness and provides guidelines for scaling up and sustaining its effects. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed a new approach to predict the binding affinity between drugs and their targets. The study proposes an end-to-end binding-region-guided Transformer-based architecture that simultaneously predicts the binding pocket and the binding affinity of drug-target interaction pairs. The results show that this architecture, called TAG-DTA, outperforms existing methods in predicting drug-target affinity. The research highlights the importance of considering the inter-dependency of proteomics, chemical, and pharmacological spaces in drug discovery and demonstrates the applicability of the proposed architecture in this context. The data and source code used in the study are available for further exploration. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the prevalence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) compared to healthy controls. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 22 case-control studies involving 1313 participants and found that BD patients had a higher burden of WMH compared to healthy controls. However, the study had limitations, including the inability to analyze gender differences and bipolar type, moderate heterogeneity between studies, non-representative samples, and a lack of control for major confounders. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between WMH and BD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Polytechnical Institute of Coimbra in Portugal examines the disparities in direct payments within the common agricultural policy. The research found that despite efforts to achieve a fairer distribution of payments, 20% of farmers still receive 80% of the total amount. Factors such as the local importance of arable crops and cattle farming systems, larger farms, and younger farmers contribute to increased access to direct payments. However, there has been some redistribution of support from larger to smaller farmers, older to younger farmers, and from olives, cereals, and cattle to other farming systems, particularly vineyards. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have found that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in a tropical seabird community, which could pose a threat to wildlife. The study investigated the role of plastic ingestion, foraging patterns, and trophic preferences of five tropical seabird species in relation to EDC exposure. The researchers discovered that microplastics occurrence and EDC detection frequency varied among species, and that trophic position played a key role in EDC accumulation. These findings have implications for marine wildlife conservation and pollution management in sensitive environments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal examined changes in mortality rates due to tuberculosis in the city of Coimbra between 1861 and 1914. The study analyzed the biographical data of individuals buried in the Coimbra Municipal Cemetery of Conchada who had tuberculosis registered as the cause of death. The findings revealed that mortality from tuberculosis increased over time, with a total of 552 individuals dying from the disease. The researchers suggested that this increase may be attributed to factors such as population growth, deteriorating living conditions, and changes in bacterial virulence and the host immune system. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While gadolinium is essential for diagnostic purposes, its routine use in monitoring disease activity and response to treatment is controversial. The study concludes that it is feasible and safe to exclude gadolinium-based contrast agents from routine follow-up scans of MS patients, although they may still have a role in specific clinical circumstances. The research provides guidelines for clinical practice in the use of gadolinium in MS imaging. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Polytechnical Institute of Coimbra in Portugal have conducted a study on distinguishing between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis using deep learning models. The researchers aimed to develop a tool that can help doctors differentiate between the two chronic diseases by training deep learning models with images of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They also explored the use of knowledge distillation to create lighter and simpler architectures with the same precision as the pre-trained models. The study concluded that it is possible to reduce the number of parameters while maintaining good performance and reducing inference time. The models were also able to identify ulcers, bleeding situations, and lesions caused by the inflammation of the disease. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the impact of extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the cardiovascular system. EVs are small vesicles that transfer bioactive molecules and play a role in long-range communication within the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the beneficial roles of EV-mediated communication in maintaining vascular homeostasis and discusses their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The research concludes that EVs have both cardioprotective and detrimental effects, and further investigation could uncover new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CVDs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the cognitive-motivational processes that influence career decision-making and well-being among high school students in Portugal. The study utilizes self-determination and schema therapy theories to examine the regulation of career decisions and the experience of well-being during the transition from school to work. The findings reveal two pathways of transition: a "Bright" pathway characterized by positive need satisfaction and flexible schematic processing, and a "Dark" pathway characterized by need frustration and controlled career decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of cognitive-motivational factors in career decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the relationship between decent work and burnout among academic personnel in Portugal and Brazil. The study found that two dimensions of decent work, Fundamental Principles and Values at Work and Adequate Working Time and Workload, were negatively related to burnout. The researchers identified four profiles among the participants, including those with low decent work and high decent work, as well as profiles with deficits in one or both dimensions of decent work. The study suggests that interventions should focus on improving these two dimensions to reduce burnout. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Escola Universitaria Vasco da Gama in Coimbra, Portugal, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle breeders regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases. The study used a questionnaire and found that 64% of breeders of the Alentejana breed and 63% of breeders of the Mertolenga breed had an average level of knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases. Additionally, 71.4% of Alentejana breeders and 63.3% of Mertolenga breeders stated that one of the main reasons for veterinary consultations on their farm was deworming of animals. The study concluded that there is a need to improve knowledge on the life cycle of ticks, their local distribution and seasonality, resistance to acaricides, and alternative control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the use of electrochemical biosensors for detecting telomerase activity, which is considered a key indicator of cancer presence. The researchers highlight the potential of these biosensors for early cancer detection and the development of personalized treatment tools. The study discusses the fabrication methodologies, sensing mechanisms, and detection strategies of these biosensors, as well as their key performance parameters. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the field of electrochemical biosensor technologies for cancer detection. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Department of Ophthalmology in Coimbra, Portugal provides insights into the genetic profile of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Portugal. Syndromic RP is a group of inherited retinal degenerations that can have extra-ocular manifestations. The study included 122 patients from 100 families, with Usher syndrome being the most frequent diagnosis (62%), followed by Bardet-Biedl syndrome (19%) and Senior-Loken syndrome (7%). Deleterious genetic variants were identified in 86% of families, with a high diagnostic yield for Usher and Bardet-Biedl syndromes. The study contributes to a better understanding of syndromic RP and has implications for disease prognosis and genetic counseling in Portugal. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the neurochemical differences in the brains of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) to measure the concentrations of certain metabolites in key regions of the brain associated with ASD. The findings suggest that differences in these metabolites may serve as neurochemical markers for atypical brain metabolism in children with ASD, potentially contributing to advancements in clinical monitoring and treatment. The study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology and molecular neurobiology of ASD. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Coimbra University Hospital Center in Portugal explores the case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a persistent headache and behavioral changes that progressed to a coma. The patient's symptoms were initially attributed to chronic depression, but she later developed generalized dystonia and fever, leading to rapid clinical deterioration. The research highlights the complexity of diagnosing progressive subacute encephalopathy and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment, particularly in pregnant patients. The study concludes that prompt intervention is crucial in order to make critical decisions regarding pregnancy and treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the concept of the "social environment" in relation to mental health. The research highlights a shift in thinking after World War II, where experts and policymakers began to consider the interplay between social context and mental health and illness. The study also discusses the rise of quantification in psychiatry during this period and how the concept of the "social" became fragmented into quantifiable social determinants. The research calls for a redefinition of the understanding of the "social" in mental health research and practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal examined the use of early coronary angiography (CAG) in patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without ST-segment elevation. The study analyzed data from seven randomized controlled trials and found that early CAG did not result in reduced mortality or improved neurological status in these patients. The findings suggest that the optimal timing and role of early CAG in OHCA patients without ST-segment elevation remains unclear. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of cardiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has examined the relationship between antibiotic residues, zinc concentrations, and resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in piglets. The study aimed to determine the levels of antibiotic residues and zinc in piglets' livers and kidneys, as well as the correlation between the use of zinc and antibiotics and the resistance to zinc and antibiotics in E. coli. The findings suggest that zinc use in pig production may contribute to antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance in bacteria, with implications for One Health. The study was supported by the Portuguese public agency FCT and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the potential of topical nanoemulsions in the treatment of skin cancer. Nanoemulsions are innovative formulations that have shown promise in enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects and improving patient compliance. The study examines the characteristics of nanoemulsions, such as droplet size distribution and surface charge, and their ability to efficiently deliver a wide range of molecules. The research focuses exclusively on the role of topical nanoemulsions in advancing skin cancer therapy, particularly for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal explored the use of numerical rating scales to assess the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on patients' lives. The researchers found that population-based reference values were not suitable as targets for individual patient care, as there was significant variation in the severity of impact that patients considered acceptable. The study concluded that alternative tools are needed to support patient-centered management strategies for rheumatoid arthritis. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Coimbra, Portugal examined the association between sleep and socio-emotional development in toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. The study found that sleep duration was significantly associated with socio-emotional development, even after adjusting for confounding factors. However, sleep quality was not found to be significantly associated with socio-emotional development. The researchers concluded that prioritizing sleep duration in intervention programs could improve socio-emotional development in early childhood. This research was supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Coimbra in Portugal discusses the development of a dual drug delivery system for obesity, fitness, and wellness. The system consists of electrospun fibers made of poly(lactic acid) embedded with halloysite nanotubes. The fibers are capable of releasing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously and in a sustained manner for three weeks. The research demonstrates that these composite fibers are effective for the co-delivery of drugs with opposite water affinities. The study was supported by Portuguese Foundations for Science and Technology and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Coimbra in Portugal explores the need for palliative care programs that support family caregivers of oncologic patients. The study reviewed sixteen articles and found a wide range of intervention programs with varying outcomes. The results highlighted the importance of family-oriented programs and the mental health of family caregivers. The study suggests that future interventions should focus on positive caregiving experiences and consider cultural differences. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Hospital & University of Coimbra in Portugal has shed light on the concept of augmented renal clearance (ARC) in the treatment of sepsis. The study found that mathematical estimates of renal function in critically ill patients are often inaccurate, which can lead to incorrect dosing of antimicrobials. ARC was found to be more common than previously thought, and it was associated with subtherapeutic levels of certain antibiotics. The researchers recommend using measured creatinine clearance based on urine output to identify ARC and adjust antibiotic dosages accordingly. However, more research is needed to provide concise recommendations for antibiotic dosage regimens. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal has explored the use of deep learning models to improve the detection of polyps, which are precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC). The study utilized the YOLOv4 model and deployed it on NVIDIA TensorRT to optimize and quantize the model for real-time performance. Various techniques such as data augmentation and transfer learning were tested to enhance the accuracy of the model. The research found that quantization, specifically at the FP16 and INT8 levels, did not significantly degrade the model's accuracy and could potentially be used as a regularization technique. The study also highlighted the importance of data augmentation in overcoming the lack of labeled data in the medical field. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed edible and biodegradable films for food packaging using potato and quince peels. The films were found to be hydrophilic and exhibited good water vapor sorption capacity and permeability. The film made with quince peel was the most flexible, likely due to the presence of sugars and pectin. The researchers tested the film on cured cheeses and found that it increased cheese hardness without affecting sensory properties, making it a promising option for preserving this type of food product. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have published a report on the potential link between microbial toxins in the gut and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study suggests that certain toxins, such as beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), found in certain foods, may trigger PD by promoting chronic gut inflammation that affects the brain. The researchers conducted experiments on mice, neuronal cultures, cell lines, and isolated mitochondria to analyze the impact of BMAA on gut microbiota, inflammation, and neuronal loss. The findings indicate that chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to the progression of PD pathology from the gut to the brain. [Extracted from the article]