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Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and rapidly progressive motoneuron degenerative disorder. There are still no drugs capable of slowing disease evolution or improving life quality of ALS patients. Thus, autologous stem cell therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment regime to be investigated in clinical ALS. Method Using Proteomics and Protein-Protein Interaction Network analyses combined with bioinformatics, the possible cellular mechanisms and molecular targets related to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, 1 × 106 cells/kg, intrathecally in the lumbar region of the spine) were investigated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients who received intrathecal infusions of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs thirty days after cell therapy. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD053129. Results Proteomics revealed 220 deregulated proteins in CSF of ALS subjects treated with MSCs compared to CSF collected from the same patients prior to MSCs infusion. Bioinformatics enriched analyses highlighted events of Extracellular matrix and Cell adhesion molecules as well as related key targets APOA1, APOE, APP, C4A, C5, FGA, FGB, FGG and PLG in the CSF of cell treated ALS subjects. Conclusions Extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules as well as their related highlighted components have emerged as key targets of autologous MSCs in CSF of ALS patients. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT0291768. Registered 28 September 2016.

Abstract Background Habitat transitions have considerable consequences in organism homeostasis, as they require the adjustment of several concurrent physiological compartments to maintain stability and adapt to a changing environment. Within the range of molecules with a crucial role in the regulation of different physiological processes, neuropeptides are key agents. Here, we examined the coding status of several neuropeptides and their receptors with pleiotropic activity in Cetacea. Results Analysis of 202 mammalian genomes, including 41 species of Cetacea, exposed an intricate mutational landscape compatible with gene sequence modification and loss. Specifically for Cetacea, in the 12 genes analysed we have determined patterns of loss ranging from species-specific disruptive mutations (e.g. neuropeptide FF-amide peptide precursor; NPFF) to complete erosion of the gene across the cetacean stem lineage (e.g. somatostatin receptor 4; SSTR4). Conclusions Impairment of some of these neuromodulators may have contributed to the unique energetic metabolism, circadian rhythmicity and diving response displayed by this group of iconic mammals.

Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is a mosquitoborne virus that reemerged in December 2023 in Argentina and Uruguay, causing a major outbreak. We investigated the outbreak using epidemiologic, entomological, and genomic analyses, focusing on WEEV circulation near the Argentina‒Uruguay border in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. During November 2023‒April 2024, the outbreak in Argentina and Uruguay resulted in 217 human cases, 12 of which were fatal, and 2,548 equine cases. We determined cases on the basis of laboratory and clinical epidemiologic criteria. We characterized 3 fatal equine cases caused by a novel WEEV lineage identified through a nearly complete coding sequence analysis, which we propose as lineage C. Our findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance and equine vaccination to control future WEEV outbreaks in South America.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to extract lignin from Eucalyptus sp. kraft black liquor and to evaluate the influence of its addition on the properties of the lignin-phenol-formaldehyde adhesive. The adhesives were synthesized at different phenol mass percentages by lignin, called lignin-phenol-formaldehyde adhesives in the proportions of 25, 30, 50, 75 and 80%. The parameters evaluated in the adhesives were pH, total solid content, organic compound content, inorganic compound content, gelatinization time and adhesive behavior in the glue line. The pH ranged from 10.63 to 11.65. For the total solid content was found the value of 53 to 69 %. The contents of organic compounds ranged from 51 to 75% and inorganic from 25 to 49%. It was observed that with the addition of macromolecule in the adhesive formulation, the total and organic solid content was reduced proportionally while the inorganic solid was high. The gelatinization time was reduced due to the addition of lignin. The lower proportions of addition presented better penetration and fluidity in interface with the wood. The kraft lignin extracted from eucalyptus kraft black liquor is a great adhesive with potential to partially replace petroleum-derived phenol, with great potential for use and application in the aeronautical and automotive sectors, in the bonding process of structural parts.

The inflammatory response to wear particles derived from hip prothesis is considered a hallmark of periprosthetic osteolysis, which can ultimately lead to the need for revision surgery. Exosomes (Exos) have been associated with various bone pathologies, and there is increasing recognition in the literature that they actively transport molecules throughout the body. The role of wear particles in osteoblast-derived Exos is unknown, and the potential contribution of Exos to osteoimmune communication and periprosthetic osteolysis niche is still in its infancy. Given this, we investigate how titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), similar in size and composition to prosthetic wear particles, affect Exos biogenesis. Two osteoblastic cell models commonly used to study the response of osteoblasts to wear particles were selected as a proof of concept. The contribution of Exos to periprosthetic osteolysis was assessed by functional assays in which primary human macrophages were stimulated with bone-derived Exos. We demonstrated that TiO2 NPs enter multivesicular bodies, the nascent of Exos, altering osteoblast-derived Exos secretion and molecular cargo. No significant differences were observed in Exos morphology and size. However, functional assays reveal that Exos cargo enriched in uPA stimulates macrophages to a mixed M1 and M2 phenotype, inducing the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory signals characteristic of periprosthetic osteolysis. In addition, we demonstrated the expression of uPA in exosomes derived from the urine of patients with osteolysis. These results suggest that uPA can be a potential biomarker of osteolysis. In the future, uPa may serve as a possible non-invasive biomarker to identify patients at risk for peri-implant osteolysis.

O presente artigo apresenta os resultados de uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura (RSL) sobre o Arduino no ensino de física, utilizando artigos científicos indexados nas plataformas CAPES, SciELO e Redalyc, no período de 2018 a 2023. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conduzir uma análise crítica da contribuição dos estudos na área acadêmica e científica no contexto nacional. Foram adotados procedimentos de pesquisa qualitativa, fundamentados nos conceitos técnicos e científicos da RSL, com processos e dados apresentados em quadros e gráficos. Os estudos analisados evidenciaram contribuições significativas no uso de equipamentos digitais em abordagens experimentais, destacando-se pela utilização de materiais de baixo custo. No entanto, foi observada uma baixa incidência da robótica educacional como estratégia de ensino nesta amostra. Espera-se que este estudo contribua para o campo acadêmico e científico, auxiliando professores e pesquisadores acerca das estratégias de ensino envolvendo Arduino e o ensino de física.

Leishmania is a trypanosomatid parasite that causes skin lesions in its cutaneous form. Current therapies rely on old and expensive drugs, against which the parasites have acquired considerable resistance. Trypanosomatids are unable to synthesize purines relying on salvaging from the host, and nucleoside analogues have emerged as attractive antiparasitic drug candidates. 4-Methyl-7-β-D-ribofuranosyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (CL5564), an analogue of tubercidin in which the amine has been replaced by a methyl group, demonstrates activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Herein, we investigated its in vitro and in vivo activity against L. amazonensis. CL5564 was 6.5-fold (P = 0.0002) more potent than milteforan™ (ML) against intracellular forms in peritoneal mouse macrophages, and highly selective, while combination with ML gave an additive effect. These results stimulated us to study the activity of CL5564 in mouse model of cutaneous Leishmania infection. BALB/c female and male mice infected by L. amazonensis treated with CL5564 (10 mg kg−1, intralesional route for five days) presented a >93% reduction of paw lesion size likely ML given orally at 40 mg kg−1, while the combination (10 + 40 mg kg−1 of CL5564 and ML, respectively) caused >96% reduction. The qPCR confirmed the suppression of parasite load, but only the combination approach reached 66% of parasitological cure. These results support additional studies with nucleoside derivatives.

A figura do diretor técnico foi introduzida na lei em 2012, mas pouca investigação foi produzida para compreender como tem desenvolvido a sua ação. Este estudo pretendeu analisar as perceções dos técnicos de exercício físico (TEF) sobre i) a importância das funções dos diretores técnicos (tal como definidas na lei), e ii) a forma como os diretores técnicos cumprem e desenvolvem as suas funções, contrastando os resultados por segmento de mercado. Realizou-se uma análise descritiva e de frequências a uma amostra de 194 profissionais de exercício com uma média de idades de 34.46 anos (DP = 8.78), e com uma média de anos de experiência de 9.04 anos (DP = 6.84), que participaram voluntariamente neste estudo. O presente trabalho evidenciou que os TEF valorizam as funções atribuídas ao diretor técnico expressas na lei. Verificou-se que a regularidade do apoio do diretor técnico é bastante heterogénea, sendo que em quase 50% dos respondentes a classificação atribuída foi de inexistente ou pouco regular. Verificou-se ainda que cerca de 45% dos TEF consideraram a prestação dos diretores técnicos como sendo muito fraca ou fraca. Da análise por segmento de mercado, o low cost apresentou, genericamente, os piores resultados percentuais, e o premium os melhores.

Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) é a terceira causa de mortalidade a nível global. O tratamento foca-se na melhoria da qualidade de vida, atraso da progressão da doença e redução das exacerbações. Neste contexto, o benefício da reabilitação respiratória tem vindo a ser verificado. Esta medida não farmacológica pode ser implementada na comunidade, no contexto dos cuidados de saúde primários. Objetivos: Esta revisão sistemática propôs-se a fazer um levantamento da evidência atual sobre o impacto da reabilitação pulmonar na qualidade de vida dos doentes com DPOC, num contexto de cuidados de saúde primários. Métodos: Foram pesquisados estudos randomizados controlados em três bases de dados. Foi incluída a reabilitação pulmonar realizada na comunidade e excluídas intervenções em contexto hospitalar. Foi considerado como resultado primário a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde comparando com a terapêutica padrão da DPOC. A extração e triagem de dados foi efetuada por três autores, de forma independente. Avaliou-se o viés pela Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Resultados: Quatro estudos corresponderam aos critérios de pesquisa. Três estudos reportaram benefício em pelo menos um dos resultados. A frequência e duração da reabilitação pareceram ter algum impacto nos resultados. A mortalidade foi mais alta nos grupos de controlo. Os estudos incluídos tinham limitações importantes, nomeadamente a incapacidade de realizar intervenções cegas. Conclusões: A reabilitação pulmonar em cuidados de saúde primários melhora a qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional na DPOC. A duração, frequência e modalidade ótimas da intervenção não estão definidas e poderão depender de características individuais. Embora o paradigma não se altere, espera-se que esta revisão fomente o interesse na intervenção.

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a lethal disease, requires a grasp of its biology for effective therapies. Exosomes, implicated in cancer, are poorly understood in living systems. Here we use the genetically engineered mouse model (ExoBow) to map the spatiotemporal distribution of exosomes from healthy and PDAC pancreas in vivo to determine their biological significance. We show that, within the PDAC microenvironment, cancer cells establish preferential communication routes through exosomes with cancer associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The latter being a conserved event in the healthy pancreas. Inhibiting exosomes secretion in both scenarios enhances angiogenesis, underscoring their contribution to vascularization and to cancer. Inter-organ communication is significantly increased in PDAC with specific organs as most frequent targets of exosomes communication occurring in health with the thymus, bone-marrow, brain, and intestines, and in PDAC with the kidneys, lungs and thymus. In sum, we find that exosomes mediate an organized intra- and inter- pancreas communication network with modulatory effects in vivo.

The current management of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) patients involves a multidisciplinary approach, with surgical resection remaining the primary curative option. The advances in liver surgery have improved outcomes, enabling more patients to undergo surgery successfully. In addition, the development of imaging software has improved the preoperative planning and patient selection for surgery and other interventions. Systemic therapies, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have enhanced the chances of complete resection. Targeted agents, in combination with chemotherapy, have shown efficacy in downstaging tumors and increasing resectability. The algorithm approach for these patients continues to evolve, driven by a deeper understanding of the underlying biology. Personalized medicine, guided by molecular profiling and the potential of liquid biopsies in this field, may lead to more tailored treatment strategies. A greater understanding of the immune microenvironment in CRLM may unlock the potential for immune checkpoint inhibitors and novel immunotherapies to become more prominent in the treatment landscape. This review explores the current state-of-the-art treatment of CRCLM and discusses promising future perspectives.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o teor de nutrientes em solos sob sistemas agroflorestais manejados com e sem queima da vegetação, em uma propriedade de agricultura familiar na comunidade Benjamim Constant, no município de Bragança-PA. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo, foram estabelecidas três áreas experimentárias: 1) sistema agroflorestal com corte e queima da vegetação; 2) sistema agroflorestal sem queima e com raleamento da vegetação, e 3) floresta secundária de 30 anos de idade. Em cada área, foram coletadas amostras de terra nas profundidades 0-5; 5-10; 10-20 cm. Na ocorrência de diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos, o teste de Tukey foi utilizado para comparar as médias, considerando-se um nível de 5% de probabilidade. Os maiores valores de pH, fósforo e acidez potencial foram observados no sistema manejado com queima da vegetação, provavelmente por causa de o experimento encontrar-se em anos iniciais e o efeito fertilizador das cinzas ainda se fazer no solo.

We analyzed the influence of exercise order using the bench press and squat as the first or second exercise of the session on velocity performance. Ten male trained individuals (20.9 ± 0.7 years) randomly performed two protocols of three sets of six repetitions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum with different exercise sequences: the bench press followed by the squat (BP + S) and the squat followed by the bench press (S + BP). A linear velocity transducer attached to the Smith machine barbell measured the mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and time to peak velocity. Additionally, blood lactate and heart rate were measured. Regarding the bench press, differences were found in the MPV in the first (BP + S: 0.50 ± 0.07 m·s−1 vs. S + BP: 0.42 ± 0.08 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.72) and second sets (0.50 ± 0.06 m·s−1 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.73), and in the PV in the second set (0.74 ± 0.09 m·s−1 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 m·s−1; p = 0.02, g = 0.86). Regarding the squat, although the S + BP sequence tended to show higher velocities, no significant differences were found between protocols. These results showed that squatting first decreased subsequent bench press velocity performance. On the other hand, squat velocity performance was not impaired when preceded by the bench press.

The focus of this work is on small municipalities (population below 50 thousand inhabitants) that cover around 87% of the territory of the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA). Based on a comprehensive integrated analysis approach using the three components hazard (climate extremes from CMIP6 future scenarios), exposure (directly affected population), and vulnerability (subdimensions of susceptibility and coping/adaptive capacity by using multidimensional indicators), the latter two using current datasets provided by the official Census IBGE 2022, we document a quantitative assessment of the risk R of natural disasters in the BLA region. We evidenced a worrying and imminent intensification of the curve of R in most Amazonian municipalities over the next two 25-year periods. The overall results of the highest proportions of R (total municipalities affected) pointed out the Amazonas, Roraima, Pará, and Maranhão as the main states, presenting projected categories of R high in the near future (2015 to 2039) and very high in the far future (2040 to 2064). The detailed assessment of the susceptibility and coping/adaptive capacity allowed us to elucidate the principal indicators that aggravate the degree of vulnerability: economy, the precariousness of urban infrastructure, medical services, communication, and urban mobility, whose combined factors, unfortunately, reveal a widespread poverty profile along the small Amazonian municipalities. Our scientific findings can assist decision makers in targeted strategies planning and public policies to minimize and mitigate ongoing and future climate change.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an aggressive and distinct oral disorder with a high potential for malignant transformation (MT). It presents as multifocal lesions that progress over time and frequently recur, often developing carcinomas. Accurately diagnosing PVL is crucial to distinguish it from other oral mucosa lesions that have a lower risk of cancer progression. However, due to the diverse histological features observed in PVL, identifying clinical criteria and histological patterns that can be applied by unfamiliar professionals is challenging. In this study, we present a case of PVL associated with dysplasia in a 53-year-old female patient. The patient exhibited macular and leukoplakic nonscrapable lesions disseminated throughout the oral cavity, with continuous growth. The diagnosis of PVL was established during an 18-month follow-up. This case highlights the difficulties faced by both clinicians and pathologists in diagnosing PVL, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and accurate diagnosis, particularly in patients with unusual oral lesions, and highlighting the discrepancies observed in the application of available protocols to our particular case. Distinguishing PVL from similar conditions can be challenging due to overlapping clinical signs and indistinct histopathological features.

A partir dos acontecimentos de que foi alvo a estátua de Salazar em Santa Comba Dão em 1975 e 1978, procuraremos refletir sobre como a “normalização” democrática se traduziu numa narrativa assente na reconciliação e pacificação, na desvalorização da Revolução e na ideia de que fora o 25 de Novembro, e não aquela, a garantir a democratização e a pacificação automática do país. A forma de evocar o passado e os seus usos públicos é fundamental no combate político na viragem da década de 1970 para 1980 – período de maior tensão e confrontação do que normalmente é percecionado e de charneira no que concerne à violência política – sobretudo, em 1978, ano decisivo no “ajuste de contas” com o passado. As representações desse mesmo passado, especialmente da Revolução, eram essenciais na legitimação do status quo pós 25 de Novembro que não encerrara completamente o debate sobre o modelo de sociedade.

Fábrica de Loiça de Sacavém (ca. 1858–1994) was among the first to produce white earthenware in Portugal, becoming one of the country’s leading ceramic manufacturers during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Research on white earthenware has accompanied the growing interest in post-industrial archaeology but is still poorly explored compared to more ancient ceramic productions. This study focused on the ceramic body, glazes, and colourants of tableware produced by Fábrica de Loiça de Sacavém during the first 50 years of its activity (1859–1910). A multi-analytical approach was selected to investigate the chemical and mineralogical composition of the ceramic body, glaze, and pigments using optical microscopy, variable-pressure scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (VP-SEM-EDS), μ-Raman spectroscopy, μ-X-ray Diffraction (μ-XRD), and reflectance spectroscopy (hyperspectral image analysis). The studied tableware was produced with a Ca-poor siliceous–aluminous white earthenware ceramic body covered with transparent alkali lead or lead borosilicate glaze, and most colourants were complex Cr-based pigments. These results are in agreement with the little documental evidence from this period found in the manufacturer’s archives.

Apresenta-se um conjunto de achados, epigráficos e outros, recuperados da muralha baixo-imperial de Conimbriga no âmbito de uma operação de conservação e restauro que decorreu em 2020 e 2021. São especialmente notáveis os dois exemplos de epígrafes funerárias, bem como um fragmento de inscrição monumental, provavelmente mencionando Nero. Estes achados são discutidos no contexto da reutilização de materiais provenientes da necrópole da cidade como material de construção na defesa tardoantiga.

Apresenta‑se um pequeno depósito monetário que acompanhava um enterramento descoberto em 1964 na Casa dos esqueletos (Conimbriga), composto por 58 moedas de bronze, maioritariamente da segunda metade do séc. IV d.C. É apresentado o conjunto e são tecidas diversas considerações a propósito do simbolismo da presença da moeda em contextos funerários tardo‑romanos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to adapt and validate the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) for Brazil’s cultural reality and assess the psychometric properties. Methods: a methodological study developed in six stages: initial translation; synthesis of translations; back translation; review by expert committee; pretest; and review of the adaptation process by the researchers. For validity, the instrument was applied to a sample of 318 nursing professors from Brazilian federal and state public universities. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability and instrument reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega). Results: the 3D-WFI instrument showed excellent internal consistency (α=0.95 and ω=0.97), three dimensions and explained variance of 62.77%. Conclusions: the Brazilian version of the instrument showed excellent psychometric properties for assessing fatigue among Brazilian workers.

We report electron attachment (EA) measurements for the parent anion radical formation from coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) at low electron energies (

Tropical mangrove forests are important carbon sinks, the soil being the main carbon reservoir. Understanding the variability and the key factors that control fluxes is critical to accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly in the current scenario of global climate change. This study is the first to quantify carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions using a dynamic chamber in natural mangrove soil of the Amazon. The plots for the trace gases study were allocated at contrasting topographic heights. The results showed that the mangrove soil of the Amazon estuary is a source of CO2 (6.66 g CO2 m−2 d−1) and CH4 (0.13 g CH4 m−2 d−1) to the atmosphere. The CO2 flux was higher in the high topography (7.86 g CO2 m−2 d−1) than in the low topography (4.73 g CO2 m−2 d−1) in the rainy season, and CH4 was higher in the low topography (0.13 g CH4 m−2 d−1) than in the high topography (0.01 g CH4 m−2 d−1) in the dry season. However, in the dry period, the low topography soil produced more CH4. Soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen ratio (C/N), and redox potential influenced the annual and seasonal variation of CO2 emissions; however, they did not affect CH4 fluxes. The mangrove soil of the Amazon estuary produced 35.40 Mg CO2 eq. ha−1 yr−1. A total of 2.16 kg CO2 m−2 yr−1 needs to be sequestered by the mangrove ecosystem to counterbalance CH4 emissions.

Objective To analyse payments made to family medicine residents by the pharmaceutical industry during their residency in Portugal, using mandatory disclosure data.Design and participants Cohort study of residents starting their family medicine training in 2015, using data collected from the public national transparency database (Plataforma de Comunicações Transparência e Publicidade). Payments were categorised into six groups, including scientific meetings, educational activities, travel allowances, fees, gifts and undetermined.Main outcome measures Number of payments and the total value received by family medicine residents during their training period; number of payments according to their nature (six categories); number of payments and total value by paying entity.Results We analysed data of 457 family medicine residents. A total of 2790 payments were made to 424 (92.8%) residents, amounting to €826 271.14. Thirty-three residents did not receive any payment. The median number of payments per resident was 5 and the median amount received per resident was €1309.51. Residents who ranked in the top 25%, according to value received, were subsidised more than €2500.90 over the course of their residency. This subset of residents received 59.1% of the total amount disbursed in payments. Payments were primarily for attending scientific meetings (80.9%) and educational activities (17.1%). The top 10 paying entities accounted for 69.2% of the total amount paid.Conclusion Pharmaceutical industry funding for family medicine residents was highly prevalent, raising concerns over industry influence on medical education, while payment distribution was heterogeneous.

O presente artigo tem por objetivo compreender se o pensamento de Monstequieu em dividir os poderes do Estado em Legislativo, Executivo e Judiciário garantiria a sua eficácia na federação brasileira à luz da nossa Carta Magna, trazendo como contraponto a teoria do pamprincipiologismo como causa de uma possível preponderância de um dos Poderes sobre os demais. Essa hipótese será deduzida a partir das condições que ocasionariam um latente desequilíbrio democrático. Far-se-á necessário uma certa introdução aos conflitos filosóficos de Carl Schmitt e Hans Kelsen para que avancemos aos prováveis problemas gerados por determinados desequilíbrios em consequência do neoconstitucionalismo e também do chamado pós-positivismo, enquanto se discorre sobre a importantíssima virada linguística e sua abertura semântica. Com isso o presente trabalho utiliza-se de método hipotético-dedutivo, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica.

Introdução: A Comissão Coordenadora dos Núcleos Académicos (CCNA) impulsiona uma política de dinamização da atividade e desenvolvimento de dezassete núcleos académicos (NA), para promover a qualidade do ensino superior no espaço Lusófono. Questões macro e de organização dos NA, apresentação de ferramentas de gestão, organização de webinars para divulgação dos outputs são exemplos de estratégias fomentadas pela CCNA, nas diversas ações programadas anualmente. Os objetivos dos NA centram-se na promoção do desenvolvimento nas áreas da saúde, participação em estudos e investigação, reconhecimento internacional de qualificações, articulação e desenvolvimento de sinergias com outras estruturas e programas da Rede Académica das Ciências da Saúde (RACS) e valorização da interculturalidade da saúde no espaço Lusófono. Objetivos: Analisar as atividades desenvolvidas e identificar desafios para a implementação dos planos de atividades dos NA. Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, com abordagem mista. Recorreu-se à análise documental dos planos e relatórios de atividades dos NA. Resultados: Foram analisadas atividades desenvolvidas, objetivos, indicadores e recursos utilizados pelos NA em quatro eixos de atuação: 1-Formação/Ensino; 2-Investigação; 3-Profissionalização; 4-Organização/Consolidação do NA. Apurou-se o empenho dos NA ao nível da organização e consolidação dos NA, assim como da Formação/Ensino nos países da Lusofonia, criando grupos de trabalho com foco específico no diagnóstico da profissão em cada país da Lusofonia, com vista ao seu reconhecimento. Salienta-se o eixo da Investigação através da dinamização de diversos projetos de investigação, Seminários e publicação de artigos científicos. Conclusões: Os NA desempenham um papel crucial na formação académica e investigação no ensino superior. O trabalho realizado é monitorizado pela CCNA no sentido de orientar os NA a atingir com sucesso os objetivos e metas indicadas nos planos de trabalho. Como perspetivas futuras, pretende-se criar novas estratégias para obter planos de atividade/relatórios de todos os NA, e obter dados relevantes para novos estudos.

Introdução: À semelhança de outros países, a pirâmide etária em Portugal tem sofrido alterações profundas, com um expressivo aumento na dimensão da população idosa. A multimorbilidade que surge com o envelhecimento leva, frequentemente, à utilização concomitante de vários medicamentos. A polimedicação é particularmente importante no idoso devido às alterações fisiológicas associadas ao processo de envelhecimento, que aumentam o risco de interações medicamentosas, de fraca adesão à terapêutica e de reações adversas à medicação, em particular nos indivíduos muito idosos (85 ou mais anos). Dado que a dimensão da população idosa poderá aumentar significativamente, importa caracterizar o padrão de consumo de medicamentos pelos idosos, identificando também os casos de polifarmácia, de forma a gerar-se evidência que permita o desenvolvimento de medidas específicas de combate à elevada prevalência de utilização e riscos associados. Assim, o objetivo desta análise preliminar foi determinar a prevalência e caracterizar do padrão de utilização de medicamentos pelos idosos em Portugal, desagregando por faixa etária, sexo e localização geográfica. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados relativos aos medicamentos comparticipados e dispensados nas farmácias comunitárias de Portugal Continental em 2019, aos utentes com mais de 65 anos. Efetuou-se análise descritiva demográfica e geográfica, por denominação comum internacional e grupo terapêutico. A utilização foi estudada através do número de embalagens comparticipadas dispensadas e número de embalagens comparticipadas dispensadas per capita (dados do Instituto Nacional de Estatística). Resultados: Observou-se uma dispensa superior nas mulheres, a qual foi aumentando com a idade, à exceção dos idosos 85+, nos quais a diferença tendeu a diminuir. No que diz respeito ao número de embalagens comparticipadas dispensadas per capita, a tendência foi inversa, com os homens muito idosos a ultrapassarem as mulheres 85+ (média de embalagens: 55,5 nos homens versus 55,1 nas mulheres). Nas mulheres, os medicamentos mais consumidos foram os do foro cardiovascular (31%), seguidos dos prescritos para o sistema nervoso central (30%) e antidiabéticos (13%). Nos homens, o ranking foi liderado também pelos medicamentos para o aparelho cardiovascular (37%); contudo, em segundo lugar surgem os antidiabéticos (16%), seguidos dos medicamentos para a hiperplasia benigna da próstata (14%). Conclusão: Existiram diferenças de sexo e idade relevantes no padrão de dispensa de medicamentos comparticipados nos idosos portugueses em 2019. Esta é a primeira análise publicada de âmbito nacional à dispensa de medicamentos em idosos, sendo essencial para caracterizar o perfil de utilização de medicamentos pelos seniores em Portugal.

The challenges before us indicate that the current model of societal development is creating problems for our planet, such as the climate crisis, the increase in inequalities, and the emergence of new phenomena of exclusion and social malaise. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development presents 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that define priorities for a more sustainable world. Education is one of the main ways to create a peaceful and sustainable world for the survival and prosperity of present and future generations. The literature highlights the importance of teachers’ socio-emotional skills and the promotion of socio-emotional skills in their students. The Emotional Education approach proposes a new pedagogical paradigm, in which the individual is encouraged to develop intra-and interpersonal skills, enabling them to deal creatively with their conflicts and those encountered in the environment, and increasing their self-confidence and emotional balance. These skills will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the SDG. Based on these arguments, the study and systematization of social–emotional education is urgent. In this study, a documentary analysis was carried out of the programs of study offered as part of the degrees (undergraduate and master’s level) provided for the training of preschool and primary teachers in Portugal and Spain, with the aim of understanding whether these courses offer content relating to Emotional Education. Programs of study from 127 public and private higher education institutions across both countries were analyzed. The analysis revealed that in Portugal, despite an increase in interest in issues relating to emotional intelligence in schools, this interest is not yet reflected in the initial training of preschool and primary teachers (with only two universities, both private institutions, offering Emotional Education content). In Spain, there is already a considerable number of institutions (29) that offer Emotional Education, but this corresponds to only 30% of the universities listed. The results of this study indicate that there is still some distance to go to make Emotional Education an effective component of the curricula of future teachers and thus contribute to achievement of the SDGs.

Ca2Fe2O5-based catalysts were synthesized from siderite and calcite precursors, which were processed in the form of pelletized samples and tested as water gas shift catalysts. Catalytic tests were performed in a tubular reactor, at temperatures in the range 400–500 °C and with different H2O:CO ratios, diluted with N2; this demonstrates the positive impact of Ca2Fe2O5 on conversion of CO and H2 yield, relative to corresponding tests without catalyst. The catalytic performance was also remarkably boosted in a microwave-heated reactor, relative to conventional electric heating. Post-mortem analysis of spent catalysts showed significant XRD reflections of spinel phases (Fe3O4 and CaFe2O4), and SiO2 from the siderite precursor. Traces of calcium carbonate were also identified, and FTIR analysis revealed relevant bands ascribed to calcium carbonate and adsorbed CO2. Thermodynamic modelling was performed to assess the redox tolerance of Ca2Fe2O5-based catalysts in conditions expected for gasification of biomass and thermochemical conditions at somewhat lower temperatures (≤500 °C), as a guideline for suitable conditions for water gas shift. This modelling, combined with the results of catalytic tests and post-mortem analysis of spent catalysts, indicated that the O2 and CO2 storage ability of Ca2Fe2O5 contributes to its catalytic activity, suggesting prospects to enhance the H2 content of producer gases by water gas shift.