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Background: Studies on early abstinence suggest that cognitive function is significantly reduced in the first year of abstinence, which raises the question of whether it is relevant to early relapse in patients with substance use disorders. This study investigates the extent to which impairments in executive function and memory predict alcohol relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving therapeutic approaches to prevent relapse in patients with AUD. Methods: We selected 116 adult patients (79 male and 37 female) diagnosed with AUD based on DSM‐5 criteria, all of whom were undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment. A comprehensive array of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess global cognition, memory, and executive functions. Patients' alcohol use was monitored monthly during a 6‐month follow‐up period. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to explore the relationship between cognitive function and the likelihood of alcohol relapse. Results: Impairments in global cognition, semantic and phonemic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and learning ability during detoxification were significant predictors of relapse in AUD patients, showing similar predictive values at both 3 and 6 months post‐treatment. An abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score increased the risk of relapse by 123% (HR: 2.227), and impairments in both semantic and phonemic fluency each increased the risk by 142% (HR: 2.423). Additionally, abnormal performance on the MoCA, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT‐B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was associated with a higher number of drinking days at 3 months (IRR: 3.764; IRR: 2.237; IRR: 2.738, respectively) and abnormal MoCA and TMT‐B scores at 6 months (IRR: 2.451; IRR: 1.859, respectively). Conclusions: The MoCA test is a valuable tool for predicting relapse risk in AUD patients undergoing detoxification treatment, with similar predictive value for relapse at 3 or 6 months. Learning ability needs to be assessed and their impairments considered in the treatment of AUD patients. Future research should explore strategies for managing patients with impairments in memory and learning ability to enhance treatment effectiveness and prevent relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Muscleblind-like (MBNL) family is a highly conserved set of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate RNA metabolism during the differentiation of various animal tissues. Functional insufficiency of MBNL affects muscle and central nervous system development, and contributes to the myotonic dystrophies (DM), a set of incurable multisystemic disorders. Studies on the regulation of MBNL genes are essential to provide insight into the gene regulatory networks controlled by MBNL proteins and to understand how dysregulation within these networks causes disease. In this study, we demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of an autoregulatory mechanism that governs the function of MBNL proteins by generating two distinct protein isoform types through alternative splicing. Our aim was to further our understanding of the regulatory principles that underlie this conserved feedback loop in a whole-organismal context, and to address the biological significance of the respective isoforms. Using an alternative splicing reporter, our studies show that, during development of the Caenorhabditis elegans central nervous system, the orthologous mbl-1 gene shifts production from long protein isoforms that localize to the nucleus to short isoforms that also localize to the cytoplasm. Using isoform-specific CRISPR/Cas9-generated strains, we showed that expression of short MBL-1 protein isoforms is required for healthy neuromuscular function and neurodevelopment, while expression of long MBL-1 protein isoforms is dispensable, emphasizing a key role for cytoplasmic functionalities of the MBL-1 protein. Furthermore, RNA-seq and lifespan analyses indicated that short MBL-1 isoforms are crucial regulators of miRNA expression and, in consequence, required for normal lifespan. In conclusion, this study provides support for the disruption of cytoplasmic RNA metabolism as a contributor in myotonic dystrophy and paves the way for further exploration of miRNA regulation through MBNL proteins during development and in disease models. Author summary: Alternative splicing is a molecular process by which one gene can produce multiple protein isoforms. These isoforms often have different properties, and normal cell function and development requires expression of the appropriate isoform. The regulation of alternative splicing is carried out by a set of specialized proteins, one of which is the Muscleblind-like protein (MBNL). This protein is essential during the development and differentiation of many animal tissues. We found that this protein regulates the alternative splicing of its own gene in animals as divergent as nematode and human. We showed that this leads to the timely expression of MBNL protein isoforms that localize to the cytoplasm of the cell. In the cytoplasm, these isoforms acquire new functions unrelated to splicing and regulate molecular processes that control the expression of many other genes. These functions are required for normal development of the nervous system and lifespan in nematodes. This finding is particularly important because it helps us understand the regulation and function of MBNL proteins in animal development as well as identify potential disease mechanisms in myotonic dystrophies, neurodegenerative disorders associated with MBNL dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimetic models are valuable platforms to improve our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms governing membrane-driven processes in (patho)physiological conditions, including membrane permeability, transport, and fusion. However, current membrane models are over simplistic and do not include the membrane's lipid remodelling in response to extracellular stimuli. Our study describes the synthesis of glycated dimyristoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE-glyc), which was structurally characterised by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and quantified by NMR spectroscopy to be further incorporated in a complex phospholipid (PL) membrane model enriched in cholesterol (Chol) and (glyco)sphingolipids (GSL) designed to mimic epithelial membranes (PL/Chol/GSL) under hyperglycaemia conditions. Characterisation of synthesised DMPE-glyc adducts by tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) show that synthetic DMPE-glyc adducts correspond to Amadori products and quantification by 1H NMR spectroscopy show that the yield of glycation reaction was 8%. The biophysical characterisation of the epithelial membrane model shows that excess glucose alters the thermotropic behaviour and fluidity of epithelial membrane models likely to impact permeability of solutes. The epithelial membrane models developed to mimic normo- and hyperglycaemic scenarios are the basis to investigate (poly)phenol-lipid and drug–membrane interactions crucial in nutrition, pharmaceutics, structural biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the success of breastfeeding resides in care at the time of birth. The focus is on hospitals where births take place to support mothers in breastfeeding, encouraging mother-infant skin-to-skin contact soon after birth. To explore the impact of skin-to-skin contact in the scientific literature on successful breastfeeding in healthy term newborns. Search in databases: CINAHL, Medline and Pubmed, descriptors in English: Infant, Newborn; Newborn; Term Birth; Premature Birth; Preterm Infant; Neonatal Intensive Care Units; Breastfeeding; Skin-to-Skin Contact. Skin-to-skin contact is a determining factor in the newborn's adaptation to extrauterine life. The importance of skin-to-skin contact and its association with breastfeeding is evident, with 2 categories: early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact is essential for early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide energy scarcity arising from the massive consumption of nonrenewable energy sources raised a global awareness of the need for cleaner and affordable energy solutions to mitigate climate change and ensure the world sustainable development. The rise of the Internet of Things and the fast growth of the groundbreaking market of wearable electronics boosted a major quest for self-powered technologies merging energy harvesting and energy storage functionalities to meet the demands of a myriad of market segments, such as healthcare, transportation, defense and sports. Thermoelectric devices are a green energy harvesting solution for wearable electronics since they harness the low-grade waste heat from ubiquitous thermal energy sources and convert it into electrical energy. However, these systems generate electrical energy in an intermittent manner, depend on the local heat release availability and require an additional unit to store energy. Flexible and wearable supercapacitors are a safe and eco-friendly energy storage solution to power wearables, offering advantages of security, longer cycle life, higher power density and faster charging over batteries. However, an additional unit that generates energy or that is able to charge the storage device is required. More recently, a new class of all-in-one thermally-chargeable supercapacitors blossomed to meet the requirements of the next generation of autonomous wearable electronics and ensure an endurable energy supply. This self-chargeable hybrid technology combines the functionalities of thermal energy harvesting and supercapacitive energy storage in a single multitasking device. In this Perspective, the advances in the burgeoning field of all-in-one thermally-chargeable supercapacitors for flexible/wearable applications will be critically examined, ranging from their structure and working principle to the rational design of the composing materials and of tailor-made architectures. It will start by introducing the foundations of single flexible/wearable thermoelectric generators and supercapacitors and will evolve into the pioneering venture of fully-integrated thermal energy harvesting/storage systems. It will end by highlighting the current bottlenecks and future pathways for advancing the development of this sophisticated smart technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography enantioseparation and determination of enantiomeric purity of synthetized xanthone and benzophenone derivatives comprising one or more chiral moieties are reported. High enantioselectivity and resolution were observed in (S,S)‐Whelk‐O1 chiral stationary phase (CSP) for the enantiomeric mixtures of compounds comprising an aromatic ring linked to the stereogenic center(s), with α values ranging from 1.35 to 4.15 and Rs values ranging from 2.22 to 13.87. Among all the tested enantiomeric mixtures, those comprising three chiral moieties positioned in the xanthone scaffold gave the best chromatographic results. Enantiomers comprising an alkyl chain linked to the stereogenic centers were enantioseparated on a Lux® Celullose‐2 CSP. For both CSPs, the elution was performed in polar organic mode. The enantiomeric ratio (e.r.) values were always higher than 99%. Additionally, assessment of chiral recognition mechanisms on (S,S)‐Whelk‐O1 CSP was performed by molecular docking approach, which are in accordance with the chromatographic parameters. The nature and number of chiral moieties in the central aromatic scaffold of either xanthone or benzophenone derivatives are proved to be crucial for enantiorecognition. The evaluation of the growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines revealed that (S,S)‐(+)‐5 was the most potent compound, with values of GI50 of 12.83 ± 2.09 μM for A375‐C5 melanoma, 12.40 ± 1.16 μM for MCF‐7 breast adenocarcinoma, and 13.06 ± 1.29 μM for NCI‐H460 non‐small cell lung cancer. In some cases, the growth inhibitory effects demonstrated to be dependent on the stereochemistry of the compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing care is developed with therapeutic intent among the nurse, woman and partner, allowing the promotion of comfort during labor, minimizing anxiety. In order to understand the importance of therapeutic presence, a scoping review was carried out with the question "Does therapeutic presence promote the comfort of women in labor and a partner in a hospital context?" in order to verify if the therapeutic presence promotes its comfort in this context. It was developed according to the protocol of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Through the resource - PRISMA® - and after research with the MeSH descriptors: Hospital; Parturition; Nursing care; Pacient Comfort. Of the 14 articles identified, 4 were included in the review, contributing to understand the importance of the issue under study, always based on the most current evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. Its diagnosis and treatment can significantly change their life and affect their quality of life. Objective: To assess the changes in the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer, from diagnosis to the 6th month of treatment. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, and longitudinal study was conducted with prostate cancer patients, using HRQoL, SF-12, and EQ-5D scales in four moments. Results: Changes were found in HRQoL dimensions across the four moments, as well as in functioning and symptoms. Conclusion: This study provides new evidence on dimensions of HRQoL of patients with prostate cancer, namely emotional and social functions, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea symptoms, sexual activity, urinary, bowel symptoms, and hormonal treatment-related symptoms, from diagnosis to the 6th month of treatment. Health professionals should intervene in the most affected domains to improve the quality of life of prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. Its diagnosis and treatment can significantly change their life and affect their quality of life. Objective: To assess the changes in the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer, from diagnosis to the 6th month of treatment. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, and longitudinal study was conducted with prostate cancer patients, using HRQoL, SF-12, and EQ-5D scales in four moments. Results: Changes were found in HRQoL dimensions across the four moments, as well as in functioning and symptoms. Conclusion: This study provides new evidence on dimensions of HRQoL of patients with prostate cancer, namely emotional and social functions, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea symptoms, sexual activity, urinary, bowel symptoms, and hormonal treatment-related symptoms, from diagnosis to the 6th month of treatment. Health professionals should intervene in the most affected domains to improve the quality of life of prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we reported the development of new chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for liquid chromatography (LC) based on chiral derivatives of xanthones (CDXs). Based on the most promising CDX selectors, 12 new CSPs were successfully prepared starting from suitable functionalized small molecules including xanthone and benzophenone derivatives. The chiral selectors comprising one, two, three, or four chiral moieties were covalently bonded to a chromatographic support and further packed into LC stainless‐steel columns (150 × 2.1 mm I.D.). The enantioselective performance of the new CSPs was evaluated by LC using different classes of chiral compounds. Specificity for enantioseparation of some CDXs was observed in the evaluation of the new CSPs. Besides, assessment of chiral recognition mechanisms was performed by computational studies using molecular docking approach, which are in accordance with the chromatographic parameters. X‐Ray analysis was used to establish a chiral selector 3D structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present text aims to make known a schist artefact engraved with abstract motifs according to a palaeolithic style. The artefact, deposited in the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP), is from Freixiosa in Miranda do Douro county. Our aim is to describe and contextualize it in the scope of the regional rock and portable art dated from the ends of the Upper Palaeolithic to the Epipalaeolithic and also to establish possible connections to other Iberian areas as, for example, the Cantabria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of respirable particulate matter (PM) and the impact on indoor air quality in occupational settings remains poorly characterized. This study assesses, for the first time, the cumulative and non-cumulative concentrations of 14 fractions of coarse (3.65–9.88 μm), fine (0.156–2.47 μm), and ultrafine (0.015–0.095 μm) PM inside the garage of heavy vehicles, firefighting personal protective equipment' storage room, bar, and a common area of seven Portuguese fire stations. Sampling campaigns were performed during a regular work week at the fire stations. Levels of daily total cumulative PM ranged from 277.4 to 413.2 μg/m3 (maximum values of 811.4 μg/m3), with the bar (370.1 μg/m3) and the PPE' storage room (361.3 μg/m3) presenting slightly increased levels (p > 0.05) than the common area (324.8 μg/m3) and the garage (339.4 μg/m3). The location of the sampling site, the proximity to local industries and commercial activities, the layout of the building, the heating system used, and indoor sources influenced the PM concentrations. Fine (193.8–301.0 μg/m3) and ultrafine (41.3–78.2 μg/m3) particles were predominant in the microenvironments of all fire stations and accounted for 71.5% and 17.8% of daily total cumulative levels, respectively; coarse particles (23.3–47.1 μg/m3) represented 10.7% of total PM. The permissible exposure limit (5.0 mg/m3) defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization for respirable dust was not overcome in the evaluated fire stations. Results suggest firefighters' regular exposure to fine and ultrafine PM inside fire stations which will contribute to cardiorespiratory health burden. Further studies are needed to characterize firefighters' exposure to fine and ultrafine PM inside fire stations, identify main emission sources, and evaluate the contribution of exposures at fire stations to firefighters' occupational health risks. [Display omitted] • Coarse, fine and ultrafine PM were for the first time assessed at fire stations. • Location, building layout, indoor sources and heating systems impacted PM levels. • The bar and the PPE' storage room presented the highest levels of respirable PM. • Fine and ultrafine PM were the predominant fractions in all microenvironments. • OSHA guidelines were not exceeded in fire stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is the epileptic syndrome that most affects preschool and school-age children. Despite being usually considered a benign condition, several studies have shown that this epileptic syndrome is responsible for cognitive morbidities in children, namely at the level of attention and memory, as well as language. However, language disorders are still superficially addressed by the literature. This review aimed to compile and synthesize recent literature in this area. This systematic bibliographic research comprises studies published between 2005 and 2016 in PubMed, Science Direct, and PsycInfo computer databases that included the keywords “language”, “cognition”, “benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes”, “rolandic epilepsy”, and “children”. Studies were selected according to the following criteria: (i) published in scientific peer reviewed journals; (ii) performed with children between the ages of 3 and 16 years; and (iii) performed in children with BECTS in the active phase or after remission. Eighteen studies met these criteria. Nine studies mentioned language skill disorders in children with BECTS in the receptive and productive domains of semantics and seven studies in morphosyntax. Regarding phonological awareness, six studies have found limitations in the intrasyllabic, syllabic, and phonemic levels. These studies have also detected deficits in verbal fluency (semantic and phonemic) and in verbal memory. Because of the heterogeneity of the study samples and the use of innumerable distinct tasks in the evaluation of language skills, the results obtained still show some lack of consensus regarding the affected areas. Despite this, it was possible to synthesize and define more precisely the oral language variations presented by this population. We have concluded that the changes in semantic skills are the most frequently mentioned. The studies have also showed morphosyntactic and phonological disorders, in spite of showing some variability among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Foz do Tua Rockshelter is located in river Douro hidrographic basin. The rockshelter use, during prehistory, occurs according to a long-term chronology, which goes from 30 000/20 000 BP to 4 000 BP. There are also Contemporary engravings. Within Foz do Tua Rockshelter we can count at about half a hundred of engraved and painted panels according to various techniques and compositions. The present paper exposes the investigation that has been made in Foz do Tua, describes its iconography and discusses the chronology of its panels/ motifs, based on the regional archaeological data available for Prehistory and Rock art of the northwest Iberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is usually present in critically ill patients, with an impact on their overall health status. For this reason, pain management is essential, involving pain assessment, observation and treatment using appropriate assessment scales/indicators for identifying pain intensity and assessing the effectiveness of the interventions. Objective: To identify the scales/indicators to be used for assessing pain in critically ill patients. Methodology: Integrative literature review through the search for published and gray literature in the MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Results: We found 34 documents, and selected 7 final documents for data extraction and analysis. Conclusion: The BPS, BPAS and CPOT are considered to be the most suitable pain assessment instruments for critically ill patients. The pain indicators found were pupil diameter variation, ventilator asynchrony, restlessness and body movements, facial expressions and vocalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign, expansible, nonneoplastic lesions of the bone, characterized by channels of blood and spaces separated by fibrous septa, which occur in young patients and, occasionally, with aggressive behavior. Giant ABC is an uncommon pathological lesion and can be challenging because of the destructive effect of the cyst on the bones and the pressure on the nearby structures, especially on weight-bearing bones. In this scenario, en bloc resection is the mainstay treatment and often demands complex reconstructions. This paper reports a difficult case of an unusual giant aneurysmal bone cyst, which required extensive resection and a knee fusion like reconstruction with tibia allograft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has posed an obstacle to effective treatment and challenges many malaria control programmes in endemic areas. In Angola, until 2003, chloroquine (CQ) was used as first-line therapy for uncomplicated malaria. It was replaced initially by amodiaquine and, in 2006, by artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) with artemether-lumefantrine (AL, Coartem®). Efficacy study of ACT, conducted in Angola between 2004 and 2005, showed a baseline efficacy of ≈99 %. Methods: 103 malaria patients were enrolled according to WHO proceedings. Patients were followed up with clinical and parasitological evaluations for 28 days, parasite density and identification was evaluated by microscopy, the pfmsp2 were genotyped by nested-PCR, to distinguish parasite recrudescence from new infections; the polymorphisms at codons 86 and 1246 of pfmdr1 gene, and 769 of pfatp6 gene were assessed by PCR-RFLP and sequencing for pfk13-propeller genotype. Results: The cure rate was 91.3 %. The obtained results showed that from 103 patients, 12.6 % (n = 13) still had parasitaemia 1 day after the treatment was finished. On day 0, of the 94 evaluated samples, wild-type alleles were identified in 73.4 % (n = 69) for pfmdr1 N86Y position and only one sample carried the mutant allele (Y) for pfmdr1 1246; 14 % of these samples showed increased pfmdr1 copy number; 100 % (n = 21) had wild-type allele of k13 gene in all the studied positions. Discussion: These results showed changes in parasite profile susceptibility to AL in comparison to the baseline data from 2002 to 2004 and on the genotyping characteristics; the clinical outcome after treatment with AL did not link a particular genotype with treatment failure; observed changes do not provide sufficient evidence for a treatment policy change, but they suggest that a carefully monitoring is needed in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first evidence of sexual reproduction in Aspergillus fumigatus was reported in 2009. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to understand how A. fumigatus is able to reproduce through this mode in its natural environment and how frequently this occurs. The aim of this study was to analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a set of environmental and clinical isolates of A. fumigatus to detect signatures of recombination. A group of closely related Portuguese A. fumigatus isolates was characterized by mating type and the genetic diversity of the intergenic regions, microsatellites and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) genes. A group of 19 SNPs, organized in nine association groups and inherited in blocks, was identified and compared. Several variations on the association panel were detected on reference isolates of A. fumigatus AF293 and A1163, the sequence types available at MLST database and six clinical and environmental Portuguese isolates. About one to four haplotype disruptions were observed per isolate. Considering clinical and environmental isolates, sexual reproduction seems to occur more frequently than previously admitted in A. fumigatus. In this study, a practical SNP approach is proposed for detection of recombination events in larger collections of A. fumigatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns in 13-y-old adolescents and to evaluate their association with socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Methods: Data from 1489 adolescents born in 1990 and enrolled in schools of Porto, Portugal, in 2003-2004 (EPITeen study) were analyzed, after excluding those without information on the food frequency questionnaire and the outliers. The questionnaire items were grouped into 14 food groups and dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis (k-means). Their association with participants' characteristics was computed using multinomial logistic regression. Results: Four dietary patterns were identified. The pattern healthier (16.1%) was characterized by the highest consumption of seafood, soup, vegetables/legumes, fruit, and added fats. The dairy products pattern (29.7%) showed the highest consumption of dairies. The pattern fast food and sweets (14.2%) presented the highest intake of fast food, sweets and pastry, soft drinks and coffee or tea. The lower intake pattern (40%) was characterized by a lower consumption of the majority of food groups. A higher odds of belonging to the fast food and sweets pattern, compared with the lower intake pattern was found among adolescents spending more time watching TV on the weekends (>360 min: odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-3.57) and among those consuming four to seven fried meals per week (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.27-6.90). Adolescents with highly educated parents were less likely to belong to the fast food and sweets group. Conclusion: Unhealthier behaviors and lower socioeconomic position were the main factors associated with the unhealthier dietary pattern (fast food and sweets). This information should be considered in the development of health-promotion interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is a major cause of death among people experiencing homelessness, with mortality rates more than double those in the general population. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) could reduce lung cancer deaths in this population, although the circumstances of homelessness present multiple barriers to LCS LDCT completion. Patient navigation is a promising strategy for overcoming these barriers. The Investigating Navigation to Help Advance Lung Equity (INHALE) Study is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of patient navigation for LCS among individuals receiving primary care at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). Three hundred BHCHP patients who meet Medicare/Medicaid criteria for LCS will be randomized 2:1 to usual care with (n = 200) or without (n = 100) LCS navigation. Following a structured, theory-based protocol, the patient navigator assists with each step in the LCS process, providing lung cancer education, facilitating shared decision-making visits with primary care providers (PCPs), assisting in making and attending LCS LDCT appointments, arranging follow-up when needed, and offering tobacco cessation support for smokers. The primary outcome is receipt of LCS LDCT at 6 months. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, qualitative interviews with participants and PCPs will aid in interpreting and contextualizing the trial results. This trial will produce the first experimental evidence on patient navigation for cancer screening in a homeless health care setting. Results could inform cancer health equity efforts at the 299 Health Care for the Homeless programs that serve over 900,000 patients annually in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the Passadeiro rock engravings study case as a starting point we will synthetically discuss the chronology of the abstract and subnaturalistic rock art within this region (Northeast of Portugal /Northwest of the Iberian Meseta). At the center of our discussion there are two core questions, they are: i) the chronological and cultural context of "devil claw" type carvings, as well as the other linear and thin motifs graphically associated with them; ii) the fact that, in Passadeiro, those motifs ("devil claw" carvings associated to thin linear risks) are overlapped by a subnaturalistic drawing of a red deer, typologically attributable to the beginnings of the Holocene. Questions will also be brought up concerning the regional prehistoric occupation from the end of the Tardiglaciar period to the middle of the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A dual-functional textile device with energy storage and fluorescence was produced. • A fluorescent redox-active solid-gel electrolyte based on ZnS:Mn was prepared for the first time. • The hybrid textile supercapacitor exhibited enhanced energy storage performance. • Excellent cycling stability (100%) after 8000 charge/discharge cycles. • The device could easily power a sensor for ~12 min when charged during 10 s. The evolution of wearable technologies boosted the development of energy storage textiles that can be charged faster and store energy for longer time. Achieving multifunctionality on textiles is a key milestone towards higher value-added smart products. Herein, we report on the fabrication of a novel dual-functional textile device merging enhanced energy storage performance with optical properties. A redox-active solid-gel electrolyte based on fluorescent manganese(II)-doped zinc(II) sulfide was for the first time used to endow the dual functionality to the device when combined with MWCNT-coated textile electrodes. The textile electrodes were prepared through an eco-sustainable straightforward dip-pad-dry process using a natural cotton fabric substrate. The fluorescent hybrid textile supercapacitor exhibited enhanced energy storage performance relative to the EDLC-type analogue containing the undoped electrolyte, namely 20% higher working voltage (1.64 V), 48% higher energy density (1.63 W h kg−1) and 74% higher power density (641.6 W kg−1). Additionally, it presented excellent cycling stability (100%) after 8000 charge/discharge cycles. The device exhibited intense yellow-orange fluorescence under UV light, while preserving the energy storage functionality. This work demonstrated the versatility of this type of devices for dark environment applications, namely in reflective/safety electronic clothing for nighttime users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article argues that teachers have to develop different reading skills in the classroom using a wide variety of text types to adequately prepare their students for the challenges they will face outside the classroom. It notes the tendency of teachers in foreign language classes to develop reading skills by using texts and activities from textbooks. It suggests giving students an active role and opportunities to read authentic texts of different types and develop different reading skills.

Enantioselective chromatography is one of the most used techniques for the separation and purification of enantiomers. The most important issue for a specific successful enantioseparation is the selection of the suitable chiral stationary phase (CSP). Different synthetic approaches have been applied for the preparation of CSPs, which embrace coating and immobilization methods. In addition to the classical and broadly applied coating and immobilization procedures, innovating strategies have been introduced recently. In this review, an overview of different methods for the preparation of coated and immobilized CSPs is described. Updated examples of CSPs associated with the various strategies are presented. Considering that after the preparation of a CSP its characterization is fundamental, the methods used for the characterization of all the described CSPs are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General relativity predicts that two counter-orbiting clocks around a spinning mass differ in the time required to complete the same orbit. The difference in these two values for the orbital period is generally referred to as the gravito-magnetic (GM) clock effect. It has been proposed to measure the GM clock effect using atomic clocks carried by satellites in prograde and retrograde orbits around the Earth. The precision and stability required for satellites to accurately perform this measurement remains a challenge for current instrumentation. One of the most accurate clocks in the Universe is a millisecond pulsar, which emits periodic radio pulses with high stability. Timing of the pulsed signals from millisecond pulsars has proven to be very successful in testing predictions of general relativity and the GM clock effect is potentially measurable in binary systems. In this work, we derive the generic GM clock effect by considering a slowly spinning binary system on an elliptical orbit, with both arbitrary mass ratio and arbitrary spin orientations. The spin–orbit interaction introduces a perturbation to the orbit, causing the orbital plane to precess and nutate. We identify several different contributions to the clock effects: the choice of spin supplementary condition and the observer-dependent definition of a full revolution and 'nearly identical' orbits. We discuss the impact of these subtle definitions on the formula for GM clock effects and show that most of the existing formulae in the literature can be recovered under appropriate assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The syntax-discourse interface is an area of permanent optionality in L2 acquisition. • Optionality at this interface is gradient, ranging from weak to strong. • Optionality at this interface is modulated by, at least, 4 interacting factors. This article investigates the acquisition of two structures involving the syntax-discourse interface, locative inversion (LI) and there -constructions (TC), by advanced and near-native speakers of English whose L1s are European Portuguese and French. Its purpose is to test two hypotheses on the end-state of L2 acquisition at the syntax-discourse interface: the Interface Hypothesis (IH) and the L1+input Hypothesis (LIH). The former proposes that this interface is a locus permanent optionality due to processing inefficiencies related to bilingualism. The latter claims that syntax-discourse structures only generate persistent problems when they are different in the L1 and rare in the input. A battery of timed and untimed tasks tested the verbs and discourse contexts compatible with LI and TC. All L2 groups exhibited optionality regarding the phenomena tested at least in one type of task. Crucially, the control group did not display optionality in any tasks. These results indicate that, as the IH predicts, the syntax-discourse interface is an area of persistent optionality, even when the L1 is similar to the L2. They moreover suggest that optionality is gradient and influenced by, at least, four factors: construction frequency, the quantity and/or distance of the contextual information to be processed, L1-L2 (dis)similarity, and L2 proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is one of the most common childhood disorders. Despite the benignity usually attributed to this epileptic syndrome, several studies have demonstrated that these children have cognitive disabilities. Among these disturbances, language disorders have been the less studied in depth. We aimed to obtain accurate information about the language skills of children with this epileptic syndrome and to explore the correlation between demographic and clinical factors associated with epilepsy and the language skills. We assessed 30 children with this epileptic syndrome, followed in three hospitals in Lisbon, and 60 controls, aged between 6 and 12 years, attending the same schools and matched by age, gender, and parents' socioprofessional level. All the included children did not present cognitive impairment (reasoning ability, verbal memory), sensory, or motor limitations. The evaluation tests covered all language areas. Overall, children with this epileptic syndrome had lower skills in the majority of the language areas, when compared with their peers. These children showed greater difficulties in semantics and syntax domains. The atypical evolution of the seizures and a longer duration of epilepsy were the clinical variables that most influence the language skills of our samples. The early assessment of these capacities and the possible need for therapeutic intervention should be emphasized, in order to minimize the impact on their academic performance and quality of life. • Difficulties were identified at the level of complex semantic skills. • Showed limitations in their performance in tasks involving syntactic skills. • Changes in the intrasyllabic, syllabic, and phonemic levels were identified. • Fewer limitations were found in the pragmatic competences. • Atypical evolution and longer duration of epilepsy influenced the performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of energy transition and climate change, environmentally safe refrigeration technologies are of utmost importance. Magnetocaloric refrigeration (MCR) is one of the most promising alternatives to the existing vapor-compression systems. Overcoming the primary challenges of the low heat dissipation and elevated device production costs is imperative for MCR development. This work provides the first demonstration of an MCR prototype that combines the magnetocaloric material (MCM) gadolinium with a ferrofluidic thermal switch (TS). The performance was assessed using dispersions of MnFe 2 O 4 /Ethylene Glycol:Water and Fe 3 O 4 /paraffin oil. For the first time, a strategic asymmetry was introduced into MCR cycles. The inclusion of the TS did not uncover any advantages in the Gd-alone system by using symmetrical cycles. However, by applying/removing the magnetic field asymmetrically, a remarkable temperature span of up to 0.6 °C was achieved within the TS+MCM prototype. This represents a substantial improvement, reaching up to 60% compared to the Gd-alone configuration. The prototype ensures that a single magnetic field, responsible for driving the magnetocaloric effect, also activates the TS, thereby streamlining system operability and improving performance. To validate our findings, we developed a 1D numerical model, which consistently confirmed that system optimization can be achieved through the exclusive use of asymmetric cycles. Consequently, the application of magnetically-activated fluidic TSs and asymmetric cycles emerge as important strategies for enhancing MCR across a diverse range of systems. • First experimental verification of a magnetocaloric refrigeration cycle coupled with a fluidic thermal switch. • The presence of ferrofluid significantly improves the rate of heat exchange when compared to gadolinium in isolation. • Asymmetric cycles promote a temperature span increase up to ∼ 60%. • Numerical calculations provide confirmation that employing asymmetric cycles is an effective means to optimize refrigeration efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess nutritional risk of alcoholic patients admitted for alcohol detoxification. Methods: Screening of nutritional risk of alcoholic patients using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool. Results: Fifty-three percentage patients at presentation were rated as being at medium or high risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: Malnutrition should be actively considered and screened for in alcoholic patients admitted for alcohol detoxification due to its high prevalence and benefits obtained from treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess nutritional risk of alcoholic patients admitted for alcohol detoxification. Methods: Screening of nutritional risk of alcoholic patients using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool. Results: Fifty-three percentage patients at presentation were rated as being at medium or high risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: Malnutrition should be actively considered and screened for in alcoholic patients admitted for alcohol detoxification due to its high prevalence and benefits obtained from treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planning and development of new chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for liquid chromatography (LC) are considered as continuous and evolutionary issues since the introduction of the first CSP in 1938. The main objectives of the development strategies were to attempt the improvement of the chromatographic enantioresolution performance of the CSPs as well as enlarge their versatility and range of applications. Additionally, the transition to ultra-high-performance LC were underscored. The most recent strategies have comprised the introduction of new chiral selectors, the use of new materials as chromatographic supports or the reduction of its particle size, and the application of different synthetic approaches for preparation of CSPs. This review gathered the most recent developments associated to the different types of CSPs providing an overview of the relevant advances that are arising on LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of magnetic nanoparticles for the remote control of heat transfer in electronic devices can overcome the current limitations of appliance engineering. In this work, we demonstrate that a thermal switch based on a low-cost and stable MnFe 2 O 4 /Ethylene Glycol:Water (MFO/EG:W) dispersion can increase the span temperatures as high as 60% in the 0.01–0.60 Hz operating frequency range under the same heat supply for different recipient filling ratios (FR). Under the optimum condition of FR = 80%, the efficiency of our new MFO/EG:W colloidal dispersion is twice the obtained for the commercial Fe 3 O 4 /paraffin oil fluid. From numerical calculation, we demonstrate that the improved heat exchange efficiency relates to the three-steps effective thermal conductivity variation during operation, expanding the contact time between the heat and cold sources. Thus, the combination of an EG:W refrigerant solution and superparamagnetic MFO nanoparticles with high saturation magnetization allows their use for heat management control of electronic systems for long operation periods. [Display omitted] • A magnetic thermal switch was developed based on an innovative refrigerant dispersion. • The refrigerant fluid doubles the MATS performance, enabling span temperatures up to 60%. • An ON-OFF switching time of ms allows the control of heat flux. • Numerical calculations confirm the change in thermal conductivity during operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption by young people in Portugal, as in most European countries, increases progressively with age, with the starting age is on average around 12 years. These data expresses the dangers of consumption in child/youth, mainly because the biological system is not fully prepared for alcohol degradation. This will trigger significant neurocognitive impairment such as learning difficulties and intellectual functioning. In addition, consumption at these ages increases the likelihood of risk behaviors and therefore the likelihood of developing dependency. Thus, a descriptive study was carried out with 131 students from the 3rd cycle of studies of a school in Lisbon, in order to describe the consumption pattern of these youngsters, using the AUDIT-C method. The average age of participants was 14.7 years. 72.3% of the sample tries out alcoholic beverages before 13 years. The results demonstrate a consumption of Binge Drinking of about 16.5% for at least once a month (3.1%), as well as higher risk behaviors in females. It is therefore pertinent to develop health education efforts in order to prevent the beginning and development of these behaviors at a younger age, starting in the 1st cycle of studies and having in mind the strategies to adopt should differ according to the range age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Evidence has shown that Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is autochthonous in industrialized countries due to zoonotic transmission through direct contact or consumption of raw or undercooked meat from domestic swine or wild boar. As there is lack of data on seroprevalence of HEV in the general Portuguese population, a wide survey was conducted as part of the HEPeCONTROL project (60DT2), under EEA grants funding. Methods Sera from a representative sample of the Portuguese population (n = 1656) at different geographic locations (30 territorial units), and age (0–99 years) were collected between July 2015 and February 2016. The sera were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM by EIA using one of the two most commonly used commercial immunoassays in Europe. Results The overall HEV IgG seroprevalence was found to be 16.3% increasing with age (P < 0.05) from 0.6% in the 0–9 years group to 30.1% in people older than 70 years. The seroprevalence also varied geographically with generally higher seropositivities (25–30%) in the most rural areas of Portugal. However, the geographical differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Out of 1656 samples, 8 were positive for anti-HEV IgM indicating current of recent HEV infection but no significant differences were found concerning age groups, regions and sex. Conclusions The present nation-wide survey provides insight in the epidemiology of HEV in Portugal and confirms that HEV is endemic in the Portuguese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Growing evidence suggests a possible association between low vitamin D levels and increased cardiovascular risk. However, research regarding the period of adolescence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association of vitamin D, intake and serum 25(OH)D levels, with cardiometabolic risk factors in 13-year-old adolescents. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1033 adolescents evaluated at 13 years old as part of the population-based cohort EPITeen. Vitamin D intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed for a subsample of 514 participants. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) features were defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition modified for age. Logistic regression was fitted to estimate the association between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk factors, adjusting for sex, parental education, BMI, physical activity and season. Results Mean (SD) vitamin D levels, 4.61 (2.50) μg for intake and 16.52 (5.72) ng/mL for serum, were below the recommendations. The prevalence of MetS was 13.2%. Total cholesterol and LDL levels significantly decreased with 25(OH)D serum increase. After adjustment, no association was found between vitamin D levels and MetS. Regarding MetS features, an increased odds of high BMI was observed for those with a lower intake (OR 1.87 95% CI 1.04–3.35). Conclusions Although a significant increase in total and LDL cholesterol was observed for lower 25(OH)D levels, and an increased odds of high BMI was observed for those with a lower vitamin D intake, no significant association was observed between vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examines the links between attachment, adaptation to breast cancer, and the mediating role played by emotional regulation processes.Methods: Participants were 127 women with breast cancer recruited in two public hospitals of Porto and at the Portuguese Cancer League. Women completed measures of attachment, quality of life, and emotion regulation. Path models were used to examine the associations between the constructs and to test the mediational hypotheses.Results: Significant associations were found between attachment and adaptation. Dimensions of emotion regulation totally or partially mediated the associations between attachment and adaptation outcomes. Attachment security effects on interpersonal relations were totally mediated by communicating emotions. Also, attachment anxiety effect on physical well-being was totally mediated by rumination. Attachment avoidance effects on psychological outcomes were totally mediated by emotional control and partially mediated by communicating emotions for the case of interpersonal relations.Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of addressing emotional regulation jointly with attachment to deepen the comprehension of the relational processes implicated in adaptation to breast cancer. Results supported a mediational hypothesis, presenting emotional regulation processes as relevant dimensions for the understanding of attachment associations with adaptation to breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a functional characterization of transcription factor NF-κB in protists and provide information about the evolution and diversification of this biologically important protein. We characterized NF-κB in two protists using phylogenetic, cellular, and biochemical techniques. NF-κB of the holozoan Capsaspora owczarzaki (Co) has an N-terminal DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal Ankyrin repeat (ANK) domain, and its DNA-binding specificity is more similar to metazoan NF-κB proteins than to Rel proteins. Removal of the ANK domain allows Co-NF-κB to enter the nucleus, bind DNA, and activate transcription. However, C-terminal processing of Co-NF-κB is not induced by IκB kinases in human cells. Overexpressed Co-NF-κB localizes to the cytoplasm in Co cells. Co-NF-κB mRNA and DNA-binding levels differ across three Capsaspora life stages. RNA-sequencing and GO analyses identify possible gene targets of Co-NF-κB. Three NF-κB-like proteins from the choanoflagellate Acanthoeca spectabilis (As) contain conserved Rel Homology domain sequences, but lack C-terminal ANK repeats. All three As-NF-κB proteins constitutively enter the nucleus of cells, but differ in their DNA-binding abilities, transcriptional activation activities, and dimerization properties. These results provide a basis for understanding the evolutionary origins of this key transcription factor and could have implications for the origins of regulated immunity in higher taxa. Transcription factor NF-ĸB is a key regulator of immunity in mammals, but its function in protists like Capsaspora and choanoflagellates is not known. Here, Leah Williams et al. characterize and compare the structure, activity, and regulation of NF-ĸB from Capsaspora and one choanoflagellate, providing further insight into the origins of NF-ĸB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because algae are primarily aquatic, it seems almost paradoxical that there should exist a relatively diversified soil flora where aerophytic cyanoprokaryotes are especially abundant. However, there appear to be relatively few studies on this topic. This paper aims to improve the taxonomic knowledge on the chroococcalean and oscillatorialean cyanoprokaryote flora in tropical regions. Samples of cyanoprokaryotes were collected in the rainforest region of the São Paulo State, Brazil. Data on cyanoprokaryote mass type and color, substratum type, air and mass temperature and humidity, pH and absolute and relative irradiance were collected. The study revealed the presence of 24 species belonging to the orders Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales (12 species each). Aphanothece (four species) was the most species-rich genus. Overall, taxonomic resolution at the species level based on morphological and morphometric data can still be problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scoping Review was developed based on the structure proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and emerges within the scope of the project: Intercultural Mediators in health units - MeiOS - Intercultural Mediation and Outcomes in Health. The initial question was: How are the experiences of motherhood of migrant women characterized? As objectives of the research it is defined: 'Identify scientific evidence in the theme of the selected question' and 'Understand maternity experiences in migrant women'. In the research, two databases were used for the selection of articles, namely PubMed and ProQuest, in which two articles were selected that contributed to the research question. Based on the evidence researched, it was concluded that migrant women in maternity have diverse experiences that are influenced by health professionals, as such they must acquire cultural skills to provide individualized and humanized care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Paediatric population still represents a high burden of hospitalisations among burns inpatients. Children under five years old have a distinct aetiology distribution comparing to other age groups, representing in Portugal a fifth of all hospitalisations with burns. We aimed to describe the demographic and clinical burden of burns requiring hospitalization, as well as hospitalization charges, among this age group in Portugal.Methods: We performed a retrospective study including inpatients younger than five years-old and discharged between 2011 and 2015 in a public Portuguese hospital with a main or secondary diagnosis of burns (ICD-9-CM: 940.xx-949.xx). Clinical and demographics characteristics were assessed, as well as hospital reimbursement charges.Results: A total of 1217 hospitalisations with burns were found, with a hospitalization rate of 54.6 hospitalisations/100,000 inhabitants/year, higher among boys. Ninety percent of them were due to hot liquid or objects. There were three in-hospital deaths. There was a median length of stay of 9days and a mean hospitalization reimbursed charge of 3073 Euros (4918 I$). Non-rural: rural hospitalization rate ratio was of 0.42:1. Évora and Bragança were the districts with higher hospitalization rate with 116 and 107, respectively.Discussion: This Portuguese nation-wide study on hospitalisations with burns highlights that 90% of all burns were due to hot liquid or object and a major impact of patients younger than 2years old in this age group. Urban vs rural difference in hospitalization rate should also be considered for further health inequalities' studies. As conclusion, ongoing attention needs to be dedicated to paediatric burn prevention and safety cost-effective strategies, particularly in relation to scalds, to further reduce the incidence of burn hospitalisations in children and the associated hospital costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are used extensively for the treatment of diverse types of cancer. They block cancer cells in mitosis through the activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), the surveillance mechanism that ensures accurate chromosome segregation at the onset of anaphase. However, the cytotoxic activity of MTAs is limited by premature mitotic exit (mitotic slippage) due to SAC silencing. Here we have explored the dual role of the protein Spindly in chromosome attachments and SAC silencing to analyze the consequences of its depletion on the viability of tumor cells treated with clinically relevant doses of paclitaxel. As expected, siRNA-mediated Spindly suppression induced chromosome misalignment and accumulation of cells in mitosis. Remarkably, these cells were more sensitive to low-doses of paclitaxel. Sensitization was due to an increase in the length of mitotic arrest and high frequency of multinucleated cells, both correlated with an exacerbated post-mitotic cell death response as determined by cell fate profiling. Thus, by affecting both SAC silencing and chromosome attachment, Spindly targeting offers a double-edged sword that potentiates tumor cell killing by clinically relevant doses of paclitaxel, providing a rationale for combination chemotherapy against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general aim of this study was identifying the motivational level of students in Accounting and Economics regarding the search for a stricto sensu graduate degree. Also, it sought to determine the variables that significantly influence the motivation of these individuals. Having the Self- -Determination Theory as a basis, a questionnaire was prepared resorting to the Academic Motivation Scale developed by Vallerand, Pelletier, Blais, Brière, Senécal, and Vallières (1992), and translated into Portuguese by Sobral (2003). The database contains observations of 173 university students from public institutions in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which provided courses in Accounting and Economics. The methodological procedure consisted in conducting a non-parametric test of mean values for the Motivation Self-Determination Index (MSI) of students, in calculating the correlations between the MSI and individual characteristics of students, and finally in estimating multiple linear regressions. Research results indicated that students in Accounting showed no difference regarding the motivational level when compared to students in Economics. It was also possible to notice that women, older students, scientific initiation scholarship holders, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those whose mothers have higher educational level tend to have a rather self-determined motivation. Additionally, it was found that insertion into the labor market increases self-determined motivation to pursue a stricto sensu Master's degree only in the case of students in Accounting. The research was limited to the fact that the sample only included students of public education institutions from Minas Gerais. For future research, it is suggested that the procedures of this study be replicated in privet institution and in different states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general aim of this study was identifying the motivational level of students in Accounting and Economics regarding the search for a stricto sensu graduate degree. Also, it sought to determine the variables that significantly influence the motivation of these individuals. Having the Self-Determination Theory as a basis, a questionnaire was prepared resorting to the Academic Motivation Scale developed by Vallerand, Pelletier, Blais, Brière, Senécal, and Vallières (1992), and translated into Portuguese by Sobral (2003). The database contains observations of 173 university students from public institutions in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which provided courses in Accounting and Economics. The methodological procedure consisted in conducting a non-parametric test of mean values for the Motivation Self-Determination Index (MSI) of students, in calculating the correlations between the MSI and individual characteristics of students, and finally in estimating multiple linear regressions. Research results indicated that students in Accounting showed no difference regarding the motivational level when compared to students in Economics. It was also possible to notice that women, older students, scientific initiation scholarship holders, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those whose mothers have higher educational level tend to have a rather self-determined motivation. Additionally, it was found that insertion into the labor market increases self-determined motivation to pursue a stricto sensu Master's degree only in the case of students in Accounting. The research was limited to the fact that the sample only included students of public education institutions from Minas Gerais. For future research, it is suggested that the procedures of this study be replicated in privet institution and in different states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular, repetitive structures are a key component of complex multicellular body plans across the tree of life. Typically, these structures are prepatterned by temporal oscillations in gene expression or signaling. Although a clock-and-wavefront mechanism was identified and plant leaf phyllotaxis arises from a Turing-type patterning for vertebrate somitogenesis and arthropod segmentation, the mechanism underlying lateral root patterning has remained elusive. To resolve this enigma, we combined computational modeling with in planta experiments. Intriguingly, auxin oscillations automatically emerge in our model from the interplay between a reflux-loop-generated auxin loading zone and stem-cell-driven growth dynamics generating periodic cell-size variations. In contrast to the clock-and-wavefront mechanism and Turing patterning, the uncovered mechanism predicts both frequency and spacing of lateral-root-forming sites to positively correlate with root meristem growth. We validate this prediction experimentally. Combined, our model and experimental results support that a reflux-and-growth patterning mechanism underlies lateral root priming. [Display omitted] • Lateral root priming arises from the interplay of root growth and auxin transport • Auxin loading preferentially occurs in narrow elongated cells of the vasculature • Root growth produces periodic variations in cell length and, hence, auxin loading • Experiments support this model and not a Turing pattern or clock-and-wavefront model Combining computational modeling with experiments, van den Berg et al. deciphered the mechanism underlying periodic plant root system branching. The authors demonstrated that the interplay between auxin transport and root tip growth dynamics gives rise to periodic elevations in the hormone auxin, prepatterning future lateral-root-forming sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]