Search Results (106)

Thermovinification has emerged as a rising alternative method in red wine production, gaining popularity among winemakers. The use of autochthonous yeasts isolated from grapes is also an interesting practice that contributes to the creation of wine with a distinctive regional character. This research investigated how combining thermovinification with autochthonous yeast strains influences the fermentation dynamics of Syrah wine. Six treatments were conducted, combining the use of commercial and two autochthonous yeasts with traditional vinification (7-day maceration) and thermovinification (65 °C for 2 h) processes. Sugars and alcohols were quantified during alcoholic fermentation by high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. Cell viability and kinetic parameters, such as ethanol formation rate and sugar consumption, were also evaluated. The Syrah wine’s composition was characterized by classical wine analyses (OIV procedures). The results showed that cell viability was unaffected by thermovinification. Thermovinification associated with autochthonous yeasts improved the efficiency of alcoholic fermentation. Thermovinified wines also yielded a higher alcohol content (13.9%). Future studies should investigate how thermovinification associated with autochthonous yeasts affects the metabolomic and flavoromic properties of Syrah wine and product acceptability. Full article

Salinity poses a significant challenge in modern agriculture, often inhibiting growth and yield, especially in sensitive crops like onions (Allium cepa L.). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a freshwater-algae-based biostimulant on two onion cultivars, Franciscana IPA-10 and Vale Ouro IPA-11, to mitigate saline irrigation’s adverse effects. Five biostimulant concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mL L⁻¹, applied to the soil) were tested, along with two foliar treatments at 2 mL L⁻¹ as controls. Our findings showed that applying 4 mL L⁻¹ to the soil boosted growth rates to 1.0 cm per day (1), increased the potassium-to-sodium ratio in bulbs, and improved both average bulb weight by 25.11% and overall productivity by 24.28%, relative to untreated conditions. These results suggest that the biostimulant at 4 mL L⁻¹ is an effective method to enhance resilience to saline stress and increase productivity in the IPA-10 and IPA-11 cultivars. However, while the biostimulant improved plant performance, it did not counteract the accumulation of salts in the soil. Therefore, additional management practices such as leaching and drainage are recommended to ensure sustainable onion production under saline water irrigation. Full article

The therapeutic management of Chagas disease requires new medicines because the standard-of-care drugs available induce adverse effects and have limited efficacy. In this study, we developed a formulation of albaconazole (ABZ) loaded in biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules (NCs). Free ABZ and ABZ-loaded NCs were similarly active against the Y strain and inactive against the Colombian strain epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Infected mice were given ABZ in different doses and treatment schedules by oral, SC, and IM routes during the acute phase of infection. Free ABZ taken orally reduced parasitemia and suppressed mortality; however, all the animals maintained patent parasitemia during and after treatment. ABZ-NCs increased anti-T. cruzi effects (p < 0.05), inducing negative parasitemia during treatment in most of the tested regimens. The parasitemia level was also significantly reduced after treatment with ABZ-NCs during the acute phase of the disease, and relapses were delayed compared with the free ABZ treatment. Once- and twice-daily doses were similarly effective, demonstrating that the NCs prolonged the ABZ-NC residence time. Free ABZ and ABZ-NCs did not prevent infection, ABZ seemed to have suppressive effects on T. cruzi growth, and encapsulation prolonged this suppression. The analysis of the in vivo results indicated that the NCs significantly improved the safety of ABZ in the mouse model, suggesting that the increased ABZ-NC dosage regimen merits further efficacy and pharmacokinetic evaluations. Full article

Workplace bullying is a violent, devastating social phenomenon that affects professionals from various fields. The present study aimed to map the bullying behaviors suffered by Portuguese healthcare professionals in the workplace and the coping strategies they used. In this quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study, 208 Portuguese healthcare professionals participated by completing an online survey consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and two instruments, the Negative Acts Questionnaire—Revised and the Brief COPE. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and victimization, patterns of coping strategy frequency, and the relationship between negative work experiences and coping strategies were analyzed. It was found that only 35 participants self-identified as victims of bullying, and there was no association between victimization and any sociodemographic characteristics. However, it was observed that nurses are more frequently victims of bullying than doctors. Regarding coping strategies, participants on average used more planning and active coping. Moreover, women more frequently used social and emotional support as a coping strategy. Additionally, an association was observed between negative work experiences and coping strategies, with a higher frequency of coping strategies among those who reported more negative experiences. Finally, victims of workplace bullying reported higher use of coping strategies such as venting, distraction, and behavioral disengagement. The results are discussed based on the empirical literature on the topic, and they support reflection on the practical and scientific implications of research on workplace violence, emphasize the potential benefits of our research beyond the individual level, highlight how it could inform policies, improve institutional practices, and foster a healthier work environment for healthcare professionals. Full article

Stifle joint diseases present a significant challenge in companion animals that often lead to hind limb lameness, with osteoarthritis being a prevalent degenerative condition causing pain and reduced mobility. Regenerative medicine offers a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes, with a range of emerging therapies showing potential to alleviate symptoms and promote joint health. Among these, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma have been widely used as intra-articular treatments to enhance joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and provide symptomatic relief. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, autologous conditioned serum, and autologous protein solution represent the next generation of regenerative therapies, offering more disease-modifying effects by inhibiting key mediators of joint inflammation. More recently, the MSC-derived secretome has emerged as an innovative, cell-free approach that leverages the diverse bioactive factors secreted by MSCs to support tissue repair and modulate inflammation. This review highlights the evidence base behind these non-cellular orthobiologic treatments for stifle joint disease, aiming to inform veterinary practitioners and owners about available options and their efficacy in supporting conventional treatments. Full article

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a recent regenerative biomaterial applied in clinical wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic PRF therapy as a regenerative methodology for treating skin wounds in two small dogs. A Miniature Pinscher and a mixed breed dog weighing 3.6 and 9.5 kg, aged 5 and 10 years, with extensive skin wounds implicating significant tissue loss and with abundant yellow exudate were allocated to this study. Each allogenic PRF treatment was derived from screened donors and consisted of grafting PRFs at the wound recipient area. Nevertheless, the blood group of the donor or recipient was not considered. The wound from case 1 received three PRF treatments during the initial two weeks of treatment, and case 2 received four PRF treatments, followed by single weekly ones. The utilization of PRFs was suspended as soon as relevant wound contraction and epithelization were observed. Both animals received systemic antibiotics prescribed at the emergency room by the first clinician. The wounds were cleaned using sterile saline only. Two weeks later, the lesions had reduced by more than 80%. All lesions exhibited aesthetic and uneventful healing. No rejection, necrosis, or infection signs were observed. PRF acted as a regenerative biomaterial, forming vascularized granulation tissue, followed by epithelization and wound resolution. Full article

The apoptotic molecule Fas and its ligand FasL are involved in the process of T-lymphocyte death, which may lead to lymphopenia, a characteristic of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we investigated the influence of polymorphisms in the FAS and FASL genes, FAS and FASL gene expression, and plasma cytokine levels on COVID-19 severity and long COVID occurrence. A total of 116 individuals with severe COVID-19 and 254 with the non-severe form of the disease were evaluated. In the post-COVID-19 period, samples from 196 individuals with long COVID and 67 from people who did not have long COVID were included. Genotyping and quantification of gene expression were performed via real-time PCR, and cytokine measurement was performed via flow cytometry. The AA genotype for FAS rs1800682 (A/G) and the TT genotype for FASL rs763110 (C/T) were associated with increased FAS and FASL gene expression, respectively (p < 0.005). Higher plasma IFN-γ levels were associated with higher FAS and FASL gene expression (p < 0.05). Among individuals with non-severe COVID-19, carriers of the AA genotype for FAS rs1800682 (A/G) had higher levels of FAS expression, more symptoms, and higher IFN-γ levels (p < 0.05). No association of the evaluated markers with long COVID were observed. The AA genotype of FAS rs1800682 (A/G) and the TT genotype of FASL rs763110 (C/T) influence the levels of FAS and FASL gene expression. Higher gene expression of FAS and FASL may lead to greater inflammation in COVID-19 patients, with higher levels of IFN-γ and T lymphocyte death. Full article

Background/Objectives: Côa Valley, located in the northeast of Portugal, harbors more than 500 medicinal plant species. Among them, four species stand out due to their traditional uses: Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. (hemorrhages, urethritis, hepatitis), Rumex scutatus L. subsp. induratus (Boiss. and Reut.) Malag. (inflammation, constipation), Geranium purpureum Vill., and Geranium lucidum L. (pain relief, gastric issues). Given their rich ethnomedicinal history, we evaluated their protective effects on an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Methods: Decoction (D) and hydroalcoholic (EtOH80%) extracts were prepared and chemically characterized. Their safety profile and effects on lipid accumulation were assessed in palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 cells using resazurin, sulforhodamine B, and Nile Red assays. Results: Chemical analysis revealed diverse phenolic compounds, particularly kaempferol derivatives in E. ramosissimum. All extracts showed minimal cytotoxicity at 25–50 µg/mL. At 100 µg/mL, only E. ramosissimum extracts maintained high cell viability. In the lipotoxicity model, E. ramosissimum decoction demonstrated the most potent effect, significantly reducing PA-induced neutral lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner, while other extracts showed varying degrees of activity. Conclusions: These findings highlight E. ramosissimum’s decoction, rich in kaempferol derivatives, as particularly effective in reducing lipid accumulation in this MASLD cell model while also providing a comprehensive characterization of traditionally used plants from the Côa Valley region. Full article

Scientists, research institutions, funding agencies, and policy-makers have all emphasized the need to monitor and prioritize research investments and outputs to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, many current and historic research publications, proposals, and grants were not categorized against the SDGs at the time of submission. Manual post hoc classification is time-consuming and prone to human biases. Even when classified, few tools are available to decision makers for supporting resource allocation. This paper aims to develop a deep learning classifier for categorizing research abstracts by the SDGs and a decision support system for research funding policy-makers. First, we fine-tune a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model using a dataset of 15,488 research abstracts from authors at leading Brazilian universities, which were preprocessed and balanced for training and testing. Second, we present a PowerBI dashboard that visualizes classifications for supporting informed resource allocation for sustainability-focused research. The model achieved an F1-score, precision, and recall exceeding 70% for certain classes and successfully classified existing projects, thereby enabling better tracking of Agenda 2030 progress. Although the model is capable of classifying any text, it is specifically optimized for Brazilian research due to the nature of its fine-tuning data. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) stands as a vital staple food globally, holding significant nutritional and economic value. However, its susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination under stressful environmental conditions poses a considerable concern. This study aimed to assess the quality and pasting characteristics of maize varieties across two distinct regions and examine the occurrence of mycotoxins influenced by climatic factors. Five maize varieties were cultivated in triplicate in the Golegã and Coruche regions. The nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, starch, and lutein), pasting properties, and mycotoxin levels were evaluated. A statistical analysis revealed notable differences in the nutritional profiles of the maize varieties between the two regions, particularly in the protein and lutein content. The peak viscosity ranged from 6430 to 8599 cP and from 4548 to 8178 cP in the maize varieties from the Coruche and Golegã regions, respectively. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the climatic conditions and the grain nutritional quality components (p < 0.05). The M variety showed the highest ash content, protein content, final viscosity, and setback viscosity and the lowest peak viscosity. The Y variety revealed the lowest fat, fiber, and lutein content and the maximum peak viscosity. The incidence of mycotoxins was notably higher in the varieties from Coruche, which was potentially attributable to higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels leading to more frequent drought conditions. Fumonisin B1 was detected in 58% of the varieties from Coruche and 33% of the samples from Golegã, while deoxynivalenol was found in 87% and 80% of the varieties from Coruche and Golegã, respectively. The H variety, which was harvested in Coruche, exhibited the highest number of fumonisins and higher amounts of protein, lutein, and fat, while fumonisins were not detected in the Golegã region, which was potentially influenced by the precipitation levels. The K variety revealed higher protein and lutein contents, a lower amount of fat, excellent pasting properties (a higher peak viscosity and holding strength and a lower peak time), and no fumonisins B1 or B2. This variety may be considered well adapted to higher temperatures and drier conditions, as verified in the Coruche region. In conclusion, our study underscored the profound impact of environmental factors on the quality and occurrence of mycotoxins in maize varieties. Full article

Healthcare professionals constantly face situations that reflect ecosystems’ degradation. These can negatively affect their mental health. Research suggests that hope and resilience can play an important role in this scenario, since they are related to/predict mental health in highly heterogeneous samples (considering geography, age, profession, health, etc.). In this context, the aims of the present study are the following: to characterize and explore the relationship between hope, resilient coping and mental health in Portuguese healthcare professionals. Using Google Forms, 276 healthcare professionals answered the GHQ-28, the (adult) Trait Hope Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (retrospective, analytical observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research design). The minimum and maximum possible scores were reached, with the exception of the maximum score of GHQ-28-Total. Regarding Hope, 19.6% scored below the midpoint (M = 43.46, SD = 11.97); 29.3% revealed low resilience (M = 14.93, SD = 4.05); and the average of four of the five Mental Health scores (exception: Severe depression) indicates the probability of a psychiatric case. Hope correlated with Social dysfunction and GHQ-28-Total; resilient coping proved to be a (weak) predictor of four of the five GHQ-28 indicators (exception: Severe depression). The results support the need to promote the sample’s mental health, hope and resilient coping. They also suggest that stimulating resilient coping may contribute to improving healthcare professionals’ mental health. Prior research (e.g., on therapies to enhance hope, resilience and, thus, mental health), to which the current study contributes, supports optimism towards the necessary internal sustainability transition. Full article

Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods—pre-pandemic and pandemic times—involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT—Health and Work Survey—was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health. Full article

Heterogeneous catalysts containing cobalt and molybdenum supported on mesoporous materials types SBA-15 and AlSBA-15 were synthesized for application in the HDS reactions of thiophene in the n-heptane stream. The materials were synthesized by the hydrothermal method using Pluronic P123 as a template. The calcined SBA-15 and AlSBA-15 supports were submitted to co-impregnation with solutions of cobalt nitrate and ammonium heptamolybdate, aiming for the production of 15% in mass of metal loading with an atomic ratio of [Co/(Co + Mo)] = 0.45. The obtained materials were dried and calcined to obtain the mesoporous catalysts in the forms of CoMo/SBA-15 and CoMo/AlSBA-15. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TG/DTG, SEM, and nitrogen adsorption. From XRD analysis, it was verified that after the decomposition of the cobalt and molybdenum salts, MoO₃, Co₃O_4, and CoMoO₄ oxides were formed on the supports, being attributed to these chemical species, the activity for the HDS reactions. The catalytic activity of the obtained catalysts was evaluated in a continuously flowing tubular fixed-bed microreactor coupled on-line to a gas chromatograph, using an n-heptane stream containing 12,070 ppm of thiophene (ca. 5100 ppm of sulfur) as a model compound. The synthesized catalysts presented suitable activity for the HDS reaction, and the main obtained products were cis- and trans-2-butene, 1-butene, n-butane, and low amounts of isobutane. The presence of 1,3-butadiene and tetrahydrothiophene (THT) was not detected. A mechanism of the primary and secondary reactions and subsequent formation of the olefins and paraffins in the CoMo/SBA-15 and CoMo/AlSBA-15 mesoporous catalysts was proposed, considering steps of desulfurization, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, THT decyclization, and isomerization. Full article

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) injection gas chromatography was validated with the flame ionization detection method (GC-FID) using a capillary column to detect ethanol. The method was used to determine ethanol in fluids with biomedical, clinical, and forensic importance, including water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and artificial sweat. The strategy produced good peak resolution and showed a linear correlation between the concentration and peak areas for ethanol in all matrices. The inter- and intra-day precisions of the method were below 15.5% and 6.5%, respectively, varying according to the matrix. The method achieved detection limits below 1.3 mg/L, varying according to the matrix. Lower limits were obtained for the aqueous solution (0.22 mg/L), followed by the PBS solution (0.96 mg/L), and finally, the sweat solution (1.29 mg/L). This method is easy to perform and suitable for use in routine clinical biochemistry and forensic laboratories, allowing ethanol detection at lower concentrations using lower temperature and time of extraction, when compared with other studies. Full article

Leishmaniasis remains a significant global health concern, with current treatments relying on outdated drugs associated with high toxicity, lengthy administration, elevated costs, and drug resistance. Consequently, the urgent need for safer and more effective therapeutic options in leishmaniasis treatment persists. Previous research has highlighted selenium compounds as promising candidates for innovative leishmaniasis therapy. In light of this, a library of 10 selenium-containing diverse compounds was designed and evaluated in this study. These compounds included selenium-substituted indole, coumarin, chromone, oxadiazole, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole, and oxazole, among others. These compounds were screened against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, and their cytotoxicity was assessed in peritoneal macrophages, NIH/3T3, and J774A.1 cells. Among the tested compounds, MRK-106 and MRK-108 displayed the highest potency against L. amazonensis promastigotes with reduced cytotoxicity. Notably, MRK-106 and MRK-108 exhibited IC₅₀ values of 3.97 µM and 4.23 µM, respectively, and most of the tested compounds showed low cytotoxicity in host cells (CC₅₀ > 200 µM). Also, compounds MRK-107 and MRK-113 showed activity against intracellular amastigotes (IC50 18.31 and 15.93 µM and SI 12.55 and 10.92, respectively). In conclusion, the identified selenium-containing compounds hold potential structures as antileishmanial drug candidates to be further explored in subsequent studies. These findings represent a significant step toward the development of safer and more effective therapies for leishmaniasis, addressing the pressing need for novel and improved treatments. Full article