Search Results (107)

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a critical global challenge. This study analyses the environmental priorities related to SDGs 12, 14, and 15—interlinked and focused on responsible production and consumption, life below water, and life on land respectively—reflected in political party manifestos from the 2019, 2022, and 2024 Portuguese general elections, assessing their alignment with the SDGs and broader European political ideologies. A content analysis reveals significant disparities in attention across these goals, with SDG 15 receiving greater prominence than SDGs 12 and 14. Findings highlight the influence of political ideology, showing left-wing parties emphasize all three SDGs more consistently than their right-wing counterparts. These results underscore the need for a more balanced and comprehensive political commitment to sustainability. By exploring the interplay between national and European political agendas, this research provides valuable insights for aligning environmental policies with the UN 2030 Agenda and fostering transformative change in sustainability governance. Full article

The snakes from the genus Bothrops are responsible for most of the ophidic accidents in Brazil, and Bothrops atrox represents one of these species. Envenomation by these snakes results in systemic effects and is often associated with early mortality following snakebite incidents. The present study investigates the pharmacological properties of Bothrops atrox venom (VBA), focusing specifically on its impact on renal blood flow. Following the renal perfusion procedure, kidney tissues were processed for histopathological examination. Statistical analysis of all evaluated parameters was conducted using ANOVA and Student’s t-test, with significance set at p < 0.005. Administration of VBA resulted in a marked reduction in both perfusion pressure and renal vascular resistance. In contrast, there was a significant elevation in urinary output and glomerular filtration rate. Histological changes observed in the perfused kidneys were mild. The involvement of nitric oxide in the pressor effects of Bothrops atrox venom was not investigated in renal perfusion systems or in in vivo models. Treatment with VBA led to elevated nitrite levels in the bloodstream of the experimental animals. This effect was completely inhibited following pharmacological blockade with L-NAME. Based on these findings, we conclude that VBA alters renal function and promotes increased nitric oxide production. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Eucalyptus benthamii wood from planted forests in southern Brazil for the production of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. The performance of E. benthamii CLT panels is compared to that of Pinus spp. panels and European commercial panels (KLH^®), using the finite element method applied to a two-story building model. Class 2 of the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190-2 was adopted as the reference for the physical and mechanical properties of Pinus spp., while the European commercial specifications from KLH^® were used to represent European reference panels. The results indicate that E. benthamii wood exhibits superior mechanical properties, enabling reductions of 12.5% to 27.3% in panel thickness and a 20.7% decrease in wood volume when compared to Pinus spp., without compromising structural safety. Relative to the KLH^® and ETA 06/0138 standards, E. benthamii wood demonstrates higher stiffness (modulus of elasticity of 15,325 MPa vs. 12,000 MPa) and greater flexural strength (109.11 MPa vs. 24 MPa), allowing for the use of thinner panels. Stress and displacement analyses confirm that E. benthamii CLT slabs can withstand critical loads (wind and vertical) within normative limits, with maximum displacements of 18.5 mm. The reduction in material volume (22.8 m³ versus 28.7 m³ for Pinus spp.) suggests potential benefits in terms of environmental impact and logistical efficiency. It can be concluded that E. benthamii represents a sustainable and efficient alternative for CLT panels, combining high structural performance with resource optimization and contributing to the decarbonization of the construction industry. Full article

Shrimp farming is practiced worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, where shrimp often experience suboptimal temperatures during part of the production cycle, resulting in slower growth. A concentrated functional palatability enhancer (FPE) containing a mixture of chemoattractants was tested. A 12-week experiment at a suboptimal temperature (22 °C) was conducted with Penaeus vannamei (3.25 ± 0.02 g) in a clear water system (400 L with 40 shrimp per tank) with flow-through seawater. A standard diet was supplemented with 0, 1, and 2 g kg⁻¹ of FPE (STD, STD+1, and STD+2) with four replicates for each one. The inclusion of 1 g kg⁻¹ of FPE (STD+1) significantly increased the average final weight by 11.24% and weekly weight gain by 14,00% when compared to STD. The highest tested dose (2 g kg⁻¹) did not result in further improvement in growth performance compared to the control. In addition, the total hemocyte count (THC) remained at an optimal level for the species in the STD+1 treatment under suboptimal temperature conditions compared to the other treatments. We also observed a decrease in Vibrio spp. bacterial counts in STD+1 compared to STD+2. Therefore, the lowest tested dose was shown to positively influence the rearing of P. vannamei at suboptimal temperatures. Full article

This study aimed to compare cognitive, language, and motor development outcomes among children attending public and private Early Childcare Centers (ECCs), considering birth factors and family and daycare environments. Additionally, it examined the proximal and distal factors influencing children’s development. Cognitive, language, and motor skills were assessed in the children, along with evaluations of ECC quality, teacher practices, and knowledge of child development. Results indicated that children enrolled in public ECCs achieved higher scores in cognitive and language development, despite coming from families with lower socioeconomic status and having lower birth weights. They also benefited from longer periods of breastfeeding. Teachers in public ECCs demonstrated greater daily practices, providing enhanced movement opportunities for children. Private ECCs offered more suitable outdoor spaces, whereas public ECCs had better indoor spaces. Regression analysis revealed that daily practice, teachers’ experience, and the availability of gross motor toys explained 41% of the variance in motor development. The duration of breastfeeding explained 24% of the variance in cognitive development. Teachers’ knowledge about children’s development and attendance at public ECCs explained 31% of the variance in language development. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing teacher education in both public and private ECCs to optimize children’s overall development. Full article

Contextualization: Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy eating, are essential for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The 2021 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines highlights the need to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and dietary 2021 ESC guidelines of individuals who have suffered AMI and to evaluate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with the adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from participants prior to enrollment in the DICA-NUTS multicenter clinical trial. The dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The nutrient intake was compared with the nutritional recommendations of the 2021 ESC guidelines, and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was analyzed using a Mediterranean diet score. Furthermore, the analyses of the factors associated with the Mediterranean diet score and 2021 ESC were performed. Analyses were conducted using Stata Data Analysis and Statistical Software version 15.0. Values were considered statistically significant when the p-value < 0.05. Results: Among 488 participants aged ≥ 40 years, moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed obtaining an average of nine points, with a low intake of vegetables, fish, and cereals. The protein intake was adequate with 18% (interquartile range [IQR] 15.0–23.1) of the total energy value, and the saturated fat intake was high with 9.7% (IQR 7.3–12.7) of the total energy value, while the carbohydrate and total fat intake was adequate. According to the 2021 ESC guidelines, the fiber intake was low with more than 79% of the sample consuming less than 30 g per day. The multivariate analysis using the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations showed that older age (≥60 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.44–1.91], never smoking (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.17–1.65), and higher education (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.77) were correlated with an increased fruit and vegetable intake. Non-white, never-smokers, and former smokers were more likely to consume fish. The alcohol scores were higher in older age participants and women. The dairy scores increased with older age, while the cereal scores decreased. No significant association was found for legumes. Conclusions: According to the scores used, the diet of these individuals moderately reflects the Mediterranean characteristics. Analyzing the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations, the studied population was inadequate. This study found different factors associated with an adequate food intake in post-AMI patients. The highlight of this study was that older age is more likely to increase fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake. Full article

3D printing (3DP) enables the development of highly customizable skincare solutions, offering precise control over formulation, structure, and aesthetic properties. Therefore, this study explores the impact of patches’ microstructure on hydration efficacy using conventional and advanced chemical/morphological confocal techniques. Moreover, it advances to the personalization of under-eye 3D-printed skincare patches and assesses consumer acceptability through emotional sensing, providing a comparative analysis against a non-3D-printed market option. The results indicate that increasing the patches’ internal porosity enhances water retention in the stratum corneum (53.0 vs. 45.4% µm). Additionally, patches were personalized to address individual skin needs/conditions (design and bioactive composition) and consumer preferences (color and fragrance). The affective analysis indicated a high level of consumer acceptance for the 3D-printed option, as evidenced by the higher valence (14.5 vs. 1.1 action units) and arousal (4.2 vs. 2.7 peaks/minute) scores. These findings highlight the potential of 3DP for personalized skincare, demonstrating how structural modifications can modulate hydration. Furthermore, the biometric-preference digital approach employed offers unparalleled versatility, enabling rapid customization to meet the unique requirements of different skin types. By embracing this advancement, a new era of personalized skincare emerges, where cutting-edge science powers solutions for enhanced skin health and consumer satisfaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an increasingly common inherited disorder that increases cardiovascular risk. Despite the importance of lifestyle interventions, adherence to a healthy diet among individuals with FH remains suboptimal. This pilot, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a culturally adapted cardioprotective diet (DICA-FH), alone or in combination with phytosterol and/or krill oil supplementation, on lipid parameters in Brazilian adults with probable or definitive FH. Methods: Between May and August 2023, 58 participants were enrolled across nine Brazilian centers and randomized (1:1:1:1) into four groups: DICA-FH + phytosterol placebo + krill oil placebo; DICA-FH + phytosterol 2 g/day + krill oil placebo; DICA-FH + phytosterol placebo + krill oil 2 g/day; and DICA-FH + phytosterol 2 g/day + krill oil 2 g/day. Interventions lasted 120 days. The primary outcomes were mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels, as well as adherence to treatment at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included mean levels of other lipids, frequency of adverse events, and assessment of protocol implementation components. All data were presented separately for the allocation groups: phytosterol vs. placebo and krill oil vs. placebo. Results: Mean age was 54.5 ± 13.7 years, and 58.6% were women. Both adherence to protocol (91.8% attendance; 79.1% investigational product intake) and retention (86.2%) were high. No significant differences between groups were found for LDL-c or Lp(a). However, regardless of allocation to active supplementation or placebo, a significant reduction in Lp(a) concentrations was observed following the DICA-FH intervention (median difference: −3.8 mg/dL [interquartile range: −7.5 to −1.2]; p < 0.01). Significant reductions in oxidized LDL (LDL-ox) and LDL-ox/LDL-c ratio were also observed in the overall sample (p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, all groups showed improvements in diet quality after 120 days. No serious adverse events related to the interventions were reported. Additionally, most protocol implementation components were successfully achieved. Conclusions: The DICA-FH strategy, with or without supplementation, was safe and well-tolerated. Although not powered to detect clinical efficacy (which is acceptable in exploratory pilot trials), the study supports the feasibility of a larger trial and highlights the potential of dietary interventions in the management of HF. Full article

Background: The potential impact of the number of implants (four vs. six) on the implant survival of implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs) remains inconclusive and subject to ongoing debate. This study compared the implant survival of immediately loaded four vs. six IFCDs, delivered using a patient-centered systematic treatment plan, in a large patient cohort assessed with consistent diagnostic methodology and comprehensive longitudinal follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study included records of 943 patients receiving 5989 implants with an average follow-up of 5.0 ± 3.2 (range 0–17) years delivered using a systematic clinical decision support system (CDSS) based on a defined alveolar atrophy classification (CC). Implant survival was analyzed considering predictor variables comprising treatment and anatomic and systemic health-related factors at the overall, maxillary, and mandibular levels using Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and single-predictor and multilevel Cox proportional hazard analysis derived from causal direct acyclic graph methodologies. Results: The 2- and 5-year cumulative survival rates (CSRs) of four and six IFCDs were comparable (2-year: 98.6% vs. 98.4%, p = 0.362; 5-year: 98.8%, 98.7% p = 0.346). The differences between four and six IFCDs were more pronounced at the maxillary levels, specifically after 2 years (97.7% vs. 98.6% p = 0.084), and at the mandibular level after 5 years (98.6% vs. 99.4%, p = 0.136.). Multilevel Cox proportional hazard models at overall and jaw levels adjusted for confounding factors indicated that implant loss was correlated to jaw type and age at overall and age alone at the mandibular level. Alveolar atrophy (CC) defined within the adopted CDSS was not robustly associated with implant loss. Conclusions: Under the guidance of a systematically applied patient-centered CDSS, four and six IFCDs demonstrated high and comparable mid-to-long-term implant survival rates irrespective of the level of analysis or statistical model used to adjust for confounding factors. Prosthetic and technical complications were not evaluated and were, therefore, beyond the scope of this study. Full article

This study analyzes near-infrared (NIR) spectral characteristics of the wood of Hevea spruceana (Benth.) Müll. Arg., Hura crepitans L., Ocotea cymbarum Kunth, and Pseudobombax munguba (Mart.) Dugand from an Amazon floodplain forest area located in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, aiming at their discrimination using artificial intelligence. The samples were collected as increment cores, from which NIR spectra were randomly collected in the transversal anatomical surface and compared. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore variation patterns in the data. Additionally, the classifier support vector machine algorithm, partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and k-nearest neighbors regression were used to evaluate the accuracy in distinguishing the woods based on the NIR data. The results indicate similar spectral behavior among the species, with differences in absorbance intensities. PCA revealed a greater tendency for samples of the same species to cluster together, with Ocotea cymbarum showing the highest tendency for grouping. Among the classifiers, PLS-DA achieved the highest accuracy (98%). We can conclude that NIR spectroscopy combined with artificial intelligence classifiers has the potential to distinct wood species from the Amazon floodplain forest analyzed. Full article

Ménière’s Disease (MD) is a chronic inner ear disorder defined by recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or fullness in the ear. Its prevalence varies by region and ethnicity, with scarce epidemiological data in the Brazilian population. Although most MD cases are sporadic, familial MD (FMD) is observed in 5% to 20% of European cases. Through exome sequencing, we have found a rare missense variant in the OTOG gene in a Brazilian individual with MD with probable European ancestry (chr11:17599671C>T), which was previously reported in a Spanish cohort. Two additional rare missense heterozygous OTOG variants were found in the same proband. Splice Site analysis showed that chr11:17599671C>T may lead to substantial changes generating exonic cis regulatory elements, and protein modelling revealed structural changes in the presence of chr11:17599671C>T, chr11:17576581G>C, and chr11:17594108C>T, predicted to highly destabilize the protein structure. The manuscript aims to replicate genes previously reported in a Spanish cohort, and the main finding is that a Brazilian patient with MD also has variants previously reported in familial MD, supporting OTOG as the most frequently mutated gene in MD. Full article

Water pollution by toxic metals, especially by lead ions, is a serious environmental concern due to these metals’ persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Aiming to reduce metal concentrations to non-toxic levels, this study analyzed the removal of lead from water through adsorption with bio-adsorbents. The adsorbent potential of the following four lignocellulosic byproducts were tested: walnut and chestnut shells, pine wood, and burnt pine wood. Removal rates of 97–99% were achieved at optimized conditions, i.e., at a pH of approximately 7, adsorbent dose of 4 g L⁻¹, and 12 h of reaction. The BET specific surface area was between 1.74 and 4.85 m² g⁻¹. The pore size of the wood bio-adsorbent was 26.54 nm, and those of the remaining materials were between 5.40 and 7.33 nm. With R² = 0.998–1.000, the kinetics fit the pseudo-second-order model better, suggesting that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models fit the data well, with R² = 0.946–0.999. It can be concluded that all the bio-adsorbents tested have the potential to efficiently remove lead ions from water. Full article

The Amazonian region comprises a set of ecosystems that play an essential role in stabilizing global climate and regulating carbon and water cycles. However, several environmental issues of anthropogenic origin threaten climate stability in this region: agribusiness, illegal mining, illegal timber exports, pesticide use, and biopiracy, among others. These actions lead to deforestation, soil erosion, fauna biodiversity loss, water resource contamination, land conflicts, violence against indigenous peoples, and epidemics. The present study aims to feature the current degradation process faced by the Amazonian biome and identify strategic alternatives based on science to inhibit and minimize the degradation of its biodiversity and water resources. This applied research, based on a systematic review, highlighted the complexity, fragility, and importance of the functioning of the Amazonian ecosystem. Although activities such as mining and agriculture notoriously cause soil degradation, this research focused on the scenarios of biodiversity and water resource degradation. The dynamics of the current Amazon degradation process associated with human activity and climate change advancement were also described. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that, given the invaluable importance of the Amazon’s biodiversity and natural resources for global climate balance and food and water security, anthropogenic threats endanger its sustainability. Beyond the well-known human-induced impacts on the forest and life, the findings highlight the need for strategies that integrate forest conservation, sustainable land management, and public policies focused on the region’s sustainable development. These strategies, supported by partnerships, include reducing deforestation and burning, promoting environmental education, engaging local communities, enforcing public policies, and conducting continuous monitoring using satellite remote sensing technology. Full article

Automotive reflectors used in headlamps and rear lamps are typically made of polycarbonate. However, this polymer has low light reflectivity. To enhance its reflective properties, it undergoes a metallization process, which significantly increases production costs. Therefore, it is of interest to develop polymers that do not require metallization for the manufacturing of automotive reflectors. In this regard, the use of polycarbonate reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles may be an alternative. Studies indicate that incorporating these nanoparticles can improve the degradation temperature and mechanical properties of the composites. In the case of automotive reflectors, in addition to degradation due to temperature, it is crucial to assess the thermal diffusivity and reflectivity of these composites, thus ensuring the lighting performance of the component. Studies on such characteristics in polycarbonates with titanium dioxide nanoparticles are mostly limited to investigations of hardness and optical properties using Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopy tests. This article investigates the thermal and lighting performance of polycarbonate (PC) samples with 10 wt% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles and automotive reflectors with the same chemical composition. The thermal stability of PC and PC-10%TiO₂ was analyzed by thermogravimetry (TGA), whereas the reflectors were evaluated using active infrared thermography. Spectral thermographic analysis in the mid- and long-wave infrared range provided thermal diffusivity data for the polycarbonates and offered important insights into their optical behavior under operational conditions (up to 70 °C). Furthermore, illumination tests were conducted on PC-10%TiO₂, using metalized polymeric reflectors commonly employed in the automotive industry as a reference. The TGA results showed that incorporating 10 wt% TiO₂ into PC increased the degradation temperature from 167 °C to 495 °C. The long-wave infrared emissivity of PC-10%TiO₂ (averaging 0.96) was 3% lower than that of polycarbonate. PC-10%TiO₂ exhibited a thermal diffusivity of 0.20 mm²/s, which was 28.6% lower than that of PC, indicating greater thermal inertia due to the presence of nanoparticles. The lighting performance of the PC-10%TiO₂ reflector was on average 4% lower than that of a commercially available metallized polycarbonate reflector. However, for automotive reflectors, this value meets the sector’s regulatory criteria. These findings suggest that PC-10%TiO₂ has potential for use in the production of internal vehicle lighting reflectors, without significantly compromising light reflectivity, while offering the advantages of thermal stability and reduced heating around the reflector. Full article