Search Results (22)

To date, five herpesviruses have been identified in Leporidae (LeHV-1, LeHV-2, LeHV-3, LeHV-4, and LeHV-5). Two of these have been shown to infect the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), causing either asymptomatic infection (LeHV-2, a gammaherpesvirus) or virulent disease (LeHV-4, an alphaherpesvirus). Unfortunately, apart from LeHV-4, for which complete genome sequences are available, molecular data on leporid herpesviruses are extremely limited, with no sequences available in public databases for LeHV-1 and LeHV-3, and only a few short sequences for LeHV-2 and LeHV-5. In this study, we investigated the presence of herpesviruses in biological samples from wild rabbits (n = 34) found dead in the field during 2024. A pan-herpesvirus nested PCR directed to the herpesviral DNA polymerase gene was used for screening. Positive samples (n = 14, 41.17%) were further investigated by sequencing analysis of a longer region of the DNA polymerase gene, as well as the glycoprotein B gene and the terminase gene. Blastn analysis of the amplicons revealed the highest similarity to gammaherpesvirus. Phylogenetic analyses based on glycoprotein B, DNA polymerase, and concatenated amino acid sequences consistently placed the newly identified LeHV-6 in close proximity to LeHV-5. Both viruses form a well-supported clade within the Gammaherpesvirinae, clustering with rodent-associated herpesviruses, such as Murine herpesvirus, MuHV-4, and A. sylvaticus rhadinovirus 1. Considering the species susceptibility and the nucleotide similarities with the five previously described leporid herpesviruses, we conclude that a new rabbit gammaherpesvirus has been identified, which we propose to name LeHV-6. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore the functional implications of occlusal changes during clear aligner treatment (CAT) to (a) analyze occlusal changes throughout CAT and the extent of post-treatment occlusal recovery; (b) assess the relationship between post-treatment occlusion and masticatory performance; (c) investigate whether case complexity, facial biotype, and type of malocclusion influence occlusal adaptation and functional outcomes; and (d) evaluate the presence and progression of signs or symptoms of TMDs in patients undergoing CAT. Methods: This longitudinal cohort pilot study included 42 individuals who underwent CAT. Occlusion was evaluated at three timepoints: before treatment (T0), at treatment completion (T1), and three months after with night-only aligner use (T2). Masticatory performance was assessed using a two-colored chewing gum test analyzed through colorimetric software. TMD signs/symptoms were assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD [DC/TMD]. Statistical analysis used non-parametric tests. Results: A significant decrease in occlusal contact area was observed during active CAT [p = 0.016], which partially recovered at follow-up. Individuals with normal facial proportions (normodivergent) showed more anterior contacts at T1 compared to hyperdivergent individuals [p = 0.013]. Masticatory performance remained stable between T1 and T2 [p = 0.528]. A weak negative correlation was found between posterior contact number and performance score at T1 [r = −0.378, p < 0.05], suggesting that more contacts may be linked to better chewing. No TMD signs or symptoms were detected at any timepoint. Conclusions: Although CAT temporarily reduces occlusal contact area, it does not negatively impact chewing efficiency or trigger TMD symptoms. These findings support the functional safety of CAT when treatment is properly planned and monitored. Full article

Birds are natural hosts for numerous zoonotic viral pathogens, including West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. During migration, birds can act as vectors for the geographic spread of viruses. WNV is endemic in Portugal, causing annual outbreaks, particularly in horses. Here, we report the first detection of an avian WNV strain isolated from a wild bird (Astur gentilis) collected in Portugal in mid-September 2024. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted to trace the virus’s origin and potential transmission routes, integrating the obtained full-length genomic sequence with a dataset of WNV strains from Africa and Europe (1951–2024). Phylogenetic analysis of 92 WNV sequences spanning lineages 1–5 positioned the 2024 isolate within lineage 1a. Results obtained using phylodynamics-based analysis showed that this isolate likely originated in Africa and reached Portugal via Spain’s Cádiz coast, confirming previously described WNV dispersal patterns between Africa and Europe. The data suggest a migratory route from West Africa to Europe, extending through countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France, indicating a reciprocal flow of the virus back into Africa. These transmission routes match the migratory paths of Afro-Palearctic bird species, emphasizing the role of migratory birds in the long-distance spread of WNV. Full article

The first official case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in Portugal was confirmed in sheep from the district of Évora in September 2024. Notably, mortality was observed in pregnant sheepdogs within the affected sheep flocks. This study presents four cases of pregnant dogs infected with BTV-3 in mid-September 2024, all of which aborted prior to death. BTV-3 was identified by RT-qPCR following initial positive results from pan-BTV RT-qPCR. The virus was subsequently isolated from the blood of one of the dogs in BHK-21 cells, and a partial sequence of the vp2 gene was obtained. This sequence showed 100% similarity to sheep BTV3/3234/PT2024, identified in Portugal in September 2024, as well as to BTV-3/NET2023, first reported in the Netherlands in 2023. These findings suggest that the viruses may be related or share a common origin. Co-infection with common canine viruses and pathogenic bacteria was ruled out, confirming that the fatalities were due to BTV-3 infection, probably by ingestion of sheep placenta after lambing. Our results confirm the potential for the transmission of BTV-3 to non-ruminant species, particularly carnivores, and, therefore, the wider ecological implications of this virus. In addition, the identification of transplacental transmission of BTV-3 in one of the dogs provides new evidence highlighting the complexity of the virus’ transmission mechanisms. Full article

Objective: Our primary objective was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients with abnormal p53 FIGO grade 3 (high-grade) endometrioid endometrial cancer. As secondary objectives, we determined the global prevalence of abnormal p53 in grade 3 endometrioid endometrial carcinomas and the geographical variations. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. We followed the Meta-Analysis for Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. This review was preregistered with PROSPERO (no: CRD42023495192). Bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. For time-to-event data, the effect of p53 status on grade 3 endometrial cancer was described using hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall survival and progression-free survival were analyzed using one- and two-stage approaches, the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Fifty-seven studies with 2528 patients were included. Patients with abnormal p53 had an increased risk of death (HR, 1.29 (95% CI, 1.11–1.48); I² = 88%) and disease progression (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.42–1.88; I² = 2%) compared with patients with wildtype p53 G3 endometrial cancer. The global pooled prevalence of abnormal p53 was 30% (95% CI, 25–34%; tau² = 0.02; I² = 74%), with the highest prevalence being found in studies conducted in Asia (95% CI, 27–41%; tau² = 0.01; I² = 52%). Conclusions: Abnormal p53 grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancer is more common in Asia, and it is associated with decreased overall survival and progression-free survival. Full article

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are compounds that are highly produced in Cynara cardunculus leaves, known for their phytotoxic activity. This study aims to assess SL-enriched fractions’ (cynaropicrin, aguerin B, and grosheimin) phytotoxic potentials and putative modes of action, compared to an initial extract, using two approaches: first, against a panel of nine weed species in pre-emergence, and then on Portulaca oleracea L.’s post-emergency stage. The SL-enriched fractions demonstrated greater phytotoxic activity when compared with the C. cardunculus leaf initial extract. The SL-enriched fractions had higher activity at root growth inhibition over the panel tested, doubling the activity in five of them at 800 ppm. Regarding the post-emergence bioassay, the SL-enriched fractions had a higher influence on the plants’ growth inhibition (67% at 800 ppm). The SL-effects on the plants’ metabolisms were evidenced. The total chlorophyll content was reduced by 65% at 800 ppm. Oxidative stress induction was observed because of the enhancement in MDA levels at 800 ppm compared to control (52%) and the decrease in SOD-specific activity from 4.20 U/mg protein (400 ppm) to 1.74 U/mg protein (800 ppm). The phytotoxic effects of the SL-enriched fractions suggest that they could be used for a future bioherbicide development. Full article

Background: This systematic review analysed the association between objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour with cardiovascular risk and HRQoL in adults without previous CVD. Additionally, we analysed the impact of the intensity of the physical activity in this association. Methods: The search was carried out in three electronic databases with access until February 2023 to find studies with an observational design. For quality assessment, we used The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: We identified 5819 references, but only five studies were included. One study shows a positive association between physical activity and HRQoL, while sedentary behaviour was negatively related to HRQoL. Another study showed an association between high-intensity physical activity with a better physical component of HRQoL and low-intensity physical activity with a better mental component of HRQoL. Three studies concluded that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower levels of cardiovascular risk and higher levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with higher levels of cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that people who spend more time being active and spend less time being sedentary appear to have lower cardiovascular risk and higher HRQoL. Full article

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed numerous loci associated with breast cancer risk, yet the precise causal variants, their impact on molecular mechanisms, and the affected genes often remain elusive. We hypothesised that specific variants exert their influence by affecting cis-regulatory alternative splice elements. An analysis of splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTL) in healthy breast tissue from female individuals identified multiple variants linked to alterations in splicing ratios. Through colocalisation analysis, we pinpointed 43 variants within twelve genes that serve as candidate causal links between sQTL and GWAS findings. In silico splice analysis highlighted a potential mechanism for three genes—FDPS, SGCE, and MRPL11—where variants in proximity to or on the splice site modulate usage, resulting in alternative splice transcripts. Further in vitro/vivo studies are imperative to fully understand how these identified changes contribute to breast oncogenesis. Moreover, investigating their potential as biomarkers for breast cancer risk could enhance screening strategies and early detection methods for breast cancer. Full article

In Portugal, publications with mechanochemical methods date back to 2009, with the report on mechanochemical strategies for the synthesis of metallopharmaceuticals. Since then, mechanochemical applications have grown in Portugal, spanning several fields, mainly crystal engineering and supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and organic and inorganic chemistry. The area with the most increased development is the synthesis of multicomponent crystal forms, with several groups synthesizing solvates, salts, and cocrystals in which the main objective was to improve physical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. Recently, non-crystalline materials, such as ionic liquids and amorphous solid dispersions, have also been studied using mechanochemical methods. An area that is in expansion is the use of mechanochemical synthesis of bioinspired metal-organic frameworks with an emphasis in antibiotic coordination frameworks. The use of mechanochemistry for catalysis and organic and inorganic synthesis has also grown due to the synthetic advantages, ease of synthesis, scalability, sustainability, and, in the majority of cases, the superior properties of the synthesized materials. It can be easily concluded that mechanochemistry is expanding in Portugal in diverse research areas. Full article

Bravo de Esmolfe (BE) is a traditional Portuguese apple highly appreciated by consumers due to its peculiar flavor and aroma. This apple contains higher concentration of phenolic compounds than other cultivars and is thus considered a rich source of antioxidants. Its sensorial and functional properties have attracted farmers’ associations to increase BE production. However, a large quantity of apples is wasted due to storage/transportation procedures that impact BE’s quality attributes. In this work, we applied high-pressure extraction methodologies to generate antioxidant-rich fractions from BE residues aiming at adding high value to these agro-food by-products. We performed a first extraction step using supercritical CO₂, followed by a second extraction step where different CO₂ + ethanol mixtures (10–100% v/v) were tested. All experiments were carried out at 25 MPa and 50 °C. Extracts were characterized in terms of global yield, phenolic content and antioxidant activity using chemical (ORAC, HOSC, HORAC) and cell-based assays (CAA). We demonstrated that, although the pressurized 100% ethanol condition promoted the highest recovery of phenolic compounds (509 ± 8 mg GAE/100 g BE residues), the extract obtained with 40% ethanol presented the highest CAA (1.50 ± 0.24 µmol QE/g dw) and ORAC (285 ± 16 µmol TEAC/g dw), as well as HOSC and HORAC values, which correlated with its content of epicatechin and procyanidin B2. Noteworthy, this fraction inhibited free radical production in human neurospheroids derived from NT2 cells, a robust 3D cell model for neuroprotective testing. Full article

There is an urgent need for new substances to overcome current challenges in the health sciences. Marine fungi are known producers of numerous compounds, but the manipulation of growth conditions for optimal compound production can be laborious and time-consuming. In Portugal, despite its very long coastline, there are only a few studies on marine fungi. From a collection of Portuguese marine fungi, we screened for antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzymatic, and cytotoxic activities. Mycelia aqueous extracts, obtained by high pressure-assisted extraction, and methanolic extracts of culture media showed high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. The mycelium extracts of Cladosporium rubrum showed higher antioxidant potential compared to extracts from other fungi. Mycelia and culture media extracts of Aspergillus affinis and Penicillium lusitanum inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including multiresistant strains. Penicillium lusitanum and Trichoderma aestuarinum inhibited the growth of clinical strains of Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. All extracts from culture media were cytotoxic to Vero cells. Sea salt induced alterations in the mycelium’s chemical composition, leading to different activity profiles. Full article

The urge for the development of a more efficient antibiotic crystalline forms led us to the disclosure of new antibiotic coordination frameworks of pyrazinamide, a well-known drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis, with some of the novel compounds unravelling improved antimycobacterial activity. Mechanochemistry was the preferred synthetic technique to yield novel compounds, allowing the reproduction of a 1D zinc framework, the synthesis of a novel hydrogen bonding manganese framework, and three new compounds with silver. The structural characterization of the novel forms is presented along with stability studies. The increased antimicrobial activity of the new silver-based frameworks against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium smegmatis is particularly relevant. Full article

This short review presents and highlights the work performed by the Lisbon Group on the mechanochemical synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) multicomponent compounds. Here, we show some of our most relevant contributions on the synthesis of supramolecular derivatives of well-known commercial used drugs and the corresponding improvement on their physicochemical properties. The study reflects, not only our pursuit of using crystal engineering principles for the search of supramolecular entities, but also our aim to correlate them with the desired properties. The work also covers our results on polymorphic screening and describes our proposed alternatives to induce and maintain specific polymorphic forms, and our approach to avoid polymorphism using APIs as ionic liquids. We want to stress that all the work was performed using mechanochemistry, a green advantageous synthetic technique. Full article

Sports research has been focused on the assessment of basic needs satisfaction, considering its absence as a representation of needs frustration. However, recent findings have suggested needs satisfaction and frustration as asymmetrical factors leading to differentiated outcomes. An accurate measurement of needs poses itself as a crucial aspect, facilitating coaches’ understanding of athlete’s motivational processes. This study aimed to examine the psychometric proprieties of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) in a sample of Portuguese athletes. A multigroup analysis was conducted of gender, sport type, age, and years of sports practice. Additionally, needs satisfaction and needs frustration were tested as predictors of behavioral regulations examining the nomological validity of the BPNSFS. Data from 594 Portuguese athletes (38.6% female; M_age = 15.21; SD = 0.97) that represent two different sports (football and swimming) were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling procedures were followed to test the factor structure and nomological validity of the scale, respectively. Analyses indicated that the six-factor model provided an adequate fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.947, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.936, Standardized Root Mean Square = 0.039, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.048 (CI 90% = 0.043, 0.054)). Moreover, the multigroup analysis suggested invariance in the observed structure across groups. In addition, findings indicated a strong prediction between needs satisfaction and autonomous forms of motivation, whereas needs frustration predicted significantly controlled forms of motivation. The sport-adapted BPNSFS in a sample of Portuguese athletes seemed to be an adequate measure for the assessment of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration. Our findings suggested that this scale may be worth testing in future research in the sport context. Full article