Search Results (211)

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi and Babesia caballi. It affects equids, representing significant health and economic concerns for the equine industry. EP is endemic in Portugal, so developing and implementing preventive strategies is essential. Accessing veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) through a survey is a suitable approach, and no such studies have been conducted in Portugal until now. A KAP survey was applied to 41 Portuguese equine vets, representing mainly the Alentejo region. The average knowledge score went from medium to high, correctly identifying the causative agents, transmission routes and clinical signs. Knowledge gaps mostly concerned the identification of T. haneyi as an agent, transplacental transmission, duration of infection and diagnostic methods. Reported practices were appropriate overall, including enhancing breeders’ awareness of the disease and its prevention. Diagnostic and treatment protocols were generally consistent with current recommendations; however, these protocols are not yet fully standardized. Our findings highlight key areas where increasing expertise is needed and could serve as a foundation for future evidence-based guidelines to improve EP control in Portugal. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family self-care (FSC) is increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of caregiving in pediatric chronic conditions. However, its development in families of children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine how families construct and sustain FSC, and to identify factors that shape its development across four domains: physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and behavioral. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using an abductive approach, combining inductive thematic analysis with a deductively applied theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine families of children with ID in southern Portugal. The children ranged in age from 4 to 15 years, and the parents were aged between 29 and 53 years. The data was analyzed using Bardin’s content analysis, supported by NVivo software, and organized according to the FSC framework. This study followed COREQ guidelines. Results: The families described a range of self-care strategies, including environmental adaptations, experiential learning, emotional regulation, and long-term planning. These practices were shaped by contextual factors such as access to healthcare, relationships with professionals, emotional support networks, and socioeconomic conditions. Four emergent conclusions illustrate how structural and relational dynamics influence FSC in daily caregiving. Conclusions: FSC is a dynamic, multidimensional process shaped by lived experience, family interactions, and systemic support. The findings support inclusive, family-centered care models and inform clinical practice, training, and policy in pediatric IDs. Full article

The MENA region, with its high solar potential and increasing investments in renewable energy, is transitioning away from fossil fuels toward more sustainable energy systems. To fully benefit from this transition and address issues such as intermittency and energy storage, “green” hydrogen is emerging as a key parameter. When produced using simple and cost-effective technologies like linear Fresnel reflector (LFR), it offers a practical solution. Therefore, assessing the potential of hydrogen production from LFR technology is essential to support the development of the energy sector and promote local industrial growth. This study investigates “green” hydrogen production using a 50 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) system based on LFR technology, where the CSP system generates electricity to power a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer for hydrogen production for three locations, including Ain Beni Mathar in Morocco, Assiout in Egypt, and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The results show that Tabuk achieved the highest annual hydrogen production (45.02 kg/kWe), followed by Assiout (38.72 kg/kWe) and Ain Beni Mathar (32.42 kg/kWe), with corresponding levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH₂) of 6.47 USD/kg, 6.84 USD/kg, and 7.35 USD/kg, respectively. In addition, several sensitivity analyses were conducted addressing the impact of thermal energy storage (TES) on the hydrogen production and costs, the effect of reduced investment costs resulting from the local manufacturing of LFR components, and the futuristic assumption of the electrolyzer cost drop. The integration of TES enhanced hydrogen output and reduced LCOH₂ by up to 9%. Additionally, a future PEM electrolyzer costs projected for 2030 showed that LCOH₂ could decrease by up to 1.3 USD/kg depending on site conditions. These findings demonstrate that combining TES with cost optimization strategies can significantly improve both technical performance and economic feasibility in the MENA region. Full article

Introduction: Social prescribing is an innovative approach that connects individuals to community-based activities to promote well-being. This study explores the barriers and facilitators influencing older adults’ engagement in social prescribing programmes in Portugal. Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out in October 2024, in Portugal, with 16 participants aged 65 and over. Data was collected through two focus groups, each with eight participants. Data were analysed using the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) to identify key factors affecting adherence. Results: The main barriers identified were physical limitations, digital exclusion, transport inaccessibility, and the urban-centric location of services. Facilitators comprised tailored activities, digital support and education, accessible venues and transport, and personalised interventions. Ongoing feedback mechanisms and familiar community settings were essential for sustained participation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that co-designed, inclusive, and locally accessible programmes can significantly enhance the involvement and well-being of older adults. Full article

(1) Background: Intrapartum obstetric violence has become increasingly visible and is portrayed as a cross-cutting and complex phenomenon. Despite numerous international debates and extensive reports in the literature, there is limited consensus on its definition, emphasizing the need to clarify the concept. The aim of this article is to analyze the concept of obstetric violence in the care of women in labor in health institutions; (2) Methods: Search and selection of studies using the scoping review methodology, based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and Rodgers’ conceptual review method for data extraction and analysis; (3) Results: A sample of 49 studies provided a comprehensive understanding of the concept, revealing in its conceptualization attributes of physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, institutional and structural violence. Identification of antecedents of gender inequality and failure of relational, technical and structural standards at the level of health institutions and their professionals, as the main triggers of obstetric violence. Reporting of consequences with a negative impact on maternal and child health; (4) Conclusions: Conceptual analysis with important contributions to the paradigm shift in the work of health professionals. Multiple dimensions, cultural differences and variations in the concept should continue to be examined to improve its research and application. Full article

Moniliophthora roreri (MR, frosty pod rot) and M. perniciosa (MP, witches’ broom disease) pose critical threats to cacao production in Latin America. This study explores the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. strains against these pathogens through exploratory analysis of mycoparasitism, chitinolytic activity, and volatile organic compound (VOC) production. Dual-culture assays revealed species-specific antagonism, but C2A/C4B showed a dual-pathogen efficacy (>93% of Monioliopthora inhibition). Chitinase activity revealed C4A/C1 strains as exceptional producers (72 mg/mL NAGA vs. MR and 94 mg/mL vs. MP, respectively). GC-MS analysis identified pathogen-modulated VOC dynamics: hexadecanoic acid dominated in 80% Trichoderma solo-cultures (up to 26.65% peak area in C3B). MP showed 18.4-fold higher abundance of hexadecanoic acid than MR (0.23%). In 90% of dual-culture with MR and MP, HDA was detected as the most abundant. Functional specialization was evident. C4A and C1 prioritized chitinase production growing on MR and MP cell walls (respectively), whereas C9 excelled in antifungal hexadecanoic acid synthesis in confrontation with both pathogens. Complementary strengths among strains—enzymatic activity in C4A/C4B versus volatile-mediated inhibition in C9—suggest niche partitioning, supporting a consortium-based approach for robust biocontrol. This study provides preliminary evidence for the biocontrol potential of several Trichoderma strains, showing possible complementary modes of action. Full article

Background: The aging population is increasing, leading to a greater need for home care for older adults, often provided by informal caregivers (ICs). These caregivers face numerous challenges, requiring adequate training and support. Objectives: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in empowering ICs of older adults at home. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included seven articles published between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available in the PubMed e CINHAL Ultimate databases. The descriptors used were (Rehabilitation Nursing) AND (Informal Caregivers OR Caregivers) AND (Elderly OR Aged) AND (mentoring OR Training. Results: The RNS interventions focused on training caregivers in technical skills (e.g., positioning, transfers, hygiene care, feeding, medication administration), preventing caregiver burden, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, promoting self-care, and emotional support. Educational programs and the use of technologies (telehealth) were identified as effective strategies. Conclusions: RNS interventions are crucial for enhancing the skills and well-being of ICs, improving the quality of care provided to older adults at home, and reducing caregiver burden. Person-centered care, continuous support, and recognizing the caregiver’s role are fundamental aspects of these interventions. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women, often requiring mastectomy, a procedure with a significant impact on functionality, self-esteem, and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in the follow-up care of mastectomised women. Methods: A review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included 11 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available on the EBSCO platform (MEDLINE with Full TEXT, CINAHL). The descriptors used were (Mastectomy OR Breast Removal) AND (Rehabilitation Nursing OR Nursing Intervention). Results: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions focused on education regarding upper limb mobilisation, medication administration, lymphedema prevention, strategies for performing Daily Life Activities with less effort and pain, implementation of rehabilitation plans with physical exercises, and emotional support in accepting body image changes. Hospital discharge planning and caregiver education also emerged as key elements to ensure continuity of care. Most studies (six) identify performing exercises to strengthen muscles and prevent lymphoedema as a very important intervention for nurses, followed by education on care for upper limb mobilisation and lymphoedema prevention (five) and emotional and social support (four), among other interventions. Conclusions: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions are fundamental for promoting functionality, emotional well-being, and quality of life in mastectomised women, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach supported by scientific evidence. Full article

The seasonal and interannual irregularity of temperature and precipitation is a feature of the Mediterranean climate that is intensified by climate change and constitutes a relevant driver of water and soil degradation. This study was developed during three years in a hydro-agricultural area of the Alqueva irrigation system (Portugal) with Mediterranean climate conditions. The sampling campaigns included collecting water samples from eight irrigation hydrants, analyzed four times yearly. The analysis incorporated meteorological data and indices (precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions) alongside chemical parameters, using multivariate statistics (factor analysis and cluster analysis) to identify key water quality drivers. Additionally, machine learning models (Random Forest regression and Gradient Boosting machine) were employed to predict electrical conductivity (ECw), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and pH based on chemical and climatic variables. Water quality evaluation showed a prevalence of a slight to moderate soil sodification risk. The factor analysis outcome was a three-factor model related to salinity, sodicity, and climate. The cluster analysis revealed a grouping pattern led by year and followed by stage, pointing to the influence of inter-annual climate irregularity. Variations in water quality from the reservoirs to the distribution network were not substantial. The Random Forest algorithm showed superior predictive accuracy, particularly for ECw and SAR, confirming its potential for the reliable forecasting of irrigation water quality. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating time-sensitive monitoring with data-driven predictions of water quality to support sustainable water resources management in agriculture. This integrated approach offers a promising framework for early warning and informed decision-making in the context of increasing drought vulnerability across Mediterranean agro-environments. Full article

Saliva was used as non-invasive alternative to blood for diagnosing pathophysiological conditions. This study aimed to assess changes in protein profile in people with obesity after bariatric surgery and to assess the impact of exercise on these changes. The saliva proteome was determined from two-dimensional gels of twenty adults (ten people with normal weight and ten people with obesity). The effects of bariatric surgery and exercise were assessed. A decrease in body weight, body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio was observed after bariatric surgery. Low levels of carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI), short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 2 (SPLUNC2), and haptoglobin were observed. One month after bariatric surgery, spots of haptoglobin and SPLUNC2 increased, although one CA-VI spot decreased. Zn-alpha-2 glycoprotein, immunoglobulin chains, and actin-related protein-3, which are high in people with obesity, decreased 1 month after bariatric surgery. Five months after bariatric surgery, the most significant change was the amylase decrease. The exercise-induced changes in salivary proteins increased SPLUNC, CA-VI, type S cystatins, actin cytoplasmic 1, and zinc alpha-2 glycoprotein levels and decrease Ig kappa chain C region and Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor beta. It can be concluded that the salivary proteins change between people with normal weight vs. patients with obesity, as well as after bariatric surgery and exercise programmes. Salivary proteins may be useful biomarkers in non-invasive samples for monitoring and assessing the impact of interventions on people with obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental illnesses worldwide and in Portugal, often resulting in chronicity and disability. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with anxiety in the Portuguese adult population. Methods: This study included participants aged 18 to 65 years from the nationwide, population-based EpiDoC cohort, who were followed from 2011 to 2021 (n = 2927). Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A mixed logistic regression analysis was performed using a prospective analytical approach. Two strategies were used to adjust the mixed models: (i) model with only complete observations (n = 1950) and (ii) model with imputation of the category “No” in missing self-reported diseases (n = 2554). Results: The proportion of anxiety symptoms decreased from 2011–2013 to 2021 (12.5% vs. 8.5%). Experienced anxiety symptoms were positively associated (OR > 1, p < 0.05) with being female; having a high school, 2nd and 3rd cycle (6–9 years of studies), or primary/no education; being unemployed; seeking the first job; and not working or being temporarily unable to work. Additionally, anxiety symptoms were positively associated (OR > 1, p < 0.05) with smoking daily, lack of physical exercise, and medication use. Digestive diseases, multimorbidity, and region were also positively associated (OR > 1, p < 0.05) with anxiety symptoms. Moreover, age was negatively associated (OR < 1, p < 0.05) with experiencing anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Some determinants are modifiable and preventable through economic, social, and health policies. Measures to promote healthy lifestyles, like physical exercise, reduce substance abuse, prevent chronic diseases, increase employability, and increase schooling and health literacy, are necessary to reduce the anxiety rate in Portugal. Full article

This study explores the feasibility of producing biohydrogen from winery wastewater using a dual-chamber microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). A mixed microbial consortium pre-adapted to heavy-metal environments and enriched with Geobacter sulfurreducens was anaerobically cultivated from diverse waste streams. Over 5000 h of development, the MEC system was progressively adapted to winery wastewater, enabling long-term electrochemical stability and high organic matter degradation. Upon winery wastewater addition (5% v/v), the system achieved a sustained hydrogen production rate of (0.7 ± 0.3) L H₂ L⁻¹ d⁻¹, with an average current density of (60 ± 4) A m⁻³, and COD removal efficiency exceeding 55%, highlighting the system’s resilience despite the presence of inhibitory compounds. Coulombic efficiency and cathodic hydrogen recovery reached (75 ± 4)% and (87 ± 5)%, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provided mechanistic insight into charge transfer and biofilm development, correlating resistive parameters with biological adaptation. These findings demonstrate the potential of MECs to simultaneously treat agro-industrial wastewaters and recover energy in the form of hydrogen, supporting circular resource management strategies. Full article

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an essential plant metabolite that acts primarily as an antioxidant, regulates cell division and elongation, and enhances stress tolerance. Despite its crucial physiological role, the biosynthesis of AsA in G. max, a major crop of significant commercial importance, remains largely unexplored. This gap highlights the need for a thorough investigation of AsA biosynthesis pathways and their role in optimizing the nutritional value and stress tolerance of soybeans. This study identified 41 key genes linked to four AsA biosynthesis pathways in G. max, highlighting specific gene duplications compared to Arabidopsis. Their expression levels were assessed by analyzing a diverse set of RNA-Seq data from the NCBI database. Additionally, to cross-validate the expression levels of genes and the accumulation levels of AsA in the principal tissues, G. max plants were grown under controlled conditions following the protocols from selected RNA-seq experiments. Genes associated with the D-mannose/L-galactose pathway exhibited ubiquitous expression, and the expression patterns of genes from alternative pathways reflected their responsiveness to specific tissues or environmental conditions. Germination and leaf development were accompanied by strong expression of gene members from all pathways, whereas leaf aging was characterized by downregulation. Specific gene members, such as GMP_2a (D-mannose/L-galactose pathway), GulLO_1f (L-gulose pathway), and MIOX_3a (Myo-inositol pathway) were highly stress-responsive and linked to stress-resistant genotypes and cultivars. Consistent with gene expression analyses, the quantification of AsA revealed the highest mass fractions in young leaves and germinating seeds. However, AsA mass fractions were significantly reduced or unchanged under stress conditions, depending on the type of stress and the duration of exposure. Overall, this study validated the relevance of AsA biosynthesis pathways in soybeans, highlighting key genes that could be targeted to enhance stress tolerance and improve ascorbate production, thereby boosting the nutritional value of soybeans. Full article

A major challenge for the viticulture and oenology sector is to understand the impact of climate change on grapevine agronomic performance and wine quality. Genetic variability offers a key tool for adaptation, as some grape varieties may better withstand changing conditions while maintaining wine quality. As part of the WineClimAdapt research project (PDR2020-101-031010), a study was conducted on the adaptability of 18 white grape varieties to hot and dry conditions in Portugal. These grape varieties from Herdade do Esporão (Alentejo, Portugal) were vinified in duplicate at the INIAV winery, the result being 36 wines. The wines underwent physicochemical and sensory analyses, including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID), to assess their composition and sensory profiles. Tasters evaluated the wines using a structured scale (0–10) and rated their overall quality (0–20). Results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the physicochemical composition and sensory profiles of the wines. Notably, some white wines displayed high acidity, which is advantageous for hot regions. The study also highlighted clear varietal differentiation across physicochemical, volatile and sensory analyses. Among the tested varieties, “Cayetana Blanca” and “Fernão Pires” achieved the highest average quality ratings, indicating promising potential for future studies and adaptation to climate change. Full article

The border effect on heritage protection, shaped by historical and physical factors, contributes to the formation of socio-territorial systems, particularly in relation to productive landscapes. This study focuses on the Portuguese–Spanish border between Andalusia and Extremadura, a region where inter-regional dynamics mirror international tensions due to the coexistence of differing legislative frameworks. The area is characterized by shared agricultural and ecological systems and fragmented transport networks, which complicate territorial integration. Methodologically, the study involves a selection of seven municipalities based on demographic vulnerability and rural identity, followed by historical and spatial analysis using legal sources, historical dictionaries, and digital platforms for heritage mapping. One of the key components was the identification and documentation of historical mills linked to the Ardilla River and its tributaries, using a combination of official heritage databases and user-generated platforms like Wikiloc and local websites. The twenty-one mills found highlight a significant presence of unprotected yet generally well-preserved mills that exemplify the agricultural and industrial legacy of the region. These assets, often overlooked in formal inventories, underline the potential for cross-border heritage recognition and call for a rethinking of protection strategies through the lens of cultural landscapes and community engagement. Full article