21587 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparative metabolomic and bioactivity profiling of wild and greenhouse–Transplanted Plantago coronopus L
No full textThis study investigates the influence of growing conditions on the metabolomic composition and associated bioactivities of Plantago coronopus L. Methanol extracts were prepared from freeze-dried biomass of both wild and greenhouse-transplanted plants and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on enzymes relevant to Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), type 2 diabetes (alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase), and obesity-related disorders (lipase). An untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed using mass spectral library matching and in silico annotation tools to characterise the chemical composition of the extracts. Extracts from wild specimens exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and cholinesterase inhibition, coinciding with higher levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. These differences were associated with increased levels of bioactive metabolites, including caffeic acid derivatives, terpenoids, and lipid-like compounds, possibly linked to environmental stress responses. Despite lower bioactivity, greenhouse-grown plants still produced valuable compounds such as acteoside, echinacoside, and plantamajoside. These findings highlight the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive metabolites and suggest that manipulating environmental conditions in controlled cultivation could enhance phytochemical yields.EMBRC.PT ALG-01–0145-FEDER02212; CEECIND/00425/201
Snakes and ladders: a technological approach to tool maintenance byproducts using module flake categories
No full textThe study of retouching, reshaping, and rejuvenation in lithic technology has traditionally focused on finished tools, overlooking the byproducts of these processes, particularly microdebitage. This emphasis has led to an incomplete understanding of the dynamic behaviours associated with tool maintenance and a lack of crucial information about prehistoric technological strategies. In this study, we address this knowledge gap. Specifically, we introduce a classification system for lithic byproducts resulting from retouching, reshaping, and rejuvenation techniques, categorising them into five modules (M0 through M4) based on lithic technological analysis. This methodology integrates the chaîne opératoire approach to analyse flakes without size thresholds. To demonstrate our approach, we apply it to lithic assemblages from two Middle Palaeolithic sites in Armenia, Kalavan 2 and Ararat-1 Cave. This enables a precise reconstruction of tool use-life and, in turn, the maintenance strategies of Pleistocene hunter-gatherers. Our findings demonstrate that microdebitage (byproducts) can contribute to a holistic view of decision-making, revealing patterns in tool maintenance and raw material provisioning. The module system provides insights on ‘ghost tools’ i., e., tools that are no longer present in the archaeological record, as well as curation behaviours and economic decisions regarding raw materials that were previously difficult to discern. By shifting the focus from finished artefacts to byproducts, this framework enhances our ability to interpret lithic assemblages and understand the adaptive strategies of prehistoric hunter-gatherers
Uma cidade portuguesa no coração do Brasil
No full textNeste texto, analisamos as principais semelhanças entre a arquitetura barroca da Cidade de Goiás (fundada em 1727, pelo bandeirante paulista Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva) e a arquitetura portuguesa. A cidade é o caso mais emblemáticos de preservação de construções do período colonial português no Centro-Oeste brasileiro, o que permite, claramente, identificar vários elementos arquitetónicos que são muito parecidos com os das edificações mais antigas encontradas em Portugal, principalmente na região sul de Portugal.In this text, we analize the main similarities between the Cidade de Goiás’baroque architecture - which was founded in 1727, by the gold explorer Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva (1672-1740) – and the portuguese urban buildings design. The Cidade de Goiás is the most emblematic case of preservations of constructions of the portuguese colonial period in the Brazilian Mid-West region, which clearly allows us, identify several architectural features that resembles ancient edifications found in Portugal, specially in the southermost region.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Documentos das provas de agregação de Sónia Maria da Silva Monteiro. Titulo da Lição: A investigação sobre os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS): uma análise multissetorial das práticas de relato e seus fatores determinantes
No full textO presente relatório visa dar cumprimento à alínea b), do artigo 5º do Decreto-Lei nº 239/2007, de 19 de junho, no que respeita à apresentação do relatório de uma unidade curricular (UC) para efeitos de submissão a Provas Públicas de Agregação no ramo de conhecimento em Ciências Económicas e Empresariais da Universidade do Algarve. O relatório apresenta o programa, os conteúdos e os métodos do ensino da UC “Relato da Sustentabilidade”, que se propõe incluir como UC opcional no curso de Mestrado em Contabilidade e Finanças (MCF) da Associação dos Institutos Superiores Politécnicos da Região Norte (APNOR)
O desenvolvimento da criança e do adolescente – considerações para o cuidar em enfermagem
No full textO livro aborda conteúdos atualizados relativos ao crescimento e desenvolvimento global da criança desde ao nascimento até aos 18 anos de idade, versando essencialmente o desenvolvimento saudável. Serve de apoio ao estudo dos estudantes nas Unidade Curricular Enfermagem de Saúde Infantil e Pediátrica
Long-term predictive accuracy of the ‘mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease’ criteria
No full textBackground: The development and clinical use of biomarkers has dramatically changed the framework of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) management, allowing the diagnosis at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage. In 2015 we compared the prevalence and prognosis of AD at the MCI stage according to different criteria available at that time, and we found that the National Institute of Aging-Alzheimer Association (NIA-AA) criteria provided higher predictive accuracy for AD dementia after 3 years. Since then, we adopted these criteria in clinical practice. Objective: To evaluate the long-term predictive accuracy of the ‘MCI due to AD - high likelihood’ criteria by taking advantage from an extended follow-up in a memory clinic setting. Methods: Patients were diagnosed according to the ‘MCI due to AD - high likelihood’ criteria and followed up until conversion to dementia. Results: One hundred and fourteen patients with ‘MCI due to AD - high likelihood’ were enrolled in the study and followed-up for 3.0±1.8 [0.4–8.3] years. During the follow-up 106 (93.0%) patients progressed to dementia, 2 (1.8%) had stroke, 6 (5.3%) died, and none remained in MCI or reverted to normal cognitive status. The average survival time remaining in MCI, analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curve, was 3.2 (95% CI 2.9–3.6) years. Using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, patients with higher Mini-Mental State Examination kept the MCI status longer. Conclusions: The diagnostic criteria of NIA-AA ‘MCI due to AD - high likelihood’ have an excellent long-term predictive accuracy in a memory clinic setting.COMPETE2030-FEDER-0070750
Reinfection incidence following surgical intervention for infected aortic bypass: a meta-analysis
No full textBackground Infection of vascular grafts after aortic revascularization surgery is a serious complication with high morbid ity and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine reinfection incidence in patients undergoing surgical intervention for infected aortic bypass grafts and identify key risk factors in the literature. Materials and Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Three electronic databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search studies published after January 1, 2000, that assessed reinfection rates following surgical intervention for infected aortic bypass grafts. Random-effects meta-analysis was per formed to calculate pooled incidence of major outcomes.Results: Our systematic review included 30 studies with a total of 2,341 patients. Overall reinfection rate was 12.7% (95% CI: 8.6%–16.9%). In terms of morbidity 34.1% had acute kidney injury, 23.8% needed amputation, and 29.4% developed acute limb ischemia. The 30-day mortality rate was 27.8% (95% CI: 13.2%–42.4%).The medical approach to treatment varied significantly, however, the majority involved total removal of the infected prosthesis. The main microorganisms isolated in primary infections were mostly Staphylococcus and Enterococ cus species, with a notable representation of gram-negative bacteria.Conclusion: Reinfection rates after surgical treatment of infected aortic bypass grafts were relatively high and constitute a challenge of high clinical impact. This is further demon strated by the high 30-day mortality rate. The significant variation in treatment approaches observed above also highlights the lack of formalized management protocols. Further studies are needed to determine the best surgical approach and patientrelated risk factors to optimize outcomes in this difficult population
Drug repurposing for targeting cancer stem-like cells in glioblastoma
No full textGlioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest types of cancer, characterized by a short life expectancy after diagnosis, mostly related to therapy resistance and recurrence. GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) reside within the tumor and contribute to these features; therefore, finding drugs that specifically target such cells holds promise to halt GBM progression. The primary objective of this work is to comprehensively review and discuss the potential of hard drug repurposing to target GSCs. Several studies evaluating drugs showing anti-GSC activity, originally approved for non-cancer indications, were identified. These mainly included antidiabetics (e.g., Metformin, Phenformin, and Sitagliptin), antihypertensives (e.g., Nicardipine, Doxazosin, and Prazosin), antimicrobials (e.g., Pyrvinium pamoate, Flubendazole, and Clofazimine), and central nervous system-acting drugs (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Fluvoxamine, and Disulfiram). Relevant candidates include those that disrupt GSC metabolism, namely impairing mitochondrial function, such as Metformin, Chlorpromazine, and Pyrvinium pamoate. Multiple signaling pathways may be involved, namely the Wnt, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3 pathways, among others. Also significant were those drugs tested in combination, resulting in increased sensitivity to Temozolomide (TMZ), the standard pharmacological treatment available for GBM. Some repurposed agents, such as Disulfiram and Metformin, have already reached clinical testing, although none have yet been incorporated into clinical practice. Importantly, major translational barriers remain, like limited blood–brain barrier penetration and the lack of robust clinical trials. In conclusion, drug repurposing is an affordable and suitable strategy to target GSCs, impairing cell viability, reducing stemness, and enhancing their sensitivity to TMZ, which has potential that should be further explored to improve patients’ clinical outcomes
The necropolis of the Verdelha dos Ruivos Cave and the genesis of the Bell Beaker complex in Portuguese Estremadura
No full textProceedings of the International Conference: Riva del Garda, Trento, Italy, 25–28 October 2023The Verdelha dos Ruivos Cave, located some 20 km NNE of Lisbon, is the only necropolis of the Bell Beaker Complex identified so far in Portugal in which it was possible to isolate individual burials and reconstruct the original position of the corpses. The cave was discovered in 1973, during the inspection of a Cretaceous limestone quarry. The exploitation of the quarry face sectioned the cavity, leaving only its distal part. The archaeological excavation was carried out by a team from the former Geological Services of Portugal, led by O. da Veiga Ferreira. The team included a medical doctor, which constituted an obvious added value for characterising the composition of the population and defining inhumation practices. All that remained of the original natural cavity was a small crypt, whose brown infill contrasted with the colour of the limestone; this was a hardened carbonate breccia, with abundant limestone blocks and containing archaeological remains. The hardness of this consolidated infill made it difficult to carry out the excavation, which began in October 1973 and ended only in May 1974.
Four main levels were identified, consisting of successive individual tombs in lateral decubitus, on the left or right side, with the body coiled up in a foetal position. It was possible to identify the position of 11 graves, sometimes covered by small limestone slabs; the most fragile anatomical segments were missing.
The archaeological remains included several artefacts, which were not very abundant, but showed a clear diversity, including all the objects deemed characteristic of the Bell Beaker Complex: sperm-whale tooth buttons, gold spirals, a Palmela point, idols and ceramics. All the decorated ceramics correspond to Beaker types, which leads to the conclusion that the funerary use of this cave should be exclusively attributed to a community belonging to the Bell Beaker Complex. Radiocarbon datings obtained support the beginning of this necropolis at ca. 2700 BC, extending into the second half of the 3rd millennium BC.
These results are consistent with the remarkable antiquity of the emergence of the Bell Beaker Complex in the Tagus estuary region, as demonstrated by the results obtained at the prehistoric settlement of Leceia, located approximately 40 km to the SW, a fact that will also be enhanced and discussed in this paper.788616 – The Yamnaya Impact on Prehistoric Europe (YMPACT
Mito de Perséfone no espaço familiar de Armando Correia
No full textO artigo analisa a receção do mito de Perséfone na obra de Armando Correia, integrada no espaço doméstico do artista. A análise cruza fontes clássicas com a leitura visual e espacial da obra. Defende-se que a mitologia desempenha um papel estruturante no discurso estético do artista, contribuindo para os estudos de receção clássica fora do contexto museológico.The article analyses the reception of the myth of Persephone in the work of Armando Correia, integrated into the artist’s domestic space. The analysis brings together classical sources with a visual and spatial reading of the artwork. It argues that mythology plays a structuring role in the artist’s aesthetic discourse, contributing to studies of classical reception beyond the museum context.UIDP/00196/2025; UID/00019/202