The Ethanolic Extract of Polygala paniculata L. Blocks Panx1 Channels and Reduces Ischemic Brain Infarct in a Dose- and Sex-Dependent Way.

Polygala paniculata L. is a native plant from tropical America. The therapeutic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. paniculata (HEPp) has been scientifically explored due to folk medicine reports on its action against several afflictions. HEPp contains several bioactive molecules with neuroprotective activities, making it a promising candidate for stroke treatment. This study used electrophysiological, biochemical, and in vivo experiments to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying HEPp as a neuroprotective therapy for stroke targeting Pannexin-1 (Panx1). Panx1 is a non-selective channel that opens during ischemia and contributes to neuronal death. HEPp was not toxic to cortical neurons and pre-treatment with the extract reduced neuronal death promoted by oxygen and glucose deprivation in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, HEPp blocked Panx1 currents in a dose-dependent manner and the effect, which was shown to be partially due to rutin. Animals submitted to photothrombosis and post-treated with HEPp had reduced infarct volume, and the effective dose was lower in males (1 mg/kg) than in females (10 mg/kg). On the other hand, in Panx1 KD mice (50% Panx1 levels), the acute treatment reduced the infarct volume only in males. Upon chronic treatment with HEPp, a reduction in Panx1 protein levels was observed. The current study provides reliable evidence of the neuroprotective properties of HEPp in both in vitro and in vivo models of stroke. The underlying mechanism involves, at least in part, the inhibition of Panx1 channel function and possibly downregulation of protein levels, suppressing the secondary events that lead to apoptosis and inflammation.

Vascular heterogeneity of tight junction Claudins guides organotropic metastasis.

Carcinomas are associated with metastasis to specific organs while sparing others. Breast cancer presents with lung metastasis but rarely kidney metastasis. Using this difference as an example, we queried the mechanism(s) behind the proclivity for organ-specific metastasis. We used spontaneous and implant models of metastatic mammary carcinoma coupled with inflammatory tissue fibrosis, single-cell sequencing analyses and functional studies to unravel the causal determinants of organ-specific metastasis. Here we show that lung metastasis is facilitated by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2)-mediated suppression of lung-specific endothelial tight junction protein Claudin 5, which is augmented by the inflammatory fibrotic microenvironment and prevented by anti-Ang2 blocking antibodies, while kidney metastasis is prevented by non-Ang2-responsive Claudins 2 and 10. Suppression of Claudins 2 and 10 was sufficient to induce the emergence of kidney metastasis. This study illustrates the influence of organ-specific vascular heterogeneity in determining organotropic metastasis, independent of cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms.

Fed-batch strategies for intensified rVSV vector production in high cell density cultures of suspension HEK293 cells.

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been increasingly demonstrated as a promising viral vector platform. As the interest over this modality for vaccine and gene therapy applications increases, the need for intensified processes to produce these vectors emerge. In this study, we develop fed-batch-based operations to intensify the production of a recombinant VSV-based vaccine candidate (rVSV-SARS-CoV-2) in suspension cultures of HEK293 cells. A feeding strategy, in which a commercial concentrated medium was added to cultures based on cell growth through a fixed cell specific feeding rate (CSFR), was applied for the development of two different processes using Ambr250 modular bioreactors. Cultures operated in hybrid fed-batch/perfusion (FB/P) or fed-batch (FB) were able to sustain infections performed at 8.0 × 106 cells/mL, respectively resulting in 3.9 and 5.0-fold increase in total yield (YT) and 1.7 and 5.6-fold increase in volumetric productivity (VP) when compared with a batch reference. A maximum viral titer of 4.5 × 1010 TCID50/mL was reached, which is comparable or higher than other processes for VSV production in different cell lines. Overall, our study reports efficient fed-batch options to intensify the production of a rVSV-based vaccine candidate in suspension HEK293 cells.

Inhibition of Aspergillus spp. growth and ochratoxin A production in Conilon and Arabica coffees based-medium by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0159 is reported as a promising biocontrol agent against ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing fungi in coffee. Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (var. Conilon or Robusta) are the most widely consumed coffee species around the world, cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, each exhibiting distinct physicochemical and sensory characteristics. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and OTA production by Aspergillus carbonarius, A. ochraceus, and A. westerdijkiae in C. arabica and C. canephora, along with assessing the efficiency of S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 in biocontrolling ochratoxigenic fungi in both coffee varieties. A. carbonarius exhibited a higher growth rate and OTA production in both coffee varieties, with C. canephora showing particular susceptibility. Conversely, A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae demonstrated lower growth and OTA production. S. cerevisiae was effective in biocontrolling the fungal isolates, inhibiting over 80 % of A. carbonarius growth in both coffee varieties. Among the mechanisms of action of the biological control agent, the production of volatile organic compounds stands out. The results of this study confirm the significant potential of S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 as a biocontrol agent against Aspergillus for application in coffee-producing areas.

Enhancing Water Tolerance and N2 Selectivity in NH3-SCR Catalysts by Protecting Mn Oxide Nanoparticles in a Silicalite-1 Layer.

Mn-based catalysts are promising candidates for eliminating harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) via selective catalytic reduction with ammonia (NH3-SCR) due to their inherent strong redox abilities. However, poor water tolerance and low N2 selectivity are still the main limitations for practical applications. Herein, we succeeded in preparing an active catalyst for NH3-SCR with improved water tolerance and N2 selectivity based on protecting MnOx with a secondary growth of a hydrophobic silicalite-1. This protection suppressed catalyst deactivation by water adsorption. Interestingly, impregnating MnOx on MesoTS-1 followed by silicalite-1 protection allowed for a higher dispersion of MnOx species, thus increasing the concentration of acid sites. Consequently, the level of N2O formation is decreased. These improvements resulted in a broader operating temperature of NOx conversion and a modification of the NH3-SCR mechanism. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analysis revealed that unprotected Mn/MesoTS-1 mainly followed the Eley-Rideal mechanism, while Mn/MesoTS-1@S1 followed both Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0159 showed a high capacity to inhibit OTA-producing Aspergillus species.

The use of yeast to biologically control the production of ochratoxin A, which is caused by filamentous fungal growth, in coffee farms is a promising alternative to conventional methods. However, yeast strains, environmental field conditions, and the chemical composition of grains / fruits can influence the effectiveness of biological control agents. We tested the efficiency of different yeast strains in controlling three species of ochratoxigenic fungi in a coffee-based medium. The reasons and mechanisms behind the varying sensitivities of different Aspergillus species to biological control remains unclear. Aspergillus carbonarius rapidly assimilated carbon sources, giving it an advantage over yeasts in substrate colonisation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0159 inhibited all three fungal species, achieving efficiencies of 74.4%, 100%, and 80.9% against A. carbonarius, A. westerdijkiae, and A. ochraceus, respectively. The strategies employed by S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 to inhibit the growth of ochratoxigenic fungi included competition, production of fungicidal volatile compounds, and alteration of the substrate's physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that among the yeast isolates tested, S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 is the most effective in inhibiting ochratoxigenic fungi in coffee, including the more resistant A. carbonarius.

Psychometric assessment of the Runyankole-translated Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale among persons with HIV in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Social desirability can negatively affect the validity of self-reported measures, including underreporting of stigmatized behaviors like alcohol consumption. The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (SDS) is widely implemented and comprised of Denial and Attribution Domains (i.e., tendencies to deny undesirable traits or attribute socially desirable traits to oneself, respectively). Yet, limited psychometric research has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol consumption is high as well as religiosity and hierarchical social norms. To address this gap, we (a) conducted an exploratory study assessing certain psychometric properties of the 28-item SDS (Runyankole-translated) among persons with HIV (PWH) in Uganda, and (b) examined the relationship between social desirability and self-reported alcohol use. METHODS: We pooled baseline data (N = 1153) from three studies of PWH engaged in alcohol use from 2017 to 2021. We assessed the translated scale's construct validity (via confirmatory factor analysis), internal consistency, item performance, differential item functioning by gender, concurrent validity with the DUREL religiosity index domains, and the association between social desirability and self-reported alcohol use. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 40.42 years, 63% were men, and 91% had an undetectable HIV viral load. The 28-item SDS had satisfactory construct validity (Model fit indices: RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.84, TLI = 0.82) and internal consistency (Denial Domain ΩTotal = 0.82, Attribution Domain ΩTotal = 0.69). We excluded Item 14 ("I never hesitate to help someone in trouble") from the Attribution Domain, which mitigated differential measurement error by gender and slightly improved the construct validity (Model fit indices: RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.86, TLI = 0.85) and reliability (Attribution Domain ΩTotal = 0.72) of the 27-item modified SDS. Using the 27-item SDS, we found that social desirability was weakly correlated with religiosity and inversely associated with self-reported alcohol use after adjusting for biomarker-measured alcohol use and other confounders (ß = -0.05, 95% confidence interval: -0.09 to -0.01, p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We detected and mitigated measurement error in the 28-item Runyankole-translated SDS, and found that the modified 27-item scale had satisfactory construct validity and internal consistency in our sample. Future studies should continue to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Runyankole-translated SDS, including retranslating Item 14 and reevaluating its performance.

Composites of Titanium-Molybdenum Mixed Oxides and Non-Traditional Carbon Materials: Innovative Supports for Platinum Electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

TiO2-based mixed oxide-carbon composite support for Pt electrocatalysts provides higher stability and CO tolerance under the working conditions of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells compared to traditional carbon supports. Non-traditional carbon materials like graphene nanoplatelets and graphite oxide used as the carbonaceous component of the composite can contribute to its affordability and/or functionality. Ti(1-x)MoxO2-C composites involving these carbon materials were prepared through a sol-gel route; the effect of the extension of the procedure through a solvothermal treatment step was assessed. Both supports and supported Pt catalysts were characterized by physicochemical methods. Electrochemical behavior of the catalysts in terms of stability, activity, and CO tolerance was studied. Solvothermal treatment decreased the fracture of graphite oxide plates and enhanced the formation of a reduced graphene oxide-like structure, resulting in an electrically more conductive and more stable catalyst. In parallel, solvothermal treatment enhanced the growth of mixed oxide crystallites, decreasing the chance of formation of Pt-oxide-carbon triple junctions, resulting in somewhat less CO tolerance. The electrocatalyst containing graphene nanoplatelets, along with good stability, has the highest activity in oxygen reduction reaction compared to the other composite-supported catalysts.

Therapeutic dosage of isotretinoin in rats may influence orthodontic tooth movement.

Objective Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, is an isomer of tretinoin, the oxidized form of Vitamin A. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is the result of a cascade of inflammatory responses stimulated by a physical element that is the force generated by orthodontic appliances. Isotretinoin is mainly used among adolescents and young adults, and coincidentally it is this age group that also undergoes orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods Fifty-five animals were used, and they were randomly divided into 11 groups, containing 5 animals in each group. Group 1: Control; Group 2: OTM for 7 days; Group 3: OTM for 14 days; Group 4: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days with a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg/day; Group 5: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days with a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day; Group 6: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days with a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg/day; Group 7: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days with a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day; Group 8: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days with a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg/day and undergoing OTM for 7 days; Group 9: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days with a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day and undergoing OTM for 7 days; Group 10: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days with a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg/day and undergoing OTM for 14 days; Group 11: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days with a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day and undergoing OTM for 14 days. In Groups 8, 9, 10 and 11, the animals were treated with isotretinoin for 7 days before OTM and maintained during the movement period in the respective groups. Results There was a significant difference in microtomographic parameters, including Trabecular Volume (BV/TV), Trabecular Thickness (Tb.Th), Number of Trabeculae (Tb.N), and Trabecular Separation (Tb.Sp), between the groups. The group that received orthodontic force in conjunction with isotretinoin treatment at a dosage of 7.5 mg/kg/day exhibited lower tooth displacement over a period of 21 days and 14 days. Conclusion Isotretinoin caused a reduction in tooth displacement during OTM when administered at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg/day and isotretinoin did change the microtomographic parameters of treated animals.

Higher Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key element in the initiation and progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Understanding the impact of inflammatory molecules, as cytokines in PAD could help us to improve the prognosis of these patients. The main goal of this study was to compare the serum level of cytokines between patients with claudication to those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of cytokines and death or amputation rate. METHODS: An observational, single-center, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. The study was approved by the ethical commission of the Local Hospital (75/2017). Patients with PAD, suggested by the clinical history and objective examination and confirmed with ankle-brachial index, attending vascular surgery consultations of the first author were included. The following exclusion criteria were applied: i) bedridden individuals or subjects who refused to participate in the protocol; ii) diseases responsible for body composition changes or proinflammatory state; iii) recent diet change, iv) active malignancy, v) autoimmune disease, vi) active infection, vii) chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), or viii) heart failure in the past 3 months. This cohort was observed at admission, 3, 6, and 12 months. A panel of 27 cytokines was determined with ELISA, at baseline. RESULTS: We included 119 subjects (mean age: 67.58 ± 9.60 years old; 79.80% males), 65 patients with claudication and 54 with CLTI. From the 27 cytokines analyzed, patients with CLTI, when compared to those with claudication, had a higher serum level of 11 cytokines: IL1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL12 p70, G-CSF, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, PDGF-ß, RANTES, and TNF-α. From the group of patients with CLTI those who underwent a major amputation had a higher serum level of FGF-basic [median = 49.04; interquartile range = 37.03-52.49; versus median = 33.04; interquartile range = 28.60-38.98; P = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLTI have higher serum level of inflammatory cytokines, which may have role in the prognosis of these patients.

Persistent TFIIH binding to non-excised DNA damage causes cell and developmental failure.

Congenital nucleotide excision repair (NER) deficiency gives rise to several cancer-prone and/or progeroid disorders. It is not understood how defects in the same DNA repair pathway cause different disease features and severity. Here, we show that the absence of functional ERCC1-XPF or XPG endonucleases leads to stable and prolonged binding of the transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH to DNA damage, which correlates with disease severity and induces senescence features in human cells. In vivo, in C. elegans, this prolonged TFIIH binding to non-excised DNA damage causes developmental arrest and neuronal dysfunction, in a manner dependent on transcription-coupled NER. NER factors XPA and TTDA both promote stable TFIIH DNA binding and their depletion therefore suppresses these severe phenotypical consequences. These results identify stalled NER intermediates as pathogenic to cell functionality and organismal development, which can in part explain why mutations in XPF or XPG cause different disease features than mutations in XPA or TTDA.

Shelf-Life Management and Ripening Assessment of 'Hass' Avocado (Persea americana) Using Deep Learning Approaches.

Avocado production is mostly confined to tropical and subtropical regions, leading to lengthy distribution channels that, coupled with their unpredictable post-harvest behavior, render avocados susceptible to significant loss and waste. To enhance the monitoring of 'Hass' avocado ripening, a data-driven tool was developed using a deep learning approach. This study involved monitoring 478 avocados stored in three distinct storage environments, using a 5-stage Ripening Index to classify each fruit's ripening phase based on their shared characteristics. These categories were paired with daily photographic records of the avocados, resulting in a database of labeled images. Two convolutional neural network models, AlexNet and ResNet-18, were trained using transfer learning techniques to identify distinct ripening indicators, enabling the prediction of ripening stages and shelf-life estimations for new unseen data. The approach achieved a final prediction accuracy of 88.8% for the ripening assessment, with 96.7% of predictions deviating by no more than half a stage from their actual classifications when considering the best side of the samples. The average shelf-life estimates based on the attributed classifications were within 0.92 days of the actual shelf-life, whereas the predictions made by the models had an average deviation of 0.96 days from the actual shelf-life.

Inflammatory Cells in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease or Chronic Venous Disease: A Prospective, Observational, and Histological Study.

The main goal of this study was to assess whether the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) correlates with increased inflammatory cell infiltration. An observational, single-centre, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures were registered. Consecutive PAD patients with surgical indications for a common femoral artery approach and patients with varicose veins with an indication for surgical ligation of the saphenofemoral junction were included. In both groups, samples of sartorius skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were collected from the femoral region. We analysed the characteristics of adipocytes and the presence of haemorrhage and inflammatory cells in the samples of PVAT and SAT via haematoxylin-eosin staining. We found that patients with PAD had significantly more inflammatory cells in PVAT [16 (43.24%) vs. 0 (0%) p = 0.008]. Analysing SAT histology, we observed that patients with PAD had significantly more CD45+ leucocytes upon immunohistochemical staining [32 (72.73%) vs. 3 (27.27%) p = 0.005]. Upon analysing skeletal muscle histology with haematoxylin-eosin staining, we evaluated skeletal fibre preservation, as well as the presence of trauma, haemorrhage, and inflammatory cells. We registered a significantly higher number of inflammatory cells in patients with PAD [well-preserved skeletal fibres: PAD = 26 (63.41%) vs. varicose veins = 3 (37.50%) p = 0.173; trauma: PAD = 4 (9.76%) vs. varicose veins = 2 (25.00%) p = 0.229; haemorrhage: PAD = 6 (14.63%) vs. varicose veins = 0 (0%) p = 0.248; inflammatory cells: PAD = 18 (43.90%) vs. varicose veins = 0 (0%) p = 0.018]. Patients with PAD had a higher number of inflammatory cells in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (PVAT and SAT) when compared with those with varicose veins, emphasizing the role of inflammation in this group of patients.

Focused Exome Sequencing Gives a High Diagnostic Yield in the Indian Subcontinent.

The genetically isolated yet heterogeneous and highly consanguineous Indian population has shown a higher prevalence of rare genetic disorders. However, there is a significant socioeconomic burden for genetic testing to be accessible to the general population. In the current study, we analyzed next-generation sequencing data generated through focused exome sequencing from individuals with different phenotypic manifestations referred for genetic testing to achieve a molecular diagnosis. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants are reported in 280 of 833 cases with a diagnostic yield of 33.6%. Homozygous sequence and copy number variants were found as positive diagnostic findings in 131 cases (15.7%) because of the high consanguinity in the Indian population. No relevant findings related to reported phenotype were identified in 6.2% of the cases. Patients referred for testing due to metabolic disorder and neuromuscular disorder had higher diagnostic yields. Carrier testing of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of the disease, through focused exome sequencing, achieved positive diagnosis in 54 of 118 cases tested. Copy number variants were also found in trans with single-nucleotide variants and mitochondrial variants in a few of the cases. The diagnostic yield and the findings from this study signify that a focused exome test is a good lower-cost alternative for whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing and as a first-tier approach to genetic testing.

Reversion of the Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease is characterized by an intense inflammatory process that can be associated with a higher mortality rate, particularly in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). This study aims to compare the evolution of inflammatory markers between patients with claudication with those with CLTI at 3, 6, and 12 months. METHODS AND RESULTS: An observational, single-center, and prospective study was conducted. A total of 119 patients with peripheral artery disease (65 with claudication and 54 with CLTI) were observed and inflammatory markers collected at admission and 3, 6, and 12 months. At admission, patients with CLTI, when compared with patients with claudication, had significantly higher serum levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (positive acute-phase proteins) and lower serum level of albumin, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (negative acute-phase proteins): C-reactive protein (g/dL), 2.90 (25th-75th percentile, 2.90-4.90) versus 6.80 (25th-75th percentile, 2.90-53.26) (P=0.000); fibrinogen (mg/dL), 293.00 (25th-75th percentile, 269.25-349.00) versus 415.50 (25th-75th percentile, 312.00-615.75) (P=0.000); total cholesterol (mg/dL), 161.79±95% [152.74-170.85] versus 146.42%±95% [135.30-157.53] (P=0.034); high-density lipoprotein (mg/dL), 50.00 (25th-75th percentile, 41.00-60.00) versus 37.00 (25th-75th percentile, 30.00-45.50) (P=0.000); albumin (g/dL): 4.00 (25th-75th percentile, 3.70-4.20) versus 3.60 (25th-75th percentile, 3.10-4.00) (P=0.003). The association between CLTI and total cholesterol was lost after adjusting for confounders. Three months after the resolution of the CLTI, there was an increase in the levels of negative acute-phase proteins and a decrease in positive acute-phase proteins. These inflammatory proteins did not register an evolution in patients with claudication. The differences in the inflammatory proteins between groups disappeared at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: CLTI has an inflammatory environment that can be partially reverted after resolution of the ischemic process, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.

Performance of castor oil polyurethane resin in composite with the piassava fibers residue from the Amazon.

The use of castor oil in producing polyurethane resins has been identified as one of the most promising options for the industry. The piassava fibers waste generated by the industry on a large scale presents excellent properties as a reinforcing agent due to its high lignin content characterized by chemical tests and FTIR. Composite boards consisting of a higher content of mercerized piassava fibers (10 mm, 85 wt.%) reinforced polyurethane castor oil-based resin (prepolymer (PP) and polyol (OM)) exhibited excellent performance. Composites with these properties have strong potential for medium-density applications ranging from biomedical prosthetics to civil partition walls and insulation linings. Alkali treatment removed the superficial impurities of piassava fibers, activating polar groups, and physical characterization reported excellent performance for all composites. Among the composites, the CP3 sample (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1.2:1-PP:OM)) stood out with higher density and lower swelling and water absorption percentage than other composites. FTIR results indicated NCO traces after the resin cured in the PU3 (1.2:1-PP:OM), possibly contributing to the interaction with the fibers. DMA results reported relevant information about more flexibility to CP1 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 0.8:1-PP:OM)) and CP3 than CP2 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1:1-PP:OM)). The results suggest that the proper combination with natural products must lead to composites with potential applications as engineering materials.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in Portugal's primary health care system: SCORE vs. SCORE2.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention introduced the more accurate SCORE2 risk model as a replacement for the earlier SCORE, which is still used in primary care software in Portugal. Our objective is to determine whether the difference between risk assessment using SCORE and SCORE2, in the same patient population, is statistically significant. METHODS: A total of 1642 patients aged 40-65 without previous CVD, from the medical records of two Family Health Units, were included in this cross-sectional study. SCORE and SCORE2 were calculated using the variables gender, age, smoking status, lipid profile and systolic blood pressure. A statistical analysis was performed on the results. RESULTS: Using SCORE, 98% of the patients were in the low-moderate risk categories and 2% in the high or very high risk categories. When using SCORE2, the corresponding percentages were 55% and 45%, respectively. Reclassification with SCORE2 into higher categories was more often observed in younger (under 50 years of age) and male patients. With SCORE, 38.61% of patients were within the LDL-C target range; this figure fell to 20.28% with SCORE2. These differences are statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that a significant number of patients in this cohort who were classified through SCORE at lower risk levels were reclassified into higher risk categories with SCORE2. Similarly, the number of patients within the LDL-C target range for LDL-C was also lower using SCORE2.

Intervenções de enfermagem na prevenção da violência em contexto Forense: uma Scoping Review / Nursing interventions to prevent violence in forensic settings: a scoping review

Introdução: Atualmente, a violência, por ser um fenómeno complexo e dinâmico, exige, dos enfermeiros em geral e em particular daqueles que trabalham em serviços de psiquiatria forense, uma compreensão multidimensional e intervenções sistémicas e resilientes. Objetivo: Mapear as intervenções implementadas pelos enfermeiros, para prevenção da violência por parte das pessoas internadas, em serviços de psiquiatria forense. Metodologia: Protocolo de Scoping Review com base nos princípios preconizados pelo Joanna Briggs Institute, considerando os materiais bibliográficos publicados de janeiro de 2018 a julho de 2023, nas bases de dados CINAHL e MEDLINE e selecionados com recurso à plataforma Rayyan. Esta revisão considerou a inclusão de estudos, independentemente da área geográfica ou do desenho, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, disponíveis sem custos para os revisores. Esta pesquisa procura responder à questão norteadora, fundamentada pela estratégia PopulaçãoConceito-Contexto (PCC): Que intervenções são implementadas pelos enfermeiros, para prevenção da violência por parte das pessoas internadas, em contexto de psiquiatria forense? Resultados: Foram incluídos quatro artigos na revisão e identificadas intervenções e programas de treino para a prevenção/redução da violência, pelos enfermeiros, em serviços de psiquiatria forense. Espera-se que os resultados possam contribuir para melhorar a prática de cuidados à pessoa com doença mental nestes contextos. Conclusão: Esta pesquisa identificou intervenções e programas de treino sustentados, dois deles baseados na Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental, para prevenção da violência por parte das pessoas internadas, em serviços de psiquiatria forense. Mais estudos devem ser realizados para identificar intervenções inovadoras com foco na prevenção/redução do comportamento violento das pessoas internadas em serviços de psiquiatria forense.

Paint booth waste as an alternative aggregate for the production of interlocking concrete blocks.

Inadequate disposal of hazardous waste results risks to the environment and human health. Although the use of hazardous waste in new processes and/or products has received limited attention in the literature, there is still significant potential to be investigated. Reducing the usage of natural resources and waste management are important for sustainable practices during concrete production. This study investigated the mechanical and leaching behavior of paint booth waste (PBW) as a partial substitute (10, 20, 30 and 40%) of coarse aggregate in concrete mixtures for the manufacture of interlocking blocks. A sample of PBW used in this research differs from those in the literature due to its granulometry characterized by aggregates of different sizes. Concrete consistency, compressive strength, water absorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and leaching tests were carried out. The PBW did not influence the consistency in the fresh state of the concrete. The blocks with smaller substitutions (10 and 20%) presented denser structures and with greater strengths, surpassing 35 MPa after 28 days. Higher levels of PBW resulted in more porous concrete blocks with greater water absorption. The concrete-PBW mixtures showed no metal toxicity, i.e., the incorporation of this waste in the construction material avoided metal leaching. Concrete blocks with up to 20% PBW demonstrated satisfactory mechanical and environmental performance.