Polytechnic Institute of Bragança

Unlabelled: In a period globally known as long COVID, several post-acute infection sequelae and vaccination effects have been discussed. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the effects of COVID-19 infection and vaccines on the menstrual cycle of adolescents attending higher education and to verify the association between personal health factors and changes in their menstrual cycle after contact with the virus SARS-CoV-2 via infection or via the vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire for data collection, applied online to Portuguese higher education adolescents aged between 18 and 24. The sample included 401 individuals. The statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS. Results: More than half of the sample had a COVID-19 infection only once and took two doses of the vaccine. The mRNA Comirnaty 30 µg BioNTech vaccine was administered to 73.1%. The most common menstrual changes were an increase in blood clots, the blood becoming darker, shorter menstrual cycles, scarcer blood flow, and more irregular cycles. Menstrual changes correlated significantly with vaccination but not with infection. Conclusions: This study showed a lower percentage of women affected than other studies carried out closer to the pandemic period, which could mean that the effects are diminishing over time. Thus, adolescents' menstrual health should be monitored.

Clustering methods aim to categorize the elements of a dataset into groups according to the similarities and dissimilarities of the elements. This paper proposes the Multi-objective Clustering Algorithm (MCA), which combines clustering methods with the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II. In this way, the proposed algorithm can automatically define the optimal number of clusters and partition the elements based on clustering measures. For this, 6 intra-clustering and 7 inter-clustering measures are explored, combining them 2-to-2, to define the most appropriate pair of measures to be used in a bi-objective approach. Out of the 42 possible combinations, 6 of them were considered the most appropriate, since they showed an explicitly conflicting behavior among the measures. The results of these 6 Pareto fronts were combined into two Pareto fronts, according to the measure of intra-clustering that the combination has in common. The elements of these Pareto fronts were analyzed in terms of dominance, so the nondominanted ones were kept, generating a hybrid Pareto front composed of solutions provided by different combinations of measures. The presented approach was validated on three benchmark datasets and also on a real dataset. The results were satisfactory since the proposed algorithm could estimate the optimal number of clusters and suitable dataset partitions. The obtained results were compared with the classical k-means and DBSCAN algorithms, and also two hybrid approaches, the Clustering Differential Evolution, and the Game-Based k-means algorithms. The MCA results demonstrated that they are competitive, mainly for the advancement of providing a set of optimum solutions for the decision-maker.

The aim of this study was to test whether combined physical exercise training of moderate intensity executed during the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful functional and structural remodeling in rats. Wistar rats were injected with MCT (60 mg/kg) and after 24 hours were exposed to a combined exercise training program: aerobic exercise (Treadmill running - 60 min/day; 60% of maximum running speed); and resistance exercise (Vertical ladder climbing – 15 climbs; 60% of maximum carrying load), on alternate days, 5 days/week, for approximately 3 weeks. After euthanasia, lung, and right ventricle (RV) were excised and processed for histological, single myocyte and biochemical analyses. Combined exercise increased the tolerance to physical effort (time until fatigue and relative maximum load), and prevented increases in pulmonary artery resistance (TA/TE) and reductions in RV function (TAPSE). Moreover, in myocytes isolated from the RV, combined exercise preserved contraction amplitude, as well as contraction and relaxation velocities, and inhibited reductions in the amplitude and maximum speeds to peak and to decay of the intracellular Ca ²⁺ transient. Furthermore, combined exercise avoided RV (RV weight, cardiomyocyte, extracellular matrix, collagen, inflammatory infiltrate, and extracellular matrix) and lung (pulmonary alveoli and alveolar septum) harmful structural remodeling. Additionally, combined exercise restricted RV (NO and CP) and lung (CAT, GST, and NO) oxidative stress. In conclusion, the applied combined exercise regime hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart functional and structural harmful remodeling in rats with MCT-induced PAH.

Background and Aim: Papillomaviruses (PVs) infections have been documented in numerous animal species across different regions worldwide. They often exert significant impacts on animal health and livestock production. Scientists have studied natural products for over half a century due to their diverse chemical composition, acknowledging their value in fighting cancer. Acorns (Quercus ilex) are believed to have several unexplored pharmacological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo safety and cancer chemopreventive activity of an infusion extract of Q. ilex in a transgenic mouse model of human PV (HPV)-16, which developed squamous cell carcinomas through a multistep process driven by HPV16 oncogenes. Materials and Methods: Q. ilex extract was prepared by heating in water at 90°C and then characterized by mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds from this extract were administered in drinking water to female mice in three different concentrations (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 g/mL) over a period of 28 consecutive days. Six groups (n = 6) were formed for this study: group 1 (G1, wildtype [WT], water), group 2 (G2, HPV, water), group 3 (G3, WT, 0.09 g/mL), group 4 (G4, HPV, 0.03 g/mL), group 5 (G5, HPV, 0.06 g/ mL), and group 6 (G6, HPV, 0.09 g/mL). Throughout the experiment, humane endpoints, body weight, food intake, and water consumption were recorded weekly. Following the experimental period, all mice were sacrificed, and blood, internal organs, and skin samples were collected. Blood was used to measure glucose and microhematocrit and later biochemical parameters, such as creatinine, urea, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and total proteins. Histological analysis was performed on skin and organ samples. Results: The administration of Q. ilex extract resulted in a statistically significant increase in relative organ weight among HPV transgenic animals, indicating adaptive biological response to the tested concentrations. Moreover, a reduction in characteristic skin lesions was observed in animals treated with the 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL extract. Conclusion: These results provide a favorable chemopreventive profile for Q. ilex extract at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL. This study highlights the potential of Q. ilex extract as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy against HPV16- associated lesions in transgenic mouse models. The limitation of our study was the durability of transgenic animals. As a more sensitive species, we must always be careful with the durability of the test. We intend to study concentrations of 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL for longer to further investigate their possible effects. Keywords: acorn, antioxidant capacity, cancer, mouse model, polyphenols, Quercus spp.

Invasive species have been drivers of biodiversity loss and functional changes in aquatic ecosystems, including in protected areas. Therefore, monitoring population invasion dynamics and biological traits is fundamental to better understand their ecological and economic impacts and for management actions development. We followed signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) invasion in Rabaçal River upper reach at Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal. We collected information on the spread and biological traits (abundance, size, weight, physical condition, sex ratio, and aggressiveness) to assess differences between invasion core and front areas and among years. Signal crayfish population remained restricted since first reports in 2013 in the invasion core until 2017. After 2019, signal crayfish population has been spreading downstream, decreasing abundance at invasion core but increasing at invasion front. Significant higher number of crayfish with claw loss indicate potential higher signs of aggressiveness in the invasion front. Results also demonstrate a significant dominance of females although sex ratio is closer to 1:1 at the invasion front. Overall, results indicate signal crayfish is spreading and increasing their abundance at Rabaçal River highlighting the need for immediate management actions to hold dispersion and mitigate possible impacts.

Single- and bimetallic carbon xerogels were prepared by incorporating iron and iron-cobalt precursors during their synthesis, respectively, and tested in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of ibuprofen spiked into a simulated matrix in batch mode. The bimetallic catalyst outperformed single and non-metallic catalyst by 25 and 85% after 360 min of reaction, at mild temperature (30 °C). The best-performing catalyst was further used to treat hospital wastewater in a CWPO system operating in full continuous mode. Process optimization was carried out considering different catalyst loads, temperatures, and pH. The results obtained showed that the best conditions are initial pH 3, T = 80 °C, and a catalyst load of 35.4 mg cm⁻³. Having maintained values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals as high as 80% after 24 h of continuous operation, the results herein reported revealed the high potential of the bimetallic carbon xerogel for CWPO of hospital wastewater beyond conventional applications in batch mode. Despite some catalytic deactivation, the bimetallic carbon xerogel still delivered a mineralization degree as high as 55% of the initial total organic carbon (TOC) content of the hospital wastewater in the third 24-h cycle of CWPO in continuous mode of operation with successive catalyst reuse, as opposed to a 73% TOC removal in the first cycle. Therefore, our results open prospects for the implementation of CWPO for hospital wastewater treatment in continuous mode of operation.

This article aimed to identify the perceived influences of the thematic axes of the Environmental Agenda in Public Administration (A3P) on the environmental awareness of public servants. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the 414 responses from public servants from an entity in the justice sector that adhered to the A3P agenda. The results show that only the axes of awareness and training of employees and sustainable bidding at A3P were not statistically significant. On the other hand, the axes of rational use of natural resources and public goods, adequate management of waste generated, quality of life in the work environment, and sustainable constructions positively and statistically significantly affect the environmental awareness of employees. Additionally, it was found that when the control variables (age, type of activity, and time of organization) were inserted into the model, there were some significant changes, proving that the older the age and the longer the organization, the greater the perceptions of the importance of A3P practices and actions. This study concludes that it is important that individuals at the organizational level are also imbued with actions and practices aimed at achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

Este artigo teve por objetivo identificar as influências percebidas dos eixos temáticos da Agenda Ambiental na Administração Pública (A3P) na consciência ambiental dos servidores públicos. Para analisar as 414 respostas de servidores públicos de uma entidade do setor de justiça que aderiu à agenda A3P, aplicou-se a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados evidenciaram que somente os eixos “sensibilização e capacitação dos servidores” e “licitações sustentáveis” da A3P não foram estatisticamente significantes. Em contrapartida, ficou claro que os eixos “uso racional dos recursos naturais e bens públicos”, “gestão adequada dos resíduos gerados”, “qualidade de vida no ambiente de trabalho” e “construções sustentáveis” afetam, de forma positiva e estatisticamente significativa, a consciência ambiental dos servidores. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que, quando inseridas as variáveis de controle (idade, tipo de atividade e tempo de organização) no modelo, houve algumas alterações significativas, comprovando que, quanto maior a idade e o tempo de organização, maior é a percepção da importância das práticas e ações da A3P. Conclui-se, com este estudo, que é importante que os indivíduos, em âmbito organizacional, também estejam imbuídos de ações e práticas voltadas para o atingimento dos objetivos da Agenda 2030.

This research explores the complex relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability self-identity and generational differences, focusing on their influence on employer brand attractiveness. Recognizing CSR’s critical role in talent acquisition, the study examines the impact of philanthropic, ethical and environmental CSR activities on employer brand perception. While environmental and philanthropic CSR significantly improve employer attractiveness, ethical CSR shows a less substantial impact. The research also introduces sustainability self-identity as a possible moderating factor, investigating whether individuals whose values align with CSR perceive employer brands differently. Contrary to what was expected., sustainability self-identity does not significantly moderate this relationship. Additionally, the study explores generational differences, revealing that interest in CSR is consistent across age groups, challenging stereotypes about generational preferences. Notably, Baby Boomers and Generation Z demonstrate similar engagement with CSR as Generation X and Millennials. The findings suggest that organizations should focus on environmental and philanthropic initiatives to strengthen their employer brand. Furthermore, the study highlights the broad appeal of CSR initiatives across generational lines, paving the way for future research on the interplay between CSR, employer attractiveness and individual and generational dynamics.

Climate change is a global challenge to ecosystem services, altering crop yields and food security worldwide. In the context of climate change, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (sainfoin) can offer a multitude of ecosystem services conferred by its multifaceted beneficial properties. We reviewed the morphological, biochemical and physiological responses to environmental stressors of O. viciifolia, summarized its ecological, agronomic, nutritional and biological interests, and we discussed its use under climate change. Onobrychis viciifolia is a hemicryptophyte forage legume adapted to arid and semiarid regions by evolving a diverse array of protective mechanisms against abiotic stressors at morphological, biochemical and physiological levels. In the present scenario of climate change, O. viciifolia has desirable forage characteristics such as high nutritive value, high voluntary intake and palatability to grazing animals, leading to satisfying animal performance for milk, meat, honey and wool production. Recent studies suggest that O. viciifolia has several highly beneficial phytochemical properties including condensed tannins and polyphenol content, which have been demonstrated to have anthelmintic activities, enhance protein utilization, and prevent bloating. In addition, O. viciifolia also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequestrate atmospheric carbon and nitrogen into the soil. Ethnobotanical investigations show that O. viciifolia possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic and vulnerary activities. This review could be helpful for understanding of O. viciifolia characteristics, interests and uses, thus promoting its reasonable cultivation under a changing climate.

Ultramarathon running is of increasing popularity, where the time-limited 24-hour run is one of the most popular events. Although we have a high scientific knowledge about different topics for this specific race format, we do not know where the best 24-hour runners originate from and where the fastest races are held. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the origin of these runners and the fastest race locations. A machine learning model based on the XG Boost algorithm was built to predict running speed based on the athlete´s age, gender, country of origin and the country where the race takes place. Model explainability tools were used to investigate how each independent variable would influence the predicted running speed. A sample of 171,358 race records from 63,514 unique runners from 73 countries participating in 24-hour races held in 57 countries between 1807 and 2022 was analyzed. Most of the athletes originated from the USA, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Russia, Australia, Austria, and Canada. Tunisian athletes achieved the fastest average running speed, followed by runners from Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Island, Croatia, Slovenia, and Israel. Regarding the country of the event, the ranking looks quite similar to the participation by the athlete, suggesting a high correlation between the country of origin and the country of the event. The fastest 24-hour races are recorded in Israel, Romania, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, and Taiwan. On average, men were 0.4 km/h faster than women, and the fastest runners belonged to age groups 35–39, 40–44, and 45–49 years. In summary, the 24-hour race format is spread over the world, and the fastest athletes mainly originate from Eastern Europe, while the fastest races were organized in European and Asian countries.

The physicochemical and microbiological properties of traditional Portuguese ready-to-eat dry fermented sausage chouriça de carne samples from 14 regional producers were analysed and subjected to multivariate analysis to determine the relationships between them and to evaluate how the quality and safety of these sausages is affected by these properties. Producer-mean values for physicochemical analyses were quite variable, with intervals of 4.87–6.11 for pH, 0.803–0.965 for aw, moisture 19.5–48.5%, protein 32.0–60.1% (db), fat 22.0–53.3% (db), ash 3.52–9.69% (db), and carbohydrates 1.66–13.5% (db). Mesophilic counts varied (5.61–8.68 log CFU/g), while lactic acid bacteria were generally high (MRS: 8.21–10.2; M17: 7.66–10.0 log CFU/g). S. aureus was enumerated in levels up to 2.55 log CFU/g, while presumptive C. perfringens never surpassed 2 log CFU/g. Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. were also detected in the samples tested. Principal component (PC) analysis yielded a three-dimension solution that explained 60% of the data variation; PC1 (26%) characterized chorizo formulations with more meat, while PC2 (19.3%) described sausages with longer/rapid fermentation, and PC3 (14.5%) highlighted chouriços with poorer hygiene. Cluster analysis identified three quality groups: (i) chorizos with high moisture, high protein content, and lowest pH; (ii) sausages with low moisture, high fat content, and elevated pH; and (iii) chouriças with high moisture and high protein but lower fat contents, low pH, and improved hygiene. Lastly, factor analysis yielded a varimax-rotated three-factor solution that explained 65% of the data, with similar results to PCA; factor 1 (23.5%) depicted chorizos with low pH but high moisture, factor 2 (20.8%) described sausages with more meat in the formulation, and factor 3 (20.6%) longer or rapid fermentation. Overall, the results evidenced the great variability in the quality attributes of Portuguese chorizo sausages, very likely to arise from multiple recipes, ingredients, and manufacturing practices. The definition of quality clusters is expected to play a crucial role for the self-denominated “artisanal” food companies to benchmark their chouriço sausages against the proper artisanal quality group.

The solubilities of benzoic acid, (S)-hesperetin, and l-tryptophan in aqueous solutions of ionic liquids (choline glycolate and choline malonate) and the analogous eutectic solvents (choline chloride:glycolic acid and choline chloride:malonic acid) were studied. It is shown that while ionic liquids (IL) and eutectic solvents (ES) were able to increase the solubility of all compounds studied in aqueous solution, ionic liquids were much more efficient for neutral and acidic compounds, while eutectic solvents showed a better performance for the alkaline substances. The results reported here show that the solubility enhancement is related, in the first instance, to the pH of the aqueous solution, which is the dominant effect on the increase in solubility and the main parameter that must be taken into account when selecting a co-solvent to successfully achieve the solubilization of ionizable hydrophobic biomolecules in aqueous solution. In addition, a hydrotropy mechanism was identified when the pH effect was removed, supporting the idea that ionic liquids and eutectic solvents behave as hydrotropes in aqueous solutions. The results here reported show that rather than a focus on the type of solvents (IL vs. ES), the molecular mechanisms such as speciation and co-solvation/hydrotropy, which in some cases may have complementary and synergetic effects, are the parameters that must be addressed in the design or selection of the best solubility enhancer.

Introduction: Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a major complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, resulting from immune and chemical toxicity in the sinusoidal endothelium and hepatocellular damage. In the most severe cases, multiorgan dysfunction occurs, so it is essential to promptly identify patients at greater risk of SOS/VOD and to adopt prophylactic strategies. Objectives: This study aims to systematize the impact of different approaches as primary prophylaxes against SOS/VOD in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials evaluating different strategies for primary prophylaxis of SOS/VOD was carried out in pairwise fashion and with a consistent network structure. The odds ratio (OR) and corresponding confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I² method and the efficacy of each approach was estimated by SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve). Results: Considering all patients undergoing HSCT, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) [OR = 0.38, 95%CI 0.14–1.06, SUCRA = 0.720] was associated with a lower incidence of VOD while defibrotide reached a modest reduction in its incidence [OR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.23–1.67; SUCRA = 0.486]. Considering the subgroup of patients undergoing hematopoietic progenitors allotransplantation, defibrotide scored higher [OR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.09–2.85, SUCRA = 0.650] by comparison with UDCA [OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.14–1.96, SUCRA = 0.639]. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis comparing primary prophylaxes against SOS/VOD. UDCA yielded more promising results when considering all patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, yet, in a subgroup analysis of the ones exposed to allogeneic grafts, it becomes not significantly overrun by defibrotide.

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and a selected group of bioactivities of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pod residue. An aqueous extract (deionized water; AE) and a hydroethanolic extract (ethanol: deionized water, 70:30 v/v; ETOH) were obtained via maceration. Ten phenolic compounds were characterized via LC-DAD-ESI/MSn: seven procyanidins, two quercetin derivatives and one taxifolin derivative, with dimers and trimers of procyanidins being the main components of both extracts. Total phenolic compound levels of 2.42 ± 0.06 and 11 ± 1 mg/g were found in AE and ETOH, respectively; however, only seven compounds were identified in ETOH. The jatoba pod residue extracts showed notable antioxidant activities: ETOH had greater antioxidant potential in the OxHLIA and DPPH assays (IC50 = 25.4 μg/mL and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively); however, EA demonstrated greater potential in the FRAP system (IC50 = 2001.0 µM TE/mg). Only AE showed antiproliferative potential, being effective against cell lines of gastric (GI50 = 35 ± 1 µg/mL) and breast (GI50 = 89 ± 4 µg/mL) adenocarcinomas. Likewise, only AE showed modest anti-inflammatory potential (IC50 = 225 ± 2 µg/mL) in mouse macrophages. Bacteriostatic effects against bacteria were exerted by both extracts. Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes (MICs = 2.5 mg/mL) were especially sensitive to the ETOH extract. Taken together, the results suggest potential for jatoba pod residue as a source of molecules with biological activities and with possible industrial applications.

The intrinsic quality of meat is directly related to muscle and fat tissues. Factors such as the rate and extent of anaerobic glycolysis affect muscle pH, influencing the meat’s color, water holding, and texture. Postmortem anomalies can result in deviations from this intrinsic quality. The animals’ diet plays a crucial role in meat quality. Specific nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, affect meat’s texture, flavor, and juiciness. Feeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve the sensorial quality of meat. Meat processing and methods such as aging, marinating, and cooking affect the texture, flavor, and juiciness, which can be evaluated by specific equipment or trained or untrained consumers. This comprehensive review investigates the relationship between animal feeding practices and meat processing techniques and their combined impact on meat quality and sensory perception. By synthesizing recent research, we explore how various feeding protocols (including diet composition and feed additives) and processing methods shape meat products’ nutritional value, texture, flavor profile, and overall consumer appeal. Understanding this nexus is crucial for optimizing meat quality while ensuring sustainability and safety in the food supply chain.

In the face of a pressing global issue-the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance-the development of new antimicrobial agents is urgent. Nanotechnology, with its innovative approach, emerges as a promising solution to enhance the efficacy of these agents and combat the challenge of microbial resistance. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) stand out in biomedical applications, particularly in the controlled release of antibiotics, with their unique properties such as biocompatibility, stability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and simple synthesis processes suitable for sensitive molecules. This study synthesized CSNPs using the ionotropic gelation method, with tripolyphosphate (TPP) as the crosslinking agent. Various CS: TPP ratios (6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1) were tested, and the resulting nanoparticles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The CS: TPP ratio of 4:1, with an average hydrodynamic diameter (DHP) of (195 ± 10) nm and a zeta potential of (51 ± 1) mV, was identified as the most suitable for further analysis. The characterization of NPs by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed diameters of (65 ± 14) nm and (102 ± 18) nm, respectively. Notably, CSNPs exhibited significant aggregation during centrifugation and lyophilization, leading to diameter increases of up to 285% as measured by AFM. The antibacterial activity of CSNPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was assessed using the resazurin assay. It was found that CSNPs not subjected to centrifugation, freezing, and lyophilization retained their antimicrobial activity. In contrast, those that underwent these processes lost their efficacy, likely due to aggregation and destabilization of the system. This study presents a straightforward and effective protocol for encapsulating sensitive active agents and synthesizing chitosan nanoparticles, a potential system with significant implications in the fight against antibiotic resistance.