University of Coimbra

Stone-built heritages are found worldwide, and despite stony surfaces being considered a stressful environment with challenging conditions to overcome, research has demonstrated that it can support diverse fungal communities, fostering a unique array of peculiar yet crucial species. These species exhibit a dual nature, being both foe and friend. While these fungi play a considerable role in the deterioration of cultural heritage, their mechanisms of adaptation to unfavourable environments hold great promise for biotechnology. Despite their importance, there is limited information available about these stone dwellers in Portugal. During an experimental survey aimed at isolating fungal species thriving in a deteriorated limestone funerary art piece at the Lemos Pantheon, a national monument located in Águeda, Portugal, several fungal specimens were isolated that could not be identified as any currently known species. Through morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses, seven new species ( Aspergillus albicolor sp. nov. , Banksiophoma dissensa sp. nov. , Knufia lusitanica sp. nov. , Microascus lausatensis sp. nov. , Neodevriesia saximollicula sp. nov. , Paramicrodochium filiforme sp. nov. and Talaromyces benedictus sp. nov. ) are here proposed, illustrated, and compared to closely related species. These newly discovered fungal taxa form distinct lineages independent of other previously described species and are classified into seven families across six orders within the phylum Ascomycota . This paper also provides additional evidence that stone heritages harbour a diverse range of new species, deserving additional focus in the future.

Purpose This study aims to identify a combination of clinical, demographic, and patient competence determinants of patients’ communication with doctors and nurses in an international sample of cancer patients. Methods For our cross-sectional study, cancer patients assessed their communication with their doctors or nurses at the start of their treatment. Patients completed EORTC communication questionnaire QLQ-COMU26 to assess ten areas of communication with their doctor or nurses plus another item to assess how competent they felt when communicating with professionals. Bivariable analyses and multivariable linear regression models were performed separately for each QLQ-COMU26 area. Results Included in the study were 988 patients from 15 centres in 13 countries (five cultural areas). Higher age was related to higher level of communication in eight QLQ-COMU26 areas. Males reported higher level of communication in three areas. Lower levels of studies and higher level of perceived competence when communicating with professionals were related to higher level of communication in the ten QLQ-COMU26 areas. Communication was of a higher level with nurses than with doctors in four areas. Having received previous treatment with the same doctor or group of nurses was related to higher communication levels in seven areas. Lack of comorbidity was related to higher communication levels in two areas. Various differences in determinants were found among tumour sites. Conclusion Our regression model has shown several relationships between communication and the demographic and clinical variables that may help identify patients at risk of poor communication. Future studies could focus on communication at diagnosis and in follow-up, and on areas such as assessing the particularities of communication between patient and professionals in relation to cancer type.

Caffeine, considered an emerging contaminant, serves as an indicator of anthropic influence on water resources. This research employs various modeling techniques, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and more, along with hybrid and ensemble methods, to predict caffeine concentrations (in regression and classification scenarios) using readily available water quality parameters. The results indicate Ensemble-RF as the most effective method for estimating caffeine concentrations, while classification scenarios highlight Ensemble-RF, ANN, and Ensemble-ANN as promising methodologies for predicting contamination levels. This study offers a valuable tool for swiftly assessing caffeine contamination in water, leveraging easily obtainable data, with implications for safeguarding water resource systems.

This chapter intends to discuss aurality and the notion of cyborg poetry in the context of generative literature, or literature that is programmed to be automatically generated. By aurality we mean reading as listening (orality refers to speaking, aurality to listening). By cyborg poetry we mean a hybrid form of textuality. This reflection is based on two cybertexts in which language is inscribed through sound rather than written signs: THE LISTENERS, by John Cayley, and AIM BAD, by Jhave, both brought to the public in 2015. THE LISTENERS is a linguistic performance that takes place between humans and Alexa, Amazon’s home voice assistant. With this work, the author began to explore the concept of “aurature”: if literature comes from littera (letter), “aurature” comes from auris (ear). AIM BAD is an example of what Jhave calls cyborg poetry: the author programs a generator that produces texts that are read aloud non-linearly and intuitively as they are generated, making this reading a form of writing.

The presence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and mycosis fungoides (MF) presents diagnostic challenges due to their shared clinical features. AD, a chronic skin disorder characterized by pruritic and inflamed lesions, shares these features with MF, which is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. A 19-year-old male, who had a history of childhood AD, developed eczema-like lesions on his forearms, neck, and head. Initially, allergic contact dermatitis was suspected due to his occupational metal exposure. However, despite treatment with topical therapies, his condition worsened, requiring 3 cycles of oral corticotherapy. Notably, his lesions appeared atypically, affecting areas such as the scalp and nonflexural regions. Histopathological examination played a crucial role in the diagnostic process. While the initial biopsy suggested parapsoriasis, a second scalp biopsy confirmed MF. Despite their clinical similarities, AD and MF require distinct diagnostic approaches. This case emphasizes the need to consider MF as a diagnostic possibility, even in individuals with a history of AD. Early MF diagnosis enables tailored treatment, including topical therapies and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. A multidisciplinary approach, advanced techniques such as immunophenotyping, and early identification are essential for providing optimal patient care. The shared clinical features of AD and MF suggest potential common mechanisms, underscoring the need for further research to enhance treatment strategies and patient care.

Climate change is forcing species to shift their distribution ranges. Animal seed dispersers might be particularly important in assisting plants tracking suitable climates to higher elevations. However, this role is still poorly understood due to a lack of comprehensive multi‐guild datasets along elevational gradients. We compiled seed dispersal networks for the five altitudinal vegetation belts of the Tenerife Island (0–3718 m above sea level) to explore how plant and animal species might facilitate the mutual colonisation of uphill habitats under climate change. The overall network comprised 283 distinct interactions between 73 plant and 27 animal species, with seed dispersers offering viable pathways for plants to colonise upper vegetation belts. A pivotal role is played by a lizard as island‐level hub, while four birds and one introduced mammal (rabbit) are also important connectors between belts. Eleven plant species were empirically found to be actively dispersed to elevations beyond their current known range, with observed vertical dispersal distances largely surpassing those required to escape climate change. Furthermore, over half of the plants arriving at higher elevations were exotic. Functionally diverse disperser communities are crucial for enabling plants tracking climate change on mountains, but exotic plants might particularly benefit from this upward lift.

Background Drug delivery to the brain is challenging due to the restrict permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Recent studies indicate that BBB permeability increases over time during physiological aging likely due to factors (including extracellular vesicles (EVs)) that exist in the bloodstream. Therefore, inspiration can be taken from aging to develop new strategies for the transient opening of the BBB for drug delivery to the brain. Results Here, we evaluated the impact of small EVs (sEVs) enriched with microRNAs (miRNAs) overexpressed during aging, with the capacity to interfere transiently with the BBB. Initially, we investigated whether the miRNAs were overexpressed in sEVs collected from plasma of aged individuals. Next, we evaluated the opening properties of the miRNA-enriched sEVs in a static or dynamic (under flow) human in vitro BBB model. Our results showed that miR-383-3p-enriched sEVs significantly increased BBB permeability in a reversible manner by decreasing the expression of claudin 5, an important tight junction protein of brain endothelial cells (BECs) of the BBB, mediated in part by the knockdown of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Conclusions Our findings suggest that engineered sEVs have potential as a strategy for the temporary BBB opening, making it easier for drugs to reach the brain when injected into the bloodstream. Graphical abstract

This concept focuses on the application of alternating current (AC) and pulsed electrolysis in Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) for polymer synthesis. AC electrolysis, which oscillates between reduction and oxidation, can be tuned to increase the selectivity for a specific reaction pathway, minimize side reactions, and improve product selectivity and reagent conversion. Pulsed electrolysis can also be used to sustain the electrochemical reactions in ATRP. The challenges and limitations associated with AC electrolysis are discussed, along with an outlook on future developments in polymer synthesis and related applications. A concise overview of recent developments in electro‐organic synthesis using AC electrolysis will be provided.

Kruppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) is an essential erythroid-specific transcription factor. Several reports have shown that KLF1 gene mutations are associated with increased levels of Hb F and Hb A2. However, scarce population studies have analysed common KLF1 variations. This study examines the potential association with Hb F and Hb A2 levels in β-thalassemia (β-thal) carriers of Portuguese ancestry of the four common KLF1 gene variants: −251C>G (rs3817621) and −148G>A (rs79334031), in the promoter region; and c.115A>C (p.Met39Leu) (rs112631212) and c.304T>C (p.Ser102Pro) (rs2072597), in exon 2. Ninety-two Portuguese β-thal carriers (43 males and 49 females) aged 2 to 77 years old (mean 32.55 years) were engaged in the study. Hb F levels range from 0.2 to 12.5% and Hb A2 was above the normal level, ranging from 3.6 to 6%. The Hb A2 and Hb F levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Minor allele frequencies for SNPs rs3817621 (G), rs79334031 (A), rs112631212 (C) and rs2072597 (C) were 0.196, 0.016, 0.011 and 0.169, respectively. Basic simple linear regression in the total population showed no significant associations with the levels of Hb F (P >0.05). For the low-frequency variant −148A, a statistically significant association was found with increased levels of Hb A2 (β = 0.855; P = 0.017). In conclusion, an association signal with Hb A2 levels was observed for the variant −148A>G (rs79334031). The complex pattern of SNP interactions related to their influence on the KLF1 transcriptional activity may explain the absence of association with Hb F levels.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, socially aware systems played a crucial role in understanding human behavior and its societal implications. Our paper introduces an innovative human-in-the-loop cyber-physical system that collects passive and self-reported data from individuals, including physical activity, sleep information, and discrete location, and provides personalized user feedback.

This study addresses the main challenges in manufacturing large-scale metallic auxetic structures, characterised by a negative Poisson’s ratio, focusing on achieving suitable geometry control, surface finish, and structural integrity using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). Specifically, the research employs the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) process to fabricate 2D and 3D carbon steel auxetic cells. The primary objective is to address the challenges associated with the production of these structures. A comprehensive experimental and numerical analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of various factors, such as internal defects or geometric irregularities, such as pores and surface waviness, on the mechanical behaviour of the 2D and 3D auxetic cells under tensile and compressive loads, respectively. The compression tests revealed that despite minor defects and geometric imperfections, the manufactured cells consistently exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio. This suggests that the WAAM-produced auxetic structures are viable and capable of maintaining their unique mechanical properties. Furthermore, the study emphasises the significance of parameters such as orientation and the number of auxetic cells in governing the overall auxetic behaviour of the components.

Importance Typical cysteine-altering NOTCH3 ( NOTCH3 cys ) variants are highly prevalent (approximately 1 in 300 individuals) and are associated with a broad spectrum of small vessel disease (SVD), ranging from early-onset stroke and dementia (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy [CADASIL]) to nonpenetrance. A staging system that captures the full NOTCH3 -SVD severity spectrum is needed and currently lacking. Objective To design a simple disease severity staging system that captures the broad clinicoradiological NOTCH3 -SVD severity spectrum. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort study was performed in which the NOTCH3 -SVD severity staging system was developed using a discovery cohort (2019-2020) and validated in independent international CADASIL cohorts (1999-2023) and the UK Biobank. Clinical and imaging data were collected from participants originating from 23 international CADASIL cohorts and from the UK Biobank. Eligibility criteria were presence of a NOTCH3 cys variant, availability of brain magnetic resonance imaging, and modified Rankin Scale score. The discovery cohort consisted of 195 NOTCH3 cys -positive cases from families with CADASIL; the validation set included 1713 NOTCH3 cys -positive cases from 15 countries. The UK Biobank cohort consisted of 101 NOTCH3 cys -positive individuals. Data from 2-year (2019-2023) and 18-year (1999-2017) follow-up studies were also analyzed. Data analysis was performed from July 2023 to August 2024. Main Outcomes and Measures Percentage of cases following the sequence of events of the NOTCH3 -SVD stages, and the association between the stages and ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, global cognition, processing speed, brain volume, brain microstructural damage, and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) level. Results The NOTCH3 -SVD staging system encompasses 9 disease stages or substages, ranging from stage 0 (premanifest stage) to stage 4B (end stage). Of all 1908 cases, which included 195 in the discovery cohort (mean [SD] age, 52.4 [12.2] years) and 1713 in the validation cohorts (mean [SD] age, 53.1 [13.0] years), 1789 (94%) followed the sequence of events defined by the NOTCH3 -SVD staging system. The NOTCH3 -SVD stages were associated with neuroimaging outcomes in the NOTCH3 cys -positive cases in the CADASIL cohorts and in the UK Biobank and with cognitive outcomes and serum NfL level in cases from the CADASIL cohorts. The NOTCH3 -SVD staging system captured disease progression and was associated with 18-year survival. Conclusions and Relevance The NOTCH3 -SVD staging system captures the full disease spectrum, from asymptomatic individuals with a NOTCH3 cys variant to patients with end-stage disease. The NOTCH3 -SVD staging system is a simple but effective tool for uniform disease staging in the clinic and in research.

Comminution processes play a pivotal role in diverse applications, ranging from food processing, to mining and materials engineering. The pharmaceutical industry is no exception, with an increased focus on particle engineering to overcome the growing challenges related to the complexity of new drug molecules such as poor water solubility or stability issues. Additionally, the preparation of powders for pulmonary, transdermal, topical, ophthalmic, oral or parenteral administration often requires specific particle size requirements. Thus, milling technologies offer an excellent option for controlling particle size, improving the stability, dissolution, absorption rate, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. They also contribute to enhancing pharmaceutical forms and overall product performance. This review highlights the different types of technologies used for comminution, the respective advantages and drawbacks, as well as connected topics including feed material properties, analytical techniques, process analytical technology, process safety, new top-down technologies and key information to consider when selecting a technology. Thus, an in-depth approach of comminution in the pharmaceutical industry is presented. This compilation serves as a source of comprehensive information for those who decide to initiate research projects in this field, or to update their existing literature knowledge and understanding.

The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were the first to spread farming across large parts of Europe. We report genome-wide data for 250 individuals: 178 individuals from whole-cemetery surveys of the Alföld Linearbankeramik Culture eastern LBK site of Polgár-Ferenci-hát, the western LBK site of Nitra Horné Krškany and the western LBK settlement and massacre site of Asparn-Schletz, as well as 48 LBK individuals from 16 other sites and 24 earlier Körös and Starčevo individuals from 17 more sites. Here we show a systematically higher percentage of western hunter-gatherer ancestry in eastern than in western LBK sites, showing that these two distinct LBK groups had different genetic trajectories. We find evidence for patrilocality, with more structure across sites in the male than in the female lines and a higher rate of within-site relatives for males. At Asparn-Schletz we find almost no relatives, showing that the massacred individuals were from a large population, not a small community.

Boron shows a variety of properties, determining a chemistry rich and complementary to that of carbon, the neighbor atom in the Periodic Table. In this work, we investigated the strength and nature of the interaction involving B12 or B36 monomer, which represent molecular prototypes of borophene, the two-dimensional allotrope of elemental boron. For the representation of the intermolecular interaction, we developed new potential energy surfaces (PESs) that are based on accurate ab initio or density functional theory data. It is shown that borophene molecules are bound by weak intermolecular interactions of van der Waals nature, perturbed by antiaromatic effects. Moreover, the proposed PESs are given in an analytical form proper to investigate the structures and energetics of (B12)n and (B36)n clusters (with n = 2–10) by applying a global geometry optimization procedure. It is found that the most stable structures of (B12)n favor close contacts between the edges of the monomers, leading to cage-like clusters as n increases, and conversely, (B36)n clusters are mainly composed of stacked or herringbone structures. These results suggest the possibility to produce a novel class of two-dimensional borophene materials, exhibiting different features compared to graphene like structures, which could be of interest for the nanotechnology.

Science education is generally perceived as a key facilitator in cultivating a scientifically literate society. In the last decade, however, this conventional wisdom has been challenged by evidence that greater scientific literacy and critical thinking skills may in fact inadvertently aggravate polarization on scientific matters in the public sphere. Supporting an alternative “scientific update hypothesis,” in a series of studies (total N = 2087), we show that increased science’s epistemology literacy might have consequential population-level effects on the public’s alignment with scientific results. In one exploratory study and a pre-registered national online survey, we first show that understanding scientific epistemology predicts refusal of pseudoscientific beliefs and higher scores in a methodology of science test. We also find and replicate a propensity for epistemologically literate citizens to endorse the norm of belief updating and the communicated scientific consensus following both ideologically congruent and incongruent scientific results. Notably, after 2 months of first being presented with scientific results on politically controversial issues, a one standard deviation higher score in epistemological literacy is associated with a 14% increase in the odds of individuals switching their beliefs to align with the scientifically communicated consensus. We close by discussing how, on the face of ideological incongruity, a general understanding of scientific epistemology might foster the acceptance of scientific results, and we underscore the need for a more nuanced appreciation of how education, public comprehension of scientific knowledge, and the dynamics of polarization intersect in the public sphere.