Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-11-14"
Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Arrhythmic risk stratification in patients with left ventricular ring-like scarPublication . Parisi, Vanda; Graziosi, Maddalena; Lopes, Luis R.; Luca, Antonio De; Pasquale, Ferdinando; Tini, Giacomo; Targetti, Mattia; Cueto, Maria R.; Moura, Ana R.; Ditaranto, Raffaello; Torlasco, Camilla; Taglieri, Nevio; Nardi, Elena; Lovato, Luigi; Augusto, João B.; Galiè, Nazzareno; Crotti, Lia; Gasperetti, Alessio; Biffi, Mauro; Autore, Camillo; Merlo, Marco; Olivotto, Iacopo; Sinagra, Gianfranco; Elliott, Perry M.; Biagini, ElenaAims Left ventricular (LV) ring-like scar on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been linked to malignant arrhythmias in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive evaluation of this phenotype and to identify risk factors for life-threatening arrhythmic events (LAEs), a composite of sudden cardiac death (SCD), aborted SCD, and sustained ventricular tachycardia. Methods and results One hundred and fifteen patients [median age 39 (interquartile range, IQR, 28–52), 42% females] were identified at 6 referral centres. Inclusion criteria were ring-like LV scar [≥3 contiguous segments with sub-epicardial/midwall late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the same slice] and one among: pathogenic/likely pathogenic genetic variant, family history for cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy diagnosis. During the study follow-up, survival free from LAEs was 60% (3.8 events/100 patients/year); at a median follow-up of 4.6 years (IQR 1.7–8.4) it was 84%. On multivariable analysis, anterior Q waves [hazard ratio (HR): 1.030, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.014–1.046, P < 0.001], QRS width (HR: 4.642, 95% CI: 1.296–16.628, P = 0.018), and LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi; HR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.001–1.021, per mL/m2 increase, P = 0.040) were independently associated with LAEs; with good discrimination power (Harrell’s C-index = 0.796). Three risk categories were identified: normal electrocardiogram (ECG), abnormal ECG and no LAEs predictive variables, abnormal ECG and ≥1 LAEs predictive variables, with a decreasing survival from 100 to 65% and 49%, respectively (Log-rank test = 0.015). Conclusion In this study, the LV ring-like scar phenotype was associated with a high rate of malignant arrhythmias in presence of anterior Q waves, QRS prolongation, and increased LVEDVi. A normal ECG identified a lower risk sub-group.
- Exploring cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) safety profile and skincare potentialPublication . Luz-Veiga, Mariana; Mendes, Adélia; Tavares-Valente, Diana; Amorim, Manuela; Conde, António; Pintado, Manuela Estevez; Moreira, Helena R.; Azevedo-Silva, João; Fernandes, JoãoCannabinoids have long been known for their bioactive properties, with their topical application as anti-inflammatory compounds being at the forefront of research for the past decade. Concurrently, the cosmetic market is a fast-growing industry in constant need of new biomolecules. In this work, we studied the safety profile for topical applications of two cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) and assessed their potential as skin care ingredients. The CBG used in this work resulted from bio-fermentation, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no extensive reports on its safety and usage as a cosmetic ingredient. Our results show that CBD and CBG do not exhibit cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, or skin sensitization. Moreover, we verified an absence of primary irritability, accumulated irritability, phototoxicity and photosensitization, supporting the claims of dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating. While these cannabinoids did not show significant anti-aging effects by altering the extracellular matrix components (both in vitro and ex vivo), they demonstrated promise as protective agents against inflammation caused by air pollution. Specifically, they reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, making them valuable in combating environmental skin damage. Overall, our results validate the safety of topical use of cannabinoids, while paving the way for further research in the beauty and personal care market as soothing agents.
- Sustainable versus conventional bonds: a comparative analysis of primary market spreadsPublication . Pinto, João; Ribeiro, DivaThis paper offers a comparative analysis of the credit spreads and pricing of sustainable and conventional corporate bonds. Using a cross-section of 30,368 bonds issued by 8,267 nonfinancial firms globally between 2012 and 2022, we find that sustainable and conventional bonds react differently to common pricing factors. Notably, investors rely less on credit ratings when pricing sustainable bonds compared to conventional bonds. We also find no significant difference in the spreads of sustainable bond tranches relative to similar conventional bonds. This result holds across green, social, and sustainability bonds, as well as in a matched sample of conventional bonds. Furthermore, our findings are consistent across both pre-COVID and COVID periods, indicating that issuing firms do not use sustainable bonds as a strategy to lower borrowing costs.
- Exploring demand: challenges and opportunities for free-from and organic foods in Portuguese marketPublication . Lemos, Teresa; Vasconcelos, Marta; Sousa, Sérgio; Pinho, Simão; Gomes, Ana M.; Pinto, ElisabeteThe rising prevalence of food intolerances and increased health and environmental consciousness has driven the demand for free-from (FF) and organic products. This study aims to analyze consumer needs, motivations, and challenges related to these products in Portugal through an online survey with 2268 eligible responses, with a median age of the participants of 41 years. The sample was predominantly female (76.9%), with male participants comprising 23.1% of the sample. The results show that 97.4% of the respondents were aware of FF products, with 60.0% being regular consumers, particularly of lactose-free milk and gluten-free bread and biscuits. Significant market gaps were identified in the variety of FF bread (62.8%), pastries (49.0%), and cookies (38.4%). The consumers identified high prices (84.9%) and excessive sugar/fat content (52.1%) as the main drawbacks of FF products currently on the market. The women showed greater knowledge and purchase levels compared to the men. The trust in organic certification was low (21.4%), with skepticism higher among the lower-income and male participants. Despite this, 78.1% believed in the health benefits of organic products, and 72.2% agreed that increased demand could lower prices. Overall, this study highlights the need for greater product variety, improved transparency, and consumer education to enhance market trust and accessibility.
- Exploring grain silo residues as lignocellulosic biomass source for sustainable footwear biomaterialsPublication . Silva, Isa; Ribeiro, Tânia B.; Silva, Sara; Pintado, ManuelaIntroduction: Over the years, the replacement of plastic-based materials has become crucial in alleviating the environmental footprint of various industries.1 The footwear industry currently relies on certain petrol- derived materials such as glues, rubbers, and leather, which demand more sustainable alternatives.2 Lignocellulosic matrices (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) are known to be good filling agents, due to their structural properties including tensile strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.1 Therefore, using sustainable feedstocks with lignocellulosic materials, like cereals, offer a promising option for the development of new biomaterials for the shoe-making industry.3 On a larger scale, cereals can be stored and transported in silos, which, when cleaned, accumulate grain silo residues. This agro-food by-product is variable in terms of different cereals, particle sizes, and composition which may compromise its application in footwear. Objectives: This work aims to highlight grain silo powder residues as a source of lignocellulosic fillers for the footwear industry, considering composition and particle size variations along an array of different batches. Conclusions: The majority of all batches is predominantly comprised of small particle size fractions which are ideal for incorporation in shoe-based materials; Different batches of silo powders have significant differences in lignocellulosic content which may result in variability of their incorporation performance; Lower particle size (<50 μm) showed lower cellulose content and higher extractives, whereas intermediate (50-100 μm) and unfractionated samples showed higher cellulose in all batches; In conclusion, all batches have incorporation potential, however, their variability may conditionate its application feasibility. For a good industrial application, it is necessary to analyse more batches in order to get a better knowledge on the effect of the composition in the incorporation and to achieve a standardization.
- Screening of mediterranean agro-food by-product powders as potential reinforcing fillers of biocomposites for footwearPublication . Ribeiro, Tânia B.; Silva, Isa; Silva, Sara; Pintado, ManuelaAim: Plastic materials contribute 4.5% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The footwear industry contributes significantly to these emissions due to the high plastic use (38-71%) in shoe components. With the aim of reducing the footwear industry's environmental footprint, this study investigated the potential to produce and assess the potential of agro-food by-products (olive pomace (OP), grape stem (GP), vine shoots (VS)) as biocomposite fillers for footwear components. After milling these abundant Mediterranean agro-waste raw materials, physical and chemical composition analyses were performed to evaluate their potential as biocomposite fillers. Method: Particle size (sieves: 250,150, 10, and 50 μm), proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrates), and phenolic content were evaluated. Followed by extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content determination, according to Sluiter et al. 2008 and Sluiter et al. 2021 respectively. Four fractions were also produced and evaluated regarding their extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin composition. FTIR analysis was also attained for the fractions with and without extractives.Results: After milling, a higher fraction of particles above 250 μm (56%) was attained to OP, and VS had fewer particles above 250μm (37%). VS displayed the highest carbohydrate content (87.2%), followed by GS (77.3%) and OP (67.5%). VS also exhibited the highest cellulose content (39.7%) and the lowest extractive amount (16.1%). Instead, OP P showed a relatively high composition of extractives (38.2%) and lignin (20.5%). GS has a similar cellulose content (26.4%), lignin (30.6%), and extractives (30.3%) but reveals the highest phenolic content, followed by OP and VS. OP appeared as the most promising reinforcement filler due to its higher yield of smaller particle size fractions, which facilitated better interaction with polymers. However, VS had a more favourable lignocellulosic composition, with high cellulose, low extractives, and ling content. Conclusion: Overall, the investigated agro-food by-products hold promise as valuable sources of lignocellulosic fillers for biocomposite production in the footwear industry. Nevertheless, optimisation of filler preparation processes is essential. While VS and GP require enhanced particle size reduction, OP and GP would benefit from removing or reducing extractives, lignin, and hemicellulose to ensure optimal performance.
- Adaptação psicológica dos docentes do ensino básico e/ou secundário, comparação entre o ensino público e o ensino privadoPublication . Rodrigues, Raquel Alves; Matos, Maria Margarida Nunes Gaspar deO número de docentes que apresentam sinais de mal-estar psicológico tem crescido o que, por sua vez, poderá levar a implicações significativas no que concerne ao bem-estar e à qualidade de vida individual de cada profissional. Assim, é necessário explorar e identificar fatores que possam estar a interferir na saúde dos docentes. O presente estudo investigou a adaptação psicológica dos professores do ensino básico e secundário no contexto da crescente insatisfação com a carreira docente em Portugal, com o objetivo de compreender as possíveis consequências do mal-estar psicológico na saúde física dos docentes e as diferenças entre os setores público e privado. Além disso, o estudo procura identificar fatores que possam influenciar o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida dos professores. A amostra foi composta por 213 participantes, dos quais 40 pertenciam ao ensino privado e 173 ao ensino público. Os participantes responderam a questionários que avaliavam a adaptação psicológica (incluindo qualidade de vida, bem-estar subjetivo, níveis de ansiedade e depressão, perceção de sintomas somáticos e de saúde física e mental) e a fatores demográficos e socioprofissionais (como género, anos de serviço, satisfação com colegas e número de cargos). Os resultados revelaram uma correlação positiva entre a satisfação com os colegas e a adaptação psicológica dos docentes, além de um papel mediador da saúde nesse processo. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois setores. Concluindo, este estudo contribuiu para a compreensão de potenciais fatores que possam influenciar a adaptação psicológica dos docentes. Estes achados destacam ainda a importância de implementar programas nas escolas que promovam a coesão entre os docentes.
- Enhancing medium-chain fatty acid delivery through bigel technologyPublication . Machado, Manuela; Costa, Eduardo M.; Silva, Sara; Sousa, Sérgio C.; Gomes, Ana Maria; Pintado, ManuelaThis study presents the development and characterization of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)-loaded bigels, using coconut oil as the MCFA source. The bigels exhibited high oil binding capacity, ranging from 87% to 98%, effectively retaining MCFAs within the matrix, with lauric acid (C12) being the main component detected within the bigels at 178.32 ± 0.10 mg/g. Physicochemical analysis, including FTIR and scanning electron microscopy, confirmed stable fatty acid incorporation and a cohesive, smooth structure. The FTIR spectra displayed O-H and C=O stretching vibrations, indicating hydrogen bonding within the matrix, while the SEM images showed uniform lipid droplet distribution with stable phase separation. Thermal stability tests showed that the bigels were stable for 5 days at 50 °C, with oil retention and structural integrity unchanged. Rheological testing indicated a solid-like behavior, with a high elastic modulus (G′) that consistently exceeded the viscous modulus (G″), which is indicative of a strong internal structure. In simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the bigels achieved significantly higher MCFA retention than the pure oil, particularly in the gastric phase, with recovery percentages of 38.1% for the bigels and 1.7% for the oil (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced bioavailability. Cell-based cytotoxicity assays showed low cytotoxicity, and permeability testing in a co-culture Caco-2/HT29-MTX model revealed a controlled, gradual MCFA release, with approximately 10% reaching the basolateral side over 6 h. These findings highlight MCFA-loaded bigels as a promising platform for nutraceutical applications; they provided stability, safety, and controlled MCFA release, with significant potential for functional foods aimed at enhancing fatty acid bioavailability.
- O capital próprio no direito societário uma perspetiva Portuguesa e EuropeiaPublication . Cardoso, Diogo Pessoa Marques; Duarte, Rui Pinto