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- European integration through open-ended mechanismsPublication . Torres, FranciscoThe book analyses the building of the European Union’s governance framework from the point of view of the sustainability of the European integration process. It departs from the premise that the evolution of that framework hinges on some degree of preference convergence to have occurred or to occur. It addresses two fundamental EU institutions that were built as open-ended mechanisms: Economic and Monetary Union and the European Green Deal. In doing so, it also discusses the importance of ‘openness’ to further political integration and the limits of differentiated integration.
- Alkaline extraction of phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus leaves: influence on antioxidant and antimicrobial activityPublication . Afonso, Tiago B.; Bonifácio-Lopes, Teresa; Costa, Eduardo; Macedo, Tiago; Moreira, Joana; Oliveira, Juliana; Pintado, ManuelaIntroduction: The valorization of agro-industrial by-products is a strategic approach to reducing biomass waste while advancing circular bioeconomy practices. Eucalyptus leaves, an abundant residue from the forestry and pulp industries, are particularly rich in phenolic compounds with well-known antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These bioactivities highlight the potential of eucalyptus extracts for sustainable applications in the cosmetic and textile industries. However, their efficient recovery requires optimized extraction methodologies capable of disrupting the complex plant matrix and maximizing compound release. The aim of this study was to investigate how variations in eucalyptus particle size and alkali concentration can enhance the recovery of phenolic-rich extracts with bioactive potential. Conclusions: Alkaline extraction proved capable for recovering phenolic compounds from eucalyptus leaves, yielding extracts with relevant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, the extracts showed cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations, highlighting the need for further optimization of extraction parameters and the establishment of safe concentration ranges before potential use in applications such as cosmetics or textiles.
- La institucionalización de los boy-scouts en el imperio portugués. El caso de Mozambique (1914-1939)Publication . Graça, Gonçalo BritoThe institutionalization of scout associations in the Portuguese colony of Mozambique opened a new period of social framing of youth. This project was early supported by the Republican Government in Lisbon in 1914 and aimed at a new and modern European archetype of civilization, under specific models of gender, religion and race. Despite the existence of several works dedicated to daily life in the last years of the Portuguese empire, it is still necessary to look at scout associations an understand how those became extinct in 1939, with their consequent transfer to the state youth organization Mocidade Portuguesa. Thus, the colony of Mozambique was selected as a sample, since during the period between world wars it has revealed how scouting associations in the empire assumed to be a very complex roundabout in colonial politics.
- A relação entre experiências adversas na infância, traços de personalidade borderline e consumo de substâncias psicoativasPublication . Marques, Mariana Amaro Bravo; Azeredo, Andreia Alexandra CunhaChildhood adverse experiences have been recognized as risk factors for the development of psychopathology, particularly regarding their association with borderline personality traits and the use of psychoactive substances. These phenomena, intrinsically related to high emotional vulnerability, relational instability, and dysfunctional affect regulation strategies, are of particular relevance within the scope of clinical research and the design of preventive strategies. The present study, developed within the second year of the Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Portuguese Catholic University, Braga Regional Center, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, aimed to examine the relationship between childhood adverse experiences, borderline personality traits, and psychoactive substance use. The sample consisted of 390 Portuguese adults, assessed through a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using validated self-report instruments (ACE, BSL-23, ASSIST, and EDS-20). The results of the correlational analyses revealed significant positive associations between adverse childhood experiences, the intensity of borderline personality traits, and increased substance use. Mediation analyses confirmed that childhood adversity is not directly related to substance use but exerts its influence indirectly, mediated by elevated borderline personality traits. Accordingly, it can be concluded that adverse childhood experiences promote the development of borderline personality traits, which in turn increase vulnerability to substance use. These findings not only clarify the process through which early adversity translates into psychopathological risk but also highlight the specific role of borderline traits as a central mechanism of vulnerability. By elucidating this pathway, the study underscores the necessity of clinical interventions that systematically incorporate the assessment of life history and personality traits, fostering early screening, targeted prevention, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individuals’ risk profiles.
- Unveiling the agronomic potential of extracellular polymeric substances recovered from aerobic granular sludge on maizePublication . Amorim, Catarina L.; Pereira, Sofia I.A.; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Martins, António; Castro, Paula M. L.; Miranda, CatarinaBackground: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) recovered from waste aerobic granular sludge (AGS) generated during wastewater treatment represent a promising route for resource recovery. As valuable biopolymers, EPS have garnered special attention across multiple sectors, particularly agriculture, although their benefits in this field remain understudied. This study assessed the agronomic potential of EPS recovered from three AGS sources, including two full-scale wastewater treatment plants in Utrecht (EPS_U) and Faro (EPS_F), and a laboratory-scale reactor (EPS_R), as soil amendments. Methods: A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two EPS doses (0.5% and 1% w/w) on maize growth, nutrient uptake, and soil enzyme activities, compared with vermicompost at the same doses and a non-amended soil (control). Results: Both the source and dose of EPS strongly influenced their performance, with EPS often outperforming vermicompost. Notably, application of 1% of EPS, regardless of the source, markedly enhanced maize chlorophyll content, with EPS_R at 1% increasing it by 62% compared to 1% vermicompost and by 105% compared to the control. Similarly, applying 1% of EPS_R significantly increased shoot fresh weight and stem thickness. Nutritionally, 1% of EPS_R and 1% of EPS_F enhanced magnesium and potassium contents in shoots by 46% and 34%, respectively. Regarding soil enzymatic, EPS_U_1% greatly stimulated urease activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, while EPS_R_1% maximized acid phosphatase activity, underscoring the role of EPS in fostering a healthy rhizosphere. Conclusions: Using EPS as soil amendments offers a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers, while their recovery for agricultural use supports circular economy principles within the water sector.
- Unmet needs of ambulatory cancer patients undergoing cancer treatments in a Portuguese hospital: a cross-sectional studyPublication . Simões, Filipa; Fortuna, Ana; Magalhães, Joana; Cerullo, Giovanni; Capelas, Manuel Luís; Pereira, José LuísBackground: Patients with cancer experience a variety of needs at every stage of their illness. Many of these needs can be addressed with palliative care. Cancer patients’ palliative needs should therefore be proactively identified and managed. This study aimed to identify the needs of oncology patients receiving out-patient cancer treatment at a Portuguese cancer center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of consecutive patients presenting to an outpatient cancer clinic over the course of 5 days for cancer treatments. The primary outcome measure was the validated Portuguese version of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS). “Unmet needs” were defined as symptoms/needs rated as greater than 2 out of 4. Results: Of 211 patients registered for clinic visits, 167 were potentially eligible and 113 (67.7%) completed the questionnaire. Cancers of the breast (31%), colorectum (18%), and lung (14%) were the most common, and 52% were stage IV cancers. Functional levels as assessed by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) were 31.8% (ECOG 1), 54.9% (ECOG 1) and 12.4% (ECOG 2). Almost all patients (99%) reported at least one symptom or need regardless of severity; 76%, 57% and 16% reported at least one, two to four, and five or more severe symptoms/needs, respectively. The most frequently reported physical “unmet” symptoms were pain (12%), poor mobility (12%) and weakness (11%). The psychological and social needs included anxiety (18%), depression (11%), difficulty sharing feelings (25%), information needs (23%), and family concerns (47%). The prevalence of unmet needs increased notably if moderate-intensity needs (2 out of 4) were included as “unmet” needs. Female sex and higher ECOG scores were associated with higher (worse) IPOS scores. Conclusions: A high burden of unmet needs was identified among ambulatory cancer patients at this center, particularly among female patients and patients with poorer ECOG. Quality improvement initiatives are needed to improve the systematic screening of patient needs and integrate a palliative care approach earlier to help address them.
- Comparative in silico docking of bioactive peptides across the gut-skin axis: a systems approach to psoriasis modulation via the host-microbe interactionsPublication . Silva, Isa; Lambert, Jo L. W.; Pintado, Manuela; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.Introduction: Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated disorders sharing epithelial barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and sustained pro-inflammatory signaling. The gut–skin axis represents a network of host–microbe interactions, where microbial metabolites and immune responses shape inflammation in both intestinal and cutaneous environments.1 Bioactive peptides (BPeps) from natural sources are promising immunomodulators that may restore barrier integrity and attenuate key pathways such as NF-?B, JAK/STAT, and MAPK.2 Given this complex interplay, molecular docking was applied as an in silico strategy to prioritize peptide–protein interactions for in vitro validation.
- Comparative in silico docking of bioactive peptides across the gut-skin axis: a systems approach to psoriasis modulation via the host-microbe interactionsPublication . Silva, Isa; Lambert, Jo L. W.; Pintado, Manuela; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.
- Antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of mushroom biomass: effects on ROS production in human microglial cell line (HMC3) and alzheimer’s disease caenorhabditis elegans modelsPublication . Araújo-Rodrigues, Helena; Garzón-García, Lidia; Salsinha, Ana Sofia; Relvas, João B.; Tavaria, Freni Kekhasharú; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; González-Paramás, Ana M.; Pintado, Manuela E.Background: Mushrooms exhibit diverse bioactive compounds with prebiotic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. These benefits may arise from direct metabolite absorption and gut microbiota modulation, a key regulator of brain health through the gut-brain axis1. This study explored the neuroprotective potential of macromolecules from the mushroom biomass (MB) from Trametes versicolor (TV), Hericium erinaceus (HE), and Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) before and after gastrointestinal digestion (GID), together with microbiota-derived metabolites. Their effects were evaluated in the human microglial cells (HMC3) by ROS measurement and in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models by chemotaxis and paralysis assays. Methods: Bioactive compounds in MBs were quantified by enzymatic assays, HPLC, and spectrophotometric methods. GID was simulated by the INFOGEST standardized method, and the microbiota-derived metabolites were determined by human fecal fermentation. Intracellular ROS in HMC3 cells were measured using a fluorescent probe. Transgenic C. elegans AD models were used for chemotaxis and paralysis assays. Results: Biochemical characterization of MBs confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. TV showed higher levels of ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA; 125.99 mg/100 g), ergosterol (8.97 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (3.31 mg/100 g), carotenoids (18.05 mg/100 g), and free phenolic compounds (113.31 mg GAE/100 g). HE possessed higher tocopherol levels (816.74 ?g/100 g), while PO was richer in zinc content (2.37 mg/100 g). Total glucan content (76.15-80.45%) and selenium content (87.68–93.04 ?g/100 g) were similar across species. All biomass species inhibited ROS production in microglia (15.35–21.29%) at 0.63–1.25 mg/mL. Digestive fractions of all mushroom species significantly improved chemosensory responses in the BR5270 strain, which expresses the hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurons. TV, HE, and PO also significantly delayed paralysis progression in the CL4176 strain. Moreover, butyric acid and GABA restored chemotaxis deficits in CL2355 and delayed progressive paralysis in CL4176, both strains with amyloid beta peptide expression, indicating protective effects against amyloid-induced neuronal dysfunction. Conclusions: Mushroom biomass-derived compounds and microbiota metabolites show neuroprotective potential, mitigating A?- and Tau-induced toxicity, two of the main hallmarks of AD.