Browsing by resource type "review article"
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- Advancing diabetes treatment: from human beta cell technology to bioartificial pancreas developmentPublication . Sá, Joana; Sá, Simone; Leménager, Hélène; Costa, Raquel; Onteniente, Brigitte; Soares, Raquel; Ribeiro, Viviana P.; Oliveira, Ana L.In 2021, approximately 537 million people worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, were affected by diabetes, leading to approximately 6.7 million deaths annually or severe secondary complications including life-threatening hyperglycemia. For nearly 50 years, current therapeutic approaches include full pancreas transplantation and isolated pancreatic islets, more recently, cell therapy such as in vitro generated islets and stem cell derived. The transplantation of pancreatic islet cells can be less invasive than full organ transplantation, however, does not achieve the same rate of functional success due to the low survival of the engrafted cells. Tissue-engineered bioartificial pancreas has been designed to address such issues, improving cell engraftment, survival, and immune rejection problems, with the added advantage that the tissue produced in vitro has an unlimited source of material.
- Arresting images: inhabiting the Nazi archive in Yael Hersonski’s a Film unfinishedPublication . Agostinho, DanielaThe filmic appropriation of archival imagery has become pivotal within the new archival economy of memory. What is particularly striking about this transnational trend is that more than a reproduction of images of the past for illustrative purposes, at stake in many recent appropriation films is a post-memorial fascination with archival images and simultaneously a critical interrogation of their epistemological gaps, their conditions of production, and their role in shaping the memory of historical violence. Yael Hersonski’s A Film Unfinished (2010), which refigures a Nazi propaganda film of the Warsaw ghetto, is a symptomatic case where the enigmatic appeal of archival images coexists with a suspicious examination of their constitutive flaws. Through close reading of the film, and a discussion of Derrida’s notion of “archive fever” in relation to the Nazi archival culture, this article will inquire into the dynamics of archive imagery at play within contemporary cinematic practices, arguing that the disappearance of the witness has raised a renewed crisis of representation of the Holocaust, in which the archive becomes a critical but fraught centrepiece.
- The Artificial Intelligence act: critical overviewPublication . Silva, Nuno Sousa eThis article provides a critical overview of the recently approved Artificial Intelligence Act. It starts by presenting the main structure, objectives, and approach of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. Followed by a definition of key concepts, finally the material and territorial scope, as well asan examination of the timing of application, are analyzed. Although the Regulation does not explicitly set out principles, the main ideas of fairness, accountability, transparency, and equity in AI underly a set of rules of the regulation. This is discussed before looking at the ill-defined set of forbidden AI practices (manipulation and exploitation of vulnerabilities, social scoring, biometric identification and classification, and predictive policing). It is highlighted that those rules deal with behaviors rather than AI systems. The qualification and regulation of high-risk AI systems are tackled, alongside the obligation of transparency for certain AI systems, the regulation of general-purpose models, and the rules on certification, supervision, and sanctions. The text concludes that even if the overall framework can be deemed adequate and balanced, the approach is so complex that it risks defeating its own purpose of promoting responsible innovation within the European Union and beyond its borders.
- Beliefs and violent behavior in interpersonal relationships of young adults: a systematic reviewPublication . Araújo, Eduardo; Santos, Anita; Oliveira, Claúdia; Cruz, Olga Souza; Moreira, DianaBeliefs are information-processing structures formed along an individual’s developmental pathway. Beliefs can legitimize involvement in inappropriate or violent behaviors, particularly when they crystallize into cognitive schemas. While beliefs aid individuals in interpreting the surrounding world, overly rigid and inflexible beliefs can constrain the individual’s ability to process available information. This Systematic Review, carried out according to the PRISMA norms and guidelines, aims to understand the most prevalent beliefs regarding relationships among young adults and to examine their associations with violent or deviant behaviors. Articles included in this review were retrieved from the EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases in July 2022, resulting in a total of 594 studies, which were subsequently screened by two independent reviewers. A total of 51 studies were then selected for full reading, but 36 were excluded based on pre-defined eligibility criteria, leaving a final sample of 18 studies published between 2014 and 2022. The main objectives, country of origin, instruments used, sample composition and age, main results and conclusions were extracted from each study. Findings point toward the presence of related and legitimate beliefs about violence in intimate relationships, domestic violence, sexual violence, acceptance of the rape myth, or consent to engage in sexual activities.
- Candida albicans: the current status regarding vaginal infectionsPublication . Faustino, Margarida; Ferreira, Carlos M. H.; Pereira, Ana Margarida; Carvalho, Ana P.Vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans are a significant global health concern due to their recurrence and negative impact on quality of life. This review examines the pathogenesis of C. albicans infections, emphasizing critical virulence factors such as biofilm formation, adherence, and phenotypic switching. Risk factors include immune system suppression, antibiotic use, and hormonal changes, all of which can lead to fungal overgrowth and infection. Current prevention and/or treatment strategies primarily rely on antifungal therapies, personal hygiene practices, and probiotics. However, challenges like antifungal resistance, recurrence, and limited treatment efficacy highlight the need for innovative approaches. Therefore, emerging methods such as novel antifungal agents, vaccines, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems offer promising advancements to improve infection control. Additionally, the immune system plays a key role in preventing C. albicans infections, with both innate and adaptive immunity acting to restrict fungal colonization and growth. Commercially available products, such as antifungal creams, vaginal probiotics, and hygiene solutions, are practical options but often lack long-term efficacy. Persistent challenges, including resistance, patient noncompliance, and restricted access to emerging therapies, hinder comprehensive prevention and treatment efforts. Thus, future research should focus on promoting interdisciplinary approaches, integrating personalized medicine, and enhancing healthcare accessibility. This review intends to present the current state of the art within the abovementioned issues and to enhance the understanding of the multifactorial nature of C. albicans infections and advanced prevention strategies, which are essential to reduce the burden of vaginal candidiasis worldwide and improve patient quality of life outcomes. KEY POINTS: • Candida albicans pathogenesis involves biofilms, adherence, and phenotypic switching. • Vaccines, nanotechnology, and new drugs offer improved prevention and treatment. • Addressing antifungal resistance and patient compliance is key for prevention success.
- Cirurgia de cancro de cabeça e pescoço: a especificidade dos cuidados à pessoa com faringostoma e esofagostomaPublication . Pires, Lucinda; Frade, Inês; Almeida, Anabela; Miguel, SusanaTemos como objetivo descrever os cuidados específicos à pessoa com faringostoma e esofagostoma, impulsionadores da melhoria da prática clínica e da qualidade de vida da pessoa. Cirurgias como a laringectomia total induzem enorme impacto físico, social e emocional na pessoa e família, cujas consequências e possíveis complicações são potenciadas quando seguidas da confeção de um faringostoma e esofagostoma. A pessoa com faringostoma e esofagostoma requer cuidados diferenciados que incluem a realização do penso, vigilância e cuidados específicos, não esquecendo os cuida-dos inerentes à ostomia respiratória, bem como a todas as outras dimensões da pessoa (psicológica, social, cultural e espiritual). Perante toda a complexidade cirúrgica, as pessoas portadoras deste tipo específico de estomas carecem de intervenções de enfermagem especializadas, as quais são baseadas na evidência. E incidem em prevenir complicações e contribuir para a qualidade de vida da pessoa, justificando-se igualmente a necessidade de intervenção de toda a equipa multidisciplinar.
- Clean label approaches in cheese production: where are we?Publication . Fernandes, Jaime; Gomes, Sandra; Reboredo, Fernando H.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Amaral, Olga; Dias, João; Alvarenga, NunoThe Clean Label concept has gained significant traction in the cheese industry due to consumer preferences for minimally processed cheeses free from synthetic additives. This review explores different approaches for applying Clean Label principles to the cheese industry while maintaining food safety, sensory quality, and shelf life. Non-thermal technologies, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultra-violet (UV), and visible light (VL), are among the most promising methods that effectively control microbial growth while preserving the nutritional and functional properties of cheese. Protective cultures, postbiotics, and bacteriophages represent microbiological strategies that are natural alternatives to conventional preservatives. Another efficient approach involves plant extracts, which contribute to microbial control, and enhance cheese functionality and potential health benefits. Edible coatings, either alone or combined with other methods, also show promising applications. Despite these advantages, several challenges persist: higher costs of production and technical limitations, possible shorter shelf-life, and regulatory challenges, such as the absence of standardized Clean Label definitions and compliance complexities. Further research is needed to develop and refine Clean Label formulations, especially regarding bioactive peptides, sustainable packaging, and advanced microbial control techniques. Addressing these challenges will be essential for expanding Clean Label cheese availability while ensuring product quality and maintaining consumer acceptance.
- Cuidados de enfermagem promotores do conforto à pessoa em situação paliativa: protocolo de scoping reviewPublication . Ramos, Olga Alexandra Moura; Sá, José Alberto Fernandes Traila Monteiro de; Figuerola, Marta Millan; Augusto, Maria Cristina Bompastor; Gomes, Maria José Almendra RodriguesIntrodução: O conforto é sensível aos cuidados de enfermagem e resulta da satisfação da necessidade de alívio, tranquilidade e transcendência, nas dimensões física, psicoespiritual, social e ambiental. Objetivo: Mapear a evidência científica disponível sobre os cuidados de enfermagem que promovem o conforto na pessoa em situação paliativa. Critérios de inclusão: Estudos primários que relatem os cuidados de enfermagem na promoção doconforto à pessoa em situação paliativa. Métodos: Protocolo de scoping reviewsegundo as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute. Estudos publicados e não publicados, com abordagem quantitativa, qualitativa ou de métodos mistos. Pesquisa completa nas bases de dados MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, RCAAP e OpenGrey. Triagem dos estudos realizada pelo título e resumo, com posterior análise do texto integral por dois revisores independentes que farão a extração e categorização dos dados em função do conteúdo. Protocolo de pesquisa registado na Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/CN258). Conclusões: Espera-se contribuir para a clarificação de conceitos e para a definição de um quadro teórico que fundamente a intervenção de enfermagem na promoção do conforto à pessoa em situação paliativa.
- Development of cement industry, technology, and artistic applications: a historical overview of the Portuguese case within an international contextPublication . Gueidão, Marta; Bordalo, Rui; Nunes, Sandra; Vieira, EduardaThe development of the cement industry and technology was a significant driver of progress in construction and artistic applications. Between the late 19th and 20th centuries, cement-based mortars and concrete were widely used in both utilitarian and artistic heritage, serving as structural materials and decorative ornaments. This paper presents a historical overview of the Portuguese cement industry within an international framework. It traces the evolution of modern hydraulic binders from the 18th-century experiments with clay-rich limestone and pozzolan to the 19th-century development of artificial hydraulic lime and major improvements in production processes, kiln design, and chemical analyses, resulting in the standardization of modern artificial Portland cement. These advancements shaped the adaptation and industrialization of cement in Portugal, and marked a gradual transition from natural to artificial cement around the turn of the century. Cement binders imported from England and France continued to dominate the Portuguese market well into the 20th century, even after national production began in the second half of the 19th century. While current research on modern cement heritage often focuses on built structures, this study highlights the cultural significance of cementitious public art. It explores the transition from functional to artistic uses of cement, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, through selected case studies that reflect the different techniques and mortar formulations, as well as international influences on Portuguese cementitious heritage. An early example is the Teatro Nacional de São João, where ornaments created with cement-based mortars reinforced with steel bars and metal mesh reflect the influence of French engineering and the pioneering work of Joseph Monier. By contextualizing the Portuguese case within broader technological and artistic trends, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of cementitious heritage and emphasizes the need for further research on Portuguese cement-based artworks from the 20th century. The findings reveal compositional variations and applications that often relied on evolving techniques and experimental mortar formulations. Thus, understanding the material and technical evolution of cement-based mortars, as well as the cross-cultural exchanges that have shaped their use, is essential for the effective preservation and appreciation of this understudied part of modern heritage.
- Effects of dietary polyphenols on vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of pre-clinical studiesPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Castro, Catarina; Pinto, Elisabete; Vasconcelos, Marta W.; Neves, DelmindaErectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection, primarily treated with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Treatment effectiveness is diminished in severe vasculogenic ED, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus, highlighting the need for exploring alternative/complementary interventions. Among them, dietary phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review focuses on catechin (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin and their influence on the pathophysiology of ED. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023402016) searches across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until October 2024 were conducted using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria required original articles in English, while in silico studies, review articles, editorials, and original studies lacking essential polyphenol administration information were excluded. After an initial search that located 409, 445, and 285 publications in each database respectively, rigorous screening resulted in 26 publications comprising animal, ex vivo, and in vitro studies. Their quality was assessed using GRADE and SYRCLE ROB tools, revealing an overall “medium-high” or “high quality.” These polyphenols consistently demonstrated improvements in erectile function, encompassing behavioral, functional, molecular, and hormonal aspects. However, limitations were identified, such as the predominant reliance on animal models and in vitro trials, which may not precisely reflect human physiological responses. Further clinical investigations are needed to ascertain data translational potential, standardize dosages, and establish safe and effective prescription recommendations. Prioritizing clinical trials is essential for validating the widespread applicability and efficacy of polyphenols in managing ED.