Morphodynamic modelling of a gravel beach at the NW Portuguese coast

Besides exhibiting an erosion trend for decades, the NW coastal zone of Portugal, since the end of 20th century, was the stage of a new phenomenon. Between Lima and Cávado rivers, previously dissipative, sandy beaches transformed in mixed sand-gravel beaches with gravelly beach cusps (by the end of 80?s) and progressively convert in entire reflective gravel beaches (since 2000), though maintaining the inherited dune systems on their backshore. This beach is being monitored since 2013 using DGPS, aerophotogrametic surveys and expedite gravel size characterization. Based on these monitoring results a modeling work was carried out to simulate the beach morphodynamics, applying XBeach-G software. The model was able to simulate the beach morphodynamics

Evaluation of photoanode materials used in biophotovoltaic systems for renewable energy generation

Biological photovoltaic (BPV) cells are living solar panels capable of producing clean energy by extracting electrons from sunlight (in daytime) and stored carbon in microbial cells (during the night or on cloudy days), irrespective of the organic substrate supply. The physicochemical properties of anode surfaces harbouring microbial communities in BPV systems influence the electrochemical charge transfer rate at the electrode. Hence, these properties play a significant role in regulating the kinetics of metabolic reactions in the biotic compartment while providing an electron transfer path. Various electrically conductive materials have been explored as solid-state anodes to improve the power output and economic viability of BPV systems. However, the current systems still suffer from low power density due to electrodes' electrochemical limitations and a lack of systematic optimization of the device. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the recent developments in different anode materials, their dimensional structure, and their impact on the performance of BPV systems in the last two decades. Moreover, the existing limitations of electrode materials in BPV systems are summarized, and outlooks for future anode advancements are foreseen

3D bioprinting of miniaturized tissues embedded in self-assembled nanoparticle-based fibrillar platforms

The creation of microphysiological systems like tissue and organ-on-chip for in vitro modeling of human physiology and diseases is gathering increasing interest. However, the platforms used to build these systems have limitations concerning implementation, automation, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, their typical plastic-based housing materials are poor recreations of native tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) and barriers. Here, the controlled self-assembly of plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is combined with the concept of 3D bioprinting in suspension baths for the direct biofabrication of microphysiological systems embedded within an ECM mimetic fibrillar support material. The developed support CNC fluid gel allows exceptionally high-resolution bioprinting of 3D constructs with arbitrary geometries and low restrictions of bioink choice. The further induction of CNC self-assembly with biocompatible calcium ions results in a transparent biomimetic nanoscaled fibrillar matrix that allows hosting different compartmentalized cell types and perfusable channels, has tailored permeability for biomacromolecules diffusion and cellular crosstalk, and holds structural stability to support long-term in vitro cell maturation. In summary, this xeno-free nanoscale CNC fibrillar matrix allows the biofabrication of hierarchical living constructs, opening new opportunities not only for developing physiologically relevant 3D in vitro models but also for a wide range of applications in regenerative medicine.The authors thank Hospital da Prelada (Porto, Portugal) for providing adipose tissue samples and Hospital Sao Joao (Porto, Portugal) for providing platelet concentrates. The authors acknowledge the financial support from project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000021 supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Program (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); the European Union Framework Program for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020, under the Twinning grant agreement no. 810850-Achilles, European Research Council grant agreement no. 772817, Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia for the PhD grant for S.M.B PD/BD/129403/2017 financed through doctoral program in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (TERM&SC), and project PTDC/NAN-MAT/30595/2017. Schematics in Figures 1, 2, and 6 were created with BioRender.com. The authors thank Milan Sixt and Barbara B. Mendes for preliminary tests with CNC fluid gel. The authors thank David Caballero, Catarina Abreu, and Mandana Mombeinipour for providing endothelial cells and Virginia Brancato for breast cancer cells

Characterization of beach morphodynamics under the influence of geosynthetic cylinders: Ofirbeach, Portugal, case study

O fenómeno da erosão costeira afeta profundamente a costa portuguesa. O sistema praia-oceano não se pode considerar em situação de equilíbrio morfodinâmico, porque as praias são sistemas abertos, sendo os seus sedimentos constantemente transportados. Os ventos, marés e agitação marinha são os principais agentes erosivos, mas existem outras causas de origem antrópica que influenciam os processos erosivos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações morfológicas de muito curto termo em diferentes estados de agitação e tipologia de maré, na praia de Ofir, situada na costa NO Portuguesa. Esta praia foi intervencionada com cilindros geossintéticos como medida de defesa costeira. O trabalho é baseado num programa de monitorização, recorrendo a levantamentos topográficos de alta precisão com auxílio de equipamento DGPS. A aplicação de cilindros geossintéticos nesta praia revelou-se eficiente no período analisado e nas condições de agitação e maré verificadas, embora tenham sofrido erosão ficando expostos.The phenomenon of coastal erosion deeply affects the Portuguese coast. The beach-ocean system cannot be considered in a situation of morphodynamic balance because the beaches are open systems, and their sediments are being constantly transported. Winds, tides and waves are the main erosive actions, but there are other causes of anthropogenic origin that influence erosional processes. This work aims to evaluate the morphological changes of short time scale, considering different waves and tide conditions at Ofir beach, located at the NW Portuguese coast. This beach was intervened with geosynthetic cylinders as a coastal defense measure. The work is based on a monitoring program, using high-precision topographic surveys with DGPS equipment. The application of geosynthetic cylinders on this beach proved to be efficient in the analyzed period and in the verified conditions of waves and tides, although they have suffered erosion and have been exposed.Os autores agradecem aos projetos MarRisk (0262_MarRISK_1_E) e EcOffShorBE (Eco Offshore Built Environment - NORTE-01-0247- FEDER-037417), os quais apoiaram o desenvolvimento do programa de monitorização e análise granulométrica de sedimentos

Dyspareunia in HIV-positive and HIV-negative middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study

To evaluate whether dyspareunia is associated with HIV status in menopausal women and also to assess which factors are associated with dyspareunia in a group of HIV-positive menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 HIV-negative and 128 HIV-positive women aged 40-60 years. The Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) was used to collect data. Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural and reproductive factors were evaluated, as well as factors related to the HIV infection. Dyspareunia was defined as pain during intercourse. A bivariate analysis and Poisson multiple regression analysis were performed. Overall, 41.4% of the HIV-positive women reported dyspareunia compared with 34.8% of the HIV-negative women (p=0.242). In the HIV-positive women, bivariate analysis revealed an association between dyspareunia and having a steady partner (p=0.047); the woman's partner having undergone HIV testing (p=0.020); vaginal dryness (p<0.001); muscle/joint pain (p=0.021); physical/emotional violence (p=0.049); urinary incontinence (p=0.004); and the use of lamivudine/zidovudine (p=0.048). The Poisson multiple regression analysis found an association between dyspareunia and vaginal dryness (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.96, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.50, p=0.023) and urinary incontinence (PR=1.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.27, p=0.031). Dyspareunia was common in this group of HIV-positive women and was associated principally with vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. The importance of treating dyspareunia within the context of sexual health in this group of women should be emphasised and appropriate management of this issue may reduce the likelihood of lesions on the vaginal wall, which may act as a portal of entry for other infections.To evaluate whether dyspareunia is associated with HIV status in menopausal women and also to assess which factors are associated with dyspareunia in a group of HIV-positive menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 HIV-negativ416FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO2010/06037-

RNA editing in inflorescences of wild grapevine unveils association to sex and development

RNA editing challenges the central dogma of molecular biology, by modifying the genetic information at the transcription level. Recent reports, suggesting increased levels of RNA editing in plants, raised questions on the nature and dynamics of such events during development. We here report the occurrence of distinct RNA editing patterns in wild Vitis flowers during development, with twelve possible RNA editing modifications observed for the first time in plants. RNA editing events are gender and developmental stage specific, identical in subsequent years of this perennial species and with distinct nucleotide frequencies neighboring editing sites on the 5' and 3' flanks. The transcriptome dynamics unveils a new regulatory layer responsible for gender plasticity enhancement or underling dioecy evolution in Vitis

A Home-Based eHealth Intervention for an Older Adult Population With Food Insecurity: Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Background: Food insecurity is a global public health challenge, affecting predominately the most vulnerable people in society, including older adults. For this population, eHealth interventions represent an opportunity for promoting healthy lifestyle habits, thus mitigating the consequences of food insecurity. However, before their widespread dissemination, it is essential to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions among end users. Objective: This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based eHealth intervention focused on improving dietary and physical activity through an interactive television (TV) app among older adults with food insecurity. Methods: A pilot noncontrolled quasi-experimental study was designed with baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Older adult participants with food insecurity were recruited from 17 primary health care centers in Portugal. A home-based intervention program using an interactive TV app aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors was implemented over 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were feasibility (self-reported use and interest in eHealth) and acceptability (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy), which were evaluated using a structured questionnaire with a 7-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes were changes in food insecurity (Household Food Insecurity Scale), quality of life (European Quality of Life Questionnaire with five dimensions and three levels and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire, Elderly Mobility Scale, grip strength, and regularity of exercise), and nutritional status (adherence to the Mediterranean diet). Results: A sample of 31 older adult individuals with food insecurity was enrolled in the 12-week intervention program with no dropouts. A total of 10 participants self-reported low use of the TV app. After the intervention, participants were significantly more interested in using eHealth to improve food insecurity (baseline median 1.0, IQR 3.0; 3-month median 5.0, IQR 5.0; P=.01) and for other purposes (baseline median 1.0, IQR 2.0; 3-month median 6.0, IQR 2.0; P=.03). High levels of acceptability were found both before and after (median range 7.0-7.0, IQR 2.0-0.0 and 5.0-7.0, IQR 2.0-2.0, respectively) the intervention, with no significant changes for most constructs. Clinically, there was a reduction of 40% in food insecurity (P=.001), decreased fatigue (mean −3.82, SD 8.27; P=.02), and improved physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire: mean −0.22, SD 0.38; P=.01; Elderly Mobility Scale: mean −1.50, SD 1.08; P=.01; regularity of exercise: baseline 10/31, 32%; 3 months 18/31, 58%; P=.02). No differences were found for the European Quality of Life Questionnaire with five dimensions and three levels, grip strength, or adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions: The home-based eHealth intervention was feasible and highly acceptable by participants, thus supporting a future full-scale trial. The intervention program not only reduced the proportion of older adults with food insecurity but also improved participants’ fatigue and physical function.publishedVersio

A tutorial

PM003/2016. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s)The capabilities of bioanalytical mass spectrometry to (i) detect and differentiate viruses at the peptide level whilst maintaining high sample throughput and (ii) to provide diagnosis and prognosis for infected patients are presented as a tutorial in this work to aid analytical chemists and physicians to gain insights into the possibilities offered by current high-resolution mass spectrometry technology and bioinformatics. From (i) sampling to sample treatment; (ii) Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization- to Electrospray Ionization -based mass spectrometry; and (iii) from clustering to peptide sequencing; a detailed step-by-step guide is provided and exemplified using SARS-CoV-2 Spike Y839 variant and the variant of concern SARS-CoV-2 Alpha (B.1.1.7 lineage), Influenza B, and Influenza A subtypes AH1N1pdm09 and AH3N2.publishersversionpublishe

How to dissect viral infections and their interplay with the host-proteome by immunoaffinity and mass spectrometry: A tutorial

The capabilities of bioanalytical mass spectrometry to (i) detect and differentiate viruses at the peptide level whilst maintaining high sample throughput and (ii) to provide diagnosis and prognosis for infected patients are presented as a tutorial in this work to aid analytical chemists and physicians to gain insights into the possibilities offered by current high-resolution mass spectrometry technology and bioinformatics. From (i) sampling to sample treatment; (ii) Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization- to Electrospray Ionization -based mass spectrometry; and (iii) from clustering to peptide sequencing; a detailed step-by-step guide is provided and exemplified using SARS-CoV-2 Spike Y839 variant and the variant of concern SARS-CoV-2 Alpha (B.1.1.7 lineage), Influenza B, and Influenza A subtypes AH1N1pdm09 and AH3N2.Highlights: - Immunohistochemistry with magnetic core nanoparticles to isolate viruses. - The use of MALDI-MS for rapid virus detection is explained in detail; - The use of ESI-MS/MS to pinpoint host-patient crosstalk is explained in detail. - The absolute quantitative MS is explained for large-scale protein quantitation.This work received financial support from PT national funds (FCT/MCTES) through the projects UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020 and from PROTEOMASS Scientific Society through the projects #PM001/2019 and #PM003/2016.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio