Gelatin porous scaffolds fabricated using a modified gas foaming technique: Characterisation and cytotoxicity assessment

The current study presents an effective and simple strategy to obtain stable porous scaffolds from gelatin via a gas foaming method. The technique exploits the intrinsic foaming ability of gelatin in the presence of CO2 to obtain a porous structure stabilised with glutaraldehyde. The produced scaffolds were characterised using physical and mechanical characterisation methods. The results showed that gas foaming may allow the tailoring of the 3-dimensional structure of the scaffolds with an interconnected porous structure. To assess the effectiveness of the preparation method in mitigating the potential cytotoxicity risk of using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker, direct and in-direct cytotoxicity assays were performed at different concentrations of glutaraldehyde. The results indicate the potential of the gas foaming method, in the preparation of viable tissue engineering scaffolds

Natural-based nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: a review

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been providing exciting technologies for the development of functional substitutes aimed to repair and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Inspired by the hierarchical nature of bone, nanostructured biomaterials are gaining a singular attention for tissue engineering, owing their ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and hence new bone growth, compared with conventional microsized materials. Of particular interest are nanocomposites involving biopolymeric matrices and bioactive nanosized fi llers. Biodegradability, high mechanical strength, and osteointegration and formation of ligamentous tissue are properties required for such materials. Biopolymers are advantageous due to their similarities with extracellular matrices, specifi c degradation rates, and good biological performance. By its turn, calcium phosphates possess favorable osteoconductivity, resorbability, and biocompatibility. Herein, an overview on the available natural polymer/calcium phosphate nanocomposite materials, their design, and properties is presented. Scaffolds, hydrogels, and fi bers as biomimetic strategies for tissue engineering, and processing methodologies are described. The specifi c biological properties of the nanocomposites, as well as their interaction with cells, including the use of bioactive molecules, are highlighted. Nanocomposites in vivo studies using animal models are also reviewed and discussed.  The research leading to this work has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no REGPOT-CT2012-316331-POLARIS, and from QREN (ON.2 - NORTE-01-0124-FEDER-000016) cofinanced by North Portugal Regional Operational Program (ON.2 - O Novo Norte), under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Funding: F Carvalho and E Fernandes acknowledge support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), in the scope of the project UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020 of the Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences UCIBIO and the project LA/P/0140/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy i4HB; FCT/MCTES through the project UIDB/50006/2020. J Conde acknowledges the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG-2019-848325). V M Costa acknowledges the grant SFRH/BHD/110001/2015, received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), IP, under the Norma Transitória DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006.proofepub_ahead_of_prin

Non-Pharmacological Treatment and Self-Regulation Strategies for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Scoping Review Registered Report Protocol in the ADAPT-ADHD Project (Assessing Diverse Approaches and Personalized Treatments for ADHD)

Objective: Although global estimates suggest that adult ADHD affects approximately 2–3% of adults (persistent: 2.6%; symptomatic: 6–7%), there has been an increase in diagnoses and medication utilization in recent years worldwide. Given the significant impact of adult ADHD on both professional and personal life and the resource-related challenges of accessing treatment, there is a need for novel and/or multimodal interventions. While pharmacological treatments remain common, there is growing recognition that non-pharmacological interventions may provide complementary support. Furthermore, it is important to examine whether variations in ADHD presentations (including predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or combined presentations, as well as varying executive functioning difficulties) influence the support type adults find acceptable, usable, feasible, practical, and helpful. Such insight can help identify the most effective interventions for different ADHD profiles, enabling more personalized and practical approaches to support. This scoping review aims to map non-pharmacological interventions for managing adult ADHD symptoms, with attention to how their efficacy and acceptability may vary across ADHD subtypes and different patterns of executive functioning difficulties (EFDs). Methods: This scoping review will identify common non-pharmacological treatments, protocols, psychosocial programs, and self-regulation strategies for adults with ADHD. Following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, systematic searches will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Articles must be in English, published between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2026. The study targets adults aged 18 and above who require an ADHD diagnosis. Results: Data collection is scheduled from February to June 2026. Discussion: The study will provide a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological interventions for adult ADHD, including data on effectiveness and acceptability. The review aims to support the development of personalized approaches beyond pharmacological treatments and to advance a conceptual framework and standardized terminology for non-pharmacological interventions in adult ADHD