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- Emerging practices in the estimation of hemoglobin measurement uncertainty in blood establishmentsPublication . Timóteo, Maria Helena; Tavares, Ana Sofia; Pereira, PauloMeasurement uncertainty (MU) is increasingly recognized as a critical analytical parameter within ISO and European regulatory frameworks. In transfusion laboratories, where hemoglobin testing determines donor eligibility and informs transfusion decisions, MU directly impacts patient and donor safety. This study applies ISO/TS 20914:2019 to estimate MU in hemoglobin testing using the cyanmethemoglobin method in EDTA-K3 venous blood. A parametric simulation model informed by EFLM biological variation data was used to evaluate three scenarios: (1) within-laboratory imprecision, (2) addition of calibrator uncertainty, and (3) incorporation of significant bias uncertainty. All scenarios met desirable (2.7 %) and minimum (4.1 %) performance targets for allowable uncertainty. These findings reinforce the integration of MU estimation as a European and ISO-endorsed best practice in transfusion laboratory medicine. This approach supports traceable, risk-informed decision-making, aligning transfusion services with ISO 15189:2022 requirements.
- The indoor microbiome: sampling, analysis and emerging trendsPublication . Šunić, Iva; Šarac, Jelena; Auguštin, Dubravka Havaš; Pozdniakova, Sofya; Ferguson, Robert M.; Jergović, Matijana; Visentin, David; Borràs, Silvia; Archer, Elizabeth; Henderson, Drew K.; Vitko, Sandra; Ašić, Adna; Bošnjaković, Anja; Maglica, Željka; Viegas, Carla; Novokmet, Natalija; Karlović, Nina; Marjanović, Damir; Muszyński, Adam; Liu, Yuxi; Karisola, Piia; Alenius, Harri; Krych, Lukasz; Lovrić, MarioIndoor spaces contain diverse microbial communities that shape human health. These microorganisms are particularly relevant to respiratory diseases, including asthma and allergies. Despite growing recognition of the importance of indoor microbial exposures, research in this field is slowed by differences in methods. These inconsistencies make it difficult to compare results and draw conclusions. This systematic review analyses 106 studies published between 2000 and 2025 that investigated indoor microbiomes in dust, air, and other matrices across homes, schools, and other built environments. We assessed sampling strategies, DNA extraction protocols, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatic pipelines, identifying trends, inconsistencies, and areas requiring harmonisation. Passive sampling, particularly dust collection, was the most common approach, while Illumina-based 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing dominated molecular analyses. However, variations in targeted gene regions, extraction kits, and analytical tools limited cross-study comparability. Ecological findings revealed consistent detection of bacterial taxa such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium, and fungal taxa including Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, with diversity shaped by building characteristics, ventilation, humidity, occupancy, and presence of pets. This review highlights the need for standardised protocols in indoor microbiome research to facilitate reproducibility, enable meta-analyses, and inform health-related guidelines for indoor environments.
- A call for preregistration of in vitro research: pregistration as a tool to improve reproducibility and transparencyPublication . Heinl, Céline; Franco, Nuno H.; Bert, Bettina; Siewert, Katherina; Movia, Dania; Aruçi, Edlira; Ladeira, Carina; Sanin, Ahmed Y.; Neuhaus, Winfried; Kahlert, Ulf D.; Ghosh, Manosij; Thomas, Aurélie; Sotiropoulos, AthanassiaBiomedical research, like any other research field, is vulnerable to problems in its planning, execution, documentation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. These issues can impede the reproducibility of research findings and hinder translation into clinical practice. In addition, there is growing societal pressure to hasten the shift to animal-free research methods. To alleviate the ethical dilemma of using animals in research, the 3Rs principle (replace, reduce, refine) calls for reducing or replacing such experiments wherever possible. Nevertheless, scientific and biomedical research, as well as safeguarding human and environmental health, continue to depend on animal experiments. To apply the 3Rs principles without compromising scientific progress and safety standards, it is imperative to ensure that in vitro methods to replace animal experiments are robust and reliable.
- Occupational exposure to cadmium: protocol for a scoping reviewPublication . Paulo, Marília Silva; Martins, Carla; Riesenberger, Bruna; Cordeiro, João; Cervantes, Renata; Palmont, Philippe; Bhoonah, Rachna; Ndaw, Sophie; Viegas, SusanaIntroduction: Cadmium is a metal that poses significant health risks, particularly in occupational environments where exposure can happen. The main objective of this scoping review is to review the cadmium exposure levels in the different occupational settings in the European Union (EU), considering the regulatory measures currently in place. The secondary objectives, depending on the availability of data, are (a) to identify the occupational settings where higher exposure levels occur, (b) to identify any geographical and temporal differences and trends within the EU, and (c) to identify the most relevant co-exposures reported. Methods and analysis: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. Studies reporting quantitative occupational data on cadmium exposure obtained through human biomonitoring and/or air monitoring will be included. A descriptive analysis of the findings will be performed. Ethics and dissemination: This protocol for a scoping review does not require ethical approval as it is based on secondary data. The dissemination plan of the scoping review includes its publication in a scientific journal of reference, as it is expected that it will provide important knowledge to support ongoing and future occupational health interventions in the EU, at the technical and regulatory levels. Registration: This study is registered at the Open Science Framework (OSF), 7 April osf.f2w3h.
- Neuromuscular activation patterns in response to windlass stimulation and biofeedback: a surface EMG studyPublication . Carrasco-Fernández, Laura; Gómez-del Pino, Álvaro; García-Sillero, Manuel; González-Cañizares, Pablo; García-Romero, Jerónimo; Tomás, Maria Teresa; Benítez-Porres, JavierBackground: Handball involves unilateral, high-demand actions that increase injury risk. The Windlass mechanism (WM) is a position-dependent plantar fascia tensioning system, activated by dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which increases medial longitudinal arch stiffness and contributes to foot stability. WM activation can be mechanically simulated using hallux wedges to induce controlled dorsiflexion, allowing graded engagement of the mechanism under standardized conditions. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how different wedge inclinations, with and without visual biofeedback, affect foot muscle activity during squats in elite female handball players. Methods: Seventeen elite female handball players performed squats at 65% of one-repetition maximum under six conditions combining three wedge inclinations (0°, 10°, 30°) with the presence or absence of visual biofeedback. Electromyographic activity (RMS and %MVC) of intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles was recorded. Results: A significant increase in left abductor hallucis activation with the 10° wedge without biofeedback. Visual biofeedback significantly increased RMS and %MVC in intrinsic foot muscles and increased RMS in the left gastrocnemius (p < 0.05). No significant interaction was observed between wedge inclination and biofeedback. Conclusions: Controlled activation of the WM via hallux wedges and the use of visual biofeedback modulate foot muscle activity during squats. These strategies may be considered in training programs aimed at improving foot stability and reducing injury risk in elite female handball players.
- Cartografia fractal do olhar na cultura visual contemporânea: perceção, memória e redes de imagensPublication . Sousa, Vanda deA centralidade das imagens conduziu à consolidação da cultura visual como campo interdisciplinar dedicado à visualidade, à circulação mediática e às práticas de ver. Partindo da iconologia de Warburg e Panofsky, da fenomenologia de Merleau-Ponty e das abordagens de Mitchell e Mirzoeff, este artigo propõe o conceito de cartografia fractal do olhar como modelo da experiência visual contemporânea. Argumenta-se que a perceção visual se organiza através de padrões recorrentes que estruturam a memória das imagens, sendo compreendida como sistema fractal. A análise de A Criação de Adão, 2001: A Space Odyssey e Earthrise evidencia a reorganização da perceção e da cultura visual como sistema dinâmico em transformação contínua.
- Impacto da transformação digital na experiência do cliente no setor bancárioPublication . Borges Rocha, Carina Júlia; Antunes, MarinaO presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar o impacto da transformação digital na experiência do cliente no setor bancário. Para isso focou-se em analisar o impacto de três dimensões específicas, a facilidade de uso, a personalização e a segurança das plataformas digitais na satisfação e a fidelização dos consumidores. Foi adotada uma abordagem quantitativa, complementada por uma análise qualitativa das respostas abertas de um questionário aplicado a 182 clientes bancários. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a transformação digital tem um papel determinante na forma como os clientes interagem com o banco, pois observou-se uma clara preferência pelos canais digitais em detrimento do atendimento presencial. Adicionalmente, a facilidade de uso demonstrou ser um fator importante para a satisfação do consumidor. Ainda, os resultados evidenciaram o papel da literacia digital com a facilidade de uso, e conclui-se que os consumidores com maior literacia tendem a ter mais facilidade em navegar nas aplicações bancárias. Além disso, o estudo verificou que os usurários que reconhecem a personalização tendem a apresentar maior vínculo com as instituições financeiras. E ao nível da segurança, os resultados demonstraram uma relação positiva, mas fraca.
- From variability to accountability: rethinking radiation exposure in pediatric osteoid osteoma ablationPublication . Paulo, GracianoInterventional radiology has rightfully claimed osteoid osteoma (OO) ablation as a success story. Minimally invasive, highly effective, and reproducible, CT-guided thermal ablation has largely replaced surgery as the standard of care. Yet, in pediatric patients, this success is accompanied by a persistent and important concern: the management of ionizing radiation exposure. Despite increasing awareness, radiation dose in pediatric interventional radiology continues to show considerable variability, with limited standardization and few meaningful benchmarks. In this context, the multicenter registry analysis by Wintergerst et al. provides a timely and relevant contribution by systematically evaluating radiation exposure, procedural outcomes, and practice patterns in CT-guided OO ablation.
- Mapping current and emerging laboratory techniques for haemoglobinopathy carrier detection and prevention: a narrative review from the HELIOS ActionPublication . Yasin, Norafiza Mohd; Chatzimatthaiou, Sotiroula; Perolla, Adela; Blanco Alvarez, Adoracion; Brito, Miguel; El-Kamah, Ghada; Xhetani, Merita; Kountouris, Petros; Stephanou, Coralea; Traeger-Synodinos, JanHaemoglobinopathies remain a major public health challenge, predominantly in endemic regions. Increasing migration has extended their prevalence in previously non-endemic areas, complicating early detection and prevention. As part of the HELIOS CA22119 COST Action Working Group 1, this narrative review critically examines established and emerging laboratory techniques for haemoglobinopathy carrier detection. It also explores diagnostic limitations, regional disparities, and opportunities for global harmonisation to support early detection, prevention, and equitable care. A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE (2014–2024) identified studies on the screening, diagnosis, and prevention of haemoglobinopathies. Findings were synthesised across three domains: (1) preventive strategies, (2) carrier screening methods, and (3) prenatal diagnostic approaches. Advances in molecular technologies have improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. However, conventional haematological approaches, particularly complete blood count and haemoglobin typing, remain essential and cost-effective first-line tools. Key challenges include unequal access to advanced diagnostics and the lack of standardised protocols across regions. Strengthening prevention requires coordinated global efforts to promote accessible, accurate, and standardised diagnostic approaches tailored to regional genomic, economic, and healthcare contexts. Early and equitable carrier detection, combined with effective prenatal diagnosis, is critical to reducing the global burden and improving health outcomes in both endemic and emerging regions.
- Proporcionalidade – equilíbrio entre interesses e direitos em contexto jurisdicionalPublication . Dias, Joana; Celorico Palma, ClotildeA presente dissertação visa aprofundar a compreensão do princípio da proporcionalidade no domínio jurídico, examinando as suas implicações teóricas, metodológicas e práticas a partir de uma perspetiva sistemática e comparada do conceito. Com isto, pretende-se delimitar com rigor conceptual o princípio, definindo os critérios objetivos que orientam a sua aplicação e avaliando criticamente a sua respetiva execução jurisprudencial. Esta investigação adota uma abordagem qualitativa, baseada em estudos de caso e na comparação entre diferentes sistemas jurídicos e constitucionais, com o propósito de identificar padrões interpretativos, desafios aplicativos e possíveis inconsistências, por parte dos tribunais, na utilização deste princípio. Os resultados esperados consistem em contributos relevantes para o aperfeiçoamento das metodologias de ponderação jurídica, a promoção de decisões judiciais mais coerentes e a consolidação da proteção efetiva dos direitos fundamentais. Ao articular fundamentos teóricos e perspetivas interdisciplinares, esta dissertação pretende oferecer um contributo significativo para o debate académico e para o desenvolvimento de práticas jurídicas mais racionais, equitativas e conformes aos valores estruturantes do Estado de Direito.
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