Repositório RCAAP

Human activities and recent changes in sanitary regulations are currently shaping the availability of carrion resources across ecosystems. How changes in regulations influence demographic parameters in avian scavengers is still poorly known. We combine photographic observations gathered by citizens and observational data from research projects in northern Spain to examine if the age structure of Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) populations at different trophic resources (natural randomly-distributed carcasses, predictable resources [supplementary feeding sites and farms], and landfills) varied in relation to modifications of sanitary regulations from 2004 onwards. We found that the proportion of immature birds increased significantly after the introduction of new European sanitary regulations allowing farmers to dispose of livestock carcasses in the field, rather than incinerating them. Also, we found that the age structure varied significantly between food resources, such that we detected a higher fraction of immatures at landfills, as well as in sites where carrion was highly clumped. These findings reveal that loss of natural randomness in carrion availability may elicit age-dependent effects on the spatial distribution of the vultures at the mesoscale which may ultimately affect population structure. Our findings shed light on challenges on how to manage food subsidies to preserve avian scavenger populations in an increasingly anthropized world.

A pressão intraocular (PIO) é a pressão produzida pelos fluidos dentro do olho, sendo um importante parâmetro fisiológico na avaliação da condição ocular. Os valores da PIO são determinados principalmente pela produção e drenagem do humor aquoso pelo corpo ciliar e a sua drenagem ocorre pelas redes trabecular e uveoescleral. Atualmente, a facoemulsificação é o procedimento cirúrgico oftálmico mais realizado. Durante a cirurgia da catarata, reconhece-se que a pressão intraocular varia durante as várias etapas, como hidrodissecção, fragmentação nuclear, etapas de irrigação, aspiração (na sucção) e na inserção da lente intraocular. Até à presente data, há uma relativa escassez de estudos clínicos e de literatura em relação ao comportamento da PIO na cirurgia de catarata por facoemulsificação. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho final de mestrado é, através de uma revisão sistemática, compreender a importância da pressão intraocular, avaliar os efeitos adversos decorrentes de variações bruscas da PIO ou do seu aumento prolongado no tempo intraoperatoriamente na cirurgia da catarata por facoemulsificação, bem como compreender qual a técnica de facoemulsificação que induz mais variação da pressão intraocular e da pressão de perfusão. Espera-se assim que grandes variações da pressão intraocular e por períodos prolongados no tempo ao longo da intervenção cirúrgica, levam consequentemente a efeitos adversos sequelares como lesões do endotélio da córnea (inflamação e edema da córnea) e alterações do fluxo vascular (nervo óptico, retina e coróide).

Introdução: A Perfuração Esofágica (PE) Neonatal é uma entidade rara, considerada uma emergência médica, frequentemente de etiologia iatrogénica, como noutras faixas etárias. Prematuros e recém-nascidos com baixo peso à nascença são considerados grupos vulneráveis pelas particularidades do esófago em desenvolvimento e pela necessidade frequente de colocação de tubos orogástricos, endotraqueais e de aspiração orotraqueal, sendo estas as etiologias neonatais mais comuns. A localização mais frequente, os sinais e sintomas, o diagnóstico e a terapêutica da Perfuração Esofágica Neonatal serão abordados neste trabalho. Objetivo: Descrever um caso clínico de Perfuração Esofágica Neonatal iatrogénica num prematuro. O caso apresentado procura salientar questões práticas de maior relevância no diagnóstico e tratamento desta patologia, nesta faixa etária. Caso Clínico: Recém-nascido prematuro de extremo baixo peso, nascido por cesariana de emergência, às 27 semanas de gestação, devido a pré-eclâmpsia materna. No 1º dia de vida, apresentava alterações radiográficas sugestivas de perfuração esofágica, provavelmente iatrogénica pela necessidade anterior de entubação endotraqueal e de colocação de sonda orogástrica, sem sinais e sintomas típicos presentes. Complicou, posteriormente, com pneumotórax e pneumomediastino esquerdos. No tratamento salienta-se uma abordagem conservadora bem-sucedida com antibioterapia de largo espectro, dieta 0, aspiração ativa a baixa pressão da orofaringe, suporte nutricional com alimentação parentérica total, e ainda, drenagem torácica do pneumotórax. Manteve-se clinicamente estável até à alta (ao 65º dia de vida). Conclusões: O diagnóstico de Perfuração Esofágica Neonatal requer uma atenção particular aos achados clínicos e radiográficos sugestivos, não sendo estes sempre fáceis de identificar, nomeadamente neste grupo etário. Neste contexto, a noção de uma etiologia predominantemente iatrogénica torna-se relevante para uma suspeita inicial. A necessidade de mais investigação quanto à abordagem terapêutica é uma realidade premente, de modo a que se consiga optar pela medida mais favorável tanto a curto prazo como na evolução a longo prazo.

Mankind’s strong dependence on nitrogen (N) began when we started farming and, ever since, we have depended on nitrogen in the soil for plant production. More than a century has passed since the discovery of N as an element until the advent of synthetic fertilizers. Today, after a century of Haber–Bosch innovation, many other endeavors and challenges can be launched to understand how the effects of N in the environment can be perceived as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. All this knowledge evolution was truly dependent on the scientific advances, both technological and methodological, and particularly on the approaches at the micro and macro level. As with nearly everything in our lives (e.g., events, people, food, decisions, world history), we tend to use the dichotomy ‘good or bad’ to categorize, and scientific advances are no exception. The integration of scientific and technological advances allows us to move beyond this simple dichotomy ‘good or bad’ and to make choices. Here, we review the main marks in understanding plant nutrition throughout time, with special emphasis on N, from the Greeks to the most recent trends in the 21st century. Since improving plant N use efficiency is a main avenue to meet several Sustainable Developmental Goals (e.g., SDG2 zero hunger, SDG12 responsible production and consumption, SDG15 life on land), the European Green Deal, and The Farm to Fork strategy, we propose that the ecological principles must be integrated in agro-ecosystem management. During the last 40 years, our research group has contributed to: (i) the clarification of the so-called dichotomy of choices when it comes to the environmental effects of N; and (ii) fetching natural solutions for N manmade problems. This was based on the knowledge that life is a continuous symbiotic interplay between mutualism and parasitism depending on environmental conditions and that there is a need for feeding people, assuring food quality and diminishing environmental impacts. We argue that, as a society, we have the scientific and technological means to learn from nature and to apply the ecological rules in agro-ecosystems. However, this is a choice we must make as individuals and as a society.

Introdução: As alterações do gosto que surgem pós-AVC têm sido pouco investigadas. O gosto pode ser avaliado usando testes objetivos, mas estes são pouco disponíveis na prática clínica diária. Uma forma mais fácil de rastrear estas alterações será a aplicação de um questionário. Contudo, não existem questionários que avaliem a autoperceção do gosto em doentes pós-AVC. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência e características das alterações do gosto, mediante a utilização de um questionário traduzido e adaptado ao contexto pós-AVC. Método: 1) tradução, adaptação à cultura portuguesa e ao contexto pós-AVC do questionário “Taste and Smell Survey” (TSS). 2) Aplicação deste questionário a doentes que sofreram um AVC para determinar a prevalência, caraterísticas das alterações do gosto e associação com fatores preditivos. Este questionário foi aplicado num estudo transversal, de setembro a novembro 2020, em doentes observados na Unidade de AVC ou consulta de Doenças Cerebrovasculares do Hospital de Santa Maria. Registaram-se variáveis clínicas, gravidade do AVC na admissão, localização do AVC e etiologia. Foi avaliada a influência das alterações do gosto na variação ponderal, no interesse na alimentação, e o seu impacto no bem-estar. Resultados: Incluíram-se 51 doentes. Doze doentes (23,5%) referiram alterações do gosto após o AVC, a maioria dos casos hipogeusia. Cerca de 40% considerou que as alterações do gosto tinham gravidade moderada ou incapacitante, e em um terço dos casos o doente atribuiu-lhe impacto no seu bem-estar. Não se encontraram associações significativas entre características clínicas e localização do AVC e as alterações do gosto. Conclusões: As alterações do gosto são frequentes e passíveis de serem reconhecidas pelo questionário TSS adaptado ao contexto pós-AVC. A gravidade atribuída pelo doente ao defeito gustativo associa-se a um impacto no seu bem-estar, pelo que a sua pesquisa deverá passar a fazer parte da avaliação de doentes com AVC.

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Introdução: O osteossarcoma é uma doença rara com um tratamento complexo. A maioria dos protocolos inclui quimioterapia neoadjuvante, cirurgia e quimioterapia adjuvante (doravante “estratégia NACT”) como padrão de tratamento. No entanto, o uso de quimioterapia neoadjuvante carece de evidência científica que comprove superioridade em relação à utilização de quimioterapia isolada em regime adjuvante (“estratégia ACT”). Objetivo: Comparar os resultados das estratégias NACT e ACT no tratamento do osteossarcoma apendicular e não metastático. Métodos: Realizamos uma revisão sistemática de estudos publicados na literatura inglesa entre 1980 e 2020, utilizando as bases de dados eletrónicas MEDLINE / Pubmed e Scopus, para avaliar os outcomes das estratégias NACT e ACT no tratamento do osteossarcoma, bem como a toxicidade associada aos diferentes esquemas quimioterápicos. Os termos usados para a pesquisa foram: “Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy” OR “Adjuvant Chemotherapy [MeSH]” AND “Osteosarcoma [MeSH]” AND “Outcome”. Resultados: 1.254 artigos da literatura inglesa foram analisados por título e resumo, e 146 foram pré-selecionados para leitura e análise integral. Um total de 24 ensaios que preenchem os critérios de inclusão foram selecionados: 10 estudos prospetivos e 14 estudos retrospetivos. Os pacientes foram divididos nos grupos NACT e ACT, dependendo da estratégia de tratamento utilizada. A Sobrevivência global (SG), sobrevida livre de doença (SLD)/ sobrevida livre de eventos (SLE) e toxicidade relacionada com o tratamento foram extraídos. Conclusão: Esta revisão sugere uma ausência de diferença significativa nos resultados obtidos entre as estratégias (NACT e ACT) utilizadas no tratamento do osteossarcoma.

Introdução: A luxação espontânea tardia do complexo lente intra-ocular (LIO)-saco é uma complicação cada vez mais reportada da cirurgia das cataratas, com uma incidência reportada de 0,05 a 3%. Ocorre frequentemente devido à insuficiência zonular progressiva que pode surgir devido a factores tais como lesões induzidos às fibras zonulares durante a cirurgia das cataratas, e pode ser potenciada por outras condições, reportadamente pseudoexfoliação, aumento do comprimento axial ocular, cirurgia vítrea anterior, certas doenças do tecido conjuntivo e retinite pigmentar. Apesar da falta de consenso quanto à melhor solução cirúrgica, tanto o reposicionamento da LIO como a troca de LIO são opções viáveis, com resultados semelhantes. Diferenças em relação às complicações foram descritas. Diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas podem ser utilizadas, e novas técnicas cirúrgicas foram desenvolvidas nos últimos anos, incluindo o reposicionamento de LIO através de sutura escleral ou através de fixação sem sutura. Recentemente, surgiram também novos designs de LIO, como as lentes Carlevale. Objetivos: Avaliar uma série de casos de luxação espontânea tardia do complexo LIO-saco em relação ao tipo de cirurgia, tipo de lente, complicações e resultados, e comparar os resultados obtidos com os resultados reportados na literatura revista. Material e Métodos: Foi avaliada uma série de casos de luxação espontânea tardia do complexo LIO-saco submetidos a intervenção cirúrgica no Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, Portugal, entre 1 de Março de 2019 e 30 de Abril de 2021. O período de seguimento mínimo foi de 1 mês. Os parâmetros medidos incluem idade, género, tempo desde a cirurgia das cataratas até à luxação do complexo LIO-saco, tipo de cirurgia, tipo de lente, complicações cirúrgicas, melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré-operatória e pós-operatória (BCVA) e astigmatismo. Results: LIO Carlevale de fixação escleral sem suturas e LIO iris-claw (Verisyse) retropupilar parecem ser opções de tratamento cirúrgico seguras para luxação espontânea tardia do complexo saco-LIO, com bons resultados visuais e com poucas complicações, maioritariamente ligeiras e transitórias.

Bangladesh is as a low-lying country, susceptible to various Sea Level Rise (SLR) induced impacts. Previous studies have separately explored SLR effects on Bangladesh’s coastal ecosystems and livelihoods, across multiple spatial and temporal scales. However, empirical studies acknowl- edging local population’s perceptions on the causal factors to different SLR induced physio- graphic impacts, their effects at societal scale and ongoing adaptation to these impacts of SLR have not been able to establish a causal-linkage relationship between these impacts and their potential effects. Our study explores how SLR has already impacted the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities in Bangladesh and how these have been responded by adopting different adaptative measures. We applied a qualitative community-based multistage sampling procedure, using two Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, namely Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Community Meetings (CM), to collect empirical data about SLR effects on livelihoods and implemented adaptation responses. Our study found that both man-made and natural causes are responsible for different physiographic impacts of SLR, and which seem to vary between place and context. Five major SLR induced impacts were identified by coastal communities, namely: salinity increase, rising water levels, land erosion, waterlogging and the emergence of char land. Salinity increase and land erosion are the two most severe impacts of SLR resulting in the largest economic losses to agriculture. Our results highlight how coastal communities in Bangladesh perceive the impacts of SLR and the benefits of different adaptation processes set in motion to protect them, via development projects and other local interventions.

A Morte Súbita Cardíaca (MSC) é a principal causa de morte a nível mundial, sendo o seu impacto devastador quando ocorre na população pediátrica, nomeadamente pelo potencial de anos de vida perdidos. Desta forma, a estratificação de risco, ao permitir a identificação dos indivíduos com maior probabilidade de sofrer um evento cardíaco potencialmente fatal é essencial para a instituição de medidas de prevenção primária ou secundária. As principais etiologias da MSC já foram identificadas e, embora já se conheçam alguns dos seus mecanismos fisiopatológicos, a necessidade de investigação nesta área é ainda evidente, principalmente no que se refere às técnicas de imagem, investigação genética e molecular como instrumentos de estratificação de risco. Ao abordar as causas mais frequentes de MSC nas crianças, pretende-se com esta revisão identificar algumas lacunas dos atuais modelos de estratificação de risco, bem como reconhecer potenciais ferramentas/ mecanismos que possam ser úteis num futuro próximo.

The prognosis of breast cancer (BC) in young women (BCYW) aged ≤40 years tends to be poorer than that in older patients due to aggressive phenotypes, late diagnosis, distinct biologic, and poorly understood genomic features of BCYW. Considering the estimated predisposition of only approximately 15% of the BC population to BC-promoting genes, the underlying reasons for an increased occurrence of BCYW, at large, cannot be completely explained based on general risk factors for BC. This underscores the need for the development of next-generation of tissue- and body fluid-based prognostic and predictive biomarkers for BCYW. Here, we identified the genes associated with BCYW with a particular focus on the age, intrinsic BC subtypes, matched normal or normal breast tissues, and BC laterality. In young women with BC, we observed dysregulation of age-associated cancer-relevant gene sets in both cancer and normal breast tissues, sub-sets of which substantially affected the overall survival (OS) or relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with BC and exhibited statically significant correlations with several gene modules associated with cellular processes such as the stroma, immune responses, mitotic progression, early response, and steroid responses. For example, high expression of COL1A2, COL5A2, COL5A1, NPY1R, and KIAA1644 mRNAs in the BC and normal breast tissues from young women correlated with a substantial reduction in the OS and RFS of BC patients with increased levels of these exemplified genes. Many of the genes upregulated in BCYW were overexpressed or underexpressed in normal breast tissues, which might provide clues regarding the potential involvement of such genes in the development of BC later in life. Many of BCYW-associated gene products were also found in the extracellular microvesicles/exosomes secreted from breast and other cancer cell-types as well as in body fluids such as urine, saliva, breast milk, and plasma, raising the possibility of using such approaches in the development of non-invasive, predictive and prognostic biomarkers. In conclusion, the findings of this study delineated the pathogenomics of BCYW, providing clues for future exploration of the potential predictive and prognostic importance of candidate BCYW molecules and research strategies as well as a rationale to undertake a prospective clinical study to examine some of testable hypotheses presented here. In addition, the results presented here provide a framework to bring out the importance of geographical disparities, to overcome the current bottlenecks in BCYW, and to make the next quantum leap for sporadic BCYW research and treatment.

Aim: This study aimed to describe sleep habits, quality of life and psychosocial aspects in older people and analyze associated differences considering the time before COVID-19 pandemic and during its first wave in Portugal. Methods: Online survey used for data collection received answers from 914 elderly (age range 65 - 90y), from April to August 2020. Results: Symptoms of self-perception of depression, anxiety, irritability and economic problems were not prominent in the elderly, except for worries concerning uncertainty about the future. There was no difference in sleep duration before and during the pandemic, although there was a worsening of some aspects related to sleep, such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency, awakening quality, sleep latency and nocturnal awakenings. Gender comparisons showed a higher vulnerability in women. Some morbidities got worse during the pandemic among the elderly, such as Insomnia, Headaches, Depression, Tinnitus, among others. Conclusion: Even though our data suggest that the pandemic did not have a great impact on quality of life, sleep quality and psychosocial aspects in the elderly, they were still affected by the worsening of their health conditions, including sleep and morbidities. Some behaviors may act as protective factors in this population, such as walking and keeping contact with others, as well as other aspects like financial stability, high level of education and family support, as they can help them to cope better with difficulties.

The Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project set out to improve the diversity, quantity, and accessibility of germplasm collections of crop wild relatives (CWR). Between 2013 and 2018, partners in 25 countries, heirs to the globetrotting legacy of Nikolai Vavilov, undertook seed collecting expeditions targeting CWR of 28 crops of global significance for agriculture. Here, we describe the implementation of the 25 national collecting programs and present the key results. A total of 4587 unique seed samples from at least 355 CWR taxa were collected, conserved ex situ, safety duplicated in national and international genebanks, and made available through the Multilateral System (MLS) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty). Collections of CWR were made for all 28 targeted crops. Potato and eggplant were the most collected genepools, although the greatest number of primary genepool collections were made for rice. Overall, alfalfa, Bambara groundnut, grass pea and wheat were the genepools for which targets were best achieved. Several of the newly collected samples have already been used in pre-breeding programs to adapt crops to future challenges.

Objectives: Relationships with supportive adults during adolescence may be a protective factor that lowers the risks associated with bullying. The current study aimed to examine the moderating role of supportive adults in the associations between bullying involvement (in-person and cyber) and mental health problems (psychological symptoms and low life satisfaction). Methods: Data from 45 countries and regions taking part in the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study (N = 230,757) were used. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate relative risks of bullying on mental health. Effect estimates were compared across the number of supportive adults to examine a possible cumulative protective effect of relationships with supportive adults. Results: Bullying involvement was consistently associated with poor mental health across the 45 countries. Risk of mental health problems associated with bullying involvement was greatest among students reporting relationships with multiple supportive adults. This was true for all indicators of bullying involvement. Conclusion: Bullying remains a prevalent and harmful experience for youth worldwide. Merely having supportive adults is not sufficient in protecting youth from experiencing the mental health risks associated with bullying.

In Southern Angola, numerous non-woody forest products are sold at local markets, namely in Lubango (Huíla Province). Such is the case of herbaceous wild plants, locally known as lombi, which are sold fresh throughout the year and cooked as a vegetable. Although these wild leafy vegetables are commercialized and widely used in local food, there is still a lack of scientific knowledge about their properties. Thus, this study aimed to identify and characterize the species sold, and to determine their nutritional and functional properties. Our results revealed that three species—Amaranthus hybridus, Bidens pilosa, and Galinsoga parviflora—are usually sold at Lubango markets and consumed by local populations. These are annual exotic plants, native to Southern America, and usually occur spontaneously in croplands or disturbed areas, but can also be cultivated, particularly A. hybridus. Physico-chemical analyses of lombi species and mixtures sold at the markets included measurements of moisture, protein, lipid, and mineral content, as well as total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and levels of heavy metal contaminants. The results revealed that lombi contain a significant amount of protein (20–28 g/100 g, dry basis), high values of macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as of phenolic compounds (10–40 mg GAE/g) and a good antioxidant capacity. Given the availability of lombi throughout the year, our study demonstrated the importance of wild edible plants in Angola, both as a valuable natural resources and as a complementary food sources, as well as additional sources of income for many families.

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Background and aims: Limited data exist on the cardiovascular manifestations and risk factors in people hospitalized with COVID-19 from low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to describe cardiovascular risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in low, lower-middle, uppermiddle- and high-income countries (LIC, LMIC, UMIC, HIC). Methods: Through a prospective cohort study, data on demographics and pre-existing conditions at hospital admission, clinical outcomes at hospital discharge (death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), renal failure, neurological events, and pulmonary outcomes), 30-day vital status, and re-hospitalization were collected. Descriptive analyses and multivariable log-binomial regression models, adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity/income groups, and clinical characteristics, were performed. Results: Forty hospitals from 23 countries recruited 5,313 patients with COVID-19 (LIC = 7.1%, LMIC = 47.5%, UMIC = 19.6%, HIC = 25.7%). Mean age was 57.0 (±16.1) years, male 59.4%, pre-existing conditions included: hypertension 47.3%, diabetes 32.0%, coronary heart disease 10.9%, and heart failure 5.5%. The most frequently reported cardiovascular discharge diagnoses were cardiac arrest (5.5%), acute heart failure (3.8%), and myocardial infarction (1.6%). The rate of in-hospital deaths was 12.9% (N = 683), and post-discharge 30 days deaths was 2.6% (N = 118) (overall death rate 15.1%). The most common causes of death were respiratory failure (39.3%) and sudden cardiac death (20.0%). The predictors of overall mortality included older age (≥60 years), male sex, pre-existing coronary heart disease, renal disease, diabetes, ICU admission, oxygen therapy, and higher respiratory rates (p < 0.001 for each). Compared to Caucasians, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics had almost 2–4 times higher risk of death. Further, patients from LIC, LMIC, UMIC versus. HIC had 2–3 times increased risk of death. Conclusions: The LIC, LMIC, and UMIC’s have sparse data on COVID-19. We provide robust evidence on COVID-19 outcomes in these countries. This study can help guide future health care planning for the pandemic globally.

The parasite Trypanosoma brucei causes African sleeping sickness that is fatal to patients if untreated. Parasite differentiation from a replicative slender form into a quiescent stumpy form promotes host survival and parasite transmission. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate cell differentiation in other eukaryotes. To determine whether lncRNAs are also involved in parasite differentiation, we used RNA sequencing to survey the T. brucei genome, identifying 1428 previously uncharacterized lncRNA genes. We find that grumpy lncRNA is a key regulator that promotes parasite differentiation into the quiescent stumpy form. This function is promoted by a small nucleolar RNA encoded within the grumpy lncRNA. snoGRUMPY binds to messenger RNAs of at least two stumpy regulatory genes, promoting their expression. grumpy overexpression reduces parasitemia in infected mice. Our analyses suggest that T. brucei lncRNAs modulate parasite-host interactions and provide a mechanism by which grumpy regulates cell differentiation in trypanosomes.

The complexity of human brain and its responsibility for several functions in the central nervous system (CNS) makes it difficult to study. For this reason, the development of brain organoids , a self assembled three-dimensional aggregates, unfolds new possibilities to study and understand functional interactions during the human brain development1 . However, for a precise homeostasis of the CNS it is necessary that a precise communication between the nervous and the vascular system exists, the characteristic blood-brain barrier (BBB), which allows the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required to maintain a proper neural differentiation, migration, and circuit formation during development. Currently, brain organoids resemble the embryonic human brain, but the lack of vascular network is the major challenge. The deficiency of vascularization limits its proliferation and differentiation, and promotes apoptosis, challenging the potential of this promising in vitro model. Previous data indicated that the two main cellular components of blood vessels are vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). Moreover, in addition to the ability of ECs to develop vascular structures, they regulate neural stem cells (NSC) proliferation and induce the neuronal differentiation in vitro. For this reason, to confirm these findings, ECs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will be co-cultured with neural-rosette-like structures, an in vitro model for neural tube formation, at different ECs: NPCs ratios (1:1 and 1:3) to obtain 3D aggregates. Gene expression analysis and immunostaining support the angiogenic potential of ECs to modulate and promote the neuronal differentiation. This 3D culture system closely resembles and recapitulates the fundamental mechanisms and characteristics of human neurodevelopment, proving a good method also for disease modelling, drug screening or even the formation of the BBB.

Uterine Electrohysterography (EHG) is a method used to detect uterine electrical activity which pro vokes uterine contractions. This technique has been studied to detect uterine contractions, and it has been reported as an overall non-invasive better alternative compared with the gold standard IUPC (In trauterine Pressure Catheter) and the TOCOgram. The study of EHG, specifically EHG signal features, has gained more interest in preterm prediction and uterine contraction detection. Some studies also com pare features such as duration, entropies, or frequency features in different pregnancy scenarios. With the use of the longitudinal 16 electrode Iceland Database, which comprises EHG recordings from 45 women, this work aims to analyze a set of 15 of the most common EHG extracted features over the gestational period and including the effect of pregnancy and woman-specific factors, such as Age, BMI or Placental Position. Linear Mixed Models with random intercept are used to analyze this data, and given the high degree of missing values, a sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation is performed to assess the robustness of the models in order to validate the results. It was observed that some features, such as Log Energy, Log Shannon Entropy, or Log Peak Amplitude, increase towards labor. BMI ap pears to exert a low-pass filter on some features such as Log Peak Amplitude, Log Mean, and Median Frequency. Age of the woman also showed to have some effect on the features Log Sample Entropy and Crest factor. More interestingly, Placental Position was observed to significantly influence all entropy features, except for Log Shannon Entropy and Lyapunov Exponent. Some of the obtained results are consistent with the knowledge of the respective EHG features in the literature. Additionally, the sensi tivity analysis showed robust results for most of the models, confirming that Linear Mixed Models can be considered a robust technique to model correlated data, even with high levels of missingness.