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Scheme depicts hypothesized decreases of heart and SKM function during aging via ROS and partial reversal by SFN activation of Nrf2 that results in significant restoration of function of both types of muscle. A decline in heart and skeletal muscle function was observed in aged mice, with altered mitochondrial structure and gene expression, accompnied by decreases in mitochondrial complex activity, Nrf2 binding to antioxidant‐responsive DNA elements and physical endurance. The addition of sulforaphane (SFN) to the diet improved these age‐related changes in older mice to levels observed in younger ones. We demonstrated in this paper that SFN alleviates age‐associated oxidative damage and improves mitochondrial and cardiac function as well as physical endurance in old mice. Age‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage are primary causes for multiple health problems including sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Though the role of Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates cytoprotective gene expression, in myopathy remains poorly defined, it has shown beneficial properties in both sarcopenia and CVD. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound Nrf2‐related activator of cytoprotective genes, provides protection in several disease states including CVD and is in various stages of clinical trials, from cancer prevention to reducing insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine whether SFN may prevent age‐related loss of function in the heart and skeletal muscle. Cohorts of 2‐month‐old and 21‐ to 22‐month‐old mice were administered regular rodent diet or diet supplemented with SFN for 12 weeks. At the completion of the study, skeletal muscle and heart function, mitochondrial function, and Nrf2 activity were measured. Our studies revealed a significant drop in Nrf2 activity and mitochondrial functions, together with a loss of skeletal muscle and cardiac function in the old control mice compared to the younger age group. In the old mice, SFN restored Nrf2 activity, mitochondrial function, cardiac function, exercise capacity, glucose tolerance, and activation/differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells. Our results suggest that the age‐associated decline in Nrf2 signaling activity and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction might be implicated in the development of age‐related disease processes. Therefore, the restoration of Nrf2 activity and endogenous cytoprotective mechanisms by SFN may be a safe and effective strategy to protect against muscle and heart dysfunction due to aging.

The worldwide obesity epidemic has led to a drastic increase in diabetes and cardiovascular disease in younger generations. Further, maintaining metabolic health during aging is frequently a challenge due to poor diets and decreased mobility. In this setting, bioactive nutrients that are naturally occurring antioxidants, such as sulforaphane (SFN), are of high nutritional interest. SFN, a bioactive compound that is present in cruciferous vegetables, is a molecule that protects cells from cytotoxic damage and mitigates oxidative stress, protecting against disease. It exerts its action through the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Many studies have been performed in animals and humans to evaluate its effects on cancer, brain health, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, fewer clinical studies have been performed to evaluate its effects on insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) across the lifespan. Given that, in some parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the population is growing older at a significant rate, it is crucial to promote healthy habits (healthy foods, dietary pattern, precision nutrition, and physical activity) from an early stage in life and across the lifespan to avoid debilitating health conditions occurring during adulthood and aging. Thus, in this narrative review, we discuss the protective effects of SFN supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and relate them to metabolic disease.

Traditional shrimp maturation uses high water exchange, conflicting with sustainable farming and biosecurity, although broodstock production systems have been updated by the adoption of closed-cycle production. So, this study evaluated BFT for Penaeus vannamei broodstock maturation, comparing it against a conventional system. The research compared two treatments, BFT and CW, in three replicated tank systems. Each experimental unit was a circular fiberglass tank with 5.63 m3 working volume. BFT tanks involved a 3.12 m2 mobile triangular cage for viewing and capturing mated females. Parameters monitored included water quality, reproductive performance and hemato-immunological responses. The BFT system resulted in greater water quality stability, significantly lower water consumption, and lower Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) concentrations, indicating efficient ammonia recycling. Also, reproductive performance and most hemato-immunological parameters did not differ significantly between treatments. Although CW showed slightly higher broodstock survival and sperm viability, BFT males exhibited a significantly higher Total Hemocyte Count (THC). Overall, BFT is suitable for sustainable P. vannamei broodstock maturation, as it promotes stable environmental conditions without compromising reproductive or immunological performance. Further research is recommended, particularly regarding effects of zero-water-exchange on male shrimp and improvements on capture structures.

Background: Achondroplasia is a rare genetic skeletal condition characterized by disproportionate short stature. There is limited evidence on postural control in adults with achondroplasia and how lower limb lengthening (intervention) interacts with body dynamics. This study investigated sway variability during quiet standing in adults with achondroplasia with natural growth (N) and with lower limb lengthening (LL). Methods: Sixteen adults performed bilateral/unilateral standing tasks. Linear (total excursion, amplitude, and ellipse area) and nonlinear (sample entropy and correlation dimension) center of pressure sway metrics were analyzed in the anteroposterior/mediolateral directions. Relationships between posture metrics, strength, and physical activity were explored. Between-groups statistics were calculated. Results: The LL group exhibited amplified linear sway, indicating larger postural deviations, and reduced sample entropy and correlation dimension, indicative of more rigid and repeated corrections. The N group exhibited more unpredictable and adaptive movement corrections. Numerous correlations emerged between strength and posture measures, with relationships altered by intervention. Conclusions: Adults with achondroplasia display distinct balance strategies influenced by intervention. The results indicate that LL is associated with altered variability and adaptability compared to natural development. Relationships with muscle strength spotlight a key role of muscle capacity in postural control modulation after growth alterations in this population.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a severe, chronic and complex metabolic disease that leads to multiple dysfunctions, including micro and macrovascular complications, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Type 2 DM (T2D) is highly preventable, and the stages that precede it are the ideal target for therapeutic intervention. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an established medical treatment for several clinical conditions. Because DM is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in patients under HBOT, it has allowed the observation and inference of some of its effects on DM, suggesting clinical benefit in different spectrums of the disease. Our main aim was to gather the existing evidence on the impact of HBOT on insulin resistance, as this is the best predictor for the development of T2D. The scoping review was the methodology chosen to include all available data. Exclusion criteria consisted of articles that did not mention the effects of HBOT on insulin resistance, described only the use of normobaric oxygen, or had no available translation to English, Spanish, or Portuguese. In addition, all data discussing any effects on insulin, insulin resistance, or insulin sensitivity were included. Two hundred and thirty studies were found, and 17 were eligible. The HBOT appears to improve fasting glycaemia and decrease insulin resistance in patients with DM, with effects appearing after 1 treatment session. Additionally, it reduces levels of proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to insulin resistance. The duration of this sensitisation effect remains unknown, as do the contributing molecular factors. HBOT seems to improve glycaemic levels and insulin sensitivity, thus presenting a potential treatment approach to treat insulin resistance and its consequences. However, translation into clinical practice remains contingent on robust, yet unavailable, randomized clinical trials.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of implementing the SafeCare clinical supervision model on nurses’ job satisfaction and emotional competence profile. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, with a sample of 28 nurses from a hospital in northern Portugal. A self-administered questionnaire was applied, used as pre and post-test, which included: sociodemographic and professional characterization; “Job Satisfaction Scale”; and “Veiga Emotional Competence Scale”. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis and the Wilcoxon Test. Results: A significant decrease in the nurses’ satisfaction with hierarchical superior was observed in the post-test. No significant differences were found in the nurses’ job satisfaction and emotional competence after the implementation of the SafeCare Model. Conclusion: The SafeCare Model needs improvement, suggesting increasing the amount of training time administered to nurses and strengthening the healthcare institution’s link to the Model. RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da implementação do Modelo de supervisão clínica SafeCare na satisfação profissional e no perfil de competência emocional dos enfermeiros. Métodos: Estudo quase-experimental, com uma amostra de 28 enfermeiros de um hospital do norte de Portugal. Aplicou-se um questionário de autopreenchimento, utilizado como pré e pós-teste, que engloba caracterização sociodemográfica e profissional, “Escala da Satisfação Profissional” e “Escala Veiga de Competência Emocional”. Realizaram-se análise estatística descritiva e Teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Observou-se uma diminuição significativa na satisfação dos enfermeiros com o superior hierárquico no pós-teste. Não se verificaram diferenças significativas na satisfação profissional e na competência emocional dos enfermeiros após a implementação do Modelo SafeCare. Conclusão: É necessário aperfeiçoar o Modelo SafeCare, sugerindo que se aumente o tempo de formação administrada aos enfermeiros e fortaleça o vínculo da instituição de saúde ao Modelo. RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la aplicación del Modelo de supervisión clínica SafeCare en la satisfacción laboral y en el perfil de competencia emocional de los enfermeros. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cuasi experimental, realizado con una muestra de 28 enfermeros de un hospital del norte de Portugal. Se aplicó un cuestionario autocompletado como pre y pos test, que incluía la caracterización sociodemográfica y profesional, la “Escala de Satisfacción Laboral” y la “Escala Veiga de Competencia Emocional”. Se llevaron a cabo análisis estadísticos descriptivos y la prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Fue posible observar una disminución significativa de la satisfacción de los enfermeros con su superior jerárquico en la prueba posterior al test. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la satisfacción laboral y en la competencia emocional de los enfermeros tras la aplicación del modelo SafeCare. Conclusión: Es necesario perfeccionar el Modelo SafeCare, aumentando la cantidad de formación impartida a los enfermeros y reforzando el vínculo de la institución sanitaria con el Modelo.

The immune system is coordinated by an intricate network of stimulatory and inhibitory circuits that regulate host responses against endogenous and exogenous insults. Disruption of these safeguard and homeostatic mechanisms can lead to unpredictable inflammatory and autoimmune responses, whereas deficiency of immune stimulatory pathways may orchestrate immunosuppressive programs that contribute to perpetuate chronic infections, but also influence cancer development and progression. Glycans have emerged as essential components of homeostatic circuits, acting as fine-tuners of immunological responses and potential molecular targets for manipulation of immune tolerance and activation in a wide range of pathologic settings. Cell surface glycans, present in cells, tissues and the extracellular matrix, have been proposed to serve as “self-associated molecular patterns” that store structurally relevant biological data. The responsibility of deciphering this information relies on different families of glycan-binding proteins (including galectins, siglecs and C-type lectins) which, upon recognition of specific carbohydrate structures, can recalibrate the magnitude, nature and fate of immune responses. This process is tightly regulated by the diversity of glycan structures and the establishment of multivalent interactions on cell surface receptors and the extracellular matrix. Here we review the spatiotemporal regulation of selected glycan-modifying processes including mannosylation, complex N-glycan branching, core 2 O-glycan elongation, LacNAc extension, as well as terminal sialylation and fucosylation. Moreover, we illustrate examples that highlight the contribution of these processes to the control of immune responses and their integration with canonical tolerogenic pathways. Finally, we discuss the power of glycans and glycan-binding proteins as a source of immunomodulatory signals that could be leveraged for the treatment of autoimmune inflammation and chronic infection.

This article focuses on the use of a practitioner enquiry (PE) course to develop teacher education for inclusion, particularly when referring to continuous professional development (CPD). The article aims to answer the following research questions: How does this PE course compared to other experiences of CPD? To what extent is this model of CPD a way of promoting teacher education for inclusion? The data presented in this article were generated by three student-practitioners and a course tutor who engaged in a practitioner enquiry course offered in a higher education institution in Scotland during the academic year 2022–2023. Data were generated through autoethnography, and all authors individually reflected on their experiences of CPD, namely this PE course. The data were then analysed through a thematic analysis process that combined individual and collaborative tasks, including the writing of this article. This article concludes that long-term CPD with a constructivist alignment allows student-practitioners to develop their agency as inclusive educators. Engagement with research, both by critically analysing ‘global’ academic research and by designing and implementing a ‘local’ PE, provides lifelong tools for teachers to identify and remove barriers to ensuring that all learners can access, participate, and succeed in education.

As an attempt to promote educational success in socio-economically disadvantaged contexts, area-based initiatives are often launched in Europe, such as the programme Territórios Educativos de ntervenção Prioritária in Portugal. Given the importance of teaching quality to enhance student learning and considerable student diversity in the schools included in this initiative, this article explores opportunities for teacher learning for diversity within the programme. Documentary analysis was conducted on 188 school documents from 95 school clusters in the programme. The following research questions were asked: Does the programme promote teacher learning? In what ways is teacher learning promoted? Does teacher learning address diversity? The findings suggest that some interventions provide the possibility of teacher learning, such as the processes of learning together, pedagogical supervision, reflection, and attending professional development courses. However, diversity seemed to be largely missing from these initiatives. Furthermore, two cornerstones of teacher learning for diversity were absent: teachers' critical reflection on students' inclusion/exclusion; and learning from/with students, families, and communities. Additionally, most professional development opportunities were organised around and measured by students' academic results, thus positioning teacher learning as instrumental in raising school success, rather than a core of transforming education for diversity. These results call for policies within the Territórios Educativos de Intervenção Prioritária programme to include teacher learning that engages with and fosters critical thinking around diversity and to involve communities' and students' voices in order to truly tackle social exclusion. The findings can contribute to the debate on the approach to diversity in area-based initiatives in Europe. (DIPF/Orig.).

Achondroplasia, the most common skeletal dysplasia, is characterized by a variety of medical, functional and psychosocial challenges across the lifespan. The condition is caused by a common, recurring, gain-of-function mutation in FGFR3, the gene that encodes fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. This mutation leads to impaired endochondral ossification of the human skeleton. The clinical and radiographic hallmarks of achondroplasia make accurate diagnosis possible in most patients. However, marked variability exists in the clinical care pathways and protocols practised by clinicians who manage children and adults with this condition. A group of 55 international experts from 16 countries and 5 continents have developed consensus statements and recommendations that aim to capture the key challenges and optimal management of achondroplasia across each major life stage and sub-specialty area, using a modified Delphi process. The primary purpose of this first International Consensus Statement is to facilitate the improvement and standardization of care for children and adults with achondroplasia worldwide in order to optimize their clinical outcomes and quality of life.Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia and is characterized by various lifelong clinical, functional and psychosocial challenges for affected individuals. This first International Consensus Statement on the care of children and adults with achondroplasia aims to facilitate the global standardization and improvement of achondroplasia clinical care.