The search and identification of missing persons represent a pressing global issue with profound humanitarian, legal, and institutional implications. This study presents an illustrative documentary review of MP/UHR identification initiatives in countries selected for their migration-related links to Brazil and their relevance to transnational DNA cooperation (Brazil, Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Belgium). Grounded in the United Nations guidelines and using peer-reviewed literature, official reports, and documentation from international organizations, the analysis examine how forensic genetics is integrated into MP/UHR workflows, the legal and governance frameworks that enable or constrain the processing of relatives’ reference profiles, and the operational arrangements that support cross-border exchange. The synthesis indicates that identification outcomes depend not only on laboratory capacity, but also on institutional coordination and the linkage of ante-mortem and post-mortem data. The study also describes international mechanisms such as INTERPOL’s I-Familia database, and humanitarian identification platforms. Although these tools show great potential, their effectiveness is limited due to inconsistent adoption across countries and variations in national protocols. The identification of missing persons must be approached as a shared international responsibility, requiring cooperation in science, law, and policy to ensure dignity, truth, and justice for families of the missing.

A toxicologia forense é uma ciência de características essencialmente analíticas que tem como objectivo esclarecer sobre questões judiciárias e judiciais que possam estar relacionadas com intoxicações e suas potenciais consequências, fatais ou não fatais, no âmbito dos diversos domínios do Direito (Penal, Civil, do Trabalho, ou outros). Entre o tipo de perícias toxicológicas que mais vezes são solicitadas (e que revelam tendência crescente) estão as que dizem respeito aos procedimentos relacionados com a fiscalização da condução rodoviária sob influência do álcool e de substâncias psicotrópicas no vivo e no cadáver. São peças chave em todo este sistema: (a) as entidades fiscalizadoras que procedem ao rastreio e quantificação do álcool no ar expirado e ao rastreio de substâncias psicotrópicas na saliva; (b) os serviços públicos de saúde que procedem ao rastreio de substâncias psicotrópicas na urina (quando não é realizado na saliva); (c) o médico que colhe as amostras de sangue, no vivo ou no cadáver; (d) o toxicologista forense que realiza a análise toxicológica no sangue (ou, eventualmente, noutra amostra biológica); (e) os magistrados do ministério público que, em última estância, irão receber o relatório toxicológico para fundamentação de uma eventual decisão judicial. Sendo assim é importante conhecer a Lei da Fiscalização Rodoviária sob Influência do Álcool e de Substâncias Psicotrópicas, designadamente no que ao papel do médico diz respeito. Por conseguinte, é objectivo deste trabalho proceder a uma revisão destes tópicos fornecendo os elementos necessários tendo em vista o esclarecimento dos interessados sobre os procedimentos que devem considerar ao nível técnico, ético e legal.

Since 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has regulated personal data within the scope of the European Union. With the exponential technological advancements in mobile photography, it is crucial to expose forensic professionals to this body of law to maintain good practices for fieldwork and scientific research in this field. GDPR, as far as its application in forensic photography, can be broken down into four pillars: informed consent of the subject, acceptable image capture practices (data), data storage and security at rest, and data transfers and security in transit. All these pillars have different approaches currently in use by forensic professionals. However, only some of them are permitted under the law. We present the appropriate ways to proceed with smartphone photography while remaining in compliance and maintaining the ability to share data critical to fieldwork and scientific research. In addition, some of the common pitfalls are described. An algorithm is proposed to facilitate compliance with European regulations relating to personal data, as applied to mobile forensic photography. The same flow chart can be used in other countries with different regulations concerning health data, privacy, and security issues.

Microalgae and cyanobacterial photosynthetic pigments possess immense potential for sustainable colouring applications in industries such as food, feed, cosmetics and textiles, primarily because of their vibrant colours, safety and eco-friendliness. These photosynthetic pigments align with the growing demand for eco-conscious products. However, substantial challenges persist at the industrial level, particularly in scaling up production and achieving acceptance in niche markets. This review highlights the critical roles of abiotic factors such as light quality, temperature, pH, nutrient availability and salinity in enhancing pigment production using conventional production methods. Additionally, issues related to the cost, purity and stability of the pigments must be addressed to facilitate broader acceptance. Looking forward, the focus must be on developing innovative cultivation techniques that optimise and define the abiotic conditions most favourable for maximum pigment production or even incorporate genetic engineering tools. Additionally, exploring untapped species from inhospitable environmental sources and integrating the residual biomass through biorefinery processes represent effective approaches for enhancing the sustainability of microalgae and cyanobacterial pigment production on an industrial scale. Overcoming these barriers utilising targeted research and industry collaboration as well as fostering market acceptance is essential for fully harnessing the potential of these natural pigments and driving the transition towards more sustainable industrial colouring practices.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have long been known for their detrimental effects on the ecosystems and living organisms; however the long-term impact on the marine environment is still insufficiently recognized. Based on PFAS persistence and bioaccumulation in the complex marine food network, adverse effects will be exacerbated by global processes such as climate change and synergies with other pollutants, like microplastics. The range of fluorochemicals currently included in the PFAS umbrella has significantly expanded due to the updated OECD definition, raising new concerns about their poorly understood dynamics and negative effects on the ocean wildlife and human health. Mitigation challenges and approaches, including biodegradation and currently studied materials for PFAS environmental removal are proposed here, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and bridging research gaps. The PFAS EU regulations, good practices and legal frameworks are discussed, with emphasis on recommendations for improving marine ecosystem management.

Gambling disorder (GD) is associated with defcits in various cognitive functions. Specifcally for executive function (EF), previous fndings are inconsistent, despite defcits being reported for shifting, inhibition, planning, and working memory domains. Although a worse performance in EF measures related to GD severity is often reported, there is a need to clarify current evidence. This study aims to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to clarify the association between EF defcits and GD. The current study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols. The meta-analysis used a random efects model and robust variance estimation to analyze the data, using Hedge’s g to report efect sizes. A total of 21 studies were systematically reviewed, of which 17 were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for shifting, inhibition, planning, and verbal fuency. Due to a lower number of studies, working memory data was systematically reviewed, but no meta-analysis was performed. Significant efect sizes were found for shifting and inhibition, indicative of defcits in participants with GD. No signifcant defcits were found for the other EF domains. Working memory results revealed inconsistent evidence, even when divided into verbal and visuospatial modalities. There is enough evidence of defcits in shifting and inhibition in participants with GD. However, better sample characterization should be considered in future studies to better understand the sources of potential heterogeneity. Consideration of gambling severity as a continuous variable could allow for a more detailed analysis of EF alterations across the various degrees of GD.

Aim: To describe a synthesis of the experience related to the spirituality of those livinga bereavement journey in primary qualitative studies.Design: A systematic review of qualitative studies.Data Source: A systematic review was carried out in March 2019 and was updated inJanuary 2023. Searching was accomplished by an online database, such as CINAHL,MEDLINE, PsycINFO, MedicLatina, LILACS, SciELO and Academic Search Complete.The search strategy did not consider a timeline as an eligibility criterion. The qualityof the studies was assessed, and a thematic synthesis was performed in this review.Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted according to Sainiand Shlonsky's methodology.Reporting Method: PRISMA checklist.Results: The review included 33 articles. Most of the studies were phenomenologicaland focused on parents' and family experiences of bereavement. Seven significantcategories emerged, which match unmet spiritual needs during the grieving process.Two major categories were identified regarding the role of spirituality in bereavement:Spirituality as a process and spirituality as an outcome.Conclusion: In clinical practice, attention to spirituality and providing spiritual care iscritical to guarantee a holistic approach for those experiencing bereavement.Implications: The findings of our study could foster awareness that healthcareprofessionals should include the spiritual dimension in their clinical practice to provideholistic care to individuals, enhancing the healing process in bereavement.No Patient or Public Contribution: This is a systematic review.

The global ageing population faces rising depression rates due to social, economic, and health changes. Depression in older adults, often linked to isolation and health issues, requires comprehensive care. Psychotherapeutic interventions could be effective in reducing symptoms, offering personalized and holistic support. Particularly low-threshold interventions, such as those offered in community-dwelling older adults, which older adults can easily access and which may reduce stigma, promise to close the treatment gap. This review examines community-based psychotherapeutic interventions for older adults with depression. Methods: This review investigates psychotherapeutic interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting. RCTs were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Results: A meta-analysis of 13 studies with 1528 participants showed a medium, significant pooled effect size at post-intervention (Hedges’ g = −0.36, p < 0.001) and substantial heterogeneity. Follow-up analysis of studies indicated a small, non-significant effect (Hedges’ g = −0.17, p = 0.27). Group interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol”, had the largest significant effect. Discussion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that in community-dwelling older adults’ group psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol” and “modified behavioral activation treatment” are most effective for reducing depressive symptoms. Individual psychotherapeutic interventions like “prevention of suicide in primary care elderly” and “behavioral activation” also show effectiveness, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being generally more effective than when these treatments are offered in individual psychotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Group and individual psychotherapeutic interventions reduce depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being more effective.

Background: This research work aimed to summarize the rehabilitation nursing interventions published in the scientific literature that most contribute to effective adherence to self-care in older adults with respiratory diseases. Methods: A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching the EBSCOhost platform (CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane, and MedicLatina) using the PRISMA methodology. Five articles were selected for final analysis. Meta-analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, and the results were presented in a forest plot. Results: Thirty-one self-promoting rehabilitation nursing interventions were identified, with the most effective being those related to the assessment of progress in physical capacity/activity tolerance (functional status category/domain) and the assessment of the increase in health-related quality of life (health-related quality of life category/domain). Conclusions: Rehabilitation nursing interventions such as self-management programs led by nurses, community-based and home-based rehabilitation programs, and inspiratory muscle training can effectively reduce and enable the effective control of symptoms associated with respiratory disorders, boosting older adults’ empowerment to engage in self-care.

(1) Background: The scientific literature highlights that children diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) are at a heightened risk of experiencing physical, psychological, and social challenges, impacting their overall healthy childhood development. However, there remains a lack of a clear understanding regarding the factors that contribute to this vulnerability. The purpose of this study is to analyze and map the evidence on the sociopsychosomatic vulnerability of these children and identify gaps in this topic. (2) Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines for scoping reviews, we executed a detailed search of key electronic databases and explored the grey literature to capture a broad spectrum of studies. Our focus was on identifying research that looked into the multiple dimensions of vulnerability—physical, psychological, and social—in children with CD. We included a diverse range of study designs as well as systematic reviews, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. The selection process was stringent, utilizing clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. (3) Results: We identified 61 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The review highlighted significant adverse health outcomes in children with CD and elucidated various individual and environmental determinants that influenced these vulnerabilities. It also underscored the lack of assessment tools to evaluate the risk of health problems in this population. (4) Conclusions: The findings underscore a critical need for further research to deepen our understanding of the vulnerabilities associated with CD in children. Developing targeted assessment tools will be crucial in stratifying health risks and enhancing care strategies for this vulnerable population.