Plastics that made history - The contribution of conservation science for the history of the Portuguese Plastics Industry

PTDC/IVC-HFC/5174/2014 UID/QUI/50006/2019The plastic objects from our cultural heritage are material testimonies of our history, technology and industry. Still, in Portugal, there is no museum of plastics, and the collections are spread through private collectors and industries. The research project, "The Triumph of Bakelite - Contributions to a History of Plastics in Portugal", aims at creating this museum. To this end, the research work gave rise to the exhibition, "Plasticity - A History of Plastics in Portugal", in Museu de Leiria in 2019. This study focuses on the contribution of conservation science for the writing of this history and preparation of ca. 150 historical plastic objects for display. Bakelite, melamine, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and plasticized polyvinyl chloride are just a few examples of the polymers identified by infrared spectroscopy. This identification was crucial to tell the history of the plastics industry in Portugal. Both the spectra and characteristic absorption bands of each polymer are presented.publishersversionpublishe

Modification of Zirconia implant surfaces by Nd:YAG laser grooves: does it change cell behavior?

The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival fibroblasts and human osteoblasts’ response to textured Nd:YAG laser microgrooves, with different dimensions, on zirconia implant surfaces. A total of 60 zirconia disks (8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were produced and divided between four study groups (N = 15): three laser-textured (widths between 125.07 ± 5.29 μm and 45.36 ± 2.37 μm and depth values from 50.54 ± 2.48 μm to 23.01 ± 3.79 μm) and a control group without laser treatment. Human osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts were cultured on these surfaces for 14 days. FEG-SEM (Field Emission Gun–Scanning Electron Microscope) images showed cellular adhesion at 24 h, with comparable morphology in all samples for both cell types. A similar cell spreading within the grooves and in the space between them was observed. Cell viability increased over time in all study groups; however, no differences were found between them. Additionally, proliferation, ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activity, collagen type I, osteopontin and interleukin levels were not significantly different between any of the study groups for any of the cell types. Analysis of variance to compare parameters effect did not reveal statistically significant differences when comparing all groups in the different tests performed. The results obtained revealed similar cell behavior based on cell viability and differentiation on different microtopographic laser grooves, compared to a microtopography only established by sandblasting and acid-etching protocol, the reference surface treatment on zirconia dental implants.This work was endorsed by FCT project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030498—Portugal, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização and ImpHib—Development of advanced Hybrid Implants—NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-034074

Human gingival fibroblast and osteoblast behavior on groove-milled zirconia implant surfaces

Two type of cells representing periodontal hard tissues (osteoblasts) and soft tissues (fibroblasts) were evaluated in response to microgroove-milled zirconia surfaces. A total of 90 zirconia discs were randomly assigned to four width-standardized milling microgroove-textured groups and a control group without grooves (UT). The sandblast and acid-etch protocol were applied to all samples. Both cell lines were cultured on zirconia discs from 1 day up to 14 days. Cell morphology and adhesion were evaluated after 1 day of culturing. Cell viability and proliferation of the cells were measured. Alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen I, osteopontin, interleukin 1β and interleukin 8 secretions were assessed at predefined times. The results obtained were presented in the form of bar graphs as means and standard deviations. Multi comparisons between groups were evaluated using two-away ANOVA or Mann–Whitney tests, and a p-value < 0.05 was established. Group comparisons with regard to cell viability, proliferation and secretion of collagen I, interleukin-1β and interleukin 8 revealed no statistically significant differences. The alkaline phosphatase activity and osteopontin secretion were significantly higher in the group with a large groove compared to the small one and the control group. Nevertheless, the viability of gingival and bone cells did not appear to be affected by the milled microgroove texture compared to the conventional sandblasted and acid-etched texture, but they seem to influence osteoblasts’ cellular differentiation.This research was supported by FCT project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030498—Portugal, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and ImpHib–Development of advanced Hybrid Implants—NORTE-01-0247- FEDER-034074

The exhibition Plasticity – A History of Plastics in Portugal: A participative process at the Leiria Museum

PTDC/IVC-HFC/5174/2014As part of the project “O Triunfo da Baquelite – Contributos para uma História dos Plásticos em Portugal” (2016-2019), the exhibition Plasticidade – Uma História dos Plásticos em Portugal (2019-2021) was organized on the history of plastic materials, in partnership with the Leiria Museum. The exhibition highlighted the importance of plastics, its relationship with the history of industry, design, consumption and mentalities, and science and technology in Portugal, through a process of musealization. In this article we reflect on the exhibition, its objectives and approaches, and on the formation of a collection of plastics, through a participatory process with the communities. In addition, the novelty in considering these materials as “museum objects” led to the analysis of its conservation and restoration issues. The article emphasises the relevance of this project, whether from the point of view of research, or the contribution to the musealization of these types of objects and its preservation. With the creation of a collection and an exhibition at the Leiria Museum, we contributed to fill the gap with a collection dedicated to plastics, reflecting a history of plastics in its multiple aspects of usability in society.publishersversionpublishe

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of an Acetobacter xylinum synthesized microbial cellulose membrane intended for guided tissue repair

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Barrier materials as cellulose membranes are used for guided tissue repair. However, it is essential that the surrounding tissues accept the device. The present study histologically evaluated tissue reaction to a microbial cellulose membrane after subcutaneous implantation in mice. Furthermore, the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and the biomaterial was studied <it>in vitro </it>to evaluate its ability to act as cellular scaffold for tissue engineering.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-five Swiss Albino mice were used. A 10 × 10 mm cellulose membrane obtained through biosynthesis using <it>Acetobacter xylinum </it>bacteria was implanted into the lumbar subcutaneous tissue of each mouse. The mice were euthanatized at seven, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, and the membrane and surrounding tissues were collected and examined by histology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A mild inflammatory response without foreign body reaction was observed until 30 days post-surgery around the implanted membrane. Polarized microscopy revealed that the membrane remained intact at all evaluation points. Scanning electron microscopy of the cellulose membrane surface showed absence of pores. The <it>in vitro </it>evaluation of the interaction between cells and biomaterial was performed through viability staining analysis of the cells over the biomaterial, which showed that 95% of the mesenchymal stem cells aggregating to the cellulose membrane were alive and that 5% were necrotic. Scanning electron microscopy showed mesenchymal stem cells with normal morphology and attached to the cellulose membrane surface.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The microbial cellulose membrane evaluated was found to be nonresorbable, induced a mild inflammatory response and may prove useful as a scaffold for mesenchymal stem cells.</p

Promover a fluência de leitura : uma intervenção preventiva

A leitura é uma ferramenta essencial para o acesso ao conhecimento e a uma cidadania ativa. As dificuldades de aprendizagem na leitura podem afetar decisivamente a aprendizagem noutras áreas, levando a desigualdades e obstáculos escolares ao longo do tempo. Neste sentido, as escolas devem adotar um modelo de prevenção que garanta um ensino de qualidade (prevenção primária), intervenções validadas para alunos que não respondem à instrução universal (prevenção secundária), e apoio intensivo para os que necessitam de suporte adicional (prevenção terciária). A identificação precoce do risco nos primeiros anos de escolaridade é crucial para prevenir dificuldades na leitura. A fluência de leitura é um bom indicador do desempenho em leitura, pois condiciona diretamente a compreensão leitora. No entanto, há uma escassez de propostas de intervenção validadas cientificamente para desenvolver esta competência, designamente com alunos em risco. O presente livro apresenta uma descrição conceptual da fluência de leitura, seguida de uma revisão das caraterísticas das intervenções que investigação científica tem demonstrado serem eficazes para promover esta competência. Destaca-se o uso de práticas baseadas em evidência e o papel crucial do professor e da família. Na secção final, descreve-se uma intervenção sistemática, detalhando estratégias, frequência, duração e materiais para monitorizar o desempenho dos alunos e a fidelidade da intervenção. O livro conclui com os resultados da implementação e avaliação dos efeitos desta intervenção em alunos com desempenho típico e em risco de dificuldades na fluência de leitura.Reading is an essential tool for accessing knowledge and active citizenship. Learning difficulties in reading can decisively affect learning in other areas, leading to inequalities and school obstacles over time. In this sense, schools must adopt a prevention model that guarantees quality teaching (primary prevention), validated interventions for students who do not respond to universal instruction (secondary prevention), and intensive support for those who need it (tertiary prevention). Early identification of risk in the first years of school is crucial to preventing reading difficulties. Reanding fluency is a good indicator of reading performance, as it directly affects reading comprehension. However, there is a shortage of scientifically validated intervention proposal for developing this skill, particularly with at-risk students. This book presents a conceptual description of reading fluency, followed by a review of the characteristics of interventions that scientific research has shown to be effective in promoting this skill. The use of evidence-based practices and the crucial role of the teacher and family are emphasized. In the final section, a systematic intervention is described, detailing strategies, frequency, duration and materials for monitoring student performance and intervention fidelity. The book concludes with the results of the implementation and evaluation of the effects of this intervention on students wirh typical performance and at risk of reading fluency difficulties

Measuring adherence to inhaled control medication in patients with asthma: Comparison among an asthma app, patient self‐report and physician assessment

Background Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using an asthma app to support medication management and adherence but failed to compare with other measures currently used in clinical practice. However, in a clinical setting, any additional adherence measurement must be evaluated in the context of both the patient and physician perspectives so that it can also help improve the process of shared decision making. Thus, we aimed to compare different measures of adherence to asthma control inhalers in clinical practice, namely through an app, patient self-report and physician assessment. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of three prospective multicentre observational studies with patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma recruited from 61 primary and secondary care centres in Portugal. Patients were invited to use the InspirerMundi app and register their inhaled medication. Adherence was measured by the app as the number of doses taken divided by the number of doses scheduled each day and two time points were considered for analysis: 1-week and 1-month. At baseline, patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to asthma control inhalers during the previous week using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0–100). Results A total of 193 patients (72% female; median [P25–P75] age 28 [19–41] years old) were included in the analysis. Adherence measured by the app was lower (1 week: 31 [0–71]%; 1 month: 18 [0–48]%) than patient self-report (80 [60–95]) and physician assessment (82 [51–94]) (p 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between patient self-report and physician assessment (ρ = 0.596, p < 0.001). Conclusions Adherence measured by the app was lower than that reported by the patient or the physician. This was expected as objective measurements are commonly lower than subjective evaluations, which tend to overestimate adherence. Nevertheless, the low adherence measured by the app may also be influenced by the use of the app itself and this needs to be considered in future studies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Protocolos de Parada Cardiorrespiratória na Sala de Emergência: Uma Revisão Sistemática

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is a medical emergency that requires immediate and effective intervention in the emergency room. Well-defined protocols are essential to optimize patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature search included electronic databases and relevant references. Studies addressing CPA protocols in the emergency room were included, with assessment of methodological quality and data extraction. Analysis of included studies revealed a variety of approaches in CPA protocols, highlighting both points of agreement and disagreement among international guidelines. Integration of resuscitation strategies, such as post-CPA temperature management and acute coronary syndromes, was discussed in relation to challenges and opportunities in clinical practice. This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence on CPA protocols in the emergency room, emphasizing the importance of implementing updated guidelines and identifying gaps to guide future research and improvements in clinical practice.A parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) é uma emergência médica que requer intervenção imediata e eficaz na sala de emergência. Protocolos bem definidos são essenciais para otimizar os resultados dos pacientes. Uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida de acordo com as diretrizes do PRISMA. A busca abrangente de literatura incluiu bases de dados eletrônicas e referências relevantes. Foram incluídos estudos que abordavam protocolos de PCR na sala de emergência, com avaliação da qualidade metodológica e extração de dados. A análise dos estudos incluídos revelou uma variedade de abordagens em protocolos de PCR, destacando tanto pontos de concordância quanto discordância entre as diretrizes internacionais. A integração de estratégias de ressuscitação, como manejo da temperatura pós-PCR e síndromes coronárias agudas, foi discutida em relação aos desafios e oportunidades na prática clínica. Esta revisão sistemática fornece uma síntese abrangente das evidências atuais sobre protocolos de PCR na sala de emergência, destacando a importância da implementação de diretrizes atualizadas e da identificação de lacunas para orientar futuras pesquisas e melhorias na prática clínica

An intriguing shift occurs in the novel protein phosphatase 1 binding partner, TCTEX1D4: evidence of positive selection in a pika model

T-complex testis expressed protein 1 domain containing 4 (TCTEX1D4) contains the canonical phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (PPP1) binding motif, composed by the amino acid sequence RVSF. We identified and validated the binding of TCTEX1D4 to PPP1 and demonstrated that indeed this protein is a novel PPP1 interacting protein. Analyses of twenty-one mammalian species available in public databases and seven Lagomorpha sequences obtained in this work showed that the PPP1 binding motif 90RVSF93 is present in all of them and is flanked by a palindromic sequence, PLGS, except in three species of pikas (Ochotona princeps, O. dauurica and O. pusilla). Furthermore, for the Ochotona species an extra glycosylation site, motif 96NLS98, and the loss of the palindromic sequence were observed. Comparison with other lagomorphs suggests that this event happened before the Ochotona radiation. The dN/dS for the sequence region comprising the PPP1 binding motif and the flanking palindrome highly supports the hypothesis that for Ochotona species this region has been evolving under positive selection. In addition, mutational screening shows that the ability of pikas TCTEX1D4 to bind to PPP1 is maintained, although the PPP1 binding motif is disrupted, and the N- and C-terminal surrounding residues are also abrogated. These observations suggest pika as an ideal model to study novel PPP1 complexes regulatory mechanisms.publishe

The Fourteenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: First Spectroscopic Data from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey and from the second phase of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment

The fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) has been in operation since July 2014. This paper describes the second data release from this phase, and the fourteenth from SDSS overall (making this, Data Release Fourteen or DR14). This release makes public data taken by SDSS-IV in its first two years of operation (July 2014-2016). Like all previous SDSS releases, DR14 is cumulative, including the most recent reductions and calibrations of all data taken by SDSS since the first phase began operations in 2000. New in DR14 is the first public release of data from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS); the first data from the second phase of the Apache Point Observatory (APO) Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE-2), including stellar parameter estimates from an innovative data driven machine learning algorithm known as "The Cannon"; and almost twice as many data cubes from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey as were in the previous release (N = 2812 in total). This paper describes the location and format of the publicly available data from SDSS-IV surveys. We provide references to the important technical papers describing how these data have been taken (both targeting and observation details) and processed for scientific use. The SDSS website (www.sdss.org) has been updated for this release, and provides links to data downloads, as well as tutorials and examples of data use. SDSS-IV is planning to continue to collect astronomical data until 2020, and will be followed by SDSS-V.Comment: SDSS-IV collaboration alphabetical author data release paper. DR14 happened on 31st July 2017. 19 pages, 5 figures. Accepted by ApJS on 28th Nov 2017 (this is the "post-print" and "post-proofs" version; minor corrections only from v1, and most of errors found in proofs corrected