TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS E CAPITAL CULTURAL – ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE O NÍVEL DE ESCOLARIDADE DOS PAIS E UTILIZAÇÃO PELOS ALUNOS DE TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS

The article presents results from a study whose purposes were to develop knowledge on the use of digital platforms and technologies in school activities by Portuguese students and the difficulties they identify when using them. We also aimed to understand the effect of their parents’ educational attainment upon these two dimensions. 2037 Basic and Secondary Education (Years 6, 9, and 12) students, who attended schools in different Portuguese regions, answered a questionnaire. The results indicate that the mother’s level of schooling is associated to the use of more diversified platforms, to a more frequent use, and to students stating more difficulties in context of the pandemic.O artigo apresenta resultados de um estudo que teve como objetivos conhecer a utilização nas atividades escolares de plataformas e tecnologias digitais por alunos portugueses, as dificuldades que identificam na sua utilização e compreender o efeito do nível de escolaridade do pai e da mãe nestas duas dimensões. Foi utilizado um inquérito por questionário a que responderam 2037 alunos do Ensino Básico e Secundário (6º, 9º e 12º anos de escolaridade), que frequentavam escolas localizadas em diferentes regiões de Portugal. Os resultados indicam que o nível de escolaridade da mãe está associado à utilização de plataformas mais diversificadas, a uma utilização mais frequente e à enunciação, pelos alunos, de maiores dificuldades em contexto pandémico

Thermo-responsive microemulsions containing deep eutectic-based antibiotic formulations for improved treatment of resistant bacterial ocular infections

The rise of antibiotic resistant strains, as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), challenges the current treatment of infections. In the case of ocular infections, antibiotic eye drops are commonly prescribed. However, their efficacy is usually compromised by the low viscosity of these formulations and the eye drainage. To overcome these drawbacks, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based microemulsions with thermo-responsive character, that increase their viscosity upon contact with the eye have been developed. Using betaine-based DES aqueous solutions, it is possible to increase up to 140-fold the water solubility of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, typically used in ocular infections. The DES solutions containing the antibiotic are applied as water phases in water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) microemulsions, being stable up to 3 months. Furthermore, a sustained-release and a higher permeation of the antibiotic through the cornea than that of commercialized eye drops is achieved, while presenting comparable cytotoxicity profiles (cell viabilities > 88%). Higher antimicrobial activity and faster action of the antibiotic in case of infection with MRSA is observed compared to the commercialized formulations (7 log10 of inactivation in 48 h vs 72 h). Overall, these microemulsions comprising DES are a promising strategy to achieve higher antibiotic effectiveness in the treatment of resistant bacterial infections.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

RiskBenefit4EU project – a strategy for risk-benefit assessment of foods in Portugal

O balanço entre os riscos e benefícios para a saúde resultante do consumo de alimentos é um importante contributo para apoiar a definição de políticas de saúde e a promoção da literacia dos consumidores. No âmbito do projeto RiskBenefit4EU, financiado pela European Food Safety Authority e coordenado pelo Departamento de Alimentação e Nutrição do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, o presente trabalho pretende descrever a estratégia implementada para a capacitação das equipas portuguesas em avaliação de risco-benefício de alimentos (RBA). Concretizada pelos parceiros do Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique e da Technical University of Denmark, a capacitação consiste em três atividades principais: 1) Formação teórica, focando os conceitos-chave para a avaliação de RBA; 2) Formação prática, aplicando os conceitos adquiridos e as metodologias transmitidas a um estudo de caso; e 3) Missões científicas, de curta duração, para formação avançada em domínios específicos da avaliação de RBA. No que diz respeito à formação prática, e com o objetivo de consolidar os conhecimentos adquiridos em avaliação de RBA, está previsto o desenvolvimento de um estudo de caso português sobre alimentos à base de cereais habitualmente consumidos por crianças. A estratégia de capacitação seguida neste projeto servirá de modelo para outras equipas e países, contribuindo para a disseminação de uma cultura de avaliação de RBA nas vertentes toxicológica, microbiológica e nutricional a nível internacional.The balance of risks and health benefits from food consumption constitutes a crucial topic to consumer literacy and health policy-makers. Through the RiskBenefit4EU project, funded by the European Food Safety Authority, and coordinated by the Food and Nutrition Department of Portuguese National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, the present work intends to identify the applied strategy to capacitate the Portuguese teams for the development and implementation of risk-benefit assessment (RBA) in food. The training of the Portuguese team is being accomplished by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research and the Technical University of Denmark members, through three main capacity building activities: 1) Theoretical training, focusing on the key concepts for RBA; 2) Practical training, applying the concepts acquired and the methodologies transmitted to a concrete case study; and 3) Short-term scientific missions for advanced training in specific areas of RBA. In order to complete the training of the Portuguese teams and consolidate the knowledge acquired in RBA, a Portuguese case study on cereal-based foods usually consumed by children is planned. The training strategy followed in this project will contribute as a model of capacity building for disseminating a culture of risk-benefit assessment in the toxicological, microbiological and nutritional aspects at the international level.Trabalho desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto “RiskBenefit4EU – Partnering to strengthen the risk-benefit assessment within EU using a holistic approach” financiado pela EFSA Partnering Grants (Grant Agreement Number A/EFSA/AFSCO/2017/01 – GA02).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Cereal-Based Foods Consumed by Portuguese Children Aged 6 to 36 Months-A Case Study under the RiskBenefit4EU Project

This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition.Cereal-based foods, including breakfast (BC) and infant cereals (IC), are among the first solid foods introduced to infants. BC and IC are sources of macro and micronutrients that have bene ficial effects on health, but can also be sources of harmful chemical and microbiological contaminants and nutrients that may lead to adverse health effects at high consumption levels. This study was performed under the RiskBenefit4EU project with the aim of assessing the health impact associated with consumption of BC and IC by Portuguese children under 35 months. Adverse effects associated with the presence of aflatoxins, Bacillus cereus, sodium and free sugars were assessed against the benefits of fiber intake. We applied a risk–benefit assessment approach, and quantified the health impact of changes in consumption of BC and IC from current to various alternative consumption scenarios. Health impact was assessed in terms of disability-adjusted life years. Results showed that moving from the current consumption scenario to considered alternative scenarios results in a gain of healthy life years. Portuguese children can benefit from exchanging intake of IC to BC, if the BC consumed has an adequate nutritional profile in terms of fiber, sodium and free sugars, with levels of aflatoxins reduced as much as possible.This research was funded by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (Grant Agreement Number–GA/EFSA/AFSCO/2017/01–GA02) (The authors declare that this manuscript reflects only the authors’ view and EFSA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.). R.A., P.A. and C.M. also thanks FCT/MCTES for the financial support to CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020 + UIDB/50017/2020), through national funds. R.A. was supported by FCT Individual CEEC 2018 Assistant Researcher Grant CEECIND/01570/2018.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A systematic review and critical analysis of the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in cancer theranostics

Many graphene-based materials (GBNs) applied to therapy and diagnostics (theranostics) in cancer have been developed. Most of them are hybrid combinations of graphene with other components (e.g., drugs or other bioactives, polymers, and nanoparticles) aiming toward a synergic theranostic effect. However, the role of graphene in each of these hybrids is sometimes not clear enough and the synergic graphene effect is not proven. The objective of this review is to elaborate on the role of GBNs in the studies evaluated and to compare the nanoformulations in terms of some of their characteristics, such as therapeutic outcomes and toxicity, which are essential features for their potential use as bionanosystems. A systematic review was carried out using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science (2013–2018). Additional studies were identified manually by consulting the references list of relevant reviews. Only English papers presenting at least one strategy for cancer therapy and one strategy for cancer diagnostics, and that clearly show the role of graphene in theranostics, were included. Data extraction and quality assessment was made by reviewer pairings. Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, but they were too heterogeneous to combine in statistical meta-analysis. Critical analysis and discussion of the selected papers are presented.This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2013 and in the ambit of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032651. E.F. acknowledges the scholarship CFUM BI-10/2018 - UID/FIS/04650/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Neuromuscular activity of bothrops fonsecai snake venom in vertebrate preparations

CAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOThe neuromuscular activity of venom from Bothrops fonsecai, a lancehead endemic to southeastern Brazil, was investigated. Chick biventer cervicis (CBC) and mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations were used for myographic recordings and mouse diaphragm muscle was used for membrane resting potential (RP) and miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) recordings. Creatine kinase release and muscle damage were also assessed. In CBC, venom (40, 80 and 160μg/ml) produced concentration- and time-dependent neuromuscular blockade (50% blockade in 85±9 min and 73±8 min with 80 and 160μg/ml, respectively) and attenuated the contractures to 110μM ACh (78-100% inhibition) and 40mM KCl (45-90% inhibition). The venom-induced decrease in twitch-tension in curarized, directly-stimulated preparations was similar to that in indirectly stimulated preparations. Venom (100 and 200μg/ml) also caused blockade in PND preparations (50% blockade in 94±13 min and 49±8 min with 100 and 200μg/ml, respectively) but did not alter the RP or MEPP amplitude. In CBC, venom caused creatine kinase release and myonecrosis. The venom-induced decrease in twitch-tension and in the contractures to ACh and K(+) were abolished by preincubating venom with commercial antivenom. These findings indicate that Bothrops fonsecai venom interferes with neuromuscular transmission essentially through postsynaptic muscle damage that affects responses to ACh and KCl. These actions are effectively prevented by commercial antivenom.The neuromuscular activity of venom from Bothrops fonsecai, a lancehead endemic to southeastern Brazil, was investigated. Chick biventer cervicis (CBC) and mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations were used for myographic recordings and mouse diaphragm muscle was used for membrane resting potential (RP) and miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) recordings. Creatine kinase release and muscle damage were also assessed. In CBC, venom (40, 80 and 160mg/ml) produced concentration- and time-dependent neuromuscular blockade (50% blockade in 85±9 min and 73±8 min with 80 and 160mg/ml, respectively) and attenuated the contractures to 110mM ACh (78–100% inhibition) and 40mM KCl (45–90% inhibition). The venom-induced decrease in twitch-tension in curarized, directly-stimulated preparations was similar to that in indirectly stimulated preparations. Venom (100 and 200mg/ml) also caused blockade in PND preparations (50% blockade in 94±13 min and 49±8 min with 100 and 200mg/ml, respectively) but did not alter the RP or MEPP amplitude. In CBC, venom caused creatine kinase release and myonecrosis. The venom-induced decrease in twitch-tension and in the contractures to ACh and K+ were abolished by preincubating venom with commercial antivenom.These findings indicate that Bothrops fonsecai venom interferes with neuromuscular transmission essentially through postsynaptic muscle damage that affects responses to ACh and KCl. These actions are effectively prevented by commercial antivenom5615CAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOsem informaçãosem informaçã

Persistent organic pollutant levels in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese individuals - Depot differences and dysmetabolism implications

Background: The role of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with endocrine disrupting activity in the aetiology of obesity and other metabolic dysfunctions has been recently highlighted. Adipose tissue (AT) is a common site of POPs accumulation where they can induce adverse effects on human health. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of POPs in human visceral (vAT) and subcutaneous (scAT) adipose tissue in a sample of Portuguese obese patients that underwent bariatric surgery, and assess their putative association with metabolic disruption preoperatively, as well as with subsequent body mass index (BMI) reduction. Methods: AT samples (n=189) from obese patients (BMI ≥35) were collected and the levels of 13 POPs were determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the time of surgery. BMI variation was evaluated after 12 months and adipocyte size was measured in AT samples. Results: Our data confirm that POPs are pervasive in this obese population (96.3% of detection on both tissues), their abundance increasing with age (RS=0.310, p<0.01) and duration of obesity (RS=0.170, p<0.05). We observed a difference in AT depot POPs storage capability, with higher levels of ΣPOPs in vAT (213.9±204.2 compared to 155.1±147.4 ng/g of fat, p<0.001), extremely relevant when evaluating their metabolic impact. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between POP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome components, namely dysglycaemia and hypertension, and more importantly with cardiovascular risk (RS=0.277, p<0.01), with relevance for vAT (RS=0.315, p<0.01). Finally, we observed an interesting relation of higher POP levels with lower weight loss in older patients. Conclusion: Our sample of obese subjects allowed us to highlight the importance of POPs stored in AT on the development of metabolic dysfunction in a context of obesity, shifting the focus to their metabolic effects and not only for their recognition as environmental obesogens

O método funcional na prática da enfermagem abordado através da dinâmica de grupo: relato de uma experiência

Este estudo discute o método funcional na enfermagem, abordado através de uma dinâmica de grupo desenvolvida com mestrandos da EERP-USP, sendo divididos em três grupos. Após a dinâmica, responderam um questionário com 04 perguntas. As respostas do grupo I mostraram desvantagens da modalidade funcional que interferem no trabalho como: relações impessoais, fragmentação de tarefas e centralização das decisões, gerando insatisfação no trabalhador. Os grupos II e III apontaram algumas vantagens quando o trabalho é baseado em equipe, das quais destacamos a troca de experiências, o planejamento participativo e as decisões compartilhadas, sendo estes, fatores que levam à satisfação no trabalho.This study discusses the functional method applied to Nursing, approached through a group dynamics developed with three groups of Master students from the University of Seto Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing. After the dynamics, the subjects answered a questionnaire with four questions. The responses of the first group showed the limitations of the functional model that interfere in the work such as: impersonal relationships, fragmentation of tasks, centralization of decisions causing the workers' dissatisfaction. The groups II and III pointed out some advantages when the work is based on a team, such as the exchange of experiences, participant planning and shared decisions, resulting in satisfaction at work

Persistent organic pollutant levels in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese individuals - Depot differences and dysmetabolism implications

Background: The role of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with endocrine disrupting activity in the aetiology of obesity and other metabolic dysfunctions has been recently highlighted. Adipose tissue (AT) is a common site of POPs accumulation where they can induce adverse effects on human health. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of POPs in human visceral (vAT) and subcutaneous (scAT) adipose tissue in a sample of Portuguese obese patients that underwent bariatric surgery, and assess their putative association with metabolic disruption preoperatively, as well as with subsequent body mass index (BMI) reduction. Methods: AT samples (n=189) from obese patients (BMI ≥35) were collected and the levels of 13 POPs were determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the time of surgery. BMI variation was evaluated after 12 months and adipocyte size was measured in AT samples. Results: Our data confirm that POPs are pervasive in this obese population (96.3% of detection on both tissues), their abundance increasing with age (RS=0.310, p<0.01) and duration of obesity (RS=0.170, p<0.05). We observed a difference in AT depot POPs storage capability, with higher levels of ΣPOPs in vAT (213.9±204.2 compared to 155.1±147.4 ng/g of fat, p<0.001), extremely relevant when evaluating their metabolic impact. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between POP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome components, namely dysglycaemia and hypertension, and more importantly with cardiovascular risk (RS=0.277, p<0.01), with relevance for vAT (RS=0.315, p<0.01). Finally, we observed an interesting relation of higher POP levels with lower weight loss in older patients. Conclusion: Our sample of obese subjects allowed us to highlight the importance of POPs stored in AT on the development of metabolic dysfunction in a context of obesity, shifting the focus to their metabolic effects and not only for their recognition as environmental obesogens

Consumption of cereal-based foods by Portuguese children: a risk-benefit assessment

De uma forma geral, o consumo de alimentos pode apresentar potenciais riscos e benefícios para os consumidores. Os alimentos à base de cereais, incluindo os cereais de pequeno-almoço e os cereais infantis, representam componentes importantes da dieta humana e estão entre os primeiros alimentos sólidos que são introduzidos na dieta. Estes alimentos constituem uma fonte importante de vários nutrientes, incluindo o sódio, fibras e açúcares livres, que podem estar associados a efeitos benéficos e adversos para a saúde. Simultaneamente, os alimentos à base de cereais podem também ser veículo de contaminantes químicos (por exemplo, micotoxinas) e microbiológicos (por exemplo, Bacillus cereus). As aflatoxinas, um grupo de micotoxinas que apresenta maior potencial tóxico, são frequentemente detetadas em cereais. No âmbito do projeto RiskBenefit4EU, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os riscos e os benefícios associados ao consumo de alimentos à base de cereais pelas crianças portuguesas. Os riscos (teores de aflatoxinas e B. cereus, sódio e açúcares livres) e os benefícios (teor de fibra) associados ao consumo de cereais de pequeno-almoço (CPA) foram comparados com aqueles associados ao consumo de cereais infantis (CI). Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a mudança do consumo atual para os cenários alternativos considerados (em especial para o consumo de cereais de pequeno-almoço com características semelhantes ao “Melhor CPA”) poderia resultar num ganho de anos de vida saudável.Foodstuffs, as cereal-based products, may present both potential risks and benefits to consumers. Cereal-based foods including breakfast and infant cereals represent important components of human diets and are among the first solid foods that young children usually eat. Cereal-based products constitute a source of several nutrients, including sodium, fibre and free sugars, which could be associated to beneficial and hazardous effects. Simultaneously, cereal-based foods could also present chemical (e.g. mycotoxins) and microbiological (e.g. Bacillus cereus) contaminants. Aflatoxins, a frequent mycotoxin found in cereals, are undoubtedly the most toxic. Developed under RiskBenefit4EU project, the present study aimed to assess risks and benefits associated with the consumption of cereal-based products by the Portuguese young children. The risks posed by the consumption of breakfast cereals (BC) versus infant cereals (IC), due to aflatoxins, B. cereus, sodium and free sugars, were evaluated against the benefits of the intake of fibre. Obtained results showed that moving from the current consumption to the considered alternative scenarios (especially if considered the consumption of breakfast cereals similar to “Best BC”) could result in a gain of healthy-life years.Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto RiskBenefit4EU – Partnering to strengthen the risk-benefit assessment within EU using a holistic approach financiado pelas EFSA Partnering Grants (Grant Agreement Number – GA/EFSA/AFSCO/2017/01 – GA02) 1.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio