Metabolómica de linhas celulares: uma ferramenta para o estudo do envelhecimento

The world is aging and therefore it is essential to understand how the development of this process in organisms is, especially in human beings. Its knowing that this phenomenon does not occur in the same way in all individuals, and that there are some with a chronological age of 80 years and yet, they present a condition of a younger subject. Thus, it is essential to join efforts to understand this event. Currently, there are several models for the study of those process, from animal models, to computational or cellular models, with the latter having more advantages. Cell models, namely cell models of fibroblasts, are thus increasingly used for metabolomics research in the aging research since through these techniques we are able to indirectly study the pathways of this process, since this gives valuable insights into the composition of metabolites present in a sample. An approach that combines several of these tools, such as FTIR, MS or NMR, will be an asset and will allow for the study of aging at a molecular level and possible reveal new discoveries.O mundo está a envelhecer e, torna-se fundamental perceber como é o desenvolvimento desse processo nos organismos, principalmente nos seres humanos. É sabido que este fenómeno não ocorre da mesma forma em todos os indivíduos e que existem alguns com idade cronológica de 80 anos e, ainda assim, apresentam uma condição de um indivíduo mais jovem. Assim, é essencial unir esforços para entender este processo. Atualmente, existem vários modelos para o estudo do envelhecimento, desde modelos animais a modelos computacionais ou celulares, sendo que este último apresenta mais vantagens. Modelos celulares, nomeadamente, modelos celulares de fibroblastos são cada vez mais utilizados em metabolómica para a investigação do envelhecimento, pois através destas técnicas é possível estudar indiretamente as vias desse processo, uma vez que fornece informações valiosas sobre a composição dos metabolitos presentes numa amostra. Uma abordagem combinatória dessas ferramentas, como FTIR, MS ou NMR, constitui uma mais valia, permitirá o estudo do envelhecimento a um nível molecular e, possivelmente, revelará novas descobertas.Mestrado em Biomedicina Molecula

Late Bronze Age metallic depositions in the AssureiraValley. The case study of Moinhos de Golas site (Solveira, Montalegre, Northern Portugal)

Este trabalho tem como objetivo dar a conhecer um conjunto de achados metálicos do Bronze Final, em asso-ciação com fragmentos cerâmicos e líticos, encontrados no sítio de Moinhos de Golas, freguesia de Solveira, concelho de Montalegre. A coleção metálica é composta por armas, artefactos de adorno, utensílios, possíveis elementos de produção metalúrgica, entre outros objetos de difícil classificação. As análises de composição química a peças seleciona-das, embora preliminares, mostram que a maioria dos artefactos foram produzidos numa liga de bronze binário (Cu-Sn). Pelo facto de terem sido encontradas dispersas por vários lugares do outeiro, este grupo de peças não pode considerar-se um depósito fechado.This work aims to publish a set of metal findings attributed to Bronze Age, and found in association with ceramic and lithic fragments. These were found in the Moinhos de Golas site, Solveira parish, in the Montale-gre council. This set consists of metallic weapons, ornaments, tools, and some objects that might be related to metallurgical processes, among other objects difficult to classify. Preliminary elemental analysis made on selected artefacts point out that most objects were produced in a binary bronze alloy. This set of artefacts, given their finding circumstances, should not be regarded as a closed hoard.Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito dos projetos Metalurgia Primitiva no Território Português – EARLYMETAL (PTDC/HIST-ARQ/110442/2008) e Espaços Naturais, Arquiteturas, Arte rupestre e Deposições na Pré-história Recente da Fachada Ocidental do Centro e Norte Português: das Ações aos Significados - ENARDAS (PTDC/HISARQ/112983/2009), financiado pelo Programa Operacional Temático Factores de Competitividade (COMPETE) e comparticipados pelo Fundo Comunitário Europeu FEDER. Os autores agradecem à Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) as bolsas individuais (SFRH/ BD/65143/2009) e (SFRH/BPD/73245/2010) concedidas a João Fonte e Elin Figueiredo, respetivamente, e o apoio financeiro concedido ao CENIMAT/I3N através do Projecto Estratégico LA25/2013-2014 (PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2011); a Joe Horst os esclarecimentos gentilmente cedidos sobre as condições de achado; à empresa Metais Jaime Dias, S.A. e ao Dr. Normando Ramos a possibilidade do uso do equipamento de FRX portátil para o estudo preliminar da coleção metálica e à equipa do Museu D. Diogo de Sousa, em Braga, o tratamento e fotografia do conjunto.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

a more productive, more efficient and more resilient economy?

Relying on a rich firm-level dataset for one of the top product market reformers among OECD countries over the last decade, we find a positive association, already in the short-run, between firm-level productivity and deregulation of intermediate goods sectors. The long-run effects are mediated by firm-level productivity, with gains increasing with the distance to the (national) sectorial technological frontier. As laggard firms are more likely to be held-up by upstream producers with large market power, they have more to gain vis-a-vis more productive firms that are better equipped to deal with the ineffciencies of upstream markets. For the highly productive, the reduction of their competitive edge visa-vis low performers, coupled with decreased mark-ups and increased uncertainty, reduce their incentives to innovate. Importantly, we find evidence of positive selection among laggard companies: for viable firms, the reforms unlock their growth potential and allow them to catch-up; for non-viable laggards, the likelihood of exit increases as they are not able to compete in the more demanding environment. In fact, while the increased competition downstream (resulting from increased competition upstream) is associated with higher exit probabilities for all firms, we find a stronger association for low productivity firms. Finally, by comparing the performance of firms more and less exposed to pre-crisis reforms, we show that the survival of the fittest and the unlocking of viable laggards growth boosts the resilience of the firms operating in the market.authorsversionpublishe

The consumption of supplements by sportsmen: a systematic review of literature

A varied and energetically adequate diet is able to provide the appropriate amounts of all the essential nutrients. However, many sportsmen take food supplements without consulting a health professional and without the exact knowledge of its possible benefits. The purpose of this project is to present a systematic review of literature on the prevalence and main types of dietary supplements consumed by sportsmen and to understand the main sources of indication and reasons for the use of nutritional supplements. METHODS A bibliographical research was performed on the PubMed and Web of Science databases. In this context, all available publications were included between January 2007 and February 2018 that complied with the following inclusion criteria: (1) individual practitioners of any sport; (2) individuals between the age of 18 and 65 years old of both genders; (3) available studies in full text published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Using these criteria, 14 articles of a total of 1054 were selected. RESULTS The prevalence of the use of supplements varied between 13.3% (Figueira & Cazal, 2017) and 100% (Peçanha, Navarro, & Maia, 2015), determining that the articles included in their samples merely professional athletes (n=6; 42.9%) the prevalence of the consumption of nutritional supplements varied from 46.2% (Ivković, 2016) to 90.9% (Stewart, Outram, & Smith, 2013). The most consumed supplements were protein supplements (n=9; 69.2%) (Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Silva & Marins, 2013; Assis, Silveira, & Barbosa, 2015; Peçanha, Navarro, & Maia, 2015; Gacek, 2016; Ivković, 2016; Korczak et al., 2016; Naves, Isizuka, Ruas, Ramada, & Nacif, 2016; Figueira & Cazal, 2017), amino acids (n=6; 46.2%) (Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Assis, Silveira, & Barbosa, 2015; Peçanha, Navarro, & Maia, 2015; Korczak et al., 2016; Naves, Isizuka, Ruas, Ramada, & Nacif, 2016; Figueira & Cazal, 2017), vitamins (n=5; 38.5%) (Dascombe, Karunaratna, Cartoon, Fergie, & Goodman, 2008; Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Stewart, Outram, & Smith, 2013; Gacek, 2016; Ivković, 2016) and minerals (n=4; 30.8%) (Dascombe, Karunaratna, Cartoon, Fergie, & Goodman, 2008; Stewart, Outram, & Smith, 2013; Ivković, 2016; Figueira & Cazal, 2017). Further, it was also found that sportsmen seek information about the consumption with nutritionists (n= 5; 62.5%) (Lima, Moraes, & Kirsten, 2010; Assis, Silveira, & Barbosa, 2015; Judge et al., 2015; Peçanha, Navarro, & Maia, 2015; Figueira & Cazal, 2017), self-prescription (n=5; 62.5%) (Lima, Moraes, & Kirsten, 2010; Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Silva & Marins, 2013; Ivković, 2016; Figueira & Cazal, 2017), friends (n=4; 50.0%) (Lima, Moraes, & Kirsten, 2010; Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Silva & Marins, 2013; Peçanha, Navarro, & Maia, 2015), coach (n=3; 37.5%) (Assis, Silveira, & Barbosa, 2015; Judge et al., 2015; Ivković, 2016) and personal trainer (n=3; 37.5%) (Lima, Moraes, & Kirsten, 2010; Tsitsimpikou et al., 2011; Silva & Marins, 2013). The main motifs for its ingestion were related to an enhanced performance in the sport (n=4; 57.1%) (Silva & Marins, 2013; Stewart, Outram, & Smith, 2013; Judge et al., 2015; Frączek, Warzecha, Tyrała, & Pięta, 2016) and maintain their health (n=3; 42.9%) (Dascombe, Karunaratna, Cartoon, Fergie, & Goodman, 2008; Stewart, Outram, & Smith, 2013; Figueira & Cazal, 2017). CONCLUSIONS The data reveals a broad range of variation is the use of supplements by sportsmen. It is considered crucial to promote nutritional education programs for sportsmen. The message about risks and benefits associated to the consumption of food supplements should be emphasized, as well as the advantages associated to a healthy and balanced diet.The authors thank to FCT-Portugal and the ERDF through the program PT2020, the funding granted to CIMO (UID /AGR/00690/2013).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

OPTIMIZATION OF ZIRCONIA INKS TO FABRICATE 3D POROUS SCAFFOLDS BY ROBOCASTING

High-performance bioceramics such as zirconia, alumina, and their composites, are attractive materials for the fabrication of load-bearing bone implants because of their outstanding mechanical properties, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic quality. A suitable level of porosity and pore sizes with a few hundred microns are required for a good bone integration of the scaffolds. This requirement can be achieved through additive manufacturing, like robocasting. For this purpose, the optimization of colloidal inks is one of paramount importance as the rheological properties of the inks determine the quality of the three-dimensional structures. This target has not been satisfactorily accomplished in previous research works. The present study aims at closing this gap by carrying out a systematic investigation about the influence of the most important parameters that determine the printing ability of zirconia inks. The dispersing ability of the zirconia powder was studied in order to maximize the solids loading while keeping a high degree of homogeneity of the starting suspensions. The viscoelastic properties of the suspensions were then altered by adding suitable doses of a coagulating agent to obtain easily extrudable pastes for the robocasting process. The green samples were dried and sintered at the heating rate of 1ºC/min up to 600ºC, an holding at this temperature for 1 h, followed by an heating rate of 5ºC/min up to 1350ºC and holding for 1 h at this temperature, and then cooling down to room temperature. Zirconia inks with high fraction of solids (48 vol.%) could be successfully prepared. The extruded cylinders exhibited an excellent shape retention in scaffolds with different macropore sizes (200, 300, 400 and 500 mm)

Ajuste de ubicación en datos de posicionamiento global

Ajustar la ubicación en datos de posicionamiento global sobre mapas satelitalesSin duda la geolocalización se ha convertido en un tema recurrente en la actualidad, en el transporte ha tenido una especial acogida, para entregas en lugares específicos, optimizar tiempos, etc. El servicio más conocido es el Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS), que permite ubicar un objeto, lugar o persona en cualquier parte del mundo, este varía su resultado dependiendo del dispositivo en el que sea utilizado. El mapa que muestra el GPS delimita los sectores transitables, sin embargo, al ir en un vehículo existen intervalos de tiempo que muestra datos inexactos, es decir, coloca la ubicación sobre edificios, aceras, parques, etc. ´ Esto puede pasar por diversos factores como la señal, el receptor, el rendimiento del dispositivo y=o la densidad de edificaciones, estructuras o fauna en la que se esté transitando. A lo largo de los años el estudio para disminuir dicho error ha llevado a diversas soluciones, desde las más complejas hasta las más sencillas, dependiendo el momento que se decida trabajar con los datos, es decir durante la toma de estos o después de ser obtenidos. Las aplicaciones basadas en algoritmos matemáticos es una de las soluciones para mitigar el error siempre que los datos ya estén previamente obtenidos, además se hace uso de un mapa de referencia cuyos datos se pueden adquirir por distintos medios. El presente trabajo ofrece una un algoritmo matemático que permite trabajar con datos previamente obtenidos y un mapa de referencia segmentado de acuerdo con la geografía de la zona a trabajar. El algoritmo consta de dos partes que se aplican consecutivamente, empieza con la toma de datos mediante un dispositivo GPS, en zonas con redondeles, calles con un ángulo entre ellas, rectas y mixtas, en la primera parte se evalúan los valores con cada uno de los segmentos del mapa de referencia, la clasificación de los datos al segmento que corresponden se realiza con una comparación de proximidad, para posteriormente en la segunda parte del algoritmo, ser ubicados en el segmento correspondiente. Cabe recalcar que antes de trabajar con los datos es necesario cambiar su formato de coordenadas geográficas a coordenadas UTM para trabajar los algoritmos.Ingenierí

Análise dos artigos 43º e 72º do CIRS : confrontando com a recente jurisprudência do TJUE e a necessidade de alteração legislativa

Esta dissertação incide sobre a problemática inerente ao regime de tributação das mais-valias imobiliárias, auferidas por não residentes, mais concretamente com a insuficiente alteração legislativa da Lei 67-A/2007. O TJUE evidenciou as fragilidades deste regime de tributação, reiterando a incompatibilidade do regime de tributação com a liberdade de circulação de capitais. Em primeiro lugar, é feito um breve enquadramento do tema. Seguidamente, será feita uma análise crítica aos dois acórdãos proferidos pelo TJUE, o primeiro de 11 de outubro de 2007 e o segundo de 18 de março de 2021. Posto isto, será feita uma análise ao regime de tributação das mais-valias imobiliárias estatuído em França e Itália. Por último, serão apresentadas propostas a ter em consideração para uma alteração legislativa que poderão ser implementadas pelo legislador nacional, de modo a ser cumprido o Direito da União e, ao mesmo tempo, o combate à fraude e evasão fiscal.This dissertation focuses on the problem inherent in the regime of taxation of real estate capital gains not residents, more specifically with the insufficient legislative amendment of Law 67-A/2007. The Court of Justice of the European Union highlighted the weaknesses of this taxation regime, reiterating the incompatibility of the taxation regime First, a brief framework of the theme is made. A critical analysis will then be made of the two judgments delivered by the CJEU, the first of 11 October 2007 and the second of 18 March 2021. Having said that, an analysis will be made of the regime for the taxation of real estate capital gains established in France and Italy. Finally, proposals will be submitted to be taken into account for a legislative amendment in order to comply with EU law and, at the same time, combat fraud and tax evasion

Anticancer activity of rutin and its combination with ionic liquids on renal cells

The renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. Identifying novel and more effective therapies, while minimizing toxicity, continues to be fundamental in curtailing RCC. Rutin, a bioflavonoid widely found in nature, has shown promising anticancer properties, but with limited applicability due to its poor water solubility and pharmacokinetics. Thus, the potential anticancer effects of rutin toward a human renal cancer cell line (786-O), while considering its safety in Vero kidney cells, was assessed, as well as the applicability of ionic liquids (ILs) to improve drug delivery. Rutin (up to 50 µM) did not show relevant cytotoxic effects in Vero cells. However, in 786-O cells, a significant decrease in cell viability was already observed at 50 µM. Moreover, exposure to rutin caused a significant increase in the sub-G1 population of 786-O cells, reinforcing the possible anticancer activity of this biomolecule. Two choline-amino acid ILs, at non-toxic concentrations, enhanced rutin's solubility/loading while allowing the maintenance of rutin's anticancer effects. Globally, our findings suggest that rutin may have a beneficial impact against RCC and that its combination with ILs ensures that this poorly soluble drug is successfully incorporated into ILs-nanoparticles hybrid systems, allowing controlled drug delivery.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal): UID/DTP/04567/2019/ UIDB/00100/2020/ UIDB/04565/2020. ALIES grant PADDIC 2018-2019info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Edible films as oral delivery systems for xanthines extracted from medicinal plants: an experimental design approach

Two formulations of edible films intended for oral delivery of therapeutic xanthines were developed, following an experimental design approach. Gelatin type A and sodium carboxymethylcellulose were used as polymeric matrices with different physico-chemical nature. Caffeine, a well-known methylxhanthine, was used as model bioactive molecule, representing overall xanthines (e.g. caffeine, theophylline, theobromine) extracted from medicinal plants. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to outwit the formation of covalent bonds between caffeine and the matrix of edible films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to assess if caffeine was homogeneously dispersed on the matrix of edible films. Simulation of gastrointestinal tract and ex vivo permeability studies across intestinal mucosa were performed to predict the delivery profile of caffeine from developed formulations of edible films. Gelatin type A-based edible films offered a slow release of caffeine whereas sodium carboxymethylcellulose-based edible films promote an immediate release of caffeine.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Qualidade superficial de componentes de móveis utilizando serra fita e fresadora e duas espécies

This study is dedicated to considering the use of eucalyptus and Ocotea porosa to produce classic-style furniture, assessing the machining time and surface quality. For such, the survey of data on the surface quality of eucalyptus and Ocotea porosa pieces was carried out through a visual assessment with the adaptation of the methodology described in standard ASTM 1666. This analysis of the wood surface quality occurred using two different species and two machining modalities (a band saw and a copy milling machine) for parts intended to produce components (feet) for classic furniture. After making the feet, the pieces of furniture were assembled and reassessed. Forty samples were selected and evaluated for initial defects through visual inspection, and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was applied. The values found for surface quality were considered good quality, with more time being necessary to perform the finishing of the parts processed with the band saw than the milling machine. One may conclude that the milling time spent on each treatment influences the production capacity of the company, with the cuts carried out with the milling machine being faster and with better surface finishing.Esse estudo dedicou-se a considerar a utilização de eucalipto e Ocotea porosa na produção de móveis em estilo clássico, avaliando o tempo de usinagem e a qualidade superficial. Para tal, foi realizado o levantamento de dados sobre a qualidade superficial de peças de eucalipto e Ocotea porosa, por meio de uma avaliação visual com adaptação da metodologia descrita na norma ASTM 1666. Essa análise da qualidade superficial da madeira ocorreu por meio de duas diferentes espécies e conduzido por duas modalidades de usinagem (uma serra-fita e uma fresadora copiadora) de peças destinadas a produção de componentes (pés) para móveis clássicos. Após a confecção dos pés os móveis foram montados e novamente avaliados. Selecionou-se 40 amostras, nas quais foram avaliados os defeitos iniciais por meio da inspeção visual, foi aplicada a estatística não paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis. Os valores encontrados sobre a qualidade de superfície foram considerados de boa qualidade, sendo necessário maior tempo para realizar o acabamento nas peças processadas na serra-fita se comparado com a fresadora. Pôde-se concluir que o tempo de usinagem gasto em cada tratamento influencia na capacidade de produção da empresa, sendo mais rápidos os cortes realizados pela fresadora com melhor acabamento superficial