Multiple cell signalling pathways of human proinsulin c-peptide in vasculopathy protection

A major hallmark of diabetes is a constant high blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia), resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Transient or prolonged hyperglycemia can cause diabetic vasculopathy, a secondary systemic damage. C-Peptide is a product of cleavage of proinsulin by a serine protease that occurs within the pancreatic -cells, being secreted in similar amounts as insulin. The biological activity of human C-peptide is instrumental in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and other vascular complications. The main feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the lack of insulin and of C-peptide, but the progressive -cell loss is also observed in later stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus. C-peptide has multifaceted effects in animals and diabetic patients due to the activation of multiple cell signalling pathways, highlighting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signalregulated kinase ½, Akt, as well as endothelial nitric oxide production. Recent works highlight the role of C-peptide in the prevention and amelioration of diabetes and also in organ-specific complications. Benefits of C-peptide in microangiopathy and vasculopathy have been shown through conservation of vascular function, and also in the prevention of endothelial cell death, microvascular permeability, neointima formation, and in vascular inflammation. Improvement of microvascular blood flow by replacing a physiological amount of C-peptide, in several tissues of diabetic animals and humans, mainly in nerve tissue, myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidney has been described. A review of the multiple cell signalling pathways of human proinsulin C-peptide in vasculopathy protection is proposed, where the approaches to move beyond the state of the art in the development of innovative and effective therapeutic options of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy are discussed.The authors acknowledge the financial support received from Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT) and from European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE) under the project references M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED and UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. The authors acknowledge the support of the research project: Nutraceutica come supporto nutrizionale nel paziente oncologico, CUP: B83D18000140007.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Attomolar label-free detection of DNA hybridization with electrolyte-gated Graphene field-effect transistors

In this work, we develop a field-effect transistor with a two-dimensional channel made of a single graphene layer to achieve label-free detection of DNA hybridization down to attomolar concentration, while being able to discriminate a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The SNP-level target specificity is achieved by immobilization of probe DNA on the graphene surface through a pyrene-derivative heterobifunctional linker. Biorecognition events result in a positive gate voltage shift of the graphene charge neutrality point. The graphene transistor biosensor displays a sensitivity of 24 mV/dec with a detection limit of 25 aM: the lowest target DNA concentration for which the sensor can discriminate between a perfect-match target sequence and SNP-containing one.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2013 and project POCI01-0145-FEDER-031069 (PORTGRAPHE). G. Machado Jr. acknowledges a PhD grant (no. 237630/2012–5) from CNPq– Brazil. J.B. acknowledges European funding from NBFS project under contract NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-00001

The first catalytic direct C–H arylation on C2 and C3 of thiophene ring applied to thieno-pyridines, -pyrimidines and -pyrazines

Supplementary Materials: Supplementary materials are available online at: http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/ 8/4/137/s1.A practical one-pot procedure for the preparation of diverse thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines is reported here for the first time. This two-step process via C–H activation in position C-2 of thiophene led to the development of an improved methodology for the synthesis of numerous compounds. This new methodology is an efficient alternative to the conventional methods currently applied. The C–H activation of the thiophene C-3 position was also achieved and can be selective. The optimized conditions can also be applied to thienopyridines and thienopyrazines.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Acolhimento residencial em Portugal

In Portugal there are 8000 children and young people in Residential Care (RC). The concept of RC quality emerges as the adequacy of the characteristics of the centres to the needs of children. Being a complex and multidimensional construct requires different perspectives and an evaluation by various sources, assuming the voice of children as the main reference in measuring the quality. The quality of the RC is closely related to psychological adjustment, well-being and satisfaction with life of children and adolescents. Until now it has not been performed in Portugal an assessment of the quality of the RC system. At this time there is an ongoing study that aims to assess the quality of Portuguese RC system through needs assessment and psychological adjustment of children in RC, the evaluation of the quality of services provided by centres and understanding of the relationship between these two variables. This symposium aims to present some emerging results of the pilot study of national character research, still in progress, which aims to assess the quality of the RC Portuguese system. In this sense, a brief contextualization of the RC will be in Portugal, followed by the presentation of the main methodology that is used for this assessment – A Comprehensive Evaluation System for Residential Care in Portugal (ARQUA-P). Subsequently, it will be presented the data related to the psychological adjustment of adolescents that are in RC, their self-esteem, well-being and happiness subjective, relating these variables with the quality of the RC.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A fragilidade no contexto da saúde

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

3-[1-(4-Methyl­phen­ylsulfon­yl)-1,4-di­hydro­pyridin-4-yl]-1H-indole

In the title compound, C20H18N2O2S, the indole mean plane and benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 65.0 (1)°. In the crystal structure, weak inter­molecular N—H⋯π and C—H⋯O inter­actions link the mol­ecules into ribbons propagated along [100]

Diabetic retinopathy and ocular melanoma: how far we are?

Diabetic retinopathy causes vascular damage to retinal neurons, presenting characteristics of chronic inflammation. The development of new therapies capable of combating vision loss involves knowledge of inflammatory retinal changes. Studies in animal models and patients with diabetes have shown a high expression of the inflammatory molecules that are involved in the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Uveal melanoma is an eye tumour that remains highly deadly, because despite the correct treatment, it still causes metastasis in about 50% of patients. This type of tumour has the ability to produce and store melanin, which may result in resistance to therapy. Over time there has been development of new therapies for this disease, such as radiotherapy and surgical resection. In this review, we discuss diabetic retinopathy and ocular melanoma, their relationship with angiogenesis and the current anti-angiogenic therapies for their treatment.The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT) and from European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE) under the project references M-ERANET/0004/2015-PAIRED, UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund) and UID/AGR/04033/2019 (CITAB), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. The authors also acknowledge the support of the research project: Nutraceutica come supporto nutrizionale nel paziente oncologico, CUP: B83D18000140007.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gestão da pandemia COVID-19 numa Escola de Enfermagem Portuguesa: um relato de experiencia

Introdução: A pandemia COVID-19, decretada pela OMS em março de 2020, originou enormes desafios. As instituições de ensino viram-se confrontadas com a necessidade de tomar medidas para controlar a disseminação da doença. Para manter a comunidade escolar segura, desenvolveu- se um plano de contingência abrangente para que toda a comunidade educativa se sentisse envolvida e apta a seguir as medidas propostas. Objetivos: (I) Descrever o processo de construção de um plano de contingência para responder à situação de pandemia COVID-19, numa Escola Superior de Enfermagem; (II) Descrever a implementação do plano de contingência e sua adequação, em função da evolução da situação pandémica e (III) Descrever os principais desafios encontrados e as estratégias corretivas adotadas. Metodologia: Relato de experiência da construção e implementação do plano de contingência da Instituição. Foi nomeada uma Equipa de Plano de Contingência que elaborou um plano em conformidade com as orientações das diversas entidades reguladoras da saúde, estruturado em quatro tópicos: 1) organização de estruturas; 2) formação; 3) organização das atividades letivas e laborais; 4) acompanhamento e monitorização. Foram, ainda, elaborados vários documentos orientadores de práticas seguras, destinados à readequação do processo ensino-aprendizagem e à segurança dos colaboradores e estudantes. Resultados: Foi instituída uma sala de isolamento para apoio às situações de casos suspeitos, em cada edifício. Reorganizaram-se os espaços para garantir distâncias de segurança; disponibilizaram-se antisséticos em pontos estratégicos para promover a higienização das mãos; adotou-se sinalética para facilitar a circulação das pessoas; alteraram-se dinâmicas internas e procedimentos específicos; organizaram-se sessões de esclarecimento dirigidas aos professores e formação online, para estudantes e funcionários não docentes, e formação presencial para as equipas de limpeza e de apoio e vigilância. Para monitorizar a evolução da pandemia na comunidade escolar, foi criado um processo de notificação/registo de casos. Conclusões: O plano de contingência tem respondido às necessidades da instituição. Mostrou-se dinâmico e flexível, sendo sempre ajustado de acordo com as normas/orientações nacionais e em parceria com as Autoridades de Saúde Locais. As mudanças implementadas mostraram-se eficazes e tiveram a adesão da comunidade escolar, que passou a integrar as novas regras no seu dia a dia. O número muito reduzido de casos com origem na instituição parece ser revelador do sucesso das medidas implementadas.Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, decreed by the WHO in March 2020, created enormous challenges. Our Institution was faced with the need to take measures to control the spread of the disease and keep the academic community safe, for which a comprehensive contingency plan was created so that the entire community felt involved and able to follow the proposed measures. Objectives: (I) Describe the process of building a contingency plan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in a Nursing School; (II) Describe the implementation of the contingency plan and its adequacy, depending on the evolution of the pandemic situation and (III) Describe the main challenges encountered and the corrective strategies adopted. Methodology: Experience report of the construction and implementation of the Institution’s contingency plan. A Contingency Plan Team was appointed that created a plan following the guidelines of the various health regulatory authorities, structured in four topics: 1) organization of structures; 2) training; 3) organization of academic and work activities; 4) follow-up and monitoring. In addition, several guiding documents for safe practices were also prepared, aimed at readjusting the teaching-learning process and the safety of employees. Results: 1) organization of structures: An isolation room was established in each building, Spaces were reorganized to ensure safe distances; antiseptics were distributed; Signals was adopted to make the path; internal dynamics and specific procedures changed. 2) training: Clarification sessions were organized with teachers and online training for students and non-teaching staff, and face-to-face training for cleaning staff and support teams. 3) organization of academic and work activities: plan the beginning and breaks according to the maximum amount of people in the same room, fixed the capacity of each classroom. 4) follow-up and monitoring: a case notification/registration process was created and spread the message for all community on the website and by email. Conclusions: The contingency plan has responded to the Institution› s needs. It was dynamic and flexible, always be adjusted according to national norms/guidelines and in partnership with Local Health Authorities. The implemented changes proved to be effective and supported the entire school community, which started to integrate the new rules into their daily lives. The very low cases report of covid-19 with the beginning in our institution, seems to reveal the success of the implemented measures.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O papel dos cuidados continuados na reconstrução da autonomia

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Synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor potential of new aminated or methoxylated di(hetero)arylthioethers in the thieno[3,2-b]pyridine series

Synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor potential of new aminated or methoxylated di(hetero)arylthioethers in the thieno[3,2-b]pyridine séries. In 1st Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry. Braga Several thienopyridines have already been described as inhibitors of cell proliferation using human tumor cells[1,2], highlighting the interest of studying their antitumorpotential. ln this work, we present the synthesis of di(hetero)arylthioethers 1a-fby SNAr of the 7-chloro thieno[3,2- b]pyridine with amino or methoxy thiophenols in good to high yields, like presented in the scheme.Foundation for the Science and Technology (FCT- Portugal) for financial support through the NMR Portuguese network (Bruker 400 Avance 111-Univ Minho). To FCT and FEDERCOMPETE/ QREN/EU for financial support through the research unities PEst-C/QUI/UI686/2011 and PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/20 11 , the research project PTDC/QUI-QUI/111 060/2009 and the postOoctoral grant attributed to R.C.C. (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010) also financed by POPH and FSE