Dietary exposure to imidacloprid, and sub-lethal effects in springtails

Tese de mestrado, Biologia Humana e Ambiente, 2021, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de CiênciasNeonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides worldwide. A large proportion ends up in the soil, where they degrade slowly, and are likely to affect non-target species in the soil community, such as Collembola (springtails). Springtails play an important role in soil ecosystems by contributing to litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Standard toxicity tests use soil exposure to toxicants, which does not allow for detailed observation of the individuals during the experiment. These tests are developed to expose organisms through soil to certain types of contaminants, but in nature springtails can also be exposed to them through their diet. We therefore aimed to, and successfully developed, a method for dietary exposure to toxicants, allowing us to observe springtails performance during exposure. The neonicotinoid imidacloprid was applied as a test substance, and we studied two springtail species, Folsomia quadrioculata and Hypogastrura viatica, with different life histories, habitat, and ecology, to assess potential difference in sensitivity. For each species, five replicates of 20 newly hatched animals were exposed through feed treated with one of two different applications: moistening the feed with a micropipette (estimated final concentration of 129 mg/kg imidacloprid) or soaking it in a solution with 129 ug/L imidacloprid, at room temperature. Moistening the Tilia cordata bark was most accurate, giving concentrations similar to the estimated nominal ones, while soaking resulted in 38 times higher concentrations than moistened measured method. With our established method of moistening the bark, we conducted a concentration-response experiment to study how imidacloprid affects different life history traits in juvenile H. viatica using 5 sub-lethal concentrations from 0.01 to 1.2 mg/kg dry bark. Due to time constraints as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented access to the laboratory, it was difficult to analyze some endpoints for Folsomia quadrioculata, and since it was possible to register molting and measure body size in Hypogastrura viatica we conducted the second experiment only on that species. Exposure to the soil relevant concentrations of imidacloprid caused H. viatica to reach maturity late, reduced its molting frequency, and thus reduced its body size. Since these endpoints have negative impacts on Collembola egg production, the studied neonicotinoid shown negative effects on population growth and may therefore cause population-level effects. There is still little information about these two springtails species and especially on the life history traits for springtails in general. Therefore, in the future it would be important to use methods that allow the monitoring of effects on life history traits

Multi-residue and multi-class method for the determination of antibiotics in bovine muscle by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A multi-residue quantitative screening method covering 41 antibiotics from 7 different families, by ultra-high-performance–liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS), is described. Sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, penicillins and chloramphenicol are simultaneously detected after a simple sample preparation of bovine muscle optimized to achieve the best recovery for all compounds. A simple sample treatment was developed consisting in an extraction with a mixture of acetonitrile and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), followed by a defatting step with n-hexane. The methodology was validated, in accordance with Decision 2002/657/EC by evaluating the required parameters: decision limit (CCα), detection capability (CCβ), specificity, repeatability and reproducibility. Precision in terms of relative standard deviation was under 20% for all compounds and the recoveries between 91% and 119%. CCα and CCβ were determined according the maximum residue limit (MRL) or the minimum required performance limit (MRPL), when required

The effectiveness of substance abuse treatment: development of a brief questionnaire

Background Practitioners need brief instruments to monitor outcomes in both treatment of drugs and alcohol addiction because they are useful to guide decision making in a short time.Objectives This study aims to develop a brief questionnaire, based on Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment, to evaluate the treatment effectiveness in drug and alcohol addiction treatment settings.Methods A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample (N = 608) recruited from Division for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (DICAD – ARS North).Results The results show a new four-factor solution that accounted for 54.4% of the total variance and that provides the best fit to the data (c2/df = 1.72, CFI = .94, GFI = .91, RMSEA = .048 [.040-.057]; prmsea = .623). It also revealed a high internal consistency (a = .82). It was found a significant negative correlation (r = - .52, p < .01) between the final version of the instrument and a self report measure of psychopathology symptoms.Discussion This brief questionnaire, with good psychometric properties, can be useful to provide a viable and rapid feedback of treatment outcomes. Further studies should be performed to continue the evaluation of the reliability of this measure

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus communication in biofilm infections: insights through network and database construction

AbstractThe polymicrobial nature of most infections is often characterized by complex biofilm communities, where pathogen interactions promote infection progression and severity. Quorum-sensing, the major regulator of virulence and inter-species communication, is a promising target for new anti-infective strategies. This study aimed at collecting and analysing experimental information on the molecular basis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus interactions in biofilms. Data were systematically annotated from relevant full-text papers optimally retrieved from PubMed, reconstructed as networks and integrated with specialized databases to identify promising antimicrobial targets. Network analysis revealed key entities regulating P. aeruginosa/S. aureus interactions, for instance the PqsABCDE/PqsR quorum-sensing system, which affects S. aureus growth and biofilm formation. By identifying the most reported P. aeruginosa virulence factors affecting S. aureus, for example, HQNO and siderophores, a list of experimentally validated agents affecting those factors, ranging from synthetic drugs to natural plant extracts, was constructed. The complex experimental data on P. aeruginosa/S. aureus interactions were for the first time systematically organized and made publically available in the new Inter-Species CrossTalk Database (www.ceb.uminho.pt/ISCTD).This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2019 unit; the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte for the BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004); the COMPETE2020 and the FCT under the scope of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029841; and the FCT under the scope of the PhD Grant of Andreia Patricia Magalhães [grant number SFRH/BD/132165/2017].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

VISTA is a diagnostic biomarker and immunotherapy target of aggressive feline mammary carcinoma subtypes

Research Areas: OncologyABSTRACT - Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a common neoplasia, showing aggressive clinicopathological features, without viable therapeutic options. The study of tumor microenvironment has gained importance, due to the ability to control tumor progression by regulating the immune response. Considering the lack of knowledge, feline serum VISTA levels from cats with mammary carcinoma were compared with healthy controls, and with serum levels of PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, IL-6, and TNF-α. In parallel, VISTA tumor expression was evaluated in FMC samples. The obtained data revealed that serum VISTA levels were significantly higher in cats presenting HER2-positive (p = 0.0025) or triple-negative subtypes (p = 0.0019), with higher serum levels in luminal A (p = 0.0025) correlated to the presence of metastasis (p = 0.0471). Furthermore, in HER2- positive or triple-negative tumors, correlations were obtained between serum VISTA levels and the serum levels of the above-mentioned molecules. In tumors, VISTA expression revealed a stronger intensity in cancer cells, when compared to TILs (p < 0.0001). Stratifying the samples by subtypes, a higher number of VISTA-positive TILs was observed in the HER2-positive subtype, compared with triple-negative tumors (p = 0.0138). In conclusion, results support the development of therapeutic strategies for HER2-positive and triple-negative FMC subtypes, reinforcing the use of cats as a human oncology model.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A habitação temporária no Barrocal do Douro - Picote, 1953-1957

O bairro do Barrocal do Douro, mais conhecido por Picote, foi concebido de apoio à construção da barragem, no âmbito dos aproveitamentos hidroeléctricos do rio, pela empresa Hidro-Eléctrica do Douro (H.E.D.). Entre 1953-1964, desenvolveram-se projectos para três barragens, onde se incluíam habitações e infra-estruturas, projectados pelos arquitectos João Archer de Carvalho (1928-), Manuel Nunes de Almeida (1924-2014) e Rogério Ramos (1927-1976), alunos da Escola do Porto. O bairro de Picote, contemplava edifícios definitivos com influências da arquitectura moderna internacional, num plano urbano também modernista, com o objectivo de alojar as 400 pessoas que ficariam responsáveis pela manutenção da central hidroeléctrica. Este plano, previsto para cerca de 4000 habitantes na fase de estaleiro, contemplava igualmente construções de carácter temporário necessárias para o alojamento de todos aqueles que contribuíram para a obra. Procura assim esta investigação, compreender de que forma a concepção de habitação temporária em Picote responde às diferentes categorias de pessoal que contribuiu para a edificação desta barragem, apresentando na linguagem tipológica e arquitectónica das mesmas, características de matriz moderna à semelhança das habitações definitivas; ABSTRACT: The Temporary Housing in Barrocal do Douro – Picote, 1953-1957 The neighbourhood of Barrocal do Douro, better known as Picote, was designed by Douro’s Hidro-Eléctrica (H.E.D.) to support the construction of the dam, within the hydroelectric power stations of the river. Between 1953 and 1964, projects for three dams were developed, all including housing and infrastructures, design by the architects of the Porto’s School, João Archer de Carvalho (b.1928-), Manuel Nunes de Almeida (1924- 2014) and Rogério Ramos (1927-1976). Picote’s neighbourhood contemplated permanent buildings with modern international architecture influences, in an also modernist urban plan, with the aim of housing the 400 people who would be responsible for the maintenance of the hydroelectric power station. This plan, foreseen for about 4000 inhabitants at the yard stage, equally contemplated temporary constructions necessary for the accommodation of all those who contributed to the work. Therefore, this investigation seeks to understand how the design of temporary housing in Picote responds to the different categories of personnel that contributed to the edification of this dam, presenting, in its typological and architecture language, modern matrix characteristics, similar to the definitive housing

Interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in biofilm-related infections: insights through network reconstruction and creation of a new online database

Introduction: Despite important advances in biofilm research, these consortia remain a critical concern for many biomedical applications. Their naturally occurring polymicrobial nature is characterised by the development of complex communities, where pathogen interactions can promote disease progression and severity. Intra- and inter-species communication within these consortia is majorly regulated by quorum-sensing, affecting the expression of virulence factors and biofilm formation, making it a promising target for new anti-infective strategies. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus are two major pathogens that co-occur in many biofilm-related infections and whose competitive interaction is highly related to infection resilience. Hypothesis and aims: Information on P. aeruginosa-S. aureus interactions is currently scattered in the ever-growing scientific literature, making it difficult for researchers to grasp critical information. Therefore, this study aimed at systematically collecting and analysing experimental information presented in the biomedical literature on the molecular basis of P. aeruginosa-S. aureus interactions, identifying promising therapeutic targets, and making this data available to the research community. Methodology: Full-text papers were optimally retrieved from PubMed and classified by their relevance. Interaction data was methodically annotated, reconstructed as networks to identify promising therapeutic targets, and integrated with specialized databases to identify promising antimicrobials. A new online database was created to deposit the gathered interaction data in searchable format. Results: Network analysis revealed key entities regulating P. aeruginosa-S. aureus interactions, for instance the PqsABCDE/PqsR quorum-sensing system, which affects S. aureus growth and biofilm formation. By identifying the most reported P. aeruginosa virulence factors affecting S. aureus, e.g. HQNO and siderophores, a list of experimentally validated agents affecting those factors, ranging from synthetic drugs to natural plant extracts, was constructed. Conclusion: The complex experimental data on P. aeruginosa-S. aureus interactions was for the first time thoroughly retrieved, systematized, and made publically available in the new Inter-Species CrossTalk Database (www.ceb.uminho.pt/ISCTD).Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2019 unit; European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte 2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte for the BioTecNorte operation (NORTE - 01 - 0145 - FEDER - 000004 ) ; COMPETE 2020 and FCT for the project POCI - 01 - 0145 - FEDER - 029841 . The authors also thank FCT for the PhD Grant of Andreia Patricia Magalhães [grant number SFRH/BD/ 132165 / 2017 ] and ESCMID for the Young Scientist Members Attendance Grantinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of an interface for managing and monitoring projects in an automotive company

In a competitive world, companies lose customers and opportunities due to lack of organisation, failure to meet deadlines, bad planning, among other reasons. Project management is presented as a form to guarantee compliance with deadlines, costs reduction, sales increase, revenues growth, clients’ satisfaction, among other benefits. This paper presents the development of interfaces for managing and monitoring projects at Bosch Car Multimedia in Braga, Portugal. With the increasing number of projects under the supervision of CM/MFT3, the section had greater difficulties in monitoring projects’ status. In order to tackle the situation, tools for project status control and project status overview (cockpit chart) were proposed, so that the project management practices could be improved.This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043and FCT –Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologiawithin the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013

Data analysis in content marketing strategies

Recently, the importance of data analysis for content marketing has become apparent. However, only a few companies use data as a source of knowledge to enrich their strategies. The application of data analysis in the development of content marketing strategies is still at an early stage of research and still little explored in the business context. However, given the research results analysed, it is a promising and differentiating area for the success of content marketing strategies. In this paper, the main existing approaches related to this theme were analysed and an empirical study was developed through a case study in a company, with the aim of optimising the content production for its blog, regarding digital marketing, using the data analysis provided by the company's software. The study was carried out following an exploratory and qualitative methodology, using content analysis as the main technique for data collection. The results obtained after this work have made it possible to verify and demonstrate the positive contribution of data analysis to the development of content marketing strategies.691D-6753-BE59 | Manuel José Serra da Fonsecainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio