A alteridade na escola: um estudo de currículo sob uma realidade d e fronteira

Anais do VI Encontro de Iniciação Científica e II Encontro Anual de Iniciação ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Inovação – EICTI 2017 - 04 a 06 de outubro de 2017- temática Linguística, Letras e ArtesAtravés do projeto de IC: “Construção crítica do imaginário trinacional” se realizou a pesquisa sobre como a alteridade se exprime em uma escola municipal da região da tríplice fronteira, onde a cidade de Foz do Iguaçu/PR se vê compreendida. A partir do contexto escolar e de sua observação foram feitas a análise de leis, orientações, livros didáticos, conteúdos textuais, visuais e orais que estão envolvidos na construção e alimentação de discursos e imaginários socioculturais que acabam permeando e atingindo de variadas formas a relação entre a/o educadora e a/o educanda/o, tomando proporções para além dos muros da escola na reverberação de (pre)conceitos nos mais diversos ambientes​ ​ da​ ​ sociedadeUniversidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (Unila); Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq); Fundação Araucária; Parque Tecnológico Itaipu (PTI) e Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná (SANEPAR

Finding the perfect match between nanoparticles and microfluidics to respond to cancer challenges

The clinical translation of new cancer theranostic has been delayed by inherent cancerâ s heterogeneity. Additionally, this delay has been enhanced by the lack of an appropriate in vitro model, capable to produce accurate data. Nanoparticles and microfluidic devices have been used to obtain new and more efficient strategies to tackle cancer challenges. On one hand, nanoparticles-based therapeutics can be modified to target specific cells, and/or molecules, and/or modified with drugs, releasing them over time. On the other hand, microfluidic devices allow the exhibition of physiologically complex systems, incorporation of controlled flow, and control of the chemical environment. Herein, we review the use of nanoparticles and microfluidic devices to address different cancer challenges, such as detection of CTCs and biomarkers, point-of-care devices for early diagnosis and improvement of therapies. The future perspectives of cancer challenges are also addressed herein.F.R. Maia acknowledges Portuguese Foundation for Scienceand Technology (FCT) for her work contract under theTransitional Rule DL 57/2016 (CTTI-57/18-I3BS5). J. M.Oliveira thanks FCT for his distinction attributed under theFCT Investigator program (IF/01285/2015)

Engineering of extracellular matrix-like biomaterials at nano- and macroscale toward fabrication of hierarchical scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The increasing rate of musculoskeletal pathologies has compelled the development of improved and novel treatment strategies in order to address unmet clinical needs. Tissue engineering approaches comprising the use of scaffolds for bone regeneration have been showing to be a promising alternative to conventional bone repair/substitution approaches. In particular, hierarchical scaffolds as methods of structural support and osteogenic differentiation promoters are among the most used tools in bone tissue engineering (BTE). In this reasoning, hierarchical scaffolds have sparked the field, striving toward mimicking the natural bone tissue in both, its complex 3D structure and composition. A recent and promising trend has been the merging of nanotechnology and tissue engineering concepts. As such the incorporation of nanoparticles and nanocomposites into micro- or macroscaffold systems can result in an improvement of scaffoldsâ biofunctionality at different levels. These tools are versatile in nature and can be used for multiple purposes such as drug delivery, thermal conductors, and mechanical reinforcement. Taking into consideration multidisciplinary approaches, several strategies have been pursued. The recent reports dealing with the approaches pursued in the hierarchical scaffolds production and enhancement, ranging from the nanoscale to the macroscale, are overviewed herein.The authors thank the funds provided by the project FROnTHERA (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023), supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project 3BioMeD (FCT/4773/ 4/5/2017/S) supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) and the R&D Project KOAT PTDC/BTMMAT/29760/2017 (POCI 01-0145-FEDER-029760) financed by FCT and cofinanced by FEDER and POCI. F.R.M. acknowledges FCT for her contract under the Transitional Rule DL 57/2016 (CTTI-57/18-I3BS (5))

Investigation of Dendrimer-based nanoparticles cellular uptake and cell tracking in a semiautomated microfluidic platform

A microfluidic device such as Kima Pump and Vena8 biochip is able to realize functions that are not easily imaginable in conventional biological analysis, such as highly parallel, sophisticated high-throughput analysis and single-cell analysis in a well-defined manner [1]. Cancer cell tracking within the microfluidic model will be achieved by grafting fluorescent label probe Fluorescein-5(6)-isothiocyanate (FITC) to dendrimer nanoparticles allowing cell visualization by immunofluorescent staining followed by fluorescence microscopy. In this study, synthesis and physicochemical characterization of Carboxymethyl-chitosan/poly(amidoamine) dendrimer nanoparticles (CMCht/PAMAM NPâ s) were performed[2].  Several cancer cell lines such as a HeLA (cervical carcinoma cell line), HTTC-116 (Colon Carcinoma) and Glioblastome cell line (GBM) were exposed to different concentrations of CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles over a period of 7d. After finding the adequate NP concentration, the internalization efficiency was tested, as well as cellular trafficking, in static and dynamic conditions (Kima Pump bioreactor).Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the project PEst­C/SAU/LA0026/20

ProFlex: A Probabilistic and Flexible Data Storage Protocol for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper presents ProFlex, a proactive data distribution protocol for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs). ProFlex guarantees robustness in data retrieval by intelligently managing data replication among selected storage nodes in the network. Contrarily to related protocols in the literature, ProFlex considers the resource constraints of sensor nodes and constructs multiple data replication structures, which are managed by more powerful nodes. Additionally, ProFlex takes profit of the higher communication range of such powerful nodes in the network and use the long link to improve data distribution. When compared with Supple -- a related protocol, we show by simulation that Proflex increases the network resilience under failures circumstances, decreases the overhead of transmitted messages, and decreases the number of hops to find a specific data in the network.Cet article porte sur la proposition d'un protocole de données proactif de distribution pour les réseaux de capteurs sans fil hétérogènes (HWSNs). Notre protocole, ProFlex, garantit la robustesse de la récupération des données grâce à sa gestion intelligente de la réplication des données entre les nœuds de stockage sélectionnés dans le réseau. Contrairement à d'autres protocoles dans la littérature, ProFlex considère les contraintes de ressources de capteurs et construit plusieurs structures de réplication des données, qui sont gérés par des nœuds plus puissants. En outre, ProFlex profite de la meilleure communication radio de ces nœuds plus puissants et utilise ces longues portée pour améliorer la distribution des données. Nous avons comparé ProFlex avec le protocole Supple et nous avons montré par simulation que Proflex augmente la résilience du réseau, même dans des circonstances des pertes de messages, diminue la surcharge de messages transmis, et diminue le nombre de sauts nécessaire pour trouver un ensemble de données spécifiques dans le réseau

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Loaded CMCht/PAMAM Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Peripheral Nerve Repair

(1) Background: Peripheral nerve injuries represent a major clinical challenge. If nerve ends retract, there is no spontaneous regeneration and grafts are required to proximate the nerve ends and give continuity to the nerve. (2) Methods: GDNF-loaded NPs were characterized physicochemically. For that, NPs stability at different pH’s was assessed, and GDNF release was studied through ELISA. In vitro studies are performed with Schwann cells, and the NPs are labeled with fluorescein-5(6)-isothiocyanate for uptake experiments with SH-SY5Y neural cells. (3) Results: GDNF-loaded NPs are stable in physiological conditions, releasing GDNF in a two-step profile, which is beneficial for nerve repair. Cell viability is improved after 1 day of culture, and the uptake is near 99.97% after 3 days of incubation. (4) Conclusions: The present work shows the efficiency of using CMCht/PAMAM NPs as a GDNF-release system to act on peripheral nerve regeneration.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology for the funds provided under the distinction attributed to JMO (IF/01285/2015) and the project NanOptoNerv (ref. PTDC/NAN-MAT/29936/2017). The work was also supported by the European Commission and FEDER program, the JUSTHera project (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000055), and the 0624_2IQBIONEURO_6_E project (Inter-regional cooperation program VA Spain-Portugal POCTEP 2014-2020)

A semiautomated microfluidic platform for real-time investigation of nanoparticles' cellular uptake and cancer cells' tracking

Aims: develop a platform composed of labeled dendrimer nanoparticles and a microfluidic device for real-time monitoring of cancer cells fate. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical and biological characterization of the developed Carboxymethyl-chitosan/poly(amidoamine) (CMCht/PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles were performed using TEM, AFM, Zeta Sizer, DSC and cytotoxicity screening. Cancer cell lines derived from different tumor types, including HeLa (Cervical Carcinoma), HCT-116 (Colon Carcinoma) and U87MG (Glioblastoma), were exposed to different concentrations of CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles over a period of 3 days (MTS/DNA). Results: Nanoparticles were successfully modified with an average size of 50 nm. Internalization levels go from 87% to 100% in static and from 95% to 100% in dynamic conditions. Viability levels range from 95% to 100% in static and from 90% to 100% in dynamic conditions, being HCT the most sensitive to the presence of the NP. Conclusions: the results show different responses to the presence of 0.5 mg.mL-1 dendrimer nanoparticles when comparing static to dynamic conditions, with a tendency towards higher sensitivity when subjected to confinement. This work demonstrated that the proposed microfluidic-based platform allows real-time cell monitoring, which, upon more studies, namely the assessment of the drug release effect, could be used for cancer theranostics.FR Maia acknowledges ERC-2012-ADG 20120216–321266 (ComplexiTE) for her Postdoc scholarship. JM Oliveira thanks Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for his distinction attributed under the FCT Investigator program (IF/00423/2012). BM Costa also thanks Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (PTDC/SAU-GMG/113795/2009 and IF/00601/2012 to BM Costa), Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian (BM Costa) and Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro (BM Costa). MR Carvalho also thanks the funding through the LA ICVS/3Bs project (UID/Multi/50026/2013). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bioengineered nanoparticles loaded-hydrogels to target TNF Alpha in inflammatory diseases

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an incurable autoimmune disease that promotes the chronic impairment of patientsâ mobility. For this reason, it is vital to develop therapies that target early inflammatory symptoms and act before permanent articular damage. The present study offers two novel therapies based in advanced drug delivery systems for RA treatment: encapsulated chondroitin sulfate modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer nanoparticles (NPs) covalently bonded to monoclonal anti-TNF α antibody in both Tyramine-Gellan Gum and Tyramine-Gellan Gum/Silk Fibroin hydrogels. Using pro-inflammatory THP-1 (i.e., human monocytic cell line), the therapy was tested in an inflammation in vitro model under both static and dynamic conditions. Firstly, we demonstrated effective NP-antibody functionalization and TNF-α capture. Upon encapsulation, the NPs were released steadily over 21 days. Moreover, in static conditions, the approaches presented good anti-inflammatory activity over time, enabling the retainment of a high percentage of TNF α. To mimic the physiological conditions of the human body, the hydrogels were evaluated in a dual-chamber bioreactor. Dynamic in vitro studies showed absent cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells and a significant reduction of TNF-α in suspension over 14 days for both hydrogels. Thus, the developed approach showed potential for use as personalized medicine to obtain better therapeutic outcomes and decreased adverse effects.The authors thank the financial support provided under the Norte2020 project (NORTE-08-5369-FSE000044). D.C.F. acknowledges the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for her PhD scholarship (PD/BD/143081/2018) and F.R.M. for her contract under the Transitional Rule DL 57/2016 (CTTI-57/18-I3BS(5)). The FCT distinction attributed to J.M.O. under the Investigator FCT program (number IF/01285/2015) is also greatly acknowledged

Development of conjugated kefiran-chondroitin sulphate cryogels with enhanced properties for biomedical applications

Hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides can have unique properties and be tailored for several applications, which may be mainly limited by the fragile structure and weak mechanical properties of this type of system. We successfully prepared cryogels made of newly synthesized kefiran exopolysaccharide-chondroitin sulfate (CS) conjugate via carbodiimide-mediated coupling to overcome these drawbacks. The freeze-thawing procedure of cryogel preparation followed by lyophilization is a promising route to fabricate polymer-based scaffolds with countless and valuable biomedical applications. The novel graft macromolecular compound (kefiran-CS conjugate) was characterized through 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy—which confirmed the structure of the conjugate, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)—which mirrored good thermal stability (degradation temperature of about 215 °C) and, finally, gel permeation chromatography–size exclusion chromatography (GPC-SEC)—which proved an increased molecular weight due to chemical coupling of kefiran with CS. At the same time, the corresponding cryogels physically crosslinked after the freeze-thawing procedure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Micro-CT, and dynamic rheology. The results revealed a prevalent contribution of elastic/storage component to the viscoelastic behavior of cryogels in swollen state, a micromorphology with micrometer-sized open pores fully interconnected, and high porosity (ca. 90%) observed for freeze-dried cryogels. Furthermore, the metabolic activity and proliferation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs), when cultured onto the developed kefiran-CS cryogel, was maintained at a satisfactory level over 72 h. Based on the results obtained, it can be inferred that the newly freeze-dried kefiran-CS cryogels possess a host of unique properties that render them highly suitable for use in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications where robust mechanical properties and biocompatibility are crucial.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) from Portugal, with references CEECIND/00111/2017 and SFRH/BPD/94277/2013, respectively.H.R. and C.G. were supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) from Portugal, with references CEECIND/00111/2017 and SFRH/BPD/94277/2013, respectively. The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Emanuel Fernandes for his invaluable contribution to this research by performing the STA experiment. The authors thank the financial support provided under the project “HEALTH-UNORTE: Setting-up biobanks and regenerative medicine strategies to boost research in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, oncological, immunological and infectious diseases”, reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000039, funded by the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), under the NORTE2020 Program

Scaffolding strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications

During the past two decades, tissue engineering and the regenerative medicine field have invested in the regeneration and reconstruction of pathologically altered tissues, such as cartilage, bone, skin, heart valves, nerves and tendons, and many others. The 3D structured scaffolds and hydrogels alone or combined with bioactive molecules or genes and cells are able to guide the development of functional engineered tissues, and provide mechanical support during in vivo implantation. Naturally derived and synthetic polymers, bioresorbable inorganic materials, and respective hybrids, and decellularized tissue have been considered as scaffolding biomaterials, owing to their boosted structural, mechanical, and biological properties. A diversity of biomaterials, current treatment strategies, and emergent technologies used for 3D scaffolds and hydrogel processing, and the tissue-specific considerations for scaffolding for Tissue engineering (TE) purposes are herein highlighted and discussed in depth. The newest procedures focusing on the 3D behavior and multi-cellular interactions of native tissues for further use for in vitro model processing are also outlined. Completed and ongoing preclinical research trials for TE applications using scaffolds and hydrogels, challenges, and future prospects of research in the regenerative medicine field are also presented.This research was funded by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023) and by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology ((M-ERA-NET/0022/2016), Transitional Rule DL 57/2016 (CTTI-57/18-I3BS(5)), and (IF/01285/2015))