Education, labour and development processes

Apesar das implicações da educação na construção da cidadania ser aflorada, o que aqui se discute é a relação entre a educação, o trabalho e o desenvolvimento numa perspectiva tanto individual como económica e social; e, no sentido mais restrito, o da melhoria ou manutenção das posições dos sujeitos e dos países na divisão social e internacional do trabalho. Constata-se que as relações destes três domínios se verificam sempre, embora de forma diferenciada em função das alterações que ocorrem nos diferentes sistemas, particularmente, o económico e de trabalho. A temática abordada refere-se à sociedade industrial desde finais do século XIX.Although the implications of education in building citizenship are touched, here we discuss the implications and relationship between education, work and development in a perspective either individual as well as social and economic, and in the narrow sense of improving or maintaining the positions of subjects and countries in social and international division of labour. It appears that the relationships between these three areas are always verified, even though differently, depending on changes occurring in the different systems, particularly in the economic and labour systems. The aim of this paper refers to the industrial society since the end of the nineteenth century

Castleman disease

Apresentam-se dois casos clínicos de doença de Castleman, situação rara e de difícil diagnóstico, um na forma multissistémica e outro na forma localizada, um na variante plasmocitária e outro na de tipo misto. Nos dois casos, o diagnóstico só foi possível por exame histológico. Salienta-se a grande variabilidade na sintomatologia e prognóstico, de acordo com a variante histológica e a forma de apresentação.We report two cases ofCastleman disease, a systemic and a localized formo Diagnosis was based on the histological findings. The great variability in symptoms and prognosis, according to the histological variant and presentation form is emphasized

PRMT3 inhibitor SGC707 reduces triglyceride levels and induces pruritus in Western-type diet-fed LDL receptor knockout mice

Protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) is a co-activator of liver X receptor capable of selectively modulating hepatic triglyceride synthesis. Here we investigated whether pharmacological PRMT3 inhibition can diminish the hepatic steatosis extent and lower plasma lipid levels and atherosclerosis susceptibility. Hereto, male hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed an atherogenic Western-type diet and injected 3 times per week intraperitoneally with PRMT3 inhibitor SGC707 or solvent control. Three weeks into the study, SGC707-treated mice developed severe pruritus and scratching-associated skin lesions, leading to early study termination. SGC707-treated mice exhibited 50% lower liver triglyceride stores as well as 32% lower plasma triglyceride levels. Atherosclerotic lesions were virtually absent in all experimental mice. Plasma metabolite analysis revealed that levels of taurine-conjugated bile acids were ~ threefold increased (P < 0.001) in response to SGC707 treatment, which was paralleled by systemically higher bile acid receptor TGR5 signalling. In conclusion, we have shown that SGC707 treatment reduces hepatic steatosis and plasma triglyceride levels and induces pruritus in Western-type diet-fed LDL receptor knockout mice. These findings suggest that pharmacological PRMT3 inhibition can serve as therapeutic approach to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia/atherosclerosis, when unwanted effects on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism can be effectively tackled

PRMT3 inhibitor SGC707 reduces triglyceride levels and induces pruritus in Western-type diet-fed LDL receptor knockout mice

Protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) is a co-activator of liver X receptor capable of selectively modulating hepatic triglyceride synthesis. Here we investigated whether pharmacological PRMT3 inhibition can diminish the hepatic steatosis extent and lower plasma lipid levels and atherosclerosis susceptibility. Hereto, male hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed an atherogenic Western-type diet and injected 3 times per week intraperitoneally with PRMT3 inhibitor SGC707 or solvent control. Three weeks into the study, SGC707-treated mice developed severe pruritus and scratching-associated skin lesions, leading to early study termination. SGC707-treated mice exhibited 50% lower liver triglyceride stores as well as 32% lower plasma triglyceride levels. Atherosclerotic lesions were virtually absent in all experimental mice. Plasma metabolite analysis revealed that levels of taurine-conjugated bile acids were ~ threefold increased (P < 0.001) in response to SGC707 treatment, which was paralleled by systemically higher bile acid receptor TGR5 signalling. In conclusion, we have shown that SGC707 treatment reduces hepatic steatosis and plasma triglyceride levels and induces pruritus in Western-type diet-fed LDL receptor knockout mice. These findings suggest that pharmacological PRMT3 inhibition can serve as therapeutic approach to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia/atherosclerosis, when unwanted effects on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism can be effectively tackled.Analytical BioScience

The identification of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in archaeological human bones and teeth

Bone tissue is mineralized dense connective tissue consisting mainly of a mineral component (hydroxyapatite) and an organic matrix comprised of collagens, non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans (PGs). Extracellular matrix proteins and PGs bind tightly to hydroxyapatite which would protect these molecules from the destructive effects of temperature and chemical agents after death. DNA and proteins have been successfully extracted from archaeological skeletons from which valuable information has been obtained; however, to date neither PGs nor glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains have been studied in archaeological skeletons. PGs and GAGs play a major role in bone morphogenesis, homeostasis and degenerative bone disease. The ability to isolate and characterize PG and GAG content from archaeological skeletons would unveil valuable paleontological information. We therefore optimized methods for the extraction of both PGs and GAGs from archaeological human skeleto ns. PGs and GAGs were successfully extracted from both archaeological human bones and teeth, and characterized by their electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel, degradation by specific enzymes and HPLC. The GAG populations isolated were chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, a CSPG was detected. The localization of CS, HA, three small leucine rich PGs (biglycan, decorin and fibromodulin) and glypican was analyzed in archaeological human bone slices. Staining patterns were different for juvenile and adult bones, whilst adolescent bones had a similar staining pattern to adult bones. The finding that significant quantities of PGs and GAGs persist in archaeological bones and teeth opens novel venues for the field of Paleontology

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

The role of self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and leadership style as attributes of leadership effectiveness

Orientation: Researching the impact of psychological constructs on police leadership may add value when appointing people in leadership positions or developing people for leadership roles in the police environment. Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between three constructs, namely emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and leadership effectiveness in a policing context. Motivation for this study: In the police sector, there are difficulties in linking leadership to organisational outcomes since common police-leadership measures are affected by multiple contributory factors. This study explores the psychological constructs of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy on the leadership effectiveness of the police. Research design, approach and method: This research adopted a quantitative approach to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy as attributes of leadership effectiveness. A total of 107 police personnel in commanding positions made up the sample. The measuring instruments used were the Assessing Emotions Scale, the Self-efficacy Scale and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5X). Main findings: The results confirmed a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy and leadership effectiveness. The correlations were significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). Practical/managerial implications: Emotional intelligence and self-efficacy should be considered as attributes during the selection of leaders in police organisations or used for developmental purposes to enhance these attributes in police leaders. Contribution/value-add: The insights gained from the findings may be used to guide the selection of future leaders in the policing environment, and they could also be used to establish future developmental programmes and research initiatives

A aprendizagem universitária pós- graduada e inserção profissional Insertion post- graduate learning and professional inclusion

O trabalho que aqui se apresenta resultou de um projeto de investigação mais vasto onde foram estudadas as mudanças: na universidade, em Portugal; nas relações que se estabelecem entre a universidade e a sociedade suporte; nos processos de formação pós- graduada (mestres e doutores) no que respeita aos conteúdos e aos métodos de ensino e de aprendizagem; nos efeitos dessa formação, tanto para os sujeitos como para os sistemas a que estão associados. Desta problemática global apenas damos conta aqui da apreciação feita à formação ocorrida na universidade quanto aos conteúdos, às metodologias de ensino- aprendizagem e aos recursos materiais e humanos colocados à disposição dos formandos e à inserção profissional e níveis de satisfação socioprofissional e pessoal. A importância do estudo decorre dos contributos do conhecimento produzido para a avaliação da universidade. O trabalho foi realizado em quatro universidades e a informação foi recolhida através de inquéritos por questionário e entrevistas, tanto a mestres e doutores como aos responsáveis pela formação realizada. Relativamente às questões que nos propusemos aqui dar conta verifica- se que os conteúdos e os processos de ensino- aprendizagem são bastante satisfatórios tanto na perspectiva individual quanto nos seus efeitos para o sistema económico e educativo. Não obstante são referidas diferenças significativas daquilo que ocorre em outros países europeus. Sobre o outro conjunto de questões são referidos bons níveis de inserção no sistema de emprego/trabalho, adequação entre os conteúdos aprendidos e os desempenhos profissionais e, decorrente disto, elevados níveis de satisfação do ponto de vista pessoal e social.This work resulted from a larger research project where changes in various spheres were studied: at universities, in Portugal; in the relationship between the university and the backing society; in the post- graduation lecturing processes (masters and PhD) with regard to contents and teaching and learning methods; on the effects of the lecturing on both the individuals and on the respective systems. Out of all these global issues here we will merely interpret the assessment made of the lecturing carried out at the university in relation to contents, teaching- learning methodologies and all material and human resources available to students, professional integration and vocational and occupational and personal satisfaction levels. The importance of the study stems from knowledge contribution produced for university assessment. The work was carried out at four universities and the information was gathered via surveys and interviews made to masters and PhD's and to those responsible for the lecturing. With regard to the issues which we have prepared to present here we note that content and teaching- learning processes are quite satisfactory within an individual perspective and in relation to their effects on the educational and economic system. However, significant differences of what happens in other European countries are mentioned. Pertaining to the other set of issues, mention is made to good levels of integration in the employment/work system, matching of learnt content and professional performance and as a result of this, high satisfaction levels from a social and personal standpoint