Tutorial support in higher education: building critical and interdisciplinary reflection based on the experience of four teachers

Tutoring in higher education has been adopted as an educational method to improve the quality of teaching, particularly in graduate studies. It is usually practiced at the end of the course and requires the tutor to provide descriptive feedback to their students about their academic path, or, in the case of internships, assist with the writing of the final thesis or dissertation. In a tutorial system, as learning takes place the tutor's feedback is usually customized to fit the specific needs of each student essentially through a one-to-one relationship, resulting in developmental benefits both for the student and the tutor. Still, although widely described in the education literature for nearly two decades [1]–[5], the analysis of tutorial support from an interdisciplinary point of view has not been deeply explored, nor the best practices described in this sense. Therefore, this study aimed to compare tutoring practice in different subject areas. As such, veterinary sciences, social work, pharmaceutical sciences, and education were the ecosystems in which tutoring was explored and applied, aiming to analyze common strategies, and ultimately detect and share good practices for pedagogical improvements. The present work results from a qualitative study, based on the analysis of interviews regarding the tutoring expectations of four higher education professors based on five major parameters: Learning Alliance, Mental availability, Disciplinary Specialization, Technical Expertise, and Institutional Context. The objective was to evaluate what kind of strategies were adopted by each teacher and if the pedagogical practices are effective in fulfilling the learning objectives. Overall, all four teachers agreed upon that mentoring experience is a fundamental path for the teacher's self-reflection while paving the way for the students' careers. Furthermore, it supports the notion that interdisciplinary differences, different methodologies, styles, contexts, and practices can be used to constructively inspire and improve tutoring and reinforce good teaching and the pedagogical practices of teachers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lessons, discoveries, challenges, and results in an interdisciplinary learning community of higher education teachers

The present study describes how a group of higher education teachers, from different disciplinary areas, came to constitute themselves as a learning community. Learning communities allow the exchange of information, tools, experiences, innovative practices, as well as knowledge transfer between colleagues in a faster and more relevant way. Despite the disciplinary diversity, the focus on university pedagogy grounded new practices. Teachers learned lessons through peer observation, discovered skills and competencies in the joint discussion, and accepted challenges to witness their experiences in professional forums foreign to their previous experience. It should be noted that the collaborative learning experience factor, which counts on another teacher as a reflective pair, allowed progressive social learning in this learning community that is ongoing for two years.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Critical Perspective on 3D Liver Models for Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Studies

The poor predictability of human liver toxicity is still causing high attrition rates of drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry at the non-clinical, clinical, and post-marketing authorization stages. This is in part caused by animal models that fail to predict various human adverse drug reactions (ADRs), resulting in undetected hepatotoxicity at the non-clinical phase of drug development. In an effort to increase the prediction of human hepatotoxicity, different approaches to enhance the physiological relevance of hepatic in vitro systems are being pursued. Three-dimensional (3D) or microfluidic technologies allow to better recapitulate hepatocyte organization and cell-matrix contacts, to include additional cell types, to incorporate fluid flow and to create gradients of oxygen and nutrients, which have led to improved differentiated cell phenotype and functionality. This comprehensive review addresses the drug-induced hepatotoxicity mechanisms and the currently available 3D liver in vitro models, their characteristics, as well as their advantages and limitations for human hepatotoxicity assessment. In addition, since toxic responses are greatly dependent on the culture model, a comparative analysis of the toxicity studies performed using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D in vitro strategies with recognized hepatotoxic compounds, such as paracetamol, diclofenac, and troglitazone is performed, further highlighting the need for harmonization of the respective characterization methods. Finally, taking a step forward, we propose a roadmap for the assessment of drugs hepatotoxicity based on fully characterized fit-for-purpose in vitro models, taking advantage of the best of each model, which will ultimately contribute to more informed decision-making in the drug development and risk assessment fields.This research has been supported by FCT (Portugal) through the research grants and scholarship PTDC/MED-TOX/29183/2017, UIDB/04138/2020, UIDP/04138/2020, and SFRH/BD/144130/2019 to JR and by the H2020, European Commission, though the MSCA-IF-EF-ST – Standard EF to MC (GA-845147-LIV-AD-ON-A-CHIP). Conflict of Interestinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A observação interdisciplinar como contributo para o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional

A presente comunicação resulta de reflexão conjunta no âmbito da Pós-Graduação em Pedagogia do Ensino Superior, do Instituto de Educação da Universidade de Lisboa, decorrente de trabalho de observação realizado por quatro docentes do ensino superior das áreas de Serviço Social, Educação, Ciências Farmacêuticas e Veterinária. Sendo a observação entre pares um espaço privilegiado para o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional, este trabalho teve como ponto de partida a construção de uma grelha de observação utilizada no contexto das aulas por cada uma das docentes. O estudo teve como objetivo colaborar para o desenvolvimento de competências de observação entre pares, constituindo-se este como um ponto de partida para a melhoria das práticas da docência. É-nos permitido referir que os resultados desta experiência apontam para a necessidade dos docentes refletirem e adaptarem as suas práticas e de serem capazes de construir feedback para potenciar o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional dos seus pares. Por outro lado, o caminho da observação entre pares revelou-se como uma possibilidade de autorreflexão de cada uma das docentes face às suas práticas pedagógicas, abrindo oportunidades de as ajustar em função das necessidades e exigências do ensino superior no mundo atual, assim como a valorização da interdisciplinaridade como espaço de construção de boas práticas de ensino-aprendizagem.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Observação interdisciplinar de pares no ensino superior: uma experiência no desenvolvimento profissional de quatro docentes

O presente estudo resulta de um trabalho de observação experimental, realizado por quatro docentes do ensino superior, no âmbito da uma pós-graduação em “Pedagogia do Ensino Superior”. As áreas disciplinares de origem das docentes, Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ciências Veterinárias, Serviço Social, e Educação, foram o ecossistema para explorar e aplicar técnicas de observação inicial, pretendendo partilhar boas práticas e aperfeiçoamento pedagógico, com apoio de pares. O estudo relata a experiência de construção de uma grelha de observação e a sua aplicação, bem como as aprendizagens significativas durante a experiência de observação de pares. O estudo conclui que, ao contrário das grelhas quantitativas, a construção de uma grelha de observação de base qualitativa permite um feedback mais construtivo. Foi ainda possível concluir que o feedback dos pares é essencial para o desenvolvimento da prática profissional no ensino superior, sendo a vivência da observação um caminho fundamental para a reflexão por si próprios, na procura da sua autenticidade, tendo em conta as diferenças disciplinares, metodologias, estilos, contextos e práticas. Podemos referir que uma mais-valia deste estudo foi a interdisciplinaridade, que permitiu uma avaliação mais abrangente e com maior enfoque nas práticas pedagógicas em detrimento do conteúdo. Neste sentido, de forma a promover boas práticas de ensino é proposta uma grelha de observação bem como incentivada a prática de observação interdisciplinar por pares.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genomic structure, promoter activity, and developmental expression of the mouse homologue of the Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) gene

Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the expansion of the (CAG)n tract in the MJD gene. This encodes the protein ataxin-3, of unknown function. The mouse Mjd gene has a structure similar to that of its human counterpart and it also contains a TATA-less promoter. Its 5V flanking region contains conserved putative binding regions for transcription factors Sp1, USF, Arnt, Max, E47, and MyoD. Upon differentiation of P19 cells, the Mjd gene promoter is preferentially activated in endodermal and mesodermal derivatives, including cardiac and skeletal myocytes; and less so in neuronal precursors. Mouse ataxin-3 is ubiquitously expressed during embryonic development and in the adult, with strong expression in regions of the CNS affected in MJD. It is particularly abundant in all types of muscle and in ciliated epithelial cells, suggesting that it may be associated with the cytoskeleton and may have an important function in cell structure and/or motility.Fundação Luso-Americana para o Desenvolvimento - (Proc. 3.L./A.II/P.582/99Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - (Project POCTI/MGI 33759/99), BD/9759/ 2003).Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) - Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER)

An integrated in vitro approach unveils the biocompetence and glutathiolomic profile of a human hepatocyte-like cell 3d model

Funding: This work was supported by FCT (Portugal) through the research grant PTDC/MED-TOX/29183/2017. Acknowledgments: The authors thank ECBio S.A. for providing the hnMSCs and F.A. Beland (NCTR, Jefferson, AR, USA) for the kind donation of nevirapine. FCT (UID/DTP/04138/2019, UID/QUI/00100/2019, RECI/QEQ-MED/0330/2012, SFRH/BD/144130/2019 to J.S.R., SFRH/BD/110945/2015 to P.F.P. and CEECIND/02001/2017 to A.M.M.A) are also acknowledged.The need for competent in vitro liver models for toxicological assessment persists. The differentiation of stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) has been adopted due to its human origin and availability. Our aim was to study the usefulness of an in vitro 3D model of mesenchymal stem cell-derived HLCs. 3D spheroids (3D-HLC) or monolayer (2D-HLC) cultures of HLCs were treated with the hepatotoxic drug nevirapine (NVP) for 3 and 10 days followed by analyses of Phase I and II metabolites, biotransformation enzymes and drug transporters involved in NVP disposition. To ascertain the toxic effects of NVP and its major metabolites, the changes in the glutathione net flux were also investigated. Phase I enzymes were induced in both systems yielding all known correspondent NVP metabolites. However, 3D-HLCs showed higher biocompetence in producing Phase II NVP metabolites and upregulating Phase II enzymes and MRP7. Accordingly, NVP-exposure led to decreased glutathione availability and alterations in the intracellular dynamics disfavoring free reduced glutathione and glutathionylated protein pools. Overall, these results demonstrate the adequacy of the 3D-HLC model for studying the bioactivation/metabolism of NVP representing a further step to unveil toxicity mechanisms associated with glutathione net flux changes.publishersversionpublishe

3D-MSCs A151 ODN-Loaded Exosomes Are Immunomodulatory And Reveal A Proteomic Cargo That Sustains Wound Resolution

Introduction Non-healing wounds remain a major burden due to the lack of effective treatments. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) have emerged as therapeutic options given their pro-regenerative and immunomodulatory features. Still, little is known on the exact mechanisms mediated by MSC-Exo. Importantly, modulation of their efficacy through 3D-physiologic cultures together with loading strategies continues underexplored. Objectives To uncover the MSC-Exo-mediated mechanism via proteomic analyses, and to use 3D-culture and loading technologies to expand MSC-Exo efficacy for cutaneous wound healing. Methods MSC-Exo were produced in either 3D or 2D cultures (Exo3D/Exo2D) and loaded with an exogenous immunosuppressive oligodeoxynucleotide (A151 ODN). Both, loaded and naïve exosomes were characterised regarding size, morphology and the presence of specific protein markers; while IPA analyses enabled to correlate their protein content with the effects observed in vitro and in vivo. The Exo3D/Exo2D regenerative potential was evaluated in vitro by assessing keratinocyte and fibroblast mitogenicity, motogenicity, and cytokine secretion as well as using an in vivo wound splinting model. Accordingly, the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses by A151-loaded Exo3D/Exo2D was also assessed. Results Exo3D stimulated mitogenically and motogenically keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro, with upregulation of IL-1α and VEGF-α or increased secretion of TGF-β, TNF-α and IL-10. In vivo, Exo3D reduced the granulation tissue area and promoted complete re-epithelization of the wound. These observations were sustained by the proteomic profiling of the Exo3D cargo that identified wound healing-related proteins, such as TGF-β, ITGA1-3/5, IL-6, CDC151, S100A10 and Wnt5α. Moreover, when loaded with A151 ODN, Exo3D differentially mediated wound healing-related trophic factors reducing the systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α at the late stage of wound healing in vivo. Conclusion Our results support the potential of A151-loaded Exo3D for the treatment of chronic wounds by promoting skin regeneration, while modulating the systemic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokinesThis study was partially supported by FCT (PTDC/MED-TOX/29183/2017, PTDC/MED-QUI/31721/2017 and PTDC/SAU-SER/30197/2017), by strategic funding for iMed.ULisboa (UIDB/04138/2020 and UIDP/04138/2020), for UnIC (UID/00051/2020) and for iBiMED (UID/BIM/04501/2020), and by European Union, Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN), Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) and Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade (COMPETE) (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007628 and LISBOA-01-0145- FEDER-030197). VIB Proteomics Core and COST Actions (EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020) CA16113 and CA16119 are also acknowledged. The authors thank Dr. Tânia Carvalho for her valuable assistance on histological analysis. SPC also acknowledges EFIS-IL short-term fellowship.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Orientação pedagógica: estudo sobre as perceções, expectativas e necessidades de alunos doutorandos

A presente comunicação integra a apresentação de resultados de um estudo que tem como objectivo compreender as percepções, expectativas e necessidades de alunos de doutoramento e doutorados face à orientação recebida ao longo do percurso académico. A recolha de dados foi realizada através de questionário e incluía as seguintes secções: dados sociodemográficos; aliança de aprendizagem entre o orientador e o orientando, disponibilidade mental, área disciplinar de especialização, perícia técnica, conhecimento contextual, critérios para o sucesso do doutoramento. O estudo contou com a participação de alunos doutorandos e doutorados, com idades a partir dos 25 anos, das áreas das ciências sociais, artes e humanidades, ciências exatas e da saúde, sendo que a maioria dos inquiridos se situa na área metropolitana de Lisboa Os resultados obtidos permitem-nos aferir que há por parte dos inquiridos a valorização da orientação doutoral, por ser um processo que “possibilita um amadurecimento do conhecimento obtido e disseminado” (sic), assim como aponta para as vulnerabilidades e dificuldades existentes no processo de acompanhamento. São apresentadas propostas de melhoria deste contexto que possam potenciar a relação orientador-orientando e o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional dos implicados.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of the APE1 Redox Function Inhibitor E3330 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Exposed to Cisplatin : Increased Cytotoxicity and Impairment of Cell Migration and Invasion

Elevated expression levels of the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) have been correlated with the more aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to assess the impact of the inhibition of the redox function of APE1 with E3330 either alone or in combination with cisplatin in NSCLC cells. For this purpose, complementary endpoints focusing on cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and migration/invasion were studied. Cisplatin decreased the viability of H1975 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with IC values of 9.6 µM for crystal violet assay and 15.9 µM for 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. E3330 was clearly cytotoxic for concentrations above 30 µM. The co-incubation of E3330 and cisplatin significantly decreased cell viability compared to cisplatin alone. Regarding cell cycle distribution, cisplatin led to an increase in sub-G1, whereas the co-treatment with E3330 did not change this profile, which was then confirmed in terms of % apoptotic cells. In addition, the combination of E3330 and cisplatin at low concentrations decreased collective and chemotactic migration, and also chemoinvasion, by reducing these capabilities up to 20%. Overall, these results point to E3330 as a promising compound to boost cisplatin therapy that warrants further investigation in NSCLC