Modality, presupposition and discourse

This paper provides a semantic analysis of the particles afinal (European Portuguese) and alla fine (Italian) in terms of the notion of truth unpersistence, which can be situated at the intersection of epistemic modality and discourse structure. In the analysis proposed, the particles are propositional operators and require that the truth of a proposition p* fail to persist through a temporal succession of epistemic states, this proposition being incompatible with the prejacent, and that the interlocutors share knowledge of a previous epistemic attitude toward p*. We analyze two main cases (plan-related and non plan-related propositions) and also show that these particles are indexical to one (or more) epistemic agent(s) and allow for shifts in perspective

Young people and their practices of access and consumption of news in social media

As transformações no panorama mediático e as implicações destas ao nível do uso dos media pelas gerações mais jovens têm sido objeto de estudo de várias investigações. Os estudos em torno desta problemática documentam que os mais jovens revelam apatia e desinteresse pelas questões “sérias” da sociedade e do mundo, tal como falta de motivação para acompanhar estes assuntos. Assumindo este quadro teórico, este artigo tem como objetivo compreender os modos de apropriação que os jovens adultos fazem dos media sociais e de como estes se podem constituir como veículos para o acompanhamento da atualidade, o desenvolvimento de competências de literacia mediática e a participação cívica. Do ponto de vista metodológico, esta investigação envolveu a realização de quatro grupos de foco junto de 24 jovens universitários das zonas de Coimbra e de Lisboa, provenientes de distintos contextos familiares e sociais. As principais conclusões revelam um consumo passivo e quase exclusivo de informação on-line, ceticismo e descrença em relação aos media tradicionais, desconfiança nos media digitais, generalização da ideia de “notícia falsa”, envolvimento cívico muito reduzido e descrença na relevância da participação ativa, e perceção de que os mais jovens não são públicos da notícia.The transformations in the media landscape and their implications for the use of the media by the younger generations have been the object of study of several researches. Studies on this problematic document that young people are apathetic and have lack of interest in the "serious"issues of society and the world, such as lack of motivation to follow up on these issues. Assuming this theoretical framework, this paper aims to understand the ways of appropriation that young adults do social media and how these can be as means for monitoring current events, the development of media literacy and civic participation. From the methodological point of view, this research involved the development of four focus groups among 24 university students from the Coimbra and Lisbon areas, from different family and social contexts. The main conclusions reveal a passive and almost exclusive consumption of online information, scepticism and disbelief in relation to traditional media, distrust of digital media, generalization of the idea of "fake news", very reduced civic engagement and disbelief in the relevance of active participation, and perception that younger people are not audiences of the news.A Revista Estudos em Comunicação é financiada por Fundos FEDER através do Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade – COMPETE e por Fundos Nacionais através da FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia no âmbito do projeto Comunicação, Filosofia e Humanidades (LabCom.IFP) UID/CCI/00661/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Plasma membrane-specific interactome analysis reveals calpain 1 as a druggable modulator of rescued Phe508del-CFTR cell surface stability

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel normally expressed at the surface of epithelial cells. The most frequent mutation, resulting in Phe-508 deletion, causes CFTR misfolding and its premature degradation. Low temperature or pharmacological correctors can partly rescue the Phe508del-CFTR processing defect and enhance trafficking of this channel variant to the plasma membrane (PM). Nevertheless, the rescued channels have an increased endocytosis rate, being quickly removed from the PM by the peripheral protein quality-control pathway. We previously reported that rescued Phe508del-CFTR (rPhe508del) can be retained at the cell surface by stimulating signaling pathways that coax the adaptor molecule ezrin (EZR) to tether rPhe508del–Na+/H+-exchange regulatory factor-1 (NHERF1) complexes to the actin cytoskeleton, thereby averting the rapid internalization of this channel variant. However, the molecular basis for why rPhe508del fails to recruit active EZR to the PM remains elusive. Here, using a proteomics approach, we characterized and compared the core components of wt-CFTR– or rPhe508del–containing macromolecular complexes at the surface of human bronchial epithelial cells. We identified calpain 1 (CAPN1) as an exclusive rPhe508del interactor that prevents active EZR recruitment, impairs rPhe508del anchoring to actin, and reduces its stability in the PM. We show that either CAPN1 downregulation or its chemical inhibition dramatically improves the functional rescue of Phe508del-CFTR in airway cells. These observations suggest that CAPN1 constitutes an attractive target for pharmacological intervention, as part of CF combination therapies restoring Phe508del-CFTR function.This work was supported by a center grant UID/MULTI/04046/2019 to BioISI and project PTDC/BIA-CEL/28408/2017 and IF2012 to PM, both from FCT, Portugal. AMM was recipient of fellowship SFRH/BD/52490/2014 from BioSYS PhD programme PD65-2012, and PB of fellowship SFRH/BPD/94322/2013.N/

Embrapa Technological Information: a bridge between research and society

This paper presents the efforts undertaken by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation regarding Science and Technology information management, through one of its Decentralized Units, Embrapa Technological Information (Scientific and Technological Information Service', SCT). The major aim of SCT is to promote and improve the processes of scientific communication - information that feeds and that results from research activities - and of science and technology dissemination - information that results from research activities and that is directed to the general publi

Bioavailability of heavy metals and their effects on the midgut cells of a phytopaghous insect inhabiting volcanic environments

© 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Organisms living in volcanic environments are chronically exposed to metals, either as particles or associated with gases, from volcanic emissions, being therefore potential sentinels of the effects derived from such exposure. Concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Mg, Mn, Pb, Rb, and Zn were measured in soil, grass (Lolium perenne), and larvae of Pseudaletia uninpuncta captured in sites exposed and non-exposed to volcanic activity. The midgut epithelial cell morphometry and apoptosis of P. unipuncta larvae were also analyzed. Larvae from the site with volcanic activity showed higher levels of Cu, Mn, Rb and Zn. Metals such as Pb, Cd and Mg levels of P. unipuncta larvae were similar between sites. Apoptosis was higher in cells from digestive epithelium of larvae exposed to volcanic activity. Soils and grass not exposed to volcanic activity showed higher levels for most of the analyzed elements with the exception of Rb. Such result when compared with metal levels of larvae may reveal that bioavailability of elements differs between sites. The higher levels of Cd, Zn and Mg in soils and grass from the site with no volcanic activity are probably related to the severe artificial fertilization in the studied pastures. Such result, when compared with metal levels of larvae, suggest that the bioavailability of metals differs between sites.CIRN, Centro de Investigação de Recursos Naturais, Ponta Delgada

Identity discourses and European Union: an exploratory study with Portuguese young people

Nesta comunicação apresentamos resultados parciais de um estudo exploratório desenvolvido com estudantes universitários portugueses com o objetivo de identificar os seus discursos e o sentimento de pertença sobre a União Europeia. Aferimos uma ligação à identidade europeia essencialmente centrada nas questões geográfica e económica. Os resultados permitem inferir um desfasamento quanto à realidade do funcionamento da União Europeia e um sentimento de pertença a uma identidade nacional associada a hábitos e costumes. A participação cívica e política nas esferas nacional e europeia é muito reduzida.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Exposure of thermoelectric power-plant workers to volatile organic compounds from fuel oil: Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in buccal epithelial cells

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Thermoelectric power-plant workers are constantly exposed to high levels of potentially genotoxic gaseous substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the combustion of fuel oil or the processing of naphtha. The aim of the present study was to estimate the association between such occupational exposure and the frequency of micronucleated cells and cells with other nuclear anomalies. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from a total of 44 power-plant workers (exposed group) and 47 administrative workers (non-exposed group), and examined for the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) and of cells with other nuclear anomalies (ONA: pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis) by means of the micronucleus assay. The frequencies of MNC and ONA per 1000 cells in the exposed group (1.8‰ and 82.4‰, respectively) were significantly higher than in the non-exposed group (0.2‰ and 58.3‰, respectively). The exposed group had a twelve-fold increase in risk for formation of MNC compared with non-exposed individuals (RR = 12.1; 95% CI, 5.0–29.2; P < 0.001). The confounding factors analyzed (age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and mouthwash use) did not show any significant association with the frequency of MNC or ONA. The findings of this study show that workers from power plants exposed to VOCs have a significantly elevated risk for DNA damage. Therefore, bio-monitoring of DNA damage is recommended for this group of workers

Study on the frequency of caries and associated factors in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more prone to certain disturbances of oral cavity but there are controversies concerning caries. This cross-sectional study investigated the frequency of caries and associated factors, in a sample of population with or without type 1 DM, including non-diabetic (53 women, 31 men) and 30 diabetic subjects (19 women, 11 men) aged 17-28 years. Diagnosis of dental caries was based on the DMF-T index (D= decay; M= miss; F= fill; T= teeth); in addition, a plaque control record (PCR) was obtained. A preponderance of female sex was found within the groups studied but such proportions did not differ when comparing diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Mean ages were 21.0 ± 2.2 and 19.5 ± 1.8 years, respectively for subjects without and with DM (p< 0.05). Education level was higher in the non-diabetic group as well as the DMF-T index (10.5 ± 5.8 vs. 6.7 ± 5.7, p< 0.01). Linear regression analysis (n= 114) showed significant associations of DMF-T with age, sucrose intake, daily frequency of tooth brushing, of dental floss use, PCR and of visits to the dentist. By ANOVA model with age as a covariate the non-diabetic condition (p= 0.047), sucrose index and PCR (r²= 0.820) were independently associated with the DMF-T. In the diabetic-specific model, with only the diabetic subjects included and sucrose index as a covariate, DM duration, fundus abnormality and PCR were significantly associated with the presence of caries (r²= 0.816). The sample of type 1 diabetic subjects suggest that they are less prone to caries than non-diabetics, despite having a higher frequency of meals, less tooth brushing and dental floss use. We speculate that DM duration may contribute to the occurrence of caries and restricted sucrose consumption to lower frequency of caries in diabetic subjects.Indivíduos com diabetes mellitus (DM) são mais susceptíveis a doenças da cavidade bucal, havendo controvérsias quanto à cárie. Este estudo transversal investigou a freqüência de cárie e fatores associados em amostra portadora ou não de DM tipo 1, incluindo-se 84 jovens não-diabéticos (53F / 31M) e 30 diabéticos (19F / 11M) entre 17-28 anos. O diagnóstico de cárie baseou-se no índice de CPO-D (dentes C= cariados; P= perdidos; O= obturados); além deste, foi obtido registro de controle de placa (RCP). Nos grupos estudados houve predomínio do sexo feminino, embora estas proporções não tenham diferido entre os grupos diabético e não-diabético. As médias de idade foram de 21,0 ± 2,2 e 19,5 ± 1,8 anos, respectivamente para indivíduos sem e com DM (p< 0,05). A escolaridade foi mais elevada no grupo não-diabético, assim como o índice de CPO-D (10,5 ± 5,8 vs. 6,7 ± 5,7; p< 0,01). A análise de regressão simples (n= 114) mostrou associações significantes da CPO-D com idade, consumo de sacarose, número de escovações diárias, uso do fio dental, RCP e de visitas ao dentista. Em modelo de ANOVA, tendo a idade como co-variável, associaram-se significantemente à CPO-D a condição não-diabética, índice de sacarose e RCP (r²= 0,820). No modelo que incluiu apenas o grupo com DM, tendo o índice de sacarose como co-variável, o tempo de DM, anormalidade da fundoscopia e RCP associaram-se significantemente à cárie (r²= 0,816). A amostra de indivíduos diabéticos sugere que estes apresentam menos cáries que os não-diabéticos, apesar de realizarem maior número de refeições e menor uso de escovação e fio dental. Especula-se que a duração do DM possa contribuir para ocorrência de cárie e o consumo restrito de sacarose para menor freqüência de cárie em portadores de DM.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Medicina PreventivaUSPUNIFESP, Depto. de Medicina PreventivaSciEL

Approach to renal glycosuria in children: a case report

Introduction: The accidental finding of glycosuria should lead to the exclusion of diabetes mellitus. In the absence of hyperglycemia, glycosuria is probably of renal origin. It can be isolated, as in familiar renal glycosuria, or it can be part of a hereditary tubular disorder such as Fanconi-Bickel syndrome or associated with an acquired tubular dysfunction. The renal and tubular function should be investigated. Case report: The authors describe the case of a previously healthy five-year old child with persistent glycosuria of renal cause. The investigation showed the coexistence of elevated renal excretion of glycine. Discussion: Familiar renal glycosuria and hyperglycinuria are caused by genetic defects in different renal tubular membrane transporters. The rare association of glycosuria and glycinuria was only described in one family in the 1960’s. The authors discuss the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of this association and the importance of studying other tubulopathies in a child with glycosuria as it has prognostic and clinical management implications.Introdução: A deteção ocasional de glicosúria obriga à exclusão de diabetes mellitus. Na ausência de hiperglicemia deve considerar-se glicosúria de causa renal, podendo ser isolada, como na glicosúria renal familiar, ou estar associada a tubulopatias hereditárias, como na síndrome de Fanconi-Bickel, ou a disfunção tubular adquirida, obrigando a investigação da função renal e tubular. Caso clínico: Os autores descrevem um caso de uma criança de cinco anos, saudável, com glicosúria persistente de causa renal em que a investigação demonstrou a coexistência de excreção aumentada de glicina. Discussão: A glicosúria renal familiar e a hiperglicinúria são causadas por defeitos genéticos em diferentes transportadores de membrana do túbulo renal. A associação rara de glicosúria e glicinúria foi apenas descrita numa família em 1960. Os autores discutem os possíveis mecanismos fisiopatológicos desta associação e a importância de diagnosticar tubulopatias associadas numa criança com glicosúria, em termos prognósticos e de orientação clínica