Origin and evolution of the β-lactam resistance determinant in staphylococci

In staphylococci, resistance to methicillin and to all β-lactam antibiotics is provided by the mecA gene, which encodes a penicillin-binding protein with low affinity to β-lactams (PBP2a). The mecA is carried by a mobile genetic element, the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), one of the most widely studied bacterial pathogenicity islands. SCCmec carries mecA and its regulators (the mec complex), as well as cassette chromosome recombinases encoded by ccr genes that form the ccr complex. These recombinases assure the mobility of the cassette. In addition, SCCmec cassettes carry joining regions (J regions) that link the orfX to the mec complex (J3); the mec complex to the ccr complex (J2) and the ccr complex to the end of the cassette (J1). The J regions can carry additional antibiotic resistance determinants, transposons, insertion sequences and plasmids. The SCCmec element always inserts at the same site in the bacterial chromosome, downstream orfX (which encodes a RNA methyltransferase), located 500 kb downstream the origin of replication. SCCmec is a very diverse element; so far eleven different types have been identified in Staphylococcus aureus and many more are probably carried by coagulase-negative staphylococcal species. SCCmec is transferred horizontally among strains and species of Staphylococcus, through an unknown molecular mechanism.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Intervenção no Palacete das Almas

A presente dissertação consiste na realização de um projeto de arquitetura, que visa a intervenção num palacete de um torna viagem, construído entre o século XIX e o início do século XX, na cidade de Esposende, Braga. Pretende-se, com esta dissertação, que sejam relembradas as histórias e o fenómeno do brasileiro de torna-viagem, que emigrou em busca de novas condições de vida, onde atualmente, é considerado uma personagem-tipo da sociedade portuguesa por todos os investimentos realizados nas suas aldeias / cidade natal. Com a intenção de valorizar esta tipologia arquitetónica, por forma a preservar esta época histórica, para a cidade de Esposende, a presente dissertação aborda um conjunto de edificações desta tipologia, onde analisa cada caso, de forma a valorizar a identidade do objeto de estudo, o Palacete das Almas e ao mesmo tempo, definir um novo uso como espaço residencial artístico, para o palacete desabitado. Além de utilizar o método de estudo de caso, proposto por Yin (2003) e Groat & Wang (2002), que se traduz na utilização da análise documental, recolha de dados e trabalho de campo, notas de campo, fotografia foram tambem utilizadas fichas síntese, dos seis casos de referência, pertencentes a dois grupos, o grupo I - Intervenção em palacetes no Norte de Portugal e o grupo II - Intervenção de adaptação de palacetes a um novo uso, que foram sintetizadas, num quadro de análise global. Os temas abordados, contribuem para o conhecimento local da cidade de Esposende, bem como para esta época histórica e para a problemática especifica existente na cidade, a degradação de palacetes de torna viagens, que carateriza o projeto que se desenvolve. O projeto de arquitetura, surge como materialização desta investigação, que permite adaptar o programa de residências artísticas a um edifício desabitado, onde completa as necessidades existentes na cidade de Esposende. Conceptualmente o desenho da nova intervenção é minimizado pelo baixo impacto volumétrico, onde a criação de novas dinâmicas, existem, a pensar na presença de dois edifícios, em dois momentos históricos, claramente definidos.ABSTRACT The following dissertation consist of the accomplishment of an architectural project concerning the intervention of a villa built by a brazilian migrant between the XIX and XX centuries, in Esposende, Braga. Within this dissertation, we set the intention to remember the stories and the phenomenon of the brazilian migrant, who departed in the search of a new life, where nowadays he is considered a type-character of the Portuguese society due to all the investments accomplished in their villages or cities. With the intention of valuing this architectural typology in order to preserve this historical period for the city of Esposende, this dissertation consider a set of buildings of such typology, where it analyses each case, to value the identity of the Palacete das Almas , which is the object of this study and, simultaneously, determine a new purpose of this uninhabited mansion as an Art Residential space. In addition to use the method of the case study proposed by Yin (2003) and Groat & Wang (2002), where it was utilized documentary analysis, data collection, field notes and photography it was also consulted the synthesis tables of the six reference cases, belonged to two groups: Group I - Intervention in palaces in the North of Portugal, and Group II - Intervention of adaptation of palaces to a new purpose, which were synthesized within a framework of global analysis. The subjects discussed contribute to the local knowledge of the city of Esposende, as well as for this hitorical epoch and for the specific problematic existing in the city, which is the degradation of the architecture built by these immigrants. This problematic characterizes the project that is developed here and it has emerged due to this research, allowing to adapt this program of artistic residences to an uninhabited building, where it completes the existing needs in the city of Esposende. Conceptually the design of the new intervention is minimized by the low volumetric impact, where the creation of new dynamics exists, through the presence of two buildings, in two historical moments, clearly defined. KEYWORDS: Portuguese heritage | Artist residency | Vill

A Regulação dos processos de aprendizagem em trabalho de estudo autónomo

Relatório de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção de grau de mestre em Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico e de Matemática e Ciências Naturais no 2.º Ciclo do Ensino BásicoO Presente relatório desenvolve-se no âmbito da Unidade Curricular de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada II, inserida no segundo ano do Mestrado do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico e de Matemática e Ciências Naturais no 2.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico. Ao longo deste trabalho constituído por duas partes são mencionados os aspetos mais relevantes para a realização do estudo que serve de tema a este relatório. Neste sentido, na primeira parte são descritos e analisados, de forma reflexiva, a intervenção realizada nos dois contextos de estágio, um numa turma de 4.º ano de escolaridade de uma instituição de ensino privada, localizada em Lisboa, e o outro em duas turmas de 5.º ano de escolaridade de uma escola pública, situada, também, na cidade de Lisboa. A segunda parte do relatório diz respeito ao estudo realizado numa turma de 4.º ano de escolaridade, com o tema A Regulação dos Processos de Aprendizagem em TEA. Assim, pode-se afirmar que o principal objetivo da realização do mesmo, era estudar os processos de desenvolvimento da autonomia e responsabilização dos alunos em Trabalho de Estudo Autónomo. Com conformidade com o mesmo delinearam-se três objetivos específicos: i) caracterizar a forma como o TEA é implementado em sala de aula ii) caracterizar as competências de autonomia e responsabilização dos alunos em TEA na fase de observação da PES II (potencialidades e fragilidades); e iii) Comparar as competências de autonomia e responsabilização, desenvolvidas pelos alunos em TEA no início e final da PES II. De forma a dar respostas a todos os objetivos apresentados, realizou-se um estudo de natureza qualitativa, onde se utilizaram diversas técnicas de recolha de dados, como observação direta e participante, análise documental e técnica de conversação (inquéritos). Como técnica de análise dos dados recolhidos, foram seguidos os procedimentos propostos por Bardin (2013). Os resultados deste estudo permitiram identificar o Trabalho de Estudo Autónomo como uma rotina de sala de aula que desenvolve as competências de autonomia e de responsabilização nos alunos, desde que os alunos e professor estejam envolvidos no processo.Throughout both sections contemplated in this paper, there will be mention to the most relevant aspects when conducting the research on which this report is based upon. In the first section, the intervention conducted in both internship contexts (one being in a 4th grade class from an educational private institution located in Lisbon and the second being two 5th grade classes from a public school, also located in Lisbon) is presented and thoroughly analysed. The second part of this report is concerning the study conducted in a 4th grade class, with the theme Students’ Autonomy and Responsibility within Autonomous Study Time. Therefore, the main objective to retrieve from overseeing this study will be to determine and study the processes of the regulation of learning processes in within an Autonomous Study Workflow. With this in mind, three main specific objectives were determined: i) Characterization of how TEA is implemented in the classroom; ii) Characterization of autonomy and responsibility skills in TEA in the PES II observation phase (potential and fragilities); e iii) Comparison between the initial and final PES II phases of autonomy and responsibility skills developed by students in TEA. In order to measure and provide answers to the proposed objectives, a qualitative study was performed where several data collection techniques were implemented, such as direct and participant observation, documental analysis, and conversion technique (inquires). For data analysis purposes, Bardin’s (2013) procedures were followed and implemented. The results obtained from this study allowed the identification of the Autonomous Study Workflow as a classroom routine that boosts autonomy and responsibility skills in students, as long as both students and teachers and involved in the process.N/

Viajar no tempo com a música: Indução do humor através da música e as narrativas autobiográficas

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA - Instituto Universitário para obtenção do grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia ClínicaPela sua relevância na identidade, sentido de vida e relações estabelecidas, as memórias autobiográficas constituem um elemento essencial na compreensão do ser humano. As narrativas verbais de acontecimentos autobiográficos constituem um processo de conversão de memórias autobiográficas em palavras, que permitem uma melhor integração das experiências individuais e subjetivas de cada um, a par da sua comunicação. Para além disso, essa transformação de memórias em palavras permite o estudo das mesmas. O objetivo desta investigação foi estudar a influência da indução do humor através da música (triste/alegre) nas narrativas de acontecimentos autobiográficos. Foi aplicado um protocolo constituído pela Tarefa de Narrativas Autobiográficas, Escala de Avaliação Emocional, Inventário de Depressão de Beck, Inventário de Ansiedade Estado e Traço, Escala de Desejabilidade Social, Escala de Vinculação do Adulto e Inventário de Sintomas Psicopatológicos, a uma amostra de 66 sujeitos, estudantes universitários. Metade dos participantes foi sujeito à audição de uma Música Triste e a outra metade à audição de uma Música Alegre. Foi encontrado um efeito de congruência das valências emocionais dos estados afetivos reportados depois da audição das músicas tanto em relação à valência emocional da música, como à valência emocional da narrativa autobiográfica. Não foram encontradas diferenças nas valências emocionais das narrativas entre indivíduos com e sem sintomatologia psicopatológica, nem entre padrões de vinculação seguros/inseguros. Foi encontrada uma diferença no número de palavras usado em narrativas emocionalmente ambivalentes relativamente às puramente negativas ou positivas. Analisou-se e discutiu-se, à luz da literatura existente, o conteúdo das narrativas.ABSTRACT: Because of their impact in self-identity, meaning of life and establishment of relationships, autobiographical memories are an essential element when one tries to understand the human being. Verbal narratives of autobiographical events constitute a converting process of memories into words, which allows a better integration of individual and subjective experiences, along with communication. Moreover, the transformation of memories into words allows their study. The aim of this research was to study the influence of mood induction through music (sad/cheerful) in narratives of autobiographical events. An investigating protocol formed by the Autobiographical Narrative Task, Emotional Assessment Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, Social Desirability Scale, Adult Attachment Scale, and Brief Symptom Inventory was applied to a sample of 66 subjects, all university students. Half of them were exposed to the cheerful music, and the other half to the sad music. It was found a congruence effect between the emotional valences of the affective states reported after the hearing of the music and both the emotional valence of the song and the emotional valence of the narrative given. No differences were found in the emotional valences between individuals with/without psychopathology, neither between secure/insecure attachment patterns. A difference was found in the number of words used in autobiographical narratives between emotional ambivalent narratives and purely negative or positive narratives. In the light of preexistent findings, the content of the narratives was analyzed and discussed

O cátalogo como obra do curador

A presente dissertação centra-se na problemática da curadoria, a sua presença nos catálogos de exposições temporárias e as noções de obra e autor (inserida no ramo de gestão cultural, devido à temática artística patente na figura curatorial e com tónica no reconhecimento do ser obra). O estudo incide sobre 92 catálogos de exposições em arte contemporânea publicados em Lisboa. Procurando compreender de que modo podem ser identificados como obras do curador. Deste ponto de partida, realiza-se inicialmente um percurso sucinto pelo entendimento do papel e funções do curador desde o aparecimento dos objetos-obras. Estabelecendo relações com as atividades atualmente ditas curatoriais e as primeiras atividades realizadas em prol da proteção e conservação destes objetos-obras. De seguida procura-se uma compreensão da exposição e do catálogo como obras pelo seu contraste a referências e noções da arte contemporânea. A dissertação elabora uma análise dos catálogos, verificando como é possível reconhecer a existência do curador e o modo como seu discurso o denuncia como autor. Contempla-se ainda a perceção da relação entre a exposição e o catálogo, no sentido de contribuir para a reflexão sobre a curadoria. Deste estudo resulta um conjunto de considerações sobre a autoria do curador perante o catálogo, considerando as tipologias de catálogo, curador e espaço definidas a partir das quais se conclui no sentido da consideração do catálogo como um prolongamento da exposição e obra do curador.This dissertation focuses on curatorial issues of the temporary exhibition catalogs and the concept of art work and the author (comprised in the cultural management field, due to the existing artistic theme in curatorial figure and emphasizing the recognition of the art work). This project focuses on 92 contemporary art exhibition catalogs that were published in Lisbon, seeking to understand how they can be recognized as curators work. Through this starting point takes place a brief tour over the understanding of the role and tasks of the curator since the advent of art-object, establishing interactions with current activities stated as curatorial and the first conducted activities to promote the protection and conservation of these art–objects. Thereafter starts the understanding of the exhibition and the catalog as art works through divergences to references and notions of contemporary art. In this sense, this dissertation performs a small analysis of the catalogs confirming that it is possible to recognize the existence of a curator and the way its speech discloses him as an author. It also studies the established relation between the exhibit and the catalog, and through this analyses and theoretical reflections intends to contribute to the increase of the perception of the role of the curator. From this study outcomes some interpretations on authorship of the curator over the catalog, that vary according to the catalog types, curator and spac

Farnesol antimicrobial role as biofilm cell detachment inducer in S. epidermidis biofilms

Objetives: Farnesol is a naturally-occurring sesquiterpene that was originally isolated from essential oils found in many plants has been described to have antimicrobial potential against several bacteria, including S. epidermidis. However, farnesol mechanism of action is not yet fully understood and some contradictory findings have been reported. We recently described that while farnesol was not efficient at killing biofilm bacteria, a strong reduction on biofilm biomass was detected, and we hypothesize that farnesol could be inducing biofilm detachment. Here, we address this hypothesis. Methods: To test our hypothesis we used 36 representative clinical strains of S. epidermidis from different parts of the world and characterized them in terms of genetic variability, biofilm formation and on the effect of farnesol on biofilm physiology and gene expression. Results: Farnesol had no bactericidal effect on stationary phase populations equal or above 108 CFU/mL. In exponential phase planktonic bacteria, farnesol showed a bacteriostatic effect after cell density reached 108 CFU/mL. In any of the growth phases studied, farnesol was effective in killing above 90% of bacteria in 4 h when cell density was 107 CFU/mL or below. Confocal microscopy and flow citometry analysis confirmed that in biofilms bacteria were not killed by farnesol but nevertheless cell wall integrity was affected. Gene expression studies revealed differential responses to farnesol, depending on the bacterial strain tested. Farnesol cell detachement from biofilms was also straindependent. Conclusions: We found that while farnesol cannot kill high density bacterial communities, such as biofilms, it was nevertheless able to induce biofilm detachment in 50% of the strains that formed biofilm

Dequalinium chloride effectively disrupts bacterial vaginosis (BV) Gardnerella spp. biofilms

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection worldwide. It is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic vaginal pathogens such as Gardnerella spp. BV has been associated with the occurrence of dense multispecies biofilms on the vaginal mucosa. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections such as BV is challenging. In this study, we have tested the role of a quaternary ammonium compound, dequalinium chloride (DQC), in the eradication of Gardnerella spp. biofilms. The effects of the test substance on the biomass and the metabolic activity of the biofilm of Gardnerella spp. were assessed in vitro using a microtiter plate assay. In addition, the effect of DQC on the Gardnerella spp. biofilm was further assessed by using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that DQC was particularly effective in the destruction of BV-associated Gardnerella spp. biotypes, impacting both their biomass and metabolic activity. In addition, the disruption of biofilm architecture was evident and was probably caused by multiple mechanisms of action. We conclude that DQC is an antibiofilm agent and is able to efficiently destroy Gardnerella spp. BV-associated biofilms. Therefore, it is a valid option for BV therapy and has the potential to prevent BV recurrences.This work was supported by national funds from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal (Project UIDB/00709/2020), and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the Portugal 2020 Program, through the Regional Operational Program of the Center (Centro2020), through the Project with the reference UIDB/00709/2020. C. Gaspar was supported by fellowship SFRH/BDE/112920/2015 from FCT; J. Rolo was supported by fellowship SFRH/BPD/115145/2016 from FCT. The human resources, consumables, and reagents, as well as publication charges, were partially funded by Medinova, Switzerland. All the results achieved are reported in this document (including negative results), and no member of Medinova interfered in the experimental design or discussion of results.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on intestinal cell integrity and morphology

Os autores agradecem à FCT/MCTES pelo financiamento com fundos nacionais relativos ao projeto earlyMYCO (PTDC/MED-TOX/28762/2017) e ao CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020 +UIDB/50017/2020+LA/P/0094/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Adverse Outcome Pathways Associated with the Ingestion of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles—A Systematic Review

Funding Information: This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC), PTDC/SAU-PUB/29481/2017 and co-funded by UIDB/00009/2020 (Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health—ToxOmics (UIDP/00009/2020; UIDB/00009/2020), iMed.ULisboa (UIDB/04138/2020+UIDP/04138/2020), CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020+LA/P/0094/2020), and BioISI (UID/MULTI/04046/2019). N.V. thanks the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, e Ensino Superior, for her PhD grant 2020.07168.BD. L.G. was supported by FCT Individual CEEC as a Principal Researcher Grant (CEECIND/03143/2017) and R.A. as an Assistant Researcher Grant (CEECIND/01570/2018). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are widely used, and humans are exposed through food (E171), cosmetics (e.g., toothpaste), and pharmaceuticals. The oral and gastrointestinal (GIT) tract are the first contact sites, but it may be systemically distributed. However, a robust adverse outcome pathway (AOP) has not been developed upon GIT exposure to TiO2-NPs. The aim of this review was to provide an integrative analysis of the published data on cellular and molecular mechanisms triggered after the ingestion of TiO2-NPs, proposing plausible AOPs that may drive policy decisions. A systematic review according to Prisma Methodology was performed in three databases of peer-reviewed literature: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 787 records were identified, screened in title/abstract, being 185 used for data extraction. The main endpoints identified were oxidative stress, cytotoxicity/apoptosis/cell death, inflammation, cellular and systemic uptake, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. From the results, AOPs were proposed where colorectal cancer, liver injury, reproductive toxicity, cardiac and kidney damage, as well as hematological effects stand out as possible adverse outcomes. The recent transgenerational studies also point to concerns with regard to population effects. Overall, the findings further support a limitation of the use of TiO2-NPs in food, announced by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).publishersversionpublishe

Adverse Outcome Pathways Associated with the Ingestion of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles - A Systematic Review

This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Toxicity and Cytotoxicity of NanomaterialsReviewTitanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are widely used, and humans are exposed through food (E171), cosmetics (e.g., toothpaste), and pharmaceuticals. The oral and gastrointestinal (GIT) tract are the first contact sites, but it may be systemically distributed. However, a robust adverse outcome pathway (AOP) has not been developed upon GIT exposure to TiO2-NPs. The aim of this review was to provide an integrative analysis of the published data on cellular and molecular mechanisms triggered after the ingestion of TiO2-NPs, proposing plausible AOPs that may drive policy decisions. A systematic review according to Prisma Methodology was performed in three databases of peer-reviewed literature: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 787 records were identified, screened in title/abstract, being 185 used for data extraction. The main endpoints identified were oxidative stress, cytotoxicity/apoptosis/cell death, inflammation, cellular and systemic uptake, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. From the results, AOPs were proposed where colorectal cancer, liver injury, reproductive toxicity, cardiac and kidney damage, as well as hematological effects stand out as possible adverse outcomes. The recent transgenerational studies also point to concerns with regard to population effects. Overall, the findings further support a limitation of the use of TiO2-NPs in food, announced by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC), PTDC/SAU-PUB/29481/2017 and co-funded by UIDB/00009/2020 (Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health—ToxOmics (UIDP/00009/2020; UIDB/00009/2020), iMed.ULisboa (UIDB/04138/2020+UIDP/04138/2020), CESAM (UIDP/50017/ 2020+UIDB/50017/2020+LA/P/0094/2020), and BioISI (UID/MULTI/04046/2019). N.V. thanks the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, e Ensino Superior, for her PhD grant 2020.07168.BD. L.G. was supported by FCT Individual CEEC as a Principal Researcher Grant (CEECIND/03143/2017) and R.A. as an Assistant Researcher Grant (CEECIND/01570/2018)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio