O ensino profissional no distrito da Guarda - o Marketing relacional como ferramenta estratégica

O presente trabalho procura analisar o Marketing Relacional como uma ferramenta estratégica para a satisfação e fidelização de alunos às escolas profissionais da região da Guarda. Ao Marketing Relacional ainda não foi dada a importância que deverá merecer, tendo ainda um papel emergente na sociedade. O Marketing Relacional associado a outras estratégias de comunicação, torna-se potencialmente eficaz na consolidação de uma imagem institucional, sobretudo se se tiver em conta a crise que assola o país. As Instituições devem preocupar-se com algo que as diferencie das outras e numa altura em que o Ensino Profissional enfrenta tantas contrariedades cabe aos responsáveis destas escolas encontrarem formas de captar e fidelizar estudantes, já que o alargamento do ensino técnico-profissional foi feito às escolas secundárias do ensino geral e isso afeta a continuidade das escolas profissionais a médio e longo prazo, depois de palmilharem terreno desde há cerca de 25 anos em Portugal, na efetivação e na evolução do ensino técnico-profissional no nosso país. As formas de atuação do Marketing Relacional e as respetivas implicações na gestão das organizações constituem um marco estratégico para o alcance dos objetivos destas Instituições e consequente continuidade. Pretende-se despertar a consciência dos envolvidos para uma maior aplicação das ferramentas que norteiam as relações por parte das organizações. A procura do Ensino Profissional, ano após ano, por parte de formandos mais jovens, significa que o é encarado como uma possibilidade de estudo e de estruturação futura da trajetória pessoal e formativa. Pretende-se proporcionar elementos de reflexão que possam ser utilizados a nível interno para a (re) construção dos olhares sobre estas Instituições com o sentido de elevar, ainda mais, a qualidade da mesma e atingir os níveis de sucesso desejados

Algae-based biotopes of the Azores (Portugal): spatial and seasonal variation.

Copyright © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.The increasing importance of coastal management created the need for a systematic classification and characterization of marine communities. Accurate quantitative methodologies for rocky shore algae-based biotope definition, were developed and tested on the Islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria (Azores). Shores of both islands were surveyed, covering all rocky substrate types. Biotopes were defined by assessing the associated habitat and species characteristics, using ANOSIM and SIMPER analysis, respectively. A total of ten biotopes were identified. Generally both islands’ biotopes are characterized by the same taxa/ecological categories, in summer and in winter. However, association between these taxa/ecological categories and the shore height at which they occur differs geographically and temporally. There is a generalized gradual succession of taxa/ecological categories from upper intertidal down to deepest subtidal, although geographical differences occur. Diversity is highest at the land–water interface and decreases towards both extremes (upper intertidal and deepest subtidal level). The strongest evidence of seasonal variation occurs at the upper intertidal. The methodology used proves to be effective in broad scale shoreline assessment of biological communities in warm-temperate coastal marine environments, and thus suitable for the purpose it was developed for. As a consequence it should be applied to the remaining islands of the Azorean archipelago as well as to other macaronesian islands, e.g. Madeira and the Canaries

Tamoxifen and estradiol interact with the flavin mononucleotide site of complex I leading to mitochondrial failure

This study evaluated the action of tamoxifen and estradiol on the function of isolated liver mitochondria. We observed that although tamoxifen and estradiol per se did not affect mitochondrial complexes II, III, or IV, complex I is affected, this effect being more drastic (except for state 4 of respiration) when mitochondria were coincubated with both drugs. Furthermore, using two respiratory chain inhibitors, rotenone and diphenyliodonium chloride, we identified the flavin mononucleotide site of complex I as the target of tamoxifen and/or estradiol action(s). Tamoxifen (25 microm) per se induced a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide production and state 4 of respiration. Additionally, a significant decrease in respiratory control ratio, transmembrane, and depolarization potentials were observed. Estradiol per se decreased carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP)-stimulated respiration, state 3 of respiration, and respiratory control ratio and increased lag phase of repolarization. With the exception of state 4 of respiration whose increase induced by tamoxifen was reversed by the presence of estradiol, the effects of tamoxifen were highly exacerbated when estradiol was present. We observed that 10 microm tamoxifen in the presence of estradiol affected mitochondria significantly by decreasing FCCP-stimulated respiration, state 3 of respiration, respiratory control ratio, and ADP depolarization and increasing the lag phase of repolarization. All of the deleterious effects induced by 25 microm tamoxifen were highly exacerbated in the presence of estradiol. Furthermore, we observed that the effects of both compounds were independent of estrogen receptors because the pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780 did not interfere with tamoxifen and/or estradiol detrimental effects. Altogether, our data provide a mechanistic explanation for the multiple cytotoxic effects of tamoxifen including its capacity to destroy tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells in the presence of estradiol. This new piece of information provides a basis for the development of new and promising anticancer therapeutic strategie

Insulin restores metabolic function in cultured cortical neurons subjected to oxidative stress

We previously demonstrated that insulin has a neuroprotective role against oxidative stress, a deleterious condition associated with diabetes, ischemia, and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of insulin on neuronal glucose uptake and metabolism after oxidative stress in rat primary cortical neurons. On oxidative stress, insulin stimulates neuronal glucose uptake and subsequent metabolism into pyruvate, restoring intracellular ATP and phosphocreatine. Insulin also increases intracellular and decreases extracellular adenosine, counteracting the effect of oxidative stress. Insulin effects are apparently mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-K and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways. Extracellular adenosine under oxidative stress is largely inhibited after blockade of ecto-5'-nucleotidase, suggesting that extracellular adenosine results preferentially from ATP release and catabolism. Moreover, insulin appears to interfere with the ATP release induced by oxidative stress, regulating extracellular adenosine levels. In conclusion, insulin neuroprotection against oxidative stress-mediated damage involves 1) stimulation of glucose uptake and metabolism, increasing energy levels and intracellular adenosine and, ultimately, uric acid formation and 2) a decrease in extracellular adenosine, which may reduce the facilitatory activity of adenosine receptor

Mitochondrial Preconditioning: A Potential Neuroprotective Strategy

Mitochondria have long been known as the powerhouse of the cell. However, these organelles are also pivotal players in neuronal cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent feature of chronic brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and cerebral ischemic stroke. Data derived from morphologic, biochemical, and molecular genetic studies indicate that mitochondria constitute a convergence point for neurodegeneration. Conversely, mitochondria have also been implicated in the neuroprotective signaling processes of preconditioning. Despite the precise molecular mechanisms underlying preconditioning-induced brain tolerance are still unclear, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels activation have been shown to be involved in the preconditioning phenomenon. This review intends to discuss how mitochondrial malfunction contributes to the onset and progression of cerebral ischemic stroke and AD and PD, two major neurodegenerative disorders. The role of mitochondrial mechanisms involved in the preconditioning-mediated neuroprotective events will be also discussed. Mitochondrial targeted preconditioning may represent a promising therapeutic weapon to fight neurodegeneration

The use of digital photography for the definition of coastal biotopes in Azores.

Copyright © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.Sampling benthic communities usually requires intensive field and lab work which is generally performed by skilled staff. In algal dominated communities, like those on the shores of the Azores, biotope characterization studies focused on the more conspicuous algae categories, thus reducing the skills required for species identification. The present study compares in situ quadrat quantifications done by a skilled reader, with computer based quadrat quantifications using digital photographic records of the same areas read in situ, accomplished by skilled and non-skilled readers. The study was conducted inter- and subtidally at various shore heights/depths. Quantification of algal coverage, both in situ and computer based, used the point to point method with quadrats of 0.25 m × 0.25 m for the intertidal, and 0.50 m × 0.50 m for the subtidal surveys, both subdivided into 36 intersection points. Significant differences were found between in situ readings and computer based readings of photographic records conducted both by experienced and inexperienced readers. Biotopes identified using in situ data and image based data differ both for the subtidal and intertidal

Characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus epidermidis colonizing veterinary staff and students

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The effect of a remifentanil bolus on the bispectral index of the EEG (BIS) in anaesthetized patients independently from intubation and surgical stimuli

Background and objective: Remifentanil boluses are used in different clinical situations and the effects on bispectral index monitoring are unclear. We analysed the effect of a remifentanil bolus on the bispectral index of the electroencephalogram (bispectral index) under total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. Methods: ASA I–III patients were included in this study. All patients received a 2 µg kg 1 remifentanil bolus in a period free from stimuli. Bispectral index and haemodynamic data were collected from an A-2000XP bispectral index monitor (every second) and an AS/3 Datex monitor (every 5 s). Bispectral index data were analysed using the area under the curve. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were averaged at each 30-s period and analysed using analysis of variance. Results: A total of 240 bispectral index values were obtained per patient. The area under the curve between 90 and 120 s after the bolus was significantly lower than the basal area under the curve (average of all areas before the bolus, P 0.05). Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced from 96.4 19.9 mmHg at the time of the bolus to 74.2 16.6 mmHg 120 s after, and from 70 16.4 bpm at the time of the bolus to 61 13.6 bpm after (P 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: There was a significant reduction in the areas under the curve between 90–120 s following the bolus. Heart rate and blood pressure also showed significant reductions. Thus, remifentanil bolus given under total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil decreases bispectral index, an effect independent of intubation and surgical stimuli.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Disruption of the sea bass skin-scale barrier by antidepressant fluoxetine and estradiol: in vivo and in vitro evidence

Trabajo presentado en la Joint 30th Conference of the European Society for Comparative Endocrinology and of the 9th International Society for Fish Endocrinology, celebrada en Faro (Portugal) del 04 al 08 de septiembre de 2022.Fluoxetine (FLX) is a highly prescribed selective inhibitor of serotonin-reuptake and an emerging pollutant affecting fish behaviour, stress and reproduction, but little is known about possible actions and mechanisms in barrier tissues. We combined in vivo and in vitro approaches to demonstrate multi-level impacts of FLX on the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) skin-scale barrier and on the estrogenic system. Juvenile sea bass intraperitoneally injected with FLX had significantly increased levels of FLX and its metabolite nor-FLX. In contrast to the natural estrogen E2, FLX did not increase plasma calcium, phosphorus (P) or vitellogenin, although a slight decrease in scale P content was detected. Quantitative SWATH-MS proteomics of the scales identified 134 proteins that were affected by FLX. Modified proteins were mainly related to extracellular matrix and protein turnover and energy production, 31 of which were also affected by E2. Multiple estrogen receptors and genes related to serotonin activity, transport and degradation were expressed in sea bass scales and transcript abundance of some of them was modulated by E2 and/or FLX. Using a minimally invasive in vitro bioassay with cultured sea bass scales and adhering epithelia we showed direct effects of FLX exposure on enzymatic activity associated with mineral mobilization, while the expression of estrogen receptors was not significantly affected. In in vitro receptor-reporter assays, FLX alone did not activate any of the three sea bass nuclear estrogen receptors but had antiestrogenic effects on Esr1/2b when in co-treatment with E2, and directly activated both plasma membrane Gprotein-coupled estrogen receptors. The combination of in vitro and in vivo assays substantiated the notion that FLX disrupted scale physiology through several different processes, with probable consequences for fish health, and revealed that some of the mechanisms of disruption can result from direct interaction with multiple estrogen .Projects UIDB/04326/2020, PTDC/AAG-GLO/4003/2012 and DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0015 from FCT (Pt); EU Interreg FR-UK project RedPol; grant AGL2015-67477-C2-1- R (Sp)