Estimulação vagal no tratamento da epilepsia

Cerca de 68 milhões de pessoas a nível mundial possuem epilepsia, tornando-a uma das doenças neurológicas mais comuns em todo o mundo. A epilepsia pode ser definida por qualquer uma das seguintes condições: Pelo menos duas crises não reflexas com um intervalo > 24h; uma crise não reflexa e uma probabilidade de novas crises semelhantes ao risco de recorrência geral (60%) após duas crises não reflexas, ocorrendo nos próximos 10 anos; diagnóstico de uma síndrome epilética. Uma das principais intervenções no tratamento da epilepsia é a medicação antiepilética, no entanto aproximadamente 20-30% da população não responde à terapêutica, apresentando, deste modo, uma epilepsia refratária. Esta define-se pela persistência de crises recorrentes após correta escolha e admnistração de pelo menos dois fármacos antiepilépticos sem que o resultado de nenhum deles seja indeterminado. A estimulação do nervo vago (VNS) é umas das opções quando os candidatos apresentam uma epilepsia refratária idiopática focal e generalizada, epilepsia multifocal, crises tónicas/atónicas, crises tónico-clónicas generalizadas, síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut e complexo de esclerose tuberosa multifocal relacionado a epilepsia. Esta técnica tem vindo a demonstrar resultados positivos na redução das crises epiléticas em 50%-60% dos pacientes. Entre os pacientes com lesões epileptogénicas localizadas, deve ser considerada naqueles com localização cortical bilateral e após cirurgia de ressecção de uma área epileptogénica malsucedida. O seu mecanismo tem em conta a anatomia e a fisiologia do nervo vago e respetivas redes neuronais de forma que a sua estimulação leva a uma cessação das crises epiléticas. A VNS teve início no final do século XIX com a realização de experiências em animais, tendo só sido em 1988 realizado o primeiro implante num ser humano. Mais recentemente têm-se vindo a desenvolver diversas técnicas de neuromodulação, com destaque para o VNS responsivo desenvolvido de forma a fornecer impulsos automaticamente tendo em conta um algoritmo de deteção de crises com base na frequência cardíaca, visto que aproximadamente 82% das pessoas com epilepsia apresentam taquicardia ictal. Em conclusão, a estimulação do nervo vago é uma técnica que se tem revelado importante no tratamento da epilepsia, com uma taxa de sucesso de 50-60%, contribuindo para uma melhoria da qualidade de vida dos pacientes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Metagenomic approach to identify genes encoding for glycoside hydrolases in composting samples

Metagenomics involves the study of the genomic DNA from a set of microorganisms present in a particular environmental sample. This approach has emerged as a promising culture-independent technique to explore the diversity and function of microbiomes, allowing the discovery of novel biochemical compounds, namely enzymes with high potential for industrial applications. Composting habitats are characterized by a high microbial diversity, and represent a suitable source of robust enzymes able to convert the recalcitrant structure of lignocellulose, such as cellulases, endohemicellulases, oligosaccharide-degrading enzymes, and debranching enzymes. In fact, several lignocellulose-degrading enzymes have been successfully identified in composting samples following metagenomic approaches. The efficient handling, processing, and analysis of the large metagenomic datasets generated by next-generation sequencing platforms can be achieved using advanced bioinformatics pipelines. In this work, composting samples were collected from three Portuguese composting units, which handle different types of wastes. The metagenomic DNA was extracted from the composting samples, the three composting metagenomes were analyzed by shotgun sequencing and a comparative analysis was performed between our samples and composting samples selected from the literature to evaluate the potential of these environments for lignocellulosic biomass conversion. The metagenomic sequencing data from all samples were processed using appropriate bioinformatics tools and the functional annotation of genes encoding glycoside hydrolases was carried out using the CAZy database. Our bioinformatics pipeline revealed that all samples were enriched in cellulases, endoglucanases, and -glucosidases, which confirms the richness of composting habitats, regardless of waste compositions, in lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. As these compost samples were collected in the thermophilic phase, the identified enzymes may harbor interesting features for industrial purposes, including catalytic activity under high temperatures.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mining bioactive molecules from extreme environments using sequence-based metagenomics

The unique features of extreme habitats, particularly the high temperature and salinity, make them promising reservoirs for the bioprospection and discovery of novel and interesting bioactive molecules. In fact, the microorganisms inhabiting this type of environments have adopted survival strategies to thrive under hostile conditions, synthesizing several biochemical compounds valuable for many biotechnological applications. Culture-independent techniques, namely metagenomics, have emerged as powerful tools to access and explore the genetic and metabolic diversity of the microbial communities present in extreme and complex ecosystems. Two different metagenomic approaches can be applied, namely, sequence- and function-based metagenomics. The sequence-based studies allow finding new gene sequences that reveal similarities with the annotated genomes available in the databases. In this study, thermophilic composting samples were collected from two Portuguese composting units (Terra Fértil and Lipor), which handle different types of wastes. The metagenomic DNA was extracted from the composting samples and sequenced through shotgun sequencing. A novel multi-step bioinformatic pipeline was developed to characterize the taxonomic and functional profiles of the metagenomes using both reads and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) as input. Their microbiome was dominated by Bacteria, where the classes Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Balneolia stood out for their higher abundance. These data confirm the richness of the composting habitats in bacterial strains known to survive and play an important role in harsh conditions, namely extreme saline environments. Furthermore, the combined analysis of functional annotation against KEGG and COG databases revealed a clear dominance of the contigs associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, energy, amino acids and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. This work represents the first comparative study on the taxonomic and functional profiles of Portuguese composting samples.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

KidsTalentum: outdoor training program to improve emotional intelligence in adolescents in Manchester United Soccer Schools, Lisbon

This paper intends to evaluate the Outdoor Training methodology, widely used by consultants working for the emotional and social skills of entrepreneurs, in order to verify if it is also valid for working with adolescents, specifically, for developing their emotional intelligence skills. With this in mind, we chose an experimental study involving two groups of 30 adolescents, one as an experimental group and the other as a control group. They were students of the Manchester United Soccer Schools, Lisbon, Portugal. For the assessment of emotional intelligence, we used the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version. The data obtained point to the evidence of improvements in the emotional skills of adaptability, interpersonal relationships, positive mood, and stress management.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Functional and sequence-based metagenomics to uncover carbohydrate-degrading enzymes from composting samples

The online version contains supplementary material available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-023-12627-9.The renewable, abundant, and low-cost nature of lignocellulosic biomass can play an important role in the sustainable production of bioenergy and several added-value bioproducts, thus providing alternative solutions to counteract the global energetic and industrial demands. The efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass greatly relies on the catalytic activity of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Finding novel and robust biocatalysts, capable of being active under harsh industrial conditions, is thus imperative to achieve an economically feasible process. In this study, thermophilic compost samples from three Portuguese companies were collected, and their metagenomic DNA was extracted and sequenced through shotgun sequencing. A novel multi-step bioinformatic pipeline was developed to find CAZymes and characterize the taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial communities, using both reads and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) as input. The samples' microbiome was dominated by bacteria, where the classes Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Balneolia stood out for their higher abundance, indicating that the degradation of compost biomass is mainly driven by bacterial enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the functional studies revealed that our samples are a rich reservoir of glycoside hydrolases (GH), particularly of GH5 and GH9 cellulases, and GH3 oligosaccharide-degrading enzymes. We further constructed metagenomic fosmid libraries with the compost DNA and demonstrated that a great number of clones exhibited $\beta$-glucosidase activity. The comparison of our samples with others from the literature showed that, independently of the composition and process conditions, composting is an excellent source of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comparative study on the CAZyme abundance and taxonomic/functional profiles of Portuguese compost samples.Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit, the projects LIGNOZYMES—Metagenomics approach to unravel the potential of lignocellulosic residues towards the discovery of novel enzymes (POCI-01–0145-FEDER-029773), and B3iS—Biodiversity and Bioprospecting of Biosurfactants in Saline Environments (PTDC/BII-BIO/5554/2020); and by RNCA Advanced Computing Project MetaLignoZymes, metagenomic analysis of lignocellulosic residues towards the discovery of novel enzymes (CPCA/A0/408464/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Harnessing the quest for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical surfactants by exploring extreme salinity environments

Surfactants are tensioactive chemical compounds extensively used worldwide in a myriad of industrial sectors, being an essential part of our everyday lives. They are present in numerous products including cosmetics, detergents, fabric softeners, toothpaste, paints, among many others, and millions of tonnes of surfactants are manufactured every year. Most commercially available surfactants are non-renewable petroleum-based compounds whose extensive use may lead to profound environmental impact. The increasing environmental awareness has prompted the search for new environmentally friendly alternatives, including the so-called biosurfactants, which are surfactants produced by microorganisms that are sustainable alternatives to their chemical counterparts. Hypersaline environments are an attractive source of microbial communities that, due to their adaptation to extreme abiotic conditions, produce special secondary metabolites constituting hotspots for the discovery of new biosurfactants. Sampling campaigns were conducted at strategic hypersaline locations holding distinct features namely Peña Hueca lagoon (hypersaline sulphated lagoon, Spain), and salinas of Pedra de Lume (salinas in an extinct volcan crater, Cape Verde), of Aveiro (solar coastal salina, Portugal) and Rio Maior (terrestrial inland salina, Portugal). Culture-dependent and metagenomic approaches were carried out to unveil the microbial diversity and identify the most promising biosurfactant-producing organisms. Physicochemical characterization of samples showed an interesting variability in terms of salinity, pH and ionic content. Sequence-based metagenomics revealed that the isolated metagenomes are enriched in genes involved in biosurfactant production. Culture-dependent techniques allowed the identification of halophilic microbes with remarkable surfactant-like properties. Among them, a particular isolate was found to simultaneously produce a biosurfactant and a bioemulsifier, which was characterized in detail. The bioprospection of hypersaline locations of the Iberian Peninsula and Cape Verde allowed the identification of halophilic biosurfactant producers, which can have promising industrial applications and contribute to the quest for more sustainable alternatives to chemical surfactants.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and the project "Bi3S - PTDC/BII-BIO/5554/2020". Joana S. Gomes (2022.12313.BD) and Joana Sousa (2022.11695.BD) acknowledge their PhD fellowships funded by FCT. Ricardo Franco-Duarte (2022.00340.CEECIND) acknowledges his CEEC funded by FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards sustainable agriculture: A critical analysis of agrobiodiversity assessment methods and recommendations for effective implementation

Agriculture intensification has driven the loss of biodiversity at a global level. The imple- mentation of strategies to conserve and promote biodiversity in agricultural areas can be favoured by adequate assessment methods that foster the awareness of decision makers about the impact of management practices. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of assessment methods of the overall biodiversity in agricultural systems, focusing on the quantitative methods applied, indicators of biodiversity, and functionalities. It was concluded that compensation effects and difficulties in in- terpretation are associated with currently common methodologies of composite indicator calculation to assess biodiversity performance. This review allowed for the identification and critical analysis of current methodologies for biodiversity assessments in the agricultural sector, and it highlighted the need for more implementation-oriented approaches. By providing recommendations on what should be considered when formulating biodiversity assessment methods, this study can contribute to the formulation of appropriate assessment frameworks for agricultural management policies and strategies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Agricultural practices for biodiversity enhancement: evidence and recommendations for the viticultural sector

Agricultural expansion and intensification worldwide has caused a reduction in ecological infrastructures for insects, herbaceous plants, and vertebrate insectivores, among other organisms. Agriculture is recognized as one of the key influences in biodiversity decline, and initiatives such as the European Green Deal highlight the need to reduce ecosystem degradation. Among fruit crops, grapes are considered one of the most intensive agricultural systems with the greatest economic relevance. This study presents a compilation of management practices to enhance biodiversity performance, which applies generally to the agricultural sector and, in particular, to viticulture, concerning the diversity of plants, semi-natural habitats, soil management, and the chemical control strategies and pesticides used in agricultural cultivation. Through a critical review, this study identifies a set of recommendations for biodiversity performance and their corresponding effects, contributing to the dissemination of management options to boost biodiversity performance. The results highlight opportunities for future investigations in determining the needed conditions to ensure both biodiversity enhancement and productive gains, and understanding the long-term effects of innovative biodiversity-friendly approaches.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identification of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes using metagenomic approaches

Composting units which handle lignocellulosic residues are suitable sources of novel and promising lignocellulose-degrading enzymes such as cellulases, xylanases and amylases. These enzymes have practical application in many industries where lignocellulose is converted into several added-value bioproducts. However, the effective conversion of lignocellulose by a sustainable process is currently incomplete. Therefore, there is a need to find novel and robust catalysts to overcome this fact. Function- and sequence-based metagenomic approaches were used to identify novel lignocellulose-degrading enzymes with interesting industrial applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Adenocarcinoma pulmonar com mutação no receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico: Relato de caso / Lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation: A case report

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de adenocarcinoma pulmonar com mutação no gene EGFR enfatizando os aspectos clínico-bioquímicos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva da neoplasia pulmonar apresentada por uma paciente de 49 anos de idade, através de informações obtidas pela coleta e análise de dados contidos em prontuário médico e exames. Ademais, foi efetuada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, a fim de melhor elucidar os mecanismos clínico-bioquímicos da patologia. Foi identificado na paciente que já apresentava efeitos metastáticos do adenocarcinoma pulmonar, a mutação no receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico  (EGFR), sendo iniciado o tratamento com gefitinibe. Mutações no EGFR, observadas principalmente no exon 19 ou exon 21, são encontradas em pacientes com câncer avançado de pulmão não-pequenas células (NSCLC). Destaca-se a importância do diagnóstico através da avaliação molecular do EGFR, pois a detecção da presença de mutações ativadoras nesse gene confere importante beneficio clínico ao uso de inibidores de tirosina quinase com ação em EGFR em comparação a quimioterapia convencional para os pacientes com adenocarcioma pulmonar de não pequenas células