A ciclodextrina-beta na formação de complexos de inclusão e de novas estruturas supramoleculares

Doutoramento em QuímicaO presente trabalho descreve a inclusão de diversos compostos orgânicos e organometálicos na ciclodextrina-β (β-CD). Os complexos formados são estudados por várias técnicas de estado sólido. Presta-se particular atenção à compreensão das interacções formadas entre a β-CD hospedeira e o respectivo hóspede e à organização supramolecular no sólido. Na maioria dos casos os compostos de inclusão estudados originam estruturas em canais onde o hóspede se aloja. 4This work describes β-CD inclusion of several organic and organometallic guest compounds. The resulting complexes are studied using various solid state characterisation techniques. The understanding of host (β-CD) – guest interactions and of the solid’s supramolecular structure is emphasised. In most cases, β-CD molecules are stacked to form channel-like frames that hold the guest molecule in their tubular cavities

(2,2′-Bipyridine-κ2 N,N′)bromido(1,4,7-trithia­cyclo­nonane-κ3 S,S′,S′′)ruthenium(II) hexa­fluoridophosphate

The title compound, [RuBr(C10H8N2)(C6H12S3)]PF6 or [RuBr(bpy)([9]aneS3)]PF6 ([9]aneS3 is 1,4,7-trithia­cyclo­nonane and bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine), exhibits a very similar octahedral coordination geometry for the Ru2+ atom to that of its [RuCl(bpy)([9]aneS3)]+ analogue, with only the chloride ligand being substituted by a bromide ligand. The presence of a PF6 − anion (alongside with the coordinated bromide ligand) promotes the existence of an extensive network of weak C—H⋯X (X = F, Br) inter­actions

A ruthenium(II)-trithiacyclononane curcuminate complex: synthesis, characterization, DNA-interaction, and cytotoxic activity

The coordination of ruthenium(II) complexes to anionic oxygen-based donors are very rare. This study describes a simple, one-pot method for obtaining [ruthenium(II)(trithiacyclononane)(curcumin)(S-DMSO)]Cl (1) in 37% yield. The structural characterization of complex 1 by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1-D and 2-D NMR, ESI+-MS as well as UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies are presented. The DNA-melting temperature (Tm) assay shows that salmon sperm DNA (smDNA) in the presence of complex 1 has a higher melting temperature, with ΔTm = 7.4 °C, while in the presence of curcumin the melting temperature remains unaltered. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of curcumin and complex 1 were investigated using the tumor human prostate cell line, PC-3, and the healthy cell line, PNT-2. Complex 1 is innocuous toward normal prostate epithelial cells and, whereas curcumin is toxic, with inhibition rates of ca. 35 and 65% at 50 and 80 μM, respectively. On the tumor cell line PC-3, complex 1 did not cause viability changes, whereas curcumin exhibited dose-dependent inhibition, with ca. 73% inhibition at the highest concentration tested, i.e. 80 μM. This study suggests that coordination with the trithiacyclononane ruthenium(II) scaffold stabilizes the photochemical properties of curcumin and strongly changes its biologic activity.publishe

Application of GA3 and harvest season interfere in pineapple yield and fruit quality

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GA3 (gibberellic acid) application on growing pineapple ‘Pérola’ fruits, and also the harvest season on yield, and fruit quality. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in 5×2 factorial design, being the first factor the application of GA3, and the second the harvest season, totaling in 10 treatments with four replicates, in split-plot plots. The treatments tested were: 1) GA3 application after the appearance of the first flower open on the inflorescence; 2) application of GA3 after the closing of the flowers in the inflorescence; 3) application of GA3 45 days before the first harvest; 4) two applications of GA3: one after the closing of flowers and another 45 days before the first fruits harvest; and 5) without application of GA3. Two harvest seasons were evaluated: 150 and 180 days after the floral induction. The phytoregulator Pro-Gibb® in a concentration of 200 mg L-1 of GA3 was adopted. The variables assessments were: fruit length with crown and without, crown length and mass, crownless fruit mass, average fruit mass and yield, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and pH of the juice. The harvest of pineapple fruits held 180 days after floral induction, combined with an application of GA3 45 days before the harvest, provided greater yield while maintaining and improving the quality of pineapple ‘Pérola’ fruits. The use of GA3 did not influence the pineapple yield when the harvest is performed early, i.e. 150 days after flower induction

Collection and organization of information within the scope of a curricular internship

A ligação do Ensino Superior com o mercado de trabalho é algo muito importante e progressivamente mais reconhecido pela academia e pelo mundo do trabalho, mostrando-se fundamental um diálogo cada vez mais regular entre ambos, para que possa haver um alinhamento de atuação e vantagens para ambas as partes. Na presente investigação pretende-se demonstrar como uma licenciatura portuguesa da área da Ciência da Informação atribuindo papel de destaque aos estudantes, como motores das suas aprendizagens, enquanto os professores passaram a ser mediadores do conhecimento, integrando no seu plano de estudos uma unidade curricular obrigatória de Estágio, devendo os seus estudantes finalistas de 3.º ano desenvolverem um estágio numa instituição, durante um período de 192 horas. O processo de orientação conta com um orientador da instituição (e coorientador, caso necessário) bem como com o tutor da instituição acolhedora de estágio, os quais fixam um plano de atuação, o qual envolve conhecimentos e a aplicação de competências desenvolvidas na parte curricular da licenciatura. Para além da introdução, esta investigação integra a revisão da literatura onde é apresentada uma perspetiva geral do problema abordado, com base na literatura publicada sobre a área em estudo, tendo como tópicos a Ciência da Informação, Gestão da Informação, Gestão do Conhecimento, Relação da Gestão da Informação com a Gestão do Conhecimento, Bases de Dados, Sistemas de Gestão de Bases de Dados e Modelação de dados. No capítulo relativo à metodologia é feita uma descrição detalhada de todas as atividades desenvolvidas durante a realização do estágio e o capítulo relativo aos resultados apresenta os artefactos produzidos, encerrando-se o trabalho com a respetiva conclusão.The connection between higher education and the job market is something of great importance and increasingly recognized by academia and the world of work. It is crucial to have a more regular dialogue between both in order to achieve alignment of actions and benefits for both parties. In this research, we aim to demonstrate how a Portuguese bachelor’s degree in information science assigns a prominent role to students as drivers of their own learning, while teachers become knowledge mediators. As part of their curriculum, students in their final year are required to undertake an internship in an institution for a period of 192 hours. The orientation process involves an advisor from the institution (and a co-advisor if necessary), as well as a mentor from the hosting institution, who together establish an action plan that involves the application of knowledge and skills acquired during the academic part of the degree. In addition to the introduction, this research includes a literature review that provides a general overview of the problem being addressed, based on published literature in the field of study. The topics covered include Information Science, Information Management, Knowledge Management, the Relationship between Information Management and Knowledge Management, Databases, Database Management Systems, and Data Modeling. The methodology chapter provides a detailed description of all activities carried out during the internship, while the results chapter presents the produced artifacts. The research concludes with a corresponding conclusion.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

RECOLHA E ESTRUTURAÇÃO DA INFORMAÇÃO NO ÂMBITO DE UM ESTÁGIO CURRICULAR

The connection between higher education and the job market is something of great importance and increasingly recognized by academia and the world of work. It is crucial to have a more regular dialogue between both in order to achieve alignment of actions and benefits for both parties. In this research, we aim to demonstrate how a Portuguese bachelor’s degree in information science assigns a prominent role to students as drivers of their own learning, while teachers become knowledge mediators. As part of their curriculum, students in their final year are required to undertake an internship in an institution for a period of 192 hours. The orientation process involves an advisor from the institution (and a co-advisor if necessary), as well as a mentor from the hosting institution, who together establish an action plan that involves the application of knowledge and skills acquired during the academic part of the degree. In addition to the introduction, this research includes a literature review that provides a general overview of the problem being addressed, based on published literature in the field of study. The topics covered include Information Science, Information Management, Knowledge Management, the Relationship between Information Management and Knowledge Management, Databases, Database Management Systems, and Data Modeling. The methodology chapter provides a detailed description of all activities carried out during the internship, while the results chapter presents the produced artifacts. The research concludes with a corresponding conclusion.A ligação do Ensino Superior com o mercado de trabalho é algo muito importante e progressivamente mais reconhecido pela academia e pelo mundo do trabalho, mostrando-se fundamental um diálogo cada vez mais regular entre ambos, para que possa haver um alinhamento de atuação e vantagens para ambas as partes. Na presente  investigação pretende-se demonstrar como uma licenciatura portuguesa da área da Ciência da Informação  atribuindo papel de destaque aos estudantes, como motores das suas aprendizagens, enquanto os professores passaram a ser mediadores do conhecimento, integrando no seu plano de estudos uma unidade curricular obrigatória de Estágio, devendo os seus estudantes finalistas de 3º ano desenvolverem um estágio numa instituição, durante um período de 192 horas. O processo de orientação conta com um orientador da instituição (e coorientador, caso necessário) bem como com o tutor da instituição acolhedora de estágio, os quais fixam um plano de atuação, o qual envolve conhecimentos e a aplicação de competências desenvolvidas na parte curricular da licenciatura.  Para além da introdução, esta investigação integra a revisão da literatura  onde é apresentada uma perspetiva geral do problema abordado, com base na literatura publicada sobre a área em estudo, tendo como tópicos a Ciência da Informação, Gestão da Informação, Gestão do Conhecimento, Relação da Gestão da Informação com a Gestão do Conhecimento, Bases de Dados, Sistemas de Gestão de Bases de Dados e Modelação de dados.  No capítulo relativo à metodologia é feita uma descrição detalhada de todas as atividades desenvolvidas durante a realização do estágio e o capítulo relativo aos resultados apresenta os artefactos produzidos, encerrando-se o trabalho com a respetiva conclusão

Investigation of Host Candidate Malaria-Associated Risk/Protective SNPs in a Brazilian Amazonian Population

The Brazilian Amazon is a hypo-endemic malaria region with nearly 300,000 cases each year. A variety of genetic polymorphisms, particularly in erythrocyte receptors and immune response related genes, have been described to be associated with susceptibility and resistance to malaria. In order to identify polymorphisms that might be associated with malaria clinical outcomes in a Brazilian Amazonian population, sixty-four human single nucleotide polymorphisms in 37 genes were analyzed using a Sequenom massARRAY iPLEX platform. A total of 648 individuals from two malaria endemic areas were studied, including 535 malaria cases (113 individuals with clinical mild malaria, 122 individuals with asymptomatic infection and 300 individuals with history of previous mild malaria) and 113 health controls with no history of malaria. The data revealed significant associations (p<0.003) between one SNP in the IL10 gene (rs1800896) and one SNP in the TLR4 gene (rs4986790) with reduced risk for clinical malaria, one SNP in the IRF1 gene (rs2706384) with increased risk for clinical malaria, one SNP in the LTA gene (rs909253) with protection from clinical malaria and one SNP in the TNF gene (RS1800750) associated with susceptibility to clinical malaria. Also, a new association was found between a SNP in the CTL4 gene (rs2242665), located at the major histocompatibility complex III region, and reduced risk for clinical malaria. This study represents the first association study from an Amazonian population involving a large number of host genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility or resistance to Plasmodium infection and malaria outcomes. Further studies should include a larger number of individuals, refined parameters and a fine-scale map obtained through DNA sequencing to increase the knowledge of the Amazonian population genetic diversity

Montelukast medicines of today and tomorrow: from molecular pharmaceutics to technological formulations

Montelukast sodium is a leukotriene antagonist of growing interest as an alternative therapy for asthma across different age groups due to its bronchoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Currently, montelukast is commercialized only in oral solid dosage forms, which are the favorite of adult patients but may pose challenges in administration to children of young age or patients suffering from dysphagia. This review presents a comprehensive revision of scientific reports and patents on emerging strategies for the delivery of montelukast. A common ground to these reports is the pursue of an enhanced montelukast performance, by increasing its bioavailability and physico-chemical stability. A wide variety of strategies can be found, from the formation of supramolecular adducts with cyclodextrins to encapsulation in nanoparticles and liposomes. The new dosage forms for montelukast are designed for non-enteric absorption, some for absorption in the oral cavity and another two being for local action in the nasal mucosa or in the pulmonary epithelium. The review describes the emerging delivery strategies to circumvent the current limitations to the use of montelukast that are expected to ultimately lead to the development of more patient-compliant dosage forms

BacHBerry: BACterial Hosts for production of Bioactive phenolics from bERRY fruits

BACterial Hosts for production of Bioactive phenolics from bERRY fruits (BacHBerry) was a 3-year project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union that ran between November 2013 and October 2016. The overall aim of the project was to establish a sustainable and economically-feasible strategy for the production of novel high-value phenolic compounds isolated from berry fruits using bacterial platforms. The project aimed at covering all stages of the discovery and pre-commercialization process, including berry collection, screening and characterization of their bioactive components, identification and functional characterization of the corresponding biosynthetic pathways, and construction of Gram-positive bacterial cell factories producing phenolic compounds. Further activities included optimization of polyphenol extraction methods from bacterial cultures, scale-up of production by fermentation up to pilot scale, as well as societal and economic analyses of the processes. This review article summarizes some of the key findings obtained throughout the duration of the project

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P &lt; 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men