Insight into the multicopper oxidases stability

Dissertation presented to obtain the PhD degree in BiochemistryThis dissertation portrays recent development on the knowledge of the stability determinants and of functional characteristics of multicopper oxidases (MCO). Multicopper oxidases are a family of enzymes that includes laccases (benzenediol oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.10.3.2), ascorbate oxidase (L-ascorbate oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.3.3) and ceruloplasmin (Fe2+ oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.16.3.1). MCO are characterized by having four copper ions that are classified into three distinct types of copper sites, namely type 1 (T1), type 2 (T2) and type 3 (T3). The classical T1 copper site comprises two histidine residues and a cysteine residue arranged in a distorted trigonal geometry around the copper ion with bonding distances approx. 2.0 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm); a weaker fourth methionine ligand completes the tetrahedral geometry. The copper–cysteine linkage is characterized by an intense S(π)→Cu(dx2−y2) CT (charge transfer) absorption band at approximately 600 nm, and a narrow parallel hyperfine splitting A\\ = (43–90)×10−4 cm−1 in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum. The function of the T1 copper site is to shuttle electrons from substrates to the trinuclear copper centre where molecular oxygen is reduced to two molecules of water during the complete four-electron catalytic cycle. The trinuclear center contains a T2 copper coordinated by two histidine residues and one water molecule, lacks strong absorption bands and exhibits a large parallel hyperfine splitting in the EPR spectrum (A\\ = (150–201)×10−4 cm−1). The T2 copper site is in close proximity to two T3 copper ions, which are each coordinated by three histidine residues and typically coupled, for example, through a dioxygen molecule. The T3 or coupled binuclear copper site is characterized by an intense absorption band at 330 nm originating from the bridging ligand and by the absence of an EPR signal due to the antiferromagnetically coupling of the copper ions.(...)Apoio financeiro da FCT e do FSE no âmbito do Quadro Comunitário de Apoio, BD nº SFRH/BD/31444/200

Os desafios da tecnologia blockchain no direito da propriedade intelectual

Embora as tecnologias de registo distribuído, como a blockchain, tenham como principal campo de aplicação os setores da atividade financeira (FinTech), o seu caráter transversal sugere que esta tecnologia possa ser aplicada noutros campos de atividade, designadamente, no Direito da Propriedade Intelectual, permitindo torná-los mais eficientes e equitativos. Não obstante, a sua aplicação pressupõe a resolução de uma série de desafios técnicos, sociais e legais que poderão resfriar os ímpetos de alguns dos seus defensores mais entusiásticos.Although Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), such as Blockchain have their main field of application in the financial areas (FinTech), its transversal character suggests that this technology can be applied in other areas, such as, Intellectual Property Law, in order to make them more efficient and fairer. Nevertheless, its implementation presumes the resolution of a series of technical, social and legal challenges that may hinder some of the most enthusiastic defenders

Book of Abstracts 15th International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering and 3rd Conference on Imaging and Visualization

In this edition, the two events will run together as a single conference, highlighting the strong connection with the Taylor & Francis journals: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering (John Middleton and Christopher Jacobs, Eds.) and Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging and Visualization (JoãoManuel R.S. Tavares, Ed.). The conference has become a major international meeting on computational biomechanics, imaging andvisualization. In this edition, the main program includes 212 presentations. In addition, sixteen renowned researchers will give plenary keynotes, addressing current challenges in computational biomechanics and biomedical imaging. In Lisbon, for the first time, a session dedicated to award the winner of the Best Paper in CMBBE Journal will take place. We believe that CMBBE2018 will have a strong impact on the development of computational biomechanics and biomedical imaging and visualization, identifying emerging areas of research and promoting the collaboration and networking between participants. This impact is evidenced through the well-known research groups, commercial companies and scientific organizations, who continue to support and sponsor the CMBBE meeting series. In fact, the conference is enriched with five workshops on specific scientific topics and commercial software.info:eu-repo/semantics/draf

Effects of dual-task training on balance and executive functions in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of cognitive-motor dual-task training compared with single-task training on balance and executive functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen subjects, aged between 39 and 75 years old, were randomly assigned to the dual-task training group (n = 8) and single-task training group (n = 7). The training was run twice a week for 6 weeks. The single-task group received balance training and the dual-task group performed cognitive tasks simultaneously with the balance training. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. After the intervention, the results for mediolateral sway with eyes closed were significantly better for the dual-task group and anteroposterior sway with eyes closed was significantly better for the single-task group. The results suggest superior outcomes for the dual-task training compared to the single-task training for static postural control, except in anteroposterior sway with eyes closed

Cognitive predictors of balance in Parkinson's disease

Postural instability is one of the most incapacitating symptoms of Parkinsons disease (PD) and appears to be related to cognitive deficits. This study aims to determine the cognitive factors that can predict deficits in static and dynamic balance in individuals with PD. A sociodemographic questionnaire characterized 52 individuals with PD for this work. The Trail Making Test, Rule Shift Cards Test, and Digit Span Test assessed the executive functions. The static balance was assessed using a plantar pressure platform, and dynamic balance was based on the Timed Up and Go Test. The results were statistically analysed using SPSS Statistics software through linear regression analysis. The results show that a statistically significant model based on cognitive outcomes was able to explain the variance of motor variables. Also, the explanatory value of the model tended to increase with the addition of individual and clinical variables, although the resulting model was not statistically significant The model explained 25-29% of the variability of the Timed Up and Go Test, while for the anteroposterior displacement it was 23-34%, and for the mediolateral displacement it was 24-39%. From the findings, we conclude that the cognitive performance, especially the executive functions, is a predictor of balance deficit in individuals with PD

Influence of dual-task on sit-to-stand-to-sit postural control in Parkinson's disease

Postural control deficits are the most disabling aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD), resulting in decreased mobility and functional independence. The aim of this study was to assess the postural control stability, revealed by variables based on the centre of pressure (CoP), in individuals with PD while performing a sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence under single- and dual-task conditions. An observational, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed. The sample consisted of 9 individuals with PD and 9 healthy controls. A force platform was used to measure the CoP displacement and velocity during the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence. The results were statistically analysed. Individuals with PD required greater durations for the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence than the controls (p < 0.05). The anteroposterior and mediolateral CoP displacement were higher in the individuals with PD (p < 0.05). However, only the anteroposterior CoP velocity in the stand-to-sit phase (p = 0.006) was lower in the same individuals. Comparing the single- and dual-task conditions in both groups, the duration, the anteroposterior CoP displacement and velocity were higher in the dual-task condition (p < 0.05). The individuals with PD presented reduced postural control stability during the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence, especially when under the dual-task condition. These individuals have deficits not only in motor performance, but also in cognitive performance when performing the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence in their daily life tasks. Moreover, both deficits tend to be intensified when two tasks are performed simultaneously

The first manifestation of the disease

Purpose: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder in the western world. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) or the optic nerve in CLL, however, is rare. We report a case of a previously untreated patient with CLL whose first manifestation of the disease was a progressive visual loss caused by optic neuropathy. Observations: Clinical manifestations, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and automated visual fields pointed to the diagnosis of neuropathy. Leukemic involvement of the CNS was confirmed after cells suggestive of CLL were found by cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Optic nerve infiltration is thought to be the cause of this optic neuropathy, and the clinical course and treatment are described herein. Conclusions: When readily diagnosed, optic nerve infiltration is a rare, yet manageable complication of CLL.publishersversionpublishe

Experimental study of a double-diffusive system: application to solar ponds

A salt gradient solar pond is an artificial device used to collect and store solar thermal energy. A non-convective zone, in the middle of the solar pond, reduces thermal losses and allows a significant rise of temperature in the saltier lower zone where the solar thermal energy is stored. The non-convective zone, also named gradient zone, is characterized by a salinity gradient that increase the density with depth promoting the stability of this layer. The absorption of solar radiation in the pond creates a destabilizing temperature gradient in the non-convective zone that contradicts the density gradient. The different molecular diffusivities of heat and salt and the opposing effects on the vertical density distribution of the two gradients can lead to double-diffusive convection phenomena. In this context, a double-diffusive system has been studied experimentally in laboratory by heating a stratified salt layer from below. The instabilities caused by the destabilizing temperature gradients lead to the formation of convective zones separated from purely diffusive zone by thin interfaces. The main goals of this work are the study of the evolution of the double-diffusive layer and the analysis of the behaviour of the diffusive interface near conditions for which instabilities appear

Biomedical data management and processing - a new framework

The integration of information from biomedical devices is of fundamental importance for effective medical diagnosis. In this sense, the present work aimed to develop a new framework able to manage and process biomedical data in real time. The major advantage of the proposed solution is the ability to add new medical devices and integrate their results with the existing ones. The devices tested include brainwave sensors, a baropodometric treadmill and a biomedical kit composed of a patient position sensor (accelerometer), glucometer, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen in blood, airflow, galvanic skin response and electrocardiogram sensors. From the tests conducted, it can be concluded that the proposed framework is robust, accurate and fast, and can manage and process large volumes of data in real time. Customizable graphs can be built from the electroencephalogramsignals acquired during patient gait, which can be analyzed based on barographic image registration. Finally, it can be concluded that the framework is quite promising to be used to assist medical diagnosis and improve and accelerate the treatment of patients

Estudo de variedades de tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum) visando produtividade e resistência a doenças

Three field experiments were conducted comparing tomato varieties grown in Minas Gerais (Caqui and Maçã) with varieties obtained from North America (Manalucie and Floradel). The varieties from Minas Gerais showed several undesirable characteristics which resulted in lower productivity or reduced their commercial value. The results suggest: a) Yield and number of fruits per plant: small differences in favor of the Floradel variety; b) Weight of fruits: no statistical differences between varieties; c) Fruit infections by Alternaria solani: no significant differences between varieties. Two reasons are given. Two of the experiments were conducted during the winter when conditions are unfavorable for fungus development. When the experiment was conducted during the summer a fugicide (Carbane "S", 36% copper oxychloride and 12% carbatene) was used; d) Fusarium wilt: no occurrence; e) Occurrence of open locule: Maçã (IPEACO's selection) and Caqui (Felicíssimo's selection) varieties showed more susceptibility; f) Growth cracks (radial and concentric): Maçã (IPEACO's selection) and Caqui (IPEACO and Felicíssimo's selections) showed very low degree of resistance, whereas, Manalucie and Floradel showed high degree of resistance.O trabalho visa estudar as variedades de tomate tradicionalmente produzidas em Minas Gerais (Caqui e Maçã) em competição com variedades norte-americanas (Floradel e Manalucie). As variedades tradicionais apresentam várias características indesejáveis, que afetam sua produtividade ou seu valor comercial. Observou-se o seguinte: a) produção média de frutos por planta: houve pequena diferença a favor do Floradel; b) número médio de frutos por planta: houve pequena diferença a favor do Floradel; c) pêso médio de fruto: não houve diferença estatística entre as variedades; d) ocorrência de Alternaria solani no fruto: não houve diferença estatística entre as variedades, por dois motivos: as épocas de cultura não eram favoráveis ao desenvolvimento do fungo, em dois dos experimentos, e nos outros dois, houve bom contrôle com fungicida; e) ocorrência de murcha de Fusarium: não houve ocorrência; f) ocorrência de lóculo aberto: as variedades Maçã (seleção IPEACO) e Caqui (seleção Felicíssimo) mostraram-se mais suscetíveis; g) frutos rachados (rachaduras concêntricas e radiais): as variedades Maçã (seleção IPEACO), Caqui (seleção IPEACO) e Caqui (seleção Felicíssimo) mostraram-se mais suscetíveis