The Effect of Nanomaterials on DNA Methylation: A Review

ReviewThis article belongs to the Special Issue Interaction of Nanomaterials with Biological Systems: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials’ effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.This research received funding from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT/MCTES) under the project ToxApp4NanoCELFI (PTDC/SAUPUB/32587/2017) and projects UIDB/00009/2020 and UIDP/00009/2020 (ToxOmics).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O contributo dos enfermeiros especialistas em Enfermagem de Reabilitação para a qualidade dos cuidados

Objective: To understand the perception of nurses who are specialists in rehabilitation nursing, regarding the achievement of quality standards in the hospital context. Method: A quantitative, descriptive-exploratory study conducted in 36 hospital institutions, with the participation of 306 nurses. A self-filling questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: The majority of the participants always perform activities that contribute to quality of care. From the analysis performed, the activities of the dimensions of prevention of complications, wellbeing and self-care, functional readaptation and responsibility and rigor are those that the nurses perceive as more executed. On the other hand, the activities less concretized, refer to those included in the dimensions of customer satisfaction, organization of nursing care and, essentially, health promotion. Conclusion: The data made clear that the contribution of nurses specialists in rehabilitation nursing for quality of care is specifically focused on the descriptive statements well-being and selfcare and functional readaptation.Objetivo: Comprender la percepción de los enfermeros especialistas en enfermería de rehabilitación, en cuanto a la concreción de los patrones de calidad en el contexto hospitalario. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo-exploratorio, realizado en 36 instituciones hospitalarias, con la participación de 306 enfermeros. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario de auto-llenado. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes concreta a las veces siempre las actividades que contribuyen a la calidad del cuidado. En el análisis efectuado, las actividades de las dimensiones prevención de complicaciones, bienestar y autocuidado, readaptación funcional y responsabilidad y rigor son aquellas que los enfermeros perciben como más ejecutadas. Por otro lado, las actividades menos concretizadas, se refieren a las incluidas en las dimensiones satisfacción del cliente, organización de los cuidados de enfermería y, esencialmente, promoción de la salud. Conclusión: Los datos dejaron claro que la contribución de los enfermeros especialistas en enfermería de rehabilitación para la calidad del cuidado está específicamente centrada en los enunciados descriptivos de bienestar y autocuidado y readaptación funcional.Objetivo: Compreender a perceção dos enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação, quanto à concretização dos padrões de qualidade no contexto hospitalar. Método: M´étodo: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo-exploratório, realizado em 36 instituições hospitalares, com a participação de 306 enfermeiros. Para a colheita de dados utilizou-se um questionário de autopreenchimento. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes concretiza às vezes e sempre as atividades que contribuem para a qualidade dos cuidados. Da análise efetuada, as atividades das dimensões prevenção de complicações, bem-estar e autocuidado, readaptação funcional e responsabilidade e rigor são aquelas que os enfermeiros percecionam como mais executadas. Por outro lado, as atividades menos concretizadas, referem-se às incluídas nas dimensões satisfação do cliente, organização dos cuidados de enfermagem e, essencialmente, promoção da saúde. Conclusão: Os dados deixaram claro que o contributo dos enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação para a qualidade dos cuidados está especificamente centrado nos enunciados descritivos bem-estar e autocuidado e readaptação funcional

MicroRNA expression changes in A549 alveolar epithelial cells after 7 days in vitro incubation

Introduction: A549 human alveolar type II epithelial cells have been widely used to study airway physiology and pathology, drug metabolism, effects of pulmonary exposure to viruses and toxicants and in cancer research. Because these studies are mainly based on long-term cultures to mimic real life exposure, it is pertinent to consider whether intrinsic cellular changes may occur in A549 cells over time. To this end, microRNA (miRNA) differential expression (DE) profiling may be used, since it provides a global view of cellular molecular pathways modified in response to external signals. Objectives: In this study, we used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify differently expressed miRNAs in viable A549 cells cultured for 7 days without manipulation comparatively to 24 h cultures, and the molecular and biological pathways that were altered.This work was co-funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology through the ToxOmics (UID/BIM/00009/2013) and ToxApp4NanoCELFI (PTDC/SAU-PUB/ 32587/2017)N/

Occupational respiratory exposure to nanofibers and its potential health impact

Com a generalização da produção e incorporação de nanofibras em diversos produtos para consumo humano, prevê-se o aumento considerável da exposição humana a estes nanomateriais, particularmente em contexto ocupacional. Isto intensifica a preocupação de que as propriedades singulares das nanofibras possam conduzir a efeitos nefastos no organismo. De facto, estudos anteriores sobre aerossóis ultrafinos, poluição atmosférica e fibras minerais e nanofibras, têm demonstrado que algumas delas têm o potencial de causarem efeitos adversos na saúde humana, nomeadamente ao nível de desenvolvimento de doença respiratória. É o caso da exposição por via inalatória aos nanotubos de carbono, em que vários estudos laboratoriais demonstraram possível citotoxidade, genotoxidade e imunotoxidade, bem como o desenvolvimento de inflamação pulmonar, fibrose intersticial com granulomas e efeitos carcinogénicos em modelos animais. Por outro lado, outras nanofibras aparentam a inexistência de efeitos tóxicos, como a nanocelulose, provavelmente biocompatível e com características prometedoras para várias aplicações em biomedicina. O conhecimento dos efeitos tóxicos das nanofibras representa um contributo importante para a avaliação do efeito na saúde decorrente da exposição ocupacional, por forma a permitir a gestão do risco pelas autoridades regulamentares.With the widespread production and application of nanofibers into various products, a considerable increase of human exposure to these nanomaterials is expected, particularly in the occupational setting and by inhalation. This intensifies the concern about the deleterious effects of nanofibers on biological systems. Previous studies on ultrafine aerosols, atmospheric pollution and manufactured mineral fibres and nanofibers have demonstrated that some can cause adverse effects on human health, namely, the development of respiratory disease. This potential was observed for carbon nanotubes, for which several in vitro studies have demonstrated possible cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immunotoxicity, with the development of pulmonary inflammation, interstitial fibrosis with granulomas, as well as carcinogenic effects in animal models. On the other hand, other nanofibers suggest the absence of toxic effects, such as nanocellulose, a promising biocompatible material for several applications in biomedicine. The knowledge of nanofibers toxic effects represents an important contribution to the health effects from exposure in occupational settings, in order to allow risk management by the regulatory authorities.Trabalho cofinanciado pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Centro de Investigação em Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana – ToxOmics (UID/BIM/00009/2013) e pelo INSA (2017DGH1351).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Implementing Success Management and PRINCE2 in a BPM Public Project

Many stages of information systems projects developed in public institutions are defined by laws and regulations, which reduces management flexibility. In the particular case of Business Process Management (BPM) projects, it has even more influence since the business processes are also constrained by legislation. In this context, it is important to have a clear vision of what the project’s success means for all the stakeholders, what can impact the success, and how success should be evaluated. This paper presents the case of a BPM project of a public institution, where it is being implemented a new PRINCE2-based project management approach comprising success management activities. The preliminary results include a new model that integrates success management and the PRINCE2 methodology, as well as a set of success criteria and success factors identified for the project

Arquitectura da empresa : Balanced Scorecard e o controlo gestional aplicado à construção civil : uma reflexão sobre esta ferramenta

Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Civil (Construções Civis). Universidade do Porto. Faculdade de Engenharia. 201

Oral Exposure

Funding Information: This work was funded by the Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), through national funds PTDC/SAU-PUB/32587/2017 and PTDC/SAU-PUB/29481/2017. Research was co-funded by UIDB/00009/2020; UIDP/00009/2020 (Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health—ToxOmics, FCT— Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia). N.V. work was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P./Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, e Ensino Superior (FCT/MCTES) PhD grant 2020.07168.BD. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.Cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) have emerged recently as an important group of sustainable bio-based nanomaterials (NMs) with potential applications in multiple sectors, including the food, food packaging, and biomedical fields. The widening of these applications leads to increased human oral exposure to these NMs and, potentially, to adverse health outcomes. Presently, the potential hazards regarding oral exposure to CNMs are insufficiently characterised. There is a need to understand and manage the potential adverse effects that might result from the ingestion of CNMs before products using CNMs reach commercialisation. This work reviews the potential applications of CNMs in the food and biomedical sectors along with the existing toxicological in vitro and in vivo studies, while also identifying current knowledge gaps. Relevant considerations when performing toxicological studies following oral exposure to CNMs are highlighted. An increasing number of studies have been published in the last years, overall showing that ingested CNMs are not toxic to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), suggestive of the biocompatibility of the majority of the tested CNMs. However, in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies, as well as long-term carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity studies, are not yet available. These studies are needed to support a wider use of CNMs in applications that can lead to human oral ingestion, thereby promoting a safe and sustainable-by-design approach.publishersversionpublishe

Jejum pré-operatório no cliente submetido a cirurgia eletiva: revisão integrativa da literatura

Background: the implementation of preoperative fasting has been a worldwide concern of the various health professionals, with a different role, with regard to the guidelines in force in each of the institutions. Objectives: to know the scientific evidence on the current guidelines on the application of preoperative fasting in clients undergoing elective surgery, published in the last five years. Methodology: an integrative literature review study using the SciELO, PubMedÒ, Academic Search Complete, CINAHLÒ, MedicLatina and MEDLINEÒ databases, using the keywords "fasting", "preoperative care", "patients" and "nursing". Results: ten articles were analyzed and the data were organized into three macro categories: guidance on preoperative fasting; gains inherent in the implementation of the current guidelines; and factors that hinder the implementation of current guidelines on preoperative fasting. Conclusion: the various organizations that deal with this theme have already shown guiding guidelines. However, health institutions do not always implement these guidelines. The nurse must make the client aware of this preoperative procedure, as well as be an agent of change in complying with this procedure.Marco contextual: la implementación del ayuno preoperatorio ha sido una preocupación mundial para los diversos profesionales de la salud, con un papel diferente con respecto a las pautas vigentes en cada una de las instituciones. Objetivos: conocer la evidencia científica sobre las pautas actuales sobre la aplicación del ayuno preoperatorio en clientes sometidos a cirugía electiva, publicada en los últimos cinco años. Metodología: un estudio integrador de revisión de literatura que utiliza las bases de datos SciELO, PubMedÒ, Academic Search Complete, CINAHLÒ, MedicLatina y MEDLINEÒ, utilizando las palabras clave "ayuno", "atención preoperatoria", "pacientes" y "enfermería". Resultados: se analizaron diez artículos y los datos se organizaron en tres categorías macro: orientación sobre el ayuno preoperatorio; ganancias inherentes a la implementación de las directrices actuales; y factores que dificultan la implementación de las pautas actuales sobre el ayuno preoperatorio. Conclusión: las diversas organizaciones que se ocupan de este tema ya han mostrado pautas orientativas. Sin embargo, las instituciones de salud no siempre implementan estas pautas. La enfermera debe informar al cliente sobre este procedimiento preoperatorio, así como ser un agente de cambio para cumplir con este procedimiento.Enquadramento: a implementação do jejum pré-operatório tem sido uma preocupação mundial dos vários profissionais de saúde, havendo uma atuação distinta, no que concerne às orientações em vigor em cada uma das instituições. Objetivos: conhecer a evidência científica sobre as orientações atuais acerca da aplicação do jejum pré-operatório em clientes submetidos a cirurgia eletiva, publicada nos últimos cinco anos. Metodologia: estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura através das bases de dados SciELO, PubMedÒ, Academic Search Complete, CINAHLÒ, MedicLatina e MEDLINEÒ, com recurso aos descritores “fasting”, “preoperative care”, “patients” e “nursing”. Resultados: foram analisados dez artigos e os dados organizados em três macrocategorias: orientações sobre o jejum pré-operatório; ganhos inerentes à implementação das orientações atuais; e fatores dificultadores da implementação das orientações atuais sobre o jejum pré-operatório. Conclusão: as várias organizações que se debruçam sobre esta temática já evidenciaram guidelines norteadoras. Contudo nas instituições de saúde nem sempre se verifica a implementação destas orientações. O enfermeiro deverá consciencializar o cliente deste procedimento pré-operatório, assim como ser um agente de mudança no cumprimento deste procedimento

Modelos de exercício profissional usados pelos enfermeiros em hospitais portugueses

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio