Modelação espacial da adequabilidade de habitat a espécies invasoras: o Carpobrotus Edulis em terreno não dunar

SPATIAL MODELLING OF HABITAT SUITABILITY FOR INVASIVE SPECIES: THE CARPOBROTUS EDULIS IN A NON-DUNE AREA. The use of habitat modelling for exotic invasive species can be extremely useful for identifying their potential impacts and for assisting in the design of eradication strategies. Even though the latter builds on theoretical assumptions that are quite different from those involved in the modelling of the habitat of native species, these two modelling methods are in fact quite similar. This article presents a habitat suitability modelling framework for Carpobrotus edulis, an alien invader plant in Serra do Bouro, Portugal. Several land surveys have been carried out in the study area in order to record the presence of this plant. The criteria for recording a presence were that the plant did not show any signs of weakness and that there were mat formations covering at least 5m2. Pseudo-absences were also obtained in a completely random way. The model was calibrated using a binary logistic regression. The performance of this model usually considered superior to that of models that rely on presence data only. Additionally, an evaluation technique based on the minimum area of higher adequacy is also presented. This technique assumes that, for a given probability threshold, model performance is higher whenever it has the same number of correct presences for a smaller predicted area. Using a 0.7 probability threshold, the model correctly predicted 80% of the total presences using only 8% of the study area. The model suggests that the main factor contributing to the expansion of Carpobrotus edulis has been the abandonment of agriculture in the study area. In addition, proximity to the shoreline and above-average erosion potential in the study area both seem to benefit the plant’s expansion. Conversely, steeper and longer slopes, and greater distances from the shoreline, were found to be significant contributors to the plant’s absence

A literature review

Background. Gastric cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide and one of the main factors for the decrease in overall survival and poor prognosis is the occurrence of peritoneal metastasis. This work aims to review the available literature that approaches biomarkers that can be predictors of the presence of peritoneal metastasis in these patients. Methods. This literature review was performed through searches on PubMed, identifying relevant publications related to peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer and its predictors. Both free text and MeSH terms were employed. No past date limit was imposed and the upper limit date was February of 2020. Publications in languages other than English were excluded. Rayyan QCRI tool was used to help on the first step of eligible studies selection. A total of 209 studies were found in this first step, and only 37 were included. Additionally, the most relevant publications in the reference list of the included studies were also searched. The articles were categorized in broad categories considering the indicator they report: Tumor markers, Systemic Inflammatory Response markers (SIR markers) and Other molecular markers. Results. Regarding the tumor markers, CA125 showed the best results in serum (sCA125) and CEA was the most useful measure in the peritoneal lavages (pCEA) with a sensitivity range from 38.78% to 79.1% and 58% to 84.9%, respectively. Focusing on the SIR markers, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is the one which showed consistently better results, its sensitivity ranging from 59% to 79%. The other biomarkers, most of them dependent from molecular diagnosis techniques, are less accessible not currently obtained in clinical practice and more research is needed regarding their efficacy in clinical context. The studies that combine different indicators obtained better results. This is not limited to biomarkers, tumor characteristics have also been taken into account, increasing significantly the sensitivity to detect PM in GC patients. Conclusion. Most of these biomarkers are weak predictors. The future should be about the creation and validation of clinical scores that could integrate not only some of these markers, but also tumor characteristics, imaging methods and cytological results. Largescale multicenter and stronger design studies are needed in this field, in order to produce stronger evidence about the usefulness of these biomarkers.Introdução. O Cancro Gástrico é o quinto mais prevalente no mundo e a existência de metástases peritoneais no momento do diagnóstico é um dos principais motivos para a diminuição da sobrevida a médio prazo. Este trabalho pretende rever a literatura existente acerca do papel de biomarcadores como preditores da existência de metástases peritoneais nestes doentes. Métodos. Esta revisão da literatura foi realizada com base em pesquisas na PubMed, identificando publicações relevantes que relacionam metástases peritoneais em doentes com cancro gástrico, com potenciais preditores. Tanto termos livres como MeSH terms foram usados. Todos os artigos até ao momento da pesquisa (fevereiro de 2020) foram incluídos. Artigos noutras línguas além de inglês foram excluídos. A ferramenta Rayyan QCRI foi utilizada para filtrar num primeiro momento os artigos com base no abstract. Um total de 209 estudos foram encontrados, dos quais apenas 37 foram incluídos nesta primeira fase. Adicionalmente, as publicações mais relevantes da lista de referências dos artigos selecionados foram também incluídas. Os trabalhos encontrados foram divididos por categorias tendo em conta o indicador que reportavam: marcadores tumorais, marcadores de resposta inflamatória sistémica, e outros marcadores. Resultados. Relativamente aos marcadores tumorais, o CA125 mostrou os melhores resultados séricos e o CEA os melhores resultados nos lavados peritoneais com uma sensibilidade entre 38.78% e 79.1% e entre 58% e 84.9%, respetivamente. Dos marcadores de resposta inflamatória sistémica, o rácio de neutrófilos e linfócitos mostra os resultados mais consistentes com uma sensibilidade entre 59% e 79% para prever metástases peritoneais. Os outros biomarcadores têm poucos estudos publicados e são menos acessíveis, não sendo normalmente obtidos na prática clínica. Os estudos que procuraram combinar vários biomarcadores, ou até com outros indicadores, como as características do tumor, mostraram um aumento da sensibilidade para detetar metástases nestes doentes. Conclusão. A maioria dos biomarcadores são preditores fracos. O futuro deverá passar pela criação de ferramentas que integrem mais do que um marcador ou até outros indicadores como resultados de métodos de imagem, citologia e/ou características tumorais. Estudos com amostras populacionais maiores, multicêntricos e com evidência científica mais forte são necessários nesta área

Modeling the distribution of Aedes Albopictus in European main Urban Areas

The mosquito Aedes albopictus has been dispersed worldwide by human activities. This species is an important vector of arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika and is now one of the greatest threats to global public health. Due to the medical importance of this species, previous studies have examined its ecological requirements and predicted its potential distribution for various regions of the world. However, to date, there is no attempt to perform such analyses across European cities and at a high spatial detail. Hence, in this work we aim to fill this gap by modelling the potential distribution of the species across the major functional urban areas of Europe, using high resolution predictors. The modelling tested for associations between the observed distribution of the species and spatial variables considered relevant in determining its distribution, particularly climate and land use. Complementary models also examined the possibility of spatial bias in the mosquito distribution data as driven simply by higher human observational capacity. Model results suggest the absence of significant observational bias and that densely urbanized urban together with higher temperatures and water availability in drier months favor the occurrence of the species. The models were also applied to predict areas under susceptibility of establishment of the species in Lisbon, a city where the species has not yet been observed. From this prediction we found that the areas under higher susceptibility are mainly associated to the urban centers, whereas green areas, most notably Monsanto Park, are least susceptible. Finally, we developed a risk map, resulting from the intersection of susceptibility and human population, which allowed pinpointing the areas in the city where the threats inflicted by the species are higher.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Active aging in place supported by caregiver-centered modular low-cost platform

Aging in place happens when people age in the residence of their choice, usually their homes because is their preference for living as long as possible. This research work is focused on the conceptualization and implementation of a platform to support active aging in place with a particular focus on the caregivers and their requirements to accomplish their tasks with comfort and supervision. An engagement dimension is also a plus provided by the platform since it supports modules to make people react to challenges, stimulating them to be naturally more active. The platform is supported by IoT, using low-cost technology to increment the platform modularly. Is a modular platform capable of responding to specific needs of seniors aging in place and their caregivers, obtaining data regarding the person under supervision, as well as providing conditions for constant and more effective monitoring, through modules and tools that support decision making and tasks realization for active living. The constant monitoring allows knowing the routine of daily activities of the senior. The use of machine learning techniques allows the platform to identify, in real-time, situations of potential risk, allowing to trigger triage processes with the older adult, and consequently trigger the necessary actions so that the caregiver can intervene in useful time.O envelhecimento no local acontece quando as pessoas envelhecem na residência da sua escolha, geralmente nas suas próprias casas porque é a sua preferência para viver o máximo de tempo possível. Este trabalho de investigação foca-se na conceptualização e implementação de uma plataforma de apoio ao envelhecimento ativo no local, com particular enfoque nos cuidadores e nas suas necessidades para cumprir as suas tarefas com conforto e supervisão. Uma dimensão de engajamento também é um diferencial da plataforma, pois esta integra módulos de desafios para fazer as pessoas reagirem aos mesmos, estimulando-as a serem naturalmente mais ativas. A plataforma é suportada por IoT, utilizando tecnologia de baixo custo para incrementar a plataforma de forma modular. É uma plataforma modular capaz de responder às necessidades específicas do envelhecimento dos idosos no local e dos seus cuidadores, obtendo dados relativos à pessoa sob supervisão, bem como fornecendo condições para um acompanhamento constante e mais eficaz, através de módulos e ferramentas que apoiam a tomada de decisões e realização de tarefas para a vida ativa. A monitorização constante permite conhecer a rotina das atividades diárias do idoso, permitindo que, com a utilização de técnicas de machine learning, a plataforma seja capaz de detetar em tempo real situações de risco potencial, permitindo desencadear um processo de triagem junto do idoso, e consequentemente despoletar as ações necessárias para que o prestador de cuidados possa intervir em tempo útil

Encontros

“Encounters” by Attract Fahy. Published in Poetry Ireland Review 127 (April 2019).“Encounters”, de Attract Fahy, traduzido por Graça Capinha. Originalmente publicado em Poetry Ireland Review 127 (April 2019)

Application of new approach methodologies in molecular toxicology:A case study on metabolism and cellular stress responses from glutathione conjugation products of trichloroethylene

Traditional safety assessments often rely on animal models, which may not reflect human responses to chemical exposures and raise ethical concerns. Despite the increasing efforts to develop new approach methodologies (NAMs), their integration into regulatory decision-making processes is still challenging. The European Union has played a key role in the advancement of NAMs through funding projects like the EU-ToxRisk project. This PhD thesis, funded by EU-ToxRisk, focuses on the multi-organ metabolism of chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE), a halogenated alkene which has been extensively associated with toxicity and carcinogenicity. TCE’s nephrotoxic effects result from multi-organ metabolism and bioactivation via the mercapturic acid pathway. Based on its chemical structure, substitution of chlorine-atoms of TCE by glutathione (GSH) theoretically can lead to the formation of three regioisomeric GSH-conjugates: S-(1,2-trans-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione (1,2-trans-DCVG), S-(1,2-cis-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione (1,2-cis-DCVG) and S-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione (2,2-DCVG). However, at the time of the start of this PhD project, there was only experimental evidence for two regioisomers, namely 1,2-trans-DCVG and 2,2-DCVG. In chapter 2, a novel LC-MS method was developed to separate and quantify DCVG regioisomers and their corresponding cysteine S-conjugate (DCVCs) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine-S-conjugates (DCV-NACs). This method revealed significant differences in the formation profile of these regioisomers when comparing incubations in rat and human liver fractions. Novel methods were also developed for the synthesis and purification of all three regioisomers of DCVG, DCVC, and DCV-NAC. Using a β-lyase-mimetic model and 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (NBP) as a model nucleophile, we demonstrated that only 1,2-trans-DCVC and 1,2-cis-DCVC formed NBP-reactive products, suggesting their higher reactivity. The purified regioisomers of DCVG and DCVC were used to investigate their cellular effects in different cellular models. In chapter 3, six different human in vitro systems representing target organs of TCE were used to compare altered transcriptional responses upon exposure to the major conjugates formed by human liver fractions, 1,2-trans-DCVG/C and 2,2-DCVG/C (chapter 2). Viability studies showed that 1,2-DCVC affected the viability of all six cell models in a concentration-dependent manner, while 1,2-DCVG only affected the kidney model (RPTEC/TERT1). The kidney and liver models showed the strongest transcriptomic responses to both 1,2-DCVG and 1,2-DCVC. Transcripts associated with Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response and ATF4-mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) were upregulated in all cell types at high concentrations of 1,2-DCVC exposure. In chapter 4, the renal cellular effects of 1,2-cis-DCVC and 1,2-cis-DCVG were investigated, showing significant differences in their effects on cell viability and mitochondrial respiration compared to 1,2-trans-DCVG/C and 2,2-DCVG/C isomers. Despite similar reactivities of the β-lyase products of 1,2-trans-DCVC and 1,2-cis-DCVC, 1,2-cis-DCVC did not affect cell viability of RPTEC/TERT1 cells at any of the concentrations tested. The rates of metabolism of the three DCVG regioisomers by RPTEC/TERT1 cells were investigated. All three DCVGs were degraded rapidly at comparable rates, with simultaneous formation of their corresponding cysteinylglycinyl-S-conjugates (DCV-CysGly). Three metabolites corresponding to N-γ-glutamyl-S-(dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCV-CysGlu) conjugates were identified, marking the first time this pathway is reported in TCE metabolism. In chapter 5, cellular responses were determined after repeated daily exposure for 7 days to non-toxic concentrations of TCE-conjugates. Both 1,2-trans-DCVC and 1,2-trans-DCVG started to cause a decrease in cell number after 5 days of exposure, with 1,2-trans-DCVC being slightly more toxic. 2,2-DCVG, the major DCVG-regioisomer formed by human liver fractions (chapter 2), only produced minor Nrf2-responses when exposed for 24 h at high concentration (>250 µM) to RPTEC/TERT1-cells. This confirms that this regioisomer seems to be of low toxicological concern for humans. In conclusion, by integrating kinetic and dynamic techniques for the evaluation of compounds that go through the GSH conjugation pathway, the work done in this PhD thesis offers confidence in the successful application of NAMs to support chemical risk assessment

Interplay between Rac1b and Sodium Iodide symporter expression in thyroid and breast cancers

Rac1b, an alternative isoform of the small GTPase RAC1, has recently be shown to be present in thyroid tissue and overexpressed in thyroid cancer cells, particularly in a subset of papillary thyroid carcinomas carrying the activating mutation BRAFV600E that are associated with an unfavorable outcome. On the other hand, RAC1 seems to be involved in the upregulation of NIS, the glycoprotein responsible for iodide uptake that allows the use of 131 I as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, in thyroid cancer. However, NIS expression levels and iodine uptake in thyroid cancer cells are reduced when compared to normal tissue. Also, B-Raf V600E mutation has been shown to correlate with a lower expression of NIS. RAC1b overexpression has also been documented in breast cancer. This hyperactivatable variant was shown to be able to compete with and inhibit RAC1 endogenous activity in several signaling pathways. Breast carcinomas also express NIS but at levels too low to warrant treatment with 131I. Thus, in order to understand the regulatory mechanisms of NIS expression we aimed to evaluate the balance of RAC1/1b effect in NIS mRNA expression in follicular cell derived thyroid tumor samples, as well as, in a cell line derived from normal thyroid and in breast cancer cell lines. Understanding the necessary switch to increase NIS expression in cancer cells, would open a new window of opportunity to fight thyroid tumor resistance to radioiodine therapy and develop and possible treatment by the radiodide uptake therapy in breast cancer in a selective way

Automated cleansing and harmonization of international trade data

Large volumes of data are becoming increasingly available and can be very valuable for the analysis of different phenomena. These data can originate from multiple sources and be recorded in diverse formats, requiring preliminary scrutiny in order to be further used in scientific analyses. This first crucial phase of filtering and cleansing data is usually a cumbersome and time-consuming task, but automated routines can be developed to help researchers. A routine created with the R language is here presented, to screen, harmonize and aggregate international trade data, representing the trade flows between countries for specific products, in a timeframe that covers monthly flows for at least 15 years for most countries. The R script implementing these routines is provided, being easily adapted to other datasets with similar issues. • A step-by-step procedure for cleansing and harmonizing international trade data, using R programming language, is presented • Automated routines are very effective in obtaining robust and filtered data inputs to integrate in scientific models • Spatial and temporal patterns of worldwide trade relations can be explored to enhance our understanding of various associated phenomenainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio