Repositório RCAAP

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the second cause of cancer-specific death in women from high-income countries. Recently, gut microbiota dysbiosis emerged as a key player that may directly and/or indirectly influence development, treatment, and prognosis of BC through diverse biological processes: host cell proliferation and death, immune system function, chronic inflammation, oncogenic signalling, hormonal and detoxification pathways. Gut colonisation occurs during the prenatal period and is later diversified over distinct phases throughout life. In newly diagnosed postmenopausal BC patients, an altered faecal microbiota composition has been observed compared with healthy controls. Particularly, β-glucuronidase bacteria seem to modulate the enterohepatic circulation of oestrogens and their resorption, increasing the risk of hormone-dependent BC. Moreover, active phytoestrogens, short-chain fatty acids, lithocholic acid, and cadaverine have been identified as bacterial metabolites influencing the risk and prognosis of BC. As in gut, links are also being made with local microbiota of tumoural and healthy breast tissues. In breast microbiota, different microbial signatures have been reported, with distinct patterns per stage and biological subtype. Total bacterial DNA load was lower in tumour tissue and advanced-stage BC when compared with healthy tissue and early stage BC, respectively. Hypothetically, these findings reflect local dysbiosis, potentially creating an environment that favours breast tumour carcinogenesis (oncogenic trigger), or the natural selection of microorganisms adapted to a specific microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the origin, composition, and dynamic evolution of human microbiota, the links between gut/breast microbiota and BC, and explore the potential implications of metabolomics and pharmacomicrobiomics that might impact BC development and treatment choices toward a more personalised medicine. Finally, we put in perspective the potential limitations and biases regarding the current microbiota research and provide new horizons for stronger accurate translational and clinical studies that are needed to better elucidate the complex network of interactions between host, microorganisms, and drugs in the field of BC.

Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy disorder influenced by oxidative stress and hypoxia, affects the health of the mother and baby and is associated with an increased risk of future hypertension (HT). Aquaporins are a family of water channels, comprising members that also transport glycerol (aquaglyceroporins) and hydrogen peroxide (peroxiporins), key molecules for metabolic homeostasis and redox signaling. Here, we investigated the association of Aquaporin-3 (AQP3; rs2231231), Aquaporin-7 (AQP7; rs2989924), NOS3 (4B/A intron) and CYBA (rs4673) genetic polymorphisms with the development of hypertensive disorders by qPCR/PCR in a cohort of 150 normotensive (NT) women (N = 90) or with previous PE (N = 60) during pregnancy. Prospectively, women were reclassified 2-16 years after pregnancy as NT (N = 98) or hypertensive (N = 48) and the genetic associations were reevaluated. In addition, genetic associations were reevaluated and compared between normotensive and hypertensive (HT) subjects. We found that AQP3 rs2231231, an aquaglyceroporin/peroxiporin, is associated with the development of HT, whereas AQP7, NOS3 and CYBA polymorphism did not correlate with PE or future HT. Because AQP3 was associated with hypertension only after pregnancy, its role might be related to later risk factors of hypertension such as metabolic syndrome or oxidative stress.

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD), although the proatherosclerotic mediators of cigarette smoking are not entirely known. We explored whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in cigarette smokers and associated with the presence of PAD. Ninety-four participants were recruited, including 58 individuals without and 36 with PAD, 51 never smokers, 28 prior smokers, and 15 active smokers. The relative expression of six circulating miRNAs with distinct biological roles (miR-21, miR-27b, miR-29a, miR-126, miR-146, and miR-218) was assessed. Cigarette smoking was associated with the presence of PAD in multivariate analysis. Active smokers, but not prior smokers, presented miR-27b downregulation and higher leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts; miR-27b expression levels were independently associated with active smoking. Considering the metabolic and/or inflammatory abnormalities induced by cigarette smoking, miR-27b was independently associated with the presence of PAD and downregulated in patients with more extensive PAD. In conclusion, the atheroprotective miR-27b was downregulated in active smokers, but not in prior smokers, and miR-27b expression was independently associated with the presence of PAD. These unreported data suggest that the proatherogenic properties of cigarette smoking are mediated by a downregulation of miR-27b, which may be attenuated by smoking cessation.

Esta dissertação constitui um estudo de caso, exploratório e de carácter descritivo. Tem como objectivo fazer uma radiografia sociolinguística de Cabo Verde, particularmente centrada no actual uso das duas línguas faladas no arquipélago, o português (PCV) e o crioulo cabo-verdiano (LCV). A linha de pesquisa adoptada inspira-se fortemente nos estudos de macrosociolinguística, tomando a situação de contacto de línguas, caracterizadora da sociedade cabo-verdiana, como ponto de partida para o enquadramento de um conjunto de questões seleccionadas para investigação mais aprofundada. São, assim, explorados os processos implicados nesta situação de contacto concreta e os resultados linguísticos decorrentes da mesma, como o bilinguismo ou a diglossia (cf. Cap. 3). Recorrendo a contributos teóricos de áreas associadas e complementares (cf. Cap. 1), foca-se a importância da análise dos domínios em que cada uma das línguas é usada, das redes sociais dos falantes ou das suas atitudes linguísticas. A investigação partiu de uma recolha de dados realizada para o efeito, nas nove ilhas habitadas. As unidades de análise retidas correspondem a uma amostragem de dois grupos sociais distintos: falantes jovens, alunos do ensino secundário (inquiridos por questionário), e falantes adultos cuja profissão implica uma intensa actividade linguística (professores e ‘líderes’, inquiridos por entrevistas semi-dirigidas). Foi usada uma metodologia de recolha o mais rigorosa possível e adoptado o tratamento estatístico de dados (cf. Cap. 2). O confronto dos comportamentos linguísticos e das atitudes das duas gerações inquiridas, com diferentes características (cf. Introdução), forneceu importantes informações sobre a dinâmica linguística da sociedade cabo-verdiana, conclusões essas que serão importantes para a definição de orientações no âmbito da política linguística (cf. Cap. 5). É apresentada, como complemento, uma análise exploratória de alguns aspectos sintácticos atestados nas produções dos indivíduos inquiridos com instrução superior (cf. Cap. 4), um contributo, embora modesto, para a definição da variedade padrão do PCV.The goal of this dissertation is to describe and explain a case study. It aims to present a radiography of the sociolinguistic situation in Cape Verde centered on the contemporary use of languages spoken on the archipelago, i.e. Portuguese (PCV) and Cape Verdean Creole (LCV). Supported by the macro-sociolinguistic theoretical framework and focusing on language contact, pervasive within the Cape Verdean society, it raises a series of questions. Issues such as linguistic processes and outcomes (e.g. bilingualism and diglossia) involved in this specific language contact situation are presented and analyzed in Chapter 3. Based on theoretical contributions of complementary and related fields, Chapter 1 centers on the importance of the analysis of the domains in which each of the languages is used, the configuration of social networks, and the role of linguistic attitudes. This research is based on fieldwork conducted on nine inhabited Cape Verdean islands. The sample is composed of two distinct social groups: young speakers - secondary school students - who have answered to a questionnaire, and adult speakers whose professional life implies intensive linguistic activity (teachers and ‘leaders’) and who have been questioned by semi-structured interviews. Chapter 2 presents the methodology of data collection and the statistical handling of the data. The comparison and contrast of linguistic behavior and attitudes of these two distinct generations (cf. Introduction) has cast light on the linguistic dynamic of the Cape Verdean society, offering important insights as to the future orientations of the linguistic policies in Cape Verde (cf. Chapter 5). Finally, as a complement, this dissertation presents and analyses some of the syntactic features attested in the speech of the informants with superior education (cf. Chapter 4) aiming to contribute, though in still limited way, to the definition of the standard variety of Portuguese spoken in Cape Verde.

Introdução: A dor ocorre em 46% dos doentes que sofreram um acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma revisão sobre a dor central (DC) relativamente ao seu conceito, prevalência, apresentação clínica, diagnóstico, fisiopatologia e tratamento. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão recorrendo à base de dados PubMed®, utilizando como palavras-chave os termos "post-stroke", "central" e "pain", recolhendo informações de 24 artigos relevantes. Discussão: A DC pós-AVC é uma síndrome dolorosa neuropática consequente da agressão ao sistema nervoso central, caracterizada por dor e alterações sensitivas (como alodínia e hiperalgesia). Apesar de surgir em 5-11% dos doentes, e estar associada a um declínio da sua qualidade de vida, é frequentemente subdiagnosticada e subtratada. O seu tratamento inclui fármacos como antidepressivos e anticonvulsivantes, assim como uma abordagem não farmacológica adjuvante. Conclusão: O tratamento da DC é desafiante e implica uma abordagem individualizada. Estudos futuros poderão esclarecer a fisiopatologia da DC, definir critérios de diagnóstico e reunir evidência que permita um tratamento mais eficaz.

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, leading to an increase in length of hospital stay and healthcare costs. This systematic literature review aims to determine whether patients undergoing cardiac surgery who undergo preoperative breathing exercise training have better postoperative outcomes such as respiratory parameters, postoperative pulmonary complications, and length of hospital stay. Systematic searches were performed in the CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE and MedicLatina databases. Studies were included if they examined adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery, who underwent a preoperative breathing exercise training aimed at improving breathing parameters, preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, and reducing hospital length of stay. This systematic review was based on Cochrane and Prisma statement recommendations in the design, literature search, analysis, and reporting of the review. The search yielded 608 records. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies were randomized controlled trials and one was an observational cohort study. Data from 1240 participants was retrieved from these studies and meta-analysis was performed whenever possible. A preoperative breathing intervention on patients undergoing cardiac surgery may help improve respiratory performance after surgery, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay. However, more trials are needed to support and strengthen the evidence.

A Doença de Alzheimer é uma doença neurodegenerativa muito comum, sendo a causa de demência mais presente no Mundo. A sua prevalência está a aumentar ao longo dos anos e, até à data, não é possível obter um diagnóstico definitivo desta patologia antes da morte. Deste modo, a descoberta de um biomarcador precoce para esta doença é imprescindível, a fim de se tentar evitar a progressão da mesma. A disfunção olfativa é um dos primeiros sintomas da Doença de Alzheimer, estando presente na fase pré-clínica. Os testes ao olfato são não invasivos, baratos e fáceis de realizar, não dependendo dos médicos especialistas ou das análises laboratoriais. Por essa razão, o olfato é um possível bom biomarcador desta doença, podendo permitir o seu diagnóstico precoce e consequentemente, o acesso a melhores intervenções terapêuticas.

Il presente saggio analizza le dimensioni spaziali della transizione che ha investito il sistema di produzione e trasformazione dei prodotti agricoli negli ultimi decenni, indagando la loro relazione con la logistica e con la mobilità, intese in senso ampio. Queste riflessioni si riferiscono in particolare al contesto italiano, e più nello specifico ad alcune enclavi agro-industriali come quelle della Piana di Gioia Tauro e del Tavo-liere, nonostante dinamiche simili possano essere rintracciate in molte altre regioni, europee e non. L’individuazione di tratti generali inseriti in una scala globale, che pure si affronta in quanto segue, non esime certamente da un’analisi delle modalità con cui tali processi abbiano trovato articolazione a livello locale, a partire da dinamiche sto-riche, geografiche, socio-economiche parzialmente distinte, di cui si cercherà di dare conto.

O ensaio “A segunda grande vaga de desincrustação e a crise de 2007-15” procura compreender a crise financeira global de 2007-2008 que, entre 2010 e 2015, se estendeu aos países europeus do Sul e à Irlanda, como sequência de uma conjuntura que remonta sensivelmente às duas décadas finais do século XX. Sob a influência de uma leitura ampla da obra publicada, em 1944, de Karl Polanyi, A Grande Transformação (2012), designamos tal conjuntura de segunda grande vaga de desincrustação da economia relativamente à estrutura social; o mesmo é dizer, um novo processo de alargamento do controlo do sistema económico-produtivo pela economia de mercado que colocou a sociedade ainda mais heterónoma face à lógica mercantil. Trata-se de uma conjuntura em que a sociedade foi fortemente compelida a ser uma espécie de apêndice do mercado. Sob este enquadramento, são sondadas no texto certas correspondências entre correntes ideológicas e políticas, a emergência de novas forças sociais, económicas e científico-tecnológicas e o processo conhecido por globalização.

The exhibition space is now even more the context of the exhibition, than its container. From the experience of the avant-garde movements of the twentieth century, Exhibition Design has developed into an individual subject, of particular interest for the conception of exhibition narratives. Given this, the space is evermore an essential element for the construction of the exhibition experience, and not just a passive and neutral vehicle for the construction of dialogue. The exhibition How to Pronounce Design in Portuguese?, is organized upon a modular grid, that is, simultaneously, the physical container and the context of the object. The objects are divided by intensities, based on variations of aggregation and separation in space, of volumetric dimensions and immaterial content, present in each work exhibited. The adaptability and modularity are now fundamental characteristics for the analysis of the implementation of the exhibition script in the exhibition space and for the comprehension of the dialogue that is constructed, not just by the logic of a itinerant exhibition, but also as an individual presentation. Just as Kandinsky refers to the sonority of each point, the designer, in the exhibition How to Pronounce Design in Portuguese?, defines the modularity of the exhibition design in symphonic and melodic compositions, of fluctuating rhythms, that is materialized in the object distribution by modules. Simultaneously, the understanding of the modular formula itself, analyzes the construction of space based on its stereotomy – on its elementary components. The contrast of this composition with the ruin, the physical singularity of the museum in-progress defined by MUDE, conceives a unique exhibition typology. This dissertation seeks to demonstrate these variations, as a contextual and essential characteristic of Exhibition Design, based on the study of the 2015 edition of the exhibition How to Pronounce Design in Portuguese?, presented in the Museum of Design and Fashion.

This paper’s main goal is to advance some considerations on the interrelations between port cities and capital. More specifically, it sheds light on how these interdependencies took place in the eighteenth-century Portuguese and Spanish Atlantic world. This paper thus seeks to draw an urban political economy in transimperial, global, and contractual perspectives. For so doing, particular attention will be put to Rio de Janeiro’s projection far beyond the South Atlantic, and in particular, its interconnections with the Rio de la Plata basin and Potosi markets. Attention will also be paid to the impact of and repercussions that far-flung economic phenomena had for the urban domestic markets.

No summary/description provided

Physical fitness (PF) is a multi-component construct and a biomarker of health. Worse PF is related to vulnerability and predicts worse academic achievements. Thus, assessing PF is important to monitor health in youth. This systematic review aimed to identify and inform physical education, health professionals and entities about existing PF batteries and field-tests that can be used in school settings. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in five electronic databases (Academic Search Complete, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify PF battery protocols that can be carried out in the school setting. Overall, 24 PF batteries were identified. Regarding the PF components assessed, only cardiorespiratory fitness and upper body strength were contemplated in all batteries. Middle-body strength and lower body strength were presented in most batteries (21 and 19 of 24, respectively). Agility (16 of 24) and body composition (16 of 24) were also considered in several batteries, although to a lesser extent. Flexibility (14 of 24) and speed (12 of 24) were the PF components less represented in the batteries. Among the 24 identified PF batteries, 81 PF tests assessing the different PF components were encountered. The advances in the PF field-based assessment in school settings and health in youth resulted in the amplification of the number of existing batteries. Considering the connection between PF and health and the opportunity that the school setting provides to assess fitness in children and adolescents, there is a need for standardization and a consensus of PF assessments in this specific setting.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by a chronic inflammatory process that affects the intestinal barrier structure. Recent evidence suggests that some food components can influence the integrity of the intestinal barrier and thus its permeability. We aimed at assessing the effect of food components on the intestinal permeability (IP) and on inflammatory markers in individuals with IBD by a single-blind randomized clinical study. Of the 53 individuals included, 47% (n = 25) had been diagnosed with IBD. The participants were divided into 4 groups. IBD patients were allocated to intervention group (n = 14) vs. no intervention group (n = 11), and the same happened with 28 control participants without disease (n = 14 in intervention group vs. n = 14 without intervention). Symptomatology, nutritional status, biochemical parameters (specifically serum zonulin (ZO) to measure IP) were evaluated on all individuals on an eight week period following a diet plan with/without potentially beneficial foods for the IP. At the beginning of the study, there were no significant differences in ZO values between individuals with and without IBD (p > 0.05). The effect of specific food components was inconclusive; however, a trend in the reduction of inflammatory parameters and on the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptomatology was observed. More controlled intervention studies with diet plans, including food components potentially beneficial for the integrity of the intestinal barrier, are of the utmost importance.

No summary/description provided

A potenciação de longo termo (Long-term potentiation- LTP) é considerada a baseneurofisiológica de diferentes tipos de memória, tal como a memória espacial. No envelhecimento, está bem descrito um défice da memória dependente do hipocampo, em função do aumento da idade, que é classicamente correlacionado com a diminuição da LTP. Estudos recentes no nosso laboratório, focados nos mecanismos da LTP na área CA1 de fatias de hipocampo de rato, demonstraram que a magnitude da LTP pode ser potenciada no envelhecimento. Contudo é crucial entender este paradoxo entre a LTP aumentada no envelhecimento e os défices de memória apresentados em animais velhos. Os receptores de glutamato do tipo NMDA são essenciais para a potenciação de longo termo na área CA1 do hipocampo. Curiosamente, apesar de ser uma antagonista parcial dos receptores NMDA, a memantina é um fármaco amplamente utilizado no tratamento da doença de Alzheimer com propriedades de melhoria cognitiva. Assim, utilizando este fármaco, estudámos de que forma a alteração da activação dos receptores NMDA poderia estar relacionada com o aumento da magnitude da LTP e os défices de memória observados em animais velhos. A memantina (10, 5 e 1 mg/kg/dia) ou um controlo salino foram cegamente administrados intraperitonealmente durante 14 dias a ratos machos wistar com 10-15 ou 70-80 semanas de idade. Foram usados ensaios comportamentais para avaliar a memória dependente de hipocampo (Morris Water Maze), a actividade locomotora (Open Field) e a ansiedade (Elevated Plus Maze). Potenciais pós-sinapticos excitatórios (fiel excitatory postsynaptic potentials- fEPSP) foram registados na área CA1 do hipocampo para avaliar a LTP e a transmissão sináptica basal. A LTP foi induzida por um protocolo θ-burst (4 bursts, 100Hz, 4 estimulos, separados por 200 ms) e a transmissão sináptica basal foi analisada por curvas Input-Output. Os níveis dos receptores AMPA (subunidade GluR1) e NMDA (subunidade 2B) foram quantificados por immunoblot. A memantina apresentou um efeito dependente da dose em animais velhos. Para doses altas (10 mg/kg/dia) a memantina diminuiu a magnitude da LTP em 40.2% conduzindo à perda de memória dependente do hipocampo. Para doses moderadas (5 mg/kg/dia) é observada uma diminuição da magnitude da LTP de 21.7% sem afectar a aprendizagem. Em animais tratados com doses baixas (1 mg/kg/dia) não são observadas alterações quer na LTP quer na aprendizagem. A memantina em animais jovens não apresenta, independentemente da dose, efeitos tanto na LTP como na memória dependente do hipocampo. Não são observadas alterações na transmissão sináptica basal, em qualquer grupo de animais, bem como nos níveis de receptores NMDA (subunidade 2B) e AMPA (subunidade GluR1). Em suma, estes resultados sugerem que a LTP aumentada em animais velhos é um fenómeno compensatório e não patológico. O crescente bloqueio da LTP, através de uma antagonista parcial dos receptores NMDA, conduz a prejuízo da aprendizagem ao invés de melhoria da aprendizagem, o que significa que a LTP aumentada é necessária para que os processos de aprendizagem ocorram.

Cet article s’atache à une discussion sur les atouts et enjeux mais aussi les extensions possibles du domaine émergeant de la Médecine narrative, dont la méthode d’approche est fondée sur les études littéraires et des outils narratifs de lecture et écriture pour la formation médicale. Partant d’une brève présentation des principes et pratiques de la médecine narrative, l’étude vise à élargir son champ d’action aux en/jeux discursifs et corporels du processus de lecture. À partir des contributions théoriques sur la discursivité (Benveniste, Meschonnic), la théorie de la lecture (Picard, Jouve) et la théâtralité (Barthes, Pavis), nous traiterons deux exemples susceptibles d’illustrer la démarche, et d’éclairer sa convergence avec l’éthique médicale.

Sur fond de révolution symboliste, l’article met en perspective les aspects fondamentaux de l’abstraction opérée par Maeterlinck, qui vise à s’affranchir de la syntaxe dramatique traditionnelle. Son premier théâtre et sa théorie du "Tragique quotidien" permettent d’aborder la passion sous un angle nouveau : la passivité. Il s’agit ensuite de voir comment cette interversion opérée au seuil du drame moderne conduit au théâtre statique d’un Pessoa, jusqu'à la dépersonnalisation, l’hétéronymie.

“Le point central de ma personnalité, en tant qu’artiste, c’est que je suis un poète dramatique ; j’ai sans cesse, dans tout ce que j’écris, l’exaltation intime du poète et la dépersonnalisation du dramaturge”, écrit Fernando Pessoa. Suivant une mise en scène mentale, il fait évoluer, en lui et à partir de lui, une série de “doubles” qui produisent à leur tour des oeuvres différentes entre elles. Pessoa brouille le singulier et le multiple dans une vaste entreprise de recherche sur le sujet.

No summary/description provided