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Tradução do “Prólogo” da obra de María Zambrano intitulada La tumba de Antigona. No texto, publicado originalmente em 1967, Zambrano ressignifica o mito de Antígona, atribuindo à personagem um outro destino, diferente daquele apresentado por Sófocles na versão clássica do mito. Para Zambrano, depois de enclausurada ainda viva em sua tumba, a protagonista não se mata, mas executa uma espécie de anagnórisis, de reconhecimento de si, que acontece ao passo em que dialoga com os demais personagens da história. Através de longas reflexões e de alguns diálogos, Antígona passa a pensar sobre sua própria condição e no modo como abdicou de si ao longo da sua trajetória para apoiar e defender a vida e os ideais de outras pessoas, como o pai, a cidade, os irmãos, o noivo e o rei. Antígona consegue então finalmente ter tempo para si e é nessa possibilidade que realiza o que Zambrano nomeia de transcendência poética. O texto aqui traduzido, é “Prólogo” da obra zambraniana, que anuncia uma Antígona que faz do que seria seu momento de declínio, ao ser enterrada viva, um tempo de afirmação e recriação de si.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a widely used technique in fertility centers. ICSI success depends on both nuclear and cytoplasmic oocyte maturation. Cumulus cells, which surround the oocytes, play a pivotal role in oocyte competence. However, the significance of DNA damage in cumulus cells as a marker of fertilization success remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between DNA damage in cumulus cells of females undergoing ICSI, and oocyte competence, with a focus on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. We employed the alkaline comet assay to assess DNA damage levels (%TDNA) in cumulus cells and whole blood from 22 potentially fertile females and 35 infertile females, including 20 with an ovulatory disfunction phenotype. Our results revealed significant differences between the levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells and blood. Females with an ovulatory dysfunction phenotype exhibited higher levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells compared to potentially fertile females. Additionally, within the group of females with ovulatory dysfunction, a significant correlation was observed between %TDNA levels and the number of oocytes with two pronuclei. Our findings suggest that blood does not accurately reflect DNA damage in cumulus cells, which was correlated with the fertilization success in females with ovulatory dysfunction. High levels of %TDNA in cumulus cells were associated with a higher likelihood of successful fertilization. Moreover, our results imply that low levels of %TDNA may be linked to oocytes that fail to complete maturation and, consequently, do not fertilize (oocytes with zero pronuclei). Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings and to explore potential applications in female fertility. However, our study provides evidence that DNA damage in cumulus cells may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting fertilization success and oocyte competence.

Sleep is a vital process that impacts biological functions such as cell renewal, bone regeneration, and immune system support. Disrupted sleep can interrupt erythropoiesis, leading to fewer red blood cells, reduced haemoglobin concentration, and decreased haematocrit levels, potentially contributing to haematological disorders. This is particularly concerning for shift workers for example firefighters. While previous studies have explored sleep’s adverse effects on various professions, research specific to firefighters is limited. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and haematological parameters among firefighters in Northeast Portugal. From a sample of 201 firefighters, variations in red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values were linked to sleep quality. The study utilised non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s correlation) to explore the connection between sleep quality and haematological profile. The impact of covariates on haematological parameters was assessed using non-parametric ANCOVA (Quade’s). A multiple regression analysis was employed to further understand how sleep quality and various confounding variables impact haematological levels. Findings suggest a negative link between sleep quality and haematological levels, meaning that as sleep quality deteriorates, there is a tendency for haematological levels to decrease, as indicated by Spearman’s correlation (rRBC = −0.157, pRBC = 0.026; rHb = −0.158, pHb = 0.025; rHCT = −0.175, pHCT = 0.013). As observed in scientific literature, the correlation found suggests a possible inhibition of erythropoiesis, the process responsible for red blood cell production. Despite firefighters presenting a haematological profile within the reference range (RBC: 5.1 × 106/mm3 (SD ± 0.4), Hb: 15.6 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), 47% (SD ± 1.0), there is already an observable trend towards lower levels. The analysis of co-variables did not reveal a significant impact of sleep quality on haematological levels. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of sleep quality in determining haematological parameters among firefighters. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of poor sleep quality on firefighter health. Exploring interventions to enhance sleep quality is vital for evidence-based strategies promoting firefighter well-being.

IntroductionAvailable literature has found an association between firefighting and pathologic pathways leading to cardiorespiratory diseases, which have been linked with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are highlighted as priority pollutants by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative in occupational and non-occupational contexts.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is the first to simultaneously characterize six creatinine-adjusted PAHs metabolites (OHPAHs) in urine, blood pressure, cardiac frequency, and hemogram parameters among wildland firefighters without occupational exposure to fire emissions (> 7 days), while exploring several variables retrieved via questionnaires.ResultsOverall, baseline levels for total OHPAHs levels were 2 to 23-times superior to the general population, whereas individual metabolites remained below the general population median range (except for 1-hydroxynaphthalene+1-hydroxyacenaphtene). Exposure to gaseous pollutants and/or particulate matter during work-shift was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in total OHPAHs levels. Firefighters who smoke presented 3-times higher total concentration of OHPAHs than non-smokers (p

The characterization of wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure must consider different exposures, including those at the fire station. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure of 172 Northern Portuguese wildland firefighters in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season of 2021. The biological impact of estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (indoor/outdoor) was accessed through a buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay in exfoliated buccal cells of a subgroup of 80 firefighters. No significant association was found between estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (mean 1.73 ± 0.43 µg kg−1 and 0.53 ± 0.21 µg kg−1, respectively) and biological endpoints. However, increased frequencies of cell death parameters were found among subjects of the Permanent Intervention Teams (full-time firefighters). The intake of nutritional supplements was associated with a significant decrease in micronucleus frequencies (i.e., DNA damage or chromosome breakage). In addition, our findings showed a significantly increased frequency of cell death endpoints (i.e., nuclear fragmentation) with coffee consumption, while daily consumption of vegetables significantly decreased it (i.e., nuclear shrinkage). Our results provide data on the occupational exposure of wildland firefighters while working in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season, providing the essential baseline for further studies throughout the wildfire season.

O presente trabalho propõe uma possível intersecção entre o pensamento de bell hooks e a música de Elza Soares a partir de uma perspectiva emancipatória para a educação. O texto se concentra na análise de alguns ensinamentos apresentados por bell na obra Pensamento crítico: sabedoria prática e a música Exu nas escolas de Elza. As duas produções permitem pensar a tarefa docente por um viés transgressor e descolonial, que aproxima a concepção libertadora do ensino à valorização dos saberes ancestrais da cultura negra e latino-americana.

Periodontitis (PDT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have demonstrated a bidirectional relationship and imbalanced oxidative stress linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated mitochondrial and redox (de)regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in comorbid T2D-PDT, compared to PDT, T2D patients, and control individuals. PBMCs were analyzed for mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant proteins, and expression of Nrf2-target genes. PDT and T2D-PDT patients exhibited altered periodontal clinical markers, while T2D and T2D-PDT patients displayed increased blood HbA1c. Decreased oxygen consumption and ATP production were observed in the PDT patient’s PBMCs. PDT and T2D-PDT PBMCs also evidenced increased H2O2 levels and reduced catalase levels (also detected in T2D patients), whereas a compromised glutathione cycle was observed in T2D-PDT patients. PBMCs from both T2D or T2D-PDT patients showed increased Nrf2 protein levels, enhanced GCL activity and GCL-catalytic subunit protein levels, and maintained GCLc, GST, and HO-1 mRNA levels. In contrast, the expressions of Nrf2-target genes were significantly diminished in the PDT patient’s PBMCs. Decreased SOD1 and GST mRNA levels were also observed in CD3+CD8+-lymphocytes derived from PDT and T2D-PDT patients. In conclusion, PBMCs from T2D-PDT patients showed major redox changes, while mononuclear cells from PDT patients showed mitochondrial deregulation and reduced expression of Nrf2-target genes.

In October 2017, hundreds of wildfires ravaged the forests of the north and centre of Portugal. The fires were fanned by strong winds as tropical storm Ophelia swept the Iberian coast, dragging up smoke (together with Saharan dust from north-western Africa) into higher western European latitudes. Here we analyse the long-range transport of particulate matter (PM10) and study associations between PM10 and short-term mortality in the Portuguese population exposed to PM10 due to the October 2017 wildfires, the worst fire sequence in the country over the last decades. We analysed space- and ground-level observations to track the smoke plume and dust trajectory over Portugal and Europe, and to access PM10 concentrations during the wildfires. The effects of PM10 on mortality were evaluated using satellite data for exposure and Poisson regression models. The smoke plume covered most western European countries (including Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands), and reached the United Kingdom, where the population was exposed in average to an additional PM10 level of 11.7 µg/m3 during seven smoky days (three with dust) in relation to the reference days (days without smoke or dust), revealing the impact of the wildfires on distant populations. In Portugal, the population was exposed in average to additional PM10 levels that varied from 16.2 to 120.6 µg/m3 in smoky days with dust and from 6.1 to 20.9 µg/m3 in dust-free smoky days. Results suggest that PM10 had a significant effect on the same day natural and cardiorespiratory mortalities during the month of October 2017. For every additional 10 µg/m3 of PM10, there was a 0.89% (95% confidence interval, CI, 0–1.77%) increase in the number of natural deaths and a 2.34% (95% CI, 0.99–3.66%) increase in the number of cardiorespiratory-related deaths. With rising temperatures and a higher frequency of storms due to climate change, PM from Iberian wildfires together with NW African dust will tend to be more often transported into Northern European countries, which may carry health threats to areas far from the ignition sites.

Ageing is accompanied with a decline in several physiological systems. Frailty is an age-related syndrome correlated to the loss of homeostasis and increased vulnerability to stressors, which is associated with increase in the risk of disability, comorbidity, hospitalisation, and death in older adults. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between frailty syndrome, immune activation, and oxidative stress. Serum concentrations of vitamins A and E were also evaluated, as well as inflammatory biomarkers (CRP and IL-6) and oxidative DNA levels. A group of Portuguese older adults (≥65 years old) was engaged in this study and classified according to Fried’s frailty phenotype. Significant increases in the inflammatory mediators (CRP and IL-6), neopterin levels, kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp), and phenylalanine to tyrosine ratio (Phe/Tyr), and significant decreases in Trp and Tyr concentrations were observed in the presence of frailty. IL-6, neopterin, and Kyn/Trp showed potential as predictable biomarkers of frailty syndrome. Several clinical parameters such as nutrition, dependency scales, and polypharmacy were related to frailty and, consequently, may influence the associations observed. Results obtained show a progressive immune activation and production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the presence of frailty, agreeing with the inflammageing model. Future research should include different dimensions of frailty, including psychological, social, biological, and environmental factors.

Background: The European Union (EU)(7)-PIM (potentially inappropriate medication) list presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date tool for evaluation of PIM prescribing in Europe; however, several country-specific studies have documented lower specificity of this list on pharmaceutical markets of some countries. The aim of our study was to describe approval rates and marketing of PIMs stated by EU(7)-PIM criteria in six EU countries [in comparison with the American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers 2015 criteria]. Methods: Research teams of six EU countries (Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Hungary and Turkey) participated in this study conducted by WG1b EU COST Action IS1402 group in the period October 2015–November 2018. Data on approval rates of PIMs and their availability on pharmaceutical markets have been obtained from databases of national drug-regulatory institutes and up-to-date drug compendia. The EU(7)-PIM list and AGS Beers 2015 Criteria (Section 1) were applied. Results: PIMs from EU(7)-PIM list were approved for clinical use more often than those from the AGS Beers 2015 criteria (Section 1). Approval rates for EU(7)-PIMs ranged from 42.8% in Serbia to 71.4% in Spain (for AGS criteria only from 36.4% to 65.1%, respectively). Higher percentages of approved PIMs were documented in Spain (71.4%), Portugal (67.1%) and Turkey (67.5%), lower in Hungary (55.5%), Czech Republic (50.2%) and Serbia (42.8%). The majority of approved PIMs were also currently marketed in all countries except in Turkey (19.8–21.7% not marketed PIMs) and less than 20% of PIMs were available as over-the-counter medications (except in Turkey, 46.4–48.1%). Conclusions: The EU(7)-PIM list was created for utilization in European studies; however, applicability of this list is still limited in some countries, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. The EU project EUROAGEISM H2020 (2017–2021) that focuses on PIM prescribing and regulatory measures in Central and Eastern European countries must consider these limits.

The objective of this study was to analyze visual representations of redox reactions and related content in four Brazilian secondary school chemistry textbooks. The study aimed to identify which representations were used and to evaluate how these representations were linked to one another and to the main text. Data were analyzed regarding representational levels and the degree of relatedness between the different levels and the main text. Further analysis focused on the intended function of images and which curriculum orientation they indicated. The sample was comprised of 286 visual representations. The results showed that most of the visual representations merely served a decorative function and were not explicitly used to further understanding of the content in the main text. The findings indicated that the textbooks in this sample prioritized two separate levels of representation: The macroscopic and the symbolic. Only a few submicroscopic and multilevel representations could be found. The textbook illustrations indicated a strong "structure of the discipline" orientation of the curriculum, which was illustrated with orientations taken from everyday life, technology, and industry. It emphasizes the importance of using illustrations in textbooks, because of its influence on the construction of concepts, in particular the concept of redox reactions. Based on this research, it is possible for chemistry teachers to observe the limitation of these materials and carefully select the textbook used in their curricula. Moreover, the results can contribute to improving the quality of textbooks.

Considerando as dificuldades associadas ao ensino de eletroquímica e a adoção das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) nos mais diversos setores da sociedade, este artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa que, teve como objetivo desenvolver um aplicativo Android de suporte para estudantes do Ensino Médio, com foco em eletroquímica. Para tanto, foi adotada a linguagem JavaScript, além do framework React-Native, que são ferramentas amplamente difundidas no universo mobile, multiplataforma e desenhada para a construção de telas interativas. O aplicativo construído, [CheMaestry], conta com dois modelos de questão organizados em cinco listas de exercícios, totalizando 31 questões permeando os conceitos de NOx, eletronegatividade, agente oxidante e redutor, comparação entre processos galvânicos e eletrolíticos e introdução ao balanceamento pelo método redox, configurando assim, uma ferramenta significativa na fixação destes conceitos.

The objective of this study was to analyze visual representations of redox reactions and related content in four Brazilian secondary school chemistry textbooks. The study aimed to identify which representations were used and to evaluate how these representations were linked to one another and to the main text. Data were analyzed regarding representational levels and the degree of relatedness between the different levels and the main text. Further analysis focused on the intended function of images and which curriculum orientation they indicated. The sample was comprised of 286 visual representations. The results showed that most of the visual representations merely served a decorative function and were not explicitly used to further understanding of the content in the main text. The findings indicated that the textbooks in this sample prioritized two separate levels of representation: The macroscopic and the symbolic. Only a few submicroscopic and multilevel representations could be found. The textbook illustrations indicated a strong “structure of the discipline” orientation of the curriculum, which was illustrated with orientations taken from everyday life, technology, and industry. It emphasizes the importance of using illustrations in textbooks, because of its influence on the construction of concepts, in particular the concept of redox reactions. Based on this research, it is possible for chemistry teachers to observe the limitation of these materials and carefully select the textbook used in their curricula. Moreover, the results can contribute to improving the quality of textbooks.

Este trabalho apresenta os desdobramentos de um estudo que buscou construir o perfil conceitual de interdisciplinaridade. Foram entrevistados 12 professores de diferentes áreas de um curso de Licenciatura em Quí­mica, que prevê uma formação interdisciplinar de seus licenciandos. O roteiro da entrevista semiestruturada tinha por objetivo emergir as concepções dos docentes sobre o conceito de interdisciplinaridade. As zonas do perfil conceitual que fundamentaram a análise foram a Intensidade de Troca, a Busca, a Atitude e a Hí­brida. Os resultados suscitam que a zona do perfil mais acessada pelos professores foi a Hí­brida, indicando uma junção que envolve o conceito de interdisciplinaridade com um ou mais ní­veis de integração. Infere-se a constatação dos professores de que a metodologia interdisciplinar possibilita um conhecimento mais elevado, entretanto, há importantes dificuldades a serem superadas para desenvolver um ensino com este ní­vel de integração entre as disciplinas.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o impacto do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) na formação da tríade - pibidianos, coordenadores e supervisores, no contexto do Ensino de Química. Mapeou-se a literatura entre 2008 a 2018, em eventos nacionais, artigos, teses e dissertações referentes ao Ensino de Ciências e Química. Foram catalogados inicialmente 761 trabalhos nos eventos, 456 artigos e 523 teses e dissertações. Desses estudos, apenas 52, 16 e 20, respectivamente, referiam-se ao tema de investigação. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo a partir de categorias da literatura e emergentes dos dados. A análise revelou que o PIBID propiciou aos pibidianos a vivência no futuro espaço profissional, participação em eventos científicos e estudos sobre referenciais teóricos; e que os supervisores se reconheceram como coformadores dos pibidianos. Entretanto, somente um dos estudos apontou os impactos na formação do coordenador, revelando lacunas importantes a serem respondidas por estudos futuros.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo (PCK) de licenciandos de química durante a disciplina de Estágio Curricular Supervisionado (ECS), na qual o discente participa de um processo completo de ensino: planejamento, implementação e reflexão sobre a prática, sobre o assunto de reações redox. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se uma rubrica com elementos que representam o conteúdo e as estratégias instrucionais nos três momentos distintos. Cada elemento foi classificado em limitado, básico, proficiente ou exemplar. Dois pesquisadores analisaram nove relatórios finais da disciplina (k = 0,92). Os resultados indicam que apesar dos futuros professores apresentaram desempenho limitado nos componentes do PCK, os ECS são espaços que fornecem elementos para a construção do PCK. Além disso, aponta-se para a necessidade de programas formação continuada, que forneçam subsídios para uma maturidade do conhecimento adquirido na formação inicial.