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Burned human remains have been studied by both forensic anthropologists and bioarchaeologists to understand how fire impacts and alters bone in different scenarios. Heat-induced changes can occur including differences in colour and shrinkage, where the extent of the latter varies in different studies. The current study aimed to bring information regarding this topic and to observe how the individual’s biological sex and age at death impact shrinkage. The variability of shrinkage was analysed, relating to temperature and duration of burning. The sample comprised of the patellae of 32 individuals (18 [56.3 %] females and 14 [43.8 %] males) with age at death between 60 and 93 (age grouped in decades) from the sub-collection of experimentally burned skeletons, part of the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection (ISC/XXI). The right patellae were subjected to experimental burning at different temperatures and durations using an electric muffle furnace. Both the right and left patellae had three measurements taken, maximum height, maximum thickness and maximum width, with a digital calliper. The shrinkage percentage was higher in males and among the younger individuals (60–79 years old of both sexes). The values of standard deviation were high which indicates high variability. Shrinkage occurred at every temperature with bigger values observed in the patellae that had been subjected to temperatures over 800ºC. However, three patellae showed an increase in size at temperature under 800ºC. These findings align with previous studies where a non-linear correlation between shrinkage and exposure duration was found. It is essential to underscore that the percentage of shrinkage exhibits substantial variability even under identical temperature and duration conditions, highlighting the critical significance of meticulous experimental design and thorough analysis.

Current Modular Living Wall Systems (MLWS) have many benefits but are often also characterized by high costs, high-embodied carbon and short life span materials. To address these issues a bio-inspired MLWS prototype was developed: Plant Pixel. The prototype aimed at improved performance on criteria: low-embodied carbon, hydrological and structural performance, plant performance, simple assembly-disassembly and cost-effectiveness. The Plant Pixel was built in a full-scale mock-up comprising 500 modules and 500 plants. It was found that the selected recycled materials (recycled PVCU, recycled textile, and recycled aluminum), a high-water holding capacity (61.0 l/m2) substrate, low-maintenance plants, and a plug-in fixing system, reduced embodied carbon (66.7 kgCO2e/m2) and improved the hydrological and structural MLWS performance. Additionally, the Plant Pixel prototype had lower material costs (256.1 €/m2) compared to other MLWS products. The Plant Pixel prototype met all the design criteria and exhibited the potential to become a marketable product.

Hallux valgus is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot. When addressing hallux valgus, surgical management plays a central role, with the majority of techniques consisting of cutting (osteotomy) and reshaping the overall anatomy of the metatarsal and phalanx. Understanding and analyzing the results of many osteotomies to treat hallux valgus is essential. This systematic review aims to summarize a structure of the different practices used through osteotomies to correct hallux valgus in the metatarsal, the results obtained, and the methodologies used to provide a follow-up. This systematic search was carried out using three databases: the National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, and Sage Journals. This research mainly focused on analyzing the outcomes and post-operative results of the various osteotomies of the first metatarsal manuscripts that addressed more than just the procedure analysis or its results, which were excluded, as in the case of combined pathologies. Fifteen manuscripts were included for full-text analysis based on comparative/explanatory studies of surgical procedures for hallux valgus metatarsal osteotomies and their clinical outcomes. The clinical results were analyzed in two aspects: the dimensional analysis of the metatarsal before and after the surgical procedure and the technologies used to obtain the follow-up. This review will guide future research into the more comprehensive use of the metatarsal osteotomy process and where engineering can and should intervene and make the procedures more precise and straightforward.

Debruçando-se sobre a ambiguidade do conceito de transgressão, o texto discute alguns aspetos da obra de Paulo Freire que, para além de fascinantes e corajosos, são claramente transgressivos em relação a normas, habitualmente aceites, no campo mais tradicional da Ciência. Esses aspetos, aliás, conferem ao seu trabalho características de uma atualidade surpreendente. A articulação entre Cristo e Marx é apresentada como exemplo de transgressão na obra de Freire – e o conceito de Páscoa é caraterizado como ilustração dessa mesma transgressão. A Páscoa, como Freire a descreve, compreende uma dialética inseparável e transgressiva entre a indispensável natureza política da educação e a igualmente indispensável espiritualidade que lhe está associada, e à qual ela procura também conduzir.

This article explores the possibility of developing musical, social and personal skills in children, reflecting on the effects of their participation in community choir projects. Two projects, designed by adults, in which children are active subjects of artistic practices, which enhance music as an instrument for their sociocultural and affective development, are analysed. Through an ethnographic approach, these projects were monitored and focus groups and interviews with participants were conducted. The data collected suggest that those involved recognise positive effects on children in terms of personal and social skills and their ability to enjoy and build musical taste.

Este artigo explora a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de competências musicais, sociais e pessoais em crianças, refletindo sobre efeitos da sua participação em projetos corais comunitários. Analisam-se dois projetos, idealizados por adultos em que as crianças são sujeitos ativos de práticas artísticas, que potenciam a música como instrumento de desenvolvimento sociocultural e afetivo destas. Através de uma abordagem etnográfica, acompanhou-se estes projetos, realizaram-se grupos focais e entrevistas a participantes. Os dados recolhidos sugerem que os envolvidos reconhecem efeitos positivos nas crianças nas competências pessoais e sociais e na sua capacidade de fruição e construção do gosto musical.

The biotechnology- and medicine-relevant fungus Aspergillus niger is a common colonizer of indoor habitats such as the International Space Station (ISS). Being able to colonize and biodegrade a wide range of surfaces, A. niger can ultimately impact human health and habitat safety. Surface contamination relies on two key-features of the fungal colony: the fungal spores, and the vegetative mycelium, also known as biofilm. Aboard the ISS, microorganisms and astronauts are shielded from extreme temperatures and radiation, but are inevitably affected by spaceflight microgravity. Knowing how microgravity affects A. niger colony growth, in particular regarding the vegetative mycelium (biofilm) and spore production, will help prevent and control fungal contaminations in indoor habitats on Earth and in space. Because fungal colonies grown on agar can be considered analogs for surface contamination, we investigated A. niger colony growth on agar in normal gravity (Ground) and simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions by fast-clinorotation. Three strains were included: a wild-type strain, a pigmentation mutant (ΔfwnA), and a hyperbranching mutant (ΔracA). Our study presents never before seen scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of A. niger colonies that reveal a complex ultrastructure and biofilm architecture, and provide insights into fungal colony development, both on ground and in simulated microgravity. Results show that simulated microgravity affects colony growth in a strain-dependent manner, leading to thicker biofilms (vegetative mycelium) and increased spore production. We suggest that the Rho GTPase RacA might play a role in A. niger’s adaptation to simulated microgravity, as deletion of ΔracA leads to changes in biofilm thickness, spore production and total biomass. We also propose that FwnA-mediated melanin production plays a role in A. niger’s microgravity response, as ΔfwnA mutant colonies grown under SMG conditions showed increased colony area and spore production. Taken together, our study shows that simulated microgravity does not inhibit A. niger growth, but rather indicates a potential increase in surface-colonization. Further studies addressing fungal growth and surface contaminations in spaceflight should be conducted, not only to reduce the risk of negatively impacting human health and spacecraft material safety, but also to positively utilize fungal-based biotechnology to acquire needed resources in situ.

O reconhecimento dos direitos das crianças não é condição suficiente para que estes se conjuguem e desenvolvam no quotidiano. No entanto, a escola pode assumir um papel importante na promoção desses direitos. Consubstanciar o que Bernstein (2000) designa por “direito pedagógico” implica melhorar a vida democrática e pedagógica das salas de aula e da escola. Nessa perspetiva, torna-se fundamental criar cenários nos quais as crianças possam participar e partilhar com os adultos as suas vivências. Tendo consciência dessa necessidade, os centros educativos das Irmãs Doroteias em Portugal têm vindo a empreender um processo de inovação educacional, privilegiando como campo de inovação a participação das crianças. Neste artigo, procuramos refletir sobre processos de participação das crianças no contexto da Creche e do Jardim de Infância de duas escolas, com particular atenção para o processo de avaliação das experiências vividas. Optámos por uma investigação de natureza qualitativa, através de uma análise temática dos dados, procurando entrelaçar as perspetivas das crianças e dos adultos. Os resultados permitiram perceber que as crianças reconhecem a importância das experiências de participação nas aprendizagens realizadas, na possibilidade de exprimirem opiniões, darem ideias e serem escutadas, na valorização do trabalho cooperativo, na partilha de saberes e opiniões e na implicação na inovação, experienciando a concretização das suas ideias.

A leucemia mielóide aguda (LMA) é uma neoplasia hematológica caracterizada pela proliferação clonal, com incidência crescente com a idade. A LMA com alterações relacionadas com mielodisplasia (LMA-ARM) representa um subtipo de LMA com prognóstico adverso, cujo tratamento é desafiante, sobretudo nos doentes mais idosos. Descrevemos o caso de uma doente de 77 anos com o diagnóstico de LMA-ARM, de alto risco inelegível para quimioterapia intensiva, com necessidades transfusionais frequentes. Tanto quanto é do seu conhecimento, os autores apresentam o primeiro caso clínico de LMA-ARM, em Portugal, tratado com a associação do agente hipometilante, azaciditina, e o inibidor BCL2 (venetoclax), o que foi crucial para o tratamento e sobrevivência global do doente, muito além da sobrevivência esperada.

Os centros educativos das Irmãs Doroteias em Portugal têm vindo a empreender nos últimos anos um processo de inovação educacional. Perseguindo um perfil de alunos(as) e um perfil de educadores(as) de marca identitária, o caminho percorrido em rede tem privilegiado a inovação ao nível do planeamento da ação e a inovação pedagógica em três domínios, a educação da interioridade, a gestão curricular e a participação das crianças. Este texto centra-se no âmbito da participação das crianças, procura refletir sobre o modo como se estrutura o trabalho pedagógico e a formação em ação numa dinâmica de oficina de inovação pedagógica, identificar temáticas comuns à inovação pedagógica que tem sido protagonizada pelos atores sociais em cada centro educativo, e perspetivar os próximos passos a dar.

A história da Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti é acompanhada pela constante preocupação com o desenvolvimento e educação das crianças. É num contexto pautado pela permanente necessidade dequestionamento que surgiu a “Semana da Infância” (maio2021), evento que representou um espaço de encontros e debates entre profissionais de diferentes países versandoas dimensões das questões que se colocam hoje à Educação de Infância. A organização do número 30 da revista Saber &Educar surge na sequência destas dinâmicas e enquadrouse como mais uma iniciativa da equipa do Observatório para o Futuro da Educação de Infância (OFEI).

O arquitecto Remígio Francisco é um dos artistas setecentistas, cuja actividade conhecida resume-se, parcialmente, à que exerceu associada à reconstrução de Lisboa pós-terramoto de 1755. O seu percurso pessoal, a par da actividade exercida antes desta catástrofe, permanecem desconhecidos. Esta lacuna acarreta uma expectável dificuldade de investigação do seu estudo, e uma subvalorização da obra deste arquitecto. Com a presente contribuição intenta-se complementar os escassos dados biográficos, aprofundar do conhecimento sobre o arquitecto Remígio Francisco.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of several types of cancer, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), as well as in the resistance to treatment. In this work, we assessed the potential of oxidative stress parameters to predict the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in lower-risk MDS patients. To this end, we analyzed the systemic levels of reactive species (peroxides and NO), antioxidant defenses (uric acid, vitamin E, vitamin A, GSH, GSSG, TAS, as well as GPX and GR activities], and oxidative damage (8-OH-dG and MDA) in 66 MDS patients, from those 44 have been treated with ESA. We also calculated the peroxides/TAS and NO/TAS ratios and analyzed the gene expression of levels of the redox regulators, NFE2L2 and KEAP1. We found that patients that respond to ESA treatment showed lower levels of plasma peroxides (p < 0.001), cellular GSH (p < 0.001), and cellular GR activity (p = 0.001) when compared to patients who did not respond to ESA treatment. ESA responders also showed lower levels of peroxides/TAS ratio (p < 0.001) and higher levels of the expression of the NFE2L2 gene (p = 0.001) than those that did not respond to ESA treatment. The levels of plasmatic peroxides shown to be the most accurate biomarker of ESA response, with good sensitivity (80%) and specificity (100%) and is an independent biomarker associated with therapy response. Overall, the present study demonstrated a correlation between oxidative stress levels and the response to ESA treatment in lower-risk MDS patients, with the plasmatic peroxides levels a good predictive biomarker of drug (ESA) response.

Whether terrestrial life can withstand the martian environment is of paramount interest for planetary protection measures and space exploration. To understand microbial survival potential in Mars-like conditions, several fungal and bacterial samples were launched in September 2019 on a large NASA scientific balloon flight to the middle stratosphere (∼38 km altitude) where radiation levels resembled values at the equatorial Mars surface. Fungal spores of Aspergillus niger and bacterial cells of Salinisphaera shabanensis, Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, and Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 were launched inside the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival, and Biological Outcomes Experiment) payload filled with an artificial martian atmosphere and pressure throughout the mission profile. The dried microorganisms were either exposed to full UV-VIS radiation (UV dose = 1148 kJ m−2) or were shielded from radiation. After the 5-h stratospheric exposure, samples were assayed for survival and metabolic changes. Spores from the fungus A. niger and cells from the Gram-(–) bacterium S. shabanensis were the most resistant with a 2- and 4-log reduction, respectively. Exposed Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 was completely inactivated (both with and without UV exposure) and S. capitis subsp. capitis only survived the UV shielded experimental condition (3-log reduction). Our results underscore a wide variation in survival phenotypes of spacecraft associated microorganisms and support the hypothesis that pigmented fungi may be resistant to the martian surface if inadvertently delivered by spacecraft missions.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU) is a rare oculorenal inflammatory entity with a probable autoimmune etiology. Interstitial nephritis may be asymptomatic and usually has a benign course with spontaneous resolution. Uveitis, instead, is classically anterior, bilateral, and nongranulomatous, but it can be unilateral and presents as posterior uveitis or panuveitis, sometimes with a chronic or recurrent evolution. The frequent time lag of ocular and renal manifestations makes this diagnosis particularly challenging. The authors describe four cases of this rare entity, two with tubulointerstitial nephritis preceding ocular manifestations and the remaining, instead, with uveitis preceding renal involvement. The therapeutic approach included systemic corticosteroids in all cases. The addition of immunosuppressive therapy was required in three patients to achieve uveitis control. TINU is probably an underrecognized entity and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a chronic or recurrent idiopathic uveitis, especially in young patients who may have mild and asymptomatic renal disease.

Introdução: A pandemia pelo novo coronavírus provocou rotura em hospitais de vários países por falta de recursos para ventilação invasiva. Assim, a Ordem dos Médicos convidou intensivistas que, em colaboração com a SYSADVANCE S.A., desenvolveram o SYSVENT OM1, um ventilador capaz de operar em modos controlados e assistidos (volume e pressão) e apto para tratar doentes em cuidados intensivos. Neste estudo fazemos a prova de conceito, comparando volume-corrente, pressão inspiratória e pressão positiva tele-expiratória programados, com os valores medidos pelo ventilador e por um equipamento de medição externo. Material e Métodos: Montámos o ventilador em série com um pulmão artificial e um analisador de fluxos. Medimos o volume-corrente expiratório e a pressão inspiratória, em três níveis de compliance e seis patamares de volume-corrente. A pressão positiva tele-expiratória foi medida com incrementos de 2 cmH2O ao longo de oito patamares. Para cada medição realizámos três leituras. Resultados: Considerando cada uma das três variáveis isoladamente, a média da diferença máxima entre os valores programados e os valores medidos situa-se, para todas elas, dentro do que considerámos ser aceitável para um modelo protótipo (volume-corrente = -28,1 mL, pressão inspiratória = 0,8 cmH2O e pressão positiva tele-expiratória = -1,1 cmH2O). Essa diferença é maior quando avaliada com o equipamento de medição externa comparativamente com o ventilador. Discussão: Os resultados mostraram uma boa capacidade de monitorização e de precisão. Documentaram-se limitações técnicas relacionadas com o pulmão artificial e com o analisador de fluxos que não desvirtuam os resultados, mas limitam a sua amplitude. Conclusão: Para os parâmetros testados, o ventilador apresenta boa performance de funcionamento, está de acordo com as premissas iniciais e tem potencial para uso clínico.

In one Roman funerary area (1st-2nd centuries AD) of Augusta Emerita, an adult female skeleton was found, showing multiple healed trauma, being one the first evidences of this kind documented in the capital of Lusitania. This study describes those lesions, reconstructs the possible events responsible and hypothetical impact on the subject’s quality of life. Macroscopic and radiological observation revealed fractures of the left distal third of the radius and the ulnar styloid process, as well as of the distal third of the left fibula. Those of the forearm, caused a shortening of about one centimetre, probably resulting from a fall during growth. The fracture of the fibula would have occurred from an underfoot accident resulting also in a heterotopic ossification of the distal anterior ligament. Since both fractures are well consolidated and without degenerative articular lesions, this woman probably did not suffer significant sequelae thereafter. ______________________________________________________________________________ En un área funeraria romana (siglos I-II d.C.) de Augusta Emerita fue descubierto el esqueleto de una mujer adulta mostrando un trauma múltiple cicatrizado, siendo una de las primeras evidencias de este tipo documentadas en la capital de la provincia Lusitania. Este estudio describe las lesiones, reconstruye los posibles eventos responsables y su hipotético impacto en la calidad de vida del individuo. Las observaciones macroscópicas y radiológicas revelan fracturas del tercio distal del radio y del proceso estiloide del cúbito izquierdos, así como del tercio distal del peroné izquierdo. Las del antebrazo ocasionaron un acortamiento de cerca de un centímetro, fruto posiblemente de una caída durante su desarrollo. La fractura de peroné habrá sido consecuencia de un accidente del pie que provocó, además, una osificación heterotópica del ligamento anterior distal. Dado que las fracturas se presentan bien consolidadas y sin lesiones articulares degenerativas, esta mujer probablemente no tuvo secuelas significativas.

Apresentação.

Neste artigo, o objetivo é analisar como as relações sociais de classe, raça e gênero se articulam na história de Moçambique pós-independência para produzir uma realidade de vulnerabilidade estrutural das mulheres ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). A pesquisa bibliográfica adota a teoria social crítica para analisar as políticas governamentais, relatórios de ONGs nacionais e internacionais, pesquisas acadêmicas e outros. No país, as relações de classe, gênero e tradições culturais reafirmam o domínio dos homens sobre a sexualidade, a força de trabalho, a terra e propriedade e a cidadania das mulheres, numa intersecção com o ideário neoliberal, afirmando, não sem resistências das mulheres e suas organizações, o lugar de subalternidade e vulnerabilidade das mulheres em um contexto de epidemia generalizada de HIV/AIDS combinada à pobreza.

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is one of the main contaminants of the International Space Station (ISS). It forms highly pigmented, airborne spores that have thick cell walls and low metabolic activity, enabling them to withstand harsh conditions and colonize spacecraft surfaces. Whether A. niger spores are resistant to space radiation, and to what extent, is not yet known. In this study, spore suspensions of a wild-type and three mutant strains (with defects in pigmentation, DNA repair, and polar growth control) were exposed to X-rays, cosmic radiation (helium- and iron-ions) and UV-C (254 nm). To assess the level of resistance and survival limits of fungal spores in a long-term interplanetary mission scenario, we tested radiation doses up to 1000 Gy and 4000 J/m2. For comparison, a 360-day round-trip to Mars yields a dose of 0.66 ± 0.12 Gy. Overall, wild-type spores of A. niger were able to withstand high doses of X-ray (LD90 = 360 Gy) and cosmic radiation (helium-ion LD90 = 500 Gy; and iron-ion LD90 = 100 Gy). Drying the spores before irradiation made them more susceptible toward X-ray radiation. Notably, A. niger spores are highly resistant to UV-C radiation (LD90 = 1038 J/m2), which is significantly higher than that of other radiation-resistant microorganisms (e.g., Deinococcus radiodurans). In all strains, UV-C treated spores (1000 J/m2) were shown to have decreased biofilm formation (81% reduction in wild-type spores). This study suggests that A. niger spores might not be easily inactivated by exposure to space radiation alone and that current planetary protection guidelines should be revisited, considering the high resistance of fungal spores.

Microorganisms that thrive in hypersaline environments on the surface of our planet are exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, for their protection, they have sunscreen pigments and highly efficient DNA repair and protection systems. The present study aimed to identify new genes involved in UV radiation resistance from these microorganisms, many of which cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Thus, a functional metagenomic approach was used and for this, small-insert libraries were constructed with DNA isolated from microorganisms of high-altitude Andean hypersaline lakes in Argentina (Diamante and Ojo Seco lakes, 4,589 and 3,200 m, respectively) and from the Es Trenc solar saltern in Spain. The libraries were hosted in a UV radiation-sensitive strain of Escherichia coli (recA mutant) and they were exposed to UVB. The resistant colonies were analyzed and as a result, four clones were identified with environmental DNA fragments containing five genes that conferred resistance to UV radiation in E. coli. One gene encoded a RecA-like protein, complementing the mutation in recA that makes the E. coli host strain more sensitive to UV radiation. Two other genes from the same DNA fragment encoded a TATA-box binding protein and an unknown protein, both responsible for UV resistance. Interestingly, two other genes from different and remote environments, the Ojo Seco Andean lake and the Es Trenc saltern, encoded two hypothetical proteins that can be considered homologous based on their significant amino acid similarity (49%). All of these genes also conferred resistance to 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO), a compound that mimics the effect of UV radiation on DNA, and also to perchlorate, a powerful oxidant that can induce DNA damage. Furthermore, the hypothetical protein from the Es Trenc salterns was localized as discrete foci possibly associated with damaged sites in the DNA in cells treated with 4-NQO, so it could be involved in the repair of damaged DNA. In summary, novel genes involved in resistance to UV radiation, 4-NQO and perchlorate have been identified in this work and two of them encoding hypothetical proteins that could be involved in DNA damage repair activities not previously described.

A propósito da enorme relevância que a vertente de intervenção social e educativa sempre assumiu na obra de Freire, procuram analisar-se, neste texto, alguns significados e relações que foram existindo, no decorrer do seu trabalho, entre o enquadramento que foi construindo e a prática que desenvolveu no campo educativo.

Retrospective data was collected from 77 elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with Azacitidine (AZA) and 50 elderly AML patients treated with intensive chemotherapy (IC) from 4 Portuguese Hospitals. Median OS was 10.6 months in those receiving AZA as 1st line. Response (overall response rate 44%) had a significant impact on overall survival (p=

Abstract One of the most common causes of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN). In the majority of cases, this condition has a positive serologic marker, the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs), but in approximately 10% there are no circulating ANCAs, and this subgroup has been known as the ANCA-negative pauci-immune CrGN. RPGN can be associated with systemic diseases, but there are only few case reports describing the association with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The authors report a case of ANCA-negative CrGN associated with a MCTD.

In a Mars exploration scenario, knowing if and how highly resistant Bacillus subtilis spores would survive on the Martian surface is crucial to design planetary protection measures and avoid false positives in life-detection experiments. Therefore, in this study a systematic screening was performed to determine whether B. subtilis spores could survive an average day on Mars. For that, spores from two comprehensive sets of isogenic B. subtilis mutant strains, defective in DNA protection or repair genes, were exposed to 24 h of simulated Martian atmospheric environment with or without 8 h of Martian UV radiation [M(+)UV and M(-)UV, respectively]. When exposed to M(+)UV, spore survival was dependent on: (1) core dehydration maintenance, (2) protection of DNA by α/β-type small acid soluble proteins (SASP), and (3) removal and repair of the major UV photoproduct (SP) in spore DNA. In turn, when exposed to M(-)UV, spore survival was mainly dependent on protection by the multilayered spore coat, and DNA double-strand breaks represent the main lesion accumulated. Bacillus subtilis spores were able to survive for at least a limited time in a simulated Martian environment, both with or without solar UV radiation. Moreover, M(-)UV-treated spores exhibited survival rates significantly higher than the M(+)UV-treated spores. This suggests that on a real Martian surface, radiation shielding of spores (e.g., by dust, rocks, or spacecraft surface irregularities) might significantly extend survival rates. Mutagenesis were strongly dependent on the functionality of all structural components with small acid-soluble spore proteins, coat layers and dipicolinic acid as key protectants and efficiency DNA damage removal by AP endonucleases (ExoA and Nfo), non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), mismatch repair (MMR) and error-prone translesion synthesis (TLS). Thus, future efforts should focus on: (1) determining the DNA damage in wild-type spores exposed to M(+/-)UV and (2) assessing spore survival and viability with shielding of spores via Mars regolith and other relevant materials.

El proyecto de investigación "Historias en lo femenino: la influencia de las narrativas en la construcción de la identidad de educadoras en Portugal y en España" se desarrolló durante dos años con investigadores de la Escuela Superior de Educación Paula Frassinetti y la Universidad de Madrid. El grupo desarrolló una investigación cualitativa, de carácter biográfico, basada en historias de vida, después de entrevistar a 11 educadores / maestros portugueses y españoles. En este texto presentamos solo seis de estas historias, todas narradas por mujeres portuguesas. Este artículo cubre una parte del estudio y se centra en seis entrevistas sobre el papel de las mujeres como educadoras y narradoras. De este modo, el artículo se enfoca en las diferentes dimensiones de las mujeres, asumiéndose a sí mismas como narradoras, ya sea hablando de ellas mismas o de otra narradora. En este artículo presentamos el discurso de algunas de las mujeres entrevistadas que, al hablar de su relación con el tiempo de contar historias, rescatan aspectos importantes de su infancia. En este proceso, se reconstruyen en una memoria afectiva relacionada con las historias, los personajes, los sentimientos desencadenados después de experimentar cuando escuchan o leen una buena historia.

ABSTRACT Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) is a kidney manifestation of atherosclerosis as a systemic disease. AERD is defined as a renal impairment secondary to embolization of cholesterol crystals with consequent occlusion of renal vascularization. The current case report describes one patient with multiple risk factors but without any inciting event history who presents a very atypical clinical course of a severe and massive atheroembolic disease that developed spontaneously and silently.

This paper presents the results of a preliminary research project proposing an assessment methodology for the actual impacts of urban projects on city development[1]. At this stage, the research has focused on the identification of indicators about the success of urban projects according to the accomplishment, functioning and use of public spaces. A case study is presented as a means for exploring these indicators: the intervention made by the Polis Programme at Gondomar.

Vi, há tempos, um filme de Martin Ritt, com Jane Fonda e Robert De Niro, que se desenvolvia a partir de uma tensa e constrangida história de vida de um empregado de um restaurante, que era analfabeto. Ele vivia numa situação difícil e embaraçosa, pois que lutava, simultaneamente, com problemas decorrentes, por um lado, de ser analfabeto num contexto atual de classe média urbana dos EUA em que o considerado normal é ser alfabetizado – e, por outro, com a enorme necessidade que sentia de esconder essa condição, pela vergonha que, para ele, significava. Trata-se de uma história inteligente, muito bem contada, com excelentes atores, uma história que consegue, simultaneamente, ser intensa, mesmo dramática, mas também, por vezes, bem-humorada. Em mim teve sobretudo o importante efeito de me alertar para a existência de outros problemas – de que não tinha tido, até aí, grande consciência – que o analfabetismo também acarreta para alguém que se movimenta numa sociedade, toda ela construída a partir da informação escrita. O nome das ruas, os avisos, os anúncios, os comunicados de toda a ordem, tudo está eficientemente feito, partindo, “evidentemente”, do princípio que todos podem ter acesso a essas informações. Daí a dificuldade e a vergonha de quem, “inacreditavelmente”, não é capaz de aceder e utilizar aquela informação, sentindo-se, portanto, diferente e inferior

In this paper we present a useful bicriteria model for project analysis based on decision trees, and an application of the model to a production planning problem. We start by presenting a model that allows the use of time and cost in project analysis. This model is easy to use, and it can be applied to a large number of real-life situations when the main objectives are the minimisation of cost and the minimisation of time. The construction of the decision trees for this model may require large computational times, and thus become impracticable. We deal with this problem in two ways: first, we define an algorithm for generating the strategies, and then we introduce an error parameter, which allows us to avoid generating all the strategies that are very close to each other. Finally, we apply the model to a production planning problem. We define the problem, use the algorithm to identify the efficient strategies and analyse the results.

In order to obtain a complete set of measured drawings (plans, sections and elevations) for developing infrastructure projects in the Palace of Monserrate, a laser scanning survey was conducted. This technology is based on the principle of measuring distances by resorting to a laser beam, issued by an active sensor known as a laser scanner. This scanner is combined with a camera using a color sensor.

Os derrames pericárdicos que surgem num contexto neoplásico são frequentes e apresentam dificuldades de diagnóstico e tratamento. Apesar de surgirem em doentes com neoplasia, 50% destes derrames têm uma etiologia benigna; surgem por mecanismos paralelos, indirectamente relacionados com o tumor. Os restantes (derrames pericárdicos neoplásicos - DPN) resultam do atingimento tumoral das estruturas peri ou epicárdicas e assumem, por si só, um pior prognóstico. As opções de tratamento disponíveis são várias, mas a ausência de normas orientadoras da sua aplicação tornam difícil avaliar perfis de rentabilidade, eficácia e segurança. A derivação pericardioperitoneal (DPP) é um método cirúrgico de drenagem da cavidade pericárdica que se tem demonstrado muito útil em DPN. No CHC, esta técnica é efectuada com o auxílio de toracoscopia videoassistida (VATS). Nos últimos 8 anos, foram submetidos a esta modalidade terapêutica 18 doentes com DPN. A técnica demonstrou ser segura, eficaz e com baixa morbilidade/mortalidade.Neoplasia-related pericardial effusions are a frequent finding and pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although they appear in the context of an underlying neoplastic disease, 50% of these effusions have a benign etiology; they are indirectly caused by the tumor. The remaining cases (neoplastic pericardial effusions - NPE) derive from extension of tumoral disease to the epi and/or pericardium and have, therefore, a worst prognosis. Despite several treatment options, the lack of apropriate guidelines difficults the evaluation of their efficacy and safety. Pericardioperitoneal shunt (PPS) is a surgical pericardial drainage method, which has demonstrated its use-fulness in the management of NPE. At the CHC, this procedure is performed under videoassisted toracoscopic guidance (VATS). During the last 8 years, 18 patients have been submitted to this therapeutic option, which proved to be safe, efficacious and with low morbimortality rates.