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Introdução: Os cuidados paliativos (CP) são uma parte crucial dos serviços de saúde integrados e centrados nas pessoas e devem estar disponíveis em todos os níveis de cuidados. Ao longo dos anos, os opióides têm vindo a ser um importante componente no alívio da dor moderada/severa em pessoas com necessidades paliativas. Existe um grande número de opióides disponíveis para uso clínico, no entanto, este artigo foca-se nos que são mais utilizados para o controlo da dor moderada/severa, nomeadamente a morfina e a oxicodona. A utilização de cada um deles deverá ser bem avaliada de acordo com o plano terapêutico proposto pela equipa multidisciplinar. A importância de conhecer o efeito de cada uma destas drogas, poderá também contribuir para que se possa intervir com mais efetividade e segurança no controlo da dor, obtendo-se um incremento na qualidade de vida da pessoa durante o cuidado paliativo. Objetivo: Analisar qual dos fármacos, morfina ou oxicodona, em contexto da relação terapêutica de enfermagem, têm mais efeito no alívio/controlo da dor, em pessoas com necessidades paliativas. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa da literatura que utilizou a mnemónica PICO para compilar a pergunta de investigação. Procedeu-se à pesquisa de artigos na plataforma EBSCOhost, selecionando-se artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2022 nas bases de dados MEDLINE complete e CINAHL complete. Foram selecionados seis artigos e uma tese e seguiram-se as recomendações do método Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - PRISMA. Resultados: Ambos os fármacos, a morfina e a oxicodona, são amplamente utilizados na gestão da dor em cuidados paliativos. A evidência científica sugere que ambos os medicamentos podem ser eficazes no alívio da dor em doentes em cuidados paliativos. A morfina é considerada um dos tratamentos de escolha para a dor moderada a grave em doentes em cuidados paliativos, devido a sua longa história de uso e eficácia comprovada. Já a oxicodona é considerada uma alternativa apropriada quando a morfina não é eficaz ou é mal tolerada. Conclusão: O conhecimento científico e a formação dos profissionais de enfermagem são fundamentais para uma relação terapêutica eficaz com os doentes e suas famílias em cuidados paliativos. A prática baseada em evidências também é importante na gestão da dor em cuidados paliativos, pois permite aos profissionais de enfermagem utilizarem as melhores práticas e abordagens comprovadas para o alívio da dor. Isso não só aumenta a eficácia da administração de medicamentos, mas também permite aos enfermeiros trabalharem em colaboração com outros membros da equipa de saúde para garantir os melhores cuidados às pessoas. Palavras-Chave: Pessoas com Necessidades Paliativas, Cuidados de Enfermagem, Gestão da Dor, Prática Baseada em Evidencias, Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento, Vol 9, No 1 (2023): RIASE

A enfermagem é uma profissão de grande importância e responsabilidade na área da saúde, com profissionais dedicados a cuidar de pessoas em diferentes contextos. No entanto, a prática da enfermagem deve estar sempre baseada em evidências científicas para garantir a eficácia e a segurança dos cuidados prestados., Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento, Vol 9, No 1 (2023): RIASE

YEASTRACT+ (http://yeastract-plus.org/) is a portal for the analysis, prediction and modelling of transcription regulatory data at gene and genomic levels in yeasts, focused on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, pathogenic yeasts of the Candida genus, and non-conventional yeasts of biotechnological relevance. In its newest release, YEASTRACT+ offers upgraded information on transcription regulation for eleven yeast species. It further integrates the Community Yeastract (http://yeastract-plus.org/community/) database, that offers the community a platform for the creation, use, and future update of YEASTRACT-like databases for any yeast of the users’ choice. In addition, a new set of tools, currently implemented for S. cerevisiae and C. albicans, is further offered, aiming the combination of regulatory information with genome-scale metabolic models to provide predictions on the most promising transcription factors to be exploited in cell factory optimization or to be used as novel drug targets., http://yeastract-plus.org/

The species

O suicídio é uma das maiores preocupações de saúde pública em todo o mundo, não só pela sua relevância epidemiológica, como também pelo estigma que lhe está associado. Os profissionais de saúde têm um papel crucial na referenciação e prestação de cuidados aos indivíduos com esta conduta, no entanto as suas crenças e atitudes podem comprometer a intervenção, sendo fundamental avaliá-las. O Inventário de Crenças Atitudinais sobre o Comportamento Suicidário (CCCS-18) desenvolvido por Hernández et al. (2005) é um instrumento utilizado para avaliar atitudes e crenças face ao comportamento suicida, porém não existe nenhuma adaptação à população portuguesa, nem a profissionais de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as características psicométricas do CCCS-18 numa amostra de profissionais de saúde. A amostra foi constituída por 278 participantes, nomeadamente, 115 médicos e 163 enfermeiros com idades compreendidas entre os 22 e os 67 anos. Através da análise fatorial confirmatória foi possível concluir que o modelo trifatorial proposto por Villacieros et al. (2016) é o que revela os índices de ajustamento mais adequados. A fiabilidade, medida através do alfa de Cronbach revelou-se satisfatória, verificou-se também a presença de validade convergente, discriminante e concorrente. Observaram-se ainda diferenças significativas nas atitudes em função da formação na área de suicidologia, tendo os participantes com formação demonstrado menores níveis de aceitação do suicídio em geral e na religião. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no sexo nem na categoria profissional. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o CCCS-18 detém boas características psicométricas, é de breve e fácil aplicação e por isso constitui uma medida fiável para os profissionais de saúde em Portugal. Esta adaptação é uma mais-valia para a ciência, pois permite avaliar e interpretar as atitudes e crenças e auxiliar no desenvolvimento de programas de prevenção do suicídio. Suicide is one of the major public health concerns in the world, not only due to its epidemiologic relevance but also due to the stigma associated with it. Healthcare professionals play a fundamental role in the referral and care for individuals suffering from this condition, however, their beliefs and attitudes may compromise their intervention, making it essential to examine these. The Psychometric Properties of the Attitudinal Beliefs Questionnaire about Suicidal Behaviour (CCCS-18), developed by Hernández et al. (2005) is a tool employed to measure attitudes and beliefs on suicidal behaviour, however, no adaptation to the portuguese population, nor to healthcare professionals is available. The present study aimed to analyse the psychometric characteristics of CCCS-18 in a sample of healthcare professionals. The sample was composed of 278 subjects, namely 115 doctors and 163 nurses aged between 22 and 67 years old. By using Confirmatory Factorial Analysis, it was able to conclude that the trifactorial model proposed by Villacieros et al. (2016) is the one comprising the most adequate adjustment indexes. Reliability, measured by Cronbach’s alpha revealed to be satisfactory. It has also been verified the presence of convergent, discriminatory, and concurrent validity. Significant differences in attitudes according to professional training in the field of suicidology have been observed, having the participants with training showed reduced levels of acceptance of suicide in general and in religion. No significant differences have been found regarding sex and professional area. The results obtained point toward CCCS-18 possessing good psychometric characteristics, with brief and easy application and as such, comprises a reliable measure for healthcare professionals in Portugal. This adaptation is an advantage to science as it allows for the measurement and interpretation of attitudes and beliefs and aids in the development of programs towards the prevention of suicide.

Agro-industrial residues are low-cost carbon sources (C-sources) for microbial growth and production of value-added bioproducts. Among the agro-industrial residues available, those rich in pectin are generated in high amounts worldwide from the sugar industry or the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables. Sugar beet pulp (SBP) hydrolysates contain predominantly the neutral sugars d-glucose, l-arabinose and d-galactose, and the acidic sugar d-galacturonic acid. Acetic acid is also present at significant concentrations since the d-galacturonic acid residues are acetylated. In this study, we have examined and optimized the performance of a Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain, isolated from SBP and identified at the molecular level during this work. This study was extended to another oleaginous red yeast species, R. toruloides, envisaging the full utilization of the C-sources from SBP hydrolysate (at pH 5.0). The dual role of acetic acid as a carbon and energy source and as a growth and metabolism inhibitor was examined. Acetic acid prevented the catabolism of d-galacturonic acid and l-arabinose after the complete use of the other C-sources. However, d-glucose and acetic acid were simultaneously and efficiently metabolized, followed by d-galactose. SBP hydrolysate supplementation with amino acids was crucial to allow d-galacturonic acid and l-arabinose catabolism. SBP valorization through the production of lipids and carotenoids by Rhodotorula strains, supported by complete catabolism of the major C-sources present, looks promising for industrial implementation.

O espólio de códices do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça representa uma das coleções de códices medievais mais importantes na Europa e uma fonte informativa primária de grande valor para diferentes áreas de investigação. Ao consultar bibliografia existente sobre a temática da materialidade de códices medievais foi possível constatar a existência de uma lacuna informativa relativamente às peles semi-curtidas com alúmen (de cor branca), à sua caracterização e problemas de conservação. Comparativamente às peles de encadernação curtidas com taninos (de cor castanha), a diferença é muito significativa. Os poucos estudos existentes neste tipo de curtimenta apresentam poucas informações e algumas das conclusões retiradas são pouco claras. Esta dissertação vem chamar a atenção para esta lacuna informativa e tentar propor algumas respostas a questões levantadas durante o estudo destas peles Como a caracterização material do agente de semi-curtimenta que se tem vindo a assumir à priori, tratar-se de alúmen pela tonalidade branca da encadernação. Outro aspeto consiste no levantamento sistemático das principais patologias de deterioração presentes neste tipo de material, trabalho desenvolvido nesta dissertação e até a data desconhecido. Para este propósito foram selecionados como caso de estudo cinco códices do Mosteiro de Alcobaça (ALC. 159, 244, 245, 338, 426) com encadernações originais dos seculos XII-XIII. A análise material destes códices permitiu identificar alumínio (Al) na sua composição com a técnica SEM-EDS, comprovando a utilização do alúmen, mas também um outro elemento, o cobre (Cu), que veio levantar questões relativamente ao processo/agente de curtimenta realmente utilizados nestas peles históricas. Relativamente ao diagnóstico de patologias, as peles de encadernação dos códices analisados apresentam, sistematicamente, enrijecimento e deformação da pele, encarquilhamento, fissuração e crquelure, escurecimento superficial e perdas de flor da pele, possivelmente associadas a mecanismos físico-químicos de deterioração interna da pele; além de outras patologias causadas por agentes externos pontuais, como abrasão, lacunas, biodeterioração, manchas e depósitos de substâncias variados. De forma a associar as principais patologias observadas a fatores internos de deterioração foi programada a realização do teste da temperatura de encolhimento das fibras e o teste de pH. O primeiro revelou-se significativo para dois dos cinco códices. The codex collection of the Monastery of Alcobaça represents one of the most important medieval codex collection in Europe and a primary source of information of great value for different areas of research. By consulting the existing bibliography on the topic of materiality of medieval codices, it was possible to verify the existence of an information gap regarding tawed leather (white appearance), their characterization and conservation problems. Compared to tanned leather (brown appearance), the difference is abysmal. The few existing studies on this type of skin show unclear results. This dissertation draws attention to this information void and tries to propose some answers to the questions raised during the study of these skins. As the material characterization of the tawing agent has been assumed to be alum due to the white aspect of the binding. It also consisted in compiling information regarding the main deterioration pathologies present in this type of material. For this purpose, five codices of the Monastery of Alcobaça were selected as the case study (ALC. 159, 244, 245, 338, 426) with original binding from the 12th-13th centuries. The material characterization of these codices identified aluminium (Al) in its composition with SEM-EDS, proving the use of alumen, but also another element, copper (Cu), which raised questions regarding the tanning process/tanning agent actually used historic skins. Regarding the diagnosis of pathologies, it was noticed a systematically stiffness and deformation of the skin, shrinkage, small cracks, superficial darkening and loss of the first layer of the skin, probably associated with a physical-chemical deterioration of the skin; in addition to other pathologies caused by external punctual agents, such as abrasion, gaps, biodeterioration, stains and deposits of various substances. To relate the main pathologies observed with internal deterioration factors, two chemical analysis were performed such as the test of the shrinkage temperature and the pH analysis. The first proved to be considerable for two of the five codices.

Beer production is predominantly carried out by Saccharomyces species, such as S. cerevisiae and S. pastorianus. However, the introduction of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in the brewing process is now seen as a promising strategy to improve and differentiate the organoleptic profile of beer. In this study, 17 non-Saccharomyces strains of 12 distinct species were isolated and submitted to a preliminary sensory evaluation to determine their potential for beer bioflavouring. Hanseniaspora guilliermondii IST315 and H. opuntiae IST408 aroma profiles presented the highest acceptability and were described as having 'fruity' and 'toffee' notes, respectively. Their presence in mixed-culture fermentations with S. cerevisiae US-05 did not influence attenuation and ethanol concentration of beer but had a significant impact in its volatile composition. Notably, while both strains reduced the total amount of ethyl esters, H. guilliermondii IST315 greatly increased the concentration of acetate esters, especially when sequentially inoculated, leading to an 8.2-fold increase in phenylethyl acetate ('rose', 'honey' aroma) in the final beverage. These findings highlight the importance of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in shaping the aroma profile of beer and suggest a role for Hanseniaspora spp. in improving it.

The YEAst Search for Transcriptional Regulators And Consensus Tracking (YEASTRACT—www.yeastract.com) information system has been, for 11 years, a key tool for the analysis and prediction of transcription regulatory associations at the gene and genomic levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since its last update in June 2017, YEASTRACT includes approximately 163000 regulatory associations between transcription factors (TF) and target genes in S. cerevisiae, based on more than 1600 bibliographic references; it also includes 247 specific DNA binding consensus recognized by 113 TFs. This release of the YEASTRACT database provides new visualization tools to visualize each regulatory network in an interactive fashion, enabling the user to select and observe subsets of the network such as: (i) considering only DNA binding evidence or both DNA binding and expression evidence; (ii) considering only either positive or negative regulatory associations; or (iii) considering only one set of related environmental conditions. A further tool to observe TF regulons is also offered, enabling a clear-cut understanding of the exact meaning of the available data. We believe that with this new version, YEASTRACT will improve its role as an open web resource instrumental for Yeast Biologists and Systems Biology researchers.

Goal: The study proposes a methodology to characterize geodemographic aspects causing constraints on the geographical accessibility of nursing care in one of the most aging regions of Portugal, using Geographic Information Systems. The proposed work analyzes data from population censuses of elderly people. Spatial statistical techniques, in addition to the classical statistical techniques, are used. Methods: The spatial autocorrelation of some demographic indexes values is studied, in order to characterize statistically the presence of clusters of elderly people in the study area, using the Global Index Moran. The clustering of high and low values for each of the indexes is also statistically characterized, using the calculation of GI* statistics. Findings: Areas envisaging a more frequent usage of nursing cares are identified. Conclusions: The study calls for the necessary programmatic management of material and human resources in nursing, considering the possibility of minimizing the effects caused by the heterogeneous aging of the population.

Zygosaccharomyces bailii and two closely related species, Z. parabailii and Z. pseudobailii ("Z. bailii species complex", "Z. bailii sensu lato" or simply "Z. bailii (s.l.)"), are frequently implicated in the spoilage of acidified preserved foods and beverages due to their tolerance to very high concentrations of weak acids used as food preservatives. The recent sequencing and annotation of these species' genomes have clarified their genomic organization and phylogenetic relationship, which includes events of interspecies hybridization. Mechanistic insights into their adaptation and tolerance to weak acids (e.g., acetic and lactic acids) are also being revealed. Moreover, the potential of Z. bailii (s.l.) to be used in industrial biotechnological processes as interesting cell factories for the production of organic acids, reduction of the ethanol content, increase of alcoholic beverages aroma complexity, as well as of genetic source for increasing weak acid resistance in yeast, is currently being considered. This chapter includes taxonomical, ecological, physiological, and biochemical aspects of Z. bailii (s.l.). The focus is on the exploitation of physiological genomics approaches that are providing the indispensable holistic knowledge to guide the effective design of strategies to overcome food spoilage or the rational exploitation of these yeasts as promising cell factories.

Zygosaccharomyces bailii and two closely related species, Z. parabailii and Z. pseudobailii ("Z. bailii species complex", "Z. bailii sensu lato" or simply "Z. bailii (s.l.)"), are frequently implicated in the spoilage of acidified preserved foods and beverages due to their tolerance to very high concentrations of weak acids used as food preservatives. The recent sequencing and annotation of these species' genomes have clarified their genomic organization and phylogenetic relationship, which includes events of interspecies hybridization. Mechanistic insights into their adaptation and tolerance to weak acids (e.g., acetic and lactic acids) are also being revealed. Moreover, the potential of Z. bailii (s.l.) to be used in industrial biotechnological processes as interesting cell factories for the production of organic acids, reduction of the ethanol content, increase of alcoholic beverages aroma complexity, as well as of genetic source for increasing weak acid resistance in yeast, is currently being considered. This chapter includes taxonomical, ecological, physiological, and biochemical aspects of Z. bailii (s.l.). The focus is on the exploitation of physiological genomics approaches that are providing the indispensable holistic knowledge to guide the effective design of strategies to overcome food spoilage or the rational exploitation of these yeasts as promising cell factories.

Objetivo: analisar a contribuição dos protetores auriculares e das máscaras oculares para a promoção do sono do doente admitido em cuidados intensivos. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura que conduziu à pesquisa no motor de busca EBSCOHost, nas bases de dados CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials e Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, para a identificação de estudos publicados entre 2014 e 2018. Foram selecionados quatro ensaios controlados randomizados. Esta revisão considerou a recomendação PRISMA. Os níveis de evidência foram assegurados pelos níveis de evidência do The Joanna Briggs Institute e a qualidade metodológica foi analisada com recurso ao Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme. Resultados: todos os artigos selecionados apontam para os benefícios da utilização desses dispositivos para a promoção da qualidade do sono do doente em cuidados intensivos. Conclusão: pela segurança e benefícios associados a esses dispositivos, sugere-se a sua utilização para a promoção da qualidade do sono do doente em cuidados intensivos. No entanto, pela escassez de estudos sobre o tema e pelas limitações dos estudos analisados, sugere-se a realização de mais estudos quantitativos com amostras mais representativas. Descritores: Protetores para Ouvido; Dispositivos de Proteção dos Olhos; Sono; Cuidados Críticos; Delírio., Objective: to analyze the contribution of ear protectors and eye masks to promote the sleep of the patient admitted to intensive care. Method: integrative review of the literature that led to the search in the EBSCOHost search engine, in the databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, for the identification of studies published between 2014 and 2018. Four randomized controlled trials were selected. This review considered the PRISMA recommendation. Levels of evidence were secured by the levels of evidence from The Joanna Briggs Institute and methodological quality was analyzed using the Clinical Appraisal Skills Program. Results: all articles selected, point to the benefits of using these devices to promote the quality of sleep of the patient in intensive care. Conclusion: due to the safety and benefits associated with these devices, it is suggested that they be used to promote the quality of the patient's sleep in intensive care. However, due to the scarcity of studies on the subject and the limitations of the studies analyzed, it is suggested that more quantitative studies with more representative samples be carried out. Descritores: Ear Protective Devices; Eye Protective Devices; Sleep; Critical Care; Delirium., RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la contribución de los protectores auriculares y de las máscaras oculares para la promoción del sueño del enfermo admitido en cuidados intensivos. Método: revisión integrativa de la literatura que condujo a la investigación en el motor de búsqueda EBSCOHost, en las bases de datos CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register de Controlled Trials y Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, para la identificación de estudios publicados entre 2014 y 2018. Se seleccionaron cuatro ensayos controlados aleatorizados. Esta revisión consideró la recomendación PRISMA. Los niveles de evidencia fueron asegurados por los niveles de evidencia del The Joanna Briggs Institute y la calidad metodológica fue analizada con recurso al Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme. Resultados: todos los artículos seleccionados apuntan a los beneficios de la utilización de estos dispositivos para la promoción de la calidad del sueño del enfermo en cuidados intensivos. Conclusión: por la seguridad y los beneficios asociados a estos dispositivos, se sugiere su utilización para la promoción de la calidad del sueño del paciente en cuidados intensivos. Sin embargo, por la escasez de estudios sobre el tema y las limitaciones de los estudios analizados, se sugiere realizar más estudios cuantitativos con muestras más representativas. Descritores: Dispositivos de Protectores de Oídos; Dispositivos de Protección de los Ojos; Sueño; Cuidados Críticos; Delirio.

The non-conventional yeast species Zygosaccharomyces bailii is remarkably tolerant to acetic acid, a highly important microbial inhibitory compound in Food Industry and Biotechnology. ZbHaa1 is the functional homologue of S. cerevisiae Haa1 and a bifunctional transcription factor able to modulate Z. bailii adaptive response to acetic acid and copper stress. In this study, RNA-Seq was used to investigate genomic transcription changes in Z. bailii during early response to sublethal concentrations of acetic acid (140 mM, pH 4.0) or copper (0.08 mM) and uncover the regulatory network activated by these stresses under ZbHaa1 control. Differentially expressed genes in response to acetic acid exposure (297) are mainly related with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein folding and stabilization and modulation of plasma membrane composition and cell wall architecture, 17 of which, directly or indirectly, ZbHaa1-dependent. Copper stress induced the differential expression of 190 genes mainly involved in the response to oxidative stress, 15 ZbHaa1-dependent. This study provides valuable mechanistic insights regarding Z. bailii adaptation to acetic acid or copper stress, as well as useful information on transcription regulatory networks in pre-whole genome duplication (WGD) (Z. bailii) and post-WGD (S. cerevisiae) yeast species, contributing to the understanding of transcriptional networks’ evolution in yeasts.

Acetic acid is an important microbial growth inhibitor in the food industry; it is used as a preservative in foods and beverages and is produced during normal yeast metabolism in biotechnological processes. Acetic acid is also a major inhibitory compound present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates affecting the use of this promising carbon source for sustainable bioprocesses. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying Saccharomyces cerevisiae response and adaptation to acetic acid have been studied for years, only recently they have been examined in more detail in Zygosaccharomyces bailii. However, due to its remarkable tolerance to acetic acid and other weak acids this yeast species is a major threat in the spoilage of acidic foods and beverages and considered as an interesting alternative cell factory in Biotechnology. This review paper emphasizes genome-wide strategies that are providing global insights into the molecular targets, signaling pathways and mechanisms behind S. cerevisiae and Z. bailii tolerance to acetic acid, and extends this information to other weak acids whenever relevant. Such comprehensive perspective and the knowledge gathered in these two yeast species allowed the identification of candidate molecular targets, either for the design of effective strategies to overcome yeast spoilage in acidic foods and beverages, or for the rational genome engineering to construct more robust industrial strains. Examples of successful applications are provided.

Acetic acid is an important microbial growth inhibitor in the food industry; it is used as a preservative in foods and beverages and is produced during normal yeast metabolism in biotechnological processes. Acetic acid is also a major inhibitory compound present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates affecting the use of this promising carbon source for sustainable bioprocesses. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying Saccharomyces cerevisiae response and adaptation to acetic acid have been studied for years, only recently they have been examined in more detail in Zygosaccharomyces bailii. However, due to its remarkable tolerance to acetic acid and other weak acids this yeast species is a major threat in the spoilage of acidic foods and beverages and considered as an interesting alternative cell factory in Biotechnology. This review paper emphasizes genome-wide strategies that are providing global insights into the molecular targets, signaling pathways and mechanisms behind S. cerevisiae and Z. bailii tolerance to acetic acid, and extends this information to other weak acids whenever relevant. Such comprehensive perspective and the knowledge gathered in these two yeast species allowed the identification of candidate molecular targets, either for the design of effective strategies to overcome yeast spoilage in acidic foods and beverages, or for the rational genome engineering to construct more robust industrial strains. Examples of successful applications are provided.

Dissertação para obtenção de grau de mestre em Engenharia Biomédica A tomografia de emissão de positrões (PET, do acrónimo inglês Positron Emission Tomography) com 18F-FDG é uma técnica que apresenta elevada sensibilidade no estudo de neoplasias. O cálculo dosimétrico em PET depende da biodistribuição do 18F-FDG, que é de difícil modelação e sofre elevadas variações entre indivíduos. O objetivo do presente estudo é proceder ao cálculo dosimétrico de exames PET com 18F-FDG por simulações de Monte Carlo, recorrendo ao software PENELOPE, aos modelos biocinéticos propostos por Hays e Segal e ao modelo vesical desenvolvido por Stephen et al., comparando os resultados obtidos com resultados descritos pela ICRP publicação 106, por Hays et al., por Deloar et al., por Quinn et al. e por Brix et al. Foi criado um fantoma computacional antropomórfico baseado em equações quádricas, que apresentou uma massa total de 87,01 kg. Desenvolveram-se simulações de Monte Carlo de acordo com a biodistribuição do 18F-FDG, tendo-se admitido como órgãos-fonte o cérebro, os pulmões, o miocárdio, o fígado, a bexiga. Realizaram-se, também, simulações correspondentes à modelação da atividade de fundo. Com base nos resultados das simulações e nos dados de biocinética foram calculadas as doses absorvidas pelos diferentes órgãos e a dose efetiva por unidade de atividade de 18F-FDG adminsitrada. Calculou-se, também a ponderação da Tomografia Computorizada (CT, do acrónimo Inglês Computed Tomography) na dose efetiva de exames híbridos PET-CT. Obtiveram-se, ainda, resultados relativos à contribuição dos positrões em questões dosimétricas de PET. O modelo vesical foi utilizado para calcular a influência da hidratação em dosimetria de PET pela variação dos tempos para a primeira excreção (40-180 min). A dose efetiva por unidade de atividade de 18F-FDG administrada (1,8×10−2 mSv/MBq) apresenta uma diferença percentual baixa quando comparada com o resultado da ICRP publicação 106 (7,89%) e com o estudo de Quinn et al. (12,69%). Os resultados de dose absorvida nos diferentes órgãos, apresentam diferenças percentuais muito consideráveis entre todos os estudos descritos. A percentagem de energia depositada pelos positrões apresenta um valor preponderante (87,19%) relativamente aos fotões de aniquilação. Os exames híbridos PET-CT acarretam um aumento de dose efetiva (11,08 mSv), tendo a CT uma elevada contribuição (45%). O estado de hidratação do paciente é importante em dosimetria em PET, podendo estar associado a um aumento de dose efetiva na ordem dos 0,6 mSv/MBq. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has emerged as a powerful imaging tool for the detection of various cancers. Dosimetric calculation in PET depends on the biodistribution of 18F-FDG, which is difficult to model and suffers high variations between individuals. The aim of this study is to perform dosimetric calculation of 18F-FDG PET by Monte Carlo simulations using PENELOPE software, biokinetic models proposed by Hays and Segal and vesical model developed by Stephen et al, and comparing the results obtained with results described by the ICRP publication 106, Hays et al., Deloar et al., Quinn et al. and Brix et al. An anthropomorphic computational phantom based on quadric equations was created, with a total mass of 87.01 kg. Monte Carlo simulations were developed according to the biodistribution of 18F-FDG. Brain, lungs, myocardium, liver and bladder were recognized as source organs. Simulations modeling the background activity were also developed. Based on the results of the simulations and the biokinetic data, organ absorbed doses and effective dose per unit of 18F-FDG activity administered were calculated. The weighting of the Computed Tomography (CT) in the effective dose of PET-CT hybrid exams was also calculated. Were also obtained results of the contribution of the positrons in PET dosimetry. The bladder model was used to calculate the influence of hydration in PET dosimetry by varying the times for the first excretion (40-180 min). The effective dose per unit of 18F-FDG activity (1.8×10−2 mSv/MBq) had a low percentage difference when compared with the ICRP publication 106 (7.89%) and with the study of Quinn et al. (12.69%). The results of organ absorbed doses presents high percentage differences between all the described studies. The percentage of deposited energy by positrons has a preponderant value (87.19%) when compared to the annihilation photons. PET-CT hybrid exams lead to an increase of the effective dose (11.08 mSv), with a high contribution of the CT (45%). The patient's hydration status is important in PET dosimetry and may be associated with an effective dose increase of 0.6 mSv / MBq. N/A

Background The food spoilage yeast species Zygosaccharomyces bailii exhibits an extraordinary capacity to tolerate weak acids, in particular acetic acid. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Haa1 (ScHaa1) is considered the main player in genomic expression reprogramming in response to acetic acid stress, but the role of its homologue in Z. bailii (ZbHaa1) is unknown. Results In this study it is demonstrated that ZbHaa1 is a ScHaa1 functional homologue by rescuing the acetic acid susceptibility phenotype of S. cerevisiae haa1Δ. The disruption of ZbHAA1 in Z. bailii IST302 and the expression of an extra ZbHAA1 copy confirmed ZbHAA1 as a determinant of acetic acid tolerance. ZbHaa1 was found to be required for acetic acid stress-induced transcriptional activation of Z. bailii genes homologous to ScHaa1-target genes. An evolutionary analysis of the Haa1 homologues identified in 28 Saccharomycetaceae species genome sequences, including Z bailii, was carried out using phylogenetic and gene neighbourhood approaches. Consistent with previous studies, this analysis revealed a group containing pre-whole genome duplication species Haa1/Cup2 single orthologues, including ZbHaa1, and two groups containing either Haa1 or Cup2 orthologues from post-whole genome duplication species. S. cerevisiae Cup2 (alias Ace1) is a transcription factor involved in response and tolerance to copper stress. Taken together, these observations led us to hypothesize and demonstrate that ZbHaa1 is also involved in copper-induced transcriptional regulation and copper tolerance. Conclusions The transcription factor ZbHaa1 is required for adaptive response and tolerance to both acetic acid and copper stresses. The subfunctionalization of the single ancestral Haa1/Cup2 orthologue that originated Haa1 and Cup2 paralogues after whole genome duplication is proposed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3443-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Zygosaccharomyces bailii is one of the most problematic spoilage yeast species found in the food and beverage industry particularly in acidic products, due to its exceptional resistance to weak acid stress. This article describes the annotation of the genome sequence of Z. bailii IST302, a strain recently proven to be amenable to genetic manipulations and physiological studies. The work was based on the annotated genomes of strain ISA1307, an interspecies hybrid between Z. bailii and a closely related species, and the Z. bailii reference strain CLIB 213T. The resulting genome sequence of Z. bailii IST302 is distributed through 105 scaffolds, comprising a total of 5142 genes and a size of 10.8 Mb. Contrasting with CLIB 213T, strain IST302 does not form cell aggregates, allowing its manipulation in the laboratory for genetic and physiological studies. Comparative cell cycle analysis with the haploid and diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains BY4741 and BY4743, respectively, suggests that Z. bailii IST302 is haploid. This is an additional trait that makes this strain attractive for the functional analysis of non-essential genes envisaging the elucidation of mechanisms underlying its high tolerance to weak acid food preservatives, or the investigation and exploitation of the potential of this resilient yeast species as cell factory., Annotated genome sequence of Zygosaccharomyces bailii IST302, a haploid strain amenable to genetic manipulations and physiological studies, and comparative genomic analysis with Z. bailii and Z. bailii-derived hybrid strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Z. rouxii.

The YEASTRACT (http://www.yeastract.com) information system is a tool for the analysis and prediction of transcription regulatory associations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Last updated in June 2013, this database contains over 200,000 regulatory associations between transcription factors (TFs) and target genes, including 326 DNA binding sites for 113 TFs. All regulatory associations stored in YEASTRACT were revisited and new information was added on the experimental conditions in which those associations take place and on whether the TF is acting on its target genes as activator or repressor. Based on this information, new queries were developed allowing the selection of specific environmental conditions, experimental evidence or positive/negative regulatory effect. This release further offers tools to rank the TFs controlling a gene or genome-wide response by their relative importance, based on (i) the percentage of target genes in the data set; (ii) the enrichment of the TF regulon in the data set when compared with the genome; or (iii) the score computed using the TFRank system, which selects and prioritizes the relevant TFs by walking through the yeast regulatory network. We expect that with the new data and services made available, the system will continue to be instrumental for yeast biologists and systems biology researchers.

Background Zygosaccharomyces bailii is considered the most problematic acidic food spoilage yeast species due to its exceptional capacity to tolerate high concentrations of weak acids used as fungistatic preservatives at low pH. However, the mechanisms underlying its intrinsic remarkable tolerance to weak acids remain poorly understood. The identification of genes and mechanisms involved in Z. bailii acetic acid tolerance was on the focus of this study. For this, a genomic library from the highly acetic acid tolerant hybrid strain ISA1307, derived from Z. bailii and a closely related species and isolated from a sparkling wine production plant, was screened for acetic acid tolerance genes. This screen was based on the transformation of an acetic acid susceptible Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant deleted for the gene encoding the acetic acid resistance determinant transcription factor Haa1. Results The expression of 31 different DNA inserts from ISA1307 strain genome was found to significantly increase the host cell tolerance to acetic acid. The in silico analysis of these inserts was facilitated by the recently available genome sequence of this strain. In total, 65 complete or truncated ORFs were identified as putative determinants of acetic acid tolerance and an S. cerevisiae gene homologous to most of them was found. These include genes involved in cellular transport and transport routes, protein fate, protein synthesis, amino acid metabolism and transcription. The role of strong candidates in Z. bailii and S. cerevisiae acetic acid tolerance was confirmed based on homologous and heterologous expression analyses. Conclusions ISA1307 genes homologous to S. cerevisiae genes GYP8, WSC4, PMT1, KTR7, RKR1, TIF3, ILV3 and MSN4 are proposed as strong candidate determinants of acetic acid tolerance. The ORF ZBAI_02295 that contains a functional domain associated to the uncharacterised integral membrane proteins of unknown function of the DUP family is also suggested as a relevant tolerance determinant. The genes ZbMSN4 and ZbTIF3, encoding a putative stress response transcription factor and a putative translation initiation factor, were confirmed as determinants of acetic acid tolerance in both Z. bailii and S. cerevisiae. This study provides valuable indications on the cellular components, pathways and processes to be targeted in order to control food spoilage by the highly acetic acid tolerant Z. bailii and Z. bailii-derived strains. Additionally, this information is essential to guide the improvement of yeast cells robustness against acetic acid if the objective is their use as cell factories. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2278-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quinine has been employed in the treatment of malaria for centuries and is still used against severePlasmodium falciparummalaria. However, its interactions with the parasite remain poorly understood and subject to debate. In this study, we used theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeeukaryotic model to better understand quinine's mode of action and the mechanisms underlying the cell response to the drug. We obtained a transcriptomic profile of the yeast's early response to quinine, evidencing a marked activation of genes involved in the low-glucose response (e.g.,CAT8,ADR1,MAL33,MTH1, andSNF3). We used a low inhibitory quinine concentration with no detectable effect on plasma membrane function, consistent with the absence of a general nutrient starvation response and suggesting that quinine-induced glucose limitation is a specific response. We have further shown that transport of [14C]glucose is inhibited by quinine, with kinetic data indicating competitive inhibition. Also, tested mutant strains deleted for genes encoding high- and low-affinity hexose transporters (HXT1toHXT5,HXT8, andHXT10) exhibit resistance phenotypes, correlating with reduced levels of quinine accumulation in the mutants examined. These results suggest that the hexose transporters are facilitators of quinine uptake inS. cerevisiae, possibly through a competitive inhibition mechanism. Interestingly,P. falciparumis highly dependent on glucose uptake, which is mediated by the single-copy transporter PfHT1, a protein with high homology to yeast's hexose transporters. We propose that PfHT1 is an interesting candidate quinine target possibly involved in quinine import inP. falciparum, an uptake mechanism postulated in recent studies to occur through a still-unidentified importer(s).

The sugar porter family in yeasts encompasses a wide variety of transporters including the hexose transporters and glucose sensors. We analysed a total of 75 members from both groups in nine hemiascomycetous species, with complete and well-annotated genomes: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Kluyveromyces thermotolerans, Saccharomyces kluyverii, Kluyveromyces lactis, Eremothecium gossypii, Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica. We present a model for the evolution of the hexose transporters and glucose sensors, supported by two types of complementary evidences: phylogeny and neighbourhood analysis. Five lineages of evolution were identified and discussed according to different mechanisms of gene evolution: lineage A for HXT1, HXT3, HXT4, HXT5, HXT6 and HXT7; lineage B for HXT2 and HXT10; lineage C for HXT8; lineage D for HXT14; and lineage E for SNF3 and RGT2.

A total of 214 members of the sugar porter (SP) family (TC 2.A.1.1) from eight hemiascomycetous yeasts: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, Kluyveromyces lactis, Ashbya (Eremothecium) gossypii, Debaryomyces hansenii, Yarrowia lipolytica, Candida albicans and Pichia stipitis, were identified. The yeast SPs were classified in 13 different phylogenetic clusters. Specific sugar substrates could be allocated to nine phylogenetic clusters, including two novel TC clusters that are specific to fungi, i.e. the glycerol:H+ symporter (2.A.1.1.38) and the high-affinity glucose transporter (2.A.1.1.39). Four phylogenetic clusters are identified by the preliminary fifth number Z23, Z24, Z25 and Z26 and the substrates of their members remain undetermined. The amplification of the SP clusters across the Hemiascomycetes reflects adaptation to specific carbon and energy sources available in the habitat of each yeast species.

Objectivo: O estudo aponta uma metodologia para caracterizar factores geodemograficos condicionantes da acessibilidade geografica a cuidados de enfermagem, numa das regioes mais envelhecidas de Portugal, a partir do uso de Sistemas de Informacao Geografica. Analisam-se dados provenientes dos censos de populacao relativos aos idosos. Metodos: Utilizam-se tecnicas de estatistica espacial, para alem das tecnicas de estatistica classica. Estuda-se a autocorrelacao espacial dos valores de alguns indices demograficos, caracte- rizando estatisticamente a existencia de aglomerados na zona de estudo, recorrendo ao Indice Global de Moran. Igualmente caracteriza-se a concentracao de valores elevados e de valores baixos para cada um dos indices, recorrendo ao calculo da estatistica GI*. Resul- tados: Identificam-se as regioes de maior envelhecimento, aquelas onde se perspectiva a maior utilizacao de recursos de Enfermagem por parte dos idosos. Conclusoes: O estudo faz apelo a necessaria gestao programatica dos recursos materiais e humanos de enferma- gem, perspectivando a minimizacao dos efeitos que a situacao geodemografica heteroge- nea condiciona. Palavras-chave: Cuidados de Enfermagem; idosos; estatistica espacial; sistemas de infor- macao geografica. ABSTRACT Goal: The study proposes a methodology to characterize geodemographic aspects causing constraints on the geographical accessibility of nursing care in one of the most aging re- gions of Portugal, using Geographic Information Systems. The proposed work analyzes da- ta from population censuses of elderly people. Spatial statistical techniques, in addition to the classical statistical techniques, are used. Methods: The spatial autocorrelation of so- me demographic indexes values is studied, in order to characterize statistically the pre- sence of clusters of elderly people in the study area, using the Global Index Moran. The clustering of high and low values for each of the indexes is also statistically characterized, using the calculation of GI* statistics. Findings: Areas envisaging a more frequent usage of nursing cares are identified. Conclusions: The study calls for the necessary programmatic management of material and human resources in nursing, considering the possibility of minimizing the effects caused by the heterogeneous aging of the population. Keywords: Nursing Care; Elderly; spatial statistics; geographic information systems.

No contexto europeu atual de profunda crise económica e financeira com um impacto negativo tremendo no mercado de trabalho, com taxas de desemprego a atingir níveis muito elevados, a procura de empregabilidade pode constituir para os trabalhadores uma alternativa à procura de segurança laboral. A empregabilidade surge como um requisito fundamental, tanto para as organizações que precisam de reter os seus recursos humanos de forma a sobreviverem neste ambiente adverso, como para os indivíduos que ambicionam não só carreiras de sucesso mas acima de tudo manterem-se empregáveis. Este estudo investiga o impacto das perceções de empregabilidade dos colaboradores nas suas Intenções de Saída da organização e avalia como as perceções de empregabilidade podem ser relevantes em contextos de elevada Insegurança Laboral. Participaram neste estudo 150 colaboradores de diferentes organizações na área da Grande Lisboa. Os resultados revelaram uma relação negativa entre empregabilidade e Insegurança Laboral e uma relação positiva entre Insegurança Laboral e Intenções de Saída. Conclui-se que a promoção de uma cultura de empregabilidade nas empresas não está diretamente relacionada com um aumento das Intenções de Saída dos seus colaboradores, mas pode antes atenuar alguns dos efeitos negativos da Insegurança Laboral, nomeadamente, as suas Intenções de Saída voluntária., Conferência - Investigação e Intervenção em Recursos Humanos, n. 4 (2013): IV Conferência em Investigação e Intervenção em RH

In this work, it is described the sequencing and annotation of the genome of the yeast strain ISA1307, isolated from a sparkling wine continuous production plant. This strain, formerly considered of the Zygosaccharomyces bailii species, has been used to study Z. bailii physiology, in particular, its extreme tolerance to acetic acid stress at low pH. The analysis of the genome sequence described in this work indicates that strain ISA1307 is an interspecies hybrid between Z. bailii and a closely related species. The genome sequence of ISA1307 is distributed through 154 scaffolds and has a size of around 21.2 Mb, corresponding to 96% of the genome size estimated by flow cytometry. Annotation of ISA1307 genome includes 4385 duplicated genes (~90% of the total number of predicted genes) and 1155 predicted single-copy genes. The functional categories including a higher number of genes are 'Metabolism and generation of energy', 'Protein folding, modification and targeting' and 'Biogenesis of cellular components'. The knowledge of the genome sequence of the ISA1307 strain is expected to contribute to accelerate systems-level understanding of stress resistance mechanisms in Z. bailii and to inspire and guide novel biotechnological applications of this yeast species/strain in fermentation processes, given its high resilience to acidic stress. The availability of the ISA1307 genome sequence also paves the way to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the generation and selection of more robust hybrid yeast strains in the stressful environment of wine fermentations., This research was supported by FCT and FEDER through POFC-COMPETE [contracts PEst-OE/EQB/ LA0023/2011_ research line: Systems and Synthetic Biology PTDC/AGR-ALI/102608/2008, PEst-C/BIA/ UI4050/2011, and post-doctoral grant to M.P. (SFRH/BPD/73306/2010) and PhD grants to J.F.G. (SFRH/ BD/80065/2011) and F.C.R. (SFRH/BD/82226/2011)]. U.G. acknowledges the Austrian Science Fund (FWF, special research project F3705).

Background The expression and activity of the different Saccharomyces cerevisiae hexose uptake systems (Hxt) and the kinetics of glucose uptake are considered essential to industrial alcoholic fermentation performance. However, the dynamics of glucose uptake kinetics during the different stages of fermentation, depending on glucose and nitrogen availability, is very poorly characterized. The objective of the present work was to examine thoroughly the alterations occurring in glucose uptake kinetics during alcoholic fermentation, by the wine strain S. cerevisiae PYCC 4072, of a synthetic grape juice basal medium with either a limiting or non-limiting initial nitrogen concentration and following nitrogen supplementation of the nitrogen-depleted sluggish fermentation. Results Independently of the initial concentration of the nitrogen source, glucose transport capacity is maximal during the early stages of fermentation and presumably sustained by the low-affinity and high-capacity glucose transporter Hxt1p. During nitrogen-limited sluggish fermentation, glucose uptake capacity was reduced to approximately 20% of its initial values (V max = 4.9 ± 0.8 compared to 21.9 ± 1.2 μmol h-1 10-8 cells), being presumably sustained by the low-affinity glucose transporter Hxt3p (considering the calculated K m = 39.2 ± 8.6 mM). The supplementation of the sluggish fermentation broth with ammonium led to the increase of glucose transport capacity associated to the expression of different glucose uptake systems with low and high affinities for glucose (K m = 58.2 ± 9.1 and 2.7 ± 0.4 mM). A biclustering analysis carried out using microarray data, previously obtained for this yeast strain transcriptional response to equivalent fermentation conditions, indicates that the activation of the expression of genes encoding the glucose transporters Hxt2p (during the transition period to active fermentation) and Hxt3p, Hxt4p, Hxt6p and Hxt7p (during the period of active fermentation) may have a major role in the recovery of glucose uptake rate following ammonium supplementation. These results suggest a general derepression of the glucose-repressible HXT genes and are consistent with the downregulation of Mig1p and Rgt1p. Conclusions Although reduced, glucose uptake rate during nitrogen-limited fermentation is not abrogated. Following ammonium supplementation, sluggish fermentation recovery is associated to the increase of glucose uptake capacity, related to the de novo synthesis of glucose transporters with different affinity for glucose and capacity, presumably of Hxt2p, Hxt3p, Hxt4p, Hxt6p and Hxt7p. This study is a contribution to the understanding of yeast response to different stages of alcoholic fermentation at the level of glucose uptake kinetics, in particular under nitrogen limitation or replenish, which is useful knowledge to guide fermentation practices.

O presente estudo pretende avaliar o grau de satisfação das famílias de crianças com Necessidades Educativas Especiais (NEE) a usufruir do serviço de Intervenção Precoce na Infância (IPI). Para avaliar a satisfação de 67 famílias de crianças, em idade pré-escolar com NEE, a usufruir do serviço de IPI, num dos agrupamentos de escolas de referência, no sotavento algarvio, recorreu-se à Escala Europeia de Satisfação das Famílias em Intervenção Precoce (ESFIP, adaptada por Cruz, Fontes & Carvalho, 2003). Os resultados gerais demonstram que o índice de satisfação das famílias inquiridas é de 1.24, o que traduz um nível de satisfação bom. A análise destes resultados permitiu perspetivar um conjunto de áreas onde será necessário proceder a algumas alterações, nomeadamente na acessibilidade e divulgação do serviço de IPI e também ao nível das oportunidades que deverão permitir aos pais entrar em contacto com outros pais. Ao compararmos o índice global de satisfação das famílias em Portugal com os índices obtidos em serviços similares de outros países verificamos que, em termos de desempenho, Portugal se situa entre dois países com níveis de desempenho distintos, nomeadamente entre o Luxemburgo e a Bélgica. Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais

In this article we provide a brief overview on the activities of the Biological Sciences Research Group (BRSG) (http://groups.ist.utl.pt/bsrg/) of the Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering at Instituto Superior Te´cnico, involving OMICS and Molecular Systems Biology approaches applied to the understanding of mechanisms involved in the Yeast Stress Response. Genomics, chemogenomics, transcriptomics, quantitative proteomics and metabolomics are explored to get an integrative view on the response and resistance to drugs and other chemical stresses in the model eukaryote and industrial yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides an excellent eukary-otic model for biomedical and medicinal research. In this article, yeast was applied in pharmacological studies to identify new targets and mechanisms of action of drugs, as well as pathways involved in drug resistance. The work here presented is focused on two distinct drugs: the traditional anti-malarial quinine, and the paradigmatic anti-cancer imatinib. Several genome-wide approaches were employed, ranging from transcriptomics to chemogenomics and quantitative proteomics. The main results that stem from this work include the identification of potential new targets and modes of action for the two drugs studied. In particular, the highly conserved yeast vacuolar H+-ATPase was shown to be inhibited by imatinib, both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that vacuolar function is a novel imatinib target, while quinine was found to inhibit the uptake of glucose into yeast cells following a competitive inhibition kinetic model. These findings might have an important parallel in the malaria parasite biology, where glucose uptake is vital and mediated by PfHT1, a single-copy transporter highly homologous to yeasts.

Background Acetic acid is a byproduct of Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcoholic fermentation. Together with high concentrations of ethanol and other toxic metabolites, acetic acid may contribute to fermentation arrest and reduced ethanol productivity. This weak acid is also a present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, a highly interesting non-feedstock substrate in industrial biotechnology. Therefore, the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying S. cerevisiae tolerance to acetic acid is essential for the rational selection of optimal fermentation conditions and the engineering of more robust industrial strains to be used in processes in which yeast is explored as cell factory. Results The yeast genes conferring protection against acetic acid were identified in this study at a genome-wide scale, based on the screening of the EUROSCARF haploid mutant collection for susceptibility phenotypes to this weak acid (concentrations in the range 70-110 mM, at pH 4.5). Approximately 650 determinants of tolerance to acetic acid were identified. Clustering of these acetic acid-resistance genes based on their biological function indicated an enrichment of genes involved in transcription, internal pH homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall assembly, biogenesis of mitochondria, ribosome and vacuole, and in the sensing, signalling and uptake of various nutrients in particular iron, potassium, glucose and amino acids. A correlation between increased resistance to acetic acid and the level of potassium in the growth medium was found. The activation of the Snf1p signalling pathway, involved in yeast response to glucose starvation, is demonstrated to occur in response to acetic acid stress but no evidence was obtained supporting the acetic acid-induced inhibition of glucose uptake. Conclusions Approximately 490 of the 650 determinants of tolerance to acetic acid identified in this work are implicated, for the first time, in tolerance to this weak acid. These are novel candidate genes for genetic engineering to obtain more robust yeast strains against acetic acid toxicity. Among these genes there are number of transcription factors that are documented regulators of a large percentage of the genes found to exert protection against acetic acid thus being considered interesting targets for subsequent genetic engineering. The increase of potassium concentration in the growth medium was found to improve the expression of maximal tolerance to acetic acid, consistent with the idea that the adequate manipulation of nutrient concentration of industrial growth medium can be an interesting strategy to surpass the deleterious effects of this weak acid in yeast cells.

Chemogenomics, the study of genomic responses to chemical compounds, has the potential to elucidate the basis of cellular resistance to those chemicals. This knowledge can be applied to improve the performance of strains of industrial interest. In this study, a collection of approximately 5,000 haploid single deletion mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which each nonessential yeast gene was individually deleted, was screened for strains with increased susceptibility toward stress induced by high-glucose concentration (30% w/v), one of the main stresses occurring during industrial alcoholic fermentation processes aiming the production of alcoholic beverages or bio-ethanol. Forty-four determinants of resistance to high-glucose stress were identified. The most significant Gene Ontology (GO) terms enriched in this dataset are vacuolar organization, late endosome to vacuole transport, and regulation of transcription. Clustering the identified resistance determinants by their known physical and genetic interactions further highlighted the importance of nutrient metabolism control in this context. A concentration of 30% (w/v) of glucose was found to perturb vacuolar function, by reducing cell ability to maintain the physiological acidification of the vacuolar lumen. This stress also affects the active rate of proton efflux through the plasma membrane. Based on results of published studies, the present work revealed shared determinants of yeast resistance to high-glucose and ethanol stresses, including genes involved in vacuolar function, cell wall biogenesis (ANP1), and in the transcriptional control of nutrient metabolism (GCN4 and GCR1), with possible impact on the design of more robust strains to be used in industrial alcoholic fermentation processes.

Trabalho de Projecto de Mestrado em Museologia A comunicação dos museus tem vindo a ganhar um papel cada vez mais importante. Com enquadramento jurídico na Lei-Quadro dos Museus Portugueses, lei n.º47/2004, 19 Agosto, a comunicação é utilizada pelos museus na divulgação dos seus bens culturais e das suas iniciativas. Estas entidades têm adoptado diferentes formas de comunicarem com os seus públicos como, por exemplo, através de websites ou através de novas tecnologias como áudio-guias e quiosques interactivos. Estes suportes possibilitam a cada museu alargar o acesso do público às suas colecções, na medida em que a sua versatilidade permite-lhes ultrapassar ou contornar determinadas limitações físicas. No entanto, a acessibilidade tem vindo a transcender o seu carácter físico e a ganhar uma dimensão intelectual que abrange o aumento da compreensão dos diversos tipos de público aos conteúdos dos museus, das suas colecções e exposições. Neste sentido, a comunicação dos museus pode ser utilizada na divulgação de informação mais acessível a um número de visitantes cada vez mais abrangente e diversificado. O Museu Calouste Gulbenkian é um dos museus portugueses que tem vindo a valorizar o papel da comunicação na divulgação das suas actividades e no acesso do público às suas colecções através da utilização de diversos suportes informativos. O seu público caracteriza-se pela diversidade, abrangendo visitantes nacionais e estrangeiros, crianças, estudantes, famílias e especialistas, entre outros. Enquanto estudo de caso do presente projecto, interessa perceber o grau de adequação dos suportes de comunicação utilizados pelo Museu e dos seus conteúdos a este público diversificado. Consegue o Museu Gulbenkian disponibilizar os seus conteúdos a todos os seus visitantes? E consegue garantir que todos os visitantes compreendem a informação que lhes é fornecida? Para encontrar estas respostas, os suportes em causa serão enumerados e caracterizados. Realizada esta análise, serão propostas alterações a estes suportes ou a realização de novos suportes, de acordo com as conclusões obtidas. Estas propostas serão também resultado de uma metodologia apresentada e que remete para a elaboração de conteúdos de fácil compreensão. Desta forma, será alcançado o principal objectivo deste projecto: a elaboração de uma política de comunicação onde uma diversidade de informação seja física e intelectualmente acessível a uma diversidade de público através de uma diversidade de suportes. Apenas um equilíbrio entre estas três vertentes, transposto para um caso prático e particular, permitirá o êxito de uma “comunicação para todos” dentro do mesmo museu.