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Em O futuro de uma ilusão, Freud analisa a natureza psíquica das ideias religiosas como ilusões e questiona se a relação dos indivíduos com o Estado e demais instituições não seria de caráter igualmente ilusório, aproximando-se de Marx que afirma ser a relação do Estado e do Direito com a sociedade, no capitalismo, mediada por ilusões geradas pela inversão constituinte da realidade social, que faz com que estas instâncias apareçam como autônomas, independentes e necessárias frente à própria sociedade que as constituiu como tais. Em uma investigação histórico-lógica da natureza do Estado e do Direito, revela-se seu caráter essencialmente classista e ideológico determinado pelo capitalismo.

Cities are becoming more vulnerable to climate change and need appropriate adaptation measures. Previous studies demonstrated that urban green spaces provide multiple ecosystem services, improving the health and well-being of urban residents. Yet different urban green spaces provide different services—provisioning, regulating, cultural, or supporting ones. This work aims first to understand if urban green space users perceive the different supplies of provisioning and regulating services offered by different types of urban green spaces. Second, this work seeks to determine if green roof type conditions, as well as vegetation type and access, affect the users’ perceptions of the cultural ecosystem services. This work presents the results of an image-based online survey performed among 376 Portuguese undergraduate students between March and April 2021. The survey is based on nine alternative urban space designs, varying the roof access type and vegetation types. The results show a general preference for urban green spaces with more vegetation, regardless of the type of roof, and a general preference for green spaces with better accessibility. In addition, users’ preference for no-roof conditions appears to be linked to the abundance of vegetation and quality of urban design and not to awareness of an existing roof structure and its influence on the natural processes.

This dissertation addresses an extension of a metaprogramming mechanism in low-code platforms, specifically in the OutSystems platform. As proposed in the template language OSTRICH, model templates allow developers to reuse existing and thoroughly tested code fragments in a more productive and sound development process. Code templates help to overcome developer difficulties and lack of training. For instance, the development of professionally designed user interfaces is not a skill that is common amongst developers. Scenarios like specific synchronization algorithms are the other end of the spectrum for templates in OutSystems. The GOLEM project has the chief objective of providing mechanisms for automated programming. Such automation will make programming more accessible to a larger community of developers. This work is part of those efforts. To this end, our focus will be on developing and improving the template language OSTRICH that targets the OutSystems platform. It enables the creation of code fragments like screen templates, saving the user from the cumbersome task of repeatedly constructing code complex patterns. In OSTRICH, templates are instantiated by expanding their definition in the caller context to enable further customization of the resulting code. OSTRICH preserves the structure of the original model by expanding templates in place. However, expanding the template definition in place breaks the possibility of reapplying the template in the case of an update to a newer version or changing parameters. It requires the user to repeat all customization operations on top of a new instantiation of the template. Our purpose is to solve this issue by supporting customization operations that extend to all future template updates and new parameters. This way, the user will be saved from some erroneous trials, which could, eventually, push them to give up. We plan to evaluate our work using the benchmark template examples used previously to evaluate OSTRICH. Esta dissertação aborda uma extensão de um mecanismo de metaprogramação em pla- taformas low-code, especificamente na plataforma da OutSystems. Como proposto na linguagem de template OSTRICH, os templates permitem que os utilizadores reutilizem fragmentos de código existentes e completamente testados num processo de desenvol- vimento produtivo e seguro. Estes fragmentos ajudam os utilizadores a ultrapassar as dificuldades ou falta de conhecimento em linguagens de programação. Por exemplo, a sua utilização permite criar interfaces de forma profissional, o que nem sempre é uma habilidade comum entre desenvolvedores de software. Do outro lado do espetro, estão os algoritmos de sincronização específicos para modelos em OutSystems. O projeto GOLEM tem como principal objetivo fornecer mecanismos para automatizar a programação. Esta automatização irá tornar a programação mais acessível a um maior número de pessoas. Este trabalho faz parte destes esforços. Para alcançar este objetivo, estaremos focados no desenvolvimento e melhoria da linguagem de template OSTRICH para a plataforma da OutSystems. Esta permite a cria- ção de fragmentos de código como screen templates, poupando os utilizadores da tarefa complicada de repetir padrões complexos de código. Nesta linguagem, os templates são instanciados através da expansão da sua definição para permitir a customização do código resultante. Contudo, expandir esta definição no local quebra a possibilidade de reaplicar o template em caso de atualização para uma versão mais recente ou mudança de parâmetros. Isto acaba por obrigrar o utilizador a repetir todas as operações aplicadas numa nova instanciação de template. O nosso propósito passa por resolver este problema, permitindo que as operações do utilizador possam ser reaplicadas em todas as novas atualizações do template e novos parâmetros. Desta forma, o utilizador será poupado de seguir uma apren- dizagem tentativa e erro, que poderia eventualmente levá-lo a desistir. Planeamos avaliar o nosso trabalho utilizando como referência exemplos de templates usados anteriormente para avaliar a linguagem OSTRICH.

In the past few years, it has been possible to watch a rise in technological developments in all areas, especially in Marketing, in terms of understanding better consumer’s behaviour. Hence, Voice Assistants were created in order to enhance people’s quality of life by simply doing tasks users want them to do. Additionally, self-driving cars were also an invention that could help people’s daily lives since it allows excellent efficiency in smart cities and reduces stress and costs for companies. This thesis decided to fulfil the gap and connect both technologies mentioned before since there was a lack of literature. Here, it is possible to understand which drivers affect the perceived usefulness and ease of use in adopting Voice Assistants and autonomous vehicles. Thus, it discusses consumers’ intentions to purchase self-driving cars with Voice Assistants embedded and how willing people are to spread positive feedback to their peers about these technologies together. Data collection and analyses were performed using quantitative analyses, with the help of an online survey developed based on previous literature of different researchers regarding the topics mentioned previously. Throughout this thesis, it is discussed the main conclusions withdrawn to help companies and scholars perform better in their future strategies and studies. Nos últimos anos, tem sido possível observar um aumento da evolução tecnológica em todas as áreas, especialmente em Marketing, em termos de melhor compreensão do comportamento do consumidor. Assim, foram criados Assistentes por Voz a fim de melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas, simplesmente fazendo tarefas que os utilizadores querem que elas façam. Além disso, os carros autónomos foram também uma invenção que pode ajudar a vida diária das pessoas, uma vez que permite uma eficiência perfeita em cidades inteligentes e reduz o stress e os custos para as empresas. Esta dissertação pretende preencher essa lacuna e juntar as duas tecnologias mencionadas anteriormente, uma vez que não existia literatura que o fizesse. Aqui, é possível compreender que fatores afetam a perceção da utilidade e da facilidade de utilização na adoção de Assistentes por Voz e de veículos autónomos. Assim, também é abordada a intenção dos consumidores em comprarem carros autónomos com Assistentes por Voz incorporados e o quão dispostos os consumidores estão a divulgar uma opinião positiva às pessoas mais próximas sobre estas tecnologias. A recolha de dados e as análises foram realizadas utilizando análises quantitativas, através de um questionário online que foi desenvolvido com base na literatura existente de diferentes investigadores relativamente aos tópicos anteriormente mencionados. Ao longo desta dissertação, são discutidas as principais conclusões retiradas para ajudar empresas e investigadores a terem um melhor desempenho nas suas estratégias e estudos futuros.

Danon disease is a fatal X-linked recessive disease caused by a lack of expression of the lysosomal associated membrane protein type 2 (LAMP2), leading to severe vacuolar cardiomyopathy. Most patients with Danon progress to end-stage heart failure or death without advanced therapies. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of systemic transplantation of ex vivo gene-modified Lamp2-/- (Lamp2 KO) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using a lentiviral vector containing the human LAMP2B transgene, pCCL-LAMP2B, in the mouse model of Danon disease, Lamp2 KO mice. Transplanted pCCL-LAMP2B-HSPCs efficiently engrafted and differentiated into macrophages in heart. LAMP2B was found in cardiomyocytes and improved cardiac systolic as well as locomotor functions were observed in pCCL-LAMP2B-HSPCs recipient mice compared to non-treated or Lamp2 KO mice receiving Lamp2 KO HSPCs. In addition, we also demonstrated that pCCL-LAMP2B-HSPCs rescued autophagic flux and activity in the heart. In vitro, we cocultured WT macrophages with Lamp2 KO fibroblasts and observed transfer of LAMP2B and rescue of the autophagic flux in the diseased cells confirming cross-correction despite LAMP2B being a lysosomal transmembrane protein.

The continuous growth of urban areas in the last decades has resulted in an increase in water consumption, contributing to larger volumes of urban and domestic wastewater. Thus, stakeholders have been seeking for efficient alternatives for wastewater management, namely looking for new forms of treatment and reuse. The present work provides new insights on the application of a green wall for greywater treatment, aiming at water reuse and also at contributing to Circular Economy. Two types of recycled materials, crushed tiles and textile fibers, were tested as filling media combined with two plant species. Crushed tiles were mixed with coconut fibers in a 70 %-30 % ratio and textile fibers were used as single media. The tiles+coconut mix with plants performed the best, exhibiting on average removal efficiencies70 % for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and between 59 %-70 % for Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Fibers systems had on average removal efficiencies around 60 % for COD and 50 % for TSS and clogged at the end of the study. Overall the study demonstrated that green walls for greywater treatment can contribute to circular economy through the use of recycled material as filling media.

Studies developed in a scholar context report a restorative effect of nature on human beings, specifically in terms of the psychological recovery from attention fatigue and restored mental resources that were previously spent in activities that require attention. Studies usually compare the performance of children in schools with or without access to green spaces. In this study, the effect of introducing greenery into the classroom context was compared across time. The experiment was developed in two primary schools with pupils in different socioeconomic contexts, at three moments: before introducing an artificial green wall into the classroom, one month later, and one month after the introduction of vegetable pots. Results showed a significant increase in sustained and selective attention, and work memory between the experimental and the control group, notably in the third moment when vegetable pots were introduced. In the second moment (green walls), only the work memory (tested with the inversed number) showed a significant effect. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in terms of nature’s role both in terms of natural and artificial elements and the cumulative effect of direct interaction with natural elements.

Green roofs and green walls are a potential strategy to increase green spaces in the urban environment. These solutions bring multiple benefits to the cities at the economic and socio-environmental levels. However, from the point of view of private investors, green roofs and green walls often have a negative financial evaluation. Concerning this, the quantification of the benefits according to building use and occupancy could be an important tool to assist the decision-making process and guarantee returns on investment. This study aims to support the decision-making process by managers and owners of youth hostels regarding green roofs and green walls implementation. Using a structured questionnaire, users&rsquo, perceptions were assessed through a five-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted in five youth hostels in Lisbon, Portugal. Analyses were performed in two phases. Firstly, using the original sample (n = 345), and subsequently grouping homogeneous individuals through cluster analysis. The results showed that most respondents support green infrastructure installation in the hostel and consider that these solutions could provide a greater sense of individual well-being and local aesthetic improvement. However, there is no strong evidence that green infrastructure solutions are considered a deciding factor to select local lodging, despite the fact that it can be a tiebreaker factor between two similar options. Furthermore, findings have shown that 90% of the respondents from Cluster 1 and 92% from Cluster 4 are probably not willing to pay higher daily rates for youth hostels that have green infrastructure solutions in place. On the other hand, 67% of the respondents from Cluster 2 were potentially willing to pay an additional amount. For the 345 respondents, the most preferred green infrastructure typologies are indoor living wall and the accessible green roof. Moreover, findings support the gender socialization and identity theory showing that women have a greater environmental concern compared to men.

Talin (Tln) is a component of muscle costameres that links integrins to other components of the cellular cytoskeleton and plays an important role in maintaining the cellular integrity of cardiac myocytes (CM). There are two talin genes, Tln1 and Tln2, expressed in the heart. Tln1 is ubiquitously expressed, and Tln2 is dominantly expressed in CM. In our previous study, we show that the global deletion of Tln2 in mice (T2KO) caused no structural or functional changes in the heart, presumably because CM Tln1 became up-regulated. However, we found that mice lacking both CM Tln1 and Tln2 exhibit cardiac dysfunction by 4 weeks (w) of age with 100% mortality by 6 months (m), showing Tln plays an essential role in cardiac development and in maintaining cardiac function. In this study, we produced a tamoxifen (Tamo)-inducible mouse model in which Tln1 could be explicitly reduced in the adult CM (T1icKO), and then generate T1icKO:T2KO (T1/2dKO), so that the function of Tln could be assessed in the postnatal heart. T2KO and Tln1/2dKO mice were injected with Tamo at 8w. Echocardiograms were performed to evaluate cardiac function up to 8w post-Tamo injection. While T2KO mice showed normal cardiac function, T1/2dKO exhibited a gradual decrease in function post-Tamo injection. At 8w post-Tamo injection, T1/2dKO mice showed cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and heart failure. To understand the mechanism by which deletion CM talin leads to cardiac dysfunction, left ventricular tissue protein lysates from T2KO and T1/2dKO mice at 4w post-Tamo when cardiac function (echo) and structure were preserved in dKO. The protein lysates were subjected to quantitative mass spectrometry analysis. We found there are 1,100 proteins differentially expressed in T2KO and T1/2dKO hearts. Pathway analysis was performed, and the results showed that proteins involved in vesicle transport, protein folding, and innate immunity are most up-regulated in the T1/2dKO heart. Taken together, our results show that Tln is required for maintaining proper cardiac function in the adult heart. The deletion of Tln in CM results in the up-regulation of multiple intracellular pathways, and we are currently studying the role of each pathway in the pathogenesis of heart failure induced by CM Tln deletion.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; yet how genetic variation and environmental factors impact DCM heritability remains unclear. Here, we report that compound genetic interactions between DNA sequence variants contribute to the complex heritability of DCM. By using genetic data from a large family with a history of DCM, we discovered that heterozygous sequence variants in the TROPOMYOSIN 1 (TPM1) and VINCULIN (VCL) genes cose-gregate in individuals affected by DCM. In vitro studies of patient-derived and isogenic human-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardio-myocytes that were genome-edited via CRISPR to create an allelic series of TPM1 and VCL variants revealed that cardiomyocytes with both TPM1 and VCL variants display reduced contractility and sarcomeres that are less organized. Analyses of mice genetically engineered to harbour these human TPM1 and VCL variants show that stress on the heart may also influence the variable penetrance and expressivity of DCM-associated genetic variants in vivo. We conclude that compound genetic variants can interact combinatorially to induce DCM, particularly when influenced by other disease-provoking stressors.

The construction and use of buildings represent about half of the extracted materials and energy consumption, and around one third of the water consumption and waste produced in the European Union. Therefore it is becoming more important to use sustainable materials that reduce the environmental impacts of construction, by conserving and using resources more efficiently. Green walls can be used as a sustainable strategy to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impact of a new modular system for green roofs and green walls (Geogreen) which uses waste and sustainable materials in its composition. A life cycle analysis (LCA) is used to evaluate the long term environmental benefits of this system. The life cycle analysis (LCA) is carried according to ISO 14040/44 using GaBi software and CML 2001 impact category indicators. The adopted functional unit is the square meter of each material required to assemble the Geogreen system. This study also compares the environmental performance of the Geogreen system with other living wall systems and other cladding materials using data from the literature. This LCA study of the Geogreen system became relevant to identify a curing process with a major impact on GWP due to the energy consumed in this process. A change on this process allowed reducing 74% of the overall GWP. After this change it can be noticed that the Geogreen System presents one of the lowest environmental burden when compared to other construction systems.

Urban population is becoming less likely to contact with nature. Yet, green infrastructure, as green roofs, provide multiple ecosystem services, as promoting citizens physical and psychological well-being. With the Coronavirus 19 world pandemic public spaces, like parks and other recreational areas, were closed and most citizens were confined to their dwellings. In this context, the need for outdoor space in the housing environment became more necessary than ever. This study is based on a survey performed to citizens living in 35 different countries to identify their access and value given to existing green areas in the home environment during and after confinement, and their willingness to pay (WTP) for an accessible green roof. Results indicate that 68% of respondents missed having a garden during the confinement and the outdoor space value increased after the confinement. Most are willing to pay for a medium sized accessible green roof and their WTP increases if the green area is bigger. WTP for medium sized green roofs is higher in other countries than in Portugal but not significantly different for larger green roofs. To promote private investment in green roofs, citizens WTP should be considered when designing new urban green infrastructure incentive policies.

Dossiê PsicanáliseA psicanálise e a clínica do mal-estar na contemporaneidade

Adriana Benevides Soares, Alexandra Cleopatre Tsallis, Deise Maria Fernandes Mendes, Renata Patrícia Forain de Valentim, Rita Maria Manso de Barros

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; yet how genetic variation and environmental factors impact DCM heritability remains unclear. Here, we report that compound genetic interactions between DNA sequence variants contribute to the complex heritability of DCM. By using genetic data from a large family with a history of DCM, we discovered that heterozygous sequence variants in the

Mitochondria and oxidative metabolism are critical for maintaining cardiac muscle function. Research has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important contributing factor to impaired cardiac function found in heart failure. By contrast, restoring defective mitochondrial function may have beneficial effects to improve cardiac function in the failing heart. Therefore, studying the regulatory mechanisms and identifying novel regulators for mitochondrial function could provide insight which could be used to develop new therapeutic targets for treating heart disease. Here, cardiac myocyte mitochondrial respiration is analyzed using a unique cell culture system. First, a protocol has been optimized to rapidly isolate and culture high viability neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. Then, a 96-well format extracellular flux analyzer is used to assess the oxygen consumption rate of these cardiomyocytes. For this protocol, we optimized seeding conditions and demonstrated that neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes oxygen consumption rate can be easily assessed in an extracellular flux analyzer. Finally, we note that our protocol can be applied to a larger culture size and other studies, such as intracellular signaling and contractile function analysis.

Urban planners, policy makers and transport operators constantly search for ways to improve the environment of transport infrastructures. “Greening” solutions, such as green roofs and walls, are among the potential measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The integration of greenery in the urban environment, including transport infrastructures, is shown to provide positive Net Present Values and to have several environmental, economic, and social benefits. Since users are forced to walk and wait in urban interfaces for a certain time, “greening” solutions may contribute to improve their psychological well-being and comfort. However, there is little evidence on the perceptions and the value attributed by users to these solutions. This paper intends to provide a unique perspective on users’ perception and willingness-to-pay for comfort and “greening” solutions in transport interfaces. The proposed methodology aims to evaluate the feasibility of several scenarios, based on a questionnaire survey taken amongst railway users. The process starts with a pilot survey and preliminary interviews, followed by the definition of the target population and with both “in-situ” and online survey campaigns. The case-study is developed at Entrecampos Station, Lisbon, Portugal, where the survey was taken by 146 users. Results have shown that although users might attribute some value to having greener spaces in public transport interfaces, their willingness-to-pay is low and they show a preference for improvements such as more seats or safe and comfortable waiting areas. These conclusions may assist decision-making processes regarding infrastructure systems and urban greening.

Green walls can protect building envelope from surrounding environment while contributing to improve buildings design and thermal performance. The design concept of a new modular system (Geogreen) for vegetated surfaces has been developed to create more sustainable green roofs and green walls. This paper aims to present the study of Geogreen system thermal performance in a Mediterranean climate. This work is based on the evaluation of local meteorological conditions in three different periods. The Geogreen system is tested in an exterior test cell, comprising a reference wall and a wall covered with Geogreen modules. The analysis is based in the interior surface temperatures and interior surface heat fluxes of two compartments with the same dimensions and thermal characteristics. Resuts show that Geogreen system contributes to: reduce maximum interior surface temperatures and increase minimum interior surface temperatures up to 7 °C; mitigate heat transfer, reducing maximum income heat flux by 75% and maximum outgoing heat flux by 60%; enhance thermal insulation of a wall; and increase thermal delay between the exterior and the interior. These aspects can lead to reduce and shift air-conditioning power loads and to improve buildings thermal performance.

Altoé, S. (2014). Infâncias perdidas: o cotidiano nos internatos-prisão. Rio de Janeiro: Revinter, 277 p. ISBN 978-85-372-0517-4

Greening the urban environment can be an important strategy to tackle the problems of urban densification and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Green infrastructures, like green roofs and green walls, have multiple associated environmental, social and economic benefits that improve buildings performance and the urban environment. Yet, the implementation of green roofs and green walls is still limited, as these systems often have additional costs when compared to conventional solutions. Recent studies have been comparing these greening systems to other solutions, balancing the long-term benefits and costs. Also, there is significant research on green roofs and green walls benefits. Although, green roofs and green walls economic analyses don't include all benefits due to measuring difficulties. The associated uncertainty regarding the quantification of the benefit makes it difficult to compare the research outcomes. This paper aims to provide a research review of existing benefits and costs of different types of green roofs and green walls. These were divided between building scale benefits, urban scale benefits and life cycle costs, focusing on the identification of results variability and assessment of their average quantification. The analysis shows that in general, there are few data regarding intangible benefits, as the promotion of quality of life and well-being. Also, there are still few studies quantifying green walls benefits and costs. High variability in data is mostly related to the different characteristics of systems, buildings envelope, surrounding environment and local weather conditions.

Worldwide, green infrastructure is increasingly used to mitigate the impacts of dense urban areas, contributing towards the naturalization of the built environment. However, for investors, these systems often emerge as requiring substantial upfront cost (high installation costs) and, depending on the solution, might also have significant maintenance costs. On the other hand, policymakers are placing green infrastructure on the agenda, as a solution to consider in urban planning and design. There is a mismatch between the economic/social/environmental value of green infrastructure and their financial analysis. As the quantified benefits of these solutions may not compensate the high implementation costs, discouraging building owners to invest in them. The alignment of both expectations, public and private agents, regarding the development of green infrastructure, is done through the use of incentives, with distinct configurations and nature, that promote and facilitate the adoption of green infrastructure by private investors. This research aims to identify and analyse the incentive policies used by several municipalities to promote the installation of green roofs and/or green walls. The data set includes 113 cities in 19 countries. The incentive policies were classified into six different categories: tax reductions, financing, construction permit, sustainability certification, obligations by law and agile administrative process. The results show that incentive policies are mainly concentrated in Europe and North America, and most incentive policies focus on the promotion of green roofs, as no exclusive incentive policies for the promotion of green walls were found. From all incentive policies studied, financial subsidies and obligations by law are the most used ways to promote green infrastructure worldwide.

Danon disease (DD) is a rare X-linked autophagic vacuolar myopathy associated with multiorgan dysfunction, including the heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. There are no specific treatments, and most male patients die from advanced heart failure during the second or third decade of life. DD is caused by mutations in the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) gene, a key mediator of autophagy. LAMP2 has three isoforms: LAMP2A, LAMP2B, and LAMP2C. LAMP2B is the predominant isoform expressed in cardiomyocytes. This study evaluates the efficacy of human LAMP2B gene transfer using a recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 carrying human LAMP2B (AAV9.LAMP2B) in a Lamp2 knockout (KO) mouse, a DD model. AAV9.LAMP2B was intravenously injected into 2- and 6-month-old Lamp2 KO male mice to assess efficacy in adolescent and adult phenotypes. Lamp2 KO mice receiving AAV9.LAMP2B demonstrated dose-dependent restoration of human LAMP2B protein in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle tissue. Impaired autophagic flux, evidenced by increased LC3-II, was abrogated by LAMP2B gene transfer in all tissues in both cohorts. Cardiac function was also improved, and transaminases were reduced in AAV9.LAMP2B-treated KO mice, indicating favorable effects on the heart and liver. Survival was also higher in the older cohort receiving high vector doses. No anti-LAMP2 antibodies were detected in mice that received AAV9.LAMP2B. In summary, LAMP2B gene transfer improves metabolic and physiologic function in a DD murine model, suggesting that a similar therapeutic approach may be effective for treating patients with this highly morbid disease.

Integrin receptors enable cells to sense and respond to their chemical and physical environment. As a class of membrane receptors, they provide a dynamic, tightly regulated link between the extracellular matrix or cellular counter-receptors and intracellular cytoskeletal and signaling networks. They enable transmission of mechanical force across the plasma membrane, and particularly for cardiomyocytes, may sense the mechanical load placed on cells. Talins and Kindlins are two families of FERM-domain proteins which bind the cytoplasmic tail of integrins, recruit cytoskeletal and signaling proteins involved in mechano-transduction, and those which synergize to activate integrins, allowing the integrins to physically change and bind to extracellular ligands. In this review, we will discuss the roles of talin and kindlin, particularly as integrin activators, with a focus on cardiac myocytes.

EXPEDIENTE - v17n2

O tratamento de esgotos é essencial à manutenção de suprimento de água nos centros urbanos em condições desejáveis à saúde pública. A carência de saneamento em nosso país mostra a necessidade de alternativas tecnológicas para o tratamento de esgotos. Na busca de novas opções, iniciou-se na CETESB em 1983, o estudo de sistemas compactos para tratamento direto de esgotos pela via anaeróbia. O reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente e manto de lodo (reator UASB) foi estudado em escala piloto e mostrou-se viável e eficiente, levando à necessidade de se efetuar o aumento de escala para o completo desenvolvimento da tecnologia. Um reator UASB de 120 m3 foi construído. Durante sete anos (de 1987 a 1993) funcionou sob observação, o que possibilitou o domínio da tecnologia. O sistema operou à temperatura ambiente em três períodos distintos. No primeiro período estudou-se as eficiências de remoção de matéria orgânica e a produção de gás e de lodo. Com tempo de retenção hidráulica médio de 6,5 horas, obteve-se efluente com 113 mg DQO/L, 48 mg DBO/L e 39 mg SST/L. As eficiências de remoção de DQO, DBO e SST foram respectivamente de 59, 65 e 76 por cento. A remoção de Coliformes totais e fecais ficou entre 70 e 90 por cento. Sua desinfecção através de métodos convencionais como cloração, ozonização ou radiação ultravioleta mostrou-se eficiente, a exemplo da maioria dos sistemas secundários de tratamento de efluentes. Obteve-se como fator de produção de lodo 0,2 kg ST/kg DQO da alimentação, sendo esta baixa produção de lodo uma das grandes vantagens do processo anaeróbio tendo em vista o custo e o trabalho que representam o tratamento e disposição do lodo no tratamento de esgotos. A produção de gás foi de 120 NL/kg de DQO alimentado. Efetuou-se também o acompanhamento microbiológico do lodo através de metodologia específica de acompanhamento de biomassa de biodigestores, o que possibilitou o aprimoramento dos conhecimentos da formação da biomassa no decorrer do processo. No segundo período de operação comprovou-se os resultados obtidos no primeiro período. No terceiro período de operação, apoiando-se nas técnicas de análise microbiológica da biomassa, estudou-se a partida a fim de diminuir o tempo para se atingir o regime estacionário. A utilização de inóculo não adaptado, como o lodo de esgoto de reator convencional, requer três a quatro meses para atingir o estado estacionário, com as eficiências relatadas. A partir da experiência adquirida são efetuadas recomendações e considerações para dimensionamento, partida, operação, manutenção e monitoramento para servir como guia aqueles que forem utilizar esta nova tecnologia. Após a partida o sistema apresenta reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e estabilidade de operação. O controle do sistema, quando se trata de esgoto doméstico, é bastante simples, necessitando apenas remoção periódica de lodo, além da manutenção e limpeza. Há necessidade de remoção periódica de escuma. O dimensionamento do reator sofreu aperfeiçoamentos para melhorar a separação das três fases sólida, líquida e gasosa. Além dos critérios adotados anteriormente a partir do reator piloto de 106 L que possibilitou o estabelecimento de critérios como velocidade superficial no decantador de O,7 m3/m2/h, velocidade do líquido através da abertura inferior do decantador de 5 m3/m2/h e inclinação das paredes do decantador de 50°, observou-se que o transpasse entre a parede do decantador e do defletor de gases deve ter no mínimo 15 em para assegurar que o gás não desvie para dentro do decantador. O limite de velocidade no corpo do reator não deve ultrapassar 1 m3/m2h para garantir o acúmulo de lodo no reator. O lodo apresentou granulação com diâmetros de até 2 mm. Os processos de pós tratamento que vem sendo testados dão os polimentos necessários e adequados às diversas condições de reuso ou descarte do efluente. O sistema é hoje relativamente bastante utilizado, quando se leva em conta os parcos investimentos havidos no setor nos últimos anos. No Estado de São Paulo, a aplicação desta tecnologia foi efetuada através de um convênio entre a CETESB e o DAE-Sumaré, no Jardim Santa Maria, um loteamento de 1500 habitantes. Esse trabalho, mostrou a viabilidade de sua aplicação e comprovou os resultados obtidos, assim como várias experiências realizadas por outras instituições com processo anaeróbio também o demonstraram. No Estado do Paraná, o processo anaeróbio tem sido empregado sistematicamente para o tratamento de esgotos pela Companhia de Saneamento daquele Estado, a SANEPAR. A divulgação dessas experiências e de tantas outras existentes, deve proporcionar a confiança na tecnologia possibilitando sua expansão e a melhoria da qualidade de nossas águas. Sewage treatment is essential to water supplying in urban nuclei with desirable conditions of public health. The lack of sanitation in our country shows the necessity of sewage treatment technologies compatible to our reality. Searching for new technologies, CETESB has started in 1983, the study of new compact anaerobic treatment systems for sewage. The UASB reactor was studied in pilot scale showing the need of scaling up for it\'s complete technological development. For this purpose a 120m3 UASB reactor was built. During seven years (from 1987 to 1993) the system worked with methodological observation, which made possible the mastering of the technology. The system operated at ambient temperature in three distinct periods. In the first one the performance of organic matter removal and the gas and sludge production were studied. The results showed effluent with 113 mg COD/L, 48 mg BOD/L and 39 mg SST/L with 6.5 hours of hydraulic retention time. The COD, BOD and SST removal performances were respectively 59, 65 and 76 per cent. The faecal and total Coliform removal showed values between 70 and 90 per cent. The effluent disinfection by conventional methods as chlorination, ozonation and ultra violet radiation has showed to be efficient, as the majority of effluent secondary treatment systems. The sludge production was 0.2 kg ST/kg COD in the feed. This low sludge production is one of the biggest advantages of the anaerobic process, in view of the costly and great disturbances that represent the sludge treatment and disposal in the sewage treatment. The gas production was 120 NL/kg COD of the feed. The biomass growth was followed by means of a microbilogical analysis specially developed for biodigesters sludge. In the second operation period the results were confirmed. In the third operation period, also followed by means of microbiological technical analysis, the shortening of the start up time was studied. It was found that starting up with unacclimatized inoculum, the stationary condition takes three to four months to be achieved, with the performances related. Based on the experience gathered, recommendations are made for system design, start up, operation, maintenance and monitoring. After the start up, the system shows reproducibility, reliability and stable operation. For essentially domestic sewage, the control system is very simple, necessitating only periodical sludge removal in addition to the maintenance activities. There is necessity of periodically scum removal. The design of the reactor was changed to improve the separation of solid, liquid and gaseous phases. Besides the design criteria described before, based on pilot scale experience, such as surface velocity in the settler area of O.7 m3/m2.h, liquid velocity in the lower aperture of the settling chamber 5 m3/m2.h with minimum HRT of four hours and slope of settling chamber walls of 50°, it was observed that it needs 15 cm in the crossing between the settler wall and the gas deflector to assure no gas deviation to the settler compartment. The maximum upflow velocity in the reactor body is 1 m3/m2.h to warrant retention of sludge in the reactor. Pellets in sludge presented up to 2 mm in diameter. Post-treatments may be necessary to give the effluent the appropriated conditions for its reuse or discharge. Today, the system is quite used in Brazil, taking in account the low investments in the sector. In the State of Sao Paulo, an example of this technology transfer is the agreement signed by CETESB and DAE-Sumaré, at \"Jardim Sta. Maria\", a small community of 1500 inhabitants. This work confirmed the results obtained and showed the feasibility of its application. Other experiences made by other institutions with anaerobic process confirmed them as well. In the State of Parana, the anaerobic process has been employed systematically for sewage treatment by the State Sanitation Company. The diffusion of this experiences and of many others existing might provide the confidence in the technology, enabling its expansion and the improvement of the quality of our waters.

A partir de un hecho en la Academia Brasileña de Letras, que suspendió la transmisión online de una conferencia sobre arte erótico, se parte de la argumentación freudiana del arte como una de las formas a la que los seres humanos recurren en busca de felicidad. Este sirve de bálsamo para el dolor de existir, el malestar que nos acompaña. El arte sirve así a la nada, al vacío existencial, y proporciona goce. Pero es también una mercancía controlada por el capital que induce al consumo. El artista hace de su arte una forma de respuesta al encuentro con lo real, y nosotros, espectadores, dejamos que nos arrulle o despierte, puesto que detiene el desierto de lo real. El goce femenino se toma como un equivalente de lo que se experimenta ante la obra de arte: indecible, desconocido, extraño, esplendoroso, devastador.

A partir de um acontecimento na Academia Brasileira de Letras, que suspendeu a transmissão online de uma palestra sobre arte erótica, parte-se da argumentação freudiana da arte como uma das formas à qual os seres humanos recorrem em busca de felicidade. Ela serve de bálsamo para a dor de existir, o mal- estar que nos acompanha. A arte serve assim ao nada, ao vazio existencial e proporciona gozo. Mas ela é também uma mercadoria controlada pelo capital que induz ao consumo. O artista faz de sua arte uma forma de resposta ao encontro com o real e nós, expectadores, deixamos que ela nos acalente ou desperte, ainda que para o deserto do real. O gozo feminino é tomado como um equivalente àquilo que se experimenta diante da obra de arte: indizível, desconhecido, estranho, esplendoroso, devastador.

Adriana Benevides Soares, Alexandra Cleopatre Tsallis, Deise Maria Fernandes Mendes, Rita Maria Manso de Barros

Current systems for greening the buildings envelope are not just surfaces covered with vegetation. Greening systems, as green roofs and green walls, are frequently used as an aesthetical feature in buildings. However, the current technology involved in these systems can maximize the functional benefits of plants to buildings performance and make part of a sustainable strategy of urban rehabilitation and buildings retrofitting. During the last decades several researches were conducted proving that green walls can contribute to enhance and restore the urban environment and improve buildings performance. The aim of this paper is to review all types of green wall systems in order to identify and systematize their main characteristics and technologies involved. So, it is important to understand the main differences between systems in terms of composition and construction methods. Most recent developments in green walls are mainly focused in systems design in order to achieve more efficient technical solutions and a better performance in all building phases. Yet, green wall systems must evolve to become more sustainable solutions. In fact, continuing to evaluate the contribution of recent green wall systems to improve buildings performance and comparing the environmental impact of these systems with other construction solutions can lead to an increase of their application in buildings and therefore result in a reduction on these systems cost. The decision of which green wall system is more appropriate to a certain project must depend not only on the construction and climatic restrictions but also on the environmental impact of its components and associated costs during its entire lifecycle.

Continuous contraction–relaxation cycles of the heart require strong and stable connections of cardiac myocytes (CMs) with the extracellular matrix (ECM) to preserve sarcolemmal integrity. CM attachment to the ECM is mediated by integrin complexes localized at the muscle adhesion sites termed costameres. The ubiquitously expressed cytoskeletal protein talin (Tln) is a component of muscle costameres that links integrins ultimately to the sarcomere. There are two talin genes, Tln1 and Tln2. Here, we tested the function of these two Tln forms in myocardium where Tln2 is the dominant isoform in postnatal CMs. Surprisingly, global deletion of Tln2 in mice caused no structural or functional changes in heart, presumably because CM Tln1 became up-regulated. Tln2 loss increased integrin activation, although levels of the muscle-specific β1D-integrin isoform were reduced by 50%. With this result, we produced mice that had simultaneous loss of both CM Tln1 and Tln2 and found that cardiac dysfunction occurred by 4 wk with 100% mortality by 6 mo. β1D integrin and other costameric proteins were lost from the CMs, and membrane integrity was compromised. Given that integrin protein reduction occurred with Tln loss, rescue of the phenotype was attempted through transgenic integrin overexpression, but this could not restore WT CM integrin levels nor improve heart function. Our results show that CM Tln2 is essential for proper β1D-integrin expression and that Tln1 can substitute for Tln2 in preserving heart function, but that loss of all Tln forms from the heart-muscle cell leads to myocyte instability and a dilated cardiomyopathy.

Enhanced recovery programs emphasize implementation of perioperative measures to reduce stress and restore baseline function. Complications and length of stay are greatly improved as a result, but the field is moving toward more patient centric and longer term outcomes that better reflect functional recovery. Programs demonstrating value in these domains will undoubtedly see corollary gains in traditional metrics. Thus, greater focus on patient well-being and treatment success is key to successful implementation of enhanced recovery.

EXPEDIENTE - v16n2

Adriana Benevides Soares, Alexandra Cleopatre Tsallis, Deise Maria Fernandes Mendes, Rita Maria Manso de Barros

A experiência de encarceramento precoce, frequentemente agravada por violências impetradas, desde o momento da apreensão, tanto por agentes do Estado quanto por anônimos transeuntes e estendida ao interior de instituições públicas, é relatada por inúmeros adolescentes que cumprem medida socioeducativa em meio fechado no Rio de Janeiro. As estatísticas dessa macabra violência permanecem subestimadas. Neste perverso cenário instituído, como a Psicologia, a Psicanálise e a Arte podem contribuir para a elaboração subjetiva dos socioeducandos que vivenciaram tão poderosos traumas, bem como para a transformação de tão cruel status quo?

Adriana Benevides Soares, Alexandra Cleopatre Tsallis, Ana Maria Lopez Calvo de Feijoo, Deise Maria Fernandes Mendes, Deise Mancebo, Rita Maria Manso de Barros

Ischemic damage is recognized to cause cardiomyocyte (CM) death and myocardial dysfunction, but the role of cell-matrix interactions and integrins in this process has not been extensively studied. Expression of α7β1D integrin, the dominant integrin in normal adult CMs, increases during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), while deficiency of β1 integrins increases ischemic damage. We hypothesized that the forced overexpression of integrins on the CM would offer protection from I/R injury. Tg mice with CM-specific overexpression of integrin α7β1D exposed to I/R had a substantial reduction in infarct size compared with that of α5β1D-overexpressing mice and WT littermate controls. Using isolated CMs, we found that α7β1D preserved mitochondrial membrane potential during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury via inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload but did not alter H/R effects on oxidative stress. Therefore, we assessed Ca2+ handling proteins in the CM and found that β1D integrin colocalized with ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) in CM T-tubules, complexed with RyR2 in human and rat heart, and specifically bound to RyR2 amino acids 165-175. Integrins stabilized the RyR2 interdomain interaction, and this stabilization required integrin receptor binding to its ECM ligand. These data suggest that α7β1D integrin modifies Ca2+ regulatory pathways and offers a means to protect the myocardium from ischemic injury.

Este artigo propõe discutir a existência de mulheres estruturalmente perversas a partir da teoria psicanalítica por meio das contribuições de Freud e Lacan. Inicialmente, ao estudar a perversão, há a dificuldade de isolá-la como uma estrutura específica distinguindo-a da psicose e da neurose devido à manifestação polimorfa-perversa da sexualidade humana. Entretanto, uma das questões mais discutidas é se há mulher na estrutura perversa, ou se ela é restrita apenas aos homens.