Search

Future teachers first come into contact with diversified teaching strategies, such as Project-Based Learning, in initial teacher education programmes. Such strategies contrast with the type of methods that they experienced throughout their own schooling, which are essentially teacher centred. The present research aims to understand how ProjectBased Learning is being integrated into the curriculum of primary school teachers' initial teacher education programmes. The participants were three higher education institutions located in different regions of Portugal, all of which offer initial teacher education programmes for primary school teachers that include Project-Based Learning at some point. The data were collected through document analysis of the programmes' curricula, as well as through semi-structured interviews with the programme coordinators in each institution. The results show that the institutions value Project-Based Learning and make an effort to include it in their programmes, whether in theoretical, didactical or practical terms. However, they encounter some difficulties in promoting more significant experiences that would enable the students to feel confident to use this strategy in their Supervised Teaching Practice internships.

A comprehensive checklist of the marine flora from Faial Island, mid-north Atlantic, is still unavailable, despite the numerous works that gathered data around its coasts for over 150 years. This study brings together and harmonises all macroalgae collections and taxonomical records from multiple projects and teams over the last thirty years.The result is a list of taxonomic records and georeferenced species occurrence data that substantially increases our knowledge of the coastal Azorean marine biodiversity while providing key information for future ecological studies and to support local, marine management and conservation.A total of 2283 specimens belonging to 118 taxa of macroalgae are registered here, comprising 61 Rhodophyta, 26 Chlorophyta, 30 Ochrophyta (Phaeophyceae) and one Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria). From these, 26 taxa are identified only at the genus level and 92 to species level (47 Rhodophyta, 21 Chlorophyta and 24 Ochrophyta). The list comprises 75 native species, 12 records of uncertain origin and five introductions (Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskål) J.V.Lamouroux, Caulerpa webbiana Montagne, Hydroclathrus tilesii (Endlicher) Santiañez & M.J.Wynne, Asparagopsis armata Harvey and Symphyocladia marchantioides (Harvey) Falkenberg). Codium elisabethiae O.C.Schmidt represents the only Macaronesian endemism known on the Island. Twenty-three species are newly recorded to the algal flora of the Island.

Introduction The transcriptional induction of interferons (IFN) and their downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) is a formidable host defense mechanism against pathogenic infections, mostly viruses (1). Identified as innate immunity, this [...], The activation of innate immunity and associated interferon (IFN) signaling have been implicated in cancer, but the regulators are elusive and links to tumor suppression remain undetermined. Here, we found that Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase altered in Parkinson's Disease, was epigenetically silenced in cancer and its reexpression by clinically approved demethylating therapy stimulated transcription of a potent IFN response in tumor cells. This pathway required Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, involved the subcellular trafficking and release of the alarmin High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and was associated with inhibition of NF-kB gene expression. In turn, Parkin-expressing cells released an IFN secretome that upregulated effector and cytotoxic [CD8.sup.+] T cell markers, lowered the expression of immune inhibitory receptors TIM3 and LAG3, and stimulated high content of the self renewal/stem cell factor, TCF1. PRKN-induced [CD8.sup.+] T cells selectively accumulated in the microenvironment and inhibited transgenic and syngeneic tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, Parkin is an epigenetically regulated activator of innate immunity and dual mode tumor suppressor, inhibiting intrinsic tumor traits of metabolism and cell invasion, while simultaneously reinvigorating CD8 T cell functions in the microenvironment.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses latency programs to colonize the memory B-cell reservoir, and each program is associated with human malignancies. However, knowledge remains incomplete of epigenetic mechanisms that maintain the highly restricted latency I program, present in memory and Burkitt lymphoma cells, in which EBNA1 is the only EBV-encoded protein expressed. Given increasing appreciation that higher order chromatin architecture is an important determinant of viral and host gene expression, we investigated roles of Wings Apart-Like Protein Homolog (WAPL), a host factor that unloads cohesin to control DNA loop size and that was discovered as an EBNA2-associated protein. WAPL knockout (KO) in Burkitt cells de-repressed LMP1 and LMP2A expression, but not other EBV oncogenes, to yield a viral program reminiscent of EBV latency II, which is rarely observed in B-cells. WAPL KO also increased LMP1/2A levels in latency III lymphoblastoid cells. WAPL KO altered EBV genome architecture, triggering formation of DNA loops between the LMP promoter region and the EBV origins of lytic replication (oriLyt). Hi-C analysis further demonstrated that WAPL KO reprogrammed EBV genomic DNA looping. LMP1 and LMP2A de-repression correlated with decreased histone repressive marks at their promoters. We propose that EBV coopts WAPL to negatively regulate latent membrane protein expression to maintain Burkitt latency I.

RESUMO: O início de carreira de um professor é um período desafiante para o desenvolvimento das suas práticas educativas. Apesar de valorizarem métodos ativos de ensino, tais como a Metodologia de Trabalho de Projeto, a pressão sentida nesta fase leva a que os professores em início de carreira experienciem dificuldades de natureza diversa na sua implementação. Este estudo visa conhecer a forma como os professores do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, em início de carreira, integram a Metodologia de Trabalho de Projeto nas suas práticas educativas. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e da análise documental ao espólio de oito professores. Os resultados demonstram que os professores valorizam e procuram contemplar o Trabalho de Projeto nas suas práticas educativas. As dificuldades sentidas poderiam ser atenuadas através de uma abordagem metodológica mais consistente na formação inicial de professores e de uma análise das prioridades educativas nas escolas onde lecionam, que sobrecarrega os professores iniciantes com demasiadas tarefas paralelas ao serviço docente.

Future teachers first come into contact with diversified teaching strategies, such as Project-Based Learning, in initial teacher education programmes. Such strategies contrast with the type of methods that they experienced throughout their own schooling, which are essentially teacher centred. The present research aims to understand how Project-Based Learning is being integrated into the curriculum of primary school teachers’ initial teacher education programmes. The participants were three higher education institutions located in different regions of Portugal, all of which offer initial teacher education programmes for primary school teachers that include Project-Based Learning at some point. The data were collected through document analysis of the programmes’ curricula, as well as through semi-structured interviews with the programme coordinators in each institution. The results show that the institutions value Project-Based Learning and make an effort to include it in their programmes, whether in theoretical, didactical or practical terms. However, they encounter some difficulties in promoting more significant experiences that would enable the students to feel confident to use this strategy in their Supervised Teaching Practice internships.

Sensors should be integrated into teacher education, as they are essential tools in the digital practices needed for full participation in society. Electronic sensors can be used as laboratory/scientific tools, as everyday mobile learning tools, and as epistemic mediators in several scientific fields, as well as in interdisciplinary approaches. In this way, electronic sensors can play multiple roles in the main dimensions of teacher education. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to create a framework for the research-based and interdisciplinary use of sensors in elementary teacher education, based on the thematic analysis of seven case studies implemented in Portugal. The thematic categories used in the cross-case analysis were fundamental in revealing the different roles played by sensors in the different phases of the didactic sequences of the cases. Subsequently, the thematic analysis made it possible to identify patterns of affordances of sensors and to relate the multiple roles of electronic sensors to different areas of the Portuguese elementary teacher education model. The research synthesis made it possible to outline the framework perspectives. The resulting framework systematized and highlighted the affordances of sensors in pre-service and in-service elementary teacher education as scientific, epistemic, interdisciplinary, and didactic mediators. These affordances were revealed to be particularly important in data-driven inquiry problem-solving, pedagogical content knowledge, and professional knowledge development. The framework created can be expanded in future related research.

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with 10% of human gastric carcinomas, which are distinguished by a CpG island methylator phenotype. In gastric carcinoma tumors and cell lines, the EBV genome also exhibits a high degree of 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) marks, which are propagated by host DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) with each cell cycle. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of DNMT inhibition by the small molecule Decitabine (DCB) on EBV genomic 5mC and chromatin structure in two tumor-derived gastric cancer cell lines, YCCEL1 and SNU719. Decitabine effects on EBV genomic 5mC, chromatin structure, and viral gene expression were profiled by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq, respectively. Decitabine treatment resulted in global viral genome hypomethylation and a global increase in open chromatin. The most striking finding resulted from analyzing the methylation pattern from single RRBS sequencing reads, showing that the EBV genome contains a heterogeneous pool of epigenetic states, each of which is eroded upon Decitabine treatment. We observed heterogeneous 5mC epiallele patterns around EBV genomic CTCF binding sites and lytic gene transcriptional start sites. These results highlight the importance of 5mC in maintaining EBV genomic chromatin structure and latency. Furthermore, the presence of 5mC epialleles suggests EBV+ gastric cancers harbor transcriptionally distinct EBV episomes, which may exert distinct functional roles in maintaining latency and driving tumorigenesis. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency is controlled by epigenetic silencing by DNA methylation [5-methyl cytosine (5mC)], histone modifications, and chromatin looping. However, how they dictate the transcriptional program in EBV-associated gastric cancers remains incompletely understood. EBV-associated gastric cancer displays a 5mC hypermethylated phenotype. A potential treatment for this cancer subtype is the DNA hypomethylating agent, which induces EBV lytic reactivation and targets hypermethylation of the cellular DNA. In this study, we identified a heterogeneous pool of EBV epialleles within two tumor-derived gastric cancer cell lines that are disrupted with a hypomethylating agent. Stochastic DNA methylation patterning at critical regulatory regions may be an underlying mechanism for spontaneous reactivation. Our results highlight the critical role of epigenetic modulation on EBV latency and life cycle, which is maintained through the interaction between 5mC and the host protein CCCTC-binding factor.

It is well established that the amount of time children spend playing reflects on their learning, quality of exploration, and relationships. However, little is known about what the main benefits for adults are. In this study, we explore the association between the adults' daily time spent playing with their children (in minutes) and the adults' quality of interactive behavior and their amount of verbal behavior. Participants are 19 mothers, 17 fathers, 22 female preschool educators, 20 male educators, and 78 children (between 3 and 5 years old). Parents and educators were observed during a joint activity with a child. Results indicate that adults who spend more time playing with their children are more empathic, engaged, reciprocal, and changeling. Moreover, parents were also more positive in their communication with children. This research suggests that play offers individual and dyadic learning to children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal understanding of the Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) regulation of genomes has been focused on its role in DNA repair; however, in the past few years, an additional role for PARPs and PARylation has emerged in regulating viral-host interactions. In particular, in the context of DNA virus infection, PARP1-mediated mechanisms of gene regulations, such as the involvement with cellular protein complexes responsible for the folding of the genome into the nucleus, the formation of chromatin loops connecting distant regulatory genomic regions, and other methods of transcriptional regulation, provide additional ways through which PARPs can modulate the function of both the host and the viral genomes during viral infection. In addition, potential viral amplification of the activity of PARPs on the host genome can contribute to the pathogenic effect of viral infection, such as viral-driven oncogenesis, opening the possibility that PARP inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic approach to target viral infection. This review will focus on the role of PARPs, particularly PARP1, in regulating the infection of DNA viruses.

Abstract Background Life-threatening streptococcal sepsis nowadays represents an uncommon event in previously healthy infants and children. Critically ill patients suffering from severe streptococcal sepsis complications may present with pre-antibiotic era clinical pictures and require a timely clinical approach to achieve restitutio ad integrum. Results We report a series of four patient groups affected by an uncommon life-threatening streptococcal sepsis, each of them exhibiting some distinct features. Streptococcus Agalactiae sepsis was associated with cerebral thrombotic/ischaemic lesions, whereas severe cardiogenic shock was prominent in the Streptococcus Viridans group; Streptococcus Faecalis and β-hemolytic group A Streptococcus patients mostly reported lung complications. Conclusions Previous antibiotic treatments should not delay aggressive treatment in the intensive care setting. Early diagnostic suspicion, as well as appropriate and aggressive treatment provided within an intensive care setting are crucial for the clinical outcome.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses latency programs to colonize the memory B-cell reservoir, and each program is associated with human malignancies. However, knowledge remains incomplete of epigenetic mechanisms that maintain the highly restricted latency I program, present in memory and Burkitt lymphoma cells, in which EBNA1 is the only EBV-encoded protein expressed. Given increasing appreciation that higher order chromatin architecture is an important determinant of viral and host gene expression, we investigated roles of Wings Apart-Like Protein Homolog (WAPL), a host factor that unloads cohesin to control DNA loop size and that was discovered as an EBNA2-associated protein. WAPL knockout (KO) in Burkitt cells de-repressed LMP1 and LMP2A expression, but not other EBV oncogenes, to yield a viral program reminiscent of EBV latency II, which is rarely observed in B-cells. WAPL KO also increased LMP1/2A levels in latency III lymphoblastoid cells. WAPL KO altered EBV genome architecture, triggering formation of DNA loops between the LMP promoter region and the EBV origins of lytic replication (oriLyt). Hi-C analysis further demonstrated that WAPL KO reprogrammed EBV genomic DNA looping. LMP1 and LMP2A de-repression correlated with decreased histone repressive marks at their promoters. We propose that EBV coopts WAPL to negatively regulate latent membrane protein expression to maintain Burkitt latency I. Author summary: EBV is a highly prevalent herpesvirus etiologically linked to multiple lymphomas, gastric and nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and multiple sclerosis. EBV persists in the human host in B-cells that express a series of latency programs, each of which is observed in a distinct type of human lymphoma. The most restricted form of EBV latency, called latency I, is observed in memory cells and in most Burkitt lymphomas. In this state, EBNA1 is the only EBV-encoded protein expressed to facilitate infected cell immunoevasion. However, epigenetic mechanisms that repress expression of the other eight EBV-encoded latency proteins remain to be fully elucidated. We hypothesized that the host factor WAPL might have a role in restriction of EBV genes, as it is a major regulator of long-range DNA interactions by negatively regulating cohesin proteins that stabilize DNA loops, and WAPL was found in a yeast 2-hybrid screen for EBNA2-interacting host factors. Using CRISPR together with Hi-ChIP and Hi-C DNA architecture analyses, we uncovered WAPL roles in suppressing expression of LMP1 and LMP2A, which mimic signaling by CD40 and B-cell immunoglobulin receptors, respectively. These proteins are expressed together with EBNA1 in the latency II program. We demonstrate that WAPL KO changes EBV genomic architecture, including allowing the formation of DNA loops between the oriLyt enhancers and the LMP promoter regions. Collectively, our study suggests that WAPL reinforces Burkitt latency I by preventing the formation of DNA loops that may instead support the latency II program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors should be integrated into teacher education, as they are essential tools in the digital practices needed for full participation in society. Electronic sensors can be used as laboratory/scientific tools, as everyday mobile learning tools, and as epistemic mediators in several scientific fields, as well as in interdisciplinary approaches. In this way, electronic sensors can play multiple roles in the main dimensions of teacher education. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to create a framework for the research-based and interdisciplinary use of sensors in elementary teacher education, based on the thematic analysis of seven case studies implemented in Portugal. The thematic categories used in the cross-case analysis were fundamental in revealing the different roles played by sensors in the different phases of the didactic sequences of the cases. Subsequently, the thematic analysis made it possible to identify patterns of affordances of sensors and to relate the multiple roles of electronic sensors to different areas of the Portuguese elementary teacher education model. The research synthesis made it possible to outline the framework perspectives. The resulting framework systematized and highlighted the affordances of sensors in pre-service and in-service elementary teacher education as scientific, epistemic, interdisciplinary, and didactic mediators. These affordances were revealed to be particularly important in data-driven inquiry problem-solving, pedagogical content knowledge, and professional knowledge development. The framework created can be expanded in future related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most fearsome complication in thyroid surgery is the temporary or definitive recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) on postoperative outcomes after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. From October 2014 to February 2016, a total of 80 consecutive patients, with high risk of RLN injuries, underwent thyroid and parathyroid surgery. They were divided in two groups (IONM group and control group), depending on whether neuromonitoring was used or not. We used the Nerve Integrity Monitoring System (NIM)-Response 3.0® (Medtronic Xomed®). The operation time (p = 0.014). and the length of hospital stay (LOS) (p = 0.14) were shorter in the IONM group. Overall mean follow-up was 96.7 ± 14.3 months. The rate of transient RLN palsy was 2.6% in IONM group and 2.5% in the control group (p = not significant). Only one case of definitive RLN injury was reported in control group. No differences were reported between the two groups in terms of temporary or definitive RLN injury. Routine use of IOMN increases the surgery cost, but overall, it leads to long-term cost savings thanks to the reduction of both operating times (106.3 ± 38.7 vs 128.1 ± 39.3, p: 0.01) and LOS (3.2 ± 1.5 vs 3.7 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.14). Anatomical visualization of RLN remains the gold standard in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Nevertheless, IONM is proved to be a valid help without the ambition to replace surgeon's experience.

The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infects almost 95% of the population worldwide. While typically asymptomatic, EBV latent infection is associated with several malignancies of epithelial and lymphoid origin in immunocompromised individuals. In latently infected cells, the EBV genome persists as a chromatinized episome that expresses a limited set of viral genes in different patterns, referred to as latency types, which coincide with varying stages of infection and various malignancies. We have previously demonstrated that latency types correlate with differences in the composition and structure of the EBV episome. Several cellular factors, including the nuclear lamina, regulate chromatin composition and architecture. While the interaction of the viral genome with the nuclear lamina has been studied in the context of EBV lytic reactivation, the role of the nuclear lamina in controlling EBV latency has not been investigated. Here, we report that the nuclear lamina is an essential epigenetic regulator of the EBV episome. We observed that in B cells, EBV infection affects the composition of the nuclear lamina by inducing the expression of lamin A/C, but only in EBV+ cells expressing the Type III latency program. Using ChIP-Seq, we determined that lamin B1 and lamin A/C bind the EBV genome, and their binding correlates with deposition of the histone repressive mark H3K9me2. By RNA-Seq, we observed that knock-out of lamin A/C in B cells alters EBV gene expression. Our data indicate that the interaction between lamins and the EBV episome contributes to the epigenetic control of viral gene expression during latency, suggesting a restrictive function of the nuclear lamina as part of the host response against viral DNA entry into the nucleus.

The increased incidence of antimicrobial resistance during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a very important collateral damage of global concern. The cause is multifactorial and is particularly related to the high rates of antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients with a relatively low rate of secondary co-infection. To this end, we conducted a retrospective observational study of 1269 COVID-19 patients admitted during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 in two Italian hospitals, with a focus on bacterial co-infections and antimicrobial therapy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between bacterial co-infection, antibiotic use and hospital death after adjustment for age and comorbidity. Bacterial co-infection was detected in 185 patients. The overall mortality rate was 25% (n = 317). Concomitant bacterial infections were associated with increased hospital mortality (β = 1.002, p < 0.001). A total of 83.7% (n = 1062) of patients received antibiotic therapy, but only 14.6% of these patients had an obvious source of bacterial infection. There was a significantly higher rate of hospital mortality in patients who received antibiotics than in those who did not (χ2 = 6.22, p = 0.012). Appropriate prescribing and the rational use of antimicrobials according to the principles of antimicrobial stewardship can help prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is a human gamma-herpesvirus that is widespread worldwide. To this day, about 200,000 cancer cases per year are attributed to EBV infection. EBV is capable of infecting both B cells and epithelial cells. Upon entry, viral DNA reaches the nucleus and undergoes a process of circularization and chromatinization and establishes a latent lifelong infection in host cells. There are different types of latency all characterized by different expressions of latent viral genes correlated with a different three-dimensional architecture of the viral genome. There are multiple factors involved in the regulation and maintenance of this three-dimensional organization, such as CTCF, PARP1, MYC and Nuclear Lamina, emphasizing its central role in latency maintenance.

Viruses suppress immune recognition through diverse mechanisms. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) establishes latent infection in memory B-lymphocytes and B-cell malignancies where it impacts B-cell immune function. We show here that EBV primary infection of naïve B-cells results in a robust down-regulation of HLA genes. We found that the viral encoded transcriptional regulatory factor EBNA2 bound to multiple regulatory regions in the HLA locus. Conditional expression of EBNA2 correlated with the down regulation of HLA class II transcription. EBNA2 down-regulation of HLA transcription was found to be dependent on CIITA, the major transcriptional activator of HLA class II gene transcription. We identified a major EBNA2 binding site downstream of the CIITA gene and upstream of DEXI, a dexamethasone inducible gene that is oriented head-to-head with CIITA gene transcripts. CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of the EBNA2 site upstream of DEXI attenuated CIITA transcriptional repression. EBNA2 caused an increase in DEXI transcription and a graded change in histone modifications with activation mark H3K27ac near the DEXI locus, and a loss of activation marks at the CIITA locus. A prominent CTCF binding site between CIITA and DEXI enhancers was mutated and further diminished the effects of EBNA2 on CIITA. Analysis of HiC data indicate that DEXI and CIITA enhancers are situated in different chromosome topological associated domains (TADs). These findings suggest that EBNA2 down regulates HLA-II genes through the down regulation of CIITA, and that this down regulation is an indirect consequence of EBNA2 enhancer formation at a neighboring TAD. We propose that enhancer competition between these neighboring chromosome domains represents a novel mechanism for gene regulation demonstrated by EBNA2.

Helicobacter pylori is an established cause of many gastrointestinal pathologies including peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and gastric cancer. It is an entity that affects the global population, and its true nature has only been known since the 1980s. Although there is much known about H. pylori including its pathophysiology, detection, and eradication, resistance to current therapy models is common. This is problematic because untreated or inadequately treated H. pylori increases morbidity and mortality related to gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease among others. In order to improve the treatment and reduce resistance, there is significant ongoing research identifying new detection and eradication methods for H. pylori. This review aims to highlight what has already been established regarding H. pylori’s epidemiology, pathophysiology, detection, and treatment as well as the most current and novel research involving detection and treatment of H. pylori.