The human gut microbiome in disease: Role in chemotherapy treatments and relationship with clinical outcomes

The gut microbiome (GM) is a plastic entity, capable of adapting in response to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, several circumstances can disrupt this homeostatic balance, forcing the GM to shift from a health-associated mutualistic configuration to a disease-associated profile. Nowadays, a new frontier of microbiome research is understanding the GM role in chemo-immunotherapies and clinical outcomes. Here, the role of the genotoxin‐producing pathogen Salmonella in colorectal carcinogenesis was characterized by in-vitro models. A synergistic effect of Salmonella and the CRC-associated mutation (APC gene) promoted a tumorigenic microenvironment by increasing cellular genomic instability. Subsequently, the GM involvement in anti-cancer therapies was investigated via next-generation sequencing in different patient cohorts. The GM trajectory during treatments was characterized for women with epithelial ovarian cancer and pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The results highlighted the loss of GM homeostasis, with diversity reduction, decrease in health-associated microorganisms and pathobiont bloom. Interestingly, a distinctive GM profile was identified in ovarian cancer patients with a poor response to chemotherapy compared to patients in remission. Moreover, maintenance of GM homeostasis through enteral feeding in pediatric HSCT patients highlighted a better prognosis, with reduced risk of clinical complications. In this context, the gut resistome – the pattern of GM antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) – was evaluated longitudinally in HSCT patients. The results showed new acquisitions and consolidation of ARGs already present in patients developing clinical complications. Antibiotic exposure was also evaluated in infants under low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for vesico-ureteral reflux showing an impairment of the GM configuration with possible long-term health implications. Dramatic GM dysbiosis was finally observed in critically ill patients with COVID-19 (undergoing multiple drug therapies) and correlated with increased risk of bloodstream infection. All these findings pointed out the importance of maintaining GM homeostasis during chemotherapy treatments for improving patients’ clinical outcomes.

Organic photosensitizers and nanostructured semiconductors for photoredox catalysis and artificial photosynthesis

Over the course of evolution, Nature has elegantly learned to use light to drive chemical reactions. On the other hand, humans have only recently started learning how to play with this powerful tool to carry out chemical transformations. In particular, a step forward was possible thanks to molecules and materials that can absorb light and trigger a series of processes that can drive chemical reactions. However, scarce elements are extensively employed in the design of most of these compounds and considerations on their scarcity and toxicity have sparked interest on alternatives based on earth-abundant elements. In this framework, the focus of this thesis has been the development and employment of heavy-metal free chromophores and of earth-abundant oxides. The first chapter regards the functionalization of boron-dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) so as to allow access to their triplet excited state and tune their redox potentials, which was achieved thanks to the design of orthogonal donor-acceptor dyads. The BODIPY dyads were used to promote a photoredox reaction, and the mechanism of the reaction was clarified. In the second chapter, organic chromophores that display thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) were studied. These were used to perform enantioselective photoredox reactions, and a mechanistic investigation allowed to elucidate the fate of these photosensitizers in the reaction. Thanks to their stronger reducing power, it was possible to demonstrate the employability of TADF dyes in artificial photosynthesis, as well. Last, the oxidation of biomass-derived compounds was studied in a photoelectrochemical cell. For this purpose, hematite photoanodes were synthesized in collaboration with Prof. Caramori’s group at the University of Ferrara (Italy) and they were tested in the presence of a redox mediator. In addition to this, the possibility of repurposing a copper(II) water oxidation catalyst for the oxidation of biomass was investigated in collaboration with Prof. Llobet’s group at ICIQ (Tarragona, Spain).

A motivação de alunos no contexto da progressão continuada

This study investigated the intrinsic and extrinsic motivacional orientations of students in the context of the educational continuous progression. The sample was composed of 160 subjects of second, fourth, sixth and eighth grades of the elementary school. Data was collected by means of the presentation of histories involving the intrinsic, extrinsic motivation and the educational continuous progression system. Subjects were interviewed individually. Their answers were transcribed verbatim and submitted to content analysis. Results indicated that a expressive percentage of students did not know the educational system of continuous progression. Students revealed a predominantly intrinsic motivation orientation with advances in age and in school grade level, even though knowing that they will not repeat any school grade. This study pointed out the importance of deepening our knowledge concerning the impact of the educational continuous progression in students' motivation to learn.

Motivação intrinseca e o estado mental flow em corredores de rua

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Protocolo de lesão esportiva no esporte paralímpico (PLEEP) : proposta para a coleta de dados

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Do personality factors predict job satisfaction?

Two studies investigated the relationships between personality traits and aspects of job satisfaction. In Study 1, job applicants (n=250) completed the Eysenck Personality Profiler and the Work Values Questionnaire (WVQ), which requires respondents to rate various work-related facets according to the extent to which they contribute to their job satisfaction. These facets were combined into two composites (hygiene and motivator) based on previous research. The three personality superfactors accounted for a small percentage of the variance in importance ratings (about 5%). In Study 2, employees (n=82) completed a measure of the 'Big Five' personality traits and the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (JSQ), which assesses both what respondents consider as important in their work environment as well as their satisfaction with their current job. Importance ratings were again combined into two composites while job satisfaction ratings were factor analyzed and three factors, differentiated along hygiene versus motivator lines, emerged. Personality traits again accounted for a small percentage of the total variance both in importance ratings and in levels of job satisfaction. It is concluded that personality does not have a strong or consistent influence either on what individuals perceive as important in their work environment or on their levels of job satisfaction. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Foucault’s Perspective of Performance Appraisal in Public Administration

The main purpose of performance appraisal in organizations is, or should be, to improve the engagement, learning process and progress of the employees and to align individual with team and organizational performance. However, performance appraisal can also be interpreted as an instrument of normalization, discipline and surveillance. This study thus aims to explore and discuss the complex schema of intrinsic and extrinsic objectives of performance appraisal system of the Portuguese public organizations (SIADAP - Performance Evaluation Integrated System). We have developed an exploratory and qualitative case study to capture appraisers and appraises perceptions. The data were analyzed in light of foucauldian theories. According to the qualitative data, namely the discourses of the appraisers and their subordinates, the SIADAP is seen as an instrument of control and dominance that aims to introduce political rationalities, limiting the career progression of the employees. Though some key points of Foucault’s perspective were identified, foucauldian framework revealed some limitations to capture all the complexity inherent to performance appraisal. This study opens new perspectives about the SIADAP and can be of major importance as far as political reflection about performance appraisal in public organizations is concerned.

Motivação e percepção do envolvimento parental na prática desportiva de jovens nadadores

RESUMO: O envolvimento parental no desporto é determinante no processo de formação desportiva dos jovens desportistas. Pelo facto de existirem poucos instrumentos de avaliação neste assunto, a adaptação e validação do Parental Involvement Sport Questionnaire (PISQ) para o idioma Português, tornou-se fundamental para colmatar esta lacuna. Assim, o presente estudo pretende alcançar dois objectivos principais: a) traduzir e adaptar o PISQ ao idioma Português do Brasil e, deste modo, iniciar o processo de validação do referido instrumento; b) analisar a relação entre a percepção dos jovens sobre o envolvimento parental na sua prática de natação e a motivação destes jovens nadadores. Um total de 114 nadadores participaram deste estudo, com idades compreendidas entre os 12 e 20 anos [ M = 14.67; DP = 8.29], para aferir utilizamos a versão Portuguesa do PISQ e do Sport Motivation Scale (SMS). Como principais resultados, a versão portuguesa do PISQ apresentou um Alpha de Cronbach deos comportamentos directivos dos pais mostraram reduzir a motivação intrínsica – saber, a motivação intrínsica pela prática e a motivação extrínsica – introjectada, e aumentar a amotivação dos jovens desportistas. ABSTRACT: The parental involvement in sport is crucial in the process of sports training of young athletes and, because there are few instruments for assessing this issue, the adaptation and validation of the Parental Involvement Sport Questionnaire (PISQ) for the Portuguese language, it became essential to bridge this gap. Thus, this study aims to achieve two main objectives: a) translate and adapt the PISQ to the Portuguese language of Brazil and thus begin the process of validation of that instrument, b) analyze the relationship between the perception of young people about the involvement parental in their practice of swimming, and the motivation of these young swimmers. A total of 114 swimmers participated in this study, aged between 12 and 20 years [M = 14.67, SD = 8.29], we used to measure the Portuguese version of PISQ and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS). As main results, the Portuguese version of PISQ showed a Cronbach’s Alpha of , directive behaviors of the parents shown to reduce intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and increase the amotivation of the young athletes.

Motivations which influence volunteers' satisfaction

In this paper we attempt to find out which motivations influence volunteers satisfaction. So, in a first moment, we categorize satisfaction through a factor analysis and then use linear regression models to find out the relations previously mentioned. Furthermore we analyse the existence of correlations between some demographic attributes and the other variables. In this research the population under study includes volunteers that work in the health area, more precisely volunteers that work in hospital and have direct contact with patients and their families. We obtained a total of 327 questionnaires and after excluding incomplete answers we get 304 questionnaires which embody a response rate of 36%. The outcomes of our analysis reveal that we can categorize satisfaction into intrinsic and extrinsic categories and show that motivations related to belonging and protection and career recognition are the ones influencing extrinsic satisfaction; motivations associated to development and learning and altruism are the ones with higher effect in intrinsic satisfaction. There are some negative correlations between age and extrinsic satisfaction, between years of participation and extrinsic satisfaction, between education and the motivation related to belonging and protection and between age and the motivation related to career recognition. There is only one positive correlation between hours per week and intrinsic satisfaction. The results offer new insights for research about volunteers’ motivations, motive fulfillment and volunteer satisfaction. Furthermore the outcomes advocate that to ensure satisfied volunteers, their motivations must be identified in a timely and appropriate moment, meaning that should happened as early as possible.

A pessoa idosa em situação de fim de vida no domicílio : estudo de caso

Dissertação de Mestrado em Gerontologia Social

O trabalho de projeto como facilitador do desenvolvimento da motivação dos alunos

Relatório Final apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção do grau de mestre em Ensino do 1.º e 2.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Sistema de visão e laser para percepção em ambientes subaquáticos

A exploração do meio subaquático utilizando visão computacional é ainda um processo complexo. Geralmente são utilizados sistemas de visão baseados em visão stereo, no entanto, esta abordagem apresenta limitações, é pouco precisa e é exigente em termos computacionais quando o meio de operação é o subaquático. Estas limitações surgem principalmente em dois cenários de aplicação: quando existe escassez de iluminação e em operações junto a infraestruturas subaquáticas. Consequentemente, a solução reside na utilização de fontes de informação sensorial alternativas ou complementares ao sistema de visão computacional. Neste trabalho propõe-se o desenvolvimento de um sistema de percepção subaquático que combina uma câmara e um projetor laser de um feixe em linha, onde o projetor de luz estruturada _e utilizado como fonte de informação. Em qualquer sistema de visão computacional, e ainda mais relevante em sistemas baseados em triangulação, a sua correta calibração toma um papel fulcral para a qualidade das medidas obtidas com o sistema. A calibração do sistema de visão laser foi dividida em duas etapas. A primeira etapa diz respeito à calibração da câmara, onde são definidos os parâmetros intrínsecos e os parâmetros extrínsecos relativos a este sensor. A segunda etapa define a relação entre a câmara e o laser, sendo esta etapa necessária para a obtenção de imagens tridimensionais. Assim, um dos principais desafios desta dissertação passou por resolver o problema da calibração inerente a este sistema. Desse modo, foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta que requer, pelo menos duas fotos do padrão de xadrez, com perspectivas diferentes. O método proposto foi caracterizado e validado em ambientes secos e subaquáticos. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o sistema _e preciso e os valores de profundidade obtidos apresentam um erro significativamente baixo (inferiores a 1 mm), mesmo com uma base-line (distância entre a centro óptico da câmara e o plano de incidência do laser) reduzida.

Imaging the Hypoglossal Nerve

The hypoglossal nerve is a pure motor nerve. It provides motor control to the intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles thus being essential for normal tongue movement and coordination. In order to design a useful imaging approach and a working differential diagnosis in cases of hypoglossal nerve damage one has to have a good knowledge of the normal anatomy of the nerve trunk and its main branches. A successful imaging evaluation to hypoglossal diseases always requires high resolution studies due to the small size of the structures being studied. MRI is the preferred modality to directly visualize the nerve, while CT is superior in displaying the bony anatomy of the neurovascular foramina of the skull base. Also, while CT is only able to detect nerve pathology by indirect signs, such as bony expansion of the hypoglossal canal, MRI is able to visualize directly the causative pathological process as in the case of small tumors, or infectious/inflammatory processes affecting the nerve. The easiest way to approach the study of the hypoglossal nerve is to divide it in its main segments: intra-axial, cisternal, skull base and extracranial segment, tailoring the imaging technique to each anatomical area while bearing in mind the main disease entities affecting each segment.

Fatores individuais de risco de infeção hospitalar : conhecer para prevenir

RESUMO - Medidas efetivas de prevenção e controlo de infeção, assim como a sua aplicação diária e consistente, devem fazer parte da cultura de segurança dos profissionais de saúde para promover a excelência da prestação de cuidados. Também a identificação dos fatores de riscos individuais de infeção é crucial e indispensável para a adoção de medidas para a gestão desses mesmos riscos. A avaliação do risco pretende determinar a probabilidade que um doente tem de adquirir ou disseminar uma infeção hospitalar (IH) (WIRRAL, 2008) nas unidades de saúde. A avaliação deve ser efetuada na admissão do doente e, de forma periódica durante o internamento, usando uma grelha de avaliação, integrada no processo global de cuidados do doente. Efetuada a avaliação de risco individual, que pressupõe a identificação dos fatores de risco do doente (fatores de risco intrínsecos e extrínsecos) pode ser implementado um plano de cuidados individualizado para os gerir. Pretendeu-se com este estudo identificar os fatores de risco de infeção hospitalar do doente que estão presentes na admissão e/ou que podem surgir durante o seu internamento, para que posteriormente seja possível determinar as medidas de prevenção (gestão do risco) a aplicar individualmente. Foi realizado um estudo de caso-controlo com os doentes internados no Hospital dos Lusíadas em 2011 com o objetivo de, por um lado, determinar os fatores de risco individuais que contribuem para a aquisição da IH e, por outro, caraterizar os fatores de risco para uma futura identificação de possíveis medidas de prevenção e controlo da aquisição e transmissão cruzada da infeção hospitalar. A população em estudo foi constituída pelos doentes que foram internados, entre 1 de Janeiro e 31 de Dezembro de 2011 sendo os casos os doentes em que foi identificada a presença de infeção hospitalar através do programa institucional de vigilância epidemiológica das infeções, tendo os controlos sido selecionados numa razão de 3:1 caso. Foi utilizado um suporte estruturado para a colheita de dados, com a listagem de fatores de risco identificados na revisão bibliográfica e de todos os fatores de risco apresentados pelos doentes em estudo. Os fatores de risco identificados que apresentaram um maior significado estatístico foram: a idade acima dos 50 anos, o género masculino, a administração de antimicrobianos nas três semanas anteriores ao internamento, a colocação de cateter venoso central, a algaliação e, no caso dos doentes cirúrgicos, a cirurgia de urgência e a classificação ASA 3. Após a identificação dos fatores de risco da população estudada neste hospital, é agora possível utilizar a informação obtida e delinear investigações adicionais, objetivando a construção de instrumentos para a identificação de doentes com risco aumentado de infeção.

Measuring university-to-work success: development of a new scale

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a subjective multidimensional measure of early career success during university-to-work transition. Design/methodology/approach – The construct of university-to-work success (UWS) was defined in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic career outcomes, and a three-stage study was conducted to create a new scale. Findings – A preliminary set of items was developed and tested by judges. Results showed the items had good content validity. Factor analyses indicated a four-factor structure and a second-order model with subscales to assess: career insertion and satisfaction, confidence in career future, income and financial independence, and adaptation to work. Third, the authors sought to confirm the hypothesized model examining the comparative fit of the scale and two alternative models. Results showed that fits for both the first- and second-order models were acceptable. Research limitations/implications – The proposed model has sound psychometric qualities, although the validated version of the scale was not able to incorporate all constructs envisaged by the initial theoretical model. Results indicated some direction for further refinement. Practical implications – The scale could be used as a tool for self-assessment or as an outcome measure to assess the efficacy of university-to-work programs in applied settings. Originality/value – This study provides a useful single measure to assess early career success during the university-to-work transition, and might facilitate testing of causal models which could help identify factors relevant for successful transition.