Publications

Abstract An acid-base titrator connected to the Internet was developed for conducting remote investigative experiments. The experiment was broadcasted in a high school senior classroom, with the presence of a facilitating teacher. The activity required students to determine the indicator present in the solution. To carry out the activity, students added acid or base to sweep the pH range from 0 to 14 and noted the corresponding coloration to the pH through video analysis. The results obtained were very satisfactory, both in the identification of the indicator and in the acceptance and engagement of the students in the activity.

Abstract Educators cannot overlook the affect's potential for students’ educational success. In this study, affective analogies are proposed as a didactic resource to foster students’ affect for chemistry learning and positive attitudes towards the physics-chemistry subject. To examine the influence of the affective analogies on it, we grouped contents of this subject into three modules (Kinetic-molecular theory; Quantum model of the atom; Chemical elements and their isotopes) and developed analogies between chemistry and music for each (affective analogies), which were then compared to homologous undifferentiated analogies (familiar analogues without affective qualities in addition) and teaching strategies without analogies. An explanatory mixed-method design was used. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, with a convenience sample of 147 students attending the 7th grade of a middle school music course. The results show that the affective dimension of analogies promotes positive affect for learning at much higher levels than the familiar dimension. We proposed a mechanism through which this occurs. However, if analogies are familiar, it seems that their positive affective dimension is not as important for students’ learning levels. More than interesting, analogies should perhaps be non-aversive. As for attitudes towards physics-chemistry, teaching with affective analogies is the most beneficial strategy. This results from students’ perception that this teaching approach promoted positive affect for the study of physics-chemistry, compared to undifferentiated analogies and without analogies. Furthermore, it favoured learning and achievement in physics-chemistry, compared to the absence of analogies, because without analogies it is more difficult to understand abstract or difficult concepts. © 2025 Fırtına Akademi A.Ş. All rights reserved. This article published by TUSED is released under the CC BY-NC-ND license.

Abstract New psychoactive substances (NPS) are designed to evade legal regulation while mimicking the effects of classic illicit drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This category includes phenethylamine derivatives, such as the psychedelic 2C and NBOMe drugs. Given the lack of data regarding the toxicological profile of these substances, the goal of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxicity of 2C-I and 25I-NBOMe and explore their neurotoxic pathways. Lower EC50 values, in both NR uptake and MTT reduction assays in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and primary rat cortical cultures, revealed that 25I-NBOMe is significantly more cytotoxic than 2C-I, likely due to its higher lipophilicity. Both drugs triggered severe mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by decreased intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, although no significant changes in intracellular ROS/RNS levels were observed. Additionally, 25I-NBOMe increased the intracellular Ca2* levels. Apoptosis was an observed mechanism of cell death for both drugs, as demonstrated by a significant increase in the number of cells undergoing early apoptosis (AnV+/PI-) and late apoptosis/necrosis (AnV+/PI+). However, only 2C-I induced autophagy and strongly triggered caspase-3 activation. This suggests that 2C-I induces caspase-3-dependent apoptosis, whereas 25I-NBOMe may also induce apoptosis through a caspase-3-independent pathway, possibly involving increased intracellular Ca2* levels and direct mitochondrial damage. These findings underscore the complex interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium dysregulation, and cell death pathways, highlighting the central role of mitochondria in the cytotoxicity of 2C-I and 25INBOMe.

Abstract Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid-polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 degrees C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Abstract <jats:p>Este artículo presenta una propuesta de secuencia didáctica dirigida a estudiantes de secundaria. Se propone la exploración de indicadores ácido-base naturales con el fin de caracterizar diferentes soluciones acuosas. Luego, los estudiantes se enfrentan a un escenario desafiante e investigativo: la adición de lejía a un refresco de cola resulta en una reacción química que también implica cambios de color. Basándose en el protocolo desarrollado, los estudiantes llevarán a cabo ensayos experimentales para determinar si el refresco de cola es un indicador ácido-base. Para explicar los resultados obtenidos, los estudiantes llevarán a cabo una investigación cuyas conclusiones llevarán a la introducción del tema de las reacciones de oxidación-reducción. Con esta propuesta se busca fomentar la participación activa de los estudiantes en la construcción de su aprendizaje a través de actividades prácticas y experimentales, utilizando materiales cotidianos para promover su autonomía y, al mismo tiempo, estimular la curiosidad científica y el desarrollo de habilidades esenciales para la educación del siglo XXI. Además, el conocimiento que este enfoque didáctico contribuye significativamente a una comprensión más profunda de los conceptos fundamentales de la Química, promoviendo reflexiones más profundas sobre su relevancia en la sociedad actual.</jats:p>

Abstract BackgroundRecent literature underscores the importance of programming in preparing students for the challenges of a technologically evolving society.PurposeThis study explores the integration of Arduino programming in a non-formal education context, considering its potential to promote interdisciplinary approaches - particularly in Physics and ICT subjects - and foster students' interest and motivation.SampleEighty Portuguese middle school students participated in the practical activity designed.Design and MethodsDuring the activity, fundamental concepts of electronics, circuits, and Arduino programming were introduced and explored. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their interests, motivations, and experiences. The data were supplemented with field notes collected by the research team.ResultsFindings show significant student interest in exploring Arduino programming, despite facing challenges such as coding difficulties and limited familiarity with electronic components and circuits. Students expressed enthusiasm for engaging in future activities related to the topic and supported its interdisciplinary integration and they recognized its potential to improve learning outcomes and develop essential competencies and skills.ConclusionPositive indicators have emerged from this research regarding the implementation of this innovative approach, which could be transposed into a formal education context, such as Physics. This approach not only captivates students' interest but also empowers them to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Abstract This study applies agenda-setting theory to examine how ocean-related topics are emphasized in Portuguese digital journalism. We analyze media content from three online newspapers - Expresso, P & uacute;blico, and Jornal de Neg & oacute;cios - between 2010 and 2023, focusing on themes such as deep-sea exploration and the Ocean Decade. Using text mining techniques, we identify dominant thematic priorities in media discourse, specifically the prominence of Economic, Political, Scientific, and Environmental themes. Our findings reveal a rising trend in ocean-related publications, with economic narratives being dominant, particularly in Jornal de Neg & oacute;cios, while P & uacute;blico places more emphasis on scientific and environmental discussions. The Ocean Decade is framed positively across all three outlets, whereas deep-sea mining is approached with a more cautious tone. By highlighting shifts in media emphasis, this study contributes to discussions on how journalistic coverage influences the visibility of ocean issues, reinforcing the role of the press in shaping the media agenda of environmental and scientific discourse.

Abstract Polypharmacological approaches have significant potential for the treatment of various complex diseases, including infectious bacteria-related diseases. Actually, multitargeting agents can achieve better therapeutic effects and overcome the drawbacks of monotherapy. Although multidrug multitarget strategies have demonstrated the ability to inactivate infectious bacteria, several challenges have been pointed out. In this way, multitarget direct ligands approaches appear to be a rational and sustainable strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. By combining different pharmacophores, antibiotic hybrids stand out as a promising application in the field of bacterial infections. These new chemical entities can achieve synergistic interactions that allow to extend the spectrum of action and target multiple pathways. In addition, antibiotic hybrids can reduce the likelihood of resistance development and provide improved chemical stability. It is worth highlighting that despite the efforts of the scientific community to discover new solutions for the most complex diseases, there is a significant lack of studies on biofilm-associated infections. This review describes the different polypharmacological approaches that can be used to treat bacterial infections with a particular focus, whenever possible, on those promoted by biofilms. By exploring these innovative approaches, we aim to inspire further research and progress in the search for effective treatments for infectious bacteria-related diseases, including biofilm-related ones. Significance Statement: The importance of the proposed topic lies in the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance, particularly in the context of infectious bacteria-related infections. Polypharmacological approaches, such as antibiotic hybrids, represent innovative strategies to combat bacterial infections. By targeting multiple signaling pathways, these approaches not only enhance therapeutic effect but also reduce the development of resistance while improving the drug's chemical stability. Despite the urgent need to combat bacterial infectious diseases, there is a notable research gap, in particular in biofilmrelated ones. This review highlights the critical importance of exploring polypharmacological approaches with the aim of motivating further research and advances in effective treatments for infectious bacteria, including biofilm related infections.

Abstract Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI), using photosensitisers in combination with antibiotics, is a promising multi-target strategy to address antibiotic resistance, particularly in wound infections. This study aimed to elucidate the antibacterial mode of action of combinations of berberine (Ber) or curcumin (Cur) with selected antibiotics (Ber-Ab or Cur-Ab) under blue light irradiation (420 nm) against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) strains. Multiple physiological parameters were assessed using complementary assays (fluorometry, epifluorescence microscopy, flame emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, flow cytometry, and the plate agar method) to examine the effect on ROS production, membrane integrity, DNA damage, motility and virulence factors of S. aureus. Results indicated that blue light photoactivated Ber-Ab and Cur-Ab combinations led to substantial ROS generation, even at low concentrations, causing oxidative stress that severely impacted bacterial membrane integrity (approximately 90 % in MRSA and 40 % in MSSA). Membrane destabilization was further confirmed by elevated intercellular potassium release (approximate to 2.00 and 2.40 mu g/mL in MRSA and MSSA, respectively). Furthermore, significant DNA damage was observed in both strains (approximate to 50 %). aPDI treatment with blue light also reduced S. aureus pathogenicity by impairing motility and inhibiting key virulence factors such as proteases, lipases, and gelatinases, all of which play key roles in the infectious process. Overall, Ber-Ab combinations demonstrated the highest efficacy across all parameters tested, highlighting for the first time the multi-target therapeutic potential of this phytochemical-based aPDI strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections and improve wound infection treatment outcomes.

Abstract The ability of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica to persist and form biofilms on different surfaces can constitute a source of food contamination, being an issue of global concern. The objective of this study was to understand the biofilm formation profile of 14 S. enterica strains among different serovars and sources and to evaluate the ability of essential oil (EO) components (carveol, citronellol, and citronellal) to disinfect the biofilms formed on stainless steel and polypropylene surfaces. All the strains were able to form biofilms with counts between 5.34 to 6.78 log CFU cm(-2). Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of EO components were evaluated on two selected strains. All compounds inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium (strain 1; MIC = 800-1000 mu g ml(-1)) and Salmonella Enteritidis (strain 5; MIC = 400-1000 mu g ml(-1)) and only carveol showed bactericidal activity against strains 1 and 5 (MBC = 1200 mu g ml(-1)). Biofilms were exposed to the EO components at 10 x MIC for 30 min and polypropylene surfaces were more difficult to disinfect showing reductions between 0.9 and <1.2 log CFU cm(-2). In general, the S. enterica biofilms demonstrated a significant tolerance to disinfection, demonstrating their high degree of recalcitrance on food processing surfaces.