Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2017-06-01"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Stroma cell-derived signals stimulate expression of tumor-promoting RAC1B in colorectal cellsPublication . Pereira, Joana; Matos, Paulo; Jordan, PeterAn inflammatory microenvironment is a tumor-promoting condition that provides survival signals to which cancer cells respond with changes in their gene expression. One key gene regulatory mechanism that responds to extracellular signals is alternative splicing. For example RAC1B, a RAC1 alternative splicing variant that we previously identified in a subset of BRAF-mutated colorectal tumours, was found increased in samples from inflammatory bowel disease patients or following experimentally-induced acute colitis in a mouse model. The main goal of this work is to determine the pro-inflammatory signals that lead to increased RAC1B expression in colorectal cells.
- Workplace Bullying and Presenteeism: the path through Emotional Exhaustion and Psychological Well-beingPublication . Neto, Mariana; Ferreira, Aristides I.; Martinez, Luis F.; Ferreira, Paula CostaObjective: Workplace bullying is an increasing phenomenon that concerns managers and employees. However, few studies have investigated how workplace bullying relates with work-related exhaustion and indicators of productivity loss due to presenteeism. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the intervening variables of emotional exhaustion and psychological wellbeing in the direct and indirect relationships between workplace bullying and indicators of productivity loss due to presenteeism. Method:In a cross-sectional study, we tested a structural equation model using web survey data of 353 workers from a service company, with the variables: workplace bullying (Quine, 1999), emotional exhaustion (MBI), psychological wellbeing (GHQ-28) and indicators of productivity loss due to presenteeism (SPS-6). All variables presented acceptable psychometric evidence. Results: The final model revealed a reasonable fit. Workplace bullying was significantly and positively related to emotional exhaustion, which in turn, was significantly related to the loss of psychological wellbeing. Workplace bullying, emotional exhaustion and the loss of psychological wellbeing were negatively related to concentration (avoiding distraction). Emotional exhaustion and psychological wellbeing mediated the studied structural relationships.Conclusions: Our study contributes to theory and practice, since occupational health professionals should be aware that burnout and the loss of wellbeing may be related to workplace bullying and that productivity loss due to presenteeism may be a warning sign. Leaders can understand the underlying mechanism that explains employees’ productivity loss due to presenteeism by addressing workplace bullying and its negative relation with emotional exhaustion and wellbeing.
- The adaptor protein SHC1 is recruited to tyrosine-phosphorylated plasma membrane chloride channelsPublication . Loureiro, Claudia; Matos, Paulo; Clarke, Luka; Jordan, PeterProtein kinase Syk was recently found to phosphorylate a specific tyrosine residue in three distinct disease-related chloride transport proteins: CFTR (in cystic fibrosis (CF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), NKCC2 and KCC3 (in kidney function and hypertension).
- Activation of RAC1/PAK1 axis potentiates transcriptional upregulation of DNA damage response genes via the BCL6/STAT5 switchPublication . Barros, Patrícia; Amaral, Andreia; Abrantes, Leonor; Oliveira, Tiago; Lourio, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria João; Jordan, Peter; Gama-Carvalho, Margarida; Matos, PauloColorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. The GTPase RAC1 and its effector PAK1 have been found overexpressed or hyperactivated in colorectal cancers, particularly those with more aggressive and invasive features, leading to unfavourable clinical prognosis, often resulting from chemoresistance.
- Protein kinase-mediated plasma membrane translocation of glucose transporters in cancer cellsPublication . Henriques, Andreia; Jordan, PeterCancer cells require increased glucose supply to sustain proliferation. One mechanism involves increased expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) genes.
- Hepatitis C in a Mobile Low-Threshold Methadone ProgramPublication . Silva, Mário J; Pereira, Cláudia; Loureiro, Rafaela; Balsa, Catarina; Lopes, Paulo; Água-Doce, Ivone; Belo, Elsa; Martins, Helena C; Coutinho, Rodrigo; Pádua, ElizabethIntroduction: Data on the epidemiology of hepatitis C among individuals who use drugs in low-threshold settings are lacking, although crucial to assess the burden of disease and aid in the design of treatment strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and disease related to hepatitis C in a population attending a low-threshold methadone program. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in the population attending the Mobile Low-Threshold Methadone Program in Lisbon, Portugal, was carried out. The survey included assessment of risk factors for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and liver disease, HCV serology and RNA detection, HCV genotyping, and liver disease staging. Results: A total of 825 participants were enrolled, 81.3% men, mean age 44.5 years. Injecting drug use (IDU) was reported by 58.4% – among these, 28.2% were people who inject drugs. Excessive drinking and HIV coinfection were reported by 33.4 and 15.9%, respectively. Among participants with active infection, 16.9% were followed up in hospital consultation. The overall seroprevalence for HCV was 67.6% (94.2% in IDU, 30.0% in non-IDU, 97.1% in people who inject drugs, and 75.6% in excessive drinkers). Among seropositives for HCV, active infection was present in 68.4%. Among individuals with active infection, the most common genotypes were 1a (45.3%) and 3a (28.7%), whereas 30% had severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Age 45 years or older, HCV genotype 3, and coinfection with HIV were significant predictors of cirrhosis. Conclusion: This population has a high burden of hepatitis C and several characteristics that favor dissemination of infection. Healthcare strategies are urgently needed to address hepatitis C in this setting.