Sofia Silva

The relationship between kinetochores and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) is intimate but poorly understood. Several NPC components and associated proteins are relocated to mitotic kinetochores to assist in different activities that ensure faithful chromosome segregation. Such is the case of the Mad1‐c‐Mad2 complex, the catalytic core of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), a surveillance pathway that delays anaphase until all kinetochores are attached to spindle microtubules. Mad1‐c‐Mad2 is recruited to discrete domains of unattached kinetochores from where it promotes the rate‐limiting step in the assembly of anaphase‐inhibitory complexes. SAC proficiency further requires Mad1‐c‐Mad2 to be anchored at NPCs during interphase. However, the mechanistic relevance of this arrangement for SAC function remains ill‐defined. Recent studies uncover the molecular underpinnings that coordinate the release of Mad1‐c‐Mad2 from NPCs with its prompt recruitment to kinetochores. Here, current knowledge on Mad1‐c‐Mad2 function and spatiotemporal regulation is reviewed and the critical questions that remain unanswered are highlighted.

Objectives: This study seeks to establish potential determinants in the opinion of Portuguese physicians on euthanasia, and to verify if a confrontation with concrete scenarios has an effect on this opinion. Methods: a questionnaire was distributed to physicians of various specializations with greater links to the potential practice of euthanasia. We researched the degree of agreement regarding the applicability of euthanasia to concrete situations. Results: Of a total of 251 surveyed physicians, 58.2% favored the legalization of euthanasia in Portugal. In most scenarios that included the concept of voluntary euthanasia, agreement with the applicability of euthanasia was around 55%. In scenarios where the concept of non-voluntary euthanasia was explicit, more than 60% of physicians disagreed with its application. Conclusion: It seems clear that the most relevant factor influencing the physicians’ agreement with the applicability of euthanasia is respect for the patient’s autonomy, and the existence of suffering.