Combined exercise hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful remodeling in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension

The aim of this study was to test whether combined physical exercise training of moderate intensity executed during the devel- opment of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful functional and structural remodeling in rats. Wistar rats were injected with MCT (60 mg/kg) and after 24 h were exposed to a combined exercise training program: aerobic exercise (treadmill running—60 min/day; 60% of maximum running speed); and resistance exercise (vertical ladder climbing—15 climbs; 60% of maximum carrying load), on alternate days, 5 days/ wk, for 3 wk. After euthanasia, the lung and right ventricle (RV) were excised and processed for histological, single myocyte, and biochemical analyses. Combined exercise increased the tolerance to physical effort (time until fatigue and relative maximum load) and prevented increases in pulmonary artery resistance (acceleration time (TA)/ejection time (TE)] and reductions in RV function [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)]. Moreover, in myocytes isolated from the RV, combined exercise pre- served contraction amplitude, as well as contraction and relaxation velocities, and inhibited reductions in the amplitude and max- imum speeds to peak and to decay of the intracellular Ca2 þ transient. Furthermore, combined exercise avoided RV (RV weight, cardiomyocyte, extracellular matrix, collagen, inflammatory infiltrate, and extracellular matrix) and lung (pulmonary alveoli and al- veolar septum) harmful structural remodeling. In addition, combined exercise restricted RV [nitric oxide (NO) and carbonyl protein (CP)] and lung [catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and NO] oxidative stress. In conclusion, the applied combined exercise regime hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart functional and structural harmful remodeling in rats with MCT-induced PAH.L. B. Leite is thankful to Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brazil (CAPES) for the scholarship. A. J. Natali and M. Machado-Neves are thankful to CNPq—Brazil for the fellowships. This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais—Brasil (FAPEMIG)—Grant No. APQ-01485-22, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnologico—Brasil (CNPq)—Grant No. 306956/2021-7, and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Potencial de Controlo Biológico de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.- Criv.) Vuill. sobre as Pragas-Chave do Castanheiro em Trás-os- Montes

O castanheiro europeu Castanea sativa (Mill.) e seus frutos são uma importante fonte de renda em Portugal na região de Trás-os-Montes. Dentre as pragas que atacam a espécie, destacam-se a Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) e o Curculio elephas (Gyllenhal, 1836): insetos que causam danos significativos nas castanhas inviabilizando o produto e gerando perda de produção. Buscando diminuir o dano destas pragas, e o impacto negativo que os químicos podem trazer ao meio ambiente, surgem alternativas de controlo biológico. Entre elas, está o uso de fungos entomopatogénicos como a Beauveria bassiana, porém, sua efetividade varia de acordo com a cepa que é utilizada, com as condições ambientais e experimentais que está submetida e com as características dos insetos. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar em campo a eficácia de três estirpes de B. bassiana contra C.splendana e C.elephas em três diferentes tempos de aplicação das larvas, no intuito de avaliar o período da viabilidade de uma aplicação do fungo no solo. O experimento foi conduzido em um souto localizado na freguesia de Samil, no distrito de Bragança, Portugal. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos, isolado LC39GF10 (TA) e isolado A67GF09 (TB) (regionais), Controlo - água destilada (TC) e isolado ATCC74040 (TD) (comercial) - com concentração de conídios de (1x108) em todos respetivamente. Cada tratamento possuiu 18 vasos, cada um com dez larvas de cada uma das pragas, colocadas na superfície dos vasos, em três diferentes tempos após a pulverização dos fungos nos respetivos vasos e instalação em campo. (T1) colocadas após 1 dia da instalação, (T2) após oito dias e (T3) após 15 dias. As larvas foram retiradas em duas estações, em que após, as culturas fúngicas foram isoladas em laboratório e a confirmação da mortalidade pelo fungo foi feita por análise molecular. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que nas condições testadas, os isolados regionais (TA) e (TB) tiveram um melhor desempenho que o comercial (TD); com maior eficácia de infecção das larvas nos tempos (T1) e (T2); com mortalidade superior para C. splendana. B. bassiana nas condições testadas, demonstra potencial de uso na proteção integrada de pragas.The European chestnut Castanea sativa (Mill.) and its fruits are an important source of income in Portugal, particularly in the Trás-os-Montes region. Among the pests affecting this species, Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) and Curculio elephas (Gyllenhal, 1836) stand out as insects causing significant damage to the chestnuts, rendering the product unviable and leading to production losses. In an effort to reduce the damage caused by these pests and the negative environmental impact of chemical treatments, biological control alternatives have emerged. One such method is the use of entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the strain used, environmental and experimental conditions, and the characteristics of the insects. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate, in the field, the efficacy of three B. bassiana strains against C. splendana and C. elephas across three different larval application times, aiming to assess the duration of the fungus's viability when applied to the soil. The experiment was conducted in a chestnut orchard located in the parish of Samil, in the district of Bragança, Portugal. Four treatments were evaluated: the LC39GF10 isolate (TA) and the A67GF09 isolate (TB) (regional isolates), a control with distilled water (TC), and the ATCC74040 isolate (TD) (commercial isolate), all applied at a conidial concentration of (1x10⁸). Each treatment involved 18 pots, each containing ten larvae of each pest species placed on the surface of the pots at three different times after the fungal spray application and field installation. The timings were: (T1) one day after installation, (T2) eight days after, and (T3) 15 days after. The larvae were retrieved in two stages, after which fungal cultures were isolated in the laboratory, and mortality due to the fungus was confirmed by molecular analysis. The results demonstrated that, under the tested conditions, the regional isolates (TA and TB) performed better than the commercial isolate (TD), achieving higher infection efficacy on the larvae during (T1) and (T2) timings, with greater mortality observed for C. splendana. B. bassiana, under the tested conditions, shows potential for use in integrated pest management

Perceções dos adultos após acolhimento residencial: fatores inibidores e facilitadores

This study explores the perceptions of formerly institutionalized adults in Portugal regarding the challenges they faced after leaving residential care. It aims to understand the feelings experienced upon leaving the institution; to infer the facilitating and inhibiting factors of post-institutionalization transition, and to outline proposals for improving support during this transition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adults aged 24 to 39. The first and second-order categories were identified within three thematic axes. Results highlighted that the cessation of care was essentially remembered with negative feelings. Facilitating factors included academic commitment, social support, having or going to start a professional activity, and the transition to an independent living apartment emerged as facilitating factors. Poor functional skills, economic struggles, limited reality understanding, lack of formal support during the transition out of institutions, and social stigma emerged as inhibiting factors. Multiple personal and contextual factors influenced coping with transition challenges, emphasizing the need for qualified support and investment in promoting autonomy and self-confidence.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from different sporocarp parts of a medicinal mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom, both historically and currently. Driven by the ethnopharmacological prospect and the crescent body of scientific evidence that associates G. lucidum intake with health, the interest in its metabolites, primarily triterpenes and polysaccharides, has been further fostered. Whereas most research on medicinal mushrooms has focused on the comprehensive identification and yields of metabolites throughout their different growth phases, the distribution of those compounds along the sporocarps (fruiting bodies) in the mushroom’s antler growth phase remains poorly investigated. Moreover, for the compounds in the mushroom to exert biological activities, following the ingestion they must be bioaccessible in the upper gastrointestinal tract or fermented at the colon, but no work has been dedicated to investigating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from G. lucidum. This study aimed to directly compare the nutritional and chemical composition of the exterior skin and interior flesh of G. lucidum sporocarps, besides the bioaccessibility of triterpenes and prebiotic potential after digestion of both samples. Samples were provided by Käapa Biotech (Finland) and the proximate composition evaluated using Official methods. Triterpenes were extracted with hydroethanolic solution by maceration (150 rpm, 2 cycles of 1h), and Soxhlet (6 cycles), as conventional methodologies, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE, 47% amplitude, 15 min), as a green alternative methodology. Samples were homogenised and subjected to in vitro digestion (IVD) using the INFOGEST protocol. Extracts and bioaccessible factions were analysed by HPLC- DAD-(ESI-)HRMS/MS. The prebiotic activity with and -glucan content of the colonic residue of either sample was also investigated. Carbohydrates constituted the major component of samples, accounting for 80% of the total nutrients regardless the sporocarp part. The proximate composition of both samples was generally similar. Thirty-seven compounds were tentatively identified in both extracts and comprised lanostane-type tetracyclic triterpenes. Among the triterpenes, 16 lucidenic and 9 ganoderic acids were found, with peak 23 (lucidenic acid A, ganoderlactone B and ganolucidic acid) and peak 17 (lucidenic acid P and 7,15,?-trihydroxy- 4,4,14-trimethyl-3,11-dioxochol-8-en-24-oic acid) being the major compounds in the flesh and skin. The total triterpene content was superior in the external skin in contrast to the inner flesh (2 or 3 times) , and the proportion among some individual compounds also varied. The outer part also provided a higher average bioaccessibility of these compounds when compared with the inner part (53% and 39%, respectively). On the other hand, the inner sporocarp part showed superior prebiotic activity, evidenced by rapid bacterial growth and higher optical density across all tested strains, suggesting an enhanced fermentable substrate availability. The higher β-glucan content in the inner flesh (15.43% w/w) in contrast to the outer skin (9.77% w/w) likely contributed to its higher prebiotic effect. Whereas the external skin of G. lucidum sporocarps presented more bioaccessible triterpenes with putative health benefits, the inner part presented greater potential of promoting the gut heath by modulating gut microbiota compared to the outer skin. This is the first time a study has examined the variations of components between different parts of G. lucidum sporocarps as well as their bioaccessibilities, highlighting the differential potential of each particular part. Understanding the differential composition and bioaccessibility of compounds from various parts of G. lucidum sporocarp can inform better utilisation strategies in functional food and nutraceutical applications, enhancing their potential health benefits.Ganoderma lucidum é um cogumelo medicinal bem conhecido, tanto históricamente como atualmente. Impulsionado pela perspectiva etnofarmacológica e pelo crescente corpo de evidências científicas que associam a ingestão de G. lucidum à saúde, o interesse pelos seus metabólitos, principalmente triterpenos e polissacarídeos, tem sido ainda mais fomentado. Embora a maioria das pesquisas sobre cogumelos medicinais tenha se concentrado na identificação abrangente e na produção de metabólitos ao longo de suas diferentes fases de crescimento, a distribuição desses compostos ao longo dos esporocarpos (corpos de frutificação) na fase de crescimento do chifre do cogumelo permanece pouco investigada. Além disso, para que os compostos do cogumelo exerçam atividades biológicas, após a ingestão devem ser bioacessíveis no trato gastrointestinal superior ou fermentados no cólon, mas nenhum trabalho foi dedicado a investigar a bioacessibilidade dos compostos bioactivos de G. lucidum. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar diretamente a composição nutricional e química da parte externa e da polpa interna de esporocarpos de G. lucidum, além da bioacessibilidade de triterpenos e potencial prebiótico após digestão de ambas as amostras. As amostras foram fornecidas pela Käapa Biotech (Filândia) e a composição centesimal avaliada utilizando métodos oficiais. Os triterpenos foram extraídos com solução hidroetanólica por maceração (150 rpm, 2 ciclos de 1h) e Soxhlet (6 ciclos), como metodologias convencionais, e extração assistida por ultrassom (UAE, amplitude de 47%, 15 min), como metodologia alternativa verde. As amostras foram homogeneizadas e submetidas à digestão in vitro (IVD) utilizando o protocolo INFOGEST. Extratos e frações bioacessíveis foram analisados por HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)HRMS/MS. A atividade prebiótica e o conteúdo de -glucano do resíduo colónico das amostras também foram analisados. Os carboidratos constituíram o principal componente das amostras, corespondendo 80% do total de nutrientes, independentemente da parte do esporocarpo. A composição centesimal de ambas as amostras foi geralmente semelhante. Trinta e sete compostos foram provisoriamente identificados em ambas as partes e compreendiam triterpenos tetracíclicos do tipo lanostano. Entre os triterpenos, foram encontrados 16 ácidos lucidênicos e 9 ganodéricos, sendo o pico 23 (ácido lucidénico A, ganoderlactona B e ácido ganolucídico) e pico 17 (ácido lucidénico P e ácido 7,15,?-trihidroxi-4,4,14-trimetil-3,11-dioxocol-8-en-24-oico) os principais compostos na polpa e na pele. O conteúdo total de triterpenos foi superior na casca externa em contraste com a polpa interna (2 a 3 vezes mais), e a proporção entre alguns compostos individuais também variou. A parte externa também proporcionou maior bioacessibilidade média desses compostos quando comparada com a parte interna (53% e 39%, respectivamente). Por outro lado, a parte interna do esporocarpo apresentou atividade prebiótica superior, evidenciada pelo rápido crescimento bacteriano e maior densidade óptica em todas as cepas testadas, sugerindo uma maior disponibilidade de substrato fermentável. O maior teor de β-glucano na polpa interna (15,43% p/p) em contraste com a casca externa (9,77% p/p) provavelmente contribuiu para seu maior efeito prebiótico. Enquanto a parte externa dos esporocarpos de G. lucidum apresentou mais triterpenos bioacessíveis com supostos benefícios à saúde, a parte interna apresentou maior potencial de promoção da saúde intestinal através da modulação da microbiota intestinal em comparação com a pele externa. Esta é a primeira vez que um estudo examinou as variações de componentes entre diferentes partes dos esporocarpos de G. lucidum, bem como suas bioacessibilidades, destacando o potencial diferencial de cada parte específica. A compreensão da composição diferencial e da bioacessibilidade de compostos de várias partes do esporocarpo de G. lucidum pode suscitar melhores estratégias de utilização em alimentos funcionais e aplicações nutracêuticas, aumentando seus potenciais benefícios à saúde.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020)

Enhancing classroom dynamics: exploring the synergy of social marketing, neuromarketing, and artificial intelligence

As a part of a research project, this paper refers to the assessment of the degree of knowledge integrating Social Marketing, Neuromarketing and Artificial Intelligence for sustainable economic development activities in Portugal. In addition, aiming to promote good behaviors and understand better the influence of Artificial Intelligence such as AI, VR, AR, big data, etc., on communications, social marketing can also explore neurometrics, biometrics and psychometrics factors to help individuals on their decision-making process. Furthermore, segmentation is a marketing technique that can be used to influence the decision-making process, even promoting good behavior. Considering the assumption that good behavior is very important because it results in benefits not only the individual but also society and the environment, to promote these behaviors, social marketing must communicate through assertive messages. Using neuromarketing theoretical framework to support social marketing communications and understand better the decision-making process, this literature review presents a model which can help teachers as well as social marketeers to promote sports activities in higher education institutions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Authenticity and Bioactive Markers Search in the Phenolic‐Rich Extracts of Asteraceae Medicinal Plants Through Integrative Computational Chemometrics

The Asteraceae family has been of significant concern for ethnobotanical studies, thanks to its health-promoting properties linked to a plethora of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds play a critical role. In this work, a workflow based on computational chemometrics was employed to assess the authenticity and biomarker search of five key Asteraceae species commonly employed in traditional medicine. The UHPLC-DAD- ESI/ MS–MS phenolic profile of Asteraceae extracts was combined with the evaluation of several in vitro biological properties. Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), chicoric acids, and flavonoid glycosides were reported as authenticity markers of Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, and Arnica montana, respectively. The integration of phenolic profile and in vitro bioactivities provide insights for the identification of trans 3,5-O- dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-O- diCQA) and isorhamnetin glycosides as the major antioxidant agents in Asteraceae extracts, whereas several CQAs and caffeoyl-deoxy- octulopyranosonic acids have been reported as responsible for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. These results shed light on the authentication and quality evaluation of Asteraceae extracts, along with the characterization of their functional properties, leading to their application in the design of novel plant-based functional foods.Pascual García-Pérez thanks the finantial support through the Ramón y Cajal program (reference: RYC2023-044123-I) by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the National Research Agency (MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+). This work was also supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020); and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). L. Barros (DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002) and R. Calhelha (DOI: 10.54499/CEECINST/00016/2018/CP1505/CT0009) thanks FCT through the institutional scientific employment program–contract for their contract. Funding for open access charges: Universidade de Vigo/CRUE-CISUG.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Solid dispersions as effective curcumin vehicles to obtain k-carrageenan functional films for olive oil preservation

Synthetic packaging materials offer cost efficiency and performance but pose environmental risks. This study explores sustainable alternatives by developing k-carrageenan (KC) films functionalized with curcumin, using solid dispersions (SDs) to improve curcumin's compatibility, addressing the challenge of incorporating hydrophobic functionalities into hydrophilic film matrices. Films with varying curcumin content (1–20 wt%; KC1- KC20) were compared to a base film without curcumin (KC0) regarding water solubility, vapor permeability, water contact angle, and tensile properties. Compared to KC0, KC10 (10 % curcumin-SDs) exhibited improved water resistance, with solubility decreasing from 82.89 % to 77.18 %, while maintaining vapor permeability (2.96 × 10 10 g⋅m/s⋅m2⋅Pa). KC10 demonstrated enhanced tensile properties, with a 12.51 % increase in tensile modulus (241.47 MPa), a 3.86 % increase in stress at break (3.50 MPa), and a 4.42 % increase in strain at break (2.36 %). Furthermore, it exhibited potent antioxidant activity without releasing curcumin into a simulated fatty medium (non-migratory active protection mechanism), effectively preserving olive oil by limiting lipid oxidation to a peroxide value (PV) of 14 mEq. O2/kg oil, compared to 20 mEq. O2/kg oil in unprotected samples under accelerated conditions. It demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity with bacterial reductions of 95.4 % (Escherichia coli) and 90.6 % (Listeria monocytogenes), surpassing KC0. In conclusion, k-carrageenan films functionalized with curcumin SDs are promising and sustainable alternatives to synthetic packaging materials.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.544 99/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI:10.544 99/UIDP/00690/2020); SusTEC LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020); LSRE-LCM UIDB/50020/2020 (DOI:10.54499/UIDB/5 0020/2020) and UIDP/50020/2020 (DOI:10.54499/UIDP/5 0020/2020); and ALiCE LA/P/0045/2020 (DOI:10.54499/LA/P/ 0045/2020). FCT for the PhD research grants of Stephany C. de Rezende (DOI:10.54499/SFRH/BD/147326/2019) and Heloísa Helena Scorsato de Almeida (DOI:10.54499/SFRH/BD/148124/2019). Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart thanks the FCT for the National funding for scientific employment through the institutional program contract. Red CYTED ENVABIO100 121RT0108.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Digital Citizenship: the cyber-plagiarism dilemma in compulsory school

In today’s digital society, knowledge is built through relationships with others and the environment. Schools have a vital role in promoting and develop- ing skills in children and youth until they complete compulsory education. The use of technology to access and share information is unavoidable and has led to cyber-plagiarism to become a significant problem faced by educational institu- tions, particularly among primary, secondary, and high school students. Digital citizenship skills such as researching, selecting, collecting, and processing infor- mation through critical thinking are necessary to prevent cyber-plagiarism. Its use raises ethical concerns and undermines the fundamental values of a demo- cratic society. This work reflects on the practice of cyber-plagiarism by students, defines the concepts of plagiarism and cyber-plagiarism, identifies their causes and consequences, and proposes strategies to fight against it in schools. A nar- rative literature review methodology, which includes national and international research sources and official documents, is used to present guidelines for educa- tional institutions and communities to adopt common strategies to prevent cyber- plagiarism. The work also suggests fundamental strategies for the initial and con- tinuous training of teachers to develop skills that promote digital citizenship and prevent cyber-plagiarism.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efectos de la fisioterapia en la función pélvica y calidad de vida en mujeres con incontinencia urinaria - una revisión sistemática

In recent years, pelvic floor physiotherapy, namely pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has shown a high importance in women with urinary incontinence (UI), optimizing pelvic function and quality of life (QoL). Objective: Evaluate the effects of pelvic floor physiotherapy on pelvic function and QoL in women with UI. Methods: Computerized search in the databases Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the combination of keywords: Physiotherapy; Urinary Incontinence; QoL,in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality was analysed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Nineteen articles meeting the eligibility criteria were included with a total of 2253 participants and an arithmetic mean of 8.4/10 on the PEDro scale. PFMT interventions showed positive effects on QoL, as well as in decreasing involuntary urine loss and increasing pelvic floor muscle strength. In addition, PFMT combined with biofeedback, electrotherapy or Pilates training seemed to reveal significant effects. Conclusions: PFMT is an effective treatment for UI in women. PFMT significantly improves QoL in women with UI, a determinant factor for physical, mental, and social conditions.En los últimos años, la fisioterapia del suelo pélvico (SP), en particular, el entrenamiento de los músculos del SP (EMSP), ha demostrado tener una gran importancia en mujeres con incontinencia urinaria (IU), en la optimización de la función pélvica y calidad de vida (CdV). Objetivos: Evalúe los efectos de la fisioterapia del SP en la función pélvica y CdV en mujeres con IU. Métodos: Búsqueda computarizada en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scopus y Web of Science, utilizando la combinación de palabras clave: Fisioterapia; Incontinencia urinaria; CdV, de acuerdo con las directrices PRISMA. La calidad metodológica fue analizada mediante la escala de Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Resultados: Se incluyeron 19 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad, con un total de 2253 participantes y una media aritmética de 8,4/10 en la escala de PEDro. Las intervenciones de EMSP mostraron efectos positivos, tanto en CdV como en la reducción de la pérdida involuntaria de orina y el aumento de la fuerza de los músculos del SP. Además, el EMSP combinado con biofeedback, electroterapia o entrenamiento de Pilates parece tener efectos significativos. Conclusiones: El EMSP es un tratamiento eficaz para la IU en mujeres. Mejora significativamente la CdV de mujeres con IU, un factor determinante para el estado físico, mental y social.Nos últimos anos, a fisioterapia do pavimento pélvico (PP), nomeadamente, o treino dos músculos do PP (TMPP) tem revelado uma elevada importância em mulheres com incontinência urinária (IU), na otimização da função pélvica e qualidade de vida (QdV). Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da fisioterapia do PP na função pélvica e QdV em mulheres com IU. Métodos: Pesquisa computorizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science, recorrendo a  combinação de palavras-chave: Fisioterapia; Incontinência urinária; QdV, de acordo com as guidelines PRISMA. A qualidade metodológica foi analisada através da escala de Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Resultados: Foram incluídos 19 artigos que cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade com um total de 2253 participantes e com média aritmética de 8,4/10 na escala de PEDro. As intervenções do TMPP apresentaram efeitos positivos, ao nível de QdV, assim como na diminuição da perda involuntária de urina e aumento da força dos músculos do PP. Adicionalmente, o TMPP conciliado com o biofeedback, a eletroterapia ou o treino de Pilates, parece revelar efeitos significativos. Conclusão: O TMPP é um tratamento eficaz para a IU em mulheres. O TMPP melhora significativamente a QdV de mulheres com IU, fator determinante para o estado físico, mental e social.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Variabilidade temporal e espacial das precipitações e suscetibilidade à seca no distrito de Bragança - Portugal

Grande parte do nordeste de Portugal é composta por zonas áridas, caracterizadas por uma suscetibilidade de moderada a severa à desertificação e à seca. Foi realizada uma análise de tendências, tanto individual quanto combinada, da precipitação e do índice de seca SPI em vinte estações meteorológicas no Distrito de Bragança, em Portugal, abrangendo um período de quarenta anos (1957-1997). A análise revelou que, ao longo do período de estudo, à medida que a escala temporal do SPI aumentou (de 1 para 12 meses), houve um aumento na frequência de meses secos, bem como na ocorrência de meses com secas severas e extremas. Os resultados indicam uma redução gradual ao longo da escala temporal, dos meses classificados como ‘’Próximo ao normal’’ na classificação de SPI, passando de 69% no SPI 1 para 65,5% no SPI 12. Em contrapartida, a percentagem de meses de secas aumentou gradualmente, com valores passando de 14,3% dos meses de seca no SPI 1 a 17% no SPI 12. A percentagem de meses de ‘’seca severa’’ e ‘’seca extrema’’ seguiram o mesmo padrão de aumento dos meses secos, aumentando conforme a escala de análise de SPI 1 a SPI 12. No geral, as tendências identificadas para precipitação e seca sugerem uma intensificação gradual na vulnerabilidade à desertificação na região, embora sem um padrão de variação uniforme na região ao longo das 4 décadas estudadas.Much of northeastern Portugal is arid, characterized by moderate to severe susceptibility to desertification and drought. An individual and combined trend analysis of precipitation and the SPI drought index was performed at twenty meteorological stations in the Bragança District of Portugal, covering a forty-year period (1957–1997). The analysis revealed that, over the study period, as the SPI time scale increased (from 1 to 12 months), there was an increase in the frequency of dry months, as well as in the occurrence of months with severe and extreme droughts. The results indicate a gradual reduction over the time scale of months classified as ‘’Near normal’’ in the SPI classification, going from 69% in SPI 1 to 65.5% in SPI 12. In contrast, the percentage of drought months increased gradually, with values going from 14.3% of drought months in SPI 1 to 17% in SPI 12. The percentage of months of ‘’severe drought’’ and ‘’extreme drought’’ followed the same pattern of increase as dry months, increasing as the scale of analysis from SPI 1 to SPI 12. Overall, the trends identified for precipitation and drought suggest a gradual intensification in vulnerability to desertification in the region, althou