Motivação para a prática de exercício físico em jovens portugueses do ensino superior

A prática de exercício físico tem inúmeras vantagens na saúde física e mental dosindivíduos. Considerando a sua importância, seria de esperar que os indivíduos praticassemmais exercício do que realmente o fazem. Assim, surge a necessidade de estudaraprofundadamente este comportamento, no sentido de melhor compreender quais os fatoresque motivam a prática de exercício físico.Os principais objetivos do presente estudo eram, portanto, caracterizar a prática deexercício físico em estudantes portugueses do ensino superior e analisar o papel damotivação nessa mesma prática. Para além disso, num registo mais exploratório, examinou-se também a influência do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e da satisfação com o IMC namotivação para praticar exercício físico, assim como o efeito mediador da motivação narelação entre o IMC e a satisfação com o mesmo e a prática de exercício físico.No presente estudo a motivação para a prática de exercício físico foi analisada tendopor base um modelo teórico - a Teoria do Comportamento Planeado.Participaram no estudo 554 estudantes do ensino superior português, com idadescompreendidas entre os 17 e os 58 anos. Construiu-se para o efeito um instrumento quepermitiu aferir a prática de exercício físico nos estudantes do ensino superior, o seu IMC esatisfação com o IMC assim como a sua motivação face à mesma.Os resultados mostraram que cerca de metade destes estudantes pratica exercíciofísico regular. O nível de motivação destes estudantes para a prática de exercício físico éelevado e a Teoria do Comportamento Planeado mostrou ser um modelo motivacionaladequado na predição da intenção de praticar exercício físico e da sua prática efetiva. Poroutro lado, os resultados sugerem que a motivação tem um efeito mediador significativo narelação entre a satisfação com o IMC e a prática de exercício físico.Como principais conclusões do estudo, apontam-se a influência inegável damotivação na prática de exercício físico e a enorme complexidade deste comportamento, quedeverá continuar a ser estudado e promovido. No final do estudo, apresenta-se um conjuntode limitações e sugestões para estudos futuros no âmbito da compreensão da motivação faceà prática de exercício físico

On the correlation between physicochemical properties of agar and its performance as edible coating and film to enhance shelf-life of fresh fruit

Agar is a biopolymer extensively used as gel and stabilizer. Depending on red seaweeds and agar extraction protocols, different physicochemical properties are attained. This research aimed at a better understanding the agar’s physicochemical properties effect on agar coatings performance to improve shelf-life of fresh fruits. Agar was extracted from red algae Gracilaria vermiculophylla in presence or absence of a pre-treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide prior to extraction and purification. Agar extracts were characterized regarding molecular weight (Mw), sulphates, 3,6-anidrogalactoses (LA), gelation and melting point, extraction yield, gel strength, microstructure (via crio-SEM) and water content. Distinct agar-based coating and film formulations were prepared resorting to native and low sulphate and high anydrogalactose content-commercial agars. Glycerol and tween-80 were used as plasticizer and surfactant, respectively. Agar-based coatings were employed in fresh strawberries, which were further packed and stored at 10ºC, 80%RH and 25%van during 7-d, and shelf-life evaluated via several physicochemical, mechanical and nutritional parameters. Significant differences were observed in some properties, e.g. LA, sulphates, Mw, gel strength and microstructure – particularly in comparison to commercial agar. Coating data showed minor differences between native agar extracts and formulations but significant variations with commercial ones. Nevertheless, shelflife improvement was apparent in coated fruits when analysing colour and phenolics. Commercial agar led to slightly stronger films but native agar produced appropriated ones. This study confirms high correlations between extraction procedure and some properties of final agar which, in turn, have some key effects when used as edible coatings and films. Finally, potential use of G. vermiculophylla agar in coatings and films was established, contributing to the valorisation of environmental by-products

Chemical treatment of coconut fiber and its composite / Tratamento químico da fibra de coco e seus compósitos

Composites with natural fibers usually present poor adhesion of filler to the matrix, as consequence of the hydrophilic nature of the fiber and hydrophobic nature of the polymer. These composites also display processing limitations due to the low thermal stability of the fiber. In order to reduce these issues, chemical treatments are usually employed. Thus, the present work aims to combine the processes of mercerization and bleaching to evaluate changes in thermal stability, tensile and impact strengths, flow behaviour and morphology of composites based on HDPE/coconut fiber, with treated and untreated fibers. The results showed that the treated fiber showed better thermal stability comparing to untreated one. The composites produced with both fibers showed an increase in elastic modulus and a reduction in the flow behaviour. However, only those obtained with the treated fiber showed an increase in impact strength in relation to neat HDPE, indicating a better interaction between the treated fiber and the HDPE matrix. These results corroborate the images obtained in SEM micrographs

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish: optimisation and validation of microwave-assisted extraction

An accurate and sensitive method for determination of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 PAHs considered by USEPA as priority pollutants, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene and benzo[j]fluoranthene) in fish samples was validated. Analysis was performed by microwave-assisted extraction and liquid chromatography with photodiode array and fluorescence detection. Response surface methodology was used to find the optimal extraction parameters. Validation of the overall methodology was performed by spiking assays at four levels and using SRM 2977. Quantification limits ranging from 0.15–27.16 ng/g wet weight were obtained. The established method was applied in edible tissues of three commonly consumed and commercially valuable fish species (sardine, chub mackerel and horse mackerel) originated from Atlantic Ocean. Variable levels of naphthalene (1.03–2.95 ng/g wet weight), fluorene (0.34–1.09 ng/g wet weight) and phenanthrene (0.34–3.54 ng/g wet weight) were detected in the analysed samples. None of the samples contained detectable amounts of benzo[a]pyrene, the marker used for evaluating the occurrence and carcinogenic effects of PAHs in food

Potential of Coccolithophore microalgae as fillers in starch-based films for active and sustainable food packaging

Coccolithophore microalgae, such as Emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) and Chrysotila pseudoroscoffensis (CP), are composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and contain bioactive compounds that can be explored to produce sustainable food packaging. In this study, for the first time, these microalgae were incorporated as fillers in starch-based films, envisioning the development of biodegradable and bioactive materials for food packaging applications. The films were obtained by solvent casting using different proportions of the filler (2.5, 5, 10, and 20%, w/w). For comparison, commercial CaCO3, used as filler in the plastic industry, was also tested. The incorporation of CaCO3 and microalgae (EHUX or CP) made the films significantly less rigid, decreasing Young’s modulus up to 4.7-fold. Moreover, the incorporation of microalgae hydrophobic compounds as lipids turned the surface hydrophobic (water contact angles > 90°). Contrary to what was observed with commercial CaCO3, the films prepared with microalgae exhibited antioxidant activity, increasing from 0.9% (control) up to 60.4% (EHUX 20%) of ABTS radical inhibition. Overall, the introduction of microalgae biomass improved hydrophobicity and antioxidant capacity of starch-based films. These findings should be considered for further research using coccolithophores to produce active and sustainable food packaging material.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Educação em saúde como estratégia de prevenção e promoção da saúde de uma unidade básica de saúde / Health education as a strategy for the prevention and promotion of health in a basic health unit

Introdução: Educação em saúde é uma ferramenta essencial para promoção da saúde assim como a prevenção e doenças e agravos, diante dos determinantes do processo saúde-doença, na Atenção Primária a Saúde. Objetivo: Conhecer o trabalho de educação em saúde de uma unidade básica de saúde do município de Imperatriz - MA. Metodologia: Análise de produção a partir de documentos cedidos pela direção da UBS, com registros das ações de educação em saúde realizadas no período de fevereiro a setembro de 2019. Resultados: Foi possível observar que 13 ações educativas foram realizadas em conjunto pelas 03 Equipes de Estratégia Saúde da Família alocadas na UBS. As doenças infectocontagiosas tuberculose, toxoplasmose, dengue, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e raiva humana tiveram um enfoque significativo em resposta as características epidemiológicas da área adstrita das equipes. A gravidez na adolescência foi abordada como estratégia priorizada pela Política de Atenção Integral a Saúde do Adolescente. Conclusão: Percebe-se que é imprescindível o constante aprimoramento do conhecimento e prática dos profissionais para desenvolver as ações de educação em saúde. É necessário a expansão das ações educativas dentro da área de responsabilidade de cada equipe, assim como uma participação mais ativa de todos os membros da equipe de estratégia da família, bem como os profissionais do núcleo de apoio à saúde da família (NASF)

Educação e cidadania: uma experiência interdisciplinar na comunidade

O objetivo deste artigo é relatar experiências e aprendizagens decorrentes das ações pedagógicas focadas nas questões de direitos humanos e cidadania. A metodologia foi participativa e o grupo incluiu crianças, adolescentes e suas respectivas famílias. A incorporação de práticas pedagógicas participativas permitiu sensibilizar os participantes a ter consciência de seus atos. Além do impacto na população beneficiada, a experiência fortaleceu o processo de formação de graduandos e contribui para o desenvolvimento humano e social de todos os integrantes do projeto

A problemática da epidemia de demência vascular no Brasil: uma revisão bibliográfica / The problem of the epidemic of vascular dementia in Brazil: a bibliographic review

Introdução: Demência é uma das causas de incapacidade na velhice, sendo que 1 a 4% de todos os casos são demência vascular (DV), por lesão encefálica, em idade avançada. Déficits cognitivos com provável interferência na atenção complexa, mudanças de personalidade e humor e depressão são os principais sintomas da DV. Objetivo: Investigar a relação do aumento da expectativa de vida com a ocorrência de casos de DV, descrevendo a incidência e a prevalência dessa realidade no Brasil. Metodologia: Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica de artigos das bases EBSCO, SCIELO, LILACS e Google Acadêmico e livros médicos. Discussão: O AVC, isquemia cerebral e problemas vasculares, patologias incidentes no envelhecimento, estão relacionados intimamente com DV, com grande número de sobreviventes desenvolvendo-a, resultado de lesões cerebrais.  O Brasil, nono país com maior prevalência de demência, tem a proporção de DV maior que em outros países. Mesmo com avanços médicos e maior longevidade, houve aumento dos casos de DV. Fatores de risco podem ser genéticos, metabólicos, tóxicos, pressão elevada, eventos cardíacos, menopausa, idade, sedentarismo, anestesia geral, inflamação, estresse, infecção, depressão. Metabólicos e tóxicos por serem modificáveis e reversíveis chamam muita atenção como possíveis métodos de prevenção de DV. Além disso, estudos mostraram neuroplasticidade maior em pacientes com alta escolaridade, demonstrando menor risco a DV, indicando escolaridade como uma forma de intervenção. Considerações finais: Diante da epidemia de DV no Brasil, controle de fatores de risco e detecção do transtorno em estágios iniciais poderiam ser importantes na tentativa de amenizar prejuízos, diminuindo o número de casos.

Educação e cidadania: uma experiência interdisciplinar na comunidade

O objetivo deste artigo é relatar experiências e aprendizagens decorrentes das ações pedagógicas focadas nas questões de direitos humanos e cidadania. A metodologia foi participativa e o grupo incluiu crianças, adolescentes e suas respectivas famílias. A incorporação de práticas pedagógicas participativas permitiu sensibilizar os participantes a ter consciência de seus atos. Alémdo impacto na população beneficiada, a experiência fortaleceu o processo de formação de graduandos e contribui para o desenvolvimento humano e social de todos os integrantes do projeto

THYROID CANCER: CLINICAL EVALUATION, ENDOCRINOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Thyroid cancer is more common in women and people over 40, but it can affect anyone. There are different types of thyroid cancer, the most common being differentiated carcinomas (papillary and follicular), which have a good prognosis and respond well to treatment. The clinical evaluation of thyroid cancer involves taking anamnesis, physical examination, measuring thyroid hormones and performing imaging tests and biopsy. The main symptom of thyroid cancer is the appearance of a nodule in the cervical region, which may be palpable or visible. The main surgical modalities are total thyroidectomy, which consists of complete removal of the thyroid gland; partial thyroidectomy or lobectomy, which consists of removing only part of the gland; and lymphadenectomy, which consists of removing lymph nodes affected by cancer. Objective: to synthesize the scientific evidence available on clinical assessment, endocrinological manifestations and surgical management in thyroid cancer. Methodology: based on the PRISMA checklist, the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were: “thyroid cancer”, “thyroid neoplasm”, “clinical evaluation”, “surgical management” and “endocrinological manifestations”. Original studies in English or Portuguese that addressed the clinical, endocrinological or surgical aspects of thyroid cancer in humans were included. Studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, were duplicates, had low methodological quality or did not have access to the full text were excluded. Results: 18 studies were selected, which revealed that thyroid cancer is a disease that presents different clinical, endocrinological and surgical aspects, depending on the type, stage and response to treatment. The studies analyzed provided evidence on diagnostic methods, indications and surgical techniques, the efficacy and safety of radioactive iodine therapy, and the role of suppressive hormone therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach for its diagnosis and treatment. The systematic review showed that there is consistent evidence on diagnostic methods, surgical modalities and radioactive iodine therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. However, there are gaps in knowledge about the endocrinological manifestations of thyroid cancer and therapeutic alternatives for more complex or aggressive cases. Therefore, more studies are needed to clarify these aspects and improve the clinical management of patients with thyroid cancer.Thyroid cancer is more common in women and people over 40, but it can affect anyone. There are different types of thyroid cancer, the most common being differentiated carcinomas (papillary and follicular), which have a good prognosis and respond well to treatment. The clinical evaluation of thyroid cancer involves taking anamnesis, physical examination, measuring thyroid hormones and performing imaging tests and biopsy. The main symptom of thyroid cancer is the appearance of a nodule in the cervical region, which may be palpable or visible. The main surgical modalities are total thyroidectomy, which consists of complete removal of the thyroid gland; partial thyroidectomy or lobectomy, which consists of removing only part of the gland; and lymphadenectomy, which consists of removing lymph nodes affected by cancer. Objective: to synthesize the scientific evidence available on clinical assessment, endocrinological manifestations and surgical management in thyroid cancer. Methodology: based on the PRISMA checklist, the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were: “thyroid cancer”, “thyroid neoplasm”, “clinical evaluation”, “surgical management” and “endocrinological manifestations”. Original studies in English or Portuguese that addressed the clinical, endocrinological or surgical aspects of thyroid cancer in humans were included. Studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, were duplicates, had low methodological quality or did not have access to the full text were excluded. Results: 18 studies were selected, which revealed that thyroid cancer is a disease that presents different clinical, endocrinological and surgical aspects, depending on the type, stage and response to treatment. The studies analyzed provided evidence on diagnostic methods, indications and surgical techniques, the efficacy and safety of radioactive iodine therapy, and the role of suppressive hormone therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach for its diagnosis and treatment. The systematic review showed that there is consistent evidence on diagnostic methods, surgical modalities and radioactive iodine therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. However, there are gaps in knowledge about the endocrinological manifestations of thyroid cancer and therapeutic alternatives for more complex or aggressive cases. Therefore, more studies are needed to clarify these aspects and improve the clinical management of patients with thyroid cancer