Sexual dysfunction and quality of life in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer causes changes, such as erectile dysfunction, with a significant impact on the perception of quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study is to identify changes in perception of QoL related to erectile dysfunction over time. A descriptive, analytical and longitudinal study was conducted with the participation of oncological patients from the ambulatory urology department of an oncology hospital unit of the North of Portugal. The sample, obtained through convenience non-probabilistic sampling between October 2015 and July 2016, included 60 patients. The instrument used for data collection was IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function-5) that evaluates the severity degree of erectile dysfunction (ED). Sexual function did not present clinical or statistical differences along the studied period. Cultural issues related to privacy preservation may justify our sexual function scores. Early identification of QoL changes may guide nurses to patient-centered care.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Aplicação da robótica na resolução de problemas : reflexões para a aprendizagem inicial de programação no ensino básico

Relatório da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada, Mestrado em Ensino de Informática, Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto de Educação, 2020O presente relatório descreve a experiência da prática de ensino supervisionada, no âmbito do Estágio Profissional do Mestrado em Ensino de Informática, do Instituto da Educação da Universidade de Lisboa. A intervenção decorreu no Agrupamento de Escolas de Portela e Moscavide, mais propriamente na Escola Secundária da Portela (Arco-Íris), do Concelho de Loures, numa turma de oitavo ano de escolaridade, na disciplina de “Introdução à Robótica” onde foi lecionada a unidade temática “Introdução à Programação”. Ao ficar estabelecidas a disciplina e a unidade temática a lecionar, teve-se em conta três aspetos: os problemas associados à aprendizagem inicial de programação; as dificuldades dos alunos na resolução de problemas; e a robótica enquanto estratégia de ensino. Após a análise da literatura disponível optou-se por utilizar a metodologia de Aprendizagem Baseada na Resolução de Problemas (ABRP) e recorrer à robótica associada à aprendizagem inicial de programação no ensino básico, como estratégia para promover o desenvolvimento de competências cognitivas e sociais, bem como estruturar os conhecimentos dos alunos relativos à disciplina. Neste sentido, escolheu-se o Robot mBot da Makeblock, e decidiu-se programar usando o software mBlock 3.0. No decorrer da atividade letiva privilegiou-se o trabalho em equipa, a colaboração interdisciplinar para resolução de problemas, adotando predominantemente, um ensino prático e experimental. Os principais objetivos estabelecidos a implementar com o projeto foram: promover a aprendizagem de Programação; desenvolver competências para a resolução de problemas; desenvolver o pensamento lógico, espírito reflexivo e crítico dos alunos; e por fim promover o trabalho em equipa. Na dimensão de investigação utilizaram-se múltiplos métodos que ao longo do tempo foram acumulando evidências, e que permitiram acompanhar e refletir sobre compreensão dos conhecimentos iniciais de programação por parte dos alunos ao realizarem sequencialmente e com sucesso os diversos desafios propostos. De uma forma geral, os alunos progrediram em termos de pensamento computacional, o que melhorou a sua capacidade de resolução de problemas, em particular realça-se a forte motivação por parte dos alunos, na testagem e a depuração, que os conduziu a soluções muito interessantes. A aplicação desta estratégia permitiu aos alunos a compreensão dos conceitos base de programação ultrapassando assim as suas dificuldades.This essay reflects the work done at the preparation of supervised teaching practice, during professional trainee of the Master Degree in IT teaching at Institute of Education from University of Lisbon. The intervention happened at Agrupamento de Escolas of Portela and Moscavide, exactly at Portela Highschool (Arco-Iris), in Loures in an 8th grade class, about the subject “Introduction to Robotics” where the unit “Introduction to Programming” will be taught. Established the subject and the unit to work, it had been in mind three main aspects, initial programming learning related problems; students’ problem resolution difficulties; and robotics as a teaching strategy. After reading a great amount of literature it was decided to use problem solving base methodology (ABRP) and to appeal to robotics connected to initial learning of programming in the basic teaching, as a strategy to promote the development of cognitive and social skills, as well as structure Students knowledge related to this subject. So, it was chosen robot mBot from Makeblock, and programming using software mBlock 3.0. During classes, team work and cooperation to problem solving will be valued (interdisciplinarity), being mainly a practical and experimental teaching. The main objectives established to implement with the project were: promote programming learning, develop problem resolution skills, develop students logical thinking and critical spirit, and also promote collaborative team work. Concerning investigation, several methods were used which, as time went by, added evidences, allowing a reflection about the understanding of initial programming knowledge by the students as they were successfully performing the given challenges. Concerning computational thinking, students improved their skills which made them better at problem solving and in robotics appliance, particularly, in testing and debugging. This way there was more motivation getting interesting solutions. The application of this strategy allowed the students to understand the base concepts of programming overcoming, this way, their difficulties

A longitudinal analysis

Funding Information: This research was funded by Fundação Álvaro Carvalho (funding manager), Câmara Municipal de Cascais, Fundação Vox Populi, Fundação Manuel Viegas Guerreiro, and Claude and Sofia Foundation. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Carvalho, Henriques, Queirós, Rodrigues, Mendonça, Rodrigues, Canhão, de Sousa, Antunes and Guimarães.Background and aim: The kinetics of antibody production in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is not well-defined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its dynamics during 9-months in a cohort of patients infected during the first phase of the pandemic. As a secondary aim, it was intended to evaluate the factors associated with different concentrations of IgG antibodies. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2020 to January 2021. This study recruited a convenience sample of adult individuals who where recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and were living in mainland Portugal. A total of 1,695 blood samples were collected from 585 recovered COVID-19 patients up to 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. A blood sample was collected at baseline and three, 6 and 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection to assess the concentration of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The positivity rate of IgG reached 77.7% in the first 3 months after symptom onset. The IgG persists at all subsequent follow-up time-points, which was 87.7 and 89.2% in the 6th and 9th months after symptom onset, respectively. Three distinct kinetics of antibody response were found within the 9 months after infection. Kinetic 1 (K1) was characterized by a constant low IgG antibody concentration kinetic (group size: 65.2%); kinetic 2 (K2), composed by constant moderate IgG kinetic (group size: 27.5%) and kinetic 3 (K3) characterized by higher IgG kinetic (group size: 7.3%). People with ≥56 years old (OR: 3.33; CI 95%: [1.64; 6.67]; p-value: 0.001) and symptomatic COVID-19 (OR: 2.08; CI 95%: [1.08; 4.00]; p-value: 0.031) had higher odds of a “Moderate IgG kinetic.” No significant association were found regarding the “Higher IgG kinetic.” Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a lasting anti-spike (anti-S) IgG antibody response at least 9 months after infection in the majority of patients with COVID-19. Younger participants with asymptomatic disease have lower IgG antibody positivity and possibly more susceptible to reinfection. This information contributes to expanding knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 immune response and has direct implications in the adoption of preventive strategies and public health policies.publishersversionpublishe

Chronic hepatitis C treatment in HIV co‐infection in Portugal: Results from a cohort OF 2133 patients presented by GEPCOI (Portuguese Coinfection Study Group)

Direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) have recently changed the paradigm of hepatitis C therapy, significantly improving treatment response rates, patient life expectancy and quality of life. In Portugal, sofosbuvir (SOF) and SOF/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) were fully reimbursed by the National Health System since early 2015 and generalized use of interferon-free DAA based regimens became current practice. During 2016, the remaining DAAs were sequentially added and covered by the same health access policy. The Portuguese Study Group of Hepatitis and HIV Co-infection (GEPCOI) collected data from 15 clinical centres in Portugal, pertaining to the HCV treatment experience with DAA regimens. A cohort of 2133 patients was analysed, representing one of the largest DAA treated HCV/HIV co-infected individuals. The global sustained virologic response (SVR) achieved was 95% in this real-life cohort setting. Linear regression analysis showed significant differences in treatment response rates when using SOF plus ribavirin (RBV) combination in genotype 2 or 3 infected individuals (P < .002) and in those with liver cirrhosis (P < .002). These findings corroborate that early treatment is mandatory in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, as response rates may be negatively influenced by higher fibrosis stages and suboptimal DAA regimens. The current national Portuguese health policy should continue to promote wider treatment access and individualized therapy strategies, aiming at the elimination of HCV infection in this high-risk co-infected population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identification of Immunodominant Antigens From a First-Generation Vaccine Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus for which there is no vaccine available for human use. Thus, the aims of this study are to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a first-generation vaccine against L. amazonensis and to identify its immunodominant antigens. BALB/c mice were inoculated with phosphate buffer sodium (PBS), total L. amazonensis antigens (TLAs), or TLA with Poly (I:C) and Montanide ISA 763. The humoral and cellular immune response was evaluated before infection. IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a were measured on serum, and IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 cytokines as well as cell proliferation were measured on a splenocyte culture from vaccinated mice. Immunized mice were challenged with 104 infective parasites of L. amazonensis on the footpad. After infection, the protection provided by the vaccine was analyzed by measuring lesion size, splenic index, and parasite load on the footpad and spleen. To identify immunodominant antigens, total proteins of L. amazonensis were separated on 2D electrophoresis gel and transferred to a membrane that was incubated with serum from immunoprotected mice. The antigens recognized by the serum were analyzed through a mass spectrometric assay (LC-MS/MS-IT-TOF) to identify their protein sequence, which was subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The first-generation vaccine induced higher levels of antibodies, cytokines, and cell proliferation than the controls after the second dose. Mice vaccinated with TLA + Poly (I:C) + Montanide ISA 763 showed less footpad swelling, a lower splenic index, and a lower parasite load than the control groups (PBS and TLA). Four immunodominant proteins were identified by mass spectrometry: cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase, an uncharacterized protein, a kinetoplast-associated protein-like protein, and a putative heat-shock protein DNAJ. The identified proteins showed high levels of conserved sequence among species belonging to the Leishmania genus and the Trypanosomatidae family. These proteins also proved to be phylogenetically divergent to human and canine proteins. TLA + Poly (I:C) + Montanide ISA 763 could be used as a first-generation vaccine against leishmaniasis. The four proteins identified from the whole-protein vaccine could be good antigen candidates to develop a new-generation vaccine against leishmaniasis.Fil: Germano, Maria Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Mackern Oberti, Juan Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Vitório, Jessica Gardone. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Duarte, Mariana Costa. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Pimenta, Daniel Carvalho. Governo do Estado de Sao Paulo. Secretaria da Saude. Instituto Butantan; BrasilFil: Sanchez Sanchez, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Bruna, Flavia Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Lozano, Esteban Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Grupo Vinculado de Investigacion y Desarrollo Biotecnologico Aplicado Al Diagnostico Al Ihem | Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Medicas. Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Grupo Vinculado de Investigacion y Desarrollo Biotecnologico Aplicado Al Diagnostico Al Ihem.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernandes, Ana Paula. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Cargnelutti, Diego Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Leishmania infantum Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Cats and Dogs: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and display different immunological patterns correlating with the progression of infection to disease. Data about feline L. infantum adaptive immune response are scant. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and immune response in cats and dogs from the same endemic area of canine leishmaniosis. Stray cats (109) and rescued dogs (59) from Córdoba (Spain) were enrolled. Data about their exposure to L. infantum were analyzed by detection of parasite DNA, measurements of Leishmania-specific interferon-γ (whole blood assay in 57 cats and 29 dogs), and antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence antibody test). An overall L. infantum prevalence of 30.5% in dogs and 30% in cats were found according to serology and PCR tests. Prevalence was 44.8% in dogs and 35.1% in cats tested also for interferon-γ production. Dogs showed higher anti-L. infantum antibody levels compared to cats. More than one-third of cats had contact with or were infected by L. infantum and they may contribute to the endemicity of leishmaniosis in the investigated region. The immunopathogenesis of feline L. infantum infection has similarities with dogs but cats show a lower level of adaptive immune response compared to dogs

Formação e prática pedagógica no contexto de uma sala de aula de licenciatura em biologia : o savoir y faire do professor

Neste estudo, parte de um projeto maior focado na formação de conceitos sistêmico-complexos no ensino da Biologia, apresentamos um recorte de um momento interativo entre uma professora de Bioquímica e um licenciando de Biologia, onde as inquietações da professora e o compromisso de avançar na construção conceitual, proporcionou um momento rico de interações e compreensão do real papel do professor na construção do conceito. Concluímos que não basta ao professor, compreender quais são as competências necessárias ao exercício do magistério. É preciso ir além e desconstruir e reconstruir em cada momento da aula, com seus estudantes, as idéias que vão surgindo. A esta atitude, chamamos de savoir y faire

Coronavirus in Pregnant Women: Literature Review

The coronavirus viruses cause infectious conditions that evolve with greater severity in patients with reduced immunity, a fact that can be observed in pregnant women. In these, anatomical and physiological changes occur that can compromise immunity, which can lead to complications. Faced with the pandemic by COVID-19, the present study aimed to discuss the possible risk of the pregnant woman and the fetus facing infection with this virus, which initially presents respiratory symptoms and with lower gastrointestinal prevalence. . Based on the data collected, it was observed that, in many cases, pregnant women develop respiratory, renal and cardiovascular complications, requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. This can lead to fetal distress, placental detachment, spontaneous abortion, reduced fetal growth and risk of maternal-fetal death. Thus, attention must be redoubled in health surveillance and education for this group, as well as the availability of the health care system and clinical, epidemiological and laboratory diagnosis is required, since most patients tend to evolve with clinical complications

Modelo das múltiplas perspectivas-pernambuco (MoMup-Pe) : repercussões para a formação docente

Apresentamos o Modelo das Múltiplas Perspectivas-Pernambuco (MoMuP-PE) como uma proposta teórico-metodológica viável para uma compreensão integral e articulada de conceitos dos processos biológicos a partir de reformulações paradigmáticas (de ciência e de prática). Para tanto, analisará como um participante se apropria e materializa as etapas do MoMuP-PE em sua trajetória acadêmica. Trata-se de uma análise documental do tipo ex-post-facto. O corpus foi constituído por uma tese, uma dissertação, um projeto de tese e um Esquema Conceitual em Parking Lot. Três grandes categorias foram identificadas: aspectos conceituais biológicos, paradigmáticos e metodológicos. Consideramos que a apropriação conceitual específica entre o macro e microuniversos biológicos foi ampliada, assim como a transição paradigmática (de ciência e de prática) processual por parte da docente