Benefícios da preparação para a parentalidade para o casal grávido

A transição para a parentalidade e o parto requerem mudanças cognitivas, afetivas e comportamentais nos casais grávidos. As aulas de preparação para o parto/parentalidade visam um resultado esperado com ganhos em saúde no ciclo gravídico-puerperal. Identificar nos estudos científicos, os benefícios em saúde, da preparação para a parentalidade no casal grávido foi o nosso principal objetivo neste estudo. Recorremos para o efeito à Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL) pelo método PI[C]O, pretendemos com esta metodologia assegurar a pertinência do estudo, clarificar e enquadrar o tema e orientar o desenho da investigação. Depois de aplicados os critérios de inclusão, selecionamos oito artigos publicados na base de dados eletrónica Web of Science, que foi a nossa única fonte de pesquisa. Constatamos pela análise dos diferentes estudos a não existência de um instrumento de avaliação validado que permita identificar os benefícios em saúde nesta população com a frequência da educação para a parentalidade de forma sistemática. Assim os principais benefícios identificados nos estudos científicos analisados relativos às aulas de preparação para a parentalidade nos casais grávidos foram: melhoria na adaptação pré-natal dos casais; melhoria no cumprimento do papel de apoio e no auxílio dos cuidados de enfermagem por parte do pai; aumento da aceitação da gravidez nas mulheres; redução do medo do parto nos casais; aumento da preferência pelo parto eutócico; aumento do bem-estar psicológico e diminuição dos flashbacks angustiantes no pós-parto.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Analyses of default predicted models for a single family loan

This study aims to explore the possibility of a financial entity to produce a predicted model of default. The study aims to compares the performance of an existing model, the FICO and an alternative model, based on cluster analysis method with dataset available. A third option is presented for the analyses of default, which it is the junction of both models. This third method can be implemented in two different ways: the two models agreeing with acceptance of the loan or the two models approving the rejection of the loan

Satisfação profissional dos técnicos de radiologia no setor privado e no setor público

A satisfação profissional é um tema atual, sendo alvo de diversas investigações, devido a este ter sido reconhecido como parte integrante nos cuidados de saúde como indicador de qualidade. De acordo com Spector (1997), a satisfação profissional pode ser explicada como medida no qual o trabalhador gosta do seu trabalho (satisfação profissional) ou não gosta do ser trabalho (insatisfação profissional). No entanto devido a conjuntura socioeconómica em que o país se encontra, e as constantes alterações vigentes no setor da saúde, parece fundamental avaliar as consequências destas alterações na satisfação profissional dos profissionais da saúde. Delineou-se este estudo, não experimental, descritivo e transversal com o objetivo principal de comparar e avaliar os níveis de satisfação profissional dos Técnicos de Radiologia a exercer funções no setor privado e público. Analisou-se também a relação da satisfação profissional com algumas variáveis sociodemográficas, nomeadamente a idade, género, remuneração e a experiência profissional. Para a recolha dos dados utilizou-se o questionário Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-short version (Martins, 2012), sendo divulgado através de um inquérito on-line. No estudo participaram 110 técnicos de radiologia a nível nacional (40 a exercer funções no setor privado e 42 a exercer funções no setor público). Os resultados do presente estudo evidenciaram uma ligeira satisfação profissional (na autonomia, realização profissional, ambiente e chefia) nos técnicos de radiologia. Os técnicos de radiologia a exercer funções no setor público apresentam uma maior satisfação com a sua autonomia, que os técnicos de radiologia a exercer funções no setor privado. Foram evidenciadas correlações entre a satisfação profissional com a remuneração, a experiência profissional, a idade e o género. A escassez de estudos sobre a satisfação profissional dos técnicos de radiologia no setor privado e público é uma lacuna, fazendo deste estudo um estudo importante e revolucionário para direcionar novos estudos.La satisfacción laboral es un tema de actualidad, objeto de varias investigaciones, debido a esto, han sido reconocidos como parte integral de la atención de salud como un indicador de calidad. Según Spector (1997), la satisfacción laboral puede explicarse como una medida en la que el trabajador disfruta con su trabajo (satisfacción en el trabajo) o no les gusta de ser el trabajo (insatisfacción laboral). Sin embargo debido al ambiente socio- económico en el que se encuentra el país y la fuerza de los constantes cambios en el sector de la salud, parece esencial para evaluar las consecuencias de estos cambios en la satisfacción laboral de los profesionales sanitários. Delineado en este estudio, no experimental, descriptivo y transversal con el objetivo principal de comparar y evaluar los niveles de satisfacción en el trabajo de técnicos de radiología que trabajan en el sector privado y público. También se analizó la relación de la satisfacción en el trabajo a las variables sociodemográficas, como la edad , el género , los ingresos y la experiencia laboral. Para recolectar los datos se utilizó el cuestionario de satisfacción Minnesota Questionnaire- versión corta (Martins, 2012), siendo lanzado a través de una encuesta en línea. En el estudio participaron 110 técnicos en radiología a nivel nacional (40 para formar parte del sector privado y 42 para realizar tareas en el sector público). Los resultados de este estudio mostraron un ligero nivel de satisfacción en el trabajo (autonomía, satisfacción en el trabajo, el medio ambiente y el liderazgo) de los técnicos de radiología. Los técnicos de radiología que trabajan en el sector público tienen una mayor satisfacción con la autonomía que los técnicos de radiología que trabajan en el sector privado. Las correlaciones entre la satisfacción en el trabajo con goce de sueldo y la experiencia laboral, se encontró que la edad y el género. La escasez de estudios sobre la satisfacción en el trabajo de los radiólogos en el sector privado y el público es una brecha, por lo que este estudio un importante e innovador estudio para orientar futuros estudios.Job satisfaction is a current topic, the target of several investigations due to this have been recognized as integral to health care as an indicator of quality. According to Spector (1997), job satisfaction can be explained as a measure in which the worker enjoys his work (job satisfaction) or dislike of being work (job dissatisfaction). However due to socio-economic environment in which the country finds itself , and force constant changes in the health sector , it seems essential to assess the consequences of these changes in job satisfaction of health professionals . Delineated in this study, non-experimental, descriptive and cross with the main objective to compare and evaluate the levels of job satisfaction Radiology technicians working within the private and public sector. Also analyzed the relationship of job satisfaction to sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, income and work experience. To collect the data we used the questionnaire Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire- short version (Martins, 2012), being released through an online survey. In the study participated 110 radiographers at national level (40 to serve on the private sector and 42 to perform duties in the public sector). The results of this study showed a slight level of job satisfaction (autonomy, job satisfaction, environmental and leadership) in the radiology technicians. Radiology technicians working within the public sector have a higher satisfaction with their autonomy that radiologic technicians working within the private sector. Correlations between job satisfaction with pay and work experience, age and gender were found. The scarcity of studies on job satisfaction of radiographers in the private and public sector is a gap, making this study an important and groundbreaking survey to guide future studies

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment by microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids: impact in colorectal cancer therapy

Finding new therapeutic approaches towards colorectal cancer (CRC) is of increased relevance, as CRC is one of the most common cancers worldwide. CRC standard therapy includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. The reported side effects and acquired resistance associated with these strategies lead to an increasing need to search for new therapies with better efficacy and less toxicity. Several studies have demonstrated the antitumorigenic properties of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The tumor microenvironment is composed by non-cellular components, microbiota, and a great diversity of cells, such as immune cells. The influence of SCFAs on the different constituents of the tumor microenvironment is an important issue that should be taken into consideration, and to the best of our knowledge there is a lack of reviews on this subject. The tumor microenvironment is not only closely related to the growth and development of CRC but also affects the treatment and prognosis of the patients. Immunotherapy has emerged as a new hope, but, in CRC, it was found that only a small percentage of patients benefit from this treatment being closely dependent on the genetic background of the tumors. The aim of this review was to perform an up-to-date critical literature review on current knowledge regarding the effects of microbiota-derived SCFAs in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in the context of CRC and its impact in CRC therapeutic strategies. SCFAs, namely acetate, butyrate, and propionate, have the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment in distinct ways. SCFAs promote immune cell differentiation, downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and restrict the tumor-induced angiogenesis. SCFAs also sustain the integrity of basement membranes and modulate the intestinal pH. CRC patients have lower concentrations of SCFAs than healthy individuals. Increasing the production of SCFAs through the manipulation of the gut microbiota could constitute an important therapeutic strategy towards CRC due to their antitumorigenic effect and ability of modulating tumor microenvironment.This article is a result of the project EcoAgriFood NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-00009, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Sara Gomes thanks FCT for her PhD grant SFRH/BD/140965/2018. This work was financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT) within the scope of project PTDC/QUIQIN/28662/2017. This work was also supported by “Contrato-Programa” UIDB/04050/2020 funded by national funds through the FCT I.P

Functional capacity and risk of fall in institutionalized elderly

The normal aging process involves a loss of functional capacity, more or less significant, caused by the deterioration of physiological systems. The decline in functional capacity, particularly at physical fitness, that involves reducing the levels of muscle strength, gait and static balance disorders, are largely indicated in the literature as major risk factors for falls in the elderly. Falls are a serious public health problem: 32% of people over 65 have at least one fall per year and 5% of falls result in fractures. The majority of seniors who had a fall will fall again within six months [1]. The self perception of a reduced ability to self protection during the fall (speed of reaction to cling, putting hands in front, for example) and the ability to get up after falling can trigger the fear of falling and increase the functional decline by self-limitation of activity and self-restraint of participation [2]. The objective of our study is to determine the relationship between fear of falling, functional capacity and body composition in institutionalized elderly. We drew up a descriptive, correlational and cross-cutting study. To achieve our. we collected the following data: a) Demographic variables: gender, age and length of institutionalization b) Clinical history and risk factors for osteoporosis c) Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) [2] d) Senior Fitness Test Rikli Jones (1999) – modified protocol: timed up and go test; 30 sec arm curl test with dumbbell; 30 sec sit to stand; back scratch test; chair sit and reach; unipodal balance eyes shut e) handgrip strength of both hands: Jamar® f) Key pinch strength with digital dynamometer Baseline hand dynamometer g) Body composition: bioelectric impedance on Tanita Ironman Body Composition Monitor ® A total of 73 elderly were subject to this study, 46 women (81,02±7,71 years) and 27 men (81,81±7,76 years) with FES score of 84,33±21,08. We found correlations between age and: ® 30 sec arm curl test with dumbbell (-0,400**) 30 sec sit to stand (-0,331**) chair sit and reach (-0,307*) unipodal balance eyes shut (-0,278*) timed up and go test (0,324**) handgrip test left hand (-0,241*) key pinch strength right (-0,280*) and left (-0,366**) bone mass (-0,265*) visceral fat rating (0,296*) We found correlations between FES score and: 30 sec arm curl test with dumbbell (0,442**) 30 sec sit to stand (0,479**) timed up and go test (-0,643**) handgrip test right hand (0,368**) and left hand (0,343*) key pinch strength right (0,409**) and left (0,400**) bone mass (0,298*) total muscle mass (0,290*) When comparing the subjects of our study with standard values for same age and sex, we observed reduced values with statistical differences in: 30 sec sit to stand, chair sit and reach, back scratch test, timed up and go test, handgrip and key pinch strength, bone mass in women and total muscle mass (p<0,05). We also find statistical differences, but with higher values, in total body fat, visceral fat rating and BMI (p<0,05).We detected low levels of functionality at agility, flexibility and balance in association with a decrease in handgrip and key pinch strength. Also the findings regarding body composition are risk factors for morbidity, risk of falls and low-impact fractures. Improving the functionality of the elderly population significantly 257 reduces risk factors for falls, increasing also the activity and social participation which leads to improved self-esteem and self-image and a healthier life

Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids: new road in colorectal cancer therapy

The colon microbiota is an important player in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, which is responsible for most of the cancer-related deaths worldwide. During carcinogenesis, the colon microbiota composition changes from a normobiosis profile to dysbiosis, interfering with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Each SCFA is known to play a role in several biological processes but, despite their reported individual effects, colon cells are exposed to these compounds simultaneously and the combined effect of SCFAs in colon cells is still unknown. Our aim was to explore the effects of SCFAs, alone or in combination, unveiling their biological impact on CRC cell phenotypes. We used a mathematical model for the prediction of the expected SCFA mixture effects and found that, when in mixture, SCFAs exhibit a concentration addition behavior. All SCFAs, alone or combined at the physiological proportions founded in the human colon, revealed to have a selective and anticancer effect by inhibiting colony formation and cell proliferation, increasing apoptosis, disturbing the energetic metabolism, inducing lysosomal membrane permeabilization, and decreasing cytosolic pH. We showed for the first time that SCFAs are specific towards colon cancer cells, showing promising therapeutic effects. These findings open a new road for the development of alternatives for CRC therapy based on the increase in SCFA levels through the modulation of the colon microbiota composition.This work was supported by the project EcoAgriFood (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-00009), supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Sara Gomes thanks the FCT for her PhD grant (SFRH/BD/140965/2018). This work was financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT) within the scope of project PTDC/QUI-IN/28662/2017. This work was also supported by the strategic programme UID/BIA/04050/2019, funded by national funds through the FCT I.P

Desempeño del reanimador durante seis minutos de compresiones torácicas realizadas en un entorno simulado

As compressões torácicas realizadas com qualidade e segundo as diretrizes internacionais influenciam os resultados e a sobrevida na paragem cardíaca. Analisar a influência da fadiga e da aptidão física no desempenho do reanimador durante 6 minutos de compressões torácicas contínuas. Estudo descritivo-correlacional, envolvendo 38 profissionais experientes em reanimação. A fadiga foi avaliada através do nível de lactato capilar, a aptidão física através de testes de força e composição corporal e o desempenho do reanimador pela percentagem correta de compressões por minuto, realizadas em manequim. Resultados: A percentagem de compressões corretas decresceu minuto a minuto (p<0,05). O lactato subiu de um valor basal de 1,7±0,7mmol/L para 5,4±1,5mmol/L, mantendo-se elevado após 20 minutos de repouso. A força manual e a força e massa muscular do tronco e membros superiores correlacionaram-se positivamente com a percentagem de compressões corretas efetuadas. O índice de massa corporal e as componentes de aptidão física, força e massa muscular foram as variáveis que melhor explicaram a qualidade da massagem ao longo do tempo

Formulações micelares proteicas e respectivo método de produção

The present invention describes micellar protein formulations for the controlled release of active ingredients, and method for preparing the same. The invention describes a new micelle composition for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and detergents. In particular, it describes micelle formation formulations that comprise: an aqueous phase containing a protein or a natural or synthetic peptide; a lipophilic phase containing a hydrophobic compound; an adjuvant dissolved in the aqueous phase to regulate the size and stability of the micelles; the size of the micelles varying from 30 to 5000 nm, preferably from 30 to 100 nm, wherein the micelles can be obtained by two different methods, namely using ultrasound or a high-pressure homogeniser. The preparation method involves two distinct phases: an aqueous phase and a lipophilic phase. The aqueous phase can be water or any buffer that is best suitable for a given use, such as an aqueous solution of bovine serum albumen (BSA); human serum albumen (HSA); silk fibroin or a polypeptide fibroin.A presente invenção descreve em formulações micelares proteicas para libertação controlada de agentes e respetivo método de produção. A invenção descreve numa nova composição de micelas para aplicações farmacêuticas, cosméticas e 0 o0 detergência. Nomeadamente, formulações para a formação de micelas que compreendem: · uma fase aquosa contendo uma proteína ou um péptido natural ou sintético; · uma fase lipofílica que compreende um composto hidrofóbico; · um agente adjuvante dissolvido na fase aquosa que regula o tamanho e estabilidade das micelas; em que os tamanhos das referidas micelas varia entre 30 a 5000 nm, de preferência de 30-100 nm, as referidas micelas podem ser obtidas a partir de duas metodologias diferentes, nomeadamente ultra-sons ou homogeneizador de alta pressão. O método de preparação envolve duas fases distintas: fase aquosa e fase lipofílica. A fase aquosa pode ser água ou qualquer tampão que mais se adeque para uma determinada aplicação, como por exemplo uma solução aquosa de albumina sérica bovina (BSA); albumina sérica humana (HSA); fibroína da seda ou de um polipéptido.Universidade do Minh

Liposomal formulations for specific drug delivery

NANOFOL NanoDiaRA Conference in the 7th Framework Programme: Nanoparticles for Early Diagnostics of Inflammatory Diseases | New approaches in the field of soft and hard nanoparticlesLiposomes have received considerable scrutiny as possible vehicles for drug delivery due to properties such as sustained release, increased drug stability, ability to overcome drug resistance and targeting of specific tissues. In this study, we have produced several liposomal formulations prepared by thin film hydration method. The different formulations were extensively characterized and preliminary tests were performed to evaluate their potential as specific drug delivery systems. The liposomes present very small values of size and polydispersity index, as well as lower cytotoxicity, which are compatible with intended in vivo applications. The incorporation of imaging and targeting agents in the liposomes was performed, what improved selectivity to the system, being the liposomes specifically internalized in target cells. The encapsulation of drugs was also performed and their effect analyzed in the target cells. In summary, the liposomal formulations obtained exhibit suitable characteristics to be used in vivo as specific drug delivery systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Improved production of acetate and propionate by Propionibacterium freudenreichii

Propionibacterium freudenreichii is a commercially important bacterium that is well-known for its role as ripening starter in the cheese industry and its probiotic potential. These bacteria may beneficially modulate the intestinal ecosystem and can exert anti-neoplastic effects via the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate and propionate. Several studies have demonstrated that the SCFA production by P. freudenreichii is responsible for its probiotic abilities. The aim of this work was to optimize the acetate and propionate production by P. freudenreichii towards its future use as a nutraceutical agent. In order to optimize the production of the abovementioned SCFAs in a minimal synthetic media the different composition of the several components were evaluated. Characterization of the acetate and propionate production in a medium mimicking the content of the human colon (MCHC) and a medium used by colorectal carcinoma cell lines (DMEM) was performed. The basal medium (BM) was found to be the most promising regarding the production of the SCFAs, showing 0.530 ± 0.011 g L-1 of biomass; high acetate and propionate yields (0.216 ± 0.001 g g-1 and 0.572 ± 0.002 g g-1, respectively), as well as high productivities (0.031 ± 0.000 g L-1 h-1 and 0.010 ± 0.000 g L-1 h-1, respectively). In the MCHC and DMEM media, it was possible to observe microbial growth (0.234 ± 0.006 g L-1 and 1.54 ± 0.00 g L-1, respectively); however the amounts of acetate and propionate were lower than the ones produced in BM medium. The results suggest that acetate and propionate production depends not only on the substrate type, but also on the medium constituents, being the simplest medium the one that show higher productivities as P. freudenreichii show low SCFA production when grown in MCHC and DMEM media. Future work will be conducted in order the increase bacteria growth and SCFA production in those media as this represents an essential feature for its use as a nutraceutical