Relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome incidence

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 apparently healthy university students (24.4±4.8 yrs; 61.5±8.7 kg; 1.63±0.06 m). The level of physical activity was determined with a questionnaire and the presence of premenstrual syndrome was verified based on daily symptoms self-reported in a diary during two consecutive menstrual cycles. 17 premenstrual symptoms are considered in the diary, which should be scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) according to their occurrence, so that a score can be calculated in each cycle. The occurrence of premenstrual syndrome was considered if three or more symptoms were reported up to six days before menstruation (premenstrual period) and were absent up to six days after menstruation (postmenstrual period). RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficient showed a significant and negative relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome score (r=-0.506; 95%CI -0.335 to -0.678; p<0.001). When the participants were divided into a group with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (n=31) and a healthy group (n=40), the Mann-Whitney test showed higher habitual physical activity in the healthy group than in the premenstrual syndrome group (7.96±1.17 and 6.63±1.20, respectively) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a negative relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome, with women with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome having a lower level of physical activity than healthy women.OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre o nível de atividade física e a incidência da síndrome pré-menstrual. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 71 universitárias aparentemente saudáveis (24,4±4,8 anos; 61,5±8,7 kg; 1,63±0,06 m). O nível de atividade física foi mensurado através de questionário, e a síndrome pré-menstrual foi verificada através de um diário de sintomas respondido durante dois ciclos menstruais consecutivos. No diário são considerados 17 sintomas, os quais deveriam ser pontuados em uma escala de 5 pontos (0 a 4) de acordo com sua ocorrência, possibilitando assim o cálculo de um escore em cada ciclo. Foi considerada a ocorrência da síndrome pré-menstrual se três ou mais sintomas fossem relatados até seis dias antes da menstruação (fase pré-menstrual) e ausentes até seis dias após (fase pós-menstrual). RESULTADOS: A correlação de Spearman demonstrou uma relação significativa e negativa entre o nível de atividade física e o escore da síndrome pré-menstrual (r=-0,506; IC95% -0,335 a -0,678; p<0,001). Quando a amostra foi dividida em um grupo com diagnóstico positivo para síndrome pré-menstrual (n=31) e um grupo saudável (n=40), o teste de Mann-Whitney demonstrou que o grupo saudável possui um nível de atividade física habitual significativamente maior do que o grupo com síndrome pré-menstrual (7,96±1,17; 6,63±1,20 respectivamente) (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Existe uma relação negativa entre o nível de atividade física habitual e a incidência da síndrome pré-menstrual, sendo que as mulheres com diagnóstico positivo para síndrome pré-menstrual possuem um nível de atividade física menor que as mulheres saudáveis

Waist circumference as a mediator of biological maturation effect on the motor coordination in children

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to: 1) examine the association of biological maturation effect on performance at a motor coordination battery and 2) to assess whether the association between biological maturation and scores obtained in motor coordination tests is mediated by some anthropometric measurement.MethodsThe convenience sample consisted of 73 male children aged 8 years old. Anthropometric data considered the height, body mass, sitting height, waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass and fat-free mass estimates. Biological maturation was assessed by the percentage of the predicted mature stature. Motor coordination was tested by the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder. A partial correlation between anthropometric measurements, z-score of maturation and the motor coordination tests were performed, controlling for chronological age. Finally, causal mediation analysis was performed.ResultsHeight, body mass, waist circumference and fat mass showed a slight to moderate inverse correlation with motor coordination. Biological maturation was significantly associated with the balance test with backward walking (r=−0.34). Total mediation of the waist circumference was identified in the association between biological maturation and balance test with backward walking (77%).ConclusionsWe identified an association between biological maturation and KTK test performance in male children and also verified that there is mediation of waist circumference. It is recommended that studies be carried out with female individuals and at other age ranges

UMA AVALIAÇÃO INICIAL DO CURSO DE LICENCIATURA INTEGRADA EM MATEMÁTICA E FÍSICA DA UFOPA/PA

Este trabalho tem por objetivo trazer apontamentos e resultados de uma pesquisa avaliativa, realizada com os discentes do curso de Licenciatura Integrada em Matemática e Física (LIMF), vinculado a Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, na cidade de Santarém/PA. Tal pesquisa avaliativa está prevista no Projeto Pedagógico de Curso (PPC), a ocorrer, em média, de três em três anos, de forma a subsidiar reformulações e ajustes necessários, visando melhorias no curso. Entre 2017 e 2018 foram aplicados questionários, nas turmas correntes do curso, de forma a extrair informações pertinentes, dos discentes do curso, subsidiando assim a coordenação e o conjunto de professores do curso de LIMF a discutirem os aspectos pertinentes ao desenvolvimento operacional e aperfeiçoamento das ações relativas a dinâmica do processo formativo, objeto de existência do curso. Os questionários foram aplicados, a partir de uma amostra de 56 discentes, de um total de 177 discentes matriculados. Os resultados apresentados mostram informações avaliativas, tanto positivas como negativas, em relação a curso, projetando assim uma análise crítica, visando o aperfeiçoamento e melhoria do curso de LIMF

Actividad experimental realizada por estudiantes de licenciatura en física utilizando una aplicación para telefono movil: subsidios para el debate de la formación inicial del profesorado / Atividade experimental realizada por licenciandos em física com uso de aplicativo para celular: subsídios para discussão da formação inicial do professor

El uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es una demanda actual en la enseñanza de la Física, pero todavía no es una realidad en las aulas. La escasa formación de muchos docentes en cuanto al enfoque pedagógico del uso de las TIC es un factor relevante para no utilizar dichos recursos. Es necesario que los docentes desarrollen habilidades y competencias para realizar una actividad que sea verdaderamente innovadora, es decir, que cambien la tradición instruccional de la enseñanza. Así, en nuestro trabajo proponemos una actividad que involucra el uso de aplicaciones móviles e instrumentos de medición para estudiantes de licenciatura en Física para que puedan experimentar y pensar en una actividad innovadora en el aula, por lo que pudimos indagar su actitud ante esta experiencia. Los resultados muestran que existen aspectos positivos en cuanto a la formación de dichos estudiantes. Sin embargo, existen brechas derivadas del modelo de formación tradicional y que interfieren en el pleno desarrollo de estos futuros docentes

High-concentration carbamide peroxide can reduce the sensitivity caused by in-office tooth bleaching: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Objectives: A single-blinded, randomized, parallel clinical trial evaluated the use of 37% carbamide peroxide (CP) on bleaching effectiveness and tooth sensitivity reported by patients undergoing in-office tooth bleaching, in comparison with the results of using 35% hydrogen peroxide. Material and Methods:Forty patients were allocated to receive two sessions of in-office tooth bleaching using either 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% CP. Each patient’s sensitivity level was evaluated during and up to 24 h after bleaching. The effectiveness of the bleaching procedures was evaluated with a spectrophotometer one week after each session and 30 days after the last session. The impact of tooth bleaching on the patients’ perceptions regarding smile changes, in addition to the bleaching procedures and their results, were also recorded. Absolute and relative sensitivity risks were calculated. Data on sensitivity level were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney or T-test, and data from the color evaluation were subjected to 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The use of CP reduced the risk and level of tooth sensitivity to values close to zero, whereas the difference between the bleaching agents disappeared after 24 h. An increased bleaching effect was observed for HP, mainly due to an improved reduction of redness and yellowness. Participants perceived improved tooth bleaching for HP and reduced sensitivity for CP, but no differences regarding the comfort of the techniques were noted. Conclusions: In our study, 37% CP resulted in reduced tooth sensitivity but decreased the tooth bleaching effectiveness. However, both bleaching agents resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction

Respirometry and Ruminant Nutrition

The gaseous exchange between an organism and the environment is measured by respirometry or indirect calorimetry. Once the oxygen consumption (O2) and the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are known, the energy losses by gas and heat can be calculated. Energy metabolism and methane production have been studied in the Calorimetry and Metabolism Laboratory of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Animals used are mainly Zebu cattle and their crossbreeds that represent most beef and dairy cattle breed grazed on tropical pastures. System calibration and routine work are addressed in this text. The results obtained on respirometric chambers are expressed in net energy (NE), which can be net energy for maintenance (NEm), lactation (NEL), weight gain (NEg), and pregnancy (NEp). NE is, in fact, what is used by the animal for maintenance and each productive function. The values of k (conversion efficiency of ME into NE) for maintenance (km), milk (kL), weight gain or growth (kg), and pregnancy (kp) are determined. Thanks to the peculiarity of the respirometric technique, the same animal can be evaluated several times, in different physiological states and planes of nutrition

A INFLUÊNCIA DA QUÍMICA NA EVOLUÇÃO DOS COMPUTADORES

Os fenômenos e transformações que a química estuda estão presentes em nosso cotidiano. Quando o assunto é computador é possível perceber a presença da química nos chips, no plástico, no vidro do monitor e nos metais dos circuitos e gabinetes, dentre outros locais. Devido à importância da química para o desenvolvimento da informática, esse trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar sua contribuição no decorrer da evolução das gerações dos computadores, focando principalmente a parte de hardware

Ação ovicida do extrato bruto enzimático do fungo Pochonia chlamydosporia sobre ovos de Ancylostoma sp

Ancylostoma sp é um geo-helminto potencialmente zoonótico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar in vitro a ação do extrato bruto enzimático de Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) sobre ovos de Ancylostoma sp, em meio ágar-água 2% e em cultura de fezes. Observou-se um percentual de redução na eclosão dos ovos de Ancylostoma sp, de 76,8% na placas de Petri do grupo tratado em relação ao grupo controle. O extrato bruto enzimático de Pochonia chlamydosporia foi eficiente na redução da eclosão dos ovos de Ancylostoma sp, podendo ser utilizado como controlador biológico desse nematoide.Ancylostoma sp is a potentially zoonotic geohelminth. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the action of crude enzyme extract of Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) on eggs of Ancylostoma sp in 2% water-agar and in fecal cultures. The percentage reduction in Ancylostoma sp egg eclosion was 76.8% in Petri dishes of the treated group compared to the control group. The crude enzyme extract of Pochonia chlamydosporia was effective at reducing Ancylostoma sp egg eclosion and can be used as biological control of this nematode

The Coadministration of N-Acetylcysteine Ameliorates the Effects of Arsenic Trioxide on the Male Mouse Genital System

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has shown effectiveness in treatment of leukemia but is also associated with reproductive toxicity. Since remediation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may mitigate the adverse effects caused by exposure, we assessed the effects of As2O3 and its potential reversibility after exposure cessation or coadministration of NAC. Animals received 0.3 or 3.0 mg/Kg/day of As2O3 subcutaneously and 40 mM of NAC in tap water. As2O3 treatment impaired spermatogenesis and sperm motility and decreased seminal vesicle weight and testosterone serum levels; after suspension of treatment, these parameters remained altered. When NAC was administered, animals showed improvement in sperm parameters and seminal vesicle weight. In vitro epididymal contractility was increased in As2O3-treated animals. We concluded that As2O3 is toxic to the male mouse genital system by compromising sperm quality and quantity; these effects persisted even after suspension of the treatment. However, the coadministration of NAC ameliorates the harmful effects of the drug on the male genital system