Monitoring Food Marketing Directed to Portuguese Children Broadcasted on Television

Children are massively exposed to food marketing through television and other forms of media. Marketing strategies promote unhealthy eating behaviours and contribute to childhood obesity. The main aim of this study was to assess the potential exposure and power of food advertisements aimed at children, broadcasted on Portuguese television. Television data was recorded for two weekdays and two weekend days between 6 am and 10 pm during November 2021 from four free-access Portuguese television channels. Data was analysed according to the World Health Organization television protocol and Portuguese Legislation. We identified 5272 advertisements, of which 11.2% were for food and beverages (n = 590). Most advertised food categories for children and adolescents were chocolate and bakery products (42.0%), soft drinks (26.7%), and yoghurt (16.0%), and none met the nutritional profile outlined by the national legislation. Unhealthier food advertisements targeting youth were shown in children’s non-peak time and morning during news and entertainment programmes. Product uniqueness, humour, and fun were the most frequent primary persuasive techniques. Most advertisements showed a high use of brand logos, product images, and premium offers. In conclusion, Portuguese children and adolescents are potentially exposed to large numbers of unhealthy food advertisements on television, despite marketing regulation and restriction policies. © 2023 by the authors.Funding text 1: The authors would like to acknowledge funding support from the Best-ReMaP Joint Action. ; Funding text 2: This study was supported by the Best-ReMaP Joint Action of the European Union—Grant Agreement number. 951202, and by national funds through the FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., within the scope of projects UIDB/04750/2020 and LA/P/0064/2020, and by Stimulus of Scientific Employment—Individual Support (CEECIND/01271/2018)

Changes in screen time from 4 to 7 years of age, dietary patterns and obesity: Findings from the Generation XXI birth cohort

Background and aims Increased screen exposure is associated with unhealthy eating behaviours and obesity. Screen time (ST) changes from pre-school to school age, and associations with dietary patterns (DP) and obesity remain unknown. We, therefore, analysed ST changes from 4 to 7 years of age, associated factors, and the relation with DP and obesity. Methods and results We included 4531 children evaluated at 4 and 7 years, as part of the Generation XXI birth cohort (Porto, Portugal). ST was assessed for weekdays and weekend, and average daily time was estimated. Associations between covariates and ST changes, and between ST changes and 3 DP previously identified (Energy-dense foods, Snacking, and Healthier) were estimated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI), using adjusted multinomial regression models. From 4 to 7 years, 31.5% of the children decreased their ST, 21.8% increased, 16.5% maintained low (≤60 min), and 30.2% maintained high (61–120 min or >120 min) ST. After adjustment, lower maternal education (OR = 2.33, 95%CI:1.82–2.99) and lower family income (OR = 1.72, 95%CI:1.35–2.21) were associated with higher odds of increasing ST, while being a girl was associated with 35% decreased odds of increasing ST. Children that increased and those that maintained high ST showed greater odds of presenting a Snacking DP at 7 years (OR = 2.34, 95%CI:1.64–3.35) and (OR = 2.65, 95%CI:1.89–3.72), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found regarding changes in ST and the child's BMI. Conclusion Children increasing screen exposure during this period were more frequently from lower socioeconomic strata and presented unhealthier DP.The authors gratefully acknowledge the families enrolled in Generation XXI for their kindness, all members of the research team for their enthusiasm and perseverance, and the participating hospitals and their staff for their help and support. This study was supported by national funding through Programa Operacional de Saúde – Saúde XXI, Quadro Comunitário de Apoio III and Administração Regional de Saúde Norte (Regional Department of Ministry of Health) and by FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P.), under the Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), from the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (UIDB/04750/2020), and by the Stimulus of Scientific Employment – Individual Support (CEECIND/01271/2018) and the FCT Investigator contract IF/01060/2015

Immune Response to Single-Dose Moderna Vaccination in Healthcare Workers Previously Infected with SARS-CoV-2

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Transverse coloplasty pouch and colonic J-pouch for rectal cancer: a comparative study

OBJECTIVES: The introduction of the colonic J-pouch has markedly improved the functional outcome of restorative rectal cancer surgery. However colonic J-pouch surgery can be problematic and may present some late evacuatory problems. To overcome these limitations a novel pouch has been proposed: the transverse coloplasty pouch. The purpose of our study was to compare the functional outcomes of these two different types of pouches--the transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) and the colonic J-pouch (CJP)--during the first 12 months postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted in which a total of 30 patients with mid and low rectal cancer were submitted either to a transverse coloplasty pouch or a colonic J-pouch. Clinical defaecatory function was assessed and anorectal physiological assessment was carried out, pre-operatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, by means of a standard clinical questionnaire and by anorectal manometry. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding bowel function. The postoperative frequency of daily bowel movements was lower in the TCP group in all the phases of the study (3.9 vs. 4.1 at 3 months; 3.1 vs. 3.4 at 6 months; 2.1 vs. 2.8 at 12 months), the same occurring with fragmentation (33% vs. 40% at 3 months; 26.6%vs. 33.3% at 6 months; 7.1%vs. 14.3% at 12 months). Less urgency was also seen in the TCP group during the first 6 months (20%vs. 26.7%), with identical values at 12 months (14.3% vs. 14.3%). No significant differences were also found concerning incontinence grading and scoring, with TCP patients having less nocturnal leaks. At one year two CJP patients (14.3%) needed the use of enemas to evacuate the pouch and provoke defaecation, a problem never seen in TCP patients. The anorectal manometry data was similar in both types of pouches. The local complication rates were also identical in the two groups (20%); more anastomotic leaks were seen in TCP patients (13.2% vs. 6.6%), without reaching a statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The transverse coloplasty pouch has similar functional results but fewer evacuation problems than the J-Pouch, making it a safe and reliable alternative to the colonic J-pouch

Discovery of a Luminous Quasar in the Nearby Universe

In the course of the Pico dos Dias survey (PDS), we identified the stellar like object PDS456 at coordinates alpha = 17h 28m 19.796s, delta = -14deg 15' 55.87'' (epoch 2000), with a relatively nearby (z = 0.184) and bright (B = 14.69) quasar. Its position at Galactic coordinates l_II = 10.4deg, b_II = +11.2deg, near the bulge of the Galaxy, may explain why it was not detected before. The optical spectrum of PDS456 is typical of a luminous quasar, showing a broad (FWHM ~ 4000 km/s) H_\beta line, very intense FeII lines and a weak [OIII]\lambda5007 line. PDS456 is associated to the infrared source IRAS 17254-1413 with a 60 \mum infrared luminosity L_{60} = 3.8 x 10^{45} erg/s. The relatively flat slopes in the infrared (\alpha(25,60) = -0.33 and \alpha(12,25) = -0.78) and a flat power index in the optical (F_{\nu} \propto \nu^{-0.72}) may indicate a low dust content. A good match between the position of PDS456 and the position of the X-ray source RXS J172819.3-141600 implies an X-ray luminosity L_x = 2.8 x 10^{44} erg/s. The good correlation between the strength of the emission lines in the optical and the X-ray luminosity, as well as the steep optical to X-ray index estimated (\alpha_{ox} = -1.64) suggest that PDS456 is radio quiet. A radio survey previously performed in this region yields an upper limit for radio power at ~ 5 GHz of ~ 2.6 x 10^{30} erg/s/Hz. We estimate the Galactic reddening in this line-of-sight to be A_B \simeq 2.0, implying an absolute magnitude M_B = -26.7 (using H_0 = 75 km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1} and q_0 = 0). In the optical, PDS456 is therefore 1.3 times more luminous than 3C 273 and the most luminous quasar in the nearby (z \leq 0.3) Universe.Comment: 12 pages, LaTeX (aasms4.sty) + 3 figures; accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letter

application of lean methodologies

Poster presentationHealthcare acquired infections (HAI) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Hand hygiene (HH) is one of the most effective measures for preventing HAI. However, stirring healthcare workers to comply with HH remains a challenge. Two common barriers often found are forgetfulness and the lack of time. We hypothesize that the perception of lack of time and forgetfulness stems from the pressure of too much tasks in a short period of time. Therefore, it is rational to search for efficiency and minimize waste. This study aims at exploring the use of LEAN methodologies to improve nurses’ work processes in an ICU ward. A design science research approach was used. A questionnaire was applied to the nurses followed by an observational study of an 8-hour work shift to identify nurses’ activities, processes of care, and to describe HH compliance. Next, a value stream map (VSM) was designed and the analysis performed with the nurses, which helped to identify points of possible improvement in the process of care. After this, weekly LEAN workshops were held with the objective of improving workflow efficiency. From the initial observational study, we found that a nurse may take on average 16% of their work time using the information system, and the overall rate of HH was 63%. The full compliance to HH would amount to 13% of a nurse’s workload. Three processes were identified as the most relevant HH compliance drivers: the reorganization of essential supplies, the optimal provision of medicines and monitoring equipment automatic data collection. The participant nurses defined as objectives to reduce the supplies’ delivering time and establish a stock management system. To achieve it the reorganization of the storage with the ABC method, with the nurses deciding the layout of the storage space, was essential. The use of LEAN methods permitted to detect and address improvement opportunities with significant benefits. Moreover, nurses’ participation in the process enriched the experience, helping to design a customized intervention and heightened their sense of teamwork.publishersversionpublishe

Improving the electroluminescence of [Zn(salophen)(OH2)] in polyfluorene-based light-emitting diode: the role of energy transfer and charge recombination

Combining two or more different compounds with advantageous properties has been a useful and straightforward strategy in achieving a new class of materials with improved physical properties. This has been especially true for electronic polymers, whose optoelectronic properties can be completely tuned, and even improved, when mixed with other polymeric materials, dye molecules and guest coordination compounds. Here, a light-emitting diode prepared with the conjugated polymer poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(9,9-di-{5'-pentanyl}-fluorenyl-2,7-diyl)] (PFOFPen) as the host material and aquo[N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-o-phenylenediamine]zinc(II) ([Zn(salophen)(OH2)]) as the guest molecule was studied in terms of its photo and electroluminescence properties. The role of the ZnII coordination compound as a guest in the electroluminescence is discussed as a strategy for the improvement of the electroluminescence performance of coordination compounds using conjugated polymers as matrices. An additional advantage of these composites is that they are solution processable, a low-cost and time efficient alternative to vacuum vapor deposition. Additionally, the photophysical processes involved in both electroluminescence and photoluminescence emissions are discussed because they are markedly different.Combining two or more different compounds with advantageous properties has been a useful and straightforward strategy in achieving a new class of materials with improved physical properties. This has been especially true for electronic polymers, whose opt272295302FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO2013/16245-2470529/2012-1The authors acknowledge FAPESP (2013/16245-2), CNPq (470529/2012-1), National Institute of Organic Electronics (INEO) (MCT/CNPq/FAPESP) and UNICAMP/FAEPEX for financial support and fellowship

Nutritional and mineral variability in 52 accessions of common bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Madeira Island

The Phaseolus vulgaris L. is one of the traditional and most important leguminous crops in the Island of Madeira. The island’s bioclimatic tiers, agro-ecological environment and traditional farming practices had a great influence on the evolution of regional bean landraces. The variabili ty of the nutritional and mineral seeds composition of 59 accessions of the Madeiran landraces, standard and commercial varieties was evaluated. Wide ranges of variability in biochemical pa rameters were reported among the Madeiran landraces, being the best sources of protein and mineral nutrition, according to the statistical results and literature comparative evaluation. Spe cifically, the content (g per 100 g DW) of ash ranged from 3.64 - 5.67, lipids from 0.57 - 2.86, pro tein from 18.55 - 29.69, starch from 23.40 - 52.65, soluble sugars from 2.97 - 6.84, while content of dry matter was from 83.35 - 93.55. The seeds also contained (per 100 g DW) between 2.55 - 4.83 g N, 0.30 - 7.50 g P, 1.30 - 2.49 g K, 0.10 - 0.18 g Mg, 4.10 - 10.00 mg Fe, 50.0 - 1.40 mg Cu, 2.20 - 5.00 mg Zn, 0.90 - 3.80 µg Mn and 0.20 - 2.40 µg B. This variability implies that the screened germplasm could serve as a source for breeding new varieties with improved biochemical and nutritional traits or could be highly recommended to meet specific dietary requirements. The cultivar Vagin ha Grossa (ISOP 713) revealed low carbohydrate content that could be a good food choice for di abetics, while cultivar Vermelho (ISOP 724) bean should be offered as a valuable alternative source of protein and minerals in the local diet.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio