Desenvolvimento de sistemas de libertação de fármaco para aplicação em hipertermia magnética

O cancro, pela sua crescente incidência, tem-se tornado numa das doenças mais preocupantes a nível mundial. A falta de tratamentos totalmente eficazes e os múltiplos efeitos secundários associados aos tratamentos existentes, como a quimioterapia e a radioterapia, têm levado ao aumento da procura de novas e mais eficazes terapias para esta doença. Nos últimos anos o recurso à nanotecnologia para o tratamento do cancro tem sido alvo de diversas investigações. Neste trabalho é estudada a aplicação de nanopartículas magnéticas (mNPs) de óxido de ferro, Fe3O4, em hipertermia magnética e em estudos de libertação da doxorrubicina (Dox), fármaco comummente utilizado em quimioterapia. As nanopartículas magnéticas foram sintetizadas pelo método de precipitação química e foi estudado o efeito da adição de dois tensioativos, o citrato de sódio (CT) e o ácido oleico (AO), assim como do revestimento com quitosano (Cs) e do pro-cesso de liofilização. Foram realizados ensaios de citotoxicidade em duas culturas celulares di-ferentes que apontam para um efeito positivo do Cs na viabilidade celular. Estas nanopartículas foram aplicadas em estudos de encapsulamento e libertação de fármaco em meios com três pH diferentes. Verificou-se que a libertação é dependente do pH, sendo mais elevada em meios com pH mais ácido. Estes resultados revelam-se de grande interesse no tra-tamento do cancro, pela existência de uma maior libertação de fármaco em meios extracelulares tumorais (pH 6,5) e nos endossomas e lisossomas (pH 4,5), comparativamente à sua libertação na corrente sanguínea (pH 7,4). Os ensaios de hipertermia magnética realizados permitiram o cálculo da taxa de absorção espe-cífica (SAR) e da perda de potência intrínseca (ILP) das mNPs, indicadores da capacidade que estas têm de gerar calor na presença de um campo magnético externo. Os resultados indicam uma diminuição desta capacidade na presença do Cs, dos tensioativos, especialmente o AO, e do processo de liofilização. Este trabalho revela a aplicabilidade das mNPs em sistemas de libertação de fármacos, bem como em hipertermia magnética

Occupational health: physical activity, musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life in computer workers: a narrative review

Computer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health. This review demonstrates the important role of workplaces in health promotion and the opportunities that workplaces provide to establish and continue successful health-promotion programs for computer workers, generating important benefits for the health and quality of life of individuals and groups.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the perception of physical activity and on the perception of musculoskeletal symptoms in computer workers: comparative longitudinal study design

Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Positive effects of an online workplace exercise intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life perception in computer workers: A quasi-experimental study design

Computer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers’ perception of quality of life. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0—baseline and M1—final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme. A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061). After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Performance of traditional risk factors in identifying a higher than expected coronary atherosclerotic burden

Abstract Objective To evaluate the performance of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in identifying a higher than expected coronary atherosclerotic burden. Methods We assessed 2069 patients undergoing coronary CT angiography, with assessment of calcium score (CS), for suspected coronary artery disease. A higher than expected atherosclerotic burden was defined as CS >75th percentile (CS >P75) according to age and gender-adjusted monograms. The ability of traditional CV risk factors to predict a CS >P75 was assessed in a customized logistic regression model ("Clinical Score") and by the calculation of SCORE (Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation). The population attributable risk (PAR) of risk factors for CS >P75 was calculated. Results The median CS was 3.0 (IQR 0.0-98.0); 362 patients had CS >P75. The median SCORE was 3.0 (IQR 1.0-4.0). With the exception of hypertension, all traditional CV risk factors were independent predictors of CS >P75: diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking and family history (OR 1.3-2.2, p≤0.026). The areas under the ROC curves for CS >P75 were 0.64 for the Clinical Score (95% CI 0.61-0.67, pP75 were in the two lower quartiles of the Clinical Score. Altogether, the traditional risk factors explain 56% of the prevalence of CS >P75 (adjusted PAR 0.56). Conclusion Despite the association of CV risk factors with a higher than expected atherosclerotic burden, they appear to explain only half of its prevalence. Even when integrated in scores, the predictive power of these risk factors was modest, exposing the limitations of risk stratification based solely on demographic and clinical risk factors.publishersversionpublishe

Proceso Enfermero en la Satisfacción de las Necesidades Básicas en Usuarios Colecistectomizado: Nursing process in the satisfaction of basic needs in users Cholecystectomy

Se determinó la aplicación del Proceso Enfermero en el postoperatorio inmediato y la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas del usuario colecistectomizado en el área de recuperación en el Hospital Provincial General Docente Riobamba, en dos fases: determinando cómo las enfermeras satisfacen las necesidades básicas del usuario colecistectomizado aplicando el Proceso Enfermero (PE). En la segunda etapa se elaboró y aplicó una Guía del Proceso Enfermero mediante la utilización de una herramienta informática con las taxonomías NANDA, NIC, NOC facilitando la identificación de necesidades, planificación y ejecución de cuidados estandarizados y con un lenguaje enfermero propio, brindando una atención oportuna, continua, coordinada entre las/os enfermeras/os; potenciando la investigación y el conocimiento de la efectividad del cuidado enfermero

Depressão masculina: um estudo sobre as internações na região centro-oeste de Minas Gerais

Objective: to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the male genre suffering by Depressive Disorder. Method: retrospective and exploratory study conducted at the Clinical St. Benedict Menni, consisting of 399 patients. Results: the predominant features were age 41-50 years with 109 (27.3%); hospitalized by family own with 164 (41.1%) and length of stay exceeding 30 days, with 101 (25,3%). The largest type of liberation of the hospital was classified as medical liberation, with 330 (82.7%). The first hospitalization prevailed, with 350 (87.7%). The main funder of hospitalizations were in the Public Health System, with 321 (80.4%) admissions. Conclusion: the fact that men report less depressive symptoms contributes to the fake idea that Depressive Disorders affect less the male genre. In the last years, the number of admitted men through depression raised. Therefore health of these must receive attentionObjetivo: identificar las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de los pacientes del sexo masculino que sufren de trastorno depresivo. Método: estudio retrospectivo y exploratorio, realizado en la Clínica San Benito Menni, que incluyó 399 pacientes. Resultados: las características predominantes fueron la edad 41-50 años, con 109 (27,3%), llevados al hospital por la propia familia, con 164 (41,1%) y la duración de la internación superior a 30 días, con 101 (25 , 3%). El mayor tipo de salida del hospital se clasificó como alta médica, con 330 (82,7%). Prevalecieron las internaciones clasificadas como primera hospitalización, con 350 (87,7%). La principal fuente de financiación de las hospitalizaciones fue el Sistema Público de Salud, con 321 (80,4%) llevadas al hospital. Conclusión: el hecho de los hombres comentaren que tienen menos síntomas depresivos contribuí para la falsa idea que el trastorno depresivo sea menor en los hombres. En los últimos años el número de hombres internados por la depresión aumentó. Así la salud de los mismos debe recibir más atención.Objetivo: identificar as características sociodemográficas e clínicas dos pacientes do sexo masculino acometidos por Transtorno Depressivo. Método: estudo retrospectivo e exploratório, realizado na Clínica São Bento Menni, constituído de 399 pacientes. Resultados: as características predominantes foram faixa etária de 41 a 50 anos, com 109 (27,3%); internação por solicitação da família, com 164 (41,1%) e do tempo de internação superior a 30 dias, com 101 (25,3%). O tipo de alta classificada como alta médica foi a prevalente, com 330 (82,7%). Os pacientes em sua maioria 350 (87,7%) foram internados primeira internação. O financiador principal das internações hospitalares foi o Sistema Único de Saúde, com 321 (80,4%) internações. Considerações finais: o fato de homens relatarem menos sintomas depressivos contribui para a falsa ideia de que os Transtornos Depressivoss acometam menos o sexo masculino. Nos últimos anos o número de homens internados pela depressão aumento, assim a saúde destes deve receber atenção

Acessibilidade dos edifícios destinados à prática de desporto nas pessoas com deficiência - intervenção dos/as enfermeiros/as especialistas em reabilitação

Background: The nurse specialist in rehabilitation nursing is essential in the involvement of people with disabilities in sports practices. Its role is to intervene in deviations of health of the person and to evaluate the accessibility of the building. Objectives: Analyze architectural barriers in the building and analyze the differences taking into account the typology of the building and their location. Methodology: Quantitative paradigm of descriptive and transversal nature. A universe composed of 9 public sports buildings of a Municipality. The data collection instrument is an observation grid built from the legislation in force. The treatment of data using simple descriptive statistics and chi-square. Results: There are architectural barriers in buildings, but there have been no significant differences in accessibility conditions between pool and field buildings or between buildings located in the city or periphery Conclusion: In the municipality under study, people with disabilities have difficulty accessing suitable places to practice some sports activities. Rehabilitation nurses should evaluate the enclosures in relation to architectural barriers to make proper counseling and sensitization to the local authority in order to make it more inclusive.Enmarcado: El enfermero especialista en enfermería de rehabilitación es imprescindible en la participación de la persona con discapacidad en prácticas deportivas. Su papel es intervenir en desvíos de salud de la persona y aún evaluar las accesibilidades del edificado. Objetivos: Analizar las barreras arquitectónicas y comprobar si la tipología del edificio (con piscina y con campo) el la ubicación de los pueblos (ciudad y periferia) interfiere en las condiciones de accesibilidad. Metodología: Paradigma cuantitativo de naturaleza descriptiva y transversal. Universo compuesto por 9 edificios deportivos públicos de un Municipio. El instrumento de recolección de datos es una rejilla de observación construida a partir de la legislación vigente. El tratamiento de datos con la estadística descriptiva simple y chi-cuadrada Resultados: Existen barreras arquitectónicas en los edificios, pero no se observaron diferencias significativas con respecto a las condiciones de accesibilidad entre edificios con piscina y con campos ni entre edificios ubicados en la ciudad o periferia Conclusión: En el municipio en estudio las personas con discapacidad tienen dificultades de acceso a lugares adecuados para la práctica de algunas actividades deportivas. Las enfermeras de rehabilitación deben evaluar los recintos sobre las barreras arquitectónicas para hacer el debido asesoramiento y sensibilización ante el municipio, a fin de hacerla más inclusiva.Enquadramento: O/A enfermeiro/a especialista em enfermagem de reabilitação tem um papel fundamental no envolvimento da pessoa com deficiência em práticas desportivas. O seu papel é intervir em desvios de saúde da pessoa e ainda avaliar as acessibilidades do edificado. Objetivos: Analisar barreiras arquitetónicas no edificado e analisar as diferenças tendo em conta a tipologia do edifício e a localização dos mesmos. Metodologia: Paradigma quantitativo de natureza descritiva e transversal. Universo composto por 9 edifícios desportivos públicos dum Município Português. O instrumento de colheita de dados é uma grelha de observação construída a partir da legislação em vigor. O tratamento de dados fez-se com recurso a estatística descritiva simples e qui-quadrado. Resultados: Existem barreiras arquitetónicas nos edifícios como escadas com degraus e corrimãos inadequados, instalações sanitárias com lavatórios e sanitas sem alturas corretas, entre outras, mas não se verificaram diferenças significativas relativamente às condições de acessibilidade entre edifícios com piscina e com campos nem entre edifícios localizados na cidade ou periferia.&nbsp; Conclusão: No município em estudo as pessoas com deficiência têm dificuldades de acesso a locais adequados para a prática de algumas atividades desportivas. As/os enfermeiros/as de reabilitação devem avaliar os recintos relativamente às barreiras arquitetónicas para fazer o devido aconselhamento e sensibilização junto da autarquia, a fim de a tornar mais inclusiva

What is the role of Pseudomonas sp. in the anaerobic digestion of long-chain fatty acids?

Palmitate accumulation in continuous bioreactors fed with oleate appears to be the cause for frequent reports of process failure during the anaerobic treatment of lipids or LCFA-rich wastewaters. In these reactors, oleate can be converted to palmitate by microorganisms other than syntrophic bacteria (facultative anaerobic bacteria), and do not depend on the presence of active hydrogenotrophic methanogens. To study non-syntrophic oleate conversion to palmitate, methanogens were selectively eliminated by applying low hydraulic retention time in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) fed with oleate. A small plug flow reactor (PFR) was installed in series with the CSTR to allow growth of some of the washed out microorganisms in the form of a biofilm. The high amount of palmitate in the biofilm samples indicated the presence of the key microorganisms on oleate conversion to palmitate. A sample of the PFR biofilm rich in palmitate, collected after 22 days of operation, was subjected to Illumina sequencing showing that Pseudomonas was the predominant (42%) genus present. Two Pseudomonas isolates obtained from the same biofilm were used to study the role of these microorganisms on oleate biotransformation. Two bioreactors were inoculated with isolates 1 (reactor RI1) and 2 (reactor RI2) and fed with oleate at an organic loading rate of 1 g L-1 d-1 (period I) and 4 g L-1 d-1 (period II) in chemical oxygen demand (COD). In period I, oleate concentration in COD varied between 0.258 g L-1 and 0.740 g L-1 in reactor RI1, and between 0.192 g L-1 and 0.642 g L-1 in reactor RI2. In period II oleate concentration in COD was close to 1.500 g L-1 in RI1 and 1.000 g L-1 in RI2. Apparently oleate is being used by Pseudomonas isolates, however no intermediate product was detected. Probably some intermediate metabolite is being produced and is not being quantified. This hypothesis is currently under study, and may bring some light on the puzzling bioconversion of oleate into palmitate.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

El autocuidado del adulto hipertenso desde la perspectiva intercultural de las acciones de enfermería

The control of blood pressure figures in the general population constitutes an element that favors the state of health; even more so in hypertensive people. Arterial hypertension affects different organs and organ systems of the human body, with the heart, brain, kidney, and blood vessels being pointed out as its target organs. It is one of the main direct and indirect causes of death in people over 60 years of age and one of the main causes of general morbidity and mortality. There are multiple elements that can hinder or favor its control; however, knowledge of the disease and self-care, together with pharmacological adherence, systematically attending check-ups and maintaining healthy habits and lifestyles, constitute the pillars on which disease control is based. In this sense, it is important to point out the important role played by health professionals, specifically nursing staff, in the direct exchange with patients to make them understand the benefits that self-care represents in hypertensive patients; always taking into account the customs, idiosyncrasy and preferences of the patient; as elements inherent to the interculturality that characterizes human beings.&nbsp;El control de las cifras de tensión arterial en la población en general constituye un elemento favorecedor del estado de salud; más aún en personas hipertensas. La hipertensión arterial afecta distintos órganos y sistemas de órganos del cuerpo humano, señalándose como sus órganos dianas el corazón, cerebro, riñón y vasos sanguíneos fundamentalmente. Constituye una de las principales causas de muerte directa e indirecta en personas mayores de 60 años y una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad general. Múltiples son los elementos que pueden entorpecer o favorecer su control; sin embargo, el conocimiento de la enfermedad y el autocuidado, conjuntamente con la adherencia farmacológica, la asistencia a controles de forma sistemática y la mantención de hábitos y estilos de vida saludables constituyen los pilares sobre los que se sustenta el control de la enfermedad. En este sentido es importante señalar el importante rol que juegan los profesionales de la salud, específicamente el personal de enfermería en el intercambio directo con los pacientes para hacerles entender los beneficios que representa el autocuidado en pacientes hipertensos; siempre teniendo en cuenta las costumbres, idiosincrasia y preferencias del paciente; como elementos inherentes a la interculturalidad que caracteriza a los seres humanos