The importance of the senior university for an active aging: Senior University of Machico - a case study in RAM

O presente estudo assumiu como objetivo central perceber a importância da universidade sénior USM, insular, na perspetiva de quem a frequenta – especificidades e mudança positiva que proporciona. Esta investigação baseou-se num estudo de caso utilizando técnica a análise documental e instrumentos a entrevista semi diretiva (n=4) e um inquérito por questionário dirigido aos alunos seniores da USM (n=36). Através da recolha de dados concluiu-se que a universidade sénior estudada veio modificar o dia-a-dia dos seus alunos preenchendo um espaço que mais tarde veio revelar-se imprescindível nas suas vidas. Veio igualmente contribuir para um envelhecimento ativo, na medida que se observou que os idosos participantes na amostra do estudo criaram laços sociais, amizades, adquiram e partilham saberes que proporcionaram a sua participação social, transformando-os em seres mais envolvidos no seio em que se inserem assim como em novos ambientes e no aprofundamento de novos conhecimentos, constituindo-se a USM também numa resposta contra a solidão e isolamento. Embora com as suas particularidades, os dados vêm no sentido do defendido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, pelas Universidades Seniores e outros autores de relevo no domínio.The main objective of this study was to understand the importance of the USM university, insular, in the perspective of those who attend it - the positive change it provides. This research was based on a case study using documental analysis technique and instruments the semi-directive interview (n = 4) and a questionnaire survey directed to USM senior students (n = 36). Through the collection of data it was concluded that the university studied senior has changed the day to day of their studentsfilling a space that later came to prove essential in their lives. It also contributed to an active aging, as it was observed that the elderly participants in the sample of the study created social bonds, acquaintances, acquire and share knowledge that provided their social participation, transforming them into more involved beings in the as well as in new environments and in the deepening of new knowledge, constituting the USM also in a response against solitude and isolation. Although with their particularities, the data come in the sense advocated by the World Health Organization, the Senior Universities and other prominent authors in the field.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

a quantitative and qualitative study

Funding Information: The study was funded by the National Association of Pharmacies. The sponsor had no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data; or in the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript. Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.Background: Point-of-care tests can contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, thereby affording the opportunity to prevent chronic stages and the spread to others. As part of the Fast-Track Cities initiative, a pilot study was initiated in community pharmacies in Portugal. Aim: To characterize the individuals choosing to have point-of-care testing or screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B virus infections in community pharmacies, their risk behaviours and motivations to perform the tests, as well as to understand the facilitators and barriers from the perspective of pharmacists. Method: A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted. A survey was applied to test users in pharmacies between May and December 2019, and three focus groups were conducted with six, four, and five pharmacists involved in the initiative. Qualitative data were analysed according to thematic content analysis. Results: A total of 210 questionnaires were collected (57.9% response rate). Point-of-care test users were predominantly male, mean age of 35 (± 13.0) years, the majority had higher education level, and 22.8% were born outside of Portugal. Almost half of the users were first time tested and the main reason for screening was unprotected sexual intercourse. Pharmacists identified speed, confidentiality, counselling provided to users, pharmacists’ initial training to perform the tests, and trust in the pharmacist as facilitators of these tests. Stigma associated with infections, the procedure, logistical conditions, and the referral process were considered as barriers. Conclusion: Pharmacies are a screening site with special importance for individuals who are first tested, heterosexuals, and some migrants. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand and reduce barriers and increase the support to specific groups.publishersversionpublishe

Medições de dose no cristalino e na tiróide em tomografia computorizada: projecto

Mestrado em Radiações Aplicadas às Tecnologias da Saúde. Área de especialização: Protecção Contra RadiaçõesEste projecto tem como objectivo, a medição de doses em diferentes protocolos, na realização de uma Tomografia Computorizada de crânio, de forma a minimizar a dose para o cristalino e para a tiróide. Com a evolução da tecnologia multi-corte e multi-detectores em Tomografia Computorizada, são realizados exames de elevada precisão. Os pacientes podem beneficiar de um diagnóstico mais rápido e preciso. No entanto, devemos dirigir a nossa atenção aos riscos associados à radiação ionizante. O principal objectivo deste trabalho é estimar a dose de radiação recebida pelo Cristalino e a Glândula Tiróide, numa Tomografia Computorizada de Crânio. Para o estudo são utilizados dois protocolos diferentes, o Sequencial ou Axial e o Helicoidal ou Volumétrico. Os fantomas são submetidos à exposição de radiação X, e a dose absorvida é obtida através de TLD´s. As doses absorvidas são posteriormente convertidas em doses efectivas, e comparadas com outros estudos bem como níveis de referência. Conceitos básicos de dose de radiação são mencionados, nomeadamente de dose absorvida e dose efectiva. Uma breve descrição anatómica dos órgãos em estudo para as medições e os efeitos que estes podem sofrer quando em exposição com radiação ionizante. São definidos posteriormente os riscos da exposição à radiação X, bem como os efeitos biológicos das radiações ionizantes. ABSTRACT - This project aims to measure doses in different protocols, in performing a CT scan of the skull in order to minimize the dose to the lens of eyes and the thyroid. With the evolution of multi-cutting and multi-detector Computed Tomography in, tests are performed with high accuracy. Patients may benefit from a faster and more accurate diagnosis. However, we must turn our attention to the risks associated with ionizing radiation. The main objective of this work is to estimate the radiation dose received by the lens and thyroid gland, a CT scan of the skull. For the study used two different protocols, the Axial and Helical. The phantoms are subjected to X-radiation exposure and absorbed dose is obtained by TLDs. The absorbed doses are then converted in effective doses, and compared with other studies and with reference levels. Basic concepts of radiation dose are mentioned, including absorbed dose and effective dose. A brief anatomical description of the organs under study for the measurements and the effects they may suffer on exposure to ionizing radiation. Are defined later risks of exposure to X radiation, as well as the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Some fundamentals of Radiological Protection are also mentioned

a systematic review of economic evaluations

Publisher Copyright: © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.Background: Deprescribing can reduce the use of inappropriate or unnecessary medication; however, the economic value of such interventions is uncertain. Objective: This study seeks to identify and synthetise the economic evidence of deprescribing interventions among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Full economic evaluation studies of deprescribing interventions, conducted in the community or primary care settings, in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years were systematically reviewed. MEDLINE, EconLit, Scopus, Web of Science, CEA-TUFTS, CRD York and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to February 2021. Two researchers independently screened all retrieved articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main outcome was the economic impact of the intervention from any perspective, converted into 2019 US Dollars. The World Health Organization threshold of 1 gross domestic product per capita was used to define cost effectiveness. Studies were appraised for methodological quality using the extended Consensus on Health Economics Criteria checklist. Results: Of 6154 articles identified by the search strategy, 14 papers assessing 13 different interventions were included. Most deprescribing interventions included some type of medication review with or without a supportive educational component (n = 11, 85%), and in general were delivered within a pharmacist-physician care collaboration. Settings included community pharmacies, primary care/outpatient clinics and patients’ homes. All economic evaluations were conducted within a time horizon varying from 2 to 12 months with outcomes in most of the studies derived from a single clinical trial. Main health outcomes were reported in terms of quality-adjusted life-years, prevented number of falls and the medication appropriateness index. Cost effectiveness ranged from dominant to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $112,932 per quality-adjusted life-year, a value above the country’s World Health Organization threshold. Overall, 85% of the interventions were cost saving, dominated usual care or were cost effective considering 1 gross domestic product per capita. Nine studies scored > 80% (good) and two scored ≤ 50% (low) on critical quality appraisal. Conclusions: There is a growing interest in economic evaluations of deprescribing interventions focused on community-dwelling older adults. Although results varied across setting, time horizon and intervention, most were cost effective according to the World Health Organization threshold. Deprescribing interventions are promising from an economic viewpoint, but more studies are needed.publishersversionpublishe

Lamb meat quality of two breeds with protected origin designation. Influence of breed, sex and live weight

Lamb meat quality of two Portuguese products was examined. The influences of slaughter weight, sex and breed on eating quality were evaluated. Data were obtained from 72 lambs of two different breeds with protected designation origin. In accord with the normal slaughter weight in the region three classes were considered: A: 9–14 kg live weight; B: 14–19 kg live weight and C: 19– 24 kg live weight. pH of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (MTL) was measured 1 h and 24 h after slaughter. Meat colour was estimated in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (MTL) muscle on the 12th rib using the L*a*b* system. Shear force was evaluated 72 h after slaughter. Sensorial analysis was assessed by a trained taste panel of 12 members. The pH values found could be considered within the normal pH range, between 5.5 and 5.9. When the pH measurement was made 24 h after slaughter, the heavy lambs had significant higher value than the light lambs. In relation to colour variables, live weight, sex and breed had no effect on the red index (a*). Lightness (L) decreased with increasing live weight and the light lambs had higher yellow index (b*) than the heavier lambs. Shear force increased with live weight and the Braganc¸ano breed had a greater mean shear force than the Mirandesa (7.8 vs. 6.8 kg/cm2). The heavy carcasses had more flavour intensity than the light ones. Mirandesa lambs had significantly lower values for toughness, stringy and odour intensity than Braganc¸ana lambs

Adhesion to and viability of Listeria monocytogenes on food contact surfaces

Listeria monocytogenes is an important pathogen responsible for major outbreaks associated with food products. Adhesion to surfaces leads to significant modifications in cell physiology. The aim of this work was to determine the adhesion ability of 10 isolates of L. monocytogenes to eight materials commonly used in kitchens and to evaluate the viability of the adhered cells. The materials assayed were stainless steel 304, marble, granite, glass, polypropylene from a bowl and from a cutting board, and two kinds of silestone. All L. monocytogenes strains attached to all surfaces, although to different extents. L. monocytogenes adhered most tightly to granite and marble, followed by stainless steel 304, glass, silestones, and finally polypropylene surfaces. Surfaces at the threshold between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, with high electron acceptor capability and a regular pattern of roughness, were more prone to attachment. Polypropylene surfaces displayed the highest percentage of viable bacteria (nearly 100%), whereas marble and granite had a lower percentage of cultivable cells, 69.5 and 78.7%, respectively. The lowest percentage of culturable bacteria was found on white silestone (18.5%). These results indicate that there are differences in adhered cell viability on different materials. Cell viability assays are important to better understand the cross-contamination process because only adhered bacteria that remain viable are responsible for postprocess contamination.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - projecto POCI/AGR/59358/2004

Natural organic matter and disinfection by-products formation potential in conventional and advanced water treatments

The performance of a conventional sequence (pre-ozonation, coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation, filtration, disinfection) and two advance sequences (pre-ozonation, nanofiltration; pre-ozonation, coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation, nanofiltration) on the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) and disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation potential was evaluated. Raw and treated waters were characterized in terms of molecular weight, which includes the amount of NOM removed and the qualitative changes in the NOM characteristics (molecular weight and hydrophobicity) since they could be directly related with the DBPs formation. The results demonstrate that, for the type of raw water analysed (hydrophilic with low dissolved organic carbon content), both treatment sequences remove larger molecular weight compounds. However, the sequences with nanofiltration have a higher percentage of low molecular weight compounds removed, when compared with conventional sequence, thus the water from nanofiltration sequences will have lower DBPs formation potential