RESUMO Introdução As doenças do foro cardiovascular são a principal causa de morte em Portugal e os Scores de Risco Cardiovascular são muito úteis na prevenção primária destas patologias. A prevenção do desenvolvimento e/ou progressão de patologias com elevada morbilidade e mortalidade para os trabalhadores pode estar incluída nas atividades desenvolvidas pela Saúde Ocupacional, no sentido de preservar a saúde e bem-estar dos trabalhadores. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o Risco Cardiovascular dos trabalhadores de um Centro Hospitalar no intervalo de tempo entre 2011 e 2021. Metodologia O Risco Cardiovascular foi avaliado através do SCORE-2. Foram selecionados os trabalhadores que mantiveram funções laborais no Centro Hospitalar durante todo o período em análise. Os critérios de exclusão do SCORE-2 incluem patologia cardiovascular prévia, Diabetes mellitus, idade inferior a 40 anos ou superior a 69 anos. O SCORE-2 usa informações de pressão arterial, perfil lipídico, sexo, idade e hábitos alcoólicos. Resultados Selecionaram-se 345 trabalhadores. O valor mediano do risco cardiovascular dos trabalhadores em 2021 (Mediana=2,215%; IQR - InterQuartile Range/Amplitude Interquartil=3,0%) foi significativamente superior ao de 2011 (M=1,273%; IQR=1,8%). O risco cardiovascular em 2021 dos trabalhadores do Departamento de Gestão (M=3.173%; IQR=4.6%) foi superior ao dos trabalhadores do Departamento Médico (M=1.958%; IQR=1.9%). Não se encontraram diferenças significativas do risco cardiovascular dos trabalhadores segundo o seu grupo profissional, em 2011 [X2(7)=7,580; p>0,05] e em 2021 [X2(7)=7,427; p>0,05]. Não se encontraram diferenças significativas do risco cardiovascular dos trabalhadores segundo as suas habilitações literárias, em 2011 [X2(5)=3,412; p>0,05] e em 2021 [X2(5)=2,895; p>0,05]. Conclusões O conhecimento das características da população trabalhadora permite o desenvolvimento de planos personalizados, tendo em conta estilos de vida saudáveis, a fim de diminuir o Risco Cardiovascular destes trabalhadores. Com estes planos orientados para a diminuição do Risco Cardiovascular global da população de trabalhadores e das suas consequências na sua saúde, prevê-se uma redução do absentismo por doença, uma melhoria da qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores, um incremento na sua produtividade e consequente melhoria dos serviços prestados pela entidade empregadora.

ABSTRACT Introduction The cardiovascular diseases are the main death cause in Portugal and Cardiovascular Risk Scores are very useful to the primary prevention of these diseases. Prevention of the development and progression of diseases with high morbidity and mortality to the workers can be work out by Occupational Health, in the sense of preserving workers’ health and wellbeing. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the Cardiovascular Risk of the workers of a Hospital Centre in the interval between 2011 till 2021. Methods The Cardiovascular Risk was evaluated by using SCORE-2. Workers were selected only if they worked through the entirety of this interval in this Hospital Centre. The SCORE-2’s exclusion criteria include previous cardiovascular disease, Diabetes mellitus, age lower than 40 years or higher than 69 years. SCORE-2 uses data from blood pressure, lipid panel, sex, age and tobacco use. Results There were selected 345 workers. The median cardiovascular risk of the workers in 2021 (Median=2,215%; InterQuartile Range=3,0%) was significatively higher than the cardiovascular risk of 2011 (M=1,273%; IQR=1,8%). The cardiovascular risk in 2021 of the workers from Administrative Department (M=3.173%; IQR=4.6%) was significatively higher than workers from Medical Department (M=1.958%; IQR=1.9%). There were no significant differences found of the workers’ cardiovascular risk among the professional group in 2011 [X2(7)=7,580; p>0,05] and in 2021 [X2(7)=7,427; p>0,05]. There were no significant differences found of the workers’ cardiovascular risk among the educational background in 2011 [X2(5)=3,412; p>0,05] and in 2021 [X2(5)=2,895; p>0,05]. Conclusions Knowledge about the working population characteristics allows the development of personalized planning regarding healthy lifestyles, to reduce the Cardiovascular Risk of these workers. With these plans designed to reduce the global Cardiovascular Risk of the working population and its consequences on their health, is predicted a reduction in sickness absenteeism, an improvement in the workers’ quality of life, better performance and consequently better services provided by the employer.

Resumo Alo vera é um remédio centenário usado para pequenas feridas e queimaduras, mas seu mecanismo de cicatrização de feridas não foi conhecido desde então. Este artigo avaliará e reunirá evidências da eficácia e segurança do uso de aloe vera no tratamento de queimaduras. Realizada revisão Sistemática nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS, DECS, SCIELO, nos últimos 7 anos, com os descritores: “Aloe”, “Burns” and “treatment”. Foram encontrados 16 trabalhos. Após utilizarmos os critérios de exclusão; pesquisa em nao humanos e revisão da literatura ; foram selecionados 5 artigos. O artigo Teplick et al. (2018) realizou um experimento clinico in vitro em solução de A. Vera, e demonstrou que houve proliferação e migração celular de fibroblastos e queratinócitos de pele humana, além de ser protetor na morte de queratonócitos. Ou seja, acelera a cicatrização das feridas. Já Muangman et al. (2016), avaliou 50 pacientes com 20% do total da área superficial corporal queimada com queimaduras de segundo grau, entre 18-60 anos, tendo metade do grupo como controle recebendo curativos de gaze com parafina mole contendo 0,5% acetado de clorexidina e a outra metade recebendo curativos com poliéster contendo extratos de plantas medicinais principalmente Aloe Vera. Teve resultados positivos, uma maior velocidade de cicatrização e menor tempo de internação comparado ao grupo controle. Já Hwang et al. (2015) investigou os efeitos antioxidante de diferentes extratos de 2,4,6,8,12 meses da Aloe Vera. E o extrato com 6 meses concentrado de 0,25 mg/mL teve maior teor de flavanóides (9,750 mg equivalente catequina / g extrato) e polifenóis (23,375 mg equivalente ácido gálico / g extrato) e o maior poder antioxidante redutor férrico (0,047 mM de sulfato ferroso equivalente / extrato mg), ou seja, maior potencial de eliminação de radicais livres e também efeito proteror contra o estresse oxidativo induzido por hidroperóxido de terc-butila (t-BHP), sugerindo indícios de um potencial bioativo da A. vera. Porém, no artigo Kolacz et al. (2014) sugeriu como tratamento alternativo o uso do curativo com Aloe Vera em conjunto de mel, lanolina, azeite de oliva, óleo de gérmen de trigo, raiz de marshmallow, absinto, raiz de confrei, casca de carvalho branco, lobelia inflata, glicerina vegetal, cera de abelha e mirra, não obtendo resultados significativos e conclusivos que permitam subsidiar o tratamento convencional das queimaduras. Por fim, no artigo de Zurita and Gallegos (2017), realizou um estudo descritivo transversal com 321 pessoas, ambos os sexos entre 17-76 anos, de natureza indutiva, explorando a vivência dessa população e suas atitudes comportamentais quanto ao tratamento de dermatoses. Aloe vera teve 13,8% citada pelos indivíduos no tratamento de acne e 33,6% no tratamento de queimaduras. Mesmo tendo evidências que sugerem a eficácia no tratamento de queimaduras com o uso do extrato da Aloe Vera, sugere-se mais ensaios clínicos com espaço amostral maior sobre o uso de curativos de Aloe vera em médio queimados para maiores conclusões.

Abstract Alo vera is a centenary remedy use for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanism of wound healing has not been know since. This article will evaluate and gather evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the use of aloe vera in the treatment of burns. A systematic review was carried out on the databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, DECS, SCIELO, in the last 7 years, with the descriptors: “Aloe”, “Burns” and “treatment”. 16 articles were found. After using the exclusion criteria; research in non-humans and literature review; 5 articles were selected. The article Teplick et al. (2018) performed an in vitro clinical experiment in A. Vera solution, and demonstrated that there was proliferation and cell migration of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in addition to being protective in the death of keratonocytes. That is, it accelerates the healing of wounds. Muangman et al. (2016), evaluated 50 patients with 20% of the total body surface area burned with second-degree burns, between 18-60 years old, with half of the group receiving gauze dressings with soft paraffin containing 0.5% chlorhexidine acetate and the other half receiving polyester dressings containing extracts of medicinal plants mainly Aloe Vera. It had positive results, a higher healing speed and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group. Hwang et al. (2015) investigated the antioxidant effects of different extracts from 2,4,6,8,12 months of Aloe Vera. And the 6-month concentrated extract of 0.25 mg / mL had a higher content of flavonoids (9.750 mg catechin equivalent / g extract) and polyphenols (23.375 mg gallic acid equivalent / g extract) and the greater ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.047 mM equivalent ferrous sulfate / mg extract), that is, greater potential for free radical scavenging and also a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), suggesting evidence of a bioactive potential of A. vera . However, in the article Kolacz et al. (2014) suggested as an alternative treatment the use of Aloe Vera dressing in combination with honey, lanolin, olive oil, wheat germ oil, marshmallow root, wormwood, comfrey root, white oak bark, lobelia inflata, glycerin vegetable oil, beeswax and myrrh, without obtaining significant and conclusive results that would allow the conventional treatment of burns to be subsidized. Finally, in the article by Zurita and Gallegos (2017), it carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study with 321 people, both sexes between 17-76 years of age, of an inductive nature, exploring the experience of this population and their behavioral attitudes regarding the treatment of dermatoses. Aloe vera had 13.8% cited by individuals in the treatment of acne and 33.6% in the treatment of burns. Even with evidence that suggests the efficacy in the treatment of burns with the use of Aloe Vera extract, further clinical trials with larger sample space on the use of Aloe vera dressings in medium burns are suggested for further conclusions.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as características socioambientais, funções executivas e nutricionais de crianças de 6 a 7 anos, de escolas públicas de Alagoas, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo envolvendo 64 crianças, na referida faixa etária, de escolas públicas localizadas em Alagoas: Maceió, no litoral; Major Isidoro, no sertão e Palmeira dos Índios, no país. Tais análises foram feitas por meio da aplicação de testes neuropsicológicos e avaliação antropométrica com crianças e inquéritos alimentares e socioambientais com seus pais. Quanto ao tipo de habitação, 100% eram de alvenaria, com banheiro presente em 98,4%. Todas as crianças relataram o hábito de tomar banho no rio / lagoa, apresentavam alguma patologia. Não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios quanto às características sociodemográficas avaliadas, ocorrendo o mesmo resultado com os fatores associados à ocorrência de doenças em crianças. Os subtestes do WISC-IV, ficaram abaixo da média em todos os municípios, e o TAC e SCC foram classificados dentro da média. Porém, mesmo que a classificação tenha sido dividida entre abaixo da média e média, é possível identificar a partir dos subtestes do WISC-IV, que o QI geral apresentou um nível cognitivo abaixo da média. Também não houve diferença significativa na avaliação antropométrica (peso, altura, IMC e AIDPI) entre os alunos avaliados. O peso médio foi de 23,3 kg a 25 kg, a altura entre 1,23 ma 1,24 m, o IMC entre 16,4 a 17; A AIDPI de 2.8 a 3.0. As crianças foram classificadas dentro da média. Em relação aos micronutrientes (Ca, Fe, K, Mg e Na e vitaminas A, C, D, B1, B9 e B12) e calorias, também não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios avaliados. O mesmo ocorreu com os macronutrientes (proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios). Este estudo mostrou que de maneira geral não houve diferença entre os alunos dos três municípios. Provavelmente, mesmo sendo todas escolas públicas e de diferentes cidades, as crianças têm condições sociais semelhantes.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed that in general there was no difference between the students of the three municipalities. Probably, even though they are all public schools and from different cities, children have similar social conditions.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables and their contribution towards family functioning during the first wave of COVID-19 in Portugal. The COVID-19 pandemic was an overwhelming and stressful life event with social consequences that impacted family functioning and contributed to multilevel disruptions. The study used a cross-sectional design and included 110 participants (94 women), with a mean age of 35.71 (SD = 13.53). Participants answered self-report measures assessing family satisfaction, hope, psychological well-being, risk perception, and family functioning. Hope (pathways subscale) played a moderating role in the relationship between family satisfaction and family functioning. Family satisfaction and psychological well-being partially mediated the relationship between hope and family functioning. Clinical relevance and implications for further research are addressed. Intervention should focus on increasing psychological well-being and hope together with family satisfaction in order to promote family functioning. For those individuals struggling with COVID-19 issues, mental health interventions are paramount.

RESUMEN Este estudio ha tenido como objetivo explorar la relación entre las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicológicas y el funcionamiento familiar en la primera oleada de COVID-19 en Portugal. La pandemia de COVID-19 fue una situación de vida abrumadora y estresante con consecuencias sociales que afectaron en el funcionamiento familiar. El estudio utilizó un diseño transversal e incluyó 110 participantes (94 mujeres), con una edad media de 35.71 años (SD = 13.53). Los participantes respondieron a medidas que evaluaban la satisfacción familiar, la esperanza, el bienestar psicológico, la percepción del riesgo y el funcionamiento familiar. La esperanza (subescala “caminos”) desempeñó un papel moderador en la relación entre la satisfacción familiar y el funcionamiento familiar. La satisfacción familiar y el bienestar psicológico mediaron parcialmente en la relación entre la esperanza y el funcionamiento familiar. Se abordan la importancia clínica y las implicaciones para futuras investigaciones. La intervención deberá centrarse en aumentar el bienestar psicológico y la esperanza junto con la satisfacción familiar para promover el funcionamiento familiar. Para los individuos que luchan con problemas de COVID-19 son primordiales las intervenciones de salud mental.

Silage mixed with forage and byproducts is an alternative nutritional strategy for ruminant production. This study aimed to characterize chemical-nutritional aspects, fermentative profile, and digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage with different contents of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) peel inclusion at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% of fresh matter. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates per treatment. Mixed feeds were ensiled in experimental silos for 65 days, subsequently opened, and samples were analysed. The increase in the proportions of pineapple peel caused a linear increase in dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, ether extract, soluble carbohydrate, cellulose, lignin, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter in sorghum silage. The mean concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) had a negative quadratic relationship with the inclusion of pineapple peel, reducing from 0% to 40% (-2.56% for NDF and -3.14% for ADF) followed by stabilization at subsequent contents. Silage pH was not influenced, however, acetic and propionic acids increased linearly, while butyric acid decreased linearly with pineapple peel inclusion. The highest losses in gases and effluents were obtained in silage with 0% pineapple peel inclusion (1.77% of dry matter and 4.06 kg t-1 of dry matter), which resulted in lower dry matter recovery (93.56%). Adding pineapple peel to sorghum benefits composition, fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and decreases silage losses. An inclusion of 40-80% sorghum can be recommended.

Abstract Materials produced by additive manufacturing (AM) have been extremely related to literature. However, there is still unconsolidated knowledge about the fatigue life and respective mechanisms of initiation of cracks predominant in the VHCF regime for these materials. What has been observed in materials produced by conventional routes is that fatigue cracks tend to nucleate from intrinsic defects of the material located internally or in subsurface regions. The change in the evolution process of fatigue cracks leads to the formation of a characteristic morphology on the fracture surface, known as “fish-eye”. Another widespread aspect observed on the fracture surfaces is the formation of a fine granular area (FGA) nearby the initiation sites. This work aims to investigate the mechanisms of crack nucleation in VHCF of two distinct materials: conventional steel, DIN 34CrNiMo6 and AISI 316L stainless steel produced by L-DED. The ultrasonic tests were carried out at a frequency of 20±0,5 kHz and R= -1. The S-N curves were obtained and fracture surfaces were analyzed, fish-eye and FGA formation was verified. FGA sizes were compared to values estimated by empirical equations. FGA and fish-eye sizes were related to stress amplitude and maximum stress intensity factor (SIF).

Abstract Potential breeding containers for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are found in different environments, these places are considered by the National Dengue Control Program in Brazil as strategic points (SP), which have favorable conditions for the development of those insects. The aim of this study is to identify potential breeding containers for A. aegypti and A. albopictus at strategic points in the city of Codó, Maranhão. This study was conducted in five districts, one in each administrative area of the city. A survey of the types and quantity of existing strategic points in each neighborhood was carried out, and surveys of these properties were carried out to inspect the potential breeding containers, with the collection of the vectors’ number of immatures found at them. 125 properties were inspected of which 76.91% and 81.25% were vacant lots in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. There was a difference between the median of the different strategic points (H = 21.96; p < 0.0001), For A. aegypti, there was no difference between the medians of number of immatures regarding the strategic points (H = 3.71; p = 0.28). The total number of immature A. albopictus was higher in vacant lots than in workshops (H = 9.41; p = 0.02, p < 0.05). 4,356 and 4,911 potential breeding containers were found in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Regarding the potential breeding containers, 7 (0.16%) and 47 (0.96%) were found with immature vectors, in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. There were more positive containers in the rainy season for which there was a difference between the median of the number of mosquitoes per positive container (H = 15.66; p = 0.01), the number of immatures for the tires group was greater than Vases and Fixed groups (p < 0.05); the same result was observed in the analyses of the species in the separate form. The impressive number of potential breeding containers found in the SP in both seasons highlights the importance of developing control strategies for these vectors, with emphasis on places such as vacant lots, workshops, tire shops and junkyards, which are serving as dispersal urban sites of vectors.

Resumo Os potenciais criadouros dos mosquitos Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus são encontrados em diversos ambientes, esses locais são considerados pelo Programa Nacional de Controle da Dengue como pontos estratégicos (PE), os quais possuem condições favoráveis ao desenvolvimento desses insetos. Propõe-se nesse estudo identificar os potenciais criadouros de A. aegypti e A. albopictus em pontos estratégicos na cidade de Codó, Maranhão. Este estudo foi realizado em cinco bairros, um em cada zona administrativa da cidade. Foi realizado o levantamento dos tipos e quantidade de pontos estratégicos existentes em cada bairro, e vistorias desses imóveis para inspeção dos recipientes potencial criadouro, com coleta das formas imaturas encontradas nestes. Foram inspecionados 125 imóveis, para os quais houve diferença entre a mediana dos diferentes pontos estratégicos (H = 21,96; p < 0,0001), sendo que os terrenos baldios foram mais frequentes com 76,91% e 81,25% nos períodos seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. Para A. aegypti não houve diferença entre as medianas de imaturos em relação aos pontos estratégicos (H = 3,71; p = 0,28). A quantidade de imaturos de A. albopictus foi maior em terrenos baldios do que em oficinas (H = 9,41; p = 0,02, p < 0,05). Foram encontrados 4.356 e 4.911 recipientes potenciais criadouros nos períodos seco e chuvoso, nesta ordem. Em relação aos recipientes positivos, 7 (0,16%) e 47 (0,96%) foram encontrados com imaturos dos vetores, nos períodos seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. Só houve predominância de recipiente positivo no período chuvoso, para o qual houve diferença entre as medianas de imaturos das duas espécies (H = 15,66; p = 0,01), sendo que a quantidade de imaturos para o grupo Pneus foi maior que Vasos e Fixos (p < 0,05), o mesmo resultado foi observado nas análises das espécies da forma separada. O número expressivo de recipientes potenciais criadouros encontrados nos PE nos dois períodos, evidencia a importância de se desenvolver estratégias de controle a esses vetores com ênfase em locais como terrenos baldios, oficinas, borracharias e ferros-velhos, os quais estão servindo de local de dispersão dos vetores em área urbana.

Resumo Os estudantes universitários são vulneráveis ao stress devido às exigências do ensino superior e à passagem desenvolvimental da adolescência para a adultícia. Os efeitos adversos da resposta prolongada ao stress denotam a importância de desenvolver competências ao nível do coping. O relaxamento surge como uma ferramenta capaz de restaurar os recursos esgotados pelo stress e de aumentar as emoções positivas, cultivando também a autocompaixão. Esta investigação objetiva (1) avaliar a eficácia de um programa de relaxamento em estudantes universitários, através de um ensaio clínico randomizado comparando com dois grupos de controlo, considerando as mudanças ao longo do tempo nos níveis de depressão, ansiedade e stresse; (2) avaliar de que forma a autocompaixão e a felicidade contribuíram para a depressão, ansiedade e stresse na amostra global; (3) e avaliar o papel moderador da autocompaixão na associação entre a felicidade e a depressão, ansiedade e stresse. A ansiedade e o stresse aumentaram nos participantes do programa, aludindo aos possíveis efeitos colaterais da prática inicial do relaxamento. Níveis superiores de autocompaixão e de felicidade associaram-se a níveis inferiores de depressão, ansiedade e stresse. Programas com vista ao aumento da autocompaixão e da felicidade sugerem ser relevantes na promoção da saúde mental dos estudantes.

Abstract University students are particularly vulnerable to stress due to the demands of higher education and the developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood. The adverse effects of prolonged stress responses highlight the importance of the development of coping skills. Relaxation appears as a tool capable of restoring the resources depleted by stress and increasing positive emotions, cultivating also self-compassion. This study aimed (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a relaxation training program in university students, using a randomized controlled trial comparing an active control group (exposed to listening to relaxing music) and a passive control groups (without any intervention), considering the changes over time in depression, anxiety and stress; (2) to examine how self-compassion and subjective happiness contributed to depression, anxiety and stress in the full sample; (3) and to examine the moderating role of self-compassion in the association between happiness and depression, anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress increased for participants in the relaxation training program, alluding to the possible side effects of the initial practice. Higher levels of self-compassion and subjective happiness were both associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Programs aimed at increasing self-compassion and subjective happiness seem to be relevant to promote students’ mental health.

Abstract The rice husk, agro-industrial residue, stands out for having silica, the main oxide former of the bioactive glass. To avoid contamination in this biomaterial, substances with bactericidal properties, like silver can be incorporated. Thus, the objective of this work is the synthesis of silver nanoparticles to functionalize a bioactive glass synthesized from rice husk ash (BRHA). The bioglass was prepared by the sol-gel method from the rice husk ash as a silica source. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from thyme extract with AgNO3 and their formation was verified by UV-vis spectroscopy. The glass powder was added to this solution and its structure was evaluated by SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, and microbiology. The bioglass powder appeared in the form of porous agglomerates and the addition of silver altered its superficial roughness by deposition. The chemical bonds of the glass network related to bioactivity were maintained after the incorporation of the nanoparticles. Microbiological analysis by the agar diffusion test confirmed the inhibitory action of the nanoparticles for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Therefore, the developed material presented great potential for biomedical applications.

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the association and contribution of anxiety, spirituality, coping and burden to quality of life (QOL) in informal caregivers of patients with cervical cancer. The sample included 119 informal caregivers of patients undergoing treatment for cervical cancer at a reference hospital in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The caregivers answered instruments that assessed sociodemographic variables, burden, coping, anxiety, spirituality, and QOL. Female caregivers used more spirituality (reflection and positive interpretation) than male caregivers. The number of hours of care dedicated by caregivers was positively correlated with their burden. Burden had a positive association with anxiety and was negatively associated with the caregivers’ mental QOL. Spirituality (reflection and positive interpretation) moderated the relationship between anxiety and caregiver's mental QOL. The results showed the importance of interprofessional teams in oncology to intervene with caregivers, focusing on psychological morbidity to prevent burden and the spirituality as a coping strategy.

RESUMEN Este estudio analiza la asociación y contribución de la ansiedad, espiritualidad, afrontamiento y sobrecarga con la calidad de vida (CV) en cuidadores informales de pacientes con cáncer de cuello uterino. La muestra fue de 119 cuidadores informales de pacientes en tratamiento de cáncer de cuello uterino en un hospital de referencia en el estado de Amazonas, Brasil. Los cuidadores cumplimentaron cuestionarios que evaluaban variables sociodemográficas, sobrecarga, afrontamiento, ansiedad, espiritualidad y calidad de vida. Las mujeres cuidadoras utilizaron más espiritualidad (reflexión e interpretación positiva) que los varones cuidadores. El número de horas de atención dedicadas por los cuidadores se correlacionaba positivamente con su sobrecarga. Esta tuvo una asociación positiva con la ansiedad, asociándose negativamente con la calidad de vida mental de los cuidadores. La espiritualidad (reflexión e interpretación positiva) moderaba la relación entre la ansiedad y la calidad de vida mental del cuidador. Los resultados mostraron la importancia de que los equipos interprofesionales de oncología intervengan con los cuidadores, centrándose en la morbilidad psicológica para prevenir la sobrecarga, así como en la espiritualidad como estrategia de afrontamiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade de um programa cognitivo-comportamental para controle de sintomas do trato urinário inferior pós-prostatectomia radical. Método: estudo de ensaio clínico randomizado, com 41 participantes aleatorizados em intervenção (n=20) e controle (n=21), durante três meses. O grupo intervenção recebeu o programa cognitivo-comportamental, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu orientações de rotina do serviço. As variáveis desfechos foram intensidade da incontinência urinária e sintomas do trato urinário inferior, avaliados pelo Pad-Test e Urinary Incontinence Scale of Radical Prostatectomy e King’s Health Questionnaire. Resultados: ao final do estudo, o grupo intervenção apresentou menor intensidade da incontinência urinária (p≤0,001), e houve menos chances de apresentar alterações da frequência urinária (p≤0,001), urgência miccional (p≤0,001), noctúria (p=0,005), incontinência urinária de esforço (p≤0,001) e urge-incontinência (p≤0,045). Conclusão: o programa cognitivo-comportamental foi efetivo para a redução de sintomas do trato urinário inferior após a prostatectomia radical. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-3sstqg.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral program to control lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy. Methods: a randomized clinical trial study, with 41 participants randomized into intervention (n=20) and control (n=21), for three months. The intervention group received the cognitive-behavioral program, while the control group received routine guidance from the service. Outcome variables were urinary incontinence intensity and lower urinary tract symptoms, assessed by the Pad-Test and Urinary Incontinence Scale of Radical Prostatectomy and King’s Health Questionnaire. Results: at the end of the study, the intervention group had a lower urinary incontinence intensity (p≤0.001), and there were less chances of presenting changes in urinary frequency (p≤0.001), urinary urgency (p≤0.001), nocturia (p=0.005), stress urinary incontinence (p≤0.001) and urge incontinence (p≤0.045). Conclusion: the cognitive-behavioral program was effective in reducing lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy. Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry: RBR-3sstqg.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de un programa cognitivo-conductual para controlar los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior después de la prostatectomía radical. Métodos: estudio de ensayo clínico aleatorizado, con 41 participantes aleatorizados en intervención (n=20) y control (n=21), durante tres meses. El grupo de intervención recibió el programa cognitivo-conductual, mientras que el grupo control recibió orientación rutinaria del servicio. Las variables de resultado fueron la intensidad de la incontinencia urinaria y los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior, evaluados mediante Pad-Test y Urinary Incontinence Scale of Radical Prostatectomy y King’s Health Questionnaire. Resultados: al final del estudio, el grupo intervención presentó menor intensidad de incontinencia urinaria (p≤0,001), y hubo menos posibilidades de presentar cambios en la frecuencia urinaria (p≤0,001), urgencia urinaria (p≤0,001), nicturia (p=0,005), incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (p≤0,001) e incontinencia de urgencia (p≤0,045). Conclusión: el programa cognitivo-conductual fue eficaz para reducir los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior después de la prostatectomía radical. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos: RBR-3sstqg.

RESUMEN La misión LightSail-2 de la Planetary Society validó con éxito la capacidad de maniobra orbital de una nave impulsada por la presión de la radiación solar (PRS). Presentamos un estudio sobre dos estrategias distintas para la orientación de una vela solar. El objetivo es aumentar el efecto de la aceleración por la PRS a lo largo de la trayectoria orbital de la nave, con la intención de mantener o incrementar con el tiempo la altitud. Además, una de las estrategias se usó para determinar la posibilidad de mantener la altitud promedio de la nave al variar algunos parámetros de la misión. Los resultados muestran que es posible aumentar con el tiempo la altitud promedio de la nave, mientras que se reduce el número de maniobras necesarias para cambiar la orientación de la nave. Con este resultado se ve que también es posible modificar algunos parámetros de la misión sin afectar el desempeño de la vela solar.

ABSTRACT The Planetary Society’s LightSail-2 mission successfully validated the orbital maneuvering capability of a solar radiation pressure (SRP) propelled spacecraft. This paper presents a study on two alternative attitude strategies for the orientation of a solar sail. The goal is to increase the effect of the SRP acceleration over the spacecraft’s orbital trajectory, with the intention of maintaining or even gaining altitude over time. Furthermore, one of these strategies was employed while varying a few of the mission’s parameters to determine if it would be viable to maintain the spacecraft’s average altitude. Results show that it is possible to increase the average altitude of the spacecraft over time while still reducing the number of maneuvers necessary to change the spacecraft’s attitude. With that result in hand, it is also possible to change some of the mission parameters without compromising the solar sailing performance.

Resumo Hortaliças contaminadas com resíduos fecais são importantes vias de transmissão de parasitas intestinais ao homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de formas parasitárias de protozoários e helmintos em alface (Lactuca sativa) e couve (Brassica oleracea) vendidas em feiras e supermercados na cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Um total de 30 amostras de cada vegetal (15 amostras de supermercados e 15 de feiras livres) foi analisado. Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de sedimentação espontânea e centrífugo-flutuação. Em 45% das amostras foram identificadas formas imaturas de parasitas intestinais sendo 66,7% ovos de helmintos e 33,3% de cistos ou oocistos de protozoários. Significativamente, mais amostras de alface estavam contaminadas com ovos, cistos ou oocistos de pelo menos um parasita do que as amostras de couve (U = 216; Z = -3,45; P <0,001). As formas parasitárias foram identificadas morfologicamente ao nível de família com ovos de Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae e Taeniidae ou oocistos de Eimeriidae, dos gêneros Cystoisospora sp. e Toxocara sp., e ao nível de espécies com Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum e Hymenolepis nana. A presença desses agentes infecciosos em alface e couve, provenientes tanto de feiras quanto de supermercados, ressalta o alto risco de veiculação de parasitas pela ingestão de hortaliças cruas comercializadas em Aparecida de Goiânia.

Abstract Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.