Tornar-se adulto na Casa 5: promover a autonomia individual em Apartamento de Autonomização

Na ausência de uma retaguarda familiar capaz de se constituir como uma rede de segurança e apoio ao desenvolvimento integral de adolescentes com medida de promoção e proteção, o Apartamento de Autonomização oferece um espaço no qual os jovens podem treinar competências que lhes assegurem um futuro autónomo e minimizem os riscos de exclusão social. Esta resposta social propõe-se preparar adolescentes, em transição para a adultez juvenil, para a conquista da responsabilidade de se autoprotegerem, de cuidarem de si próprios e de assumirem a sua identidade perante os outros. Todavia, um projeto de Autonomização de Vida revela-se um desafio, não apenas para os jovens, como também para as famílias e para os profissionais que com eles trabalham. Foram, precisamente, as dificuldades inerentes à Autonomização de Vida em contexto institucional que motivaram o desenvolvimento de um projeto em educação e intervenção social promotor da eficiência dessa resposta social em termos de promoção da autonomia e da transição bem-sucedida para a vida adulta. O presente relatório constitui, assim, um olhar retrospetivo sobre o Projeto “Tornar-se Adulto na Casa 5”, o qual, através da metodologia de Investigação-Ação Participativa, visou alcançar a finalidade proposta pelos participantes: “Promover uma autonomia plena dos jovens da Casa 5, com vista à transição bem-sucedida para a vida adulta após o término da medida de promoção e proteção”. Ainda que os resultados obtidos tenham sido moderadamente satisfatórios, o Projeto terá contribuído para o desenvolvimento de uma consciencialização mais crítica acerca das oportunidades e dos constrangimentos ao desenvolvimento da Autonomia, favorecendo, desejavelmente, a transição para vida adulta após a desinstitucionalização.

Description of an injury in a human caused by a false tocandira (Dinoponera gigantea, Perty, 1833) with a revision on folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects of the giant ants of the genera Paraponera and Dinoponera (sub-family Ponerinae)

The authors observed an injury caused by the sting of a false tocandira ant in the hand of an amateur fisherman and they describe the clinical findings and the evolution of the envenoming, which presented an acute and violent pain, cold sweating, nausea, a vomiting episode, malaise, tachycardia and left axillary's lymphadenopathy. About three hours after the accident, still feeling intense pain in the place of the sting, he presented an episode of great amount of blood in the feces with no history of digestive, hematological or vascular problems. The intense pain decreased after eight hours, but the place stayed moderately painful for about 24 hours. In that moment, he presented small grade of local edema and erythema. The authors still present the folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects related to the tocandiras stings, a very interesting family of ants, which presents the largest and more venomous ants of the world.

Abstract Timers and their Implementation onto the ARM Cor tex-M family of MCUs

Presented at Embed with Linux Workshop (EWiLi 2015). 4 to 9, Oct, 2015. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. A Report of 4 Cases Occurring in One Family

We describe slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 4 members of a black, obese family, who were all first-degree relatives. The aetiology of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is unknown, although it is thought to be multifactorial. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors have been associated with the condition. A familial incidence with at least two cases in the same family has been reported. In epidemiological studies, this incidence ranges from 3% to 35%. Our cases were investigated in an attempt to find a possible aetiological genetic factor. A genetic predisposition with an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission is suggested, although environmental variables must be considered as provocative factors.

Feasibility and acceptability of an exergame intervention for schizophrenia

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an exergame intervention as a tool to promote physical activity in outpatients with schizophrenia. Design Feasibility/Acceptability Study and Quasi-Experimental Trial. Method Sixteen outpatients with schizophrenia received treatment as usual and they all completed an 8-week exergame intervention using Microsoft Kinect® (20 min sessions, biweekly). Participants completed pre and post treatment assessments regarding functional mobility (Timed Up and Go Test), functional fitness performance (Senior Fitness Test), motor neurological soft signs (Brief Motor Scale), hand grip strength (digital dynamometer), static balance (force plate), speed of processing (Trail Making Test), schizophrenia-related symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and functioning (Personal and Social Performance Scale). The EG group completed an acceptability questionnaire after the intervention. Results Attrition rate was 18.75% and 69.23% of the participants completed the intervention within the proposed schedule. Baseline clinical traits were not related to game performance indicators. Over 90% of the participants rated the intervention as satisfactory and interactive. Most participants (76.9%) agreed that this intervention promotes healthier lifestyles and is an acceptable alternative to perform physical activity. Repeated-measures MANOVA analyses found no significant multivariate effects for combined outcomes. Conclusion This study established the feasibility and acceptability of an exergame intervention for outpatients with schizophrenia. The intervention proved to be an appealing alternative to physical activity. Future trials should include larger sample sizes, explore patients' adherence to home-based exergames and consider greater intervention dosage (length, session duration, and/or frequency) in order to achieve potential effects.

HIV Voluntary Testing among Portuguese Women Attending Family Planning Clinics: Implications for HIV Prevention Education and Testing

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyze the factors associated with HIV testing among 767 sexually active women. Methods: Participants were administered several self-report questionnaires that assessed behavioral and psychosocial measures. Results: Overall, 59.8% of the participants reported ever having tested for HIV. Results show that higher levels of education, being pregnant or having been pregnant, concern about AIDS, AIDS knowledge, self-efficacy in condom negotiation and perception of no risk in partner significantly predicted the likelihood of testing among women. Attending the mass was negatively associated with HIV testing. Conclusions: These findings provide information that can be used in the development of a focused gender sensitive HIV prevention program to increase HIV testing.

Predictors of consistent condom use among Portuguese women attending family planning clinics

Women account for 30% of all AIDS cases reported to the Health Ministry in Portugal and most infections are acquired through unprotected heterosexual sex with infected partners. This study analyzed socio-demographic and psychosocial predictors of consistent condom use and the role of education as a moderator variable among Portuguese women attending family planning clinics. A cross-sectional study using interviewer-administered fully structured questionnaires was conducted among 767 sexually active women (ages 18–65). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between consistent condom use and the predictor variables. Overall, 78.7% of the women were inconsistent condom users. The results showed that consistent condom use was predicted by marital status (being not married), having greater perceptions of condom negotiation self-efficacy, having preparatory safer sexual behaviors, and not using condoms only when practicing abstinence. Living with a partner and having lack of risk perception significantly predicted inconsistent condom use. Less educated women were less likely to use condoms even when they perceive being at risk. The full model explained 53% of the variance in consistent condom use. This study emphasizes the need for implementing effective prevention interventions in this population showing the importance of taking education into consideration.

A Communication Intervention for Training Southern European Oncologists to Recognize Psychosocial Morbidity in Cancer. I - Development of the Model and Preliminary Results on Physicians' Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: The detection of psychosocial distress is a significant communication problem in Southern Europe and other countries. Work in this area is hampered by a lack of data. Because not much is known about training aimed at improving the recognition of psychosocial disorders in cancer patients, we developed a basic course model for medical oncology professionals. METHODS: A specific educational and experiential model (12 hours divided into 2 modules) involving formal teaching (ie, journal articles, large-group presentations), practice in small groups (ie, small-group exercises and role playing), and discussion in large groups was developed with the aim of improving the ability of oncologists to detect emotional disturbances in cancer patients (ie, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders). RESULTS: A total of 30 oncologists from 3 Southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) participated in the workshop. The training course was well accepted by most participants who expressed general satisfaction and a positive subjective perception of the utility of the course for clinical practice. Of the total participants, 28 physicians (93.3%) thought that had they been exposed to this material sooner, they would have incorporated the techniques received in the workshop into their practices; 2 participants stated they would likely have done so. Half of the doctors (n = 15) believed that their clinical communication techniques were improved by participating in the workshop, and the remaining half thought that their abilities to communicate with cancer patients had improved. CONCLUSIONS: This model is a feasible approach for oncologists and is easily applicable to various oncology settings. Further studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of this method for improving oncologists skills in recognizing emotional disorders in their patients with cancer.

Mudar o mundo uma (sala de) aula de cada vez

O relatório de estágio que aqui se apresenta insere-se na unidade curricular de Integração Curricular: Prática Educativa e Relatório de Estágio, do ciclo de estudos do Mestrado em Ensino do 1º e 2º Ciclo do Ensino Básico. Tem como objetivo dar a conhecer, de forma refletida e fundamentada, o percurso realizado pela mestranda no âmbito da sua intervenção educativa em contexto de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada. No presente relatório procura-se demonstrar as aprendizagens realizadas ao longo da formação académica da mestranda e decorrentes dos momentos vividos nas escolas onde realizou a PES. A importância de uma boa relação escola-família, a importância e a dificuldade da diferenciação pedagógica e de uma equilibrada relação professor-aluno foram algumas das temáticas que a professora estagiária achou fundamental aprofundar depois dos momentos vividos nas escolas. Apesar destas vivências terem sido fundamentais no crescimento e aprendizagem da mestranda, o seu percurso já se vem a contruir há muitos anos pois, apesar de ser professora não ter sido um sonho de criança, ensinar foi algo que esteve sempre presente dentro de si, mesmo sem se aperceber. Olhando para trás, é possível perceber que existiram vários indícios de paixão pelo ensino, ainda que a mestranda não os tenha relacionado à profissão de professor, tendo sido esses a conduzir a mestranda ao caminho que realmente a faz feliz: SER PROFESSORA.

Viver sem Medo - Projeto de Intervenção com um Grupo de Mulheres em situação de Vulnerabilidade Social

O presente relatório, fundamentado teoricamente, surge do desenvolvimento de um projeto de Educação e Intervenção Social com um grupo de Mulheres, denominado “Mais Valentes”, participantes no Projeto EntrEscolhas – Geração D’Ouro, com base na metodologia de investigaçãoação participativa, inserida no paradigma socio-crítico. O Projeto “Viver sem medo” foi desenvolvido a partir da finalidade de capacitar as mulheres do Grupo Mais Valentes para a tomada de decisão sobre os seus percursos de vida, tendo em conta o seu papel nas diferentes esferas da sociedade e, essencialmente, na família. Neste sentido, recorreram-se a técnicas e métodos de investigação que permitiram a construção do conhecimento sobre o grupo e cada uma das suas participantes, identificando-se problemas, necessidades, potencialidades e objetivos que pudessem responder aos anteriores. Ao longo do relatório é apresentada a construção do conhecimento sobre a realidade e o desenho e desenvolvimento do projeto concretizado conjuntamente com as participantes e, ainda, com contributos do e das Profissionais do Projeto EntrEscolhas – Geração D’Ouro. Neste sentido, foram realizados Encontros semanais com o grupo “Mais Valentes” e, posteriormente, ações com o objetivo de proporcionar a reflexão sobre os papéis sociais e familiares de género, o desenvolvimento de competências de literacia escolar e social e com vista à promoção de um melhor relacionamento interpessoal que permita a partilha e o diálogo. Por forma a avaliar todo o processo, recorreu-se ao modelo de avaliação CIPP, no sentido de se obter uma visão integral de todo o Projeto “Viver sem medo” e, assim, conseguir concretizar uma avaliação sistemática e contínua do mesmo, com base nas vivências de participação no projeto e opiniões das Mulheres e, assim, se possibilitar as mudanças desejadas, num clima de confiança e apoio mútuo.

Cortisol and Anxiety Response to a Relaxing Intervention on Pregnant Women Awaiting Amniocentesis

Background: Stress and anxiety during pregnancy have been associated with premature and low birth weight babies, presumably through fetus over exposion to glucocorticoids. Antenatal stress also seems to have long-term effects upon infant development and adult health. However, medication for stress may carry risks to the expectant mother, therefore the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions should be investigated. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 154) awaiting amniocentesis, were randomly assigned in the morning and the afternoon to three groups for 30 min: (1) listening to relaxing music, (2) sitting and reading magazines, and (3) sitting in the waiting-room. Before and after that period, they completed the Spielberger’s State and Trait anxiety inventory and provided blood samples for cortisol. The groups were then compared regarding change in cortisol levels and anxiety. Results: Maternal cortisol and state anxiety were correlated (r = 0.25, p = 0.04) in the afternoon, but not in the morning. The larger decreases in cortisol occurred in the music group ( 61.8 nmol/L, ANOVA: p = 0.01), followed by magazine, being differences among groups more pronounced in the morning. Women in the music group also exhibited the greater decreases in state anxiety ( p < 0.001). Younger mothers with less gestational age were on average the most anxious, and also the ones with greater decreases in cortisol and anxiety levels after relaxation. Conclusion: A relaxing intervention as short as 30 min, especially listening to music, decreases plasma cortisol and self-reported state anxiety score. Pregnant women might benefit from the routine practice of relaxation in the imminence of clinical stressful events.

CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS TO CONTROL LEPROSY AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BRAZIL: A PRIMER FOR NON-EPIDEMIOLOGISTS

The occurrence of leprosy has decreased in the world but the perspective of its elimination has been questioned. A proposed control measure is the use of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PEP) among contacts, but there are still questions about its operational aspects. In this text we discuss the evidence available in literature, explain some concepts in epidemiology commonly used in the research on this topic, analyze the appropriateness of implementing PEP in the context of Brazil, and answer a set of key questions. We argue some points: (1) the number of contacts that need to receive PEP in order to prevent one additional case of disease is not easy to be generalized from the studies; (2) areas covered by the family health program are the priority settings where PEP could be implemented; (3) there is no need for a second dose; (4) risk for drug resistance seems to be very small; (5) the usefulness of a serological test to identify a higher risk group of individuals among contacts is questionable. Given that, we recommend that, if it is decided to start PEP in Brazil, it should start on a small scale and, as new evidence can be generated in terms of feasibility, sustainability and impact, it could move up a scale, or not, for a wider intervention.

Nitrite reduction by xanthine oxidase family enzymes: a new class of nitrite reductases

J Biol Inorg Chem (2011) 16:443–460 DOI 10.1007/s00775-010-0741-z

X-ray crystal structure and EPR spectra of "arsenite-inhibited" Desulfovibriogigas aldehyde dehydrogenase: a member of the xanthine oxidase family

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126 (28), pp 8614–8615 DOI: 10.1021/ja0490222

Prognostic Value of VEGF in Patients Submitted to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We examined the longitudinal changes of VEGF levels after percutaneous coronary intervention for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. VEGF was measured in 94 CAD patients' serum before revascularization, 1-month and 1-year after. Independently of clinical presentation, patients had lower VEGF concentration than a cohort of healthy subjects (median, IQ: 15.9, 9.0-264 pg/mL versus 419, 212-758 pg/mL; P < 0.001) at baseline. VEGF increased to 1-month (median, IQ: 276, 167-498 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and remained steady to 1-year (median, IQ: 320, 173-497 pg/mL; P < 0.001) approaching control levels. Drug eluting stent apposition and previous medication intake produced a less steep VEGF evolution after intervention (P < 0.05). Baseline VEGF concentration <40.8 pg/mL conveyed increased risk for MACE in a 5-year follow-up. Results reflect a positive role of VEGF in recovery and support its importance in CAD prognosis.