RE - Série 2, n.º 13: (2020)
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- Virulence, ligninolytic enzymes and metabolic profile of Cryphonectria parasitica virulent and hypovirulent strains Converted by CHV1 hypovirusPublication . Ouni, Omar Abdelaziz; Jorge, Lurdes; Moura, Luísa; Coelho, Valentim; Gouveia, EugéniaIntroduction: Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, causes necrotic lesions (so-called cankers) on the bark of stems and branches of susceptible host trees. Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) infects C. parasitica and reduces the fungus virulence (hypovirulence) and alters the fungus morphology in culture (pigmentation and sporulation capacity). By these characteristics, the strains with hypovirus CHV1 are used in Europe as a biological control agent of chestnut blight. Objectives: The aim of this work is to understand the effect of hypovirus on fungi virulence by comparing the production of some lignin-degrading enzymes and the metabolic profiles of some isogenic virulent and hypovirulent (converted and original) strains. Methods: The virulence of each strain was evaluated by mycelial inoculation on apple fruits (cv. Golden Delicious) and on detached, one year old, chestnut branches. To detect the activity of ligninolytic enzymes (laccases, peroxidases and cellulases), various substrates and indicator compounds were used. The metabolic profile of C. parasitica was evaluated by the Biolog FF system using 95 different carbon sources. Results: Virulent strains were found to cause more significant necrotic lesions in chestnut branches (p<0.05) and to produce larger lignin-degrading enzymes. The use of Biolog FF MicroPlates indicated that the use of 95 carbon sources five isolates of C. parasitica were significantly different (p <0.001), when the substrates were grouped into six types of chemical compounds. The highest AWCD values were obtained for carbohydrates, carboxylic acids and polymers, and the lowest values for amines/amides, amino acids and miscellaneous. Conclusions: Virulence evaluation of C. parasitica strains is important to study the hypovirulence processes mediated by the hypovirus CHV1. The detached branches of chestnut were, in our study, more suitable than apple fruits test in discriminating hypovirulent from virulent strains of C. parasitica. Virulent strains showed higher activity of acid-tannic inducible laccase (Lac3) and other lignin-degrading enzymes (LiP, MnP, and cellulase) when compared with hypovirulent ones. The results of the metabolic profiles studies may lead to new perspectives for understanding the biological process used by the hypovirus therefore, this may suggest a method for discriminating hypovirulent strains and study ecology and field fitness in this fungal strains.
- Fixed-time artificial insemination in extensive cattlePublication . Dias, Sandra; Carvalho, Joaqum; Rodrigues, João Várzea; Martins, Manuel VicenteIntroduction: Fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) is a useful tool in explorations to improve productivity, if ovulation synchronization requirements are met, related to the physical status of females and their reproductive apparatus. The protocol used allows greater success in cases of anestro, inducing cyclicity in cows or non-cyclic heifers, allowing AI at a predetermined time, dispensing with heat detection, in meat cattle in extensive system. Objetives: Improve reproductive performance in beef cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) is an important reproductive technique for the genetic improvement of production animals, as well as a strategy for synchronizing the time of childbirth in a region with periods of food shortage, in quantity and quality. Methods: Exploratory study with quantitative approach. The work carried out between March 2018 and April 2019 where 220 AI were carried out in 8 staff from the Centro and Alentejo region of different genetic bases, diagnosed with pregnancy at 40 days. Results: The gestation rate (%G) for the two years was 55.5% in 2018 (n=178) was 52.8% and 66.7% (n=42) in 2019. Conclusions: The results obtained allow predicting 55% of TG, however an assessment of risk factors involved (climate, feeding, body condition, management) may contribute to an improvement in results.
- Effects of “sargaço” extraction residues on seed germinationPublication . Sousa, Tiago; Cotas, João; Bahcevandziev, Kiril; Pereira, LeonelIntroduction: The “Sargaço” is a mixture of seaweeds that grow on the rocks of the Minho coast and the seaweeds during their development synthesize different metabolites. During the seaweed extraction process, some of these metabolites are not taken, thus not promoting the circular economy. Objectives: This work aimed to evaluate the seed germination potential of the residues discarded from aqueous extraction process of “Sargaço”. Providing a potential use to the undervalued sub product of the extraction it was used bean cv. Methods: Torino (Phaseolus vulgaris) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) seeds in assays with the following treatments of residues: control (C), “Sargaço” harvested in 2017 with (W) and without the washing process (NW), and the same for the “Sargaço” harvested in 2018 (W and NW). During the experiment, the emergence rate, the germination rate and the total weight difference, were recorded. At the end, the root and shoot length were measured as well as fresh plantlet weight. Results: In bean, the treatment with washed “Sargaço” 2018 was the only one showing seed germination (C = 60%; W2018 = 32%) beyond the control and with better results in the radicular weight than control (C= 0,0350 g; W2018= 0,299 g). In kale, only the washed “sargaço” 2017 had a germination rate like the control (C=80%, W2017=64%) and the overall weight was better (C= 0,0026 g, W2017= 0,0102 g). Conclusions: The washed residues produced the best results comparatively which is probably due to the higher salinity of the unwashed residues.
- Development and stability of an anti-aging gel with hydroalcoholic extract from Salvia SPPublication . Favero, Yonah; Silva, Laryssa Thaylle Santos da; Almeida, Daiana Santos de; Pereira, Olivia; Sousa, Maria JoãoIntroduction: The incessant search for products from nature to apply in the search for treatment, cure or even the well-being associated with the aesthetics itself, has strongly collaborated to deepen the area of study and knowledge, so as to meet the demands of the world population. Objectives: This work aimed at the development and evaluation of the stability of two gels formulations (carbopol and methylcellulose) from the incorporation of the essential oils of the species S. officinalis and S. elegans and their hydroalcoholic extract. Methods: Physicochemical stability, organoleptic gel tests, eye irritability test (HET-CAM test) and Clevenger hydrodistillation were performed to determine the oil yield and to use them as a natural preservative in the gels. Results: As significant results we have: In light cycle tests there was only a color change after 15 days. In freeze / thaw tests there was a change in carbopol gel for S. officinalis in appearance and for S. elegans in pH and appearance, whereas in methylcellulose gel in S. elegans there was only change in pH. The accelerated stability test showed alteration for both gels, in the samples containing carbopol gel there was color change and evaporation of part of the gel, while in methylcellulose the complete dehydration. Conclusions: The samples of the gels with hydroalcoholic extract of S. elegans and S. officinalis in concentrations of 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% obtained good stability according to the tests to which they were submit.
- The social representation of nursing and being nursesPublication . Novais, Sónia; Príncipe, Fernanda; Mota, LilianaIntroduction: The social representation of nursing as a science and profession has deserved the attention of the investigation in terms of understanding what the view of nurses, other health professionals, teachers or laypeople are about the profession's references or nursing care. Objetives: To understand the social representation of the Nursing discipline and profession by students and tutors of the Nursing undergraduate course. Methods: Descriptive and comparative study based in a qualitative paradigm supported by the Theory of Social Representations. Non-probabilistic convenience sample consisting of 125 nursing students and 70 tutors. Data collection using a TALP, made available through an online questionnaire. Data analysis using Iramuteq 0.7 alpha 2 software. Results: From the analysis of the social representation of Nursing and of being a nurse in students’ perspective three categories emerge: nursing discipline, care and values, with a clear balance between care and values. The tutors' discourse is strongly anchored in the evocation of caring, helping, dedication and person. Conclusions: The structure of student’s representation changes over the course because of the modeling that is established during the supervisory relationship with nurse tutors. The tutors show to have a more structured social representation than that of the students due to their professional experiences and academic background. The tutors show to have a more structured social representation than that of the students due to their professional experiences and academic background.
- Blind adolescentsPublication . Bezerra, Camilla; Pagliuca, Lorita MarlenaIntroduction: Due to the transformations that occurred in adolescence, the vagueness that accompanies it and the visual impairment, justifies a study on the experience of sexuality in this population cluster. Objectives: To identify the perceptions of visually impaired adolescents about their sexuality. Methods: Exploratory qualitative study. Five (5) adolescents from a Pedagogical Support Center in Brazil were interviewed. The questions sought to obtain knowledge and the causes of their visual impairment, family composition and guidance, affective-sexual experience, level of knowledge about issues related to sexuality, among them, about contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted diseases. Results: The participants denote lack of knowledge about contraceptive methods and STDs, however, it appears that they only have superficial information. Conclusions: The results showed that visually impaired adolescents have the same characteristics of sexual development as other girls, although they have their own characteristics. It is considered that in order to generate a health promotion culture, it is essential that knowledge is made accessible to this population group.
- Risk factors for malnutrition in older adultsPublication . Pacheco, Rita; Silva, Rosa; Costa, Tânia; Almeida, Armando; Amado, JoãoIntroduction: Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon that puts the organism through several anatomical, functional, biochemical and psychological changes with repercussions on health conditions. Malnutrition is described by several authors as a common condition in older adults. In this sense, knowing the factors that contribute to malnutrition is an important information for health professionals who care for the older adults on their daily lives. Objective: To identify the risk factors that contribute to malnutrition in the elderly. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was developed according to the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies with focus on the risk factors were searched for, with people aged ≥ 60 years old living in any setting. The critical analysis, extraction and synthesis of the results were developed by two independent researchers. Results: A total of 13 articles were included, with a total of 21568 elderly people and a predominance of women (59.6%). Of the total sample, 2349 (10.9%) were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 7796 (36.1%) as malnourished. The factors that contribute to malnutrition are several, including age, depression, cognitive deterioration, socioeconomic level, education and institutionalization. Conclusions: In this context, the need for a multidimensional and multidisciplinary intervention that responds to the health condition of the elderly is reinforced.
- Food and nutrition education tools for preschool childrenPublication . Braga-Pontes, Cátia; Custódio, Susana; Graça, PedroIntroduction: In Portugal there have been nutrition education programs aimed at children, using different instruments and methodologies. It is currently agreed that eating habits in early childhood have a strong impact on future health, being a window of opportunity for the modulation of eating habits for adult life. Nutrition education aimed at pre-school children is a very complex subject as it involves the child's development, pedagogy, and behavioral change. Objectives: To understand the development of pre-school children and describe the nutrition education instruments most used in this age as well as their possible impact on knowledge and food behaviour. Methodology: Narrative review of the literature using database search in Pubmed, ISI Web of Knowledge and the Online Knowledge Library. Results: Pre-school children need nutrition education tools that are appropriate to their cognitive abilities and that stimulate their interest. The most used nutrition education tools are food guides, children's stories, or games. Conclusions: Nutrition education instruments to be used at pre-school age should be tools for the realization of playful and meaningful moments of learning. Stories, traditional games, or digital games are thus valid instruments for this purpose and should be explored by educators to approach the topic of food.
- Dynamic changes of the pelvic floor in elite athletes of different sportsPublication . Pires, Telma; Patrícia, Pires; Moreira, Helena; Gabriel, Ronaldo; Fan, Yida; Moutinho, Osvaldo; Viana, Sara; Viana, RuiIntroduction: One of the functions of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) is to support the pelvic organs and continence. This continence mechanism tends to change when PFM are exposed to high-impact exercises. Objetives: To describe the dynamic changes in the pelvic floor (PF) in elite nulliparous athletes. Methods: Translabial two and three-dimensional ultrasound was used to assess PF anatomy and function in athletes (n=8). This ultrasonography was performed after voiding and in the supine position, using a vaginal probe. The descent of the pelvic organs was assessed on a maximum Valsalva maneuver, whilst the volume datasets were acquired at rest, during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and during a Valsalva maneuver. The athletes performed each maneuver at least 3 times, with the most effective being used for evaluation. Results: The bladder neck descent was 14 mm for the javelin thrower, being the highest value when compared to the remaining participants. Three athletes featured the rectocele (swimming, gymnastics and javelin throw) and 4 participants presented a paravaginal defect (volleyball, horsemanship, javelin throw and printer). The volleyball athlete had the highest value of the levator hiatal area in MVC value. Conclusions: The athletes present minimal differences in the evaluated parameters. The sample is small to generalize the results, but there is a tendency for athletes of high-impact exercises to have a lower CMV value. Further studies are needed to corroborate these results.