Predictors of Condom Use among College Students.

Consistent condom use is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Despite their effectiveness, condoms remain fairly well used among younger people. The conception of appropriate measures to change behaviors needs a deep understanding of the factors underlying poor adherence to condom use. This study aims to identify the predictors of condom use among college students. A cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 1946 university students, with an average age of 21 years (20.74 ± 2.32). Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a conceptual and methodological framework to understand the relationship between the predictors of condom use. An explanatory theoretical model of condom use behavior was established using path analysis. Condom use among young people is infrequent, with only 39.4% of respondents reporting consistent use. Perceived benefits, positive feelings, and interpersonal influences emerged as variables with the most explicitly positive influence on the commitment to condom use, a trend confirmed for both sexes. Commitment was the strongest predictor of condom use behavior (ß = 0.580; p < 0.001). Pender's HPM is effective in explaining the relationships between the predictors of condom use.

Magnetic Ionic Liquids: Current Achievements and Future Perspectives with a Focus on Computational Approaches.

Magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) stand out as a remarkable subclass of ionic liquids (ILs), combining the desirable features of traditional ILs with the unique ability to respond to external magnetic fields. The incorporation of paramagnetic species into their structures endows them with additional attractive features, including thermochromic behavior and luminescence. These exceptional properties position MILs as highly promising materials for diverse applications, such as gas capture, DNA extractions, and sensing technologies. The present Review synthesizes key experimental findings, offering insights into the structural, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties across various MIL families. Special emphasis is placed on unraveling the influence of different paramagnetic species on MILs' behavior and functionality. Additionally, the Review highlights recent advancements in computational approaches applied to MIL research. By leveraging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, these computational techniques have provided invaluable insights into the underlying mechanisms governing MILs' behavior, facilitating accurate property predictions. In conclusion, this Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on MILs, showcasing their special properties and potential applications while highlighting the indispensable role of computational methods in unraveling the complexities of these intriguing materials. The Review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of research in the field of magnetic ionic liquids.

Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: to understand higher education students' perceptions of sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours. METHODS: a descriptive study following a qualitative approach was conducted, using Pender's Health Promotion Model as a theoretical and methodological framework. A thematic analysis of the data obtained from different focus groups was performed. RESULTS: participants consider that factors such as communication with their sexual partner, the ability to negotiate and a positive attitude regarding condoms are positive aspects that will encourage consistent use of condom. The embarrassment felt at the time of purchase, the reduction of sexual pleasure and the growing stability of the relationship are usually seen as barriers. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the study was crucial to identify some strategies that will be considered in further health promotion programmes, namely peer education, and will help promote personal and social skills and the (re)organisation of healthcare services.

Improving the physicochemical properties of a traditional Portuguese cake - "económicos" with chestnut flour.

"Económicos" are traditional Portuguese pastry products; although their production is low-cost, their nutritional value is equally low. Since it is a widely consumed product in the Trás-os-Montes region, it is important to add value to it without making significant changes to the traditional recipe. Thus, this work has the main objective to increase the nutritional power of "económicos" through the incorporation of chestnut (Castanea sativa) fruit flour. The influence of the incorporation of 9% of chestnut flour as a new ingredient was analysed in terms of physical parameters (texture, colour, pH, water activity and moisture), nutritional content (according to the official AOAC methodology) and chemical parameters (sugars, fatty acids and organic acids) and the ability to control the microbial load over shelf life (32 days). Overall, the addition of the chestnut flour did not drastically change the appearance of the chemical and physical profiles of the cakes, but resulted in a lighter crumb (L*), slight changes in the texture profile, reduction of fat, and most importantly, introduced healthier flour to this inexpensive cake. Moreover, it did not stimulate the growth of microorganisms (total aerobic mesophiles, coliforms, Bacillus cereus, molds, and yeasts) during the 32 days of storage.

Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions / Comportamientos de riesgo en la salud sexual y reproductiva: percepciones de los estudiantes universitarios / Comportamentos de risco para a saúde sexual e reprodutiva: perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand higher education students' perceptions of sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours. Methods: a descriptive study following a qualitative approach was conducted, using Pender's Health Promotion Model as a theoretical and methodological framework. A thematic analysis of the data obtained from different focus groups was performed. Results: participants consider that factors such as communication with their sexual partner, the ability to negotiate and a positive attitude regarding condoms are positive aspects that will encourage consistent use of condom. The embarrassment felt at the time of purchase, the reduction of sexual pleasure and the growing stability of the relationship are usually seen as barriers. Final considerations: the study was crucial to identify some strategies that will be considered in further health promotion programmes, namely peer education, and will help promote personal and social skills and the (re)organisation of healthcare services.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer las percepciones de los estudiantes de educación superior sobre las conductas de riesgo en materia de salud sexual y reproductiva. Métodos: estudio descriptivo con un enfoque cualitativo utilizando el Modelo de Promoción de la Salud de Pender como marco teórico y metodológico. Se realizó un análisis temático de los datos obtenidos en los grupos focales. Resultados: una buena comunicación con la pareja sexual, la capacidad de negociación y una actitud positiva hacia el preservativo son aspectos benéficos para un uso regular del preservativo. La vergüenza que mucha gente todavía siente cuando va a comprar condones, la reducción del placer sexual y la estabilidad de la relación amorosa pueden actuar como barreras. Consideraciones Finales: se identificaron las estrategias a tener en cuenta en el diseño de los programas de promoción de la salud sexual, como la educación por pares, para promover las habilidades personales y sociales y la (re)organización de los servicios sanitarios.

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer as perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior sobre comportamentos de risco sexual e reprodutivo. Métodos: estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, usando como referencial teórico-metodológico o Modelo de Promoção da Saúde de Pender. Foi realizada uma análise temática dos dados obtidos através dos grupos focais. Resultados: os participantes consideram que fatores como a comunicação com o parceiro sexual, a capacidade de negociação e uma atitude positiva face ao uso do preservativo poderão constituir benefícios para uma utilização consistente do preservativo. Já o embaraço para comprar o preservativo, a alegada redução do prazer e a estabilidade da relação amorosa são entendidos como barreiras a esse uso consistente. Considerações finais: foram identificadas estratégias a considerar na criação de programas de promoção da saúde sexual, nomeadamente a educação pelos pares para promover competências pessoais e sociais e a (re)organização dos serviços de saúde.

Molecular dynamic study of alcohol-based deep eutectic solvents.

The applicability of deep eutectic solvents is determined by their physicochemical properties. In turn, the properties of eutectic mixtures are the result of the components' molar ratio and chemical composition. Owing to the relatively low viscosities displayed by alcohol-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs), their application in industry is more appealing. Modeling the composition-property relationships established in polyalcohol-based mixtures is crucial for both understanding and predicting their behavior. In this work, a physicochemical property-structure comparison study is made between four choline chloride polyalcohol-based DESs, namely, ethaline, propeline, propaneline, and glyceline. Physicochemical properties obtained from molecular dynamic simulations are compared to experimental data, whenever possible. The simulations cover the temperature range from 298.15 to 348.15 K. The simulated and literature experimental data are generally in good agreement for all the studied DESs. Structural properties, such as radial and spatial distribution functions, coordination numbers, hydrogen bond donor (HBD)-HBD aggregate formation, and hydrogen bonding are analyzed in detail. The higher prevalence of HBD:HBD and HBD:anion hydrogen bonds is likely to be the major reason for the relatively high density and viscosity of glyceline as well as for lower DES self-diffusions.

Searching for the Best Transthyretin Aggregation Protocol to Study Amyloid Fibril Disruption.

Several degenerative amyloid diseases, with no fully effective treatment, affect millions of people worldwide. These pathologies-amyloidoses-are known to be associated with the formation of ordered protein aggregates and highly stable and insoluble amyloid fibrils, which are deposited in multiple tissues and organs. The disruption of preformed amyloid aggregates and fibrils is one possible therapeutic strategy against amyloidosis; however, only a few compounds have been identified as possible fibril disruptors in vivo to date. To properly identify chemical compounds as potential fibril disruptors, a reliable, fast, and economic screening protocol must be developed. For this purpose, three amyloid fibril formation protocols using transthyretin (TTR), a plasma protein involved in several amyloidoses, were studied using thioflavin-T fluorescence assays, circular dichroism (CD), turbidity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in order to characterize and select the most appropriate fibril formation protocol. Saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (STD NMR) was successfully used to study the interaction of doxycycline, a known amyloid fibril disruptor, with preformed wild-type TTR (TTRwt) aggregates and fibrils. DLS and TEM were also used to characterize the effect of doxycycline on TTRwt amyloid species disaggregation. A comparison of the TTR amyloid morphology formed in different experimental conditions is also presented.

Internet influence on the biopsychosocial health of adolescents: an integratitive review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify scientific evidence on the influence of internet use on adolescents' biopsychosocial health. METHODS: Integrative review, with database search, using the descriptors "internet", "adolescent health" and "adolescent behavior". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected. RESULTS: Knowledge convergence produced for three main themes was demonstrated: "Internet exposure time and possible damages to adolescent health"; "Internet, adolescent and cyberbullying"; and "Internet as a source of information for adolescent health". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The network involves an intricate network of interactions, providing varied behaviors and attitudes that reflect on adolescent health. Therefore, it is important to articulate nursing actions with the school community and the family, in order to carry out health education.

Biocatalytic CO2 Absorption and Structural Studies of Carbonic Anhydrase under Industrially-Relevant Conditions.

The unprecedently high CO2 levels in the atmosphere evoke the urgent need for development of technologies for mitigation of its emissions. Among the alternatives, the biocatalytic route has been claimed as one of the most promising. In the present work, the carbonic anhydrase from bovine erythrocytes (BCA) was employed as a model enzyme for structural studies in an aqueous phase at alkaline pH, which is typical of large-scale absorption processes under operation. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis revealed a high enzymatic stability at pH 10 with a prominent decrease of the melting temperature above this value. The CO2 absorption capacity of the aqueous solutions were assessed by online monitoring of pressure decay in a stainless-steel cell, which indicated a better performance at pH 10 with a kinetic rate increase of up to 43%, as compared to non-biocatalytic conditions. Even low enzyme concentrations (0.2 mg g-1) proved to be sufficient to improve the overall CO2 capture process performance. The enzyme-enhanced approach of CO2 capture presents a high potential and should be further studied.

Comparison of different bread types: Chemical and physical parameters.

In this work, the chemical and physical profile of 5 different bread types (Multicereal bread, Bavaria wheat bread, Wholemeal bread, Rye and Oat bread) were analysed in depth, namely the nutritional profile, individual fatty acids and soluble sugars through GC-FID and HPLC-RI, respectively, as well as the mineral profile, including micro and macroelements. Furthermore, a texture profile analysis was carried out in addition to the measurement of the crust colour. Each bread type showed a distinct profile, with Wholemeal and Bavaria having the lowest calories, and Oat the highest. Multicereal showed the highest amount of unsaturated fatty acids, while Wholemeal and Rye scored the least sodium amounts. The hardest bread was Rye and the easiest to chew were Oat and Bavaria breads. The latter was also the one with the darkest crumb of all the analysed breads. This work shows that bread can be baked to meet the needs and particularities of various kinds of diets.

Internet influence on the biopsychosocial health of adolescents: an integratitive review / La influencia de internet en la salud biopsicosocial del adolescente:revisión integradora / A influência da internet na saúde biopsicossocial do adolescente: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify scientific evidence on the influence of internet use on adolescents' biopsychosocial health. Methods: Integrative review, with database search, using the descriptors "internet", "adolescent health" and "adolescent behavior". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected. Results: Knowledge convergence produced for three main themes was demonstrated: "Internet exposure time and possible damages to adolescent health"; "Internet, adolescent and cyberbullying"; and "Internet as a source of information for adolescent health". Final considerations: The network involves an intricate network of interactions, providing varied behaviors and attitudes that reflect on adolescent health. Therefore, it is important to articulate nursing actions with the school community and the family, in order to carry out health education.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar evidencias científicas acerca de la influencia del uso de Internet en la salud biopsicosocial del adolescente. Métodos: Revisión integradora, con investigación en bases de datos, utilizando los descriptores "internet", "salud del adolescente" y "comportamiento del adolescente". Después de la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se seleccionaron 16 artículos. Resultados: Se evidenció la convergencia del conocimiento producido para tres temas principales: "El tiempo de exposición a Internet y los posibles perjuicios a la salud del adolescente"; "Internet, el adolescente y cyberbullying"; "Internet como fuente de información para la salud adolescente". Consideraciones finales: La red involucra una intrincada trama de interacciones, propiciando comportamientos y actitudes variadas que reflejan en la salud del adolescente. Por lo tanto, es importante articular las acciones de enfermería con la comunidad escolar y la familia, con el fin de realizar educación para la salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar evidências científicas acerca da influência do uso da internet na saúde biopsicossocial do adolescente. Métodos: Revisão integrativa, com pesquisa em bases de dados, utilizando os descritores "internet", "saúde do adolescente" e "comportamento do adolescente". Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 16 artigos. Resultados: Evidenciou-se a convergência do conhecimento produzido para três temas principais: "Tempo de exposição à internet e possíveis prejuízos à saúde do adolescente"; "Internet, adolescente e cyberbullying"; "Internet como fonte de informações para saúde adolescente". Considerações finais: A rede envolve uma intricada trama de interações, propiciando comportamentos e atitudes variadas que refletem na saúde do adolescente. Logo, é importante articular as ações de enfermagem com a comunidade escolar e a família, no intuito de realizar educação em saúde.

Internet influence on the biopsychosocial health of adolescents: an integratitive review / La influencia de internet en la salud biopsicosocial del adolescente:revisión integradora / A influência da internet na saúde biopsicossocial do adolescente: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify scientific evidence on the influence of internet use on adolescents' biopsychosocial health. Methods: Integrative review, with database search, using the descriptors "internet", "adolescent health" and "adolescent behavior". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected. Results: Knowledge convergence produced for three main themes was demonstrated: "Internet exposure time and possible damages to adolescent health"; "Internet, adolescent and cyberbullying"; and "Internet as a source of information for adolescent health". Final considerations: The network involves an intricate network of interactions, providing varied behaviors and attitudes that reflect on adolescent health. Therefore, it is important to articulate nursing actions with the school community and the family, in order to carry out health education.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar evidencias científicas acerca de la influencia del uso de Internet en la salud biopsicosocial del adolescente. Métodos: Revisión integradora, con investigación en bases de datos, utilizando los descriptores "internet", "salud del adolescente" y "comportamiento del adolescente". Después de la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se seleccionaron 16 artículos. Resultados: Se evidenció la convergencia del conocimiento producido para tres temas principales: "El tiempo de exposición a Internet y los posibles perjuicios a la salud del adolescente"; "Internet, el adolescente y cyberbullying"; "Internet como fuente de información para la salud adolescente". Consideraciones finales: La red involucra una intrincada trama de interacciones, propiciando comportamientos y actitudes variadas que reflejan en la salud del adolescente. Por lo tanto, es importante articular las acciones de enfermería con la comunidad escolar y la familia, con el fin de realizar educación para la salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar evidências científicas acerca da influência do uso da internet na saúde biopsicossocial do adolescente. Métodos: Revisão integrativa, com pesquisa em bases de dados, utilizando os descritores "internet", "saúde do adolescente" e "comportamento do adolescente". Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 16 artigos. Resultados: Evidenciou-se a convergência do conhecimento produzido para três temas principais: "Tempo de exposição à internet e possíveis prejuízos à saúde do adolescente"; "Internet, adolescente e cyberbullying"; "Internet como fonte de informações para saúde adolescente". Considerações finais: A rede envolve uma intricada trama de interações, propiciando comportamentos e atitudes variadas que refletem na saúde do adolescente. Logo, é importante articular as ações de enfermagem com a comunidade escolar e a família, no intuito de realizar educação em saúde.

Contraceptive behavior of Portuguese higher education students.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the contraceptive practices of higher education students and to identify factors that contribute to the use of different contraceptive methods. METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was carried out with a sample of 1946 students, with a mean age of 21 years (20.74±2.32), who attended courses at a University in the North of Portugal. RESULTS: Of the factors studied, the female gender, younger ages, previous behavior of condom use, knowledge about contraception, attitude and self-efficacy for condom use were associated with safer contraceptive choices. CONCLUSION: Investing in sexual education for young people is an important public health strategy that can empower youth to make more appropriate choices and improve adherence to contraceptive methods, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Influence of the anion on the properties of ionic liquid mixtures: a molecular dynamics study.

Mixing of ionic liquids provides new opportunities for their tuning, enabling the applications of ionic liquid mixtures to expand. At the same time, the genesis of the fundamental properties of ionic liquid mixtures is still poorly understood. In this study we carried out a molecular dynamics simulation of binary mixtures of 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(perfluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate ([C4mim][PF6] + [C4mim][NTf2], [C4mim][PF6] + [C4mim][FAP], [C4mim][FAP] + [C4mim][NTf2]) in a wide concentration range at 303.15 K and complemented it with quantum mechanical calculations. Three pure ionic liquids underwent the same kind of analysis for comparison purposes. We found that the addition of the [FAP]--anion to a mixture enhances the segregation of non-polar domains and weakens the hydrogen-bond network. The H-bonds in the studied mixtures are rather weak, as follows from QTAIM analysis, with the rarest occurrence for the [FAP]--anion. The competition of two anions in the mixtures for the most acidic hydrogen of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation is reported. In most of the cases, the smaller anion ([PF6]- or [NTf2]-) with stronger charge concentration displaces the bigger one ([NTf2]- or [FAP]-) from the preferred coordination site. The existing nano-segregation in some mixtures notably slows down ion diffusion. Our results show that the differences in anion size, shape and nature are the main reasons for nano-segregation and the non-ideal behavior of ionic liquid mixtures.

(R)-Metacycloprodigiosin-HCl: Chiroptical properties and structure.

(R)-Metacycloprodigiosin can exist in three different tautomeric forms, each with hydrogens at C9' and C12 in syn or anti orientation. With the addition of HCl, this structural diversity reduces to syn-(R)-metacycloprodigiosin-HCl (1a) and anti-(R)-metacycloprodigiosin-HCl (1b), each with multiple conformers. Energetics and chiroptical properties, namely, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and specific optical rotation (SOR), of (R)-metacycloprodigiosin-HCl have been investigated at B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The experimental ECD spectra of (R)-metacycloprodigiosin-HCl have also been measured. Calculations indicated that the lowest energy conformer of 1b is approximately 2.7 kcal/mol lower in energy than that of 1a, and the energy barrier for anti to syn conversion is approximately 13 kcal/mol. The population weighted calculated SORs of 1a and 1b are, respectively, positive and negative. The respective calculated ECD spectra of these pseudoenantiomers show an almost mirror image relationship between them. The experimental SOR and ECD compare well with those predicted for 1b. Thus, 1b is expected to be predominant, a situation confirmed also by nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) data, with a similar conclusion reached for prodigiosin R1.

Contraceptive behavior of Portuguese higher education students / Comportamiento anticonceptivo de estudiantes portugueses en la educación superior / Comportamentos contraceptivos de estudantes portugueses do ensino superior

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the contraceptive practices of higher education students and to identify factors that contribute to the use of different contraceptive methods. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was carried out with a sample of 1946 students, with a mean age of 21 years (20.74±2.32), who attended courses at a University in the North of Portugal. Results: Of the factors studied, the female gender, younger ages, previous behavior of condom use, knowledge about contraception, attitude and self-efficacy for condom use were associated with safer contraceptive choices. Conclusion: Investing in sexual education for young people is an important public health strategy that can empower youth to make more appropriate choices and improve adherence to contraceptive methods, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar las prácticas anticonceptivas de los estudiantes de educación superior e identificar los factores que contribuyen a la utilización de diferentes métodos anticonceptivos. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo correlacional, en una muestra de 1.946 estudiantes, con edad promedio de 21 años (20,74±2,32), frecuentadores de cursos de una Universidad del norte de Portugal. Resultados: De los factores estudiados, el género femenino, la edad menor, el comportamiento anterior de uso del preservativo, el conocimiento sobre anticoncepción, la actitud y la auto-eficiencia para usar el preservativo estaban asociados a las alternativas anticonceptivas más seguras. Conclusión: Invertir en la educación sexual de los jóvenes adultos es una estrategia de salud pública importante, que puede potenciar elecciones más adecuadas y mejorar la adhesión a la anticoncepción, disminuyendo el riesgo de embarazos indeseados y de infecciones sexualmente transmisibles.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar as práticas contraceptivas de estudantes do ensino superior e identificar fatores que contribuem para a utilização dos diferentes métodos contraceptivos. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo-correlacional, numa amostra de 1946 estudantes, com idade média de 21 anos (20,74±2,32), que frequentavam cursos de uma Universidade do norte de Portugal. Resultados: Dos fatores estudados, o gênero feminino, as idades mais novas, o comportamento anterior de usar o preservativo, o conhecimento sobre contracepção, a atitude e autoeficácia para usar o preservativo estiveram associados a escolhas contraceptivas mais seguras. Conclusão: Investir na educação sexual dos jovens adultos é uma importante estratégia de saúde pública, que pode potenciar escolhas mais adequadas e melhorar adesão à contracepção, diminuindo o risco de gravidez indesejada e de infeções sexualmente transmissíveis.

New Force Field Model for Propylene Glycol: Insight to Local Structure and Dynamics.

In this work we developed a new force field model (FFM) for propylene glycol (PG) based on the OPLS all-atom potential. The OPLS potential was refined using quantum chemical calculations, taking into account the densities and self-diffusion coefficients. The validation of this new FFM was carried out based on a wide range of physicochemical properties, such as density, enthalpy of vaporization, self-diffusion coefficients, isothermal compressibility, surface tension, and shear viscosity. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed over a large range of temperatures (293.15-373.15 K). The comparison with other force field models, such as OPLS, CHARMM27, and GAFF, revealed a large improvement of the results, allowing a better agreement with experimental data. Specific structural properties (radial distribution functions, hydrogen bonding and spatial distribution functions) were then analyzed in order to support the adequacy of the proposed FFM. Pure propylene glycol forms a continuous phase, displaying no microstructures. It is shown that the developed FFM gives rise to suitable results not only for pure propylene glycol but also for mixtures by testing its behavior for a 50 mol % aqueous propylene glycol solution. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the addition of water to the PG phase produces a homogeneous solution and that the hydration interactions prevail over the propylene glycol self-association interactions.

Adaptaçao portuguesa e validaçao da versao reduzida da Condom Use Self-efficacy Scale / Portuguese adaptation and validation of the brief version of Condom Use Self-efficacy Scale

Introdução. O preservativo é o método mais eficaz na prevenção de infeções sexualmente transmissíveis. É reconhecido o papel da autoeficácia na predição de comportamentos de saúde e a autoeficácia para usar preservativo tem‐se mostrado um constructo‐chave relacionado com o uso efetivo do preservativo. Objetivos. Proceder à adaptação e validação da versão reduzida da Condom Use Self‐efficacy Scale (CUSES) para estudantes do ensino superior português. Material e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, descritivo‐correlacional numa amostra de conveniência de 1.946 estudantes do ensino superior, 64% raparigas e 36% rapazes, com idade média de 21 anos (20,74±2,32). Resultados. A análise das características psicométricas da escala foi avaliada com recurso à análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) e confirmatória (AFC), realizada em 2 subgrupos aleatorizados da amostra inicial. Os resultados da AFE revelaram uma estrutura com 4 fatores, semelhante à escala original, que explicam 70,6% da variância e uma boa consistência interna (alpha=0,86). A AFC revelou a necessidade de ajustamento do modelo aos dados, apresentando o modelo modificado índices aceitáveis de ajustamento. A versão modificada revelou valores adequados de fiabilidade, validade fatorial e validade concorrente e discriminante. Conclusões. As propriedades psicométricas avaliadas permitem considerar a utilização deste instrumento no desenvolvimento de programas de saúde sexual e reprodutiva para estudantes do ensino superior português, pois permite determinar os domínios relevantes da perceção da autoeficácia para usar o preservativo (AU)

Introduction. Condoms are the most effective method to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The role of self‐efficacy in predicting health behaviors and self‐efficacy to use condoms has been shown to be a key related construct to the effective use of condoms. Objectives. Adaptation and validation of the reduced version of Condom Use Self‐efficacy Scale (CUSES) for Portuguese college students. Material and methods. We conducted a quantitative, descriptive and correlational in a convenience sample of 1946 university students study, 64% girls and 36% boys, mean age 21 years (20.74±2.32). Results. The analysis of the psychometric characteristics of the scale was carried using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (EFC), held in 2 randomized subgroups of the original sample. The results of EFA revealed a structure with four factors, which explains 70.6% of variance and have a good values of internal consistency (alpha=0.86). The AFC revealed the need to adjust the model to the data, presenting acceptable levels of adjustment. The modified version had good reliability, factorial validity and concurrent and discriminant validity. Conclusions. The psychometric properties assessed allow considering the use of this instrument in the development of sexual and reproductive health programs for students of Portuguese higher education as it allows determining the relevant fields of self‐efficacy perception to use condom (AU)

Promoção de saúde bucal e síndrome de Down: inclusão e qualidade de vida por meio da extensão universitária / Oral health promotion and Down's syndrome: inclusion and quality of life through university extension

A prevenção é essencial para o estabelecimento de saúde bucal dos pacientes, principalmente quando relacionada aos indivíduos com deficiência, como os pacientes com Síndrome de Down (SD). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as percepções de pais e/ou responsáveis sobre a saúde bucal e em seguida formular um manual sobre escovação dentária, além de encontrar recursos lúdicos de manejo comportamental para o paciente com SD. Com os participantes com SD foram realizadas oficinas de arte e outras atividades lúdicas com caráter de educação em saúde. Participaram do estudo 15 pacientes com SD com idade entre 3 e 16 anos, com seus respectivos pais/cuidadores da Associação de Pais e Amigos das Pessoas com SD de Lençóis Paulista - SP (Brasil). Observou-se que ainda grande parte dos pais desconhece quais doenças acometem a cavidade bucal dos pacientes com SD e como isso afetam sua saúde sistêmica. Constatou-se que os participantes com SD aceitaram e adotaram de maneira mais efetiva as instruções de higiene bucal por meio da música fortalecendo o vínculo paciente-profissional. Portanto, atividades de extensão para essa parcela da população são fundamentais para promoção de saúde bucal, inclusão social e qualidade de vida dos mesmos.(AU)

Prevention in dentistry is essential for oral health promotion, especially when is related to special care patients, including Down´s syndrome patients (DS). The present study aims to identify the parents' perceptions concerning oral health, and then, create a manual about tooth brushing. In addition, this study aims to create behavioral management approaches, performing art workshops and recreational activities about health education for patients with DS. The study included 15 individuals with DS aged 3-16 years with their parents/caregivers of the Association of Parents and Friends of Down's syndrome patients in Lençóis Paulista - SP (Brazil). It was observed that most of the parents still unknown diseases in the oral cavity of patients with DS and how it affects your systemic health. It was verified that participants with DS accepted and adopted more effectively instructions of oral hygiene using music approaches, optimizing patient-professional relationship. Therefore, extra clinical activities to those special needs patients are essential for oral health promotion, social inclusion and quality of life.(AU)

Improved Force Field Model for the Deep Eutectic Solvent Ethaline: Reliable Physicochemical Properties.

In this work, we combined various parameters found in the literature for the choline cation, chloride anion, and ethylene glycol to set up force field models (FFMs) for a eutectic mixture, namely, ethaline (1:2 choline chloride/ethylene glycol (ChCl:2EG)). The validation of these models was carried out on the basis of physical and chemical properties, such as the density, expansion coefficient, enthalpy of vaporization, self-diffusion coefficients, isothermal compressibility, surface tension, and shear viscosity. After the initial evaluation of the FFMs, a refinement was found necessary and accomplished by taking into account polarization effects in a mean-field manner. This was achieved by rescaling the electrostatic charges of the ions based on partial charges derived from ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the bulk system. Classical all-atom MD simulations performed over a large range of temperatures (298.15-373.15 K) using the refined FFMs clearly showed improved results, allowing a better prediction of experimental properties. Specific structural properties (radial distribution functions and hydrogen bonding) were then analyzed in order to support the adequacy of the proposed refinement. The final selected FFM leads to excellent agreement between simulated and experimental data on dynamic and structural properties. Moreover, compared to the previously reported force field model (Perkins, S. L.; Painter, P.; Colina, C. M. Experimental and Computational Studies of Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents. J. Chem. Eng. Data 2014, 59, 3652-3662), a 10% improvement in simulated transport properties, i.e., self-diffusion coefficients, was achieved. The isothermal compressibility, surface tension, and shear viscosity for ethaline are accessed in MD simulations for the first time.