HIV Diagnosis in the Context of Stable Relationships: A Qualitative Study With Women Living in Portugal.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the acceptance of HIV diagnosis of women in stable relationships. Based on eight semistructured interviews with cisgender Portuguese women, thematic analysis identified four interrelated themes that illustrated the emotional and psychosocial dynamics involved in this journey. Following an HIV diagnosis, participants grappled with complex emotions, societal perceptions, and the internalization of stigma. Marital relationships underwent profound changes, with trust breakdown and emotional distancing. Coping mechanisms ranged from seeking support to living in secrecy, which impacted psychological well-being. Acceptance of HIV diagnosis is influenced by self-stigmatization, societal perceptions of HIV, and gender dynamics. The findings contribute to the development of tailored interventions, emphasizing the interconnected nature of physical and psychological well-being in the diagnosis acceptance process.

Recriando a vida a partir do clown: um estudo com idosos em um centro de convivência em Portugal / Recreating life through clown: a study with seniors at a social center in Portugal

O presente artigo visa apresentar parte de uma investigação empírica que teve como objetivo: verificar de que forma um processo de criação do clown aplicado com idosos pode contribuir para o bem-estar e a vida com qualidade. Orientando-se com base em uma abordagem qualitativa, foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação com um grupo de idosos residentes em um centro para o convívio de idosos na cidade do Porto/Portugal. Desse modo, foi realizado um conjunto de atividades com os idosos: atividades de relaxamento; atividades corporais; e atividades de expressão corporal. O que contribuiu para uma maior vitalidade corporal, aquisição de uma maior desenvoltura dos movimentos, mais segurança em relação ao próprio corpo, mais independência pessoal, e uma melhor respiração, interação, criação, comunicação e desinibição corporal. Assim gerando impactos no seu bem-estar e para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos idosos em questão.

This article aims to present part of an empirical investigation that aimed to: verify how a clown creation process applied to the elderly can contribute to well-being and quality of life. In this sense, guided by a qualitative approach, an action-research was carried out with a group of elderly residents in a center for the conviviality of the elderly in the city of Porto/Portugal. Thus,a set of activities was carried out with the elderly: relaxation activities; bodily activities; and body expression activities. This contributed to greater bodily vitality, acquisition of greater ease of movement, greater security in relation to one's own body, greater personal independence, and better breathing, interaction, creation, communication and bodily disinhibition. Thus, generating impacts on their well-being and improving the quality of life of the elderly in question.

Molecular and serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is an infection of vast worldwide distribution whose etiologic agent is Toxoplasma gondii. This disease can cause problems ranging from mild symptoms to serious conditions, such as encephalitis, miscarriage and blindness. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to perform a diagnosis with reproducible techniques in order to obtain a good prognosis. The aim of this review was to analyze the efficiency of toxoplasmosis diagnostic techniques based on sensitivity and specificity results. Five research platforms in English language were used (Eric, Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO), which contained data on the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The search and selection were performed for studies published prior to June 2021. The search resulted in the inclusion of 13 articles published from 2005 to 2020. The data revealed the use of different samples in the standardization of techniques such as serum, total blood, colostrum and amniotic fluid. The flow cytometry, lateral flow immunoassay and qPCR techniques showed 100% sensitivity, whereas the ELISA, western blotting, qPCR and RE-LAMP techniques achieved 100% specificity. Significantly, the qPCR and LAMP techniques were more accurate when the likelihood ratio was assessed. The meta-analysis identified that ISAGA and western blotting have low sensitivity values and LIASON, ELFA and ELISA, using a silica bioconjugate, also have low specificity values. It was noted that a wide range of methods have high values of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the choice of the method will be based on the conditions and its financial viability.

Occurrence of potentially highly pathogenic free-living amoebae in ready made salads from restaurants in Jatai, Goias, Brazil

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are part of a group of protozoa found worldwide and in the most diverse environments. They resist various temperatures and disinfection methods, and are a risk to human health. Pathogenic strains grow at high temperatures and under hyperosmolarity conditions. Some FLA genera are mainly related to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), skin ulcerations, corneal lesions, kidney and lung infections and keratitis. Therefore, studies that assess the pathogenic potential of FLA are public health issues of great concern. We aimed to evaluate the pathogenic potential of FLA isolated in salads from restaurants in vitro, using osmotolerance and thermotolerance tests. Forty-five isolates were used from ready-made salads purchased in restaurants in Jatai, Goias. Twelve isolates subjected to the osmotolerance test (26.6%) showed growth in 0.5 M mannitol, 18 (40.0%) in 1.0 M mannitol and 16 (35.5%) in 1.5 M mannitol, 13 (28.8%) isolates did not show growth. Four isolates that underwent the thermotolerance test (8.9%) showed growth at 25°C, 8 (17.8%) showed growth at 30°C, 3 (6.7%) showed growth at 37°C and 30 (66.7%) did not show growth. With the indices obtained in the present study, we concluded that 15.6% of the isolates were osmotolerant and thermotolerant. Our findings highlight a public health problem once these FLA are associated with harboring or being harbored by microorganisms responsible for diseases such as diarrhea and meningitis. Measures are required to improve food hygiene and so avoid FLA-related health problems.

Ócio, lazer e tempo livre das velhices em quarentena: perspectivas psicossociais de um estudo brasileiro / Leisures and free time of the old ages in quarantine: psychosocial perspectives of a brazilian study

O presente estudo buscou identificar significados atribuídos pelos idosos brasileiros ao tempo vivido na quarentena decorrente da pandemia de COVID-19. A partir de um levantamento nacional, de abordagem multimétodos, 276 idosos responderam a um questionário online, analisado a partir de estatística descritiva no SPSS e análise textual no IRaMuTeQ. Os resultados organizaram-se em três classes de evocações sobre a percepção do tempo na quarentena: Reações negativas na quarentena; Precauções e cuidados durante a quarentena; e Reações positivas na quarentena. Tais categorias nos levam a observar apreensões pouco associadas ao tempo livre, ao lazer e ao ócio, e permeadas por sensações desde angústias à apreensão de um olhar solidário para o próximo.

The present study aimed to identify meanings attributed by elderly Brazilians to the time lived in the quarantine resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. From a national survey, with a multi-method approach, 276 elderly people answered an online questionnaire, analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and textual analysis in IRaMuTeQ. The results were organized in three classes of evocations about the perception of time in the quarantine: Negative reactions in the quarantine; Precautions and care during quarantine; and Positive reactions in the quarantine. Such categories lead us to observe apprehensions little associated with free time and leisures, but permeated by sensations ranging from anguish to the apprehension of a sympathetic look at others.

Peaceful Warrior (2006), de Dan Millman: perspectivas existenciais na contemporaneidade / Peaceful Warrior (2006), by Dan Millman: contemporary existential perspectives / Peaceful Warrior (2006), de Dan Millman: perspectivas existenciales en la contemporaneidad

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir acerca de valores e necessidades existenciais que atravessam o ser humano na atualidade de apressamentos, de consumismos exacerbados e da busca por prazeres efêmeros que vêm produzindo a sensação de vazio existencial. Tal vazio estabelece também a necessidade da busca de sentido de vida. Para este artigo, foi tomado como material de análise a narrativa do filme Peaceful Warrior (2006); optou-se por uma investigação qualitativa, na qual foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico e se utilizou a Análise Categorial, a fim de definir as unidades de análise do filme, codificá-las e interpretá-las. O estudo aponta que a dedicação no desenvolvimento de um talento e no protagonismo das experiências subjetivas possibilitam transformações existenciais para o seguimento de um caminho vital com sentido no contexto contemporâneo.

This article aims to reflect on the values and existential needs that constitute the human being in the present times of hurries, exacerbated consumerism and the search for ephemeral pleasures that have been producing the sensation of existential emptiness. Such emptiness also establishes the need for the search for meaning of life. For this article, the narrative of the film Peaceful Warrior (2006) was taken as analysis material. This is a qualitative investigation, in which a bibliographic research was carried out and the Categorial Analysis was used. This process defined the film analysis units, which were coded and interpreted. The article concludes that the dedication to the development of a talent and the protagonism of the subjective experiences allow existential transformations for a vital path with sense in the contemporary context.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo reflexionar acerca de valores y necesidades existenciales que atravesan el ser humano en la actualidad de apresuramientos, de consumismos exacerbados y de la búsqueda de placeres efímeros que vienen produciendo la sensación de vacío existencial. Tal vacío establece también la necesidad de la búsqueda de sentido de vida. Para este artículo, fue tomado como material de análisis la narrativa de la película Peaceful Warrior (2006); se optó por una investigación cualitativa, en la que se realizó un levantamiento bibliográfico y se utilizó el Análisis Categorial para definir las unidades de análisis de la película, codificarlas e interpretarlas. El estudio apunta que la dedicación para el desarrollo de un talento, y el protagonismo de las experiencias subjetivas posibilita transformaciones existenciales para el seguimiento de un camino vital con sentido en el contexto contemporáneo.

Upper limb weight-bearing effect on the body alignment of individuals with cerebral palsy who have spastic hemiparesis: a randomized clinical trial / Efeitos da descarga de peso em membros superiores sobre o alinhamento corporal de indivíduos com paralisia cerebral do tipo hemiparesia espástica: ensaio clínico randomizado / Efectos de la descarga de peso en los miembros superiores sobre la alineación corporal de individuos con parálisis cerebral de tipo hemiparesia espástica: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Abstract Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) patients who have spastic hemiparesis usually present asymmetrical weight shift between the affected and non-affected side. Objective: To assess the effects of upper limb (UL) weight-bearing exercises on trunk symmetry, weight shift to the affected side and possible secondary effects on gait (speed and quality). Method: eleven participants with CP were randomized into two groups: Intervention Group (IG) and Control Group (CG); IG (n = 6) performed stretching exercises of the major muscle groups of UL and lower limbs (LL) and UL weight-bearing exercises in prone and seated position for 12 weeks. The CG (n = 5) did not undergo any kind of motor therapy during the study period but received the same exercises that IG after the study. The variables analyzed were: Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88); Pediatric Berg Scale; Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); Six-minute walking test (6MWT); Ten meters walking test (10MWT); Timed Up & Go (TUG); Edinburgh Visual Gait Scale (EVGS); and ground reaction force. Results: The IG showed improvement on 6MWT, TUG, TIS and Pediatric Berg Scale (p < 0.01), and CG showed improvement on GMFM-88 (p < 0.04) only for the intragroup analysis. Conclusion: The exercises were effective to improve static and dynamic balance, increasing gait speed and identifying a trend of improvement on body alignment and weight shift to the affected side.

Resumo Introdução: Pacientes com Paralisia Cerebral (PC) do tipo hemiparesia espástica, costumam apresentar transferência de peso assimétrica entre os hemicorpos. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um protocolo de exercícios de suporte de peso em membros superiores (MMSS) na simetria do tronco, transferência de peso para o hemicorpo afetado e possíveis efeitos secundários na marcha (velocidade e qualidade). Método: Onze participantes com PC foram randomizados em dois grupos: Grupo Intervenção (GI) e Grupo Controle (GC), o GI (n = 6) recebeu um protocolo de exercícios, composto por alongamentos dos principais grupos musculares de MMSS e membros inferiores (MMII), exercícios de suporte de peso em MMSS em prono e em sedestação, durante 12 semanas. O GC (n = 5) não realizou nenhum tipo de terapia motora durante à análise do estudo, mas após a finalização do estudo recebeu o mesmo protocolo que o GI. As variáveis analisadas foram: Medida da Função Motora Grossa (GMFM-88); Escala de Berg pediátrica; Escala de Comprometimento do Tronco (ECT); Teste de caminhada dos seis minutos (TC6); Teste de caminhada dos 10 metros (T10); Timed up and Go (TUG); Edinburgh Visual Gait Scale (EVGS) e reações do solo medidas por uma plataforma de força. Resultados: O GI evidenciou melhora no TC6, TUG, ECT e escala de Berg pediátrica (p < 0,01) e o GC apresentou melhora no GMFM-88 (p < 0,04), apenas na análise intragrupos respectivamente. Conclusão: O protocolo foi efetivo no equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, aumentando a velocidade da marcha e apresentando uma tendência na melhora do alinhamento corporal e transferência de peso para o hemicorpo afetado.

Resumen Introducción: Los pacientes con parálisis cerebral (PC) de tipo hemiparesia espástica suelen presentar un traslado de peso asimétrico entre los hemicuerpos. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de un protocolo de ejercicios de soporte de peso en miembros superiores (MMSS) en la simetría del tronco, el traslado de peso al hemicuerpo afectado y los posibles efectos adversos en la marcha (velocidad y calidad). Método: Participaron 11 individuos con PC, siendo aleatorizados en dos grupos: Grupo Intervención (GI) y Grupo Control (GC); el GI (n=6) recibió un protocolo de ejercicios, que constaba de estiramientos de los principales grupos musculares de MMSS y miembros inferiores (MMII), y de ejercicios de soporte de peso en MMSS en prono y en sedestación, durante 12 semanas. El GC (n=5) no realizó ningún tipo de terapia motora durante el análisis del estudio, pero después de finalizado el estudio recibió el mismo protocolo que el GI. Las variables analizadas fueron las siguientes: Medida de la Función Motora Gruesa (GMFM-88); Escala Pediátrica de Berg; Escala de Compromiso del Tronco (ECT); Test de caminata de los seis minutos (TC6); Test de caminata de los 10 metros (T10); Timed up and Go (TUG); Edinburgh Visual Gait Scale (EVGS); y las reacciones del suelo medidas mediante una plataforma de fuerza. Resultados: En el GI se observó una mejora en el TC6, TUG, ECT y Escala Pediátrica de Berg (p<0,01); y en el GC hubo una mejora en el GMFM-88 (p<0,04), solo en el análisis intragrupal. Conclusión: El protocolo presentó una efectividad para el equilibrio estático y dinámico, aumentando la velocidad de la marcha y posibilitando una tendencia de mejora de la alineación corporal y traslado de peso en el hemicuerpo afectado.

Molecular characterization of feline calicivirus variants from multicat household and public animal shelter in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to perform the molecular characterization of conserved and variable regions of feline calicivirus capsid genome in order to investigate the molecular diversity of variants in Brazilian cat population. Twenty-six conjunctival samples from cats living in five public short-term animal shelters and three multicat life-long households were analyzed. Fifteen cats had conjunctivitis, three had oral ulceration, eight had respiratory signs (cough, sneeze and nasal discharge) and nine were asymptomatic. Feline calicivirus were isolated in CRFK cells and characterized by reverse transcription PCR target to both conserved and variable regions of open reading frame 2. The amplicons obtained were sequenced. A phylogenetic analysis along with most of the prototypes available in GenBank database and an amino acid analysis were performed. Phylogenetic analysis based on both conserved and variable region revealed two clusters with an aLTR value of 1.00 and 0.98 respectively and the variants from this study belong to feline calicivirus genogroup I. No association between geographical distribution and/or clinical signs and clustering in phylogenetic tree was observed. The variants circulating in public short-term animal shelter demonstrated a high variability because of the relatively rapid turnover of carrier cats constantly introduced of multiple viruses into this location over time.

Um estudo qualitativo sobre a dança como potência de vida na velhice / A qualitative study about dance as a life power in old age / Un estudio cualitativo sobre la danza como poder de la vida en la vejez

Este artigo objetiva investigar como a dança, enquanto expressão corporal, relaciona-se com uma experiência potencializadora de vida na velhice. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de literatura por meio da combinação dos descritores: dança, corpo, envelhecimento e experiência potencializadora, na base de dados SciELO, obtendo 33 publicações no período de 2005 a 2015. Concluiu-se que a experiência de dançar possibilita ao idoso um modo de reinventar-se, embora estudos sobre o tema ainda sejam escassos na literatura científica.

This article aims to investigate how dance, while body expression is related to a life-enhancing experience in old age. For this, a systematic review of the literature was carried out by combining the descriptors: dance, body, aging and potentiating experience, in the SciELO database, obtaining 33 publications in the period from 2005 to 2015. It is concluded that the experience of dance enables the elderly to reinvent themselves, although studies on the subject are still scarce in the scientific literature.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo investigar cómo la danza, como expresión corporal, se relaciona con una experiencia que mejora la vida en la vejez. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura combinando los descriptores: danza, cuerpo, envejecimiento y experiencia de empoderamiento, en la base de datos SciELO, obteniendo 33 publicaciones de 2005 a 2015. Se concluyó que la experiencia de la danza permite Los ancianos son una forma de reinventarse, aunque los estudios sobre el tema aún son escasos en la literatura científica.

Prevalência de lombalgia em gestantes assistidas em uma unidade básica de saúde / Low back pain prevalence in pregnant women attended at a basic health unit

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência de lombalgia entre as gestantes acompanhadas em um programa pré-natal de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Foram entrevistadas 21 gestantes com idade entre 18 e 34 anos através de um questionário e o "Índice de Incapacidade de Oswestry", sendo que destas, 19 apresentavam lombalgia. Concluiu-se que houve uma prevalência significativa de lombalgia entre as gestantes e assim, sugere-se que sejam empregadas medidas preventivas na atenção básica para minimizar os desconfortos causados pelas alterações que ocorrem na gravidez.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain among pregnant women attending an prenatal program of a Basic Health Unit.We interviewed 21 pregnant women aged between 18 and 34 years through a questionnaire and the "Oswestry Disability Index", and of these, 19 had low back pain. It was concluded that there was a significant prevalence of low back pain among pregnant women and thus, it is suggested that preventive measures are employed in primary care to minimize the discomforts caused by changes that occur in pregnancy.