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Background: Mattering is the perception of being important to other people and it can play an important role in women’s experience during the postpartum period. This study aims to validate the General Mattering Scale (GMS) to the Portuguese population in a sample of postpartum women and to assess its psychometric characteristics. Method: A total of 532 women in the postpartum period completed an online survey. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the one-factor structure of the GMS. Results: The unidimensional structure of the GMS was confirmed. This instrument had a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of .87). General mattering was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and it was positively correlated with self-esteem and social support. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the Portuguese version of the GMS is a reliable, valid and adequate measure of general mattering among Portuguese postpartum women.

This study evaluates the potential of Chlorella vulgaris sp. extracts as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for API 5L 42 Steel in a 1M HCl acidic environment, offering sustainable alternatives for industrial applications. Two corrosion inhibitors were obtained through solvent extraction methods: M1 (methanol) and M2 (methanol/chloroform). The extracts were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, the analysis revealed hydroxyl, methyl and vinyl groups as the most representative. The effect of corrosion inhibition was study by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization. The results show significant reductions in corrosion current density and increases in charge transfer resistance, with M2 achieving the highest protection efficiency of 91.20 % and a charge transfer resistance of 501.80 Ω at a 120 ppm concentration, while M1 reached 88.22 % efficiency with a charge transfer resistance of 102.30 Ω. Uv–Vis measurements were performed to determine the electronic transitions of the metal-inhibitor system for each of the extracts. ANOVA highlighted the significant influence of biomass concentration on corrosion resistance. The adsorption of M1 and M2 extracts on the carbon steel surface obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and Gibbs free energy calculations indicated a physisorption mechanism for both extracts. Surface morphology analysis by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed less pitting and reduced surface roughness as inhibitor concentration increased. These findings underscore the potential of Chlorella vulgaris extracts, particularly M2 at 120 ppm, as effective and sustainable corrosion inhibitors for steel in acidic environments.

Summary: Magnesium shows promise as a material for temporary fixation, yet its rapid corrosion poses health risks due to metal ion release. To mitigate these concerns, a biofunctionalization approach involving dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) compounds and Chlorella sp. biomass was employed via electrodeposition, silanization, and dip-coating. Surface characterization using XRD, FTIR, and SEM confirmed successful deposition and immobilization. Corrosion behavior was assessed through electrochemical, immersion, and atomic absorption tests, revealing improved resistance and reduced Mg2+ ion release. The coatings demonstrated significant enhancement in corrosion resistance, guarding against pitting and cracks. The findings suggest the potential of Mg/DCPD and Mg/DCPD/microalgae coatings in addressing corrosion-related risks in temporary fixation applications, promising improved biocompatibility and longevity for medical implants.

Magnesium alloys have been extensively studied as degradable biomaterials for clinical applications due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, their poor corrosion resistance can lead to issues such as osteolysis and the release of gaseous hydrogen. This study investigated the influence of the activation time of magnesium surfaces in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution on the concentration of active hydroxyl groups and corrosion resistance. The results indicated that immersion time significantly influences the formation of a corrosion-resistant film and the distribution of surface hydroxyl groups. Specifically, specimens treated for 7.5 h exhibited the highest concentration of hydroxyl groups and the most uniform oxide film distribution. Electrochemical tests demonstrated capacitive behavior and passive surface formation for all evaluated times, with the 7.5-h immersion in NaOH yielding superior corrosion resistance, lower current density, and a more efficient and thicker protective film. SEM and EDS analyses confirmed increased formation of Mg(OH)₂ for samples treated for 5 and 7.5 h, while a 10-h treatment resulted in a brittle, porous layer prone to degradation. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test corroborated these findings. The optimal 7.5-h alkali treatment enhanced magnesium's corrosion resistance and surface properties, making it a promising candidate for orthopedic implants. However, further studies are necessary to assess biocompatibility and physiological responses before clinical implementation.

Abstract The oral cavity is the portal of entry for many microorganisms that affect swine, and the swine oral fluid has been used as a specimen for the diagnosis of several infectious diseases. The oral microbiota has been shown to play important roles in humans, such as protection against non-indigenous bacteria. In swine, studies that have investigated the microbial composition of the oral cavity of pigs are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the oral fluid microbiota of weaned pigs from five commercial farms in Brazil and compare it to their respective fecal and environmental microbiotas. Bacterial compositions were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analyzed in R Studio. Oral fluid samples were significantly less diverse (alpha diversity) than pen floor and fecal samples (P

Abstract Background Childhood emotional disorders (EDs; i.e., anxiety and depressive disorders) are currently a public health concern. Their high prevalence, long-term effects, and profound influence on the lives of children and families highlight the need to identify and treat these disorders as early and effectively as possible. This clinical trial will examine the efficacy of a blended version (i.e., combining face-to-face and online sessions into one treatment protocol) of the Unified Protocol for Children (the “Emotion Detectives In–Out” program). This program is a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy for the transdiagnostic treatment of EDs in children aged 7 to 12 years that aims to reduce the intensity and frequency of strong and aversive emotional experiences by helping children learn how to confront those emotions and respond to them in more adaptive ways. Methods This study is designed as a multicenter equivalence randomized controlled parallel-group two-arm trial comparing the Emotion Detectives In–Out program with an evidenced-based group intervention for children with anxiety disorders (the Coping Cat program). Participants will be children aged between 7 and 12 years with an anxiety disorder or with clinically significant anxiety symptoms as well as one of their parents or a legal representative. A minimum sample size of 138 children (69 per group) is needed to test whether the efficacy of the proposed intervention is equivalent to that of the well-established Coping Cat intervention. Discussion We expect Emotion Detectives In–Out to be a feasible and efficacious alternative intervention for treating children's EDs by allowing for a greater increase in children's access to care. A blended format is expected to overcome common barriers to treatment (e.g., parents´ lack of time to attend regular sessions) and make the intervention more accessible to families. Trial registration The clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05747131, date assigned February 28, 2023).

ABSTRACT: The poultry industry is evolving towards antibiotic-free production to meet market demands and decelerate the increasing spread of the antimicrobial resistance. The growing need for antibiotic free products has challenged producers to decrease or completely stop using antimicrobials as feed supplements in broiler diet to improve feed efficiency, growth rate, and intestinal health. Natural feed additives (e.g., probiotics and phytobiotics) are promising alternatives to substitute antimicrobial growth promoters. The goal of our study was to characterize the effects of a Probiotic and an Essential Oils blend on broilers’ performance and perform a time-series analysis to describe their excreta microbiome. A total of 320 Cobb 500 (1-day-old) chicks were raised for 21 d in 32 randomly allocated cages. Treatments consisted of 4 experimental diets: a basal diet, and a basal diet mixed with an Antibiotic (bacitracin methylene disalicylate), an essential oils blend (oregano oil, rosemary, and red pepper), or a Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis). Body weight (on 1, 10, and 21d), and feed intake (10d and 21d) were recorded and feed conversion ratio was calculated. Droppings were collected daily (1–21d) to characterize broilers’ excreta microbiota by targeted sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The Probiotic significantly improved feed conversion ratio for starter phase 1 to 10d (P = 0.03), grower phase 10 to 21d (P = 0.05), and total period 1 to 21d (P = 0.01) compared to the Antibiotic. Feed supplements did not affect alpha diversity but did impact microbial beta diversity (P < 0.01). Age also impacted microbiome turnover as differences in alpha and beta diversity were detected. Furthermore, when compared to the basal diet, the probiotic and antibiotic significantly impacted relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (log2 fold change −1.44, P = 0.03), Intestinimonas (log2 fold change 0.560, P < 0.01) and Ligilactobacillus (log2 fold change −1.600, P < 0.01). Overall, Probiotic supplementation but not essential oils supplementation positively impacted broilers’ growth performance by directly causing directional shifts in broilers’ excreta microbiota structure.

Coastal ecosystems are important destinations for natural and anthropogenic inputs, areas experiencing eutrophication from untreated sewage globally. However, the mechanistic link of how coastal waters and sediments can jointly respond to nutrient enrichment, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), remains relatively unknown. Here, we assessed the interdecadal variability in N and P contents, comparing four surface water sampling sites (∼40-year monthly concentrations) and three 210Pb dated sediment cores (∼70-years) in an urban bay that has received increasingly high untreated sewage discharges over the past century (Guanabara Bay, Brazil). Major eutrophication was found, with differences between waters and sediments along sampling sites. The water concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) yielded on average ∼10–45 % and ∼40–190 % higher in 2005–2017 compared to 1980–2005 period in the sampling site most influenced by the denser urban than the conserved area, respectively. Furthermore, 6-year average water concentrations indicated both recent initial decreases in the most urban area, potentially associated with new sanitation facilities, and high increases in those relatively more conserved areas. Conversely, TP and TN sediment burial rates were less sensitive to recent changes as compared to the water concentrations, yielding ∼11 and 31 % between 1980–2005 and 2005–2017, respectively, of which also provided baselines data for earlier periods without direct pelagic measurements (i.e., 1950–1980). Thus, these findings offer new insights into substantial temporal and intra-ecosystem spatial variability of coastal eutrophication, indicating that an integrated analysis between water monitoring and sediment burial is needed to improve the diagnosis and prediction capabilities necessary for effective long-term mitigation of coastal aquatic eutrophication worldwide.

Universal screening for perinatal depression (PND) has been widely debated, and several trustworthy guidelines have been published worldwide on how to effectively conduct it. Nevertheless, a narrow view of perinatal mental health and the strict adherence to condition-specific assessment protocols limit the clinical utility of such screenings. In this paper, traditional approaches to screening for PND are revisited to simultaneously consider two main and highly correlated psychopathological dimensions (i.e., anxiety and depression), as well as the complementary aspects of flourishing mental health. For that purpose, straightforward methodological guidelines are discussed on the grounds of current empirical research to maximize the cost-effectiveness of clinically informative PND screenings.

IntroductionWorldwide, up to a quarter of all recognized pregnancies result in Early Pregnancy Loss (EPL), also known as miscarriage. For many women, this is a traumatic experience that leads to persistent negative mental health responses. The most common morbidity reported in studies from different countries is complicated grief, usually comorbid with depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To our best knowledge, no studies characterizing the psychological impact of EPL have been made in Portugal.MethodsAn online survey was conducted to evaluate clinical symptoms of perinatal grief, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in women who suffered a spontaneous loss within 20 weeks of gestation. Out of 1,015 women who answered this survey, 873 were considered eligible, and subsequently distributed in 7 groups according to the time passed between their loss and their participation in the study.ResultsThe proportion of women showing symptoms of all comorbidities was greater in those whose loss had happened within a month, and there was a significant gradual decrease over time in scores and proportions of clinical perinatal grief and PTSD. In terms of depression symptoms, scores dropped significantly in the group whose loss occurred 13–24 months before their participation but proportions oscillated without great changes in the other groups. Regarding anxiety, there were small oscillations, but there was no significant decrease of symptoms over time.DiscussionOverall, despite a general drop in scores for most morbidities over time, substantial proportions of women showed persistent symptoms of clinical morbidities 3 years or more after the loss. Therefore, it is essential to promote monitoring of possible complicated responses to the event, to provide appropriate and timely intervention to those women in need.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in school environments are very common and have significant impacts on students’ performance, development and health. Indoor air conditions depend on the adopted ventilation practices, which in Mediterranean countries are essentially based on natural ventilation controlled through manual window opening. Citizen science projects directed to school communities are effective strategies to promote awareness and knowledge acquirement on IAQ and adequate ventilation management. Our multidisciplinary research team has developed a framework—SchoolAIR—based on low-cost sensors and a scalable IoT system architecture to support the improvement of IAQ in schools. The SchoolAIR framework is based on do-it-yourself sensors that continuously monitor air temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of carbon dioxide and particulate matter in school environments. The framework was tested in the classrooms of University Fernando Pessoa, and its deployment and proof of concept took place in a high school in the north of Portugal. The results obtained reveal that CO2 concentrations frequently exceed reference values during classes, and that higher concentrations of particulate matter in the outdoor air affect IAQ. These results highlight the importance of real-time monitoring of IAQ and outdoor air pollution levels to support decision-making in ventilation management and assure adequate IAQ. The proposed approach encourages the transfer of scientific knowledge from universities to society in a dynamic and active process of social responsibility based on a citizen science approach, promoting scientific literacy of the younger generation and enhancing healthier, resilient and sustainable indoor environments.

Background Perinatal depression is the most undertreated clinical condition during the perinatal period. Knowledge about women's decision-making in seeking and receiving treatment is scarce. Aims To investigate and compare treatment option uptake in perinatal women with depressive symptoms in Portugal and Norway, and to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with treatment uptake. Method Participants were women resident in Portugal or Norway (≥18 years) who were pregnant or had given birth in the past 12 months, who presented with active depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥10). In an electronic questionnaire, women reported treatment received and sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results The sample included 416 women from Portugal and 169 from Norway, of which 79.8% and 53.9%, respectively, were not receiving any treatment. Most Portuguese women were receiving psychological treatment, either alone (45.2%) or combined with pharmacological treatment (21.4%). Most Norwegian participants were receiving only pharmacological (36.5%) or combined treatment (35.4%). Compared with the Portuguese sample, a higher proportion of Norwegian women started treatment before pregnancy (P < 0.001). In Portugal, lower depressive symptoms and self-reported psychopathology were significantly associated with higher likelihood of receiving treatment. Conclusions We found that, in both Norway and Portugal, a substantial number of perinatal women with depressive symptoms do not receive any treatment. Differences exist regarding the chosen treatment option and timing of treatment initiation in the two countries. Only mental health-related factors were associated with treatment uptake for perinatal depression in Portugal. Our results highlight the importance of implementing strategies aimed to improve help-seeking behaviours.

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is treatable and preventable, but most women do not seek professional help for their perinatal depressive symptoms. One increasingly popular approach of improving access to care is the use of web-based intervention programs. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was 2-fold: first, to assess the efficacy of Be a Mom, a brief web-based selective or indicated preventive intervention, in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms of women at high risk for PPD; and second, to examine mechanisms of change linking modifiable self-regulatory skills (ie, emotion regulation, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility) to improved perinatal mental health outcomes. MethodsThis 2-arm, open-label randomized controlled trial involved a sample of 1053 perinatal women presenting high risk for PPD who were allocated to the Be a Mom intervention group or a waitlist control group and completed self-report measures at baseline and postintervention assessments. Univariate latent change score models were computed to determine changes over time in adjustment processes and outcomes, with a multigroup-model approach to detect differences between the intervention and control groups and a 2-wave latent change score model to examine whether changes in processes were related to changes in outcomes. ResultsBe a Mom was found to be effective in reducing depressive (intervention group: µΔ=–3.35; P

Abstract Lithosphere of cratons and orogens generally reacts differently to tectonic events. Although these differences are mostly clear during the orogenic phases, understanding how they respond to tectonic reactivation is still challenging. Here, we report the first detailed apatite fission-track (AFT) study pinpointing the gradual transition between cratonic and orogenic lithosphere, using the case study of the São Francisco craton (SFC) and the adjacent Araçuaí-West Congo Orogen (AWCO), eastern Brazil. The collision that built the AWCO partially affected the inherited rift structures of the Paramirim Aulacogen, embedded in the São Francisco-Congo paleocontinent. Our data reveal a differential Phanerozoic exhumation between closely interspaced areas affected and not affected by the AWCO deformation. Samples from the SFC present slow and protracted basement cooling during the Phanerozoic, while samples from the orogen display rapid exhumation since the Eocene. An intermediate ~ N–S zone of c.40 km shows lower magnitude basement cooling during the Cenozoic, possibly because the propagation of AWCO deformation decreases towards the craton interior. Within the orogen, the Rio Pardo salient is the main reactive structure and probably results from the deformation of a master fault, inherited from its precursor rift. Here, we show how the magnitude of Phanerozoic denudation may be deeply associated with previous events of lithosphere weakening.

Pithomyces, a dematiaceous fungus, is a common colonizer of dead leaves and stems of many different plants and is associated with facial eczema in some animals. We report a case of invasive fungal pulmonary disease by Pithomyces chartarum in a healthy, nonimmunocompromised patient. We aim to demonstrate our diagnostic and therapeutic approach and focus on the major challenges arising from the lack of scientific evidence regarding infection by this fungus in humans.

Industrial wastewater from petrochemical processes is an essential source of the synthetic phenolic phosphite antioxidant (Irgafos P-168), which negatively affects the environment. For the determination and analysis of Irgafos P-168, DSC, HPLC-MS, and FTIR methodologies were used. Solid phase extraction (SPE) proved to be the best technique for extracting Irgafos from wastewater. HPLC-MS and SPE determined the repeatability, reproducibility, and linearity of the method and the SPE of the standards and samples. The relative standard deviations, errors, and correlation coefficients for the repeatability and reproducibility of the calibration curves were less than 4.4% and 4.2% and greater than 0.99955, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the Fisher method with confidence in 95% of the data, did not reveal significant differences between the mentioned parameters. The removal of the antioxidant from the wastewater by SPE showed recovery percentages higher than 91.03%, and the chemical characterization of this antioxidant by FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and MS showed it to be structurally the same as the Irgafos P-168 molecule. The recovered Irgafos was added to the polypropylene matrix, significantly improving its oxidation times. An OIT analysis, performed using DSC, showed that the recovered Irgafos-blended polypropylene (PP) demonstrated oxidative degradation at 8 min. With the addition of the Irgafos, the oxidation time was 13 min. This increases the polypropylene’s useful life and minimizes the environmental impact of the wastewater.

The Display of Negative Emotions scale and The Social Consequences Of Negative Emotions scale are two understudied questionnaires that assess parents’ emotion beliefs about their children’s expression of negative emotions. Therefore, the aims of this study were to ascertain the factorial structure of both questionnaires, to reexamine the internal consistency of each instrument’s scales, and to assess the age- and gender-related discriminant validity of the measures. The two questionnaires were administered by a web-based survey to a sample of 253 Portuguese mothers with children of elementary school age (6–12 years). A two-factor solution (expression of submissive emotions, expression of dominant emotions) was preferred for the first questionnaire, and a single-factor solution emerged for the second questionnaire. Both measures revealed good internal consistency, but while the former was able to identify gender differences, the latter discriminated between age groups. The simultaneous use of these questionnaires is recommended for an informative assessment of parents’ beliefs about their children’s expression of negative emotions.

BackgroundBe a Mom is a self-guided web-based intervention developed to prevent postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms and to promote maternal wellbeing, respectively among high and low-risk new mothers. This study aims to examine and compare (1) Be a Mom's patterns of usage and (2) Be a Mom's acceptability among women presenting high and low risk for PPD.MethodsThe sample was composed by 800 women who were randomized to Be a Mom [542 presenting high-risk (Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised ≥ 5.5) and 258 presenting low-risk for PPD]. Data regarding patterns of usage were collected through the Be a Mom website. Acceptability data were collected through a brief questionnaire.Results27.9% of high-risk and 36.3% of low-risk women completed the program. A higher proportion of participants in the low-risk group completed Be a Mom [X(1)2 = 5.29, p = 0.021] and completed more modules [t(723) = −3.01, p = 0.003]. No significant differences were found between the groups in number of logins, minutes spent on the program, exercises completed and number of times audios were played. a higher proportion of women in the high-risk group considered that participating in Be a Mom was too demanding [X(1)2 = 8.21, p = 0.004].ConclusionsDespite the low rates of completion, Be a Mom appears to be an acceptable option for both women with high-risk and low-risk for PPD. Lack of time seems to be the main reason for non-completion, so it is important to develop briefer versions of the program and introduce engagement strategies that may increase completion rate.

Introduction: Perinatal depression is one of the most common complications during pregnancy and one year following childbirth. A negative impact on the mental and physical health of women, their children, partners, or significant others has been associated with this disease. Web-based and Mobile-based psychological interventions can reduce the burden of the disease through prevention of new cases of depression. It is crucial to know the effectiveness of these interventions to implement them around the globe. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of Web-based and Mobile-based psychological interventions to prevent depression during the perinatal period. Method and analysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis will adhere to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies will be identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Opengrey, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, National Institute for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University, clinicaltrial.gov, beacon.anu.edu.au, and evidencebasedpsychotherapies.org from inception until 31 March 2021. We will also search the reference lists provided in relevant studies and reviews. The selection criteria will be as follows: 1) pregnant women or women who have given birth in the last 12 months and who were non-depressive at baseline; 2) Web-based and Mobile-Based psychological interventions; 3) comparators will be usual care, attention control, waiting list or no intervention; 4) outcomes will be the incidence of new cases of perinatal depression and/or the reduction of depressive symptoms as measured by validated instruments; and 5) the design of the studies will be randomized controlled trials. No restrictions regarding the year or language of publication will be considered. Pooled standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals will be calculated. The risk of bias of the studies will be assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias 2.0 tool. Heterogeneity and publication bias will be estimated. Sensitivity and sub-group analyses will also be conducted. Random effects meta-regression will be performed. Ethics and dissemination: As a systematic review, ethical approval is not required. The results from this study will be presented at international conferences and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Patients and the public will be involved in the dissemination plans. PROSPERO registration number: 230,089 (submitted).

Background: This study explored whether Be a Mom, a brief and unguided cognitive behavioral web-based intervention, was effective in promoting psychological processes (self-compassion, psychological flexibility, emotion regulation) among low-risk postpartum women. Effects of Be a Mom in psychological processes compared with a control group were examined at post-intervention and at 4-months follow-up. Additionally, this work explored whether changes in psychological processes mediated improvements in positive mental health at postintervention.Methods: In total, 367 postpartum women presenting low risk for postpartum depression were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 191) or to a waiting-list control group (n = 176).Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported significantly greater baseline to postintervention increases in self-compassion. No significant effects were found at the 4-month follow-up. Multilevel mediation showed that self-compassion improvements significantly mediated improvements in positive mental health among the intervention group. No significant results were found for psychological flexibility or emotion regulation.Conclusions: This study suggests that Be a Mom has the potential to cultivate self-compassion among low-risk postpartum women and that this may be a key mechanism for promoting positive mental health in this context.Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04055974.

This study is an attempt to assess the impact of small farms (SF) on the regional food product circulation of specific key products in selected, fragmented, agrarian regions in Poland and Portugal. The empirical study is based on the analysis of food product maps which were developed based on data from a survey conducted among owners of small farms and small food businesses at focus group meetings and workshops organized in 2017 and 2018 in the Nowotarski and Nowosądecki subregions in Poland and in the Alentejo Central and Oeste subregions in Portugal. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using uniform methodology. In each of the subregions, focus groups helped to confront the assumptions resulting from surveys and corroborate the flows and fluxes described in the developed food product maps. Data collected during focus groups were enriched by data gathered during regional workshops that focused on food system governance. It was concluded that food product maps indicate interesting relationship flows of small farmers’ products along the food system, highlighting the role of fluxes connecting small farmers with other actors regarding specific key products. Several similarities and disparities between regional KP production flows in the Portuguese and Polish subregions, based on the type of key product, the various distribution channels and farming capacities present in each subregion were observed.

This study examined the mediating role of dyadic coping (DC) in the association between internalizing symptoms and dyadic adjustment in a sample of 184 couples expecting their first child. Each partner completed self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression and anxiety, dyadic adjustment and DC during the second trimester of pregnancy. An extension of the actor-partner interdependence model for testing direct and indirect effects was used. Compared to men, women presented higher levels of internalizing symptoms and dyadic adjustment and engaged more in DC by self. Significant indirect effects of internalizing symptoms on dyadic adjustment via common DC and DC by one’s partner were found. Specifically, higher internalizing symptoms were associated with lower common DC and DC by one’s partner, which, in turn, were associated with lower dyadic adjustment. This mediation occurred either within person as well as across partners and occurred similarly for women and men. These results suggest that primiparous couples may benefit from DC-enhancing interventions, such as the cognitive-behavioral couple-based programs Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET) and Coping-Oriented Couple Therapy (COCT), to assist them in responding sensitively to their partners’ psychological symptoms, which may have a positive effect on marital adjustment.

E-mental health tools are a new format of treatment delivery that can increase population’s access to mental health services. Its effectiveness is higher when grounded on evidence-based therapeutic protocols, such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). We aim to understand how CBT principles can be applied in the development of e-mental health tools, more specifically, in web-based interventions. We use the case example of the Be a Mom program, a web-based psychological intervention, grounded on the principles of CBT, designed to prevent postpartum depression and targeting high-risk postpartum women in the Portuguese population. We describe how the design of Be a Mom was grounded in CBT, by addressing: a) general CBT principles; b) its therapeutic mechanisms; and c) organization of sessions. Also, we discuss the relevance of the therapeutic alliance in web-based interventions and the importance of evidence-based interventions. By providing insight on how the principles of CBT can be operationalized in an innovative delivery format, we can contribute to the further development of web-based interventions, as well as to increase awareness and knowledge among mental health professionals about the similarities between the principles underlying web-based and face-to-face CBT interventions.

The way couples jointly manage pregnancy-related demands may prevent both members from experiencing psychosocial maladjustment after childbirth. This study examined (a) changes in dyadic coping (DC) and indicators of psychosocial adjustment [depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life (QoL)] from the second trimester of pregnancy (T1) to 6 weeks postpartum (T2), (b) the actor and partner effects of DC at T1 on couples’ adjustment at T2, and (c) whether changes in DC over time would be associated with changes in the adjustment of both women and their partners. This study adopted a prospective quantitative dyadic longitudinal design. A total of 303 couples from Portugal answered self-report questionnaires assessing DC, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and QoL at T1, of which 290 were contacted at T2 to complete the same measures (n = 138 couples returned the questionnaires). Results showed that first-time fathers’ QoL and both first and experienced fathers’ stress communication decreased over time, as did common DC (i.e., the way couples cope together with stress) perceived by both partners. First-time mothers reported higher increases in negative DC. The more positive DC the women provided to men at T1, the higher the internalizing symptoms of women at T2; the more the women communicated stress at T1, the higher the internalizing symptoms of men at T2. Both partners’ common DC at T1 positively predicted their QoL at T2. The larger the decrease in common DC over time, the greater the increase in internalizing symptoms of couples and the greater the decrease in their QoL. These findings suggest that DC strategies should be considered into the psychosocial care of couples becoming parents, as a relevant coping resource that partners could use to help each other in situations of stress. More than (exclusively) encouraging the men’s role as support providers, couples should be encouraged to reserve time for one another, to discuss each other’s concerns, and to seek for solutions as a team. These strategies should be promoted before, and fostered after, childbirth. Likewise, clinicians should be aware that partners might not feel equally comfortable with specific DC strategies and then should be carefully addressed among couples.

Aims: The aims of the current study are to examine whether parents’ work-family conflict, emotional distress (anxiety/depressive symptoms and parenting stress) and mindful parenting vary according to the type of employment (full-time, part-time, and occasional), the type of work schedule (fixed, flexible, and shift), and the number of working hours per week and to explore whether parental emotional distress mediates the association between work-family conflict and mindful parenting dimensions.Methods: A sample of 335 employed parents (86.3% mothers) of children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 19 years old completed a sociodemographic form and measures of work-family conflict, anxiety/depression symptoms, parenting stress, and mindful parenting. The differences in study variables among types of employment, work schedules and number of weekly working hours were analyzed. A path model was tested through structural equation modeling in AMOS to explore the indirect effect of work-family conflict on mindful parenting dimensions through anxiety, depression and parenting stress. The invariance of the path model across children’s age groups (toddlers, preschool and grade school children, and adolescents) and parents’ gender was also examined.Results: Parents with a shift work schedule, working full-time and 40 h or more per week, presented significantly higher levels of work-family conflict than those with a fixed or flexible schedule, working part-time and less than 40 h per week, respectively. Parents with a flexible work schedule presented significantly higher levels of self-regulation in parenting and of non-judgmental acceptance of parental functioning than parents with a shift work schedule. Higher levels of work-family conflict were associated with lower levels of mindful parenting dimensions through higher levels of anxiety/depression symptoms and parenting stress. The model was invariant across children’s age groups and parents’ gender.Discussion: Work-family conflict is associated with poorer parental mental health and with less mindful parenting. Workplaces should implement family-friendly policies (e.g., flexible work arrangements) that help parents successfully balance the competing responsibilities and demands of their work and family roles. These policies could have a critical impact on the mental health of parents and, consequently, on their parental practices.

Aim: Be a Mom is a self-guided, web-based intervention to prevent persistent postpartum depression symptoms [PPD], targeting both at-risk postpartum women and/or women presenting early-onset postpartum depressive symptoms (selective/indicated preventive intervention). Be a Mom is grounded on the principles of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy and incorporates the recent contributions of acceptance and compassion-based approaches (third-wave approaches) applied to the perinatal context. This study aimed to explore the processes underlying therapeutic change in the Be a Mom intervention, by: (1) exploring whether participation in the Be a Mom promotes the enhancement of self-regulatory skills (emotion regulation abilities, psychological flexibility and self-compassion) in comparison with women who did not participate in the program; and (2) exploring whether changes in self-regulatory skills are associated with changes in depressive symptoms, among women who participated in the Be a Mom program.Methods: A pilot randomized, two-arm controlled trial was conducted. Eligible women (presenting PPD risk-factors and/or early-onset PPD symptoms) were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (Be a Mom, n = 98) or to the waiting-list control group (n = 96). Participants in both groups completed baseline (T1) and post-intervention assessments (T2), including measures of depressive symptoms, emotion regulation abilities, psychological flexibility and self-compassion.Results: From baseline to post-intervention assessment, women in the intervention group showed a significantly greater decrease in the levels of emotion regulation difficulties (p < 0.001) and a significant greater increase in the levels of self-compassion (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. No significant differences were found concerning psychological flexibility. Moreover, a greater decrease in difficulties in emotion regulation and greater increase in self-compassion levels were significantly associated with a greater decrease in depressive symptoms, among women in the intervention group.Discussion: Be a Mom promotes the enhancement of women’s emotion regulation abilities and self-compassion, and this seems to exert a protective effect in the presence of PPD risk factors (or early-onset symptoms) because it led to a reduction of depressive symptoms. By providing some insights into the processes that underlie treatment response to Be a Mom, this study highlights the important role of the targeted third-wave processes applied to the perinatal context.

The incorporation of a recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a replacement of natural aggregates (NA) in road construction has been the subject of recent research. This tendency promotes sustainability, but its use depends mainly on the final product’s properties, such as chemical stability. This study evaluates the physical and chemical properties of RCAs from two different sources in comparison with the performance of NA. One RCA was obtained from the demolition of a building (recycled concrete aggregate of a building—RCAB) and another RCA from the rehabilitation of a Portland cement concrete pavement (recycled concrete aggregate from a pavement—RCAP). Characterization techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV spectroscopy, and atomic absorption spectrometry were used to evaluate the RCAs’ coarse fractions for chemical potential effects on asphalt mixtures. NA was replaced with RCA at 15%, 30%, and 45% for each size of the coarse fractions (retained 19.0, 12.5, 9.5, and 4.75 sieves in mm). The mineralogical characterization results indicated the presence of quartz (SiO2) and calcite (CaCO3) as the most significant constituents of the aggregates. XFR showed that RCAs have lower levels of CaO and Al2O3 concerning NA. Potential reactions in asphalt mixtures by nitration, sulfonation, amination of organic compounds, and reactions by alkaline activation in the aggregates were discarded due to the minimum concentration of components such as NO2, (–SO3H), (–SO2Cl), and (Na) in the aggregates. Finally, this research concludes that studied RCAs might be used as replacements of coarse aggregate in asphalt mixtures since chemical properties do not affect the overall chemical stability of the asphalt mixture.

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a rare, diffuse, bilateral, and granulomatous nonnecrotizing panuveitis that may follow intraocular penetrating trauma. Our aim is to report a rare case of SO following orbital exenteration. Orbital exenteration was performed on a 48-year-old african female due to conjunctival keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma with intraocular involvement of the left eye. Five days after the uneventful procedure, the patient presented signs and symptoms compatible with SO. Key differential diagnoses were excluded, and prompt and aggressive immunosuppression was started with a favourable but slow clinical response. This case highlights the fact that SO can also be induced by a neoplasm with intraocular invasion or by aggressive nonpenetrating surgery. While the underlying pathogenesis of SO is still not fully elucidated, we hereby contribute with a novel potential mechanism leading to its development.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento psicométrico da versão portuguesa do Inventário de Atitudes face à Procura de Serviços de Saúde Mental (IAPSSM) numa amostra de mulheres no período perinatal. As participantes (175 mulheres grávidas ou no período pós-parto) responderam a um conjunto de questionários (IAPSSM, Questionário de Intenções e Comportamentos de Procura de Ajuda, Questionário de Literacia sobre Depressão, Escala de Dificuldades de Regulação Emocional). A Análise Fatorial Confirmatória apoia a adequação do modelo tridimensional do IAPSSM (Abertura Psicológica, Propensão para a Procura de Ajuda e Indiferença ao Estigma). O IAPSSM apresenta bons indicadores de validade convergente e de fidelidade, à exceção da dimensão Abertura Psicológica. Os resultados sugerem que o IAPSSM é um instrumento com potencial de utilização na investigação e na prática clínica, permitindo a identificação de fatores psicológicos (atitudinais) que influenciem a utilização de serviços de saúde mental no período perinatal.

Absorption and accumulation of bioavailable cyanobacterial metabolites (including cyanotoxins) are likely in fish after senescence and the rupturing of cells during bloom episodes. We determined the toxicity of cyanopeptides identified from two strains of Microcystis (M. panniformis MIRS-04 and M. aeruginosa NPDC-01) in a freshwater tropical fish, Astyanax altiparanae (yellowtail tetra, lambari). Aqueous extracts of both Microcystis strains were prepared in order to simulate realistic fish exposure to these substances in a freshwater environment. Both strains were selected because previous assays evidenced the presence of microcystins (MCs) in MIRS-04 and lack of cyanotoxins in NPDC-01. Identification of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites was performed by LC-HR-QTOF-MS and quantification of the MC-LR was carried out by LC-QqQ-MS/MS. MIRS-04 produces the MCs MC-LR, MC-LY and MC-HilR as well as micropeptins B, 973, 959 and k139. NPCD-01 biosynthetizes microginins FR1, FR2/FR4 and SD-755, but does not produce MCs. Larval fish survival and changes in morphology were assessed for 96 h exposure to aqueous extracts of both strains at environmentally relevant concentrations from 0.1 to 0.5 mg (dry weight)/mL, corresponding to 0.15 to 0.74 μg/mL of MC-LR (considering dried amounts of MIRS-04 for comparison). Fish mortality increased with concentration and time of exposure for both strains of Microcystis. The frequencies of morphological abnormalities increased with concentration in both strains, and included abdominal and pericardial oedema, and spinal curvature. Results demonstrate that toxicity was not solely caused by MCs, other classes of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites contributed to the observed toxicity.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a adaptação parental (em termos de perceção de sobrecarga e stresse parental), bem como o papel das características de resiliência de pais e mães na adaptação parental. A amostra foi constituída por 45 casais, pais de crianças com um diagnóstico de deficiência/anomalia congénita. O protocolo de avaliação incluiu a Escala de Resiliência para Adultos (ERA), a Escala de Impacto Familiar (EIF) e o Índice de Stress Parental (Forma reduzida) (ISP). Os resultados mostraram que as mães apresentaram valores mais elevados de Distress parental e os pais valores mais elevados na dimensão Interação disfuncional pais‑criança. Relativamente à sobrecarga, não se verificaram diferenças significativas entre mães e pais. Em ambos os progenitores, a resiliência mostrou‑se associada a melhor adaptação. A resiliência materna não se mostrou associada à adaptação paterna, mas constatou‑se que níveis elevados de resiliência paterna se associaram significativamente a melhor adaptação materna. As características resilientes revelaram‑se como importantes determinantes na adaptação parental. Estesresultados enfatizam ainda a necessidade não só de avaliar os pais e as mães separadamente, mas também o casal como unidade de análise, e de analisar os recursos parentais e os potenciais efeitos cruzados no desenho de intervenções terapêuticas.

O presente artigo de revisão integrativa da literatura centra-se na intervenção do enfermeiro no processo de luto dos familiares de doentes oncológicos, dando relevância às competências do enfermeiro na comunicação, bem como na terapia de massagem de tecidos moles, abordando também o deficit de formação relativo ao processo de luto. Objetivos: Caracterizar o processo de luto da família do doente oncológico; identificar a intervenção do enfermeiro no processo de luto da família do doente oncológico. Metodologia: Para a realização desta revisão integrativa da literatura foram utilizados estudos científicos publicados em bases de dados de referência, entre Janeiro de 2009 e Janeiro de 2015, com critérios de inclusão/exclusão previamente definidos, resultando numa combinação de seis publicações pertinentes para a temática em questão. Resultados: Não existe um consenso em torno deste tema uma vez que a informação disponível é ainda muito abstrata. No entanto, após esta revisão integrativa, é-nos possível afirmar que, apesar de existirem carências ao nível da formação dos enfermeiros no âmbito da morte e do processo de luto, a sua intervenção é de capital importância, fundamentalmente ao nível da comunicação, bem como de algumas terapias específicas. Conclusões: As principais conclusões obtidas através da realização desta revisão integrativa da literatura indicam que é fundamental que os enfermeiros adquiram novas competências e que invistam na otimização daquelas que já desenvolveram. Torna-se ainda importante capacitar as famílias para lidar com as situações de perda e luto.

Na atualidade, o cancro do pulmão apresenta uma elevada incidência na população, correspondendo-lhe igualmente uma grande taxa de mortalidade. Associado a esta patologia, um dos principais sintomas é a dispneia, caracterizada como desconforto respiratório que limita a realização das atividades diárias podendo culminar em isolamento social. A presente revisão integrativa tem como objetivos identificar as estratégias utilizadas para o controlo da dispneia e clarificar as intervenções do enfermeiro no controlo da mesma, no doente com cancro do pulmão. De forma a atingi-los, efetuaram-se pesquisas em bases de dados científicas, das quais, como base nos critérios de inclusão/exclusão definidos, resultaram nove artigos. Segundo informação científica analisada, inferiu-se que as estratégias mais utilizadas são os métodos farmacológicos e não farmacológicos, sendo a intervenção do enfermeiro fundamental na avaliação e controlo da dispneia, conjugando diferentes estratégias que melhorem a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Desta revisão, evidencia-se a necessidade da realização de estudos que clarifiquem as controvérsias acerca dos métodos farmacológicos e aprofundem o conhecimento acerca das estratégias não farmacológicas e seus benefícios.

O recurso ao Serviço de Urgência por parte dos doentes em fim de vida é frequente sobretudo quando existem sintomas descontrolados. A abordagem paliativa necessária nesta fase colide com o contexto “urgência” e limita a intervenção do enfermeiro. Nesta revisão integrativa da literatura pretendemos identificar as dificuldades dos enfermeiros na prestação de cuidados aos doentes em fim de vida no serviço de urgência, assim como caracterizar a natureza dos cuidados prestados neste contexto. Para responder a esta problemática foram incluídos artigos, pesquisados em bases de dados eletrónicas, onde 6 cumpriram os critérios de inclusão, com anos de publicação compreendidos entre 2009 e 2015. As principais conclusões obtidas através da realização deste estudo revelam que existe necessidade de melhorias e muito esforço e dedicação por parte dos profissionais que trabalham no Serviço de Urgência, sobretudo os enfermeiros, pois este tipo de doentes necessita de cuidados centrados no alívio dos sintomas descontrolados e na promoção do conforto. Não só o doente em fim de vida necessita de cuidados de enfermagem, como os seus familiares estão igualmente fragilizados e a necessitar de cuidados prestados por toda a equipa.

A Enfermagem, como profissão de alto desgaste físico e psicológico, tem levado alguns autores a relacionar as condições do trabalho com os altos níveis de stress. Devido à exigência da profissão, os enfermeiros estão diariamente sujeitos a situações complexas, como o envolvimento racional/emocional com os utentes, acarretando grandes níveis de responsabilidade. Assim, torna-se pertinente considerar o risco potencial dos enfermeiros de unidades críticas desenvolverem a síndrome de burnout. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura surge no sentido de ampliar o conhecimento e compreender mais detalhadamente os fatores de risco, consequências e estratégias de coping relacionadas com esta síndrome. Entre 20,8% a 31% dos profissionais de unidades críticas são alvo do burnout, o que a torna uma situação emergente. Alguns profissionais têm níveis de exigência sobre si e de controlo sobre uma situação que não corresponde à real, estas situações ocorrem onde mais existem situações limite, como nas unidades de cuidados intensivos, urgência e oncologia, que favorecem o stress intenso contínuo. A qualidade dos cuidados nos profissionais com burnout não fica assegurada, tornando-se fundamental que as organizações e o próprio indivíduo intervenham de forma a preveni-la e/ou minimizá-la, através de estratégias da própria organização e de estratégias de coping do próprio indivíduo.

El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de discutir el tema del piso de protección social preconizado por la OIT y por el sistema de las Naciones Unidas, y su adecuación a Brasil. Por piso de protección social se entiende asegurar “garantías básicas” de seguridad social a los grupos más vulnerables, en particular ingreso monetario para determinadas categorías, como niños, discapacitados o personas de edad. Mientras se reconozca que el piso es una iniciativa muy relevante para países en desarrollo con sistemas de seguridad incompletos y débiles, planteamos que hay las ventajas del sistema de Seguridad Social brasileño respecto del piso.

O trabalho discute o desenvolvimento pioneiro das estruturas ancoradas no Brasil e no mundo e cita exemplos brasileiros. Discute a normalização das ancoragens permanentes, a partir da já existente no estrangeiro, das ancoragens provisórias, e das propostas brasileiras de normas. A contribuição constitue um desenvolvimento e actualização de trabalho mais antigo dos autores (Costa Nunes e Couto e Fonseca, 1972).