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Abstract Objectives to verify the contribution of mothers’ oral health impact profile to their children’s oral health profile and the contribution of mothers’ well-being and the caries index (dmft) to children’s well-being. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study. Mothers and pre-school children enrolled in public schools in the municipality of Araraquara-SP took part. The Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-14), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) were used. To diagnose caries, a clinical examination was carried out to calculate the dmft index. Path analysis was carried out and the path coefficients were estimated (β) and evaluated using the z-test (α = 5%). Results 443 children took part (5.19 ± 0.64 years; 52.4% boys) with an mean dmft of 1.31 ± 2.19. The mean age of the mothers was 33.4 ± 7.01 years. There was a significant impact of dmft and maternal well-being on the child’s subjective well-being (s2explained = 43%). The mothers’ oral health impact profile and the child’s caries experience had a significant influence on both the child (OHIP: β = 0.22; p

Dark Triad traits and self-control are considered viable causal precursors to antisocial and criminal outcomes in youth. The purpose of the present study is to concurrently compare how Dark Triad traits and self-control differ in terms of predicting self-reported juvenile delinquency, CD symptoms, proactive overt aggression, and crime seriousness. The sample consisted of 567 (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14–18 years) Southern European youth from Portugal. Structural-equation-modelling procedures revealed that the psychopathy factor of Dark Triad traits presented the strongest significant hypothetical causal associations with the antisocial/criminal outcomes, followed by self-control. Machiavellianism and narcissism presented the lowest causal associations. Our findings indicate that psychopathy, as operationalized in the Dark Triad, concurrently surpasses self-control and the remaining factors of the Dark Triad in terms of predicting antisocial/criminal outcomes in youth. This suggests that behavioral disinhibition, or a core incapacity to regulate one’s conduct, is central for understanding delinquency and externalizing psychopathology. Comparatively, the interpersonal component of dark personality features, such as Machiavellianism and narcissism, are secondary for understanding crime.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar as características psicométricas da Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21) para universitários e comparar as prevalências de depressão, ansiedade e estresse segundo o sexo. Métodos: Avaliou-se o ajustamento da DASS-21 aos dados por análise confirmatória utilizando os índices razão de qui-quadrado pelos graus de liberdade (χ2/gl), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) e Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). As prevalências de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram calculadas e comparadas segundo o sexo. Resultados: Participaram 1.042 estudantes [idades entre 18 e 35 anos, com média de 21,13 anos (desvio-padrão = 2,81), 65,7% mulheres]. O ajustamento da DASS-21 à amostra foi adequado (χ2/gl = 5,83; CFI = 0,96; TLI = 0,97; RMSEA = 0,07), contudo o item 2 apresentou baixo peso fatorial, sendo, portanto, excluído (χ2/gl = 6,05; CFI = 0,98; TLI = 0,97; RMSEA = 0,07). Em relação ao grau de acometimento dos estudantes pela depressão, ansiedade e estresse, verificou-se que 4,7%, 1,7% e 4,5% dos estudantes apresentaram, respectivamente, escores moderados a extremamente severos. Não houve diferença significativa entre as prevalências dos estados emocionais avaliados segundo o sexo. Conclusão: A DASS-21 apresentou adequada validade e confiabilidade para amostra. A prevalência de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foi semelhante entre homens e mulheres, apontando para a necessidade de um olhar igualitário na investigação desses estados emocionais.

Overlap between self-control and dark triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) is potentially problematic for efforts to distinguish dimensions associated with elevated risk for antisociality and crime. The aim of the present study is to examine the potential overlap between self-control and psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, with a focus on the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) and the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad scale (DD). The sample consisted of 567 youth (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14–18 years) from Portugal. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results from the pooled set of items of the BSCS and the DD measures revealed that both are valid and reliable measures of their respective constructs. However, consistent with previous research, the narcissism facet of the DD emerged as an independent factor. Our findings suggest that if such an eventual overlap is detected, it would be a question of problematic measures, not constructs.

O sobrepeso e a obesidade são atualmente um problema grave de saúde pública. Neste sentido foram objetivos deste estudo explorar os fatores e processos associados ao início do excesso de peso e à manutenção de obesidade/excesso de peso e perceber se estes fatores e processos são independentes do sexo e da presença de compulsão alimentar. Foi recolhida uma amostra de conveniência de 38 adultos com obesidade (n=35) ou excesso de peso (n=3), em contexto clínico e comunitário. Os processos/fatores de início e manutenção foram avaliados por entrevista; a presença de compulsão alimentar foi explorada com a Escala de Ingestão Compulsiva. Os resultados mostraram que os fatores de início do excesso de peso mais referidos foram a presença de excesso de peso na infância ou adolescência (57.9%), a falta de exercício físico (18.4%), questões genéticas (15.8%) e o casamento (13.2%) e que os processos associados à manutenção do aumento de peso mais referidos foram ouvir comentários negativos (57.9%), a existência de um ciclo de perda-reganho (47.4%), a presença de doenças (47.4%), a perceção da dificuldade em perder peso (42.1%), o sedentarismo (42.1%), a falta de mobilidade (36.8%), a ingestão excessiva de doces (36.8%), a presença de emoções negativas como o stress (34.2%), a ausência de esforço para controlo de peso (31.6%) e a utilização de estratégias de coping de evitamento (sem especificação e da imagem corporal) (31.6%). Conclui-se que os fatores e processos associados à manutenção de obesidade/excesso de peso são independentes da presença de compulsão alimentar, mas não do sexo. ABSTRACT Factors for the Beginning and Maintenance of Obesity/Excess Weight: A comparison between Adults with Binge Eating and no Binge Eating Overweight and obesity are currently a serious public health problem. In this sense, the aims of this study were to explore the factors and processes associated with the onset of overweight and maintenance of obesity / overweight and to understand if these factors and processes are independent of gender and the presence of binge eating. A convenience sample of 38 adults with obesity (n=35) or overweight (n=3) was collected, in clinical and community context. The processes/factors of maintenance and maintenance were evaluated by interview; the presence of binge eating was exploited with the Compulsive Ingestion Scale. The results showed that the most mentioned factors of onset of overweight were the presence of overweight in childhood or adolescence (57.9%), lack of physical exercise (18.4%), genetic issues (15.8%) and marriage (13.2%) and that the processes associated with maintenance of weight gain most referred to were: to hear negative comments (57.9%), the existence of a loss-retinal cycle (47.4%), the presence of diseases (47.4%), the perception of difficulty in losing weight (42.1%), sedentary lifestyle (42.1%), lack of mobility (36.8%), excessive ingestion of sweets (36.8%), the presence of negative emotions such as stress (34.2%), lack of effort to control weight (31.6%) and the use of avoidance coping strategies (31.6%). It is concluded that the factors and processes associated with the maintenance of obesity / overweight are independent of the presence of binge eating, but not gender.

ABSTRACT: Objective: The aims of this study were to estimate the association between an at-risk drinking pattern and sociodemographic variables, and to compare the mean scores of the factors associated with the Burnout Syndrome, according to the alcohol consumption pattern in staff members from two Brazilian prisons. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 339 participants (response rate = 63.8%). The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey (MBI-GS). Results: The participants' average age was 40.2 (SD = 8.8) years, and 81.0% were male. Among 78.5% of participants (95%CI 74.1 - 82.8) reported consuming alcoholic beverages. The prevalence of at-risk drinking behavior in the sample was 22.4% (95%CI 18.0 - 26.9), and of the Burnout Syndrome was 14.6% (95%CI 10.8 - 18.4). We observed a significant association between at-risk drinking behavior with gender, higher risk for men (OR = 7.32, p < 0.001), smoking, increased risk for smokers (OR = 2.77, p < 0.001), and religious practice, showing lower risks for religion practitioners (OR = 0.364, p < 0.001). We noticed significantly higher mean scores (p < 0.001) of emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and lower scores of professional achievement among individuals who reported consuming alcoholic beverages. Conclusion: Men who smoke were more likely to develop an at-risk drinking pattern, while religion is presented as a protective factor. Individuals who consume alcohol were more affected by the different factors of the Burnout Syndrome.

AbstractThis study investigated what predicts the occurrence of hot flushes (HF) and night sweats (NS). A community sample of 992 women (42-60 years) answered a questionnaire to collect socio-demographic, health and menopause-related, as well as lifestyle information. Depressive mood and stress, as well as HF and NS (in terms of presence, frequency and intensity), were also assessed. Structural equation modelling was used to build a structural model to predict the occurrence of both vasomotor symptoms. Results: Stress predicted NS (β =.154; p=.006), whereas depressive mood was linked to the occurrence of HF's (β =.149; p=.006). Being peri-menopausal and post-menopausal, among several other characteristics, were also significant predictors of the occurrence of both HF and NS. This study supports a distinguished influence of stress and depressive mood in NS and HF respectively, probably due to the nature of psychological symptoms. Moreover, significant associations between vasomotor symptoms and socio-demographic, health and menopause-related characteristics, and alcohol were confirmed.

Resumo: Objetivo: Estimar a contribuição de variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais e do índice de massa corporal para a preocupação com a imagem corporal. Métodos: Para estimar a preocupação com a imagem corporal foram utilizadas as escalas Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) e Weight Concerns Scale (WCS)Foi realizada análise fatorial confirmatória das escalas e utilizados os índices Razão χ2 e graus de liberdade (χ2/gl), Confirmatory Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI) e Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). A validade convergente foi estimada por Variância Extraída Média e Confiabilidade Composta e a consistência interna pelo Alfa de Cronbach padronizado (α). Foi confeccionado um modelo estrutural sendo a preocupação com a imagem corporal o construto central de segunda ordem. A adequação do modelo foi avaliada com base nos índices de ajustamento. O teste z foi utilizado para estimar a significância das trajetórias (β) utilizando-se 5% de significância. Resultados: Participaram 595 estudantes universitárias com média de idade de 20,42 ± 2,44 anos. O modelo completo, com a inserção de todas as variáveis independentes, apresentou ajustamento insatisfatório e foi refinado. O modelo final apresentou ajustamento satisfatório (χ2/gl = 5,75; CFI = 0,87; NFI = 0,85; RMSEA = 0,09) com a inclusão do consumo de medicamento devido aos estudos (β = 0,08; p = 0,04), desempenho acadêmico (β = 0,09; p = 0,02), classe econômica (β = 0,08; p = 0,03) e índice de massa corporal (β = 0,44; p < 0,001). Esse modelo explicou 22% da preocupação com a imagem corporal. Conclusão: O consumo de medicamentos devido aos estudos, o desempenho acadêmico, a classe econômica e o índice de massa corporal contribuem significativamente para a preocupação com a imagem corporal.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties, along with cross-cultural invariance analysis, of the Cancer Appetite and Symptom Questionnaire (CASQ). Method Data from 555 United Kingdom (UK) cancer patients were used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CASQ. Construct validity was assessed through factorial and convergent validity. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis using as indices the chi-square ratio by degrees of freedom (χ2/df), the comparative fit index (CFI), the goodness of fit index (GFI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Convergent validity was estimated by the items’ average variance extracted (AVE). Reliability was estimated by composite reliability and internal consistency. Factorial invariance analysis of the CASQ was evaluated by multigroup analysis (∆χ2) using the UK and Brazilian samples. Results All items showed adequate psychometric sensitivity in the UK sample. One item was removed and four correlations were included between errors with an appropriate fit of the model (χ2/df = 2.674, CFI = 0.966, GFI = 0.964, RMSEA = 0.055). The reliability of the CASQ was adequate and the convergent validity was low. The factorial structure of the CASQ differed across countries, and a lack of measurement invariance for the two countries was observed (λ: ∆χ2 = 64.008, p < 0.001; i: ∆χ2 = 3515.047, p < 0.001; Res: ∆χ2 = 4452.504, p < 0.001). Conclusion The CASQ showed adequate psychometric properties in the UK sample. The ability to estimate loss of appetite and the presence of symptoms was different between UK and Brazilian patients.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to validate for Portuguese language (Brazilian population) the questionnaire Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) in Physical Education. Attended three translators involved in the translation process, three doctors in Sport Psychology and 403 students. The instrument was the BPNES with 12 items that assessed the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relationship). For analysis, we used the content validity coefficients, kappa, Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation and confirmatory factor analysis. The Results showed that the version for the Portuguese language contains appropriate questions for clarity of language and practical relevance (CVC>.81) and presents internal consistency (α=0.83), and satisfactory test-retest reliability (R = 0.87) . Confirmatory factor analysis presented adjustment coefficients (X2/gl=2.10; GFI=0.95; CFI=0.96; TLI=0.95; RMS=0.05). We conclude that the version into Portuguese of BPNES proved to be valid to assessed the constructs of motivation (autonomy, competence and relationships) in the Brazilian educational context.

O objetivo do estudo foi a validação transcultural do questionário de Necessidades Psicológicas no Exercício (BPNES) com alunos brasileiros. Participaram três tradutores envolvidos no processo de tradução, três especialistas em Psicologia do Esporte e 403 alunos. O instrumento utilizado foi o BPNES com 12 itens que avaliaram as necessidades psicológicas básicas dos alunos (autonomia, competência e relacionamento). Para análise dos dados utilizou-se os coeficientes de validade de conteúdo, kappa, alfa de Cronbach, correlação intraclasse e análise fatorial confirmatória. Os resultados mostraram que a versão para a língua portuguesa contém questões apropriadas para clareza de linguagem e relevância prática (CVC> ,81), apresenta consistência interna (α = ,83) e confiabilidade teste-reteste satisfatória (R = ,87). A análise fatorial confirmatória apresentou coeficientes de ajuste adequados (X2/gl = 2,10, GFI = ,95, CFI =0,96, TLI = ,95, RMSE = ,05). Conclui-se que a versão na língua portuguesa para alunos brasileiros do BPNES mostrou-se válida para avaliar os construtos de motivação (autonomia, competência e relações) no contexto educacional.

Body weight concerns are common among individuals with eating disorders, and this construct can be assessed using psychometric instruments. The Weight Concerns Scale (WCS) is commonly used to assess body weight concerns.To evaluate the psychometric properties of the WCS with Brazilian, Portuguese, and Mozambican female college students; to estimate body weight concerns; and to identify factors related to eating disorders.Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Factorial, convergent, concurrent, and divergent validity, as well as reliability, were assessed. Cross-national invariance was tested by means of multigroup analysis. Structural models were tested using the WCS as the dependent variable, while demographic and academic variables and body mass index were used as independent variables. Logistic models were tested to estimate the likelihood of eating disorders being developed in specific groups.Participants were 2,068 female students. The psychometric properties of the WCS were adequate for the Portuguese sample; however, for the Brazilian and Mozambican samples, it was necessary to correlate the errors of two items to improve model fit. The WCS did not show cross-national invariance. The variables "thoughts about dropping out of college," "medication use because of studies," "medication and supplements use for body change," "body mass index," "socioeconomic status," "age," and "performance in course" were significant predictors of body weight concerns. Overall, 24.4% (95% confidence interval = 22.9-26.7) of the students were likely to develop eating disorders. Students under 21 years old, who use medication and supplements for body change, and who were classified as overweight/obese have increased likelihood of developing eating disorders.The WCS showed good psychometric properties with Brazilian, Portuguese, and Mozambican students; however, it did not show cross-national invariance. We identified important aspects for investigating body weight concerns and factors related to eating disorders.

The aim of this study was to estimate the reliability, validity and factorial invariance of the Portuguese version of the Geriatric/General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) as applied to Brazilian women. A total 701 women over 18 years of age participated in this study. Telephone interviews were conducted. We evaluated the construct-related validity through factorial, convergent and discriminant validity. We carried out a confirmatory factor analysis using the χ2/df, CFI, GFI and RMSEA indexes. The invariance of the model in a second independent sample was estimated by multi-group analysis and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Items 5 and 9 presented factor weights below the adequate value and were removed. The three-dimensional and unifactorial model presented an adequate fit. We observed strong factorial invariance of the models in two independent samples (three-factor: ρλ = 0.62; pCov = 0.89, one-factor: ρλ = 0.81; pCov = 0.68) and weak factorial invariance between users and nonusers of dental prosthetics (three-factor: ρλ = 0.55; pCov = 0.01, one-factor: ρλ = 0.51; pCov = 0.02). The convergent validity was suboptimal. Internal consistency was adequate. The GOHAI applied to the study sample showed adequate reliability, factorial validity and stability in independent samples and between users and nonusers of dental prosthetics in both the three-dimensional and the unifactorial structures.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (IAF), used to assess the severity of temporomandibular disorders, applied to Brazilian women. We used a probabilistic sampling design. The participants were 700 women over 18 years of age, living in the city of Araraquara (SP). The IAF questionnaire was applied by telephone interviews. We conducted Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Chi-Square Over Degrees of Freedom (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) as goodness of fit indices. We calculated the convergent validity, the average variance extracted (AVE) and the composite reliability (CR). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α).The factorial weights of questions 8 and 10 were below the adequate values. Thus, we refined the original model and these questions were excluded. The resulting factorial model showed appropriate goodness of fit to the sample (χ2/df = 3.319, CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.967, RMSEA = 0.058). The convergent validity (AVE = 0.513, CR = 0.878) and internal consistency (α = 0.745) were adequate. The reduced IAF version showed adequate validity and reliability in a sample of Brazilian women.

Plant phytochemicals are described as possessing considerable neuroprotective properties, due to radical scavenging capacity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, important bioactivities in neurodegeneration. Antirrhinum lopesianum is a rare endemism from the Iberian Peninsula, occurring at the northeastern border between Portugal and Spain. It is classified as Endangered, due to its highly fragmented geographical occupation, facing a high risk of extinction in the Portuguese territory, within 20 years. Here, we describe for the first time the chemical characterization of extracts of the species concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. The profile of high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) of the polyphenol-enriched fraction of plant extracts was also performed, showing the great potential of the species as a source of bioactive phytochemical compounds. A. lopesianum’s potential for neuroprotection was revealed by a significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and also by a neuroprotective effect on a human cell model of neurodegeneration. Moreover, this is the first report describing a successful procedure for the in vitro propagation of this endangered species. The comparison of phenolic content and the HPLC-DAD profile of wild and in vitro propagated plants revealed that in vitro plants maintain the ability to produce secondary metabolites, but the profiles are differentially affected by the growth regulators. The results presented here greatly contribute to the value for this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits.

Abstract Student engagement is a key factor in academic achievement and degree completion, though there is much debate about the operationalization and dimensionality of this construct. The goal of this paper is to describe the development of an psycho-educational oriented measure – the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI). This measure draws on the conceptualization of engagement as a multidimensional construct, including cognitive, behavioural and emotional engagement. Participants were 609 Portuguese University students (67 % female) majoring in Social Sciences, Biological Sciences or Engineering and Exact Sciences. The content, construct and predictive validity, and reliability of the USEI were tested. The validated USEI was composed of 15 items, and supported the tri-factorial structure of student engagement. We documented evidence of adequate reliability, factorial, convergent and discriminant validities. USEI’s concurrent validity, with the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student Survey, and the predictive validity for self-reported academic achievement and intention to dropout from school were also observed.

BACKGROUND:Appetite and symptoms, conditions generally reported by the patients with cancer, are somewhat challenging for professionals to measure directly in clinical routine (latent conditions). Therefore, specific instruments are required for this purpose. This study aimed to perform a cultural adaptation of the Cancer Appetite and Symptom Questionnaire (CASQ), into Portuguese and evaluate its psychometric properties on a sample of Brazilian cancer patients. METHODS:This is a validation study with Brazilian cancer patients. The face, content, and construct (factorial and convergent) validities of the Cancer Appetite and Symptom Questionnaire, the study tool, were estimated. Further, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. The ratio of chi-square and degrees of freedom (χ2/df), comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit index (GFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used for fit model assessment. In addition, the reliability of the instrument was estimated using the composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α), and the invariance of the model in independent samples was estimated by a multigroup analysis (Δχ2). RESULTS:Participants included 1,140 cancer patients with a mean age of 53.95 (SD = 13.25) years; 61.3% were women. After the CFA of the original CASQ structure, 2 items with inadequate factor weights were removed. Four correlations between errors were included to provide adequate fit to the sample (χ2/df = 8.532, CFI = .94, GFI = .95, and RMSEA = .08). The model exhibited a low convergent validity (AVE = .32). The reliability was adequate (CR = .82 α = .82). The refined model showed strong invariance in two independent samples (Δχ2: λ: p = .855; i: p = .824; Res: p = .390). A weak stability was obtained between patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Δχ2: λ: p = .155; i: p < .001; Res: p < .001), and between patients undergoing chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy and palliative care (Δχ2: λ: p = .058; i: p < .001; Res: p < .001). CONCLUSION:The Portuguese version of the CASQ had good face and construct validity and reliability. However, the CASQ still presented invariance in independent samples of Brazilian patients with cancer. However, the tool has low convergent validity and weak invariance in samples with different treatments.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to develop a unified Portuguese-language version, for use in Brazil and Portugal, of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and to estimate its validity, reliability, and internal consistency in Brazilian and Portuguese female university students. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed using both original (34-item) and shortened (8-item) versions. The model's fit was assessed with χ²/df, CFI, NFI, and RMSEA. Concurrent and convergent validity were assessed. Reliability was estimated through internal consistency and composite reliability (α). Transnational invariance of the BSQ was tested using multi-group analysis. The original 32-item model was refined to present a better fit and adequate validity and reliability. The shortened model was stable in both independent samples and in transnational samples (Brazil and Portugal). The use of this unified version is recommended for the assessment of body shape concerns in both Brazilian and Portuguese college students.

OBJETIVO: Realizar a adaptação transcultural da versão em português do Inventário de Burnout de Maslach para estudantes e investigar sua confiabilidade, validade e invariância transcultural. MÉTODOS: A validação de face envolveu participação de equipe multidisciplinar. Foi realizada validação de conteúdo. A versão em português foi preenchida em 2009, pela internet, por 958 estudantes universitários brasileiros e 556 portugueses da zona urbana. Realizou-se análise fatorial confirmatória utilizando-se como índices de ajustamento o χ²/df, o comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit index (GFI) e o root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Para verificação da estabilidade da solução fatorial conforme a versão original em inglês, realizou-se validação cruzada em 2/3 da amostra total e replicada no 1/3 restante. A validade convergente foi estimada pela variância extraída média e confiabilidade composta. Avaliou-se a validade discriminante e a consistência interna foi estimada pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. A validade concorrente foi estimada por análise correlacional da versão em português e dos escores médios do Inventário de Burnout de Copenhague; a divergente foi comparada à Escala de Depressão de Beck. Foi avaliada a invariância do modelo entre a amostra brasileira e a portuguesa. RESULTADOS: O modelo trifatorial de Exaustão, Descrença e Eficácia apresentou ajustamento adequado (χ²/df = 8,498; CFI = 0,916; GFI = 0,902; RMSEA = 0,086). A estrutura fatorial foi estável (λ: χ²dif = 11,383, p = 0,50; Cov: χ²dif = 6,479, p = 0,372; Resíduos: χ²dif = 21,514, p = 0,121). Observou-se adequada validade convergente (VEM = 0,45;0,64, CC = 0,82;0,88), discriminante (ρ² = 0,06;0,33) e consistência interna (α = 0,83;0,88). A validade concorrente da versão em português com o Inventário de Copenhague foi adequada (r = 0,21;0,74). A avaliação da validade divergente do instrumento foi prejudicada pela aproximação do conceito teórico das dimensões Exaustão e Descrença da versão em português com a Escala de Beck. Não se observou invariância do instrumento entre as amostras brasileiras e portuguesas (λ:χ²dif = 84,768, p < 0,001; Cov: χ²dif = 129,206, p < 0,001; Resíduos: χ²dif = 518,760, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A versão em português do Inventário de Burnout de Maslach para estudantes apresentou adequada confiabilidade e validade, mas sua estrutura fatorial não foi invariante entre os países, apontando ausência de estabilidade transcultural.

Background: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no effective pharmacological treatment. Cognition-based interventions are adequate alternatives, but their benefit has not been thoroughly explored. Our aim was to study the effect of speech and language therapy (SLT) on naming ability in PPA. Methods: An open parallel prospective longitudinal study involving two centers was designed to compare patients with PPA submitted to SLT (1 h/week for 11 months) with patients receiving no therapy. Twenty patients were enrolled and undertook baseline language and neuropsychological assessments; among them, 10 received SLT and 10 constituted an age- and education-matched historical control group. The primary outcome measure was the change in group mean performance on the Snodgrass and Vanderwart naming test between baseline and follow-up assessments. Results: Intervention and control groups did not significantly differ on demographic and clinical variables at baseline. A mixed repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of therapy (F(1,18) = 10.763; p = 0.005) on the performance on the Snodgrass and Vanderwart naming test. Conclusion: Although limited by a non-randomized open study design with a historical control group, the present study suggests that SLT may have a benefit in PPA, and it should prompt a randomized, controlled, rater-blind clinical trial.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be an early stage of a neurodegenerative disorder, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and the clinical diagnosis requires the objective demonstration of cognitive deficits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of MCI for the conversion to dementia when using four different verbal memory tests (Logical Memory, LM; California Verbal Learning Test, CVLT; Verbal Paired-Associate Learning, VPAL; and Digit Span, DS) in the MCI criteria. Methods: Participants were consecutive patients with subjective cognitive complaints who performed a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and were not demented, observed in a memory clinic setting. Results: At baseline, 272 non-demented patients reporting subjective cognitive complaints were included. During the follow-up time (3.0 ± 1.9 years), 58 patients converted to dementia and 214 did not. Statistically significant differences between the converters and non-converters were present in LM, VPAL, and CVLT. A multivariate Cox regression analysis combining the four memory tests revealed that only the CVLT test remained significant as a predictor of conversion to dementia. Non-demented patients with cognitive complaints diagnosed as having MCI according to abnormal (Conclusion: The verbal memory assessment using the CVLT should be preferred in the diagnostic criteria of MCI for a more accurate prediction of conversion to dementia.

A Síndrome de Burnout caracteriza-se por esgotamento profissional e tem sido relatada em estudantes universitários. O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout em estudantes de Odontologia de uma universidade pública e sua relação com características sociodemográficas. Todos os estudantes (n = 300) foram convidados a participar. Utilizou-se o Inventário de Burnout de Maslach - versão estudantes (MBI-SS). Realizou-se análise das propriedades psicométricas do MBI-SS. Para comparação entre os escores médios das dimensões do Burnout realizou-se Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA) seguida de Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e testes post-hoc de Tukey. Dos 235 participantes, 72,8% eram mulheres e a média de idade era de 21,0 ± 1,8 anos. O MBI-SS mostrou-se confiável e válido. Dos estudantes, 17,0% apresentaram a Síndrome de Burnout. Verificou-se relação significativa entre a Síndrome de Burnout e o desempenho do estudante no curso (F = 4,433, p < 0,001), o consumo de medicação devido aos estudos (F = 7,721, p < 0,001) e o pensamento de desistir do curso (F = 16,168, p < 0,001). Foram mais acometidos aqueles com desempenho ruim no curso, que consomem medicações devido aos estudos e que já pensaram em desistir do curso. Conclui-se que a prevalência da Síndrome entre os estudantes de Odontologia foi alta, sendo significativa a relação entre a Síndrome e o desempenho do estudante no curso, o consumo de medicação devido aos estudos e o pensamento de desistir do curso.The burnout syndrome is characterized by professional exhaustion and has been reported in college students. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among dentistry students from a public university, and its relationship to socio-demographic characteristics. All students (n = 300) were invited to participate. We used the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Version (MBI-SS). We carried out an analysis of the MBI-SS' psychometric properties. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was performed, followed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc tests to compare the mean scores of burnout dimensions. Of the 235 participants, 72.8% were women and the mean age was 21.0 ± 1.8 years. The MBI-SS was reliable and valid. Of the students, 17.0% had Burnout Syndrome. There was a significant relation between Burnout Syndrome and a student's performance during the course (F = 4.433, p < 0.001), medication intake because of studies (F = 7.721, p < 0.001), and the thought of dropping the course (F = 16.168, p < 0.001). The students most affected were those with poor performance, those who took medication because of studies, and those with thoughts of dropping the course. We concluded that the prevalence of the syndrome among dentistry students was high, with a significant relation between the syndrome and a student's academic performance, use of medication because of studies, and thoughts of dropping the course.

El objetivo del trabajo que se informa fue determinar si, en casos de transmisión inter-generacional de maltrato, se verificaba transmisión de tipologías de abuso y establecer el contexto del abuso. Se desarrolló un estudio exploratorio con 10 agresores de niños, quienes habían sido víctimas de abuso. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron una entrevista semi-estructurada y un cuestionario socio-demográfico. Se realizó un análisis del contenido para estudiar los datos textuales, el test de Fisher para determinar la posible dependencia entre los tipos de abuso sufridos y practicados y análisis del componente principal para explorar asociaciones entre categorías. Se verificó la transmisión del abuso físico en siete casos, en dos casos de abuso psicológico y en dos de negligencia. No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las tipologías de abuso sufrido y practicado. Las categorías Entorno Familiar (218 unidades de registro -u.r- unidad de codificación básica) y Relaciones Intrafamiliares (151u.r.) presentaron el mayor número de u.r., y las categorías Abuso Sexual (1u.r.) y Agresor como Figura de Identificación Reconocida (4u.r.), el más bajo. El contexto del abuso se explica mejor mediante un modelo bidimensional: Maltrato e Interacciones Sociales y Contexto del Abuso, Sentimientos y Percepciones. Se encontraron fuertes asociaciones entre Abuso Psicológico y Físico, Relaciones Interpersonales, Inclinación al Abuso y Hábitos Tóxicos, y entre ser la única víctima de agresiones, viendo al otro como figura de identificación y sentimientos negativos hacia el agresor. La transmisión de las tipologías de abuso no fue significativa, pero se encontraron asociaciones entre aspectos contextuales y son discutidos junto con sus limitaciones e implicaciones.

DNA methylation has been referred as an important player in plant genomic responses to environmental stresses but correlations between the methylome plasticity and specific traits of interest are still far from being understood. In this study, we inspected global DNA methylation levels in salt tolerant and sensitive rice varieties upon salt stress imposition. Global DNA methylation was quantified using the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) antibody and an ELISA-based technique, which is an affordable and quite pioneer assay in plants, and in situ imaging of methylation sites in interphase nuclei of tissue sections. Variations of global DNA methylation levels in response to salt stress were tissue- and genotype-dependent. We show a connection between a higher ability of DNA methylation adjustment levels and salt stress tolerance. The salt-tolerant rice variety Pokkali was remarkable in its ability to quickly relax DNA methylation in response to salt stress. In spite of the same tendency for reduction of global methylation under salinity, in the salt-sensitive rice variety IR29 such reduction was not statistically supported. In 'Pokkali', the salt stress-induced demethylation may be linked to active demethylation due to increased expression of DNA demethylases under salt stress. In 'IR29', the induction of both DNA demethylases and methyltransferases may explain the lower plasticity of DNA methylation. We further show that mutations for epigenetic regulators affected specific phenotypic parameters related to salinity tolerance, such as the root length and biomass. This work emphasizes the role of differential methylome flexibility between salt tolerant and salt sensitive rice varieties as an important player in salt stress tolerance, reinforcing the need to better understand the connection between epigenetic networks and plant responses to environmental stresses.

Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment relies on the presence of memory complaints. However, memory complaints are very frequent in healthy people. The objective of this study was to determine the severity and type of memory difficulties presented by elderly patients who seek for clinical help, as compared to the memory difficulties reported by subjects in the community. Assessment of subjective memory complaints was done with the subjective memory complaints scale (SMC). The mini-mental state examination was used for general cognitive evaluation and the geriatric depression scale for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Eight-hundred and seventy-one nondemented subjects older than 50 years were included. Participants in the clinical setting had a higher total SMC score (10.3±4.2) than those in the community (5.1±3.0). Item 3 of the SMC, Do you ever forget names of family members or friends? contributed significantly more to the variance of the total SMC score in the clinical sample (18%) as compared to the community sample (11%). Forgetting names of family members or friends plays an important role in subjective memory complaints in the clinical setting. This symptom is possibly perceived as particularly worrisome and likely drives people to seek for clinical help.

OBJECTIVE: This study was proposed to estimate the effectiveness of different screening methods of the Burnout Syndrome among dental students. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Burnout Syndrome assessment was performed using the Oldenburg Inventory-Student survey (OLBI-SS) and the Copenhagen Inventory-Student survey (CBI‑SS). The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student survey (MBI-SS) was used as the gold standard. The psychometric properties of the instruments were measured. The second-order hierarchical model was estimated to calculate the overall scores for OLBI-SS and CBI-SS, and ROC curves were constructed and the areas were estimated (AUROC). RESULT: A total of 235 undergraduate students participated in this study. The instruments showed an adequate reliability and validity; however three questions had to be removed from OLBI-SS and one from CBI-SS. The Exhaustion dimension of OLBI-SS, and Personal Burnout and Study related Burnout of CBI-SS presented a good discriminating capacity. CONCLUSION: CBI-SS showed higher discriminating capacity, than OLBI-SS, to identify the Burnout Syndrome (DAUROC=.172 [.103-.240]; p

OBJETIVO: Realizar a adaptação transcultural da versão em português do Inventário de Burnout de Maslach para estudantes e investigar sua confiabilidade, validade e invariância transcultural. MÉTODOS: A validação de face envolveu participação de equipe multidisciplinar. Foi realizada validação de conteúdo. A versão em português foi preenchida em 2009, pela internet, por 958 estudantes universitários brasileiros e 556 portugueses da zona urbana. Realizou-se análise fatorial confirmatória utilizando-se como índices de ajustamento o χ2/df, o comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit index (GFI) e o root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Para verificação da estabilidade da solução fatorial conforme a versão original em inglês, realizou-se validação cruzada em 2/3 da amostra total e replicada no 1/3 restante. A validade convergente foi estimada pela variância extraída média e confiabilidade composta. Avaliou-se a validade discriminante e a consistência interna foi estimada pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. A validade concorrente foi estimada por análise correlacional da versão em português e dos escores médios do Inventário de Burnout de Copenhague; a divergente foi comparada à Escala de Depressão de Beck. Foi avaliada a invariância do modelo entre a amostra brasileira e a portuguesa. RESULTADOS: O modelo trifatorial de Exaustão, Descrença e Eficácia apresentou ajustamento adequado (χ2/df = 8,498; CFI = 0,916; GFI = 0,902; RMSEA = 0,086). A estrutura fatorial foi estável (λ: χ2dif = 11,383, p = 0,50; Cov: χ2dif = 6,479, p = 0,372; Resíduos: χ2dif = 21,514, p = 0,121). Observou-se adequada validade convergente (VEM = 0,45;0,64, CC = 0,82;0,88), discriminante (ρ² = 0,06;0,33) e consistência interna (α = 0,83;0,88). A validade concorrente da versão em português com o Inventário de Copenhague foi adequada (r = 0,21;0,74). A avaliação da validade divergente do instrumento foi prejudicada pela aproximação do conceito teórico das dimensões Exaustão e Descrença da versão em português com a Escala de Beck. Não se observou invariância do instrumento entre as amostras brasileiras e portuguesas (λ:χ2dif = 84,768, p < 0,001; Cov: χ2dif = 129,206, p < 0,001; Resíduos: χ2dif = 518,760, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A versão em português do Inventário de Burnout de Maslach para estudantes apresentou adequada confiabilidade e validade, mas sua estrutura fatorial não foi invariante entre os países, apontando ausência de estabilidade transcultural.

Factor analysis, a staple of correlational psychology, faces challenges with ordinal variables like Likert scales. The validity of traditional methods, particularly maximum likelihood (ML), is debated. Newer approaches, like using polychoric correlation matrices with weighted least squares estimators (WLS), offer solutions. This paper compares maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with WLS for ordinal variables. While WLS on polychoric correlations generally outperforms MLE on Pearson correlations, especially with nonbell-shaped distributions, it may yield artefactual estimates with severely skewed data. MLE tends to underestimate true loadings, while WLS may overestimate them. Simulations and case studies highlight the importance of item psychometric distributions. Despite advancements, MLE remains robust, underscoring the complexity of analyzing ordinal data in factor analysis. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing the need for distributional analyses and careful consideration of data characteristics.

Abstract Objectives To adapt the Charlotte Attitudes Toward Sleep (CATS) scale, the only self-assessment instrument measuring non-dysfunctional attitudes toward sleep, into Portuguese and to study its psychometric properties in a Portuguese sample. Method A sample of 1858 participants, recruited through non-probabilistic methods, was randomly split in two subsamples; one was used to develop the CATS model, the other for testing model invariance. We used structural equation models to assess factorial validity, measurement invariance, and relationships with other variables (e.g., the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire) through confirmatory factorial analysis and causal models using a robust maximum likelihood method with Satorra-Bentler correction. Results The CATS factorial model showed excellent evidence of factorial validity (robust CFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.979, SRMR = 0.026, RMSEA = 0.043), good reliability indicators (α and ώ 1 > 0.75), and strict invariance of measurement (|∆CFI|

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale applied to pregnant women in Primary Health Care. Method This is a methodological study conducted with 937 pregnant women assisted in the Family Health Strategy in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Psychometric sensitivity, construct and criterion validity, and reliability were evaluated. Results The instrument achieved adequate psychometric sensitivity (skewness < 3 and kurtosis < 7). Quality fit indicators of the model were obtained: x2/gl = 4.72, CFI = 0.89, GFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.87, RMSEA = 0.063 (90% CI = 0.059-0.067, p = 0.000). Hypothesis testing indicated associations with marital status (p = 0.036), income (p= 0.030), trimester (p < 0.001), planned pregnancy (p = 0.003), social support (p < 0.001), and family APGAR score (p < 0.001). Significant correlations (p < 0.001) with stress (r = -0.12) and depressive symptoms (r = -0.17) demonstrated divergent criterion validity. Cronbach’s α of 0.874 was recorded. Conclusion The scale showed adequate psychometric evidence for application to pregnant women in the Primary Health Care setting.

ObjectiveThe quality of the relationship between persons with dementia and family carers influences health and quality-of-life outcomes. Little is known regarding those at higher risk of experiencing a decline in relationship quality, who could potentially benefit the most from interventions. We aimed to identify these risk profiles and explore the underlying factors.MethodsWe applied a latent profile analysis to relationship quality data from a 1-year follow-up of 350 dyads of persons with dementia and their informal carers from the Actifcare cohort in eight European countries. Assessments included sociodemographic, clinical, functional, psychosocial and quality-of-life measures. Relationship quality was assessed with the Positive Affect Index. A discriminant analysis explored factors influencing the risk profiles.ResultsThere were two relationship quality profiles among persons with dementia (gradually decreasing, 74.0%; low but improving, 26%) and two among carers (steadily poor, 57.7%; consistently positive, 42.3%). The ‘gradually decreasing’ profile (persons with dementia) was related to their levels of dependence and unmet needs, along with carers’ social distress and negative feelings, lower baseline RQ and sense of coherence. The ‘steadily poor’ profile (carers) was influenced by their social distress and negative feelings, lower sense of coherence and perceived social support. These two predominant profiles showed significant decreases in quality-of-life over one year.ConclusionsSpecific profiles of persons with dementia and their carers are at risk of worse relationship quality trajectories. By considering modifiable related factors (e.g., carers’ stress), our findings can help develop tailored, effective interventions.

Abstract Aim Understanding vaccine hesitancy, as a critical concern for public health, cannot occur without the use of validated measures applicable and relevant to the samples they are assessing. The current study aimed to validate the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and to investigate the predictors of children’s vaccine hesitancy among parents from Australia, China, Iran, and Turkey. To ensure the high quality of the present observational study the STROBE checklist was utilized. Design A cross-sectional study. Method In total, 6,073 parent participants completed the web-based survey between 8 August 2021 and 1 October 2021. The content and construct validity of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale was assessed. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were used to assess the scale’s internal consistency, composite reliability (C.R.) and maximal reliability (MaxR) were used to assess the construct reliability. Multiple linear regression was used to predict parental vaccine hesitancy from gender, social media activity, and perceived financial well-being. Results The results found that the VHS had a two-factor structure (i.e., lack of confidence and risk) and a total of 9 items. The measure showed metric invariance across four very different countries/cultures, showed evidence of good reliability, and showed evidence of validity. As expected, analyses indicated that parental vaccine hesitancy was higher in people who identify as female, more affluent, and more active on social media. Conclusions The present research marks one of the first studies to evaluate vaccine hesitancy in multiple countries that demonstrated VHS validity and reliability. Findings from this study have implications for future research examining vaccine hesitancy and vaccine-preventable diseases and community health nurses.

Abstract Hemodialysis is a conservative treatment for end-stage renal disease. It has various complications which negatively affect quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to examine the relationship between fatigue, pruritus, and thirst distress (TD) with QOL of patients receiving hemodialysis, while also considering the mediating role of treatment adherence (TA). This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2023 on 411 patients receiving hemodialysis. Participants were consecutively recruited from several dialysis centers in Iran. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the Thirst Distress Scale, the Pruritus Severity Scale, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and the modified version of the Greek Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire for Hemodialysis Patients. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The structural model and hypothesis testing results showed that all hypotheses were supported in this study. QOL had a significant inverse association with fatigue, pruritus, and TD and a significant positive association with TA. TA partially mediated the association of QOL with fatigue, pruritus, and TD, denoting that it helped counteract the negative association of these complications on QOL. This model explained 68.5% of the total variance of QOL. Fatigue, pruritus, and TD have a negative association with QOL among patients receiving hemodialysis, while TA reduces these negative associations. Therefore, TA is greatly important to manage the associations of these complications and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers need to assign high priority to TA improvement among these patients to reduce their fatigue, pruritus, and TD and improve their QOL. Further studies are necessary to determine the most effective strategies for improving TA and reducing the burden of complications in this patient population.