Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-09-01"
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- The experience of children and family in pediatric home hospitalization: a systematic review of qualitative evidencePublication . Pinheiro, Catarina; Pires, Cláudia; Romeiro, Joana; Ramos, Sílvia; Charepe, ZaidaObjective: To synthesize the experiences of children and parents/caregivers in the process of pediatric home hospitalization (PHH). Introduction: The practice of home hospitalization (HH), while not a new concept has expanded in recent years.This model of care consists of continuous care at home for children with acute illness or acute chronic disease and presents itself as an alternative to conventional hospitalization (Middel, 2007; Parab et al., 2013). Excellence in pediatric healthcare is fundamental and this review provides a necessary understanding towards the experiences of children and their families in HH. Methods: Research was carried out in three phases and included both published and grey literature in the CINAHL,MEDLINE, MedicLatina, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and OpenAIRE databases to find relevant articles. Studies published in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French with no time limit were considered. Results: Findings were aggregated into five categories: communication and care experiences, parental dynamics and role carers, benefits and challenges for parents and children, relationship between parents, children's, and healthcare professionals and enhancing continuity of care and family support. According to ConQual the confidence level of the results was moderate in all articles. Conclusions: Through PHH, it is possible to avoid the impact of a conventional hospitalization since it promotes family union, increases the affective bond, the feeling of security, comfort, tranquillity, relief, confidence, and autonomy, reducing stressors such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, uncertainty, and fear.
- Associations between obesity, a composite risk score for probable long COVID, and sleep problems in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individualsPublication . Xue, Pei; Merikanto, Ilona; Delale, Eva A.; Bjelajac, Adrijana; Yordanova, Juliana; Chan, Rachel N. Y.; Korman, Maria; Mota-Rolim, Sérgio A.; Landtblom, Anne Marie; Matsui, Kentaro; Reis, Catia; Penzel, Thomas; Inoue, Yuichi; Nadorff, Michael R.; Holzinger, Brigitte; Morin, Charles M.; Espie, Colin A.; Plazzi, Giuseppe; Gennaro, Luigi De; Chung, Frances; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Wing, Yun Kwok; Dauvilliers, Yves; Partinen, Markku; Benedict, ChristianBackground: Preliminary data suggests that obesity might hasten the decline in mRNA vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2. However, whether this renders individuals with obesity more susceptible to long COVID symptoms post-vaccination remains uncertain. Given sleep’s critical role in immunity, exploring the associations between obesity, probable long COVID symptoms, and sleep disturbances is essential. Methods: We analyzed data from a survey of 5919 adults aged 18 to 89, all of whom received two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations. Participants were categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obesity groups based on ethnicity-specific BMI cutoffs. The probability of long COVID was evaluated using the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) score, as our survey did not permit confirmation of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection through methods such as antibody testing. Additionally, sleep patterns were assessed through questionnaires. Results: Participants with obesity exhibited a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (OR) of having a PASC score of 12 or higher, indicative of probable long COVID in our study, compared to those with normal weight (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.28). No significant difference was observed for overweight individuals (OR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.63, 1.33]). Both obesity and probable long COVID were associated with increased odds of experiencing a heightened sleep burden, such as the presence of obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia (P < 0.001). However, no significant interaction between BMI and probable long COVID status was found. Conclusions: Even post-vaccination, individuals with obesity may encounter a heightened risk of experiencing prolonged COVID-19 symptoms. However, confirming our observations necessitates comprehensive studies incorporating rigorous COVID infection testing, such as antibody assays - unavailable in our anonymous survey. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the correlation between probable long COVID and sleep disturbances appears to be independent of BMI.
- Individualist-collectivist profiles in secondary school: an exploratory study of trait emotional intelligence and academic achievementPublication . Costa, Ana; Faria, LuísaAn individualist (I) or collectivist (C) cultural orientation affects individuals’ attitudes, behaviours and values. This study aimed to identify the first-year secondary-school students’ I–C profiles and explore their implications for students’ trait emotional intelligence (EI), emotions towards school and academic achievement (GPA) throughout the 3-year secondary-school cycle. A total of 222 secondary-school students (58.6% females; Mage = 15.4; SD =.63 in the 10th grade) were enrolled in a longitudinal study. The cluster analysis identified three distinct I–C profiles: high individualist-low collectivist students, low individualistic-midlevel collectivist students and high individualist–high collectivist students. The results revealed significant differences between the I–C profiles regarding students’ trait EI, emotions towards school and GPA throughout secondary school, in particular favouring the high individualist–high collectivist profile. These findings are discussed based on the practical implications for students’ outcomes in the current secondary school system.
- The value of private schools: evidence from PakistanPublication . Carneiro, Pedro; Das, Jishnu; Reis, HugoUsing unique data from Pakistan we estimate a model of demand for differentiated products in 112 rural education markets with significant choice among public and private schools. Families are willing to pay substantially for reductions in distance to school, but in contrast, price elasticities are low. Using the demand estimates, we show that the existence of a low fee private school market is of great value for households in our sample, reaching 2% to 7% of annual per capita expenditure for those choosing private schools.
- Less gives less, more gives more: socialization and religiosity in the Lisbon metropolitan areaPublication . Coutinho, José P.; Teixeira, Alfredo; Franca, MargaridaThis article explores the theme of religious socialisation in an environment marked by modernity. It has three goals: first, to analyse the changes in religious socialisation across age groups; second, to analyse the impact of religious socialisation on religiosity; and third, to analyse the impact of religiosity on religious socialisation. Based on quantitative data about the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, results show the following: The level of religious socialisation increases with age, but young respondents have been significantly less socialised than older age groups; the level of religious education provided by respondents to their children increases with age; socialisation and religiosity are biunivocal, mutually reinforcing. In short, this article reinforces the theory of cohort replacement, which states that religiosity decreases in younger groups due to the decrease in religious socialisation over time.
- Expanding the potential of self-assembled silk fibroin as aerogel particles for tissue regenerationPublication . Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Baptista-Silva, Sara; Illanes-Bordomás, Carlos; Magalhães, Rui; Dias, Juliana Rosa; Alves, Nuno M. F.; Costa, Raquel; García-González, Carlos A.; Oliveira, Ana LeiteA newly produced silk fibroin (SF) aerogel particulate system using a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)-assisted drying technology is herein proposed for biomedical applications. Different concentrations of silk fibroin (3%, 5%, and 7% (w/v)) were explored to investigate the potential of this technology to produce size- and porosity-controlled particles. Laser diffraction, helium pycnometry, nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy were performed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the material. The enzymatic degradation profile of the SF aerogel particles was evaluated by immersion in protease XIV solution, and the biological properties by cell viability and cell proliferation assays. The obtained aerogel particles were mesoporous with high and concentration dependent specific surface area (203–326 m2/g). They displayed significant antioxidant activity and sustained degradation in the presence of protease XIV enzyme. The in vitro assessment using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) confirm the particles’ biocompatibility, as well as the enhancement in cell viability and proliferation.
- Strategies for nursing care of critically ill multicultural patients: a scoping reviewPublication . Mihu, Loredana; Marques, Rita Margarida Dourado; Sousa, Patrícia PontificeBackground: In society, people live in a social reality where multiculturalism is an increasingly relevant and prevalent topic in their contexts. Facing this, caring for multicultural patients in an emergency service or intensive care unit setting requires a high level of cultural competence due to the complexity, vulnerability of the patient, rapid changes in hemodynamic status, involvement of the family, their informational needs. Objective: To map the strategies for nursing care of critically ill multicultural patients. Method: A Scoping Review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's recommendations, with the research question: What are the strategies for nursing care of critically ill multicultural patients? The study was guided by PRISMA. The research was conducted through the EBSCOHost platform, SciELO, Portugal's Open Access Scientific Repository, the Virtual Health Library and a search in grey literature. This was achieved by combining the descriptors DECS/MESH: cultural competence; critical care; emergency room; intensive care; and natural words: cultural care; nurs* interventions; nurs* strategies; within the time frame from 2012 to 2024. The study screening was performed by three independent reviewers through the reading of titles, abstracts and full texts, applying exclusion criteria. The study results were then subjected to content analysis, from which categories emerged. Results: The selected articles highlight various strategies that contribute to the improvement of nursing care for critically ill multicultural patients, focusing on care practice and cultural diversity training for both nurses and nursing students. Conclusion: Nurses with cultural competence possess more knowledge and strategies to provide tailored care for multicultural critically ill patients, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered and contributing to the humanization of healthcare. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurses need to have knowledge of existing strategies for caring for multicultural critically ill patients. Patient or Public Contribution: No direct patient or public contribution to the review.
- Factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients by the Portuguese populationPublication . Pimenta-Martins, Ana; Correia, Daniela; Carvalho, Catarina; Lopes, Carla; Gomes, Ana Maria; Torres, DuarteThis study aimed to identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients (Mn-FF) by the Portuguese population, using data from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016). Food consumption, sociodemographic and other health-related factors, and physical activity data were computerised using the You Eat & Move e-platform. Foods consumed by participants and labelled foods reported as consumed were included in the database. Mn-FF were considered all foods containing added micronutrients legally authorised, and MN-FF users were those who consumed at least one Mn-FF on at least one of the dietary recall days. Approximately 57% of the population consumed at least one Mn-FF. Children and adolescents consumed significantly more Mn-FF than older age groups. The primary contributors to Mn-FF consumption were breakfast cereals and fat spreads. Being a child (female OR 2.07 [95% CI: 1.52, 2.83]; male OR 4.80 [95% CI: 3.23, 7.14]) or adolescent (female OR 1.62 [95% CI: 1.78, 2.22]; male OR 4.59 [95% CI: 3.26, 6.47]), having a higher level of education (female OR 1.52 [95% CI: 1.17, 1.99]; male OR 1.85 [95% CI: 1.42, 2.42]) and engaging in regular physical activity (female OR 1.31 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.58]; male OR 1.36 [95% CI: 1.11, 1.68]) were factors positively associated with Mn-FF consumption. Conversely, obesity (female OR 0.76 [95% CI: 0.60, 0.96]), living in predominantly rural areas (male OR 0.70 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.91]) and eating fewer mid-meals per day (female OR 0.60 [95% CI: 0.48, 0.76]; male OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.84]) were associated with lower Mn-FF consumption. Younger age, higher education and physical activity practice were positively associated with Mn-FF consumption. These findings provide important insights on priority factors to be considered when deciding on nutrient fortification policies from both public health and food industry perspectives.
- The evolution of same-sex marriage case law in EuropePublication . Kużelewska, Elżbieta; Michalczuk-Wlizło, Marta; Žuber, Bruna; Bedič, Matevž; Vilas Boas, Mariana Mesquita; Naia, Luísa RamosThe number of countries allowing same-sex marriage is gradually increasing. Currently, 37 countries have laws regulating same-sex marriages, specifying their status and/or the possibility of adopting children. These solutions counter discrimination against same-sex couples and are part of the protection of human rights. Against the background of other countries, the pan-European tendency to accept the institution of same-sex marriage is garnering positive attention, although it is still controversial in some countries. Regulations of European law and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Human Rights and the constitutional courts, which play an essential role in anti-discrimination measures and are in favour of respecting human rights, provide crucial support. This article discusses the evolution of the jurisprudence of the ECtHR, the CJEU and the national courts of selected countries (Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Austria) concerning same-sex marriage. It highlights how recognising the right to same-sex marriage does not come at the expense of the rights of others or the public interest.
- Who is afraid of dataveillance? Attitudes toward online surveillance in a cross-cultural and generational perspectivePublication . Kalmus, Veronika; Bolin, Göran; Figueiras, RitaThis article compares surveillance-related experiences and attitudes of two generations of media users in countries with different historical surveillance regimes (Estonia, Portugal, and Sweden) and analyzes the predictors of the attitudes toward contemporary surveillance. A large-scale online survey (N = 3221) reveals that attitudes toward online state and corporate surveillance are interrelated; the two attitudinal components are, however, generation-specific, having different predictors. Tolerance toward state surveillance is more characteristic of the older group, being predicted by trustful and obedient attitudes toward state authorities and institutions. Tolerance toward corporate dataveillance is more characteristic of the younger group, being predicted by active and self-confident media use. While the socio-historical context molds the intergenerational gaps in surveillance-related experiences and attitudes, individual-level experiences of state surveillance do not predict tolerance toward either type of contemporary surveillance, suggesting that global techno-cultural developments are probably more powerful factors than past experiences in forming generation-specific attitudes.