Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-06-01"
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- Development of the short and super-short version of the Emergency Reaction QuestionnairePublication . Zsido, Andras N.; Dias, Pedro; Coelho, Carlos M.Emergencies are sudden, life-threatening situations that challenge individuals' ability to respond effectively. The Emergency Reaction Questionnaire (ERQ) is a measure widely used to assess individual differences in emergency behavior; however, its 30-item length may limit its utility in certain contexts. Consequently, in this study, we aimed to develop two abbreviated versions of the ERQ: a short form retaining the original factor structure, and a super-short form that still captures the two core dimensions of readiness and helplessness. We used Item Response Theory to evaluate the psychometric properties of ERQ items and reduce the length of the scale on a large community sample (N=1448). We assessed external validity on a subsample of participants (N=415). Our results showed that the 16-item short and 6-item super-short forms effectively preserved the psychometric robustness of the original ERQ. Both versions successfully differentiated participants, with readiness scales exhibiting a normal distribution and helplessness scales clustering at the extremes. External validity analyses confirmed positive associations between readiness scores and sensation seeking, while helplessness scores were positively correlated with anxiety and trauma sensitivity. These findings align with theoretical frameworks of defensive behavior and support the utility of the ERQ short forms for assessing adaptive and maladaptive responses to emergencies. The ERQ short forms provide versatile tools for a variety of settings, including large-scale screening, disaster preparedness education, and resilience training programs.
- Effects of dietary polyphenols on vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of pre-clinical studiesPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Castro, Catarina; Pinto, Elisabete; Vasconcelos, Marta W.; Neves, DelmindaErectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection, primarily treated with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Treatment effectiveness is diminished in severe vasculogenic ED, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus, highlighting the need for exploring alternative/complementary interventions. Among them, dietary phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review focuses on catechin (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin and their influence on the pathophysiology of ED. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023402016) searches across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until October 2024 were conducted using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria required original articles in English, while in silico studies, review articles, editorials, and original studies lacking essential polyphenol administration information were excluded. After an initial search that located 409, 445, and 285 publications in each database respectively, rigorous screening resulted in 26 publications comprising animal, ex vivo, and in vitro studies. Their quality was assessed using GRADE and SYRCLE ROB tools, revealing an overall “medium-high” or “high quality.” These polyphenols consistently demonstrated improvements in erectile function, encompassing behavioral, functional, molecular, and hormonal aspects. However, limitations were identified, such as the predominant reliance on animal models and in vitro trials, which may not precisely reflect human physiological responses. Further clinical investigations are needed to ascertain data translational potential, standardize dosages, and establish safe and effective prescription recommendations. Prioritizing clinical trials is essential for validating the widespread applicability and efficacy of polyphenols in managing ED.
- Spiritual integration of migrants: a Lisbon case study within the common home agenda and polyhedron of intelligibility frameworkPublication . Koncz, Linda; Boas, Alex Villas; Candiotto, CésarMigration is a multidimensional process that reshapes identities and communities. This article adopts a polyhedral framework inspired by Pope Francis’s Laudato si’ and Michel Foucault’s concepts of “subjectivation” and the “polyhedron of intelligibility”. Both emphasize spirituality as a transformative force in individuals’ lives and a concept that connects philosophy and theology to support resilience among migrant populations. Using Portugal as a case study, the research examines migration’s historical and contextual landscape and its discursive framework. Through a Lisbon-based research project of interviews with migrants, the study explores the concept of spiritual integration by presenting how spirituality functions to preserve cultural identity while facilitating integration without full assimilation into the host community. Spirituality includes many rules and choices regarding ways of life; therefore, the interview projects’ migrants interpret the concept of spiritual integration in a subjective and polyhedron manner. Creating strong ties to their homes, traditions, cultures, spirituality, sports, and culinary practices, as well as practicing, sharing, and teaching these practices, protects them from total subjection, while learning the host society’s customs and rituals helps them to fit in. The findings show that spirituality serves as an integrational tool, a coping mechanism, and a form of resistance, providing a space for migrants to address and overcome challenges. The article emphasizes the importance of integration policies to create a “safe place” of inclusivity within host communities.
- Electronic health records-based research in cardiology: the time has come for pragmatic trialsPublication . Seabra, Daniel; Oliveira, Afonso; Gavina, CristinaRandomized clinical trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine, as they minimize bias in the allocation of interventions. However, RCTs performed in a very selective population and overcontrolled conditions may impair the generalizability of results. Moreover, increasing running costs and regulatory complexity compromise the conduct of these studies. The need for pragmatic trial designs, with streamlined procedures and low running costs, will shape the short-term future of research in RCTs. Electronic health records (EHR) are routinely collected as part of the treatment of patients. These provide large amounts of data at no significant cost. The so-called “real-world data” are often used in observational studies with unavoidable bias. However, by combining the randomization of large numbers of patients with the data collected in EHRs, it is possible to answer very relevant clinical questions at a relatively low cost. In this review, we describe how the integration of EHR and randomization is fostering innovative approaches to the conduct of RCTs in Cardiology.
- Infringing AI: liability for AI-generated outputs under international, EU, and UK copyright lawPublication . Rosati, EleonoraThe analysis of liability aspects facing Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’)-generated outputs under copyright and related rights has been overlooked compared to other issues connected to the development and use of AI. This study fills this gap by exploring pertinent questions under international, EU and UK law. Specifically, the study tackles actionable reproduction, allocation of liability, and availability of defences. The analysis ultimately shows that, while it is clear that each case will need to be decided on its own merits, the generative AI output phase raises several profiles of liability under copyright law. If the goal of policymakers and relevant stakeholders is to ensure the balanced and sustainable development of AI, then the issues related to the generation and dissemination of AI outputs need to be given ample attention and a greater role in the debate than what has been the case so far, whether it is in the context of risk assessment and compliance, licensing initiatives, or in contentious scenarios.
- Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in children in the Azores islands (Portugal): sociodemographic and clinical profilePublication . Conde, Ana Rita; Mota, Pilar; Botelho, Tânia; Caldeira, Suzana; Rego, Isabel; Silva, Osvaldo; Sousa, Áurea Sandra Toledo de; Freitas, CarinaPrevalence studies are essential to provide objective indicators about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are a source of information for public policies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASD among children in the Azores Islands (Portugal). Administrative data on the number of children with a proven diagnosis of ASD were collected from all schools. Parents completed a questionnaire about the child’s sociodemographic characteristics, the diagnostic process, and clinical history. The overall prevalence of ASD in the Azores region was 9.92 per 1000 children, approximately equivalent to 1% (0.99). The prevalence of ASD in the Azores seems to be higher when compared with the global rate in Portugal, as well as with other regions of Europe. There appears to be a concentration of children with ASD in the region, and the results appear to support the hypothesis of a heritable predisposition to ASD.
- Primary bile acid shapes peripheral immunity in inflammatory bowel disease-associated primary sclerosing cholangitisPublication . Santos, André A.; Pires, David; Marques, Vanda; Alesina, Nicole; Herraez, Elisa; Roudnický, Pavel; Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Godinho-Santos, Ana; Bravo, Ana Catarina; Gouveia, Catarina; Saraiva, Susana; Correia, Luís; Crespo, Ricardo; Silva, João Pereira da; Cravo, Marília; Zdráhal, Zbyněk; Banales, Jesus M.; Marin, Jose J. G.; Torres, Joana; Rodrigues, Cecília M. P.; Potesil, DavidPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease often associated with underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study investigates how PSC predisposes individuals to altered inflammatory immune responses compared with IBD alone. A case–control study was conducted with a cohort of 75 patients, including 16 with PSC (14 with concomitant IBD), 39 with IBD alone, and 20 controls. Serum bile acid profile, proteomic analysis, and immune-related gene expression in the colon tissue were examined. Colonic tissue from PSC patients exhibited up-regulation of immune regulation and inflammatory signaling mRNA markers, including LGR5, IL-8, CCL2, COX2, TWIST1, and SNAIL. Additionally, PSC patients displayed a distinct proinflammatory serum proteomic signature and moderate elevation of some bile acids, such as glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA). Co-incubation of human-derived monocytes with GCDCA partially replicated the inflammatory profile observed in PSC. These findings suggest that circulating bile acids modulate the peripheral immune system proinflammatory response, contributing to the unique PSC phenotype.
- O impacto do diretor técnico de uma estrutura residencial para idosos na satisfação dos colaboradores e no cuidado dos cuidadosPublication . Rocha, Alexandra; Duque, EduardoO envelhecimento demográfico em Portugal tem gerado uma crescente procura por instituições que prestam cuidados especializados a pessoas idosas, como as Estruturas Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas (ERPI). Este estudo investiga a relação entre o papel do Diretor Técnico e a satisfação profissional dos colaboradores, bem como o impacto dessa satisfação na qualidade dos cuidados prestados aos utentes. Com base numa abordagem quantitativa, foram aplicados inquéritos a 83 colaboradores de cinco ERPI da região de Braga. Os resultados demonstram que o estilo de liderança do Diretor Técnico tem uma influência significativa na satisfação dos colaboradores, especialmente em áreas relacionadas com a comunicação, suporte emocional e organização do trabalho. Além disso, foi verificado que colaboradores mais satisfeitos tendem a prestar cuidados de maior qualidade, refletindo-se numa melhor experiência para os utentes. Conclui-se que uma liderança eficaz por parte do Diretor Técnico pode ser determinante tanto para o bem-estar dos trabalhadores quanto para a qualidade dos cuidados oferecidos nas ERPI. Este estudo contribui para a literatura sobre a gestão de recursos humanos em contextos de cuidados a idosos e destaca a importância da liderança na promoção de ambientes de trabalho saudáveis e produtivos.
- Intersections between the intercultural education ethos and the integral ecological ethics for the common homePublication . Eyng, Ana Maria; Boas, Aline Vicentim VillasThis study critically analyses the urgency of establishing an ethos of discourse and action for the realization of an integral planetary ethic that is capable of addressing the challenges of our time. To this end, this study seeks to systematize ethos propositions for the implementation of intercultural education based on integral ecological ethics, aligning with the concept of Common Home. The outputs indicate that integral ecological ethics serves as a teleological, epistemic, and methodological support for intercultural education, while also proposing concrete pathways for the application of the values articulated in the encyclical Laudato si’ within educational contexts. The development of this study is guided by a qualitative research approach, integrating literature review and field study methodologies, which illuminate the perspectives of educators, students, and their families regarding well-being in both current and future contexts. The conclusions underscore the urgency of establishing an ethos of discourse and action in the implementation of integral planetary ethics, which relates to the integrative and dialogical propositions of intercultural education aimed at sustaining the integrity of both human and planetary dimensions.
- Beyond isolation: social media as a bridge to well-being in old agePublication . Ribeiro, Renato Mendonça; Menezes, João Daniel de Souza; Pompeo, Daniele Alcalá; Diniz, Maria Angélica Andreotti; Lima, Gabriella Santos; Ribeiro, Patrícia Cruz Pontífice Sousa Valente; André, Júlio César; Ribeiro, Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça; Rodrigues, Rosalina Aparecida Partezani; Kusumota, LucianaPopulation aging and the digital revolution have converged, creating challenges and opportunities for the social inclusion of older adults. This study examined social media usage patterns among Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring their associations with sociodemographic factors, health, and well-being. Through an online survey with 441 participants aged 60 or older, we found that WhatsApp® and Instagram® were the most utilized platforms, with a significant increase in usage during the pandemic. Higher educational attainment and income were associated with more frequent and diverse social media use, while the presence of comorbidities positively correlated with seeking health information online. Notably, greater engagement in social media was associated with an improved perception of well-being. The results highlight the potential of social media as tools for digital inclusion, access to information, and promotion of well-being for older adults, especially in crisis contexts. However, they also reveal socioeconomic disparities in access to and use of these technologies. These findings have significant implications for public policies on digital inclusion and health promotion, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to reduce digital inequality among older adults and maximize the potential benefits of social media for active and connected aging.
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