Perceived employability in a situation of crisis: The influence of the external context and perceived financial threat

Purpose This study aims to analyse how people's perceived employability was affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores individuals' perceived financial threat, age and work situation as factors that shape perceived employability. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via a survey at three different times between October 2020 and May 2021, which were chosen to reflect the evolution of the pandemic. The participants (n = 124) reported participants' perceived employability and financial threat during the pandemic in Portugal. Perceived employability is a multidimensional concept, as this includes the following scales: employment protective behaviour, employment risk, job-seeking behaviour, self-control and self-learning. Findings Participants' overall perceived employability failed to record significant variance over the period under analysis. Nevertheless, perceived employment protective behaviour decreased the most, especially in the case of young adults (aged 18 to 24). Individuals' perceived financial threat varied according to the external context, being lower during the last moment of data collection, which corresponded to the less-socially and economically restrictive period. Employees with the most stable work condition, i.e. with a permanent employment contract, were those who felt less financially threatened when compared to other respondents. A negative relationship between perceived employability and perceived financial threat was identified during the third moment of data collection. Originality/value The research informs about how individuals perceive themselves in a highly unpredictable and unstable context. The longitudinal approach shows how the external context affected people's perceived employability and financial threat throughout the pandemic.UIDB/04928/202

Hepatitis C virus NS5A targets the nucleosome assembly protein NAP1L1 to control the innate cellular response

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA hepatotropic virus. Despite cellular defenses, HCV is able to replicate in hepatocytes and to establish a chronic infection that could lead to severe complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. An important player in subverting the host response to HCV infection is the viral non-structural protein NS5A that, in addition to its role in replication and assembly, targets several pathways involved in the cellular response to viral infection. Several unbiased screens identified the nucleosome-assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1) as an interaction partner of HCV NS5A. Here we confirm this interaction and map it to the C-terminus of NS5A of both genotype 1 and 2. NS5A sequesters NAP1L1 in the cytoplasm blocking its nuclear translocation. However, only NS5A from genotype 2 HCV, but not from genotype 1, targets NAP1L1 for proteosomal-mediated degradation. NAP1L1 is a nuclear chaperone involved in chromatin remodeling and we demonstrate the NAP1L1-dependent regulation of specific pathways involved in cellular responses to viral infection and cell survival. Among those we show that lack of NAP1L1 leads to a decrease of RELA protein levels and a strong defect of IRF3 TBK1/IKKϵ-mediated phosphorylation leading to inefficient RIG-I and TLR3 responses. Hence, HCV is able to modulate the host cell environment by targeting NAP1L1 through NS5A

Portuguese Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - validation and cross-cultural comparison

Objective: to validate the Portuguese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT) and compare it to the versions from other countries. Methods: the questionnaire was previously adapted to the Portuguese language according to international guidelines. 500 questionnaires were delivered to the parents of a Portuguese community sample of children aged 2 to 10 years old. 370 (74\%) valid questionnaires were obtained, 55 children met exclusion criteria and 315 entered in the validation study. Results: the CSHQ-PT internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.78 for the total scale and ranged from 0.44 to 0.74 for subscales. The test-retest reliability for subscales (Pearson's correlations, n=58) ranged from 0.59 to 0.85. Our data did not adjust to the original 8 domains structure in Confirmatory Factor Analysis but the Exploratory Factor Analysis extracted 5 factors that have correspondence to CSHQ subscales. Conclusion: the CSHQ-PT evidenced psychometric properties that are comparable to the versions from other countries and adequate for the screening of sleep disturbances in children from 2 to 10 years old. (C) 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.publishersversionpublishe

Reference values for bone strength assessed by quantitative ultrasound early after birth in term and preterm neonates

Objectivo: Estabelecer valores de referência da robustez óssea nos primeiros dias de vida, em recém-nascidos de termo e pré-termo adequados para a idade de gestação nascidos em Portugal. Métodos: Foi medida a velocidade do som (VdS) (m/s) por ultrassonografia quantitativa, numa amostra sistemática de recém-nascidos adequados para a idade de gestação, de termo e pré-termo, respectivamente nos primeiros dois e cinco dias após o nascimento. Foi avaliada a homogeneidade de valores entre géneros e entre grupos de idade de gestação. Resultados: A amostra constou de 158 recém-nascidos, 34 de termo e 124 pré-termo (idade de gestação entre 26 a 41 semanas), com peso de nascimento de 595 g a 4195 g, 84 do sexo masculino (53,2%) e 20 gémeos (10,8%). A média da VdS aumenta significativamente com a idade de gestação. São providenciados valores de referência da VdS para os percentis 10, 25, 50, 75 e 90, para grupos de idade de gestação, sem distinção para o género. Conclusão: São disponibilizados valores de referência de VdS nos primeiros dias de vida, de recém-nascidos adequados para a idade de gestação, de termo e pré-termo, nascidos em Portugal. Estes valores reflectem a robustez óssea intrauterina e servem de referência basal para estudos evolutivos realizados em Portugal.ABSTRACT - Aim: To obtain reference values for bone strength assessed early after birth for term and preterm neonates in Portugal. Methods: Speed of sound (SOS) (m/s) was measured using the quantitative ultrasound method in a systematic sample of appropriate-for-gestationalage term and preterm neonates, within the first two and five days after birth, respectively. Homogeneity of values between genders and between gestational age groups was assessed. Results: A sample of 158 neonates was enrolled, 34 full-term and 124 preterm (26-41 weeks of gestation), birth weights of 595g-4195g, 84 males (53.2%) and 20 twins (10.8%). The mean of the SOS significantly increases with gestational age. Reference values of SOS for gestational age groups are provided as 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th centiles without gender distinction. Conclusion: Reference values for SOS early after birth are made available for term and preterm appropriate-for-gestational age neonates, reflecting the intrauterine bone status, a baseline for follow-up studies on bone strength in Portugal

Menthol-based deep eutectic systems as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents for wound healing

Funding Information: This work received funding from Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) , through project PTDC/BBB- 490 EBB/1676/2014 – Des.Zyme and ERC-2016-CoG 725034 (ERC Consolidator Grant Des.solve). E.S. and J.S. would also like to acknowledge the financial support by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the doctoral grant with reference number SFRH/BD/143902/2019 and postdoctoral contract CEECIND/01026/2018 , respectively. Publisher Copyright: © 2022Effective antimicrobial treatment has been identified as a serious and unmet medical need. Herein, we present a strategy based on deep eutectic systems (DES) to overcome current limitations, answering the need not only to effectively kill bacterial agents but also to avoid their adhesion and proliferation, which is associated with biofilm formation and have a crucial impact on bacterial virulence. To achieve such a goal, natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) based on menthol (Me) and saturated free fatty acids (FFA) were produced, fully physicochemical characterized, and its bioactive properties were described. The antimicrobial potential of menthol-based NADES with FFA, namely, myristic acid (MA), lauric acid (LA), and stearic acid (SA) were investigated towards a broad panel of microorganisms. The obtained data indicates that NADES possess effective antimicrobial properties towards the Gram-positive bacterial and fungal strains tested. Among the tested formulations, Me:LA at a molar ratio of 4:1 molar was used to carry out a biofilm detachment/removal assay due to is superior microbiological properties. This formulation was able to effectively lead to biofilm removal/dispersion of not only methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans, but also Escherichia coli, without the need of any additional physical force or antibiotic. Furthermore, since microbial invasion and biofilm formation is highly undesired in wound healing, namely in chronic wound healing, the wound healing properties of these eutectic formulations was also investigated. The results suggest that these NADES can cope with microbial invasion and biofilm detachment while not compromising normal keratinocyte proliferation and migration verified in wound healing and epidermis repair, while also contributing to the reduction of cell stress and inflammation via the control of ROS production. In conclusion, these results provide the indication that NADES based on Me and FFA holds great interest as antimicrobial agents for preventive and therapeutic applications in various clinical settings, including wound healing.publishersversionpublishe

a parallel-study design

Most of the research combining small-sided games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is using the short or long forms of HIIT. However, other types of HIIT as repeated sprint training (RST) could enhance different stimuli. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the within- and between-group variations of physical fitness and body composition of two combined training interventions: (i) SSGs combined with a short high intensity interval training (sHIIT); and (ii) SSGs combined with a RST. This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Twenty-eight youth soccer players (age: 17.3 ± 0.5) belong to the same team were assigned equally to two interven tion groups: SSG + sHIIT versus SSG + RST. Training intervention lasted 4 weeks, with a 2-session/week frequency. The players were tested twice, once before and after the intervention with the following tests: skinfolds (fat mass); Sargent jump test (SJT); standing long jump; sprinting time at 10-, 20-, or 30-m; 5-0-5 for time and deficit; 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) based on the final velocity, and repeated sprint ability (RAST) for peak, minimum, average power, and fatigue index. A mixed analysis of variance was conducted to considering factor × time effect. Between group analysis revealed no significant differences at baseline and post-intervention period for fat mass, sprinting time at 10-, 20-, and 30-m, change-of-direction (COD) time and deficit, SJT and standing long jump, final velocity at 30-15IFT and RAST peak, average power, and fatigue index (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed that both groups significantly reduced fat mass (p ≤ 0.001), SJT (p ≤ 0.001), standing long jump (p ≤ 0.001), sprint time at 10- and 20-m (p ≤ 0.001), 30-m (p = 0.002), COD time (p ≤ 0.001) and deficit (p < 0.05), RAST average (p < 0.05), and final velocity 30-15IFT (p ≤ 0.001). Only SSG + RST had significant improvements on COD deficit and peak power (p < 0.05). The result of the current research suggests that either SSG + sHIIT or SSG + RST are effective for improving physical fitness in youth soccer players, with a multiple beneficial effect on locomotor profile, speed and COD, jumping performance and repeated sprint ability.9E1A-F9DD-3EB8 | Filipe Manuel ClementeN/

Novo método de avaliação dinâmica da articulação patelo-femoral em RM

A patologia patelo-femoral é uma das mais frequentes causas de consulta do joelho. A problemática desta articulação é reconhecidamente multifactorial. Apesar de estabelecidos vários factores de risco, tem sido globalmente assumida a necessidade de uma avaliação dinâmica e objectiva desta “articulação”, face a recorrentes erros diagnósticos. Revela-se essencial, quer no âmbito do diagnóstico, orientando a triagem patológica (e por conseguinte a escolha das terapias mais adequadas); quer ao nível do “follow-up” do paciente, nomeadamente para avaliação dos novos métodos cirúrgicos incluindo reconstruções do ligamento patelo-femoral medial (LPFM) para instabilidades objectivas. A hipótese deste estudo é que, da avaliação funcional dinâmica combinada com os factores morfológicos clássicos pode resultar a detecção de novos factores de risco e de avaliação funcional pós operatória da patelo-femoral

Improving quality of medical service with mobile health software

An increasing number of m-Health applications are being developed benefiting health service delivery. In this paper, a new methodology based on the principle of calm computing applied to diagnostic and therapeutic procedure reporting is proposed. A mobile application was designed for the physicians of one of the Portuguese major hospitals, which takes advantage of a multi-agent interoperability platform, the Agency for the Integration, Diffusion and Archive (AIDA). This application allows the visualization of inpatients and outpatients medical reports in a quicker and safer manner, in addition to offer a remote access to information. This project shows the advantages in the use of mobile software in a medical environment but the first step is always to build or use an interoperability platform, flexible, adaptable and pervasive. The platform offers a comprehensive set of services that restricts the development of mobile software almost exclusively to the mobile user interface design. The technology was tested and assessed in a real context by intensivists

A influência da imagem corporal da grávida na sua decisão em amamentar: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess scientific evidence regarding the association between body image and the decision to breastfeed during pregnancy. Methods: This study used the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and included studies from Scopus, Web of Science, B-On, and EBSCO. Inclusion criteria were primary studies published within the last 12 years, while gray literature, communications, and studies focusing on postpartum, body image, and newborn feeding were excluded. Results: The initial search yielded 77 articles, of which 73 were excluded after the identification process. Our analysis revealed that (i) there was a relationship between body image and the decision and duration of breastfeeding, and (ii) the decision to breastfeed seems to depend on a woman's positive or negative perception of her body. Conclusions: Understanding the influence of body image on the decision to breastfeed is crucial for health professionals to develop effective strategies for promoting this practice. However, the limited number of publications on this topic highlights the need for further research. Therefore, we suggest that future studies should investigate the relationship between body image and the decision to breastfeed and promote breastfeeding literacy among the general population.Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo avaliar as evidências científicas sobre a associação entre a imagem corporal e a decisão de amamentar ao longo da gravidez. Métodos: O estudo utilizou a metodologia proposta pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs, e incluiu estudos identificados nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, B-On e EBSCO. Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos primários publicados nos últimos 12 anos, enquanto literatura cinzenta, comunicações, estudo com foco no pós-parto, imagem corporal e alimentação do recém-nascido foram excluídos. Resultados: A pesquisa inicial resultou em 77 artigos, dos quais 73 foram excluídos após o processo de identificação. A nossa análise revelou que (i) há uma relação entre a imagem corporal e a decisão e duração da amamentação e (ii) a decisão do aleitamento materno parece depender da perceção positiva ou negativa da mulher em relação ao seu corpo. Conclusões: Compreender a influência da imagem corporal na decisão de amamentar é fundamental para que os profissionais de saúde desenvolvam estratégias eficazes para promover essa prática. No entanto, o número limitado de publicações sobre este tópico destaca a necessidade de mais pesquisas. Portanto, sugerimos que estudos futuros investiguem a relação entre a imagem corporal e a decisão em amamentar, e promovam a literacia sobre o aleitamento materno diz respeito junto da população em geral