Foster Carers’ Perspectives about Contact in Portugal and Spain

This study aims at comparing the nature and processes of contact between children in foster care and their birth families; the relationship between the existence and quality of contact and foster carers’ burden; and the relationship between the existence or not of contact and the existence of reunification plans. Following a quantitative approach, data have been collected in Portugal and Spain from foster carers and professionals using questionnaires and Zarit's Carer scale. The results show that the existence of contact is not related to carers’ burden or stress, but there is an association between contact and reunification plans. As a consequence, several implications to practice are presented

Estándares basados en la evidencia en el diseño de programas de apoyo familiar en España

The positive parenting approach has highlighted the importance of supporting families to perform the functions associated with their parental role and to improve children’s well-being. The aims of this study were to identify and describe the characteristics of family support programmes in Spain, and to examine the extent to which they meet evidence-based standards for programme formulation. The sample includes 57 programmes identified by the Spanish Family Support Network, which belongs to the pan-European Family Support Network (EurofamNet). Frequency analyses and contingency tables were carried out. The results show that the Spanish programmes meet several evidence-based standards for programme formulation (i.e., manualization). However, further efforts are required in some areas, such as universality and interdisciplinarity of family support programmes. The findings provide a platform from which to design new initiatives in accordance with standards for prevention programmes, and inform stakeholders and politicians in drawing up evidence based public policies.El enfoque de parentalidad positiva ha puesto de manifiesto la importancia de apoyar a las familias en el ejercicio de las funciones asociadas a su rol parental y para que aumenten el bienestar de los niños. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron identificar y describir las características de los programas de apoyo a la familia en España y examinar en qué medida cumplen con los estándares basados en la evidencia para la formulación de programas. La muestra incluye 57 programas identificados por la Red Española de Apoyo a la Familia, que pertenece a la Red Paneuropea de Apoyo a la Familia (EurofamNet). Se realizaron análisis de frecuencia y tablas de contingencia. Los resultados muestran que los programas españoles cumplen varios estándares basados en la evidencia para la formulación de programas (por ejemplo, que están manualizados). Sin embargo, es necesario realizar más esfuerzos en algunas áreas, como la universalidad y la interdisciplinariedad de los programas de apoyo familiar. Los resultados proporcionan una plataforma desde la que diseñar nuevas iniciativas de acuerdo con los estándares de los programas de prevención, y orientan a las partes interesadas y a los políticos en la elaboración de políticas públicas basadas en la evidencia

Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Family Context of Foster and Non-Foster Families

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown have had a far-reaching impact across all levels of society. In Spain,severe restrictions were placed on people’s mobility, and leaving the home was only possible under special circumstances.This study analyzes the impact of lockdown on the family context of foster and non-foster families, focusing particularly ontheir levels of cohesion, adaptability, and perceived stress. It also examines a series of variables that may have influencedfoster families’ perceptions of their family context during lockdown. Data were gathered through an online survey that wascompleted by 347 individuals corresponding to 100 foster families and 247 non-foster families from different regions ofSpain. Analyses were descriptive and exploratory in nature. The results appear to suggest that lockdown has had a greaterimpact on the family context of non-foster families. With respect to foster families’ experiences of lockdown, variables suchas loss of employment and having a child with special educational needs would seem to be important. For both types offamilies, lockdown has provided an opportunity to improve certain aspects of their family context. Given that furtherlockdowns of some degree may be necessary in the future, it is important to ensure that families have access to thepsychoeducational resources they need to maintain, as far as possible, a positive family context

The use of evidence-based programmes in family support across europe: a comparative survey study

The importance of using evidence-based programmes to ensure children's rights and families’ wellbeing is increasingly recognized in Europe. However, there are few and partial attempts to gain insight into the scope of prevention and promotion programmes currently implemented in child and family services across Europe, often located outside the formal peer-reviewed channels. The objectives of this study are empirically examining the diversity of family support programmes delivered and the extent to which they meet evidence-based standards for programme formulation and provide a picture of the typologies according to programme descriptors, operational aspects and implementation components. The Family Support Programmes' Survey was used to identify existing programmes addressing family support in participating countries. The sample includes 193 support programmes from 17 European countries, members of the European Family Support Network corresponding to three regions of Europe (Northern, Southern and Central-Eastern). The comparative survey was conducted using the Data Collection Sheet to gather information about program characteristics. Descriptive and cluster analyses were carried out. Results show that a large number of programmes fulfil evidence-based standards for programme formulation, such as clearly defined theoretical framework, manualization, and methodology components. In addition, three cluster profiles of programme formulation components were determined corresponding to the three European regions. Implications for research and practice on the development of family support programmes according to evidence-based standards for programme formulation are discussed

Applying social influence insights to encourage climate resilient domestic water behaviour: Bridging the theory-practice gap

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues of our time and it is projected to increase as global demand surges and climate change limits fresh water availability. If we are to reduce water demand, it is essential that we draw on every tool in the box, including one that is underestimated and underutilised: social influence. Research from the psychological sciences demonstrates that behaviour is strongly influenced by the behaviour of others, and that social influence can be harnessed to develop cost-effective strategies to encourage climate resilient behaviour. Far less attention has been paid to investigating water-related interventions in comparison to interventions surrounding energy. In this paper we consider the application of three social influence strategies to encourage water conservation: social norms; social identity; and socially-comparative feedback. We not only review their empirical evidence base, but also offer an example of their application in the residential sector with the aim of highlighting how theoretical insights can be translated into practice. We argue that collaborations between researchers and industry are essential if we are to maximise the potential of behaviour change interventions to encourage climate resilient water behaviour

Translational models for vascular cognitive impairment: a review including larger species.

BACKGROUND: Disease models are useful for prospective studies of pathology, identification of molecular and cellular mechanisms, pre-clinical testing of interventions, and validation of clinical biomarkers. Here, we review animal models relevant to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). A synopsis of each model was initially presented by expert practitioners. Synopses were refined by the authors, and subsequently by the scientific committee of a recent conference (International Conference on Vascular Dementia 2015). Only peer-reviewed sources were cited. METHODS: We included models that mimic VCI-related brain lesions (white matter hypoperfusion injury, focal ischaemia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy) or reproduce VCI risk factors (old age, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, high-salt/high-fat diet) or reproduce genetic causes of VCI (CADASIL-causing Notch3 mutations). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that (1) translational models may reflect a VCI-relevant pathological process, while not fully replicating a human disease spectrum; (2) rodent models of VCI are limited by paucity of white matter; and (3) further translational models, and improved cognitive testing instruments, are required

Epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection and sepsis in critically ill patients: “AbSeS”, a multinational observational cohort study and ESICM Trials Group Project

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection in an international cohort of ICU patients according to a new system that classifies cases according to setting of infection acquisition (community-acquired, early onset hospital-acquired, and late-onset hospital-acquired), anatomical disruption (absent or present with localized or diffuse peritonitis), and severity of disease expression (infection, sepsis, and septic shock). Methods: We performed a multicenter (n = 309), observational, epidemiological study including adult ICU patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal infection. Risk factors for mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The cohort included 2621 patients. Setting of infection acquisition was community-acquired in 31.6%, early onset hospital-acquired in 25%, and late-onset hospital-acquired in 43.4% of patients. Overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was 26.3% and difficult-to-treat resistant Gram-negative bacteria 4.3%, with great variation according to geographic region. No difference in prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed according to setting of infection acquisition. Overall mortality was 29.1%. Independent risk factors for mortality included late-onset hospital-acquired infection, diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, older age, malnutrition, liver failure, congestive heart failure, antimicrobial resistance (either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria, or carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria) and source control failure evidenced by either the need for surgical revision or persistent inflammation. Conclusion: This multinational, heterogeneous cohort of ICU patients with intra-abdominal infection revealed that setting of infection acquisition, anatomical disruption, and severity of disease expression are disease-specific phenotypic characteristics associated with outcome, irrespective of the type of infection. Antimicrobial resistance is equally common in community-acquired as in hospital-acquired infection

Prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica: estudio multicéntrico en población pediátrica evaluada en 36 centros de gastroenterología de América Latina

Introducción y objetivo: La esofagitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad crónica, mediada inmunológicamente, descrita en series y publicaciones alrededor del mundo. En los últimos 20 años diversos estudios han intentado evaluar la incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estimar la prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños atendidos en 36 centros de gastroenterología pediátrica de 10 países latinoamericanos. Materiales y métodos: A través de un protocolo multicéntrico, observacional y transversal se estimó la prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica entre los niños atendidos en consulta externa y sometidos a endoscopia superior diagnóstica por cualquier motivo en 36 centros de 10 países latinoamericanos durante un período de 3 meses. Resultados: Entre abril y junio de 2016 108 casos de esofagitis eosinofílica fueron evaluados. Asimismo, un promedio de 29,253 consultas ambulatorias y 4,152 endoscopias superiores de carácter diagnóstico fueron realizadas en los 36 centros participantes. La tasa de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en la población estudiada (n = 29,253) fue de 3,69 casos × 1,000 (IC 95%: 3.04 a 4.44) y entre los niños sometidos a endoscopia superior de rutina (n = 4,152) fue de 26 x 1,000 (IC 95%: 22.6 a 29.4). Conclusión: La tasa general de prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños evaluados en 36 centros latinoamericanos de gastroenterología pediátrica resultó de 3,69 × 1,000, y entre aquellos sometidos a endoscopia fue de 26 × 1,000. La prevalencia mostró una importante variabilidad entre los países y centros participantes. Este es el primer estudio de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica pediátrica en Latinoamérica. Abstract: Introduction and objective: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease described in case series and publications worldwide. Over the past twenty years, the authors of different studies have attempted to evaluate its incidence and prevalence. The objetive of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children seen at 36 pediatric gastroenterology centers in ten Latin American countries. Materials and methods: A multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted that estimated the period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children seen at outpatient consultation and that underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any indication at 36 centers in 10 Latin American countries, within a 3-month time frame. Results: Between April and June 2016, 108 cases of eosinophilic esophagitis were evaluated. Likewise, an average of 29,253 outpatient consultations and 4,152 diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were carried out at the 36 participating centers. The period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in the population studied (n = 29,253) was 3.69 cases × 1,000 (95% CI: 3.04 to 4.44), and among the children that underwent routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (n = 4,152), it was 26 x 1,000 (95% CI: 22.6 to 29.4). Conclusions: The general period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children evaluated at 36 Latin American pediatric gastroenterology centers was 3.69 × 1,000, and in the children that underwent endoscopy, it was 26 × 1,000. There was important prevalence variability between the participating countries and centers. The present analysis is the first study conducted on the prevalence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in Latin America. Palabras clave: Esofagitis, Eosinofílica, Niños, Prevalencia, Latinoamérica, Keywords: Esophagitis, Eosinophilic, Children, Prevalence, Latin Americ

IMPACT OF PROTECTIVE GEAR ON LOWER BODY DYNAMIC BALANCE AND MOTOR CONTROL IN FIREFIGHTERS

Matthew Dohmeier, James Bernedo, Eva Janofsky, Mike Iosia. Lee University, Cleveland, TN. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on firefighters\u27 lower body dynamic balance and motor control using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). METHODS: Fourteen firefighters (13 male and 1 female) from the local municipal fire department volunteered for the study. Lower body YBT composite reach scores were measured on both right and left sides, on three separate occasions wearing workout gear (PT), PPE, and PPE + SCBA (SCBA gear). Testing order was counterbalanced to mitigate the learning effect. Composite scores were normalized for limb length and reported as percentages. Paired T-Tests were run using IBM SPSS V25 to identify statistical differences at an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the YBT data showed there were significant differences between the right leg lower body composite score between PT and PPE gear (103.98 ± 7.53, 100.71 ± 6.68, p = 0.038, mean difference = 3.26%), PT and SCBA gear (103.98 ± 7.53, 96.39 ± 8.31, p = 0.001, mean difference = 7.59%), and PPE and SCBA gear (100.71 ± 6.68, 96.39 ± 8.31, p = 0.021, mean difference = 4.32%). There were also significant differences found in the left side lower body composite scores between PT and SCBA gear (105.42 ± 8.47, 97.50 ± 9.33, p = 0.004, mean difference = 7.92%) and PPE and SCBA gear (102.15 ± 7.64, 97.50 ± 9.33, p = 0.034, mean difference = 4.65%). No significant difference was found between left leg PT and PPE composite scores (105.42 ± 8.47, 102.15 ± 7.64, p = 0.054, mean difference = 3.27%). CONCLUSION: In a previous study by Games et al (2019), a decreases in composite scores of 5.52% on the right and 5.06% on the left was found. This study found decreases of 7.59% on the right and 7.92% on the left. Results suggest that the weight added by the PPE and PPE + SCBA negatively impacted reach scores. Average body mass with PT gear (PTWt.) was 89.25 ± 3.35 kg, PTWt. + PPE = 100.32 ± 3.35 kg; and PTWt. + SCBA = 113.11 ± 3.35 kg. Further research is needed to identify any changes in injury risk while training in full gear

IMPACT OF PROTECTIVE GEAR ON DYNAMIC BALANCE AND MOBILITY IN FIREFIGHTERS USING THE Y-BALANCE SCALE

James R. Bernedo, Matthew Dohmeier, Eva Janofsky, Mike Iosia. Lee University, Cleveland, TN. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on firefighters\u27 upper body dynamic balance and motor control using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). METHODS: Dynamic balance was measured using the upper-body Y-balance test. Fourteen firefighters (13 M, 1 F) were recruited for the study from the local municipal fire department. Upper body composite reach scores were measured on both sides on three separate occasions, wearing workout gear (PT), PPE, and PPE and SCBA. SPSS was used to identify statistical differences using paired sample t-tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease (p\u3c0.001) on both right and left upper body composite scores respectively, between PT and SCBA (94.58 ± 9.30, 82.42 ± 10.01, p=0.001, mean difference= 12.16%), as well as PPE and SCBA (92.9 1± 9.13, 82.42 ± 10.01, p= 0.001, mean difference= 10.49%). On the left PT and SCBA (95.96 ± 8.81, 84.68±9.37, p= 0.001, mean difference= 11.28%), as well as between PPE and SCBA (94.54 ± 9.92, 84.68 ± 9.37, p= 0.001, mean difference= 9.86%). There were no statistical differences on either side between PT and PPE. CONCLUSION: Data from the study indicates that the SCBA had the greatest impact on upper body Y-Balance scores. The average decrease in statistically significant data on right side was 12.16% (PT vs SCBA) and 10.49% (PPE vs PPE + SCBA) and on the left 11.28% (PT vs SCBA) and 9.86% (PPE vs PPE + SCBA). Decreases in dynamic balance in the upper body can be attributed to the increase in weight from PT (93.3 kg ± 21.647), PPE (100.76 kg ± 14.152), to PPE+SCBA (112.854 kg ± 12.4799) due to the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that firefighters wear. Firefighter command structures may wish to take into consideration the impact of upper body reach balance and stability when training with the SCBA. Further research is needed to identify cut points in composite scores which may be associated with increased risk of injury