Challenges on implementing a screening system with ages and stages questionnaires (ASQ-PT) in Portugal

O “Ages and Stages Questionnaires” é um instrumento de rastreio de desenvolvimento já traduzido, aferido e validado para a população infantil portuguesa. Este estudo foi realizado para compreender a perceção dos profissionais e dos pais sobre o uso do Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-PT). Famílias e profissionais (de intervenção precoce, saúde e educação) de três áreas geográficas de Portugal (Norte, Centro e Lisboa e Vale do Tejo) utilizaram este instrumento para rastrear crianças, previamente referenciadas, nos serviços da comunidade. Após a análise do sistema de rastreio de desenvolvimento implementado e os dados recolhidos, um conjunto de palavras-chave permitiu refletir sobre as implicações práticas do rastreio e do sistema ASQ: Motivação; Colaboração; Confiança; Conhecimento/capacitação; Coordenação; Divulgação; Formação. Os resultados deste estudo qualitativo são apresentados com sugestões para melhorar o uso do ASQ-PT.Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-PT) is a screening instrument that has already been standardized and adapted to Portuguese child population. We conducted a study to understand professionals and parents perceptions on the use of Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-PT). Families and professionals (early intervention, health and education) from three geographical areas of Portugal (North, Center and Lisbon and Tagus Valley) used this instrument to screen children. After we analyze the screening system implemented and the collected data, a set of key words allowed us to reflect on the practical implications of screening and the ASQ system: Motivation; Collaboration; Trust; Knowledge/empowerment; Coordination; Dissemination; Training. Results of this qualitative study are presented with suggestions on enhancing ASQ-PT uses

A doação de gâmetas na perspetiva de potenciais dadores: fatores psicossociológicos na intenção de doação de ovócitos e de espermatozoides

Em Portugal, a aplicação heteróloga de técnicas de reprodução assistida é legalmente admitida nas situações em que não possa obter-se gravidez com recurso a gâmetas de um ou dos dois elementos do casal1. São conhecidas as dificuldades de autossuficiência para suprir as necessidades de recurso a gâmetas de terceiros, que obrigam os centros de PMA a recorrerem a bancos de gâmetas no estrangeiro para fazer face à procura. Estas circunstâncias colocam em evidência um aspeto nem sempre considerado na literatura: os dadores terceiros, entendidos, para este efeito, como indivíduos que, não tendo necessariamente experiência de infertilidade, se predispõem a doar células reprodutivas. A abordagem dos fatores psicossociológicos relevantes para o estudo das atitudes e dos fatores promotores do comportamento de doação de células reprodutivas é ainda incipiente. Neste contexto, e procurando contribuir para gerar conhecimento acerca da intenção de doação, foram inquiridos 183 homens e mulheres, com idades compreendidas entre os 18-45 anos e 18-35 anos, respetivamente. A análise comparativa das atitudes e intenção de doação de gâmetas coloca em evidência que a generalidade dos participantes tem uma atitude bastante favorável à doação, mas a percentagem daqueles que afirmam estar disponíveis para doar é inferior a 10%. Os resultados sugerem, ainda, que as componentes da Teoria do Comportamento Planeado têm impacto diferenciado na intenção de doação de ovócitos e de espermatozoides. Enquanto que para as mulheres, são as atitudes e o controlo comportamental percebido que mais contribuem para explicar a variação na intenção de doação, para os homens é o apoio social percebido ao ato da doação que mais contribui para explicar a variação na intenção de doação.In Portugal third-party reproduction is legally admitted whenever a pregnancy cannot be achieved through the use of any other technique using the gametes of the beneficiaries. Difficulties concerning gamete supply for third-party reproduction treatments are well known, and many ART clinics need to import gametes from other countries to overcome the shortage of sperm and egg donors. This evidence stands up for the need to acknowledge a field not always considered in the assisted reproduction literature, namely, public opinion concerning reproductive donation and which factors influence the willingness to donate of men and women with no infertility experience. The social psychology approach to attitudes regarding gamete donation and willingness to donate are still incipient. Bearing this in mind, this study aims to explore determinants of gamete donation behavior. A questionnaire was used to study attitudes and the willingness to donate of 183 men and women, with age range from 18-45 and 18-35, in that order. The comparative analysis highlights that despite the overall positive attitudes regarding gamete donation only a small proportion of participants (10%) are willing to donate their gametes to couples undergoing fertility treatments. Results also revealed that the components of Theory of Planned Behavior contribute differently to explain egg and sperm donation intention behavior: while egg donation can be predicted from positive attitudes to donation and perceived behavioral control, sperm donation is mostly influenced by subjective norms

Perceção de profissionais e de pais acerca do Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-PT)

Em Portugal, o Ages & Stages Questionnaires já se encontra aferido e adaptado para a população infantil e denomina-se ASQ-PT. A finalidade da nossa investigação é a realização de um estudo qualitativo para conhecer as perceções de profissionais de Intervenção Precoce, de saúde e de educação e de pais sobre a utilização do ASQ-PT para o rastreio e sobre a colaboração dos pais neste processo. Pretende-se sensibilizar os profissionais para a utilização deste instrumento, para colaborarem com as famílias no rastreio de desenvolvimento e perceber o impacto do preenchimento do ASQ-PT pelos pais no conhecimento acerca da sua criança

Vulnerability through the Eyes of People Attended by a Portuguese Community-Based Association: A Thematic Analysis

Funding: This work is funded by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. (UIDB/05704/2020 and UIDP/05704/2020) and under the Scientific Employment Stimulus Institutional Call—[CEECINST/00051/2018].Vulnerability is associated with the individual’s social and biological conditions, but also the conditions of their enveloping environment and society, leading to terms such as vulnerable populations or risk groups. This study aimed to give a voice to people with experiences of vulnerability and explore their perspectives, using a descriptive qualitative design. Purportedly vulnerable adults were recruited and interviewed with semi-structured questions on vulnerability. Data were organized, using WebQDA software, and submitted to thematic content analysis, as proposed by Clark and Braun, which generated a thematic tree. The study included six men and six women with a mean age of 43.8 [SD = 14.17] years old. Thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) Conceptions about vulnerability, (2) Barriers imposed by vulnerability, and (3) Strategies for dealing with vulnerability. The results highlight that vulnerability is a highly dynamic process of openness to circumstances that influence individual outcomes. However, there is a lack of conceptual clarity. Although being vulnerable is perceived as something negative, we need to transform the social mindset, because vulnerability also has the potential to change priorities in life for the better.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of solvent type, extraction techniques, particle size, extraction times and temperatures on antioxidant activity of T. hispanicum

Plants of the genus Taraxacum have been used for years in medicine and food. This genus, with a complex taxonomy, includes some species of difficult distinction, where T. hispanicum is included. The leaves of these plants, known as dandelion, continue to be used as infusions, ethanolic extracts, or as juice. Since the plant represents an important source of pharmacologically active molecules, namely antioxidant activity, it is important to develop extractive procedures to maximize its potential health benefits.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phytochemical screening of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extractive solutions of Taraxacum hispanicum leaves

Plants of the genus Taraxacum (dandelion) are a source of diverse phytochemicals, and its biological activities can be exploited in different areas of human health. Phytochemical composition of dandelion, in particular T. officinale, has been extensively studied over the years. However, to date no studies have been performed regarding T. hispanicum phytochemical characterization, which is a common South European specie of Taraxacum.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

COVID-19 pandemic and its psychological impact among healthy Portuguese and Spanish nursing students

Few studies have explored the impacts of COVID-19 and lockdown on the mental health of undergraduate nursing students. This study aimed: a) to explore perceived stress among undergraduate nursing students in Portugal and Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak; and b) to analyze several COVID-19 related factors and psychological issues that may be associated with perceived stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of Portuguese and Spanish undergraduate nursing students (n=1075). The data gathered included demographic information, questions about COVID-19 related factors, and psychological issues. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression with a degree of significance at p<0.05. High perceived stress scores were found in 558 participants (51.9%). Students with high perceived stress most likely had a COVID-19 diagnosis in their household; their household income had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; experienced difficulty falling asleep or sleeping all night; consumed junk food in excess; neglected their appearance; felt headaches, stomach aches, and back pain; and lacked the patience or desire to exercise. Additionally, high perceived stress was negatively associated with life satisfaction. The results provide evidence that infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, may significantly influence mental health. Further research should explore the long-term psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing students.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Taraxacum hispanicum Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts on HepG2 Cells

Plants belonging to the genus Taraxacum have been used in traditional medicine. Nowadays, extracts of these plants have been reported for the treatment of diseases, including liver disorders. Increasing interest and research on these plants also revealed its potential for treating cancer. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic properties of crude extracts from aerial parts of Taraxacum hispanicum H.Lindb, against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2). Material and methods: Evaluation of the antioxidant properties was performed using DPPH in vitro test, superoxide scavenging assay and Fe2+ chelating activity. MTT assay was used to determine metabolic activity, for 24 and 48 hours.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

COVID-19 pandemic and its psychological impact among healthy Portuguese and Spanish nursing students

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Self-report depressive symptoms do not directly predict suicidality in nonclinical individuals: Contributions toward a more psychosocial approach to suicide risk

Although suicidality is associated with mental illness in general and depression in particular, many depressed individuals do not attempt suicide and some individuals who attempt to or do die by suicide do not present depressive symptoms. This article aims to contribute to a more psychosocial approach to understanding suicide risk in nonclinical populations. In advocating a psychosocial perspective rather than a depression-focused approach, this article presents four diverse studies that demonstrate sampling and measurement invariance in findings across different populations and specific measures. Study 1 tests the mediation effects of 2 interpersonal variables, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, in the association between depressive symptoms and recent suicidality. Studies 2 and 3 evaluate the contribution of hopelessness and psychache, beyond depressive symptoms, to suicidality. Study 4 tests the contribution of life events behind depressive symptoms, and other relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables, to the estimation of “future suicidality.” Overall, results demonstrate that depressive symptoms do not directly predict suicidality in nonclinical individuals, but that other psychosocial variables mediate the association between depressive symptoms and suicidality or predict suicidality when statistically controlling for depressive symptoms. The article contributes to understanding some of the nonpsychopathological factors that potentially link depressive symptoms to suicide risk and that might themselves contribute to suicidality, even when controlling for depressive symptoms