Exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of migrant populations in Europe: An equity-focused scoping review

The pandemic is aggravating health inequalities, particularly mental health inequalities, while revealing the social determinants of these inequalities, including migration as a social determinant that mediates the interaction of social, economic, cultural, institutional, and structural factors with health indicators. Therefore, it is of most relevance to identify the multiple interconnected factors that influence the mental health and well-being of migrant populations. A scoping review was developed to map the research performed in this area and to identify any gaps in knowledge, following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. MEDLINE, Scopus, and WHO Global Health research databases on COVID-19 were searched from January 2020 to October 2021. The review followed the inclusion criteria Population/Concept/Context (PCC): Population-Adult International migrants (including refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants); Concept-determinants of (and factors influencing) mental health and well-being; Context-COVID-19 anywhere in the world. Of the sixty-five selected studies, eleven were from European countries and were the focus of this review with special attention to health inequalities experienced by migrants in Europe. The results cover a diversity of themes related to the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of migrants (country-level environmental factors, social determinants of mental health, mental health indicators and outcomes), responses (such as solidarity and resilience), populations, and study methods. The evidence found can inform recommendations and interventions focused on health promotion and mitigation of the inequalities accentuated by the pandemic.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Exploring intersectional variations in sexual pleasure, sexual autonomy, and important correlates

Research suggests that pressure to meet gender norms can limit social behaviors and ultimately promote poor health outcomes, such as disparities in decreased sexual pleasure, which are considered a central component of human rights and well-being. Previous studies have shown that sexual pleasure and sexual autonomy are gender-related, but little is known about these indicators in diverse populations. This study used data from a probabilistic sample of Cape Verdean immigrant (n = 127) and Portuguese native (n = 133) women and men who were in an intimate relationship enrolled in the FEMINA (Fertility, Migration and Acculturation) project to explore intersectional variations in sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and distress considering their interplay with sexual autonomy and social representations regarding sexuality. For all participants and especially among men, sex is a very important part of life. Sexual autonomy was positively associated with sexual pleasure among Cape Verdean and Portuguese women and Portuguese men. Sexual distress was negatively associated with sexual pleasure among women, especially Cape Verdean women who reported higher sexual distress. This small-scale study is an example of an intersectional approach to sexual health and rights.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cost-effective optimal synthesis of the efficiency map of permanent magnet synchronous motors

In the paper an original approach to efficiency map optimal synthesis is presented. A permanent magnet motor, working as controlled AC motor of synchronous type (PMSM), is selected as a case study. The first target of this research is to derive a lumped-parameter model of the motor (low-fidelity model), validated by magnetic field analysis (high-fidelity model). In turn, the end target is these two models application in a cost-effective optimisation procedures, where the goal is to identify the motor geometry maximizing the map area which is encompassed by a prescribed value for the motor efficiency

Optimal shape design of a class of permanent magnet motors in a multiple-objectives context

Purpose: This paper aims to deal with the optimal shape design of a class of permanent magnet motors by minimizing multiple objectives according to an original interpretation of Pareto optimality. The proposed method solves a many-objective problems characterized by five objective functions and five design variables with evolution strategy algorithms, classically used for single- and multi-objective (two objective functions) optimization problems. Design/methodology/approach: Two approaches are proposed in the paper: the All-Objectives (AO) and the Many-Objectives (MO) optimization approach. The former is based on a single-objective optimization of a preference function, i.e. a normalized weighted sum. In contrast, in the MO a multi-objective optimization algorithm is applied to the minimization of a weight-free preference function and simultaneously to a maximization of the distance of the current solution from the prototype. The optimizations are based on an equivalent circuit model of the Permanent Magnet (PM) motor, but the results are assessed by means of finite element analyses (FEAs). Findings: An extensive study of the solutions obtained by means of the different optimization approaches is provided by means of post-processing analyses. Both the approaches find non-dominated solutions with respect to the prototype that are substantially improving the initial solution. The points of strength along with the weakness points of each solution with respect to the prototype are analysed in depth. Practical implications: The paper gives a good guide to the designers of electric motors, focussed on a shape design optimization. Originality/value: Considering simultaneously five objective functions in an automated optimal design procedure is challenging. The proposed approach, based on a well-known and established optimization algorithm, but exploiting a new concept of degree of conflict, can lead to new results in the field of automated optimal design in a many-objective context

Mental health and well-being of migrant populations in Portugal two years after the COVID-19 pandemic

In Portugal, like in other European countries, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the risk of poverty and social exclusion faced by migrants. This study aimed to assess mental health and well-being, and their social determinants, among Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrant populations two years after the COVID-19 pandemic while exploring the role of positive psychological factors such as resilience and perceived social support. We conducted a cross-sectional survey combining online and face-to-face questionnaires for data collection between February and November 2022 on dimensions of mental health considered potentially relevant to the post-pandemic context: psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Overall, 604 immigrants were included (322 Brazilian and 282 Cape Verdean); 58.5% of those surveyed were women and 41.5% were men. The results revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression, higher education was associated with anxiety, and that, for the three mental health dimensions under analysis, the perception of discrimination and resilience were negative and positive predictors, respectively. Findings can inform the design and implementation of relevant public mental health promotion programs with a focus on equity targeted to the general population. Such programs would help to address the psychological and social impacts of this long-term, insidious global pandemic that has challenged governments, health care systems, health care professionals, individuals, families, and communities worldwide.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fertility, migration and acculturation (FEMINA): a research protocol for studying intersectional sexual and reproductive health inequalities.

Background: The existing knowledge on the interplay between reproductive and sexual health, migration and acculturation is recent and inconsistent, particularly on the sociocultural motives and constraints regarding fertility. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) surveys are needed to provide accurate and comparable indicators to identify and address SRH inequalities, with specific focus on under researched aspects, such as the interrelation between migration and gender. FEMINA (FErtility, MIgratioN and Acculturation) aims to investigate intersectional SRH inequalities among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native families and how they impact on fertility in Portugal. This study will use a comprehensive approach exploring simultaneously the components of SRH, namely regarding identities, perceptions and practices of both women and men among lay people and relevant experts and stakeholders. The project has three main goals: 1) to identify social determinants of SRH among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age; 2) to gain understanding of the diversity of the sexual and reproductive experiences and expectations of Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age, considering the singularities of their migratory, social and family dynamics; and 3) to produce recommendations for policy makers, employers and service providers on how to better address the SRH needs of Portuguese-born and immigrant populations. Methods: The study will address these goals using a mixed methods approach, including: a cross-sectional telephone survey with a probabilistic sample of 600 Cape Verdean immigrant and 600 Portuguese native women and men (women aged 18 to 49 and men aged 18 to 54), residents of the Greater Lisbon Area; a qualitative research through in-depth interviews with a subsample of 30 Cape Verdean immigrants and 30 Portuguese native men and women; and a Delphi technique for finding consensus on good practices in SRH for the entire population with a special emphasis on immigrants, namely extra-EU migrants. Discussion: Data will be used to produce a comprehensive set of indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal, to foster a greater understanding of its specificities and challenges to policy and decision makers, and to provide targeted recommendations to promote inclusive and migrant sensitive SRH services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In vitro ispitivanje kontrolisanog otpuštanja antibiotika iz liposoma

Results of this study have shown significantly prolonged release of selected antibiotic from liposome dispersion as compared to free antibiotic solution of the same initial concentration. Two models of non-steady one-dimensional diffusion were successfully applied to the experimental data and the antibiotic diffusion coefficients were estimated. In addition, the mass transfer resistance of the membrane was shown to be insignificant confirming the suitability of the applied experimental system. Since liposomes are known as systems with slower drug release, then, when it comes to their incorporation in the final form of a preparation for further experiments in vivo, the system of choice would be liposomes with an encapsulated antibiotic drug. The established experimental system could be extended to other liposome formulations with respect to the release rate of the active components.Rezultati su pokazali značajan efekat produženog oslobađanja odabranog antibiotika iz lipidnih vezikula u membranskom sistemu sa cilindričnim modulom (namenski dizajniran u cilju mimike sistema primene topičnog preparata na koži) u poređenju sa rastvorom leka iste inicijalne koncentracije koji je podvrgnut istim eksperimentalnim uslovima. Dva modela nestacionarne, jednodimenzione difuzije primenjena su za predviđanje brzine oslobađanja leka iz lipidnih vezikula u cilindričnom membranskom modulu. Oba modela su pokazala dobro slaganje sa eksperimentalnim rezultatima i predskazala približno pedeset puta sporije otpuštanje iz lipidnih vezikula u poređenju sa čistim rastvorom leka. Osim toga, rezultati matematičkog modelovanja su pokazali da celulozno-acetatna membrana ima zanemarljiv uticaj na ukupnu brzinu oslobađanja leka. Ovakav rezultat potvrdio je pogodnost primenjenog eksperimentalnog sistema za ispitivanje kinetike otpuštanja odabranog antibiotika iz lipidnih vezikula.Kako se pokazalo da je otpuštanje leka iz disperzije lipidnih vezikula sporije u poređenju sa čistim rastvorom antibiotika, ovakav sistem nosača sa inkapsuliranim antibiotskim agensom ima prednost kada je u pitanju njegovo ugrađivanje u finalni oblik topičnog preparata za dalja ispitivanja in vivo. Odabrani eksperimentalni sistem se može primeniti i na druge formulacije na bazi lipidnih vezikula, za ispitivanje kinetike otpuštanja inkapsuliranih aktivnih supstanci. Na taj način bi se mogla uspostaviti relevantna metoda za in vitro karakterizaciju i poređenje različitih sistema nosača aktivnih komponenti

Strategies for two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional field computation in the design of permanent magnet motors

This study discusses strategies for the design of permanent magnet motors (PMMs) exploiting two-dimensional (2D) and 3D field models. Five most common methodologies are compared and errors arising from 2D classical models considered. Examples comparing 2D and 3D results are presented and discussed for two selected types of motors. An approach has been put forward which allows the accuracy of classical 2D models to be improved by introducing correction coefficients arising from preliminary 3D simulations. A possibility of employing quasi-3D models has also been explored for the design and analysis of PMMs with the stator and rotor lamination packets of different lengths. Comparative analysis of results has been provided arising from the 2D and 3D models for a classical and a double rotor PMM

Persistence on therapy and propensity matched outcome comparison of two subcutaneous interferon beta 1a dosages for multiple sclerosis

To compare treatment persistence between two dosages of interferon β-1a in a large observational multiple sclerosis registry and assess disease outcomes of first line MS treatment at these dosages using propensity scoring to adjust for baseline imbalance in disease characteristics. Treatment discontinuations were evaluated in all patients within the MSBase registry who commenced interferon β-1a SC thrice weekly (n = 4678). Furthermore, we assessed 2-year clinical outcomes in 1220 patients treated with interferon β-1a in either dosage (22 µg or 44 µg) as their first disease modifying agent, matched on propensity score calculated from pre-treatment demographic and clinical variables. A subgroup analysis was performed on 456 matched patients who also had baseline MRI variables recorded. Overall, 4054 treatment discontinuations were recorded in 3059 patients. The patients receiving the lower interferon dosage were more likely to discontinue treatment than those with the higher dosage (25% vs. 20% annual probability of discontinuation, respectively). This was seen in discontinuations with reasons recorded as “lack of efficacy” (3.3% vs. 1.7%), “scheduled stop” (2.2% vs. 1.3%) or without the reason recorded (16.7% vs. 13.3% annual discontinuation rate, 22 µg vs. 44 µg dosage, respectively). Propensity score was determined by treating centre and disability (score without MRI parameters) or centre, sex and number of contrast-enhancing lesions (score including MRI parameters). No differences in clinical outcomes at two years (relapse rate, time relapse-free and disability) were observed between the matched patients treated with either of the interferon dosages. Treatment discontinuations were more common in interferon β-1a 22 µg SC thrice weekly. However, 2-year clinical outcomes did not differ between patients receiving the different dosages, thus replicating in a registry dataset derived from “real-world” database the results of the pivotal randomised trial. Propensity score matching effectively minimised baseline covariate imbalance between two directly compared sub-populations from a large observational registry

Computed Tomography Imaging of Primary Lung Cancer in Mice Using a Liposomal-Iodinated Contrast Agent

To investigate the utility of a liposomal-iodinated nanoparticle contrast agent and computed tomography (CT) imaging for characterization of primary nodules in genetically engineered mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer.Primary lung cancers with mutations in K-ras alone (Kras(LA1)) or in combination with p53 (LSL-Kras(G12D);p53(FL/FL)) were generated. A liposomal-iodine contrast agent containing 120 mg Iodine/mL was administered systemically at a dose of 16 µl/gm body weight. Longitudinal micro-CT imaging with cardio-respiratory gating was performed pre-contrast and at 0 hr, day 3, and day 7 post-contrast administration. CT-derived nodule sizes were used to assess tumor growth. Signal attenuation was measured in individual nodules to study dynamic enhancement of lung nodules.A good correlation was seen between volume and diameter-based assessment of nodules (R(2)>0.8) for both lung cancer models. The LSL-Kras(G12D);p53(FL/FL) model showed rapid growth as demonstrated by systemically higher volume changes compared to the lung nodules in Kras(LA1) mice (p<0.05). Early phase imaging using the nanoparticle contrast agent enabled visualization of nodule blood supply. Delayed-phase imaging demonstrated significant differential signal enhancement in the lung nodules of LSL-Kras(G12D);p53(FL/FL) mice compared to nodules in Kras(LA1) mice (p<0.05) indicating higher uptake and accumulation of the nanoparticle contrast agent in rapidly growing nodules.The nanoparticle iodinated contrast agent enabled visualization of blood supply to the nodules during the early-phase imaging. Delayed-phase imaging enabled characterization of slow growing and rapidly growing nodules based on signal enhancement. The use of this agent could facilitate early detection and diagnosis of pulmonary lesions as well as have implications on treatment response and monitoring