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1.
Sci Total Environ ; : 173619, 2024 May 31.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38825208

RESUMO

The globalization in plant material trading has caused the emergence of invasive pests in many ecosystems, such as the alder pathogen Phytophthora ×alni in European riparian forests. Due to the ecological importance of alder to the functioning of rivers and the increasing incidence of P. ×alni-induced alder decline, effective and accessible decision tools are required to help managers and stakeholders control the disease. This study proposes a Bayesian belief network methodology to integrate diverse information on the factors affecting the survival and infection ability of P. ×alni in riparian habitats to help predict and manage disease incidence. The resulting Alder Decline Network (ADnet) management tool integrates information about alder decline from scientific literature, expert knowledge and empirical data. Expert knowledge was gathered through elicitation techniques that included 19 experts from 12 institutions and 8 countries. An original dataset was created covering 1189 European locations, from which P. ×alni occurrence was modeled based on bioclimatic variables. ADnet uncertainty was evaluated through its sensitivity to changes in states and three scenario analyses. The ADnet tool indicated that mild temperatures and high precipitation are key factors favoring pathogen survival. Flood timing, water velocity, and soil type have the strongest influence on disease incidence. ADnet can support ecosystem management decisions and knowledge transfer to address P. ×alni-induced alder decline at local or regional levels across Europe. Management actions such as avoiding the planting of potentially infected trees or removing man-made structures that increase the flooding period in disease-affected sites could decrease the incidence of alder disease in riparian forests and limit its spread. The coverage of the ADnet tool can be expanded by updating data on the pathogen's occurrence, particularly from its distributional limits. Research on the role of genetic variability in alder susceptibility and pathogen virulence may also help improve future ADnet versions.

2.
Ageing Res Rev ; 82: 101773, 2022 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36349647

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota (IM) undergoes remodelling as we age, and this impacts the ageing trajectory and mortality in older adults. The aim was to investigate IM diversity differences between frail and non-frail older adults by meta-analysing previous studies. METHODS: The protocol of this systematic review with meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021276733). We searched for studies comparing IM diversity of frail and non-frail older adults indexed on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science in November 2021. RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 1239 participants, of which 340 were meta-analysed. Frailty was defined by a variety of criteria (i.e. Fried Scale, European Consensus on Sarcopenia). There were no differences in the meta-analyses between the frail and non-frail groups for species richness index (SMD = -0.147; 95% CI = -0.394, 0.100; p = 0.243) and species diversity index (SMD = -0.033; 95% CI = -0.315, 0.250; p = 0.820). However, we identified almost 50 differences between frail and non-frail within the relative abundance of bacteria phyla, families, genera, and species in the primary studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence to prove that there are differences between frail and non-frail IM diversity by meta-analysis is still lacking. The present results suggest that further investigation into the role of specific bacteria, their function, and their influence on the physiopathology of frailty is needed.


Assuntos
Fragilidade , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Sarcopenia , Humanos , Idoso , Envelhecimento
3.
Environ Res ; 214(Pt 2): 113764, 2022 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35803342

RESUMO

Plastic pollution is a serious problem in aquatic systems throughout the world. Despite the increasing number of studies addressing the impact of macro- and microplastics on biota, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the effects of nanoplastics alone and in combination with other contaminants. Among the aquatic contaminants that may interact with nanoplastics is arsenic (As), a metalloid found in estuarine and coastal ecosystems, pernicious to benthic organisms. This study aimed to understand how a parental pre-exposure to 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) would influence the response of Hediste diversicolor to exposure to arsenic in terms of behaviour, neurotransmission, antioxidant defences and oxidative damage, and energy metabolism. The obtained data revealed an increase in burrowing time and a significant inhibition in cholinesterase activity in all polychaetes exposed to As, regardless of the pre-exposure to PS NPs. Oxidative status was altered particularly in parentally exposed organisms, with damage detected in terms of lipid peroxidation at 50 µg/L and protein carbonylation at 50 and 250 µg As/L exposed organisms when compared to control. Overall, data shows that parental pre-exposure to plastics influences the response of aquatic organisms, increasing their susceptibility to other contaminants. Thus, more studies should be performed with other environmental contaminants, to better understand the potential increased risk associated with the presence of nanoplastics to aquatic ecosystems.


Assuntos
Arsênio , Poliquetos , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Arsênio/toxicidade , Ecossistema , Microplásticos , Plásticos/toxicidade , Poliestirenos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise
4.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 12(11)2022 Jun 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35683754

RESUMO

The study of particle transport in different environments plays an essential role in understanding interactions with humans and other living organisms. Importantly, obtained data can be directly used for multiple applications in fields such as fundamental biology, toxicology, or medicine. Particle movement in biorelevant media can be readily monitored using microscopy and converted into time-resolved trajectories using freely available tracking software. However, translation into tangible and meaningful parameters is time consuming and not always intuitive. We developed new software-MPTHub-as an open-access, standalone, user-friendly tool for the rapid and reliable analysis of particle trajectories extracted from video microscopy. The software was programmed using Python and allowed to import and analyze trajectory data, as well as to export relevant data such as individual and ensemble time-averaged mean square displacements and effective diffusivity, and anomalous transport exponent. Data processing was reliable, fast (total processing time of less than 10 s), and required minimal memory resources (up to a maximum of around 150 MB in random access memory). Demonstration of software applicability was conducted by studying the transport of different polystyrene nanoparticles (100-200 nm) in mucus surrogates. Overall, MPTHub represents a freely available software tool that can be used even by inexperienced users for studying the transport of particles in biorelevant media.

5.
J Nurs Manag ; 30(7): 2937-2944, 2022 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35560750

RESUMO

AIM: This study aimed to analyse the mediator effect of role ambiguity between social support from supervisor and colleagues and job satisfaction in Portuguese nursing staff. BACKGROUND: Few studies have analysed the processes through which social support increases job satisfaction in the nursing context. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design using questionnaires. METHOD: A total of 124 registered nurses and 130 certified nursing assistants participated in the study. Mediation analysis was performed by calculating percentile confidence intervals (10,000 resamples). RESULTS: Mediation analysis revealed a partial mediation between social support and job satisfaction through role ambiguity. The direct effect was greater in the case of supervisor support. CONCLUSIONS: Social support is a crucial resource in the nursing work context with a beneficial effect on well-being (e.g. reducing role stress) and job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Managers of hospitals and health units can establish the organizational bases to facilitate this process, considering the importance of the role of the supervisors and colleagues in the provision of high levels of instrumental and socio-emotional support.


Assuntos
Assistentes de Enfermagem , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem , Humanos , Satisfação no Emprego , Estudos Transversais , Apoio Social , Inquéritos e Questionários , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia
6.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34991850

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the rate of confirmed COVID-19 in a pediatric population at the beginning of the pandemic in Portugal. STUDY DESIGN: Suspected COVID-19 pediatric cases that were tested in a Portuguese hospital between March 17 and April 2 2020 were included in this descriptive retrospective study. The analyzed data included socio-demographic parameters, characteristics of the household, underlying medical conditions and symptoms. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included and all of them were symptomatic and treated without hospitalization. The most common symptoms were cough (80%;n=75), rhinorrhea (72%;n=68) and fever (60%;n=56). There was only one positive for SARS-CoV-2 in a five-year-old child with mild illness without epidemiologic linkage. CONCLUSION: This study showed a low rate of confirmed COVID-19 in children. The causes for this low rate can be multifactorial and illustrates how differently this virus spreads in the pediatric population.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Pandemias , Portugal/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , SARS-CoV-2
7.
Pediatr Emerg Care ; 38(1): e240-e245, 2022 Jan 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32925706

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The overcrowding of emergency departments (EDs) is an increasingly relevant public health problem. The main aims of this study were to identify and analyze temporal periodicities of a self-referred pediatric ED (PED), correlate them with meteorological and calendar variables and build a robust forecasting model. METHODS: An 8-year administrative data set (2010-2017) of the daily number of admissions to the PED of a public hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, was used (n = 670,379). A time-series model of the daily number of visits was built, including temporal periodicities, the Portuguese school calendar, and a meteorological comfort index (humidex). RESULTS: Several temporal cycles were identified: 1 year (peak in January/February related to respiratory infections in younger children and infants), 6 months (peaks in May and October with an increase in the admissions of older children and adolescents with trauma, gastrointestinal infections and atopic symptoms), 4 months (related to annual school vacations), 1 week (lower admission values on Saturday), and half a week (low from Friday to Monday morning). School calendar and humidex were significantly correlated with daily admissions. The model yielded a mean absolute percentage error of 10.7% ± 1.10% when cross-validation was performed for the full data set. CONCLUSION: Although PED visits are multifactorial, they may be predicted and explained by a relatively small number of variables. Such a model may be easily reproduced in different settings and represents a relevant tool to improve quality in EDs through correctly adapting human resources to ED demand.


Assuntos
Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Hospitalização , Adolescente , Criança , Hospitais Públicos , Humanos , Lactente , Portugal/epidemiologia , Fatores de Tempo
8.
Adv Drug Deliv Rev ; 178: 113993, 2021 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34619286

RESUMO

In vitro cell-based models have been used for a long time since they are normally easily obtained and have an advantageous cost-benefit. Besides, they can serve a variety of ends, from studying drug absorption and metabolism to disease modeling. However, some in vitro models are too simplistic, not accurately representing the living tissues. It has been shown, mainly in the last years, that fully mimicking a tissue composition and architecture can be paramount for cellular behavior and, consequently, for the outcomes of the studies using such models. Because of this, 3D in vitro cell models have been gaining much attention, since they are able to better replicate the in vivo environment. In this review we focus on 3D models that contain mucus-producing cells, as mucus can play a pivotal role in drug absorption. Being frequently overlooked, this viscous fluid can have an impact on drug delivery. Thus, the aim of this review is to understand to which extent can mucus affect mucosal drug delivery and to provide a state-of-the-art report on the existing 3D cell-based mucus models.


Assuntos
Técnicas de Cultura de Células em Três Dimensões , Modelos Biológicos , Muco/citologia , Humanos , Muco/metabolismo
9.
Appl Netw Sci ; 6(1): 49, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34226874

RESUMO

Space Syntax and the theory of natural movement demonstrated that spatial morphology is a primary factor influencing movement. This paper investigates to what extent spatial morphology at different scales (node, community and global network) influences the use of public space by micromobility. An axial map and corresponding network for Lisbon's walkable and open public space, and data from e-scooters parking locations, is used as case study. Relevant metrics and their correlations (intelligibility, accessibility, permeability and local dimension) for the quantitative characterization of spatial morphology properties are described and computed for Lisbon's axial map. Communities are identified based on the network topological structure in order to investigate how these properties are affected at different scales in the case study. The resulting axial line clustering is compared via the variation of information metric with the clustering obtained from e-scooters' proximity. The results obtained enable to conclude that the space syntax properties are scale dependent in Lisbon's pedestrian network. On the other hand both the correlation between these properties, the number of scooters and the variation of information between clusters indicate that the spatial morphology is not the only factor influencing micromobility. Through the comparative analysis between the main properties of the public space network of Lisbon and data collected from e-scooters locations in a timeframe, centrality becomes a dynamic concept, relying not only on the static topological properties of the urban network, but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors, since the flows' operating on the network will operate several transformations on the spatial network properties through time, uncovering spatiotemporal dynamics.

10.
Artigo em Inglês, Espanhol | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33268186

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the rate of confirmed COVID-19 in a pediatric population at the beginning of the pandemic in Portugal. STUDY DESIGN: Suspected COVID-19 pediatric cases that were tested in a Portuguese hospital between March 17 and April 2 2020 were included in this descriptive retrospective study. The analyzed data included socio-demographic parameters, characteristics of the household, underlying medical conditions and symptoms. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included and all of them were symptomatic and treated without hospitalization. The most common symptoms were cough (80%;n=75), rhinorrhea (72%;n=68) and fever (60%;n=56). There was only one positive for SARS-CoV-2 in a five-year-old child with mild illness without epidemiologic linkage. CONCLUSION: This study showed a low rate of confirmed COVID-19 in children. The causes for this low rate can be multifactorial and illustrates how differently this virus spreads in the pediatric population.

11.
Int J Nurs Stud ; 109: 103672, 2020 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32569828

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Role stress (ambiguity and conflict) is a major psychosocial risk at work negatively associated with job satisfaction in the nursing context. According to Kanter's empowerment theory, high levels of structural empowerment reduce role stress, so role ambiguity and conflict could be potential mediators of the relationship between empowerment and job satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between structural empowerment, role stress (ambiguity and conflict), and job satisfaction, assuming the mediating role of role stress on the relationship between structural empowerment and job satisfaction. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was utilized, using questionnaires for data collection and convenience sampling. SETTING(S): Private health care organizations in southern Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-four registered nurses (sample 1) and one hundred and thirty certified nursing assistants (sample 2) completed self-report measures of structural empowerment, role stress, and job satisfaction. METHODS: Mediation analysis was performed using linear regression models and the bootstrapping method. Bias-Corrected confidence intervals (95%) were calculated for the study of direct and indirect effects. RESULTS: In both samples, structural empowerment, role ambiguity, and role conflict were significant predictors of job satisfaction. Both ambiguity and role conflict partially mediated the effect of structural empowerment on job satisfaction. The effect mediated by ambiguity was greater than the effect mediated by role conflict in both registered nurses and certified nursing assistants. CONCLUSIONS: Two processes could explain the effect of structural empowerment on job satisfaction in the nursing context: a direct effect generating experiences and perceptions of power in professionals; and an indirect effect reducing role stress levels in the workplace. The creation of empowering workplaces which clarify work roles and functions of nursing staff should be a priority issue for health managers and nurse executives.


Assuntos
Satisfação no Emprego , Poder Psicológico , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Portugal , Inquéritos e Questionários
12.
Int Nurs Rev ; 67(3): 380-386, 2020 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32436283

RESUMO

AIM: To analyse the moderating effect of role clarity on the relationship between social support (supervisor and colleagues) and job satisfaction. BACKGROUND: The social support of supervisors and co-workers and the clarity of roles are important antecedents of job satisfaction. According to the Conservation of Resources theory, the interaction of the instrumental nature of role clarity and social support would result in higher levels of job satisfaction in nursing. METHODS: Through a convenience sample, a final sample of 191 participants (64.92% registered nurses, 35.08% nursing assistants) was obtained from a private hospital complex in Portugal. Hierarchical linear regression models were carried out to check the moderating function of role clarity. RESULTS: Regression models showed the moderating effect of role clarity. Nursing staff with high social support from their supervisors and peers showed higher scores in job satisfaction when role clarity was high. CONCLUSION: An adequate description of roles, through clear and detailed information regarding expected functions, responsibilities and behaviour, allows the effect of social support from supervisors and co-workers on job satisfaction to be stronger. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Strategies such as defining responsibilities, setting clear expectations and role analysis allow a reduction in sources of uncertainty in jobs. Training in communication and feedback skills would improve the social support given by supervisors and colleagues. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Hospital boards and nurse managers should be aware of the importance of clarifying roles, responsibilities, and functions of each professional category and hierarchical level for the provision of adequate quality of care.


Assuntos
Satisfação no Emprego , Enfermeiros Administradores/psicologia , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem/psicologia , Assistentes de Enfermagem/psicologia , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia , Apoio Social , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Enfermeiros Administradores/estatística & dados numéricos , Assistentes de Enfermagem/estatística & dados numéricos , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/estatística & dados numéricos , Portugal , Inquéritos e Questionários
13.
West J Nurs Res ; 42(3): 187-193, 2020 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31148516

RESUMO

The aim of the study was to verify the mediator role of work engagement between supervisor social support and affective organizational commitment. A cross-sectional and correlational study using questionnaires was conducted. We obtained a convenience sample of 267 participants from 403 nurses from two public hospitals (66.25% response rate). Participants were required to be registered nurses without a supervisor position and to have worked for at least 1 year in the same ward in a public hospital. The mediator role of work engagement was examined using path analysis and bootstrapping method (bias-corrected confidence intervals). Results showed that affective organizational commitment was positively and significantly predicted by supervisor support, vigor, and absorption. Supervisor support had both a direct effect and an indirect effect, through vigor and absorption, on affective organizational commitment. Social support from supervisors allows an increase both in nurses' engagement and their desire to remain in the organization.


Assuntos
Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar , Cultura Organizacional , Lealdade ao Trabalho , Apoio Social , Engajamento no Trabalho , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/estatística & dados numéricos , Portugal , Inquéritos e Questionários
14.
Arch Environ Contam Toxicol ; 78(2): 245-253, 2020 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31858197

RESUMO

Open-air landfill's may be are considered as a potential source of human environmental exposure to chemical substances such as, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals. Due to possible availability of mercury in the environment caused by open landfill emissions, this study evaluates the spatiality and seasonality of macroinvertebrates, in particular shrimps (Macrobrachium amazonicum), exposure to mercury (Hg). Information regarding Hg accumulation in this crustacean may be important for the development of public policies aiming conservation and preservation of ecosystems surrounding landfills in Amazon, and around the world. Sampling occurred quarterly in the following months: November/2015; February/2016; May/2016 and; August/2016. In each of these months, three points were selected: P1, P2 and P3. The samples were processed via acid digestion and the quantification of metal was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The average concentration of total mercury (T-Hg) was 24.565 ± 6.610 µg kg-1 wet weight, with minimum and maximum limits of 12.742 ± 11.367 (P3) and 35.509 ± 14.761 µg kg-1 wet weight (P1) in November/2015 and August/2016, respectively. The concentration of total mercury (T-Hg) in shrimps was different between points (p = 0.004) and months (p = 0.000). The T-Hg concentrations were significantly higher in May and August 2016, which corresponds to the dry season. The presence of landfills promotes large accumulation of T-Hg in the aquatic biota and represents a risk to human health. However, seasonal changes in T-Hg levels were observed. In the wettest period, bioconcentration factor levels decrease in aquatic organisms.


Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Mercúrio/análise , Palaemonidae/efeitos dos fármacos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Organismos Aquáticos/efeitos dos fármacos , Organismos Aquáticos/metabolismo , Bioacumulação , Brasil , Ecossistema , Biomarcadores Ambientais , Mercúrio/farmacocinética , Mercúrio/toxicidade , Músculos/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculos/metabolismo , Palaemonidae/metabolismo , Rios , Estações do Ano , Instalações de Eliminação de Resíduos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/farmacocinética , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade
15.
Workplace Health Saf ; 67(8): 391-398, 2019 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31288628

RESUMO

In the nursing context, structural empowerment has proved to be an organizational tool leading to the prevention of stress and burnout. Structural empowerment is defined as the perception of the presence or absence of empowering conditions in the workplace. However, few studies have explored the particular relationships between power in organizations, structural empowerment, and burnout. The aim of this study was to examine the mediator role of structural empowerment (access to opportunities, information, support, and resources) in the relationship between formal and informal power, and core burnout among Portuguese nurses. We administered a questionnaire among a convenience sample of 304 nurses employed in public hospitals. Model fit and mediation analysis were conducted using path analysis and bootstrapping methods. Formal power, informal power, access to opportunities, and access to resources were significant and negative predictors of core burnout. Opportunities, resources, and informal power had a direct influence on core burnout. Formal power and informal power showed an indirect influence, mediated by opportunities and resources, on core burnout. These findings suggest that by providing nurses with high levels of formal and informal power, as well as access to resources and opportunities, their risk of core burnout can be lowered.


Assuntos
Esgotamento Profissional/complicações , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem/psicologia , Poder Psicológico , Adulto , Esgotamento Profissional/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cultura Organizacional , Portugal , Inquéritos e Questionários
16.
Health Care Manag (Frederick) ; 38(3): 220-227, 2019.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31261190

RESUMO

Greater effectiveness of health care does occur with a more effective management of interpersonal processes. A working management environment, which ensures sufficient access to information, support, resources, and opportunities (structural empowerment), probably can promote a personal perception of capacity and effectiveness (global empowerment) in caregivers to achieve organizational objectives and job satisfaction. This study evaluated the relationship between empowerment and job satisfaction, supported by Kanter's theory of structural empowerment. This study used a convenience sample of 151 nurses from public Portuguese hospitals. The adjustment of the model and the effect of mediation were carried out with a structural equation model (path analysis) through the statistical software STATA. The results show the mediator effect of global empowerment on the relationship between structural empowerment and job satisfaction and the direct and indirect effects of "access to opportunities" in job satisfaction. Managers of these health units should consider that the more the work environment is characterized by having the resources, opportunities, and support indispensable to the good execution of the work by the nurses, the greater the global empowerment and job satisfaction. The results obtained can be an important contribution that can be adopted as a strategy in any health institution without any harm.


Assuntos
Esgotamento Profissional/prevenção & controle , Empoderamento , Satisfação no Emprego , Cultura Organizacional , Local de Trabalho/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Modelos Psicológicos , Portugal , Inquéritos e Questionários
17.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 11(22): 19830-19840, 2019 Jun 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31088069

RESUMO

Tendon tissue engineering strategies that recreate the biophysical and biochemical native microenvironment have a greater potential to achieve regeneration. Here, we developed tendon biomimetic scaffolds using mechanically competent yarns of poly-ε-caprolactone, chitosan, and cellulose nanocrystals to recreate the inherent tendon hierarchy from a nano-to-macro scale. These were then coated with tropoelastin (TROPO) through polydopamine (PDA) linking, to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and elasticity. Both PDA and TROPO coatings decreased surface stiffness without masking the underlying substrate. We found that human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) seeded onto these TROPO biomimetic scaffolds more rapidly acquired their spindle-shape morphology and high aspect ratio characteristic of tenocytes. Immunocytochemistry shows that the PDA and TROPO-coated surfaces boosted differentiation of hASCs toward the tenogenic lineage, with sustained expression of the tendon-related markers scleraxis and tenomodulin up to 21 days of culture. Furthermore, these surfaces enabled the deposition of a tendon-like ECM, supported by the expression of collagens type I and III, tenascin, and decorin. Gene expression analysis revealed a downregulation of osteogenic and fibrosis markers in the presence of TROPO when compared with the control groups, suggesting proper ECM deposition. Remarkably, differentiated cells exposed to TROPO acquired an elastogenic profile due to the evident elastin synthesis and deposition, contributing to the formation of a more mimetic matrix in comparison with the PDA-coated and uncoated conditions. In summary, our biomimetic substrates combining biophysical and biological cues modulate stem cell behavior potentiating their long-term tenogenic commitment and the production of an elastin-rich ECM.


Assuntos
Adipócitos/citologia , Biomimética/métodos , Células-Tronco/citologia , Tendões/citologia , Tropoelastina/química , Diferenciação Celular/fisiologia , Proliferação de Células/fisiologia , Células Cultivadas , Matriz Extracelular , Humanos , Engenharia Tecidual
18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29937509

RESUMO

Mental health literacy (MHL) is considered a prerequisite for early recognition and intervention in mental disorders, and for this reason, it has become a focus of research over the past few decades. Assessing this construct is relevant for identifying knowledge gaps and erroneous beliefs concerning mental health issues, to inform the development of interventions aimed at promoting mental health literacy as well as the evaluation of these interventions. Recently, we developed a new self-reporting measure (MHLq) for assessing mental health literacy in young people (12⁻14 years-old), meeting the need to assess MHL from a comprehensive perspective of the construct instead of focusing on a restricted number of mental disorders or specific dimensions (e.g., knowledge concerning specific disorders; stigma). The present study aimed to adapt the MHLq for the young adult population and to examine its psychometric properties, according to the following steps: (1) item adaptation, using a think aloud procedure (n = 5); (2) data collection (n = 356, aged between 18 and 25 years old; and (3) psychometric analyses (exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis). The final version of the questionnaire included 29 items (total scale α = 0.84), organized by four dimensions: (1) knowledge of mental health problems (α = 0.74); (2) erroneous beliefs/stereotypes (α = 0.72); (3) help-seeking and first aid skills (α = 0.71); and (4) self-help strategies (α = 0.60). The results suggest that the MHLq-adult form is a practical, valid, and reliable screening tool for identifying gaps in knowledge, beliefs, and behavioral intentions related to mental health and mental disorders, planning promotion programs, and evaluating intervention effectiveness.


Assuntos
Letramento em Saúde , Transtornos Mentais/psicologia , Saúde Mental , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos Mentais/diagnóstico , Transtornos Mentais/terapia , Psicometria , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Adulto Jovem
19.
Invest Educ Enferm ; 36(1): e14, 2018 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29898353

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: This work sought to assess the predictor role of work engagement and social support from the supervisor and coworkers on affective commitment with the organization in nursing staff from southern Portugal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with participation from 215 nursing professionals from three public hospitals in southern Portugal. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 77.21% were women. Statistically significant and positive correlations were observed between affective organizational commitment and the three dimensions of engagement: vigor (r=0.48), dedication (r=0.49), and absorption (r=0.48). Likewise, support from the supervisor and support from coworkers were positively related with affective commitment (r=0.45 and r=0.24, p<0.01). The linear and hierarchical regression model showed the following significant predictors: support from the supervisor (beta=0.28), vigor (beta=0.26), and absorption (beta=0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Social support from the supervisor and work engagement (vigor and absorption) are important determinants of the affective bond of nursing professionals with their health organizations. Training and formation of the supervisors in leadership and coaching styles, and labor resources at work would permit increasing the levels of affective commitment in the health units.


Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia , Lealdade ao Trabalho , Apoio Social , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Hospitais Públicos , Humanos , Relações Interprofissionais , Liderança , Modelos Lineares , Masculino , Portugal
20.
Invest. educ. enferm ; 36(1): [E14], Feb 15 2018. Tab 1, Tab 2
Artigo em Inglês | LILACS, BDENF - Enfermagem, COLNAL | ID: biblio-883611

RESUMO

Objective. This work sought to assess the predictor role of work engagement and social support from the supervisor and coworkers on affective commitment with the organization in nursing staff from southern Portugal. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with participation from 215 nursing professionals from three public hospitals in southern Portugal. Results. Of the respondents, 77.21% were women. Statistically significant and positive correlations were observed between affective organizational commitment and the three dimensions of engagement: vigor (r=0.48), dedication (r=0.49), and absorption (r=0.48). Likewise, support from the supervisor and support from coworkers were positively related with affective commitment (r=0.45 and r=0.24, p<0.01). The linear and hierarchical regression model showed the following significant predictors: support from the supervisor (beta=0.28), vigor (beta=0.26), and absorption (beta=0.17). Conclusion. Social support from the supervisor and work engagement (vigor and absorption) are important determinants of the affective bond of nursing professionals with their health organizations. Training and formation of the supervisors in leadership and coaching styles, and labor resources at work would permit increasing the levels of affective commitment in the health units.(AU)


Objetivo. Evaluar el papel predictor del engagement en el trabajo y el apoyo social del supervisor y de los compañeros sobre el compromiso afectivo con la organización en personal de enfermería del sur de Portugal. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Participaron 215 profesionales de enfermería de tres hospitales públicos del sur de Portugal. Resultados. 77.21% de los respondientes fueron mujeres. Se observaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas y positivas entre el compromiso organizacional afectivo y las tres dimensiones del engagement: vigor (r=0.48), dedicación (r=0.49) y absorción (r=0.48). Igualmente, el apoyo del supervisor y el apoyo de los compañeros se relacionó positivamente con el compromiso afectivo (r=0.45 y r=0.24, p<0.01). El modelo de regresión lineal y jerárquico mostró los siguientes predictores significativos: el apoyo del supervisor (beta=0.28), el vigor (beta=0.26) y la absorción (beta=0.17). Conclusión. El apoyo social del supervisor y el engagement en el trabajo (vigor y absorción) son importantes determinantes del vínculo afectivo de los profesionales de enfermería con sus organizaciones de salud. El entrenamiento y formación de los supervisores en estilos de liderazgo y coaching, y recursos laborales en el trabajo permitirían aumentar los niveles de compromiso afectivo en las unidades de salud. (AU)


Objetivo. Avaliar o papel preditor do engagement no trabalho e o apoio social do supervisor e dos companheiros sobre o compromisso afetivo com a organização no pessoal da enfermagem do sul de Portugal. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo de corte transversal. Participaram 215 profissionais de enfermagem de três hospitais públicos do sul de Portugal. Resultados. 77.21% dos respondentes foram mulheres. Se observaram correlações estatisticamente significativas e positivas entre o compromisso organizacional afetivo e as três dimensões do engagement: vigor (r=0.48), dedicação (r=0.49) e absorção (r=0.48). Igualmente, o apoio do supervisor e o apoio dos companheiros se relacionou positivamente com o compromisso afetivo (r=0.45 e r=0.24, p<0.01). O modelo de regressão lineal e hierárquico mostrou os seguintes preditores significativos: o apoio do supervisor (beta=0.28), o vigor (beta=0.26) e a absorção (beta=0.17). Conclusão. O apoio social do supervisor e o engagement no trabalho (vigor e absorção) são importantes determinantes do vínculo afetivo dos profissionais de enfermagem com suas organizações de saúde. O treinamento e formação dos supervisores em estilos de liderança e coaching, e recursos laborais no trabalho permitiriam aumentar os níveis de compromisso afetivo nas unidades de saúde.(AU)


Assuntos
Humanos , Portugal , Apoio Social , Supervisão de Enfermagem , Hospitais Públicos , Motivação , Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar
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