Evaluating the Appropriateness of Existing Health-Related Quality of Life Measures in Lichen Planus.

INTRODUCTION: Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin disorder that can present in various forms across the body, including lesions on the skin (cutaneous LP [CLP]), scalp (lichen planopilaris [LPP]) and mucosal regions (mucosal LP [MLP]). Several existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were identified for potential use in LP clinical development programs. This study aimed to assess the content validity and psychometric measurement properties of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Scalpdex and Oral Lichen Planus Symptom Severity Measure (OLPSSM) in an LP population. METHODS: Patients completed the PROs at various time points as part of an international Phase 2 clinical study in adults with MLP (n = 37), LPP (n = 37) and CLP (n = 37). Test-retest reliability, construct validity and sensitivity to change were assessed. In addition, qualitative cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with adults with MLP (n = 20), LPP (n = 19) and CLP (n = 19) in the USA and Germany to examine the PROM content validity. RESULTS: The DLQI demonstrated adequate reliability and validity, although its ability to detect change was modest and most items were considered not relevant in qualitative interviews. The ESS had good reliability but limited evidence of validity and ability to detect change. Conceptual relevance varied according to the qualitative interview data. The Scalpdex was miscellaneous across domains, but the 'Symptoms' domain performed well overall. Overall, Scalpdex concepts were reported as relevant by most LPP patients interviewed. The OLPSSM demonstrated good psychometric properties and strong evidence of content validity. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric and qualitative findings support the use of the OLPSSM and Scalpdex within specific LP subtypes but cautioned use of the DLQI. Administration of the ESS is not recommended in LP because of its poor psychometric performance. Given these limitations, further validation of non-specific disease measures is needed and/or the development of additional LP-specific PROMs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04300296.

Determination of Markers of Successful Implementation of Mental Health Apps for Young People: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone apps have the potential to address some of the current issues facing service provision for young people's mental health by improving the scalability of evidence-based mental health interventions. However, very few apps have been successfully implemented, and consensus on implementation measurement is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to determine the proportion of evidence-based mental health and well-being apps that have been successfully adopted and sustained in real-world settings. A secondary aim is to establish if key implementation determinants such as coproduction, acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and engagement contribute toward successful implementation and longevity. METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 5 databases in 2021 yielded 18,660 results. After full-text screening, 34 articles met the full eligibility criteria, providing data on 29 smartphone apps studied with individuals aged 15 to 25 years. RESULTS: Of 34 studies, only 10 (29%) studies were identified that were evaluating the effectiveness of 8 existing, commercially available mental health apps, and the remaining 24 (71%) studies reported the development and evaluation of 21 newly developed apps, of which 43% (9/21) were available, commercially or otherwise (eg, in mental health services), at the time of enquiry. Most studies addressed some implementation components including adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and engagement. Factors including high cost, funding constraints, and lengthy research processes impeded implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Without addressing common implementation drivers, there is considerable redundancy in the translation of mobile mental health research findings into practice. Studies should embed implementation strategies from the outset of the planned research, build collaborations with partners already working in the field (academic and commercial) to capitalize on existing interventions and platforms, and modify and evaluate them for local contexts or target problems and populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021224365; https://tinyurl.com/4umpn85f.

Effects of dietary polyphenols in the glycemic, renal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation properties. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of dietary polyphenols, from food sources or supplements, on the anthropometric, glycemic, renal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in adults with diabetic nephropathy (DN). DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches for randomized clinical trials were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, opengrey.eu, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until December 2021. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies with adults with DN were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Risk of bias of the studies and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment were carried out. DATA ANALYSIS: The searches resulted in 5614 unique occurrences, and 34 full-text articles were retrieved. Of these, 17 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most of the studies used soy protein or milk (n = 5; 0.5-1 g/kg of body weight/d of soy protein, or introduction of 240 mL/d of soy milk) or turmeric/curcumin (n = 5; dose range, 80 to 1500 mg/d) as the intervention. The following outcomes were analyzed: body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), proteinuria, creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, and levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, serum urea and creatinine, C-reactive protein, serum tumor necrosis factor-α, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA). The polyphenol intervention significantly decreased HbA1c (n = 7 studies; -0.27% [95%CI, -0.51%, -0.04%]), proteinuria (n = 5 studies; -109.10 [95%CI, -216.57, -1.63] mg/24 h), and MDA (n = 5 studies; z-score: -0.41; 95%CI, -0.71, -0.10), and significantly increased GFR (n = 7 studies; 3.65 [95%CI, 0.15-7.15] mL/min/1.73 m2). Overall, studies showed a high risk of bias, and outcomes showed a low or very-low quality in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clinically modest effect of dietary polyphenols intervention in HbA1c, proteinuria, GFR, MDA, and C-reactive protein levels in patients with DN. It is impossible to establish clinical recommendations, because the evidence was of' low or very-low quality and because of the heterogeneity of types and dose regimens used in the studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. ID245406.

Salutogenesis, nutritional status and eating behaviour: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC), eating behaviour and nutritional status. DESIGN: It is a systematic review. SETTING: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct/Elsevier, LILACS/Bireme, SciELO and Google Scholar, using the indexed terms 'salutogenesis', 'sense of coherence', 'nutritional status', 'nutrition', 'eating behavior' and 'healthy eating'. The indexed terms were used in Portuguese and English according to the database searched. The data were extracted in a standardised way and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. PARTICIPANTS: Observational studies were included, with no limitations on the date of publication or language. RESULTS: After reading the titles and abstracts of 1855 articles, 107 full texts were retrieved, of which 27 were included. Of these, twenty-five were cross-sectional and two were longitudinal. The average score for Newcastle-Ottawa studies was 6 and most studies were rated as moderate and low quality. The cumulative sample size of all included studies was 28 981 adults and the elderly, aged between 18 and 81 years. The studies were carried out in fifteen different countries. Fifteen articles assessed eating behaviour/habit and twelve assessed nutritional status. Studies have shown that SOC has a positive relationship with an appropriate eating behaviour/habit. On the other hand, the relationship between SOC and nutritional status was controversial among studies. The heterogeneity of the data resulting from the use of different methods of evaluation of the outcomes of interest (nutritional status and eating behaviour) made it impossible to perform a meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: SOC was positively associated with adequate eating behaviour. However, it was not possible to establish a relationship between SOC and nutritional status.

Prevalence of food addiction determined by the Yale Food Addiction Scale and associated factors: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the prevalence of food addiction (FA) using the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and its derivatives exploring possible factors associated with the prevalence of FA in several contexts. METHODS: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, LILACS, PsycArticles, CENTRAL, Greylit.org, and OpenGrey.eu. Studies that assessed FA using YFAS were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of each report. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the weighted prevalence of FA. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Of the 6425 abstracts reviewed, 272 studies were included. The weighted mean prevalence of FA diagnosis was 20% (95% CI: 18%; 21%). The prevalence of FA was higher in individuals with clinical diagnosis of binge eating (55%; 95% CI 34%; 75%). The prevalence in clinical samples was higher compared to non-clinical samples. Two studies included children only and no studies included only elderly people. CONCLUSIONS: Food addiction is a topic in which there has been a significant growth in studies. The highest prevalence was found in the group of participants with eating disorders and weight disorders. More studies with children and the elderly are needed.

Parenting Sense of Competence: Psychometrics and Invariance among a Community and an At-Risk Samples of Portuguese Parents.

Parenting sense of competence refers to parents' perception about their ability to perform the parenting role, one of the key dimensions in family dynamics. This construct is even more important in families at psychosocial risk, where the exercise of parenting can be more challenging. The Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC) is a self-report measure that aims to assesses one's perceived efficacy and satisfaction with parenting. In this cross-sectional and instrumental study, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the PSOC among a Portuguese sample of community (n = 205) and at-psychological-risk (n = 273) parents. Participants completed the PSOC, the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale, the Parenting Stress Index, and the Parenting Alliance Inventory. Results from confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two-factor revised model obtained the best fit, with some items being removed. Our data confirmed that the PSOC has good psychometric properties, with acceptable reliability and validity and measurement invariance across the community and the at-risk samples. Findings of this psychometric exploration provided evidence that the PSOC is a reliable measure of easy application and interpretation for assessing the perceived competence of Portuguese parents.

As Escalas de Bem-Estar Infantil (EBI): Características Psicométricas da Versão Portuguesa / Child Well-Being Scales (CWBS): Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version

Resumo Em Portugal, existe escassez de instrumentos aferidos para avaliar os programas de proteção da infância. Este estudo analisou as características psicométricas das Escalas de Bem-Estar Infantil (EBI), destinadas à avaliação multidimensional de potenciais situações de maltrato e negligência, em 276 famílias em risco psicossocial. Foram também recolhidas medidas de eficácia, satisfação e sintomatologia parental. A análise fatorial exploratória sugere uma estrutura com três fatores, similar à versão original, com boa consistência interna (α entre 0,82 e 0,86) e bons indicadores de ajustamento (GFI = 0,97, RMSR = 0,06). Relativamente à validade de construto, foram encontradas correlações significativas que correspondiam à expectativa teórica. Os resultados sustentam a aplicabilidade das EBI para a avaliação e tomada de decisão nas medidas de proteção da criança.

Abstract There is a lack of validated instruments to evaluate child protection programs in Portugal. The present study analyzed the psychometric characteristics of the Child Well-Being Scales (CWBS), a multidimensional measure of potential situations of abuse and neglect, in 276 families at psychosocial risk. Measures of parental efficiency, satisfaction and parental symptomatology were also collected. Through exploratory factor analysis, a 3-factor solution, similar to the original version was identified, with high levels of internal consistency (α between 0.82-0.86) and good model fit (GFI = 0.97, RMSR = 0.06). Regarding construct validity, significant correlations were found that were in line with theoretical expectation. Our results support the utility of EBI as a guide to the assessment and decision-making regarding child protection measures.

The Brief COPE: Measurement Invariance and Psychometric Properties among Community and At-Risk Portuguese Parents.

Parenting generally brings about high internal and external demands, which can be perceived as stressful when they exceed families' resources. When faced with such stressors, parents need to deploy several adaptive strategies to successfully overcome these challenges. One of such strategies is coping, an important cognitive and behavioural skill. In this study, we intended to examine the psychometric properties of Carver's (1997) Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), extending its cross-cultural validity among a Portuguese sample of community and at-risk parents. The sample comprised community (n = 153) and at-risk (n = 116) parents who completed the brief COPE, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales and the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, cross sample invariance, convergent and discriminant validity were analysed. Data from the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 14-factor model obtained the best fit. The results provided evidence that the Brief COPE is a psychometrically sound instrument that shows measurement invariance across samples and good reliability. Our findings demonstrated that the Portuguese version of brief COPE is a useful, time-efficient tool for both practitioners and researchers who need to assess coping strategies, a relevant construct in family context.

Static Magnetic Stimulation Induces Cell-type Specific Alterations in the Viability of SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Line.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Magnetic stimulation is used in the treatment of a diversity of diseases, but a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action requires further investigation. We examined the effect of static magnetic stimulation (SMS) in different cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A culture plate holder with attached NeFeB magnets was developed. Different magnetic field intensities and periods were tested in tumoral and non-tumoral cell lines. To verify the cellular responses to SMS, cell viability, cell death, cell cycle and BDNF expression were evaluated. RESULTS: Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to SMS for 24 hours led to a decrease in cell viability. Analysis 24 h after stimulation revealed a decrease in apoptotic and double-positive cells, associated with an increase in the number of necrotic cells. CONCLUSION: The effects of SMS on cell viability are cell type-specific, inducing a decrease in cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells. This suggests that SMS may be a potential tool in the treatment of neuronal tumors.

Short Form of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents among community and institutionalized Portuguese youths.

Background/Objective: Social anxiety is a common issue arising in adolescence that can cause significant impairment and have detrimental consequences for development in the absence of treatment. In this study we examined the factor structure and the psychometric properties of a 12-item short form of the Portuguese-Language Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A-SF). Method: A community adolescent sample (N = 835) and a young offender sample (N = 244) completed the SAS-A, the Basic Empathy Scale and the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, cross gender and cross sample invariance, convergent and discriminant validity of the SAS-A-SF were analyzed. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 3-factor second-order model obtained the best fit.The results provided evidence that the SAS-A-SF is a psychometrically sound instrument that shows measurement invariance across genders and across samples, good reliability and positive correlations with empathy. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of SAS-A-SF is a useful, time-efficient tool for both researchers and practitioners who need to assess social anxiety, a relevant construct in adolescent psychopathology.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La ansiedad social es un problema común con inicio en la adolescencia que puede causar impedimentos y consecuencias negativas en el desarrollo en ausencia de tratamiento. En el presente estudio analizamos la estructura factorial y las propiedades psicométricas de una forma abreviada de 12 ítems de la versión portuguesa de la Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A-SF). Método: Una muestra de adolescentes de la población general (N = 835) y de infractores institucionalizados (N = 244) completó el SAS-A, la Basic Empathy Scale y el Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Realizamos un análisis factorial confirmatorio y analizamos la consistencia interna, la invariancia entre sexos y muestras, la validez convergente y discriminante de la SAS-A-SF. Resultados: El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró que el modelo de segundo orden con tres factores era el que mejor se ajustaba a los datos. Los resultados apuntan a que la SAS-A-SF es un instrumento con buenas propiedades psicométricas que muestra invariancia de medida entre sexos y muestras, una buena fiabilidad y correlaciones positivas con la empatía. Conclusiones: La versión portuguesa de la SAS-A-SF es una herramienta útil y eficiente para investigadores y terapeutas que necesiten evaluar la ansiedad social, un constructo relevante en la psicopatología adolescente.

The Brief Peer Conflict Scale: Psychometric Properties Among a Sample of Incarcerated Male Juvenile Offenders.

Aggression can be considered a multidimensional construct that influences various forms of antisocial behavior, including juvenile delinquency and conduct problems. The aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Brief Peer Conflict Scale-20 item version (PCS-20) among a Portuguese forensic sample (N = 192) of incarcerated male juvenile offenders ( M = 16.62 years; SD = 1.52 years; age range = 13-18 years). The PCS-20 demonstrated good psychometric properties in terms of its four-factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity that generally justify its use among incarcerated male youth. The findings provide additional support for the extension of the PCS-20 across different cultures, ethnic groups, and samples.

The Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire: Measurement Invariance and Reliability Among a School Sample of Portuguese Youths.

Aggression is an important risk factor for various forms of problem behaviors in adolescence, and research has often distinguished between reactive and proactive forms of aggression. The aim of the present study was to compare the psychometric properties (i.e., structural invariance, internal consistency, and criterion validity) of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) between males and females among a mixed-gender school sample of 782 Portuguese youth (M = 15.87 years, SD = 1.72). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a two-factor first-order structure obtained the best fit and cross-gender measurement invariance was demonstrated after excluding item 21. The Portuguese version of the RPQ demonstrated generally adequate psychometric properties of internal consistency measured by Cronbach's alpha and omega coefficient, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion-related validity, and known-groups validity. Findings are discussed in terms of the use of the RPQ with male and female youths.

Calidad de vida y competencias sociales: un estudio comparativo entre adolescentes nativos e inmigrantes de España y Portugal / Quality of life and social skills: a comparative study between native and immigrant adolescents in Spain and Portugal

Resumen Esta investigación pretende conocer las relaciones entre las competencias sociales y la calidad de vida (CdV) de los adolescentes nativos e inmigrantes de España y Portugal, para analizar la importancia que tienen estas variables en el desarrollo ajustado adolescente. Para ello, se evaluaron 1151 adolescentes, con edades entre los 12 y 18 años, a través de dos cuestionarios: el KIDSCREEN-52 y Social Skills Rating System (SSRS). Los resultados señalan que los inmigrantes presentan un índice de CdV menor que los nativos en las dimensiones de bienestar psicológico, relación con los padres, recursos económicos y aceptación social. El rendimiento académico correlaciona con las dimensiones de CdV y con las competencias sociales, aunque existen diferencias entre los adolescentes nativos e inmigrantes.

Abstract This research aims to determine the relationship between social skills and quality of life (QoL) in native and immigrant adolescents of Spain and Portugal, in order to understand the importance of these variables in the adolescents' development and adjustment. In order to accomplish this, 1151 adolescents, aged between 12 and 18 years, were assessed through two questionnaires: the KIDSCREEN-52 and the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS). The results indicate that immigrants have a lower QoL index than natives in the dimensions of feelings, relationship with parents, economic resources and social acceptance. Academic performance correlates with the dimensions of QoL and social skills, although there are differences between natives and immigrant adolescents.

Psychometric properties of the Socially Desirable Response Set-5 among incarcerated male and female juvenile offenders.

The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Socially Desirable Response Set-5 (SDRS-5) among a forensic sample (N=324) of incarcerated male (n=221) and female (n=103) juvenile offenders. The Portuguese validation of the SDRS-5 demonstrated good psychometric properties, namely in terms of its factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity that overall justifies its use among this population. Findings are discussed in terms of the use of the SDRS-5 with male and female juvenile offenders.

Quality of life of Portuguese and Spanish adolescents. A comparative study between natives and immigrants.

The aim of this study was to analyse differences in quality of life (QOL) between Spanish and Portuguese immigrant and native adolescents. In total, 475 native and immigrant adolescents (52% boys) from Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain), aged between 12 and 17 years old, were assessed with the KIDSCREEN-52. QOL dimensions were not related to most academic variables, with the exception of number of school failures, Financial Resources and Social Support from Peers. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to examine statistical differences in adolescents QOL. Age differences in QOL levels were not found. Girls reported worse QOL levels on Physical Wellbeing than boys (F = 10.32, p = .001, η2 =.02). Immigrant Portuguese adolescents scored higher on Mood (F = 17.57, p = .000, η2 =.11), and native Portuguese adolescents scored higher on Social Acceptance (F = 4.87, p = .002, η2=.033). Immigrant and native adolescents had similar levels of perceived QOL. Overall, it seems that in both countries, the living contexts for immigrant and native adolescents are fairly homogeneous.

Quality of life of Portuguese and Spanish adolescents. A comparative study between natives and immigrants / Qualidade de Vida nos adolescentes portugueses e espanhóis. Um estudo comparativo entre nativos e imigrantes

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse differences in quality of life (QOL) between Spanish and Portuguese immigrant and native adolescents. In total, 475 native and immigrant adolescents (52% boys) from Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain), aged between 12 and 17 years old, were assessed with the KIDSCREEN-52. QOL dimensions were not related to most academic variables, with the exception of number of school failures, Financial Resources and Social Support from Peers. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to examine statistical differences in adolescents QOL. Age differences in QOL levels were not found. Girls reported worse QOL levels on Physical Wellbeing than boys (F = 10.32, p = .001, η2 =.02). Immigrant Portuguese adolescents scored higher on Mood (F = 17.57, p = .000, η2 =.11), and native Portuguese adolescents scored higher on Social Acceptance (F = 4.87, p = .002, η2=.033). Immigrant and native adolescents had similar levels of perceived QOL. Overall, it seems that in both countries, the living contexts for immigrant and native adolescents are fairly homogeneous.

Resumo Neste estudo são analisadas as diferenças na qualidade de vida (QVD) entre adolescentes imigrantes e nativos de Espanha e Portugal. Avaliou-se a QDV percebida de 475 adolescentes nativos e imigrantes (52% rapazes) entre os 12 e os 17 anos de idade do Algarve (Portugal) e Huelva (Espanha) através do questionário KIDSCREEN-52 e o perfil sociodemográfico. As dimensões da QDV não estavam associadas à maioria das variáveis acadêmicas, excetuando o número de repetições, recursos econômicos e apoio dos pares. Para analisar as diferenças da QVD entre os adolescentes foram realizadas análises de variância multivariada (MANOVA). Não se encontraram diferenças na QDV por idade. As raparigas reportaram piores níveis de QDV no bem-estar físico do que os rapazes (F = 10.32, p = .001, η2 =.02). Os adolescentes portugueses imigrantes mostraram níveis mais elevados no Humor (F = 17.57, p = .000, η2=.11) e os nativos obtiveram pontuações mais altas na Aceitação social (F = 4.87, p = .002, η2 =.033). Os resultados sugerem que os adolescentes imigrantes e nativos têm níveis semelhantes de QDV percebida. Em conjunto, parece que nos dois países os contextos vitais dos adolescentes nativos e imigrantes são bastante homogêneos.

The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents: Measurement Invariance and Psychometric Properties Among a School Sample of Portuguese Youths.

Over the last decades there has been an increased interest in assessing social anxiety in adolescents. This study aims to validate the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) to Portuguese youth, and to examine its invariance across gender as well as its psychometric properties. The participants were 782 Portuguese youths (371 males, 411 females), with an average age of 15.87 years (SD = 1.72). The results support the original three-factor structure of the SAS-A, with measurement invariance being found across gender, with females scoring higher than males on two subscales. High levels of internal consistency were found. Positive associations with empathy demonstrated that high socially anxious adolescents have elevated empathy tendencies. Mostly null or low negative associations were found with measures of psychopathic traits, callous-unemotional traits and aggression. Study findings provide evidence that the SAS-A is a psychometrically sound instrument that shows measurement invariance between genders, good reliability and positive correlations with empathy.

Predictores del estrés parental en madres de familias en riesgo psicosocial / Parenting Stress Predictors in Mothers of Families at Psychosocial Risk

En este estudio se han analizado las relaciones entre el estrés parental, las competencias parentales percibidas y la contribución de factores sociodemográficos y psicológicos para la explicación del estrés parental. Participaron 80 madres portuguesas usuarias de servicios de protección a menores en riesgo. Los resultados mostraron niveles muy elevados de estrés parental -especialmente en madres con hijos adolescentes y desempleadas- y relaciones significativas entre el estrés y las competencias percibidas como madre. La satisfacción con el rol maternal y el empleo fueron los factores más robustos a la hora de explicar el estrés parental, prediciendo un 37% de la varianza.

In this study we analyzed the associations between parenting stress, parental sense of competence and the contribution of socio-demographical and psychological factors to the explanation of parenting stress. Participants were 80 Portuguese mothers, recipients of the child protection services. Results showed high levels of parenting stress, especially in unemployed mothers with adolescent children, and significant associations between parenting stress and perceived parental competences. Maternal role satisfaction and employment were the most robust factors on the explanation of parenting stress, predicting 37% of the variance.

Prevalence of oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population.

Hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix are benign vascular lesions, common in the head and neck regions. Studies about the prevalence of these lesions in the oral cavity are scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and to obtain clinical data on oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population. Clinical data on those lesions were retrieved from the clinical forms from the files of the Oral Diagnosis Service, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1992 to 2002. Descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 2,419 clinical forms in the 10-year period were evaluated, of which 154 (6.4%) cases were categorized as oral hemangioma, oral vascular malformation or oral varix. Oral varix was the most frequent lesion (65.6%). Females had more oral hemangioma and oral varix than males. Oral vascular malformation and oral varix were more prevalent in the 7th and 6th decades, respectively. Oral hemangioma and oral varix were more prevalent in the ventral surface of the tongue and oral vascular malformation, in the lips. Oral hemangioma was treated with sclerotherapy (54.5%), and vascular malformation was managed with sclerotherapy and surgery (19.4% each). The data of this study suggests that benign vascular lesions are unusual alterations on the oral mucosa and jaws.

Prevalence of oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population

Hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix are benign vascular lesions, common in the head and neck regions. Studies about the prevalence of these lesions in the oral cavity are scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and to obtain clinical data on oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population. Clinical data on those lesions were retrieved from the clinical forms from the files of the Oral Diagnosis Service, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1992 to 2002. Descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 2,419 clinical forms in the 10-year period were evaluated, of which 154 (6.4 percent) cases were categorized as oral hemangioma, oral vascular malformation or oral varix. Oral varix was the most frequent lesion (65.6 percent). Females had more oral hemangioma and oral varix than males. Oral vascular malformation and oral varix were more prevalent in the 7th and 6th decades, respectively. Oral hemangioma and oral varix were more prevalent in the ventral surface of the tongue and oral vascular malformation, in the lips. Oral hemangioma was treated with sclerotherapy (54.5 percent), and vascular malformation was managed with sclerotherapy and surgery (19.4 percent each). The data of this study suggests that benign vascular lesions are unusual alterations on the oral mucosa and jaws.

Hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz são lesões vasculares benignas comuns na região de cabeça e pescoço. Estudos sobre a prevalência dessas lesões em boca são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e realizar um levantamento de dados clínicos de hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz de boca. Dados clínicos dessas lesões foram consultados em fichas clínicas do arquivo do Serviço de Diagnóstico Oral da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de 1992 a 2002. Uma análise descritiva foi realizada. Foram obtidas neste período de 10 anos 2.419 fichas clínicas. Cento e cinqüenta e quatro (6,4 por cento) casos foram categorizados como hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz de boca. Variz de boca foi a lesão mais freqüente (65,6 por cento). Mulheres foram mais acometidas pelos hemangiomas e varizes de boca. Malformação vascular e variz de boca foram mais prevalentes na 7ª e 6ª décadas de vida, respectivamente. A localização prevalente do hemangioma e da variz de boca foi a superfície ventral da língua, e da malformação vascular, os lábios. Hemangioma de boca foi tratado com escleroterapia em 54,5 por cento dos casos e a malformação vascular com escleroterapia e cirurgia em 19,4 por cento cada. Este estudo sugere que lesões vasculares benignas são alterações incomuns na mucosa bucal e nos maxilares.