Development of a new non invasive prognostic stroke scale (NIPSS) including triage elements for sleep apnea and peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Although sleep apnea and peripheral artery disease are prognostic factors for stroke, their added benefit in the acute stage to further prognosticate strokes has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: We tested the accuracy in the acute stroke stage of a novel score called the Non-Invasive Prognostic Stroke Scale (NIPSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort with imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. Clinical data, sleep apnea risk score (STOPBANG) and blood pressure measures were collected at baseline. Primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with poor outcome defined as mRS 3-6. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated for NIPSS and compared to six other stroke prognostic scores in our cohort: SPAN-100 index, S-SMART, SOAR, ASTRAL, THRIVE, and Dutch Stroke scores. RESULTS: We enrolled 386 participants. After 90 days, there were 56% with poor outcome, more frequently older, female predominant and with higher admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Four variables remained significantly associated with primary endpoint in the multivariable model: age (OR 1.87), NIHSS (OR 7.08), STOPBANG category (OR 1.61), and ankle-braquial index (OR 2.11). NIPSS AUC was 0.86 (0.82-0.89); 0.83 (0.79-0.87) with bootstrapping. When compared to the other scores, NIPSS, ASTRAL, S-SMART and DUTCH scores had good abilities in predicting poor outcome, with AUC of 0.86, 0.86, 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. THRIVE, SOAR and SPAN-100 scores were fairly predictive. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive and easily acquired emergency room data can predict clinical outcome after stroke. NIPSS performed equal to or better than other prognostic stroke scales.

Cohesion and conflict for mothers during the pandemic: Results of the Portuguese version of the COVID-19 Household Environment Scale.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a worldwide event that has caused significant changes in the daily lives of individuals and families. The combined effect of the pandemic and the stress associated with major life cycle changes, such as the transition to parenthood, is yet to be understood. The aim of the current study was to validate the Portuguese version of the recently developed COVID-19 Household Environment Scale (CHES) and examine its psychometric properties in a sample of mothers who had given birth during the pandemic. The CHES is a self-report measure assessing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in household cohesion and conflict and includes two sections. Section 1 contains 25 descriptive items pertaining to sociodemographic and household characteristics and COVID-19 stressors. Section 2 encompasses household cohesion and conflict, assessing any change in household experiences and activities following the onset of social distancing. The participants consisted of 342 mothers, aged between 19 and 50 years (M = 31.43; SD = 4.38). A confirmatory factor analysis supported the original CHES bifactor structure of household cohesion and conflict, which obtained an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.900, RMSEA = 0.065). Correlations between household cohesion and conflict and family cohesion and dyadic coping contributed to developing the construct validity of this scale. Furthermore, both CHES subscales demonstrated very good internal consistency. Further research is warranted to assess the CHES in other cultural contexts. This is a useful tool to assess change in family households due to the unprecedented adverse pandemic experience.

Economic strain and quality of life among families with emerging adult children: The contributions of family rituals and family problem-solving communication.

Young people and their families around the world are especially vulnerable to macroeconomic hard times. This study sought to provide a more comprehensive view on how families with emerging adult children can successfully overcome economic distress. Specifically, we examined the links between economic strain-that is, the subjective perceptions of one's current and future financial situation-family ritual meaning, family problem-solving communication, and quality of life, as reported by emerging adults and their parents. Data were collected from 1017 individuals nested in 334 families living in Portugal in 2016/2017. Results from multilevel modeling provided evidence for a negative impact of economic strain on family members' quality of life (ß = -0.30, p < 0.001); and for the role of family ritual meaning (ß = 0.01, p = 0.022), but not family problem-solving communication, as a buffer against the negative effect of economic strain on quality of life. Findings also suggested that the subjective evaluations that family members formulated about their financial situations played a greater role than objective economic conditions (e.g., income) in establishing a deeper understanding on the impact of economic demands on individuals and families' lives in today's complex financial world. This study provides a significant contribution to family economic stress research, advancing family ritual meaning as a key family dynamic contributing to positive adaptation to economic distress. The implications of these findings for clinical interventions include the potential benefits of symbolic forms of family communication in the work carried out with economically stressed family members.

Employment Disruption and Wellbeing Among Young Adults: A Cross-National Study of Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Young adulthood (18-30 years old) is a crucial period due to its developmental tasks such as career establishment and financial independence. However, young adults' relative lack of resources makes them vulnerable to employment disruptions (job loss and income loss), which may have both immediate and long-term effects on their financial wellbeing and mental health. The economic impact of COVID-19 restrictions resulted in an increase in unemployment and a decrease in income worldwide, especially for young adults. This study examined to what extent and how job loss and income loss due to the pandemic influenced young adults' perception of their present financial wellbeing, future financial wellbeing, and psychological wellbeing by using cross-sectional survey data collected from six countries (China, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, and the United States). Results showed that the impact of income loss and job loss on all three types of wellbeing were mediated by young adults' negative perception of the COVID-19 lockdown restriction (i.e., perceived as a misfortune). Cross-country differences existed in the key variables. The association between employment disruptions, young adults' perception of the COVID-19 lockdown restriction, and wellbeing were equivalent across countries except China. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Caring for people who take care: What is already done?

OBJECTIVE: The growing prevalence and impact of cancer on the family system calls for a palliative care approach with the family as the unit of care. This study aimed at providing an overview of the intervention programs that have been developed to offer support to the family caregivers of oncologic patients receiving palliative care. METHOD: Sixteen articles were included in the final review, encompassing (i) studies focused on intervention programs with family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care, (ii) studies including a pre- and post-test evaluation of the intervention program, (iii) and studies whose cancer patients were at least 18 years old. RESULTS: A great heterogeneity was verified with respect to care settings, number of sessions, outcome measures, or timing of assessment within the reviewed programs. These findings mirrored the complexity of the palliative care approach, which is difficult to standardize. Nonetheless, some interventions with different features accomplished good and sometimes similar results. The studies' main outcomes were clustered in five categories: psychological symptomatology, general quality of life, caregiving role, family relational variables, and bereavement/grief. Moreover, 44% of the main outcomes were psychological symptomatology of family caregivers, with an emphasis toward anxiety and depression. Also shown was a growing emergence of technology use among these interventions. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Results revealed a scarcity of family-oriented programs and lack of certified mental health professionals as interventionists. Future studies and interventions should focus on the positive outcomes of the caregiving experience and must acknowledge the cultural differences when trying to replicate programs. Considering that there is no precise formula for dealing with terminal illness and grief, we submit that family-centered and systemic lenses are excellent approaches for support during this adjustment process. In conclusion, the present study advocates for increased investment in the field, underscoring the importance of family caregivers' mental health.

Profiles of emerging adults' resilience facing the negative impact of COVID-19 across six countries.

Although emerging adults (i.e., individuals aged 18-29 years old) may be at a lesser risk of COVID-19 severe illness and mortality, studies have found that the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being is higher among emerging adults when compared to other age groups. The current study aimed to identify profile(s) based on resilience resources, which could help emerging adults in managing the disruptions to their lives following the pandemic. A cross-national sample of 1,768 emerging adults from China, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, and the US was utilized to identify profiles based on different resilience dimensions (ego-resiliency, positivity, religiosity, socioeconomic status, family support, peer support). Results of the Latent Profile Analysis suggest the presence of four different profiles: no resources, only peer, only family, and well-equipped. The association of these profiles with demographic variables, adulthood markers, self-perceived COVID-19 impact, present well-being, and future life perception was investigated. Implications for resilience theory as well as for future interventions are discussed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03658-y.

Um Compasso Para Aprender: A Randomized Trial of a Social-Emotional Learning Program in Homicide-Affected Communities in Brazil.

Despite global demand, the large-scale effects of social-emotional learning (SEL) programming in developing countries remain underexplored. Using a randomized control trial, this study examined the effectiveness of a school-wide SEL intervention-Programa Compasso (PC)-among 3,018 sociodemographically diverse, Portuguese-speaking children (Mage  = 9.85 years) attending 90 public primary schools across Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2017. Average impacts of PC on children's executive function, emotion knowledge, and behavior problems after one school year were null. Moderation analyses did, however, reveal evidence for positive impacts of PC on children's labeling of emotional expressions and inhibitory control within low-homicide communities (d = 0.15 SDs), and null effects on these same outcomes in high-violence areas. Implementation and cultural considerations are discussed.

Scaffolds of PCL combined to bioglass: synthesis, characterization and biological performance.

Biomaterials may be useful in filling lost bone portions in order to restore balance and improve bone regeneration. The objective of this study was to produce polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes combined with two types of bioglass (Sol-Gel and melt-quenched) and determine their physical and biological properties. Membranes were produced through electrospinning. This study presented three experimental groups: pure PCL membranes, PCL-Melt-Bioglass and PCL-Sol-gel-Bioglass. Membranes were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy and Zeta Potential. The following in vitro tests were performed: MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content and mineralization nodules. Twenty-four male rats were used to observe biological performance through radiographic, fracture energy, histological and histomorphometric analyses. The physical and chemical analysis results showed success in manufacturing bioactive membranes which significantly enhanced cell viability and osteoblast differentiation. The new formed bone from the in vivo experiment was similar to that observed in the control group. In conclusion, the electrospinning enabled preparing PCL membranes with bioglass incorporated into the structure and onto the surface of PCL fibers. The microstructure of the PCL membranes was influenced by the bioglass production method. Both bioglasses seem to be promising biomaterials to improve bone tissue regeneration when incorporated into PCL.

Psychological morbidity in family caregivers of people living with terminal cancer: Prevalence and predictors.

OBJECTIVE: The issues surrounding a patient's terminal phase of cancer and the imminent death of the individual represent a major family crisis affecting all its members. The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychological morbidity in family caregivers of persons with terminal cancer in terms of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, somatization, and complicated anticipatory grief, and to determine which factors may influence these responses. METHOD: One hundred and twelve family caregivers of individuals with terminal cancer completed an assessment protocol comprising the Brief Symptom Inventory (depression, anxiety, somatization, and a computed score for global distress), the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory - Short Form (anticipatory grief), the Family Inventory of Needs (importance and satisfaction of needs), and the Systemic Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation -15 (family functioning). Prevalence of psychological morbidity was determined through descriptive and frequency statistics. Predictors of psychological morbidity were ascertained through structural equation modelling methods.ResultRegarding the prevalence of psychological morbidity in family caregivers, 66.1% reported high levels of distress, 68.8% showed high risk of depression, 72.3% showed high risk of anxiety, 50.9% reported high levels of somatization, and 25.9% showed high risk of complicated anticipatory grief. It was found that the predictors of age, gender, relationship to the family member with terminal cancer, the caregiving role played (i.e., primary vs. nonprimary), the satisfaction of needs by healthcare professionals, and family functioning play an important role in terms of one's risk of developing psychological morbidity.Significance of resultsThis study revealed an alarming prevalence of psychological morbidity in family caregivers of individuals living with terminal cancer, making it crucial to move forward from a patient-centered approach to a family-centrad approach to reduce the risk of family maladjustment when facing the imminent death of a family member and to prevent postdeath unadjusted responses.

Influence of Restoration Height and Masticatory Load Orientation on Ceramic Endocrowns.

AIM: Endocrown restorations are an alternative to restore end-odontically treated teeth. Due to the fact that in the literature it is recommended a remnant of 1.5 mm, different heights of endocrown were elaborated and analyzed, obtaining possible faults and their location. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of stress distribution in the tooth/restoration set, varying two factors: "restoration height"-three levels, and load application-two levels (oblique or axial), totaling six groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For finite element analysis (FEA), a maxillary premolar was modeled with an endodontic treatment. Then, this template was triplicated and each copy received an endocrown restoration of different heights: G6 (4.5 mm), G7 (5.5 mm), and G8 (6.5 mm). The models were exported in STEP format to analysis software (ANSYS 17.2, ANSYS Inc.). During preprocessing, the solids were considered isotropic, linearly elastic, and homogeneous. Initially, a load (300 N) was axially applied in the central fossa region. For a second evaluation, an oblique load (300 N) was applied on the grinding slope of functional cusp. System fixation occurred at the base of poly-urethane cylinder. Results were evaluated through maximum principal stress (MPS). RESULTS: For axial load, lower stress values were generated in all groups. For oblique load, G8 showed a higher stress concentration in the cement layer and root dentin. CONCLUSION: When an endocrown restoration is performed, there is a tendency of failure in the cement line and in the root directly proportional to its size. However, regardless of the size of the element to be reconstituted, the axial direction of the masticatory loads tends to decrease stress concentration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When performing an endocrown restoration, care must be taken with its high regardless the tooth remnant high, altering even the anatomical angulations of the occlusal face, when necessary, to avoid stress concentration in thick areas.

Computer-aided design finite element modeling of different approaches to rehabilitate endodontically treated teeth.

BACKGROUND: Carious lesions and dental fractures cause weakening in the dental structure. In these situations, endodontic treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation using an intraradicular post are indicated. However, the postspace preparation of the root canal further weakens the dental remnant, especially if there is no ferrule present. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution in endodontically treated upper premolars treated with different rehabilitation approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An endodontically treated first upper premolar was modeled for finite element analysis. Three different approaches were carried out on this model: rehabilitation with fiberglass post (FCP), endocrown (ECW), or buildup. The models were exported in STEP format to the analysis software (ANSYS 17.2, ANSYS Inc., Houston, TX, USA). The solids were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. A mechanical, structural static analysis was used as the criterion of maximum principal stress to show regions under tensile stress to evaluate the stress distribution in the restoration, cementation line, and root. A load of 400 N (90°) was applied to the lingual triangular ridge. The values of maximum principal stress in MPa were evaluated through colorimetric graphs. RESULTS: Similar stress concentration was observed for all groups. However, the ECW group presented higher values in the restoration/cement interface and root dentin. CONCLUSIONS: All the treatment modalities had favorable mechanical behavior to support the masticatory loads; nevertheless, the ECW group presented a higher risk of detachment failure.

Experimental toxocariasis in BALB/c mice: relationship between parasite inoculum and the IgG immune response.

BALB/c mice were inoculated with 5-500 Toxocara canis infective eggs, and bled at 15-120 days post infection (dpi) to evaluate the dynamics of IgG antibody response and larvae distribution. Positive results were observed in all occasions for every inoculum, and a direct proportional relationship between antibody detection and the parasitic load was observed. In samples collected at 60 dpi, detection of IgG was more intense, especially with the 50 and 500 egg doses; also, a correlation between antibody level and egg count was observed with these two inocula. At 120 dpi, a decrease in antibody titer was observed for all groups; and at the end of the experiment, larvae were recovered from carcass, liver and brain. In the liver, larvae were only found in mice inoculated with 500 T. canis eggs. In carcasses, these were recovered in all groups, and the group inoculated with 50 eggs showed the highest percentage of larvae in the brain.

Effect of low-level laser therapy (λ780 nm) on the mechanically damaged dentin-pulp complex in a model of extrusive luxation in rat incisors.

In order to regenerate the dental pulp, many strategies have been developed as phototherapy. In the pulp repair, we do not know if gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser preserves the primary odontoblasts or stimulates the formation of more dentin matrix when dental pulp is damaged. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of laser phototherapy (λ780 nm) on vascularization, inflammation, density of the primary odontoblast layer, and formation of reactionary and reparative dentin in the dental pulp by provoking extrusion of the rat incisor. The upper incisors were extruded 3 mm and then repositioned into their original sockets followed by a laser irradiation of the palatal mucosa (λ = 780 nm; p = 70 mW; CW; 4.2 J/cm2; 60 s) every 48 h. Non-traumatized and/or non-irradiated incisors were used as the controls. At 8 and 30 days after surgery, incisors were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Morphological analysis revealed no differences in vascularization between groups, but showed discrete inflammation in some non-irradiated and injured specimens, which correlated with a more irregular reparative dentin. The density of primary odontoblasts in the groups treated with lasers was higher when compared to non-irradiated groups, but no statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). The thickness of the tertiary dentin was increased in both traumatized groups with no statistically significant difference between non-irradiated and irradiated groups (p > 0.05).The present findings revealed that the GaAlAs laser induced small changes on dentin-pulp complex, with more regular dentin matrix in the irradiated dental pulps.

Microscopic nail clipping findings in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Nail clipping microscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool in onychomycosis but has not been explored for the diagnosis of onychodystrophy caused by psoriasis. The objective of this study was to try to establish criteria for the diagnosis of psoriasis by this method. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adult patients with clear-cut psoriasis is divided into 2 groups: (1) with onychodystrophy and (2) with clinically normal nails. The patients were evaluated regarding gender and age, among other clinical variables. The samples were coded to allow blinded microscopic interpretation for nail plate and subungual region thickness and for the presence or absence of corneocytes, neutrophils, serous lakes, blood, bacteria, onychokaryosis, hypereosinophilic nuclear shadows, and fungi. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. There were 40 male and 56 female subjects; ages varied from 16 to 87 years (mean, 51 years). Onychodystrophy was detected in 51 patients (53%). On average, nail plate thickness and subungual region thickness measured 0.44 and 0.19 mm in the onychodystrophy group and 0.41 and 0.14 mm in the clinically normal group (P > 0.05). Dystrophic nails presented 4.5 layers of corneocytes, on average, in contrast to the average of 2.4 in the clinically normal-looking nails (P = 0.0004). Neutrophils (12%), serous lakes (46%), blood collections (11%), bacteria (74%), fungi (20%), onychokaryosis, and hypereosinophilic nuclear shadows were all more common in the onychodystrophy group but not in a statistically significant standard when compared with the other group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nail clippings from patients with psoriasis present abnormally thickened subungual region with prominent hypercorneocytosis, serous lakes, bacteria, neutrophils, and blood collections. If fungi are present, usually there are spores. Clinically, normal-looking nails in patients with psoriasis can present microscopic abnormalities.

Gene Expression During Early Folliculogenesis in Goats Using Microarray Analysis.

Understanding of gene expression and metabolic, biological and physiological pathways in ovarian follicular development can have a significant impact on the dynamics of follicular atresia or survival. In fact, some oocyte loss occurs during the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles. This study aimed to understand, by microarray analysis, the temporal changes in transcriptional profiles of secondary and early antral (tertiary) follicles in caprine ovaries. Ovarian follicles were microdissected and pooled to extract total RNA. The RNA was cross hybridized with the bovine array. Among 23,987 bovine genes, a total of 14,323 genes were hybridized with goat mRNAs while 9,664 genes were not. Of all the hybridized genes, 2,466 were stage-specific, up- and down-regulated in the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles. Gene expression profiles showed that three major metabolic pathways (lipid metabolism, cell death, and hematological system) were significantly differentiated between the two follicle stages. In conclusion, this study has identified important genes and pathways which may potentially be involved in the transition from secondary to early tertiary follicles in goats.

Data on antibiogram and resistance genes of Enterobacterales isolated from fresh vegetables in Ecuador.

This article describes the occurrence, antibiograms, and detection of antibiotic resistance genes of Enterobacterales isolated from fresh vegetables commercialized in Riobamba, Ecuador. Escherichia coli isolates were screened to detect diarrheagenic pathotypes via PCR. Agar diffusion assay was performed to determine the phenotypic antibiotic resistance of the Enterobacterales strains. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance against beta-lactams, mobile colistin resistance, carbapenems, quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulphonamides was detected via PCR amplification.

Data on antibiograms and resistance genes of Enterobacterales isolated from ready-to-eat street food of Ambato, Ecuador.

Foodborne pathogens represent a significant cause of negative impacts on human health and the economy worldwide. Unfortunately, information about epidemiological insights in Latin American countries is scarce. The consumption of ready-to-eat street food in Ecuador is extensive, and information about the presence of foodborne pathogens, their virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance is negligible. This data includes the occurrence, phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles, and antibiotic resistance genes of Enterobacterales isolated from ready-to-eat street food in Ambato, central Ecuador during 2020 and 2021. The most common genera detected were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Cronobacter spp. Agar disk diffusion assays were performed to determine their phenotypic resistance. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance against colistin, ß-Lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and amphenicols was detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

Toxocara canis 30-35 kDa excretory-secretory antigen is an important marker in mice challenged by inocula containing different parasite load levels.

The Western-blotting technique was applied to identify antigenic fractions of excretory-secretory Toxocara canis antigen recognized by IgG antibodies throughout an experimental infection in mice challenged by different inocula. Mice were inoculated with 5, 50 and 500 embryonated eggs and serum samples were collected 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days post-infection. Serum samples were analyzed using an excretory-secretory Toxocara antigen. Antibodies recognized antigenic fractions from 30 to 90 kDa. The protein fraction of 30-35 kDa was the most frequently recognized regardless of the size of inoculum and the stage of infection represented by the different collection times, but the antigenic recognition was more evident in groups infected with 50 and 500 eggs. This study presents an antigenic panel of the excretory-secretory antigen of T. canis and suggests that the 30-35 kDa antigenic fraction is a promising marker of the infection and should be further explored in future studies on experimental toxocariasis.

How culturally unique are pandemic effects? Evaluating cultural similarities and differences in effects of age, biological sex, and political beliefs on COVID impacts.

Despite being bio-epidemiological phenomena, the causes and effects of pandemics are culturally influenced in ways that go beyond national boundaries. However, they are often studied in isolated pockets, and this fact makes it difficult to parse the unique influence of specific cultural psychologies. To help fill in this gap, the present study applies existing cultural theories via linear mixed modeling to test the influence of unique cultural factors in a multi-national sample (that moves beyond Western nations) on the effects of age, biological sex, and political beliefs on pandemic outcomes that include adverse financial impacts, adverse resource impacts, adverse psychological impacts, and the health impacts of COVID. Our study spanned 19 nations (participant N = 14,133) and involved translations into 9 languages. Linear mixed models revealed similarities across cultures, with both young persons and women reporting worse outcomes from COVID across the multi-national sample. However, these effects were generally qualified by culture-specific variance, and overall more evidence emerged for effects unique to each culture than effects similar across cultures. Follow-up analyses suggested this cultural variability was consistent with models of pre-existing inequalities and socioecological stressors exacerbating the effects of the pandemic. Collectively, this evidence highlights the importance of developing culturally flexible models for understanding the cross-cultural nature of pandemic psychology beyond typical WEIRD approaches.

Economic stress among couples with emerging adult children in Portugal.

Macroeconomic crises occur cyclically, entailing devastating social consequences for individuals and families. Previous research addressing families' responses to socioeconomic upheavals has been mainly conducted with couples with young or adolescent children. Less research attention has been given to middle-aged couples with emerging adult children who might be struggling to support their offspring's transition to adulthood emotionally and financially. The present study examines the impact of economic stressors on family and individual functioning reported by couples with emerging adult children in Portugal. Using a sample of 317 heterosexual middle-aged couples, structural equation models were built to assess the links between economic hardship, economic pressure, and family functioning and psychological well-being. Following an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) approach, both actor and partner effects were tested. The results showed that greater economic hardship was indirectly linked with (a) poor family functioning as reported by men and women, via the economic pressure felt by men, revealing an actor and a partner effect and (b) poor psychological well-being via each partner's own feeling of economic pressure, revealing only actor effects. Findings also indicated that economic stress processes may operate differently across socioeconomic status (SES) groups, with men from low/medium-low SES reporting a more pronounced association between economic pressure and family functioning. This study added support to previous literature on the adverse impact of economic stressors on family and individual functioning, extending family economic stress research to the Portuguese cultural setting and to an understudied stage of the family life cycle. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).