Whey protein concentrate and skimmed milk powder as encapsulation agents for coffee silverskin extracts processed by spray drying.

We tested the hypothesis that milk proteins, through microencapsulation, guarantee protection against bioactive substances in coffee silverskin extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out technological, nutritional and physicochemical characterisation of a coffee silverskin extract microencapsulated using instant skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate as wall materials. The aqueous extract of coffee silverskin was spray-dried using 10% (w/v) skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate. The samples were characterised by determining the water content, water activity, particle size distribution, colour analysis and total phenolic compound content as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-radical 1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging methods, nitric oxide radical inhibition and morphological analysis. The product showed water activity within a range that ensured greater stability, and the reduced degradation of the dried coffee silverskin extract with whey protein concentrate resulted in better rehydration ability. The luminosity parameter was higher and the browning index was lower for the encapsulated samples than for the pure coffee silverskin extract. The phenolic compound content (29.23 ± 8.39 and 34.00 ± 8.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for the coffee silverskin extract using skimmed milk powder and whey protein concentrate, respectively) and the antioxidant activity of the new product confirmed its potential as a natural source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. We conclude that the dairy matrices associated with spray drying preserved the bioactive and antioxidant activities of coffee silverskin extracts.

Repeated human leukocyte antigens eplets, importance of typing the partner.

INTRODUCTION: Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is the most common cause of immune-mediated allograft failure after kidney transplant and impacts allograft survival. Previous sensitization is a major risk factor for development of donor specific antibodies (DSA). AMR can have a wide range of clinical features such as impaired kidney function, proteinuria/hypertension or can be subclinical. HLA molecules have specific regions of antigens binding antibodies called epitopes and eplets are considered essential components responsible for immune recognition. We present a patient with subclinical AMR 1 week post transplantation. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old, caucasian woman with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) secondary to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) on peritoneal dialysis was registered in deceased donor waitlist. She was a hypersensitized patient from 3 prior pregnancies with a calculated panel reactive antibody of 93,48%. She was transplanted through kidney paired exchange donation with no evidence of DSA pre transplantation. Surgery and post-op were unremarkable with excellent and immediate graft function. Per protocol DSA levels on the 5th day was DR1 of 3300 MFI, with an increase in MFI by day 13 with 7820 MFI and a new B41 1979MFI. Allograft kidney biopsy findings were diagnostic of AMR and she was treated with immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. As early onset AMR post transplantation was observed an anamnestic response was hypothesized from a previous exposure to allo-HLA. We decided to type her husband, her son's father, which was presented with DSA. Mismatch eplet analysis revealed a shared 41 T and 67LQ eplets between the donor and husband, responsible for the reactivity and new HLA class I B41 and HLA class II DR1 DSA, respectively. DISCUSSION: Shared eplets between the patient husband and donor was responsible for the alloimmune response and early development of DSAs. This case highlights the importance of early monitoring DSA levels in highly sensitized patients after transplant in order to promptly address and lower inflammatory damage. Mismatch eplet analysis can provide a thorough and precise evaluation of immune compatibility providing a useful technique to immune risk stratification, donor selection and post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring.

Standardization of the Radiographic Study of the Foot Using the Niza Box.

Objective This study proposes the Niza box, a device created to reduce interpretive errors among professionals and facilitate the correct positioning of structures by standardizing orthopedic radiography of the foot in anteroposterior, loaded, and Saltzman views. Methods Descriptive study based on material collected at an Orthopedics Ambulatory from a tertiary service in a large Brazilian city. The X-ray device was a Lotus X, model HF 500 M, 500 milliamperes and 125 kilovolts capacity, 100 cm focus-film distance, and 24 × 30 cm radiographic chassis. Device controls were set at 100 mA, 5 mA/sec, and 60 kilovolts, depending on the variable size of the foot. The same team of previously trained radiography technicians performed the tests under the authors' supervision. The chassis were positioned in three specific Niza box spaces per the proposed incidence. Data from 50 images from people between 18 and 70 years old were analyzed. Results Radiographs taken using the proposed device usually had a satisfactory quality, allowing correct identification of the anatomical elements of the foot and ankle and angular reconstruction. Small image variations due to foot size were acceptable and expected, allowing radiograph standardization. Conclusion The Niza box is a good method for minimizing interference and avoiding radiographic interpretation errors, providing quality and agility to the examination, and reducing cost and unnecessary repetitions. It is an innovative, low-cost device made of recyclable and biodegradable material.

Healthy Social Network Use and Well-Being during Adolescence: A Biopsychosocial Approach.

Screen time and the use of social networks is the most frequent form of leisure time occupation and socializing for adolescents. The present study is aimed at understanding and characterizing, from an ecological perspective, what distinguishes healthy and less healthy or even dependent use of social media in young people and the influence on adolescents' well-being. This paper is based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) from 2022, a survey carried out every 4 years, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), following an international protocol. A total of 7643 students from the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th school grades responded, of which 53.9% were female, with an average age of 15.05 (SD = 2.36). The sample is representative of the school grades under study. The results allow us to study and identify similarities and differences between three groups related to the level of healthiness in the use of social networks and its relations to well-being from an ecological perspective. What distinguishes adolescents with less healthy use of social networks is that they are more often female, older, have more self-injurious behaviour, higher alcohol consumption, and a worse relationship with teachers. The adolescents with the highest level of dependence on social networks are those who have a higher perception of lack of safety at school and in their area of residence, as well as a higher use of screen time as a leisure activity. The well-being of adolescents using social media in a healthy way is explained by fewer psychological symptoms, better stress management strategies, better body awareness, more physical activity, less time online with friends, and better relationships with family and teachers. Technologies and social networks are important for the well-being of adolescents; it is essential to promote a healthy, critical and balanced use with other "screen-free" activities and to promote socio-emotional skills, a lack of which seems to be one of the biggest risk factors associated with the healthy use of technologies.

Visual Thinking Strategies in medical education: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Arts-based pedagogical tools have been increasingly incorporated into medical education. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a research-based, constructivist teaching methodology that aims to improve visual literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the process of investigating works of art. Harvard Medical School pioneered the application of VTS within medical education in 2004. While there are several studies investigating the use of VTS, there is a need to systematically assess the different programs that exist for medical education and their efficacy in improving relevant clinical skills. This systematic review aims to critically analyse the available evidence of the effectiveness of VTS in medical education to guide future research and provide a framework to adapt medical curricula. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases (through November 2022) was conducted to identify studies of VTS-based interventions in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Two reviewers independently screened citations for inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The extracted data was then narratively synthesized. RESULTS: Of 5759 unique citations, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. After reference review, one additional study was included. Therefore, 11 studies were included in our review. Of these, eight reported VTS-based interventions for undergraduate medical students and three reported interventions in residency training, specifically in dermatology and ophthalmology. The main goal of most studies was to increase observational or visual diagnostic skills. Three of the studies in undergraduate medical education and two in postgraduate achieved a statistically significant improvement in observational skills in post-course evaluations. Some studies reported increased tolerance for ambiguity and empathy. CONCLUSIONS: Although the studies varied considerably in study design, learning objectives, and outcomes, findings consistently indicate that the VTS approach can serve as a vehicle to develop crucial clinical competencies, encouraging more in-depth visual analysis that could be applied when observing a patient. Despite some limitations of the included studies (lack of control groups, self-selection bias, or non-standard outcome measures), the results of this review provide support for greater inclusion of VTS training in the medical curriculum.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique.

This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Quality of Life and Well-Being of Adolescents in Portuguese Schools.

The quality of the school environment is associated with greater school involvement and academic success and improved levels of well-being/quality of life. In this sense, this study intends to explore the relationship between the quality of life of Portuguese adolescents and school. 8215 adolescents participated in this study, 52.7% of which were female, aged between 10 and 22 years and an average age of 14.36 years (SD = 2.28). The sample was collected as part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The results show that girls like school, teachers, school breaks (between classes) and classes more than boys and present less concerns/difficulties with school. Compared to boys, they report more pressure with the schoolwork and a better perception of safety at school. On the other hand, boys have a better relationship with their peers and teachers, miss more classes on purpose and report a higher perception of quality of life. An above-average QoL is statistically and significantly related with liking school, peers, teachers, school breaks (between classes) and classes. It is also related with feeling less pressure with the schoolwork, a better perception of school success and of safety in the school environment. Additionally, having an above-average QoL is statistically significantly associated with having a better relationship with peers and teachers and less concerns/difficulties with school. This is an important message for the reorganization of schools in terms of their practices and curricula. The need to develop strategies to promote greater identification of students with school is reinforced.

How Is Leisure Related to Wellbeing and to Substance Use? The Probable Key Role of Autonomy and Supervision.

The present research is based on a large and representative national survey and intends to analyse the correlation of several leisure activities with risk, and with health and well-being outcomes. This work is part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, a collaborative WHO international study that aims to explore the school-aged children behaviour regarding health and risk behaviours in their life contexts. Participants were 8215 Portuguese adolescents, randomly chosen from those attending the 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades in 2018. The sample included 52.7% of girls and the mean age was 14.36 years old. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed (ANOVAS and Chi-Square). The results of the present study suggested that several leisure activities, namely sports and social engagement activities (politic involvement and participation, religious activities, scouting and volunteer work), are associated with the adolescents' well-being and life satisfaction. However, these types of activities can also be associated with an increase in substance use. However, some activities are also associated with risky behaviour. Identifying activities that promote well-being in young people can be important for professionals, families and public policies.

Risk Of Venous Thrombosis In The Primary Care Setting During The Covid-19 Pandemic.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the variability of risk factors among patients with lower limb venous thrombosis, either Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) in community patients with recent or current SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to a historical cohort. METHODS: We performed a historical retrospective analysis of all patients who presented to a primary health care unit and were diagnosed with DVT or SVT from January 2020 to December 2021. Historic controls were selected from January 2018 to December 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including BMI, use of oral combined contraception, smoking status and date of COVID-19 infection diagnosis. Univariate analysis was performed for data assessment, including Chi-Square and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: Of the 8547 patients who attended a non-programmed consultation in the timeframe, seventy-nine patients (0.9%) were diagnosed with DVT (19) or SVT (60) and were included in the study. Their mean age was 57.3 ± 15.93 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3.2 to 1. There was no significant association between COVID-19 and the development of DVT or SVT (p=0.151). However, there was a trend observed indicating a shift in the predominant gender in patients diagnosed with these conditions (85% females in 2018 versus 53.8% in 2021; p=0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatients seen by general practitioners during the pandemic of COVID-19 appear to present a trend towards an increased risk of combined DVT and SVT compared with patients of a historical cohort. Further studies are necessary to shed some light on this issue since robust evidence enables clinicians and policymakers to minimize venous thromboembolism risk in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19, Wellness and Life Satisfaction in Adolescence: Individual and Contextual Issues.

During and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, several works reflected on young people's physical and psychological health. The Dual Factor Model, which we refer to as the quadripartite model, is useful for understanding children's and adolescents' psychological health and differentiating them regarding their attitude toward the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this investigation, students from the fifth to twelfth year of schooling enrolled in the DGEEC study "Psychological Health and Wellbeing in Portuguese schools" were considered. Four groups were created based on life satisfaction (low or high) and psychological distress (with or without symptoms). The study included 4444 students (M = 13.39 years ± 2.41), of whom 47.8% were male. Of the participants, 27.2% were in the second cycle of primary education, and 72.8% were in lower and upper secondary education. Differences in gender and education level (as a proxy for age) were observed. Additionally, when considering students' perceptions of changes in their lives following the COVID-19 pandemic (stayed the same, became worse, became better), these three groups were compared concerning personal and contextual variables, revealing significant differences at both the individual and contextual levels. Finally, the study discusses the influence of education and health professionals and the need for friendly public policies.

Lysozyme-Induced Nephropathy: A Diagnosis Not to Forget.

Kidney injury in hematologic malignancies can manifest in many ways. We present a case report of a 44-year-old female with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute kidney injury. Following the etiological investigation, lysozyme-induced nephropathy was believed to be the most probable cause of renal injury. Intensive cytoreduction and chemotherapy were started and the patient's cytopenias and kidney injury have improved. This case highlights the importance of recognizing lysozyme-induced nephropathy as a form of kidney injury in AML. Despite being frequently underrecognized, a precocious diagnosis may impact the patient's prognosis.

Diagnósticos de enfermagem baseados na repercussão do câncer mamário e mastectomia / Nursing diagnoses based on breast cancer repercussion and mastectomy / Diagnósticos de enfermería basados en repercusión y mastectomía del cáncer de mama

Objetivo: Descrever diagnósticos de Enfermagem baseados nos discursos de mulheres sobre a repercussão do câncer mamário e mastectomia. Métodos: Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em uma Organização Não Governamental (ONG) no município de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. O universo amostral foi composto por todas as 15 mulheres mastectomizadas durante os meses de setembro e outubro de 2017. Essas mulheres responderam um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados qualitativos foi norteada pela Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Após a delimitação das categorias, foram construídos diagnósticos de Enfermagem por meio da Classificação Internacional da Prática de Enfermagem (CIPE)®. Resultados: Foram identificadas três categorias temáticas: Sentimentos experenciados após diagnóstico de câncer e realização da mastectomia; Modificações biológicas e psicológicas após a mastectomia; Resiliência diante do sofrimento. Os diagnósticos de Enfermagem elencados foram: angústia, bem-estar prejudicado, bem-estar espiritual prejudicado, autoestima alterada, autoimagem alterada, capacidade de autocuidado prejudicada, dificuldades diárias, distúrbio da identidade pessoal, insatisfação com a vida e o corpo. Conclusão: é necessário enfatizar o cuidado no momento de verbalizar o diagnóstico, a escuta diante do outro e a percepção das mulheres diante do processo de adoecimento. (AU)

Objective: To describe nursing diagnoses based on women's discourse on the repercussions of breast cancer and mastectomy. Methods: This is a descriptive research, with a qualitative approach, carried out in a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The sample universe was composed of all 15 women undergoing mastectomy during the months of September and October 2017. These women answered a semi-structured interview script. The analysis of qualitative data was guided by the Content Analysis Technique proposed by Bardin. After delimiting the categories, Nursing diagnoses were constructed using the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP) ®. Results: Three thematic categories were identified: Feelings experienced after cancer diagnosis and mastectomy; Biological and psychological changes after mastectomy; Resilience in the face of suffering. The nursing diagnoses listed were anguish, impaired well-being, impaired spiritual well-being, impaired self-esteem, impaired self-image, impaired self-care capacity, daily difficulties, personal identity disorder, dissatisfaction with life and body. Conclusion: it is necessary to emphasize care when verbalizing the diagnosis, listening to the other and the women's perception of the illness process. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir los diagnósticos de enfermería basados en el discurso de las mujeres sobre las repercusiones del cáncer de mama y la mastectomía. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo, realizada en una Organización No Gubernamental (ONG) en la ciudad de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. El universo muestral estuvo compuesto por las 15 mujeres sometidas a mastectomía durante los meses de septiembre y octubre de 2017. Estas mujeres respondieron un guión de entrevista semiestructurado. El análisis de datos cualitativos fue guiado por la Técnica de Análisis de Contenido propuesta por Bardin. Después de delimitar las categorías, los diagnósticos de enfermería se construyeron utilizando la Clasificación Internacional de la Práctica de Enfermería (CIPE) ®. Resultados: Se identificaron tres categorías temáticas: sentimientos experimentados después del diagnóstico de cáncer y mastectomía; Cambios biológicos y psicológicos después de la mastectomía; Resiliencia ante el sufrimiento. Los diagnósticos de enfermería enumerados fueron angustia, deterioro del bienestar, deterioro del bienestar espiritual, deterioro de la autoestima, deterioro de la autoimagen, deterioro de la capacidad de autocuidado, dificultades diarias, trastorno de la identidad personal, insatisfacción con la vida y el cuerpo. Conclusion: es necesario enfatizar el cuidado al verbalizar el diagnóstico, escuchar al otro y la percepción de la mujer sobre el proceso de la enfermedad. (AU)

Mediterranean diet adherence and nutritional literacy: an observational cross-sectional study of the reality of university students in a COVID-19 pandemic context.

Aim: To evaluate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the level of nutritional literacy (NL) among university students from different academic fields of study, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 1114 first-year undergraduate students at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, were included in this study. A self-administered online questionnaire was applied that included questions regarding sociodemographic information, the MD measured by the PREDIMED questionnaire (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) and NL assessed using the Newest Vital Sign questionnaire. Results: The average PREDIMED score revealed a low adherence (6.79±2.14 points) to the MD. Notably, students in the Social Sciences and Humanities academic fields showed the highest level of adherence (U=21 071; p<0.05). Within the Health field, there was a greater prevalence of dietary behaviours aligned with the MD, contributing to higher overall adherence scores. Furthermore, 84.1% of the participants demonstrated adequate NL. Interestingly, students in the Exact Sciences and Engineering field demonstrated the highest levels of NL (5.07±1.19), particularly in questions involving mathematical reasoning. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that university students in Lisbon do not follow a MD and are far from the recommendations of this dietary pattern. While most participants showed adequate NL, it is essential to highlight the link between knowledge and application to daily practice. Despite positive literacy levels, there remains a deficit in translating this knowledge into correct dietary practices.

Standardization of the Radiographic Study of the Foot Using the Niza Box / Padronização do estudo radiográfico do pé pela caixa Niza

Abstract Objective This study proposes the Niza box, a device created to reduce interpretive errors among professionals and facilitate the correct positioning of structures by standardizing orthopedic radiography of the foot in anteroposterior, loaded, and Saltzman views. Methods Descriptive study based on material collected at an Orthopedics Ambulatory from a tertiary service in a large Brazilian city. The X-ray device was a Lotus X, model HF 500 M, 500 milliamperes and 125 kilovolts capacity, 100 cm focus-film distance, and 24 × 30 cm radiographic chassis. Device controls were set at 100 mA, 5 mA/sec, and 60 kilovolts, depending on the variable size of the foot. The same team of previously trained radiography technicians performed the tests under the authors' supervision. The chassis were positioned in three specific Niza box spaces per the proposed incidence. Data from 50 images from people between 18 and 70 years old were analyzed. Results Radiographs taken using the proposed device usually had a satisfactory quality, allowing correct identification of the anatomical elements of the foot and ankle and angular reconstruction. Small image variations due to foot size were acceptable and expected, allowing radiograph standardization. Conclusion The Niza box is a good method for minimizing interference and avoiding radiographic interpretation errors, providing quality and agility to the examination, and reducing cost and unnecessary repetitions. It is an innovative, low-cost device made of recyclable and biodegradable material.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo propõe a utilização da Caixa Niza, dispositivo criado com a finalidade de diminuir os erros interpretativos entre profissionais e facilitar o correto posicionamento das estruturas radiografadas ao padronizar as incidências radiográficas ortopédicas do pé anteroposterior, perfil com carga e Saltzman. Métodos Pesquisa descritiva, material coletado em Ambulatório de Ortopedia em serviço terciário de cidade brasileira de grande porte. Utilizado aparelho de radiografia marca Lotus X, modelo HF 500M, capacidade de 500 miliamperes e 125 quilovolts, distância foco-filme de 100cm, chassi radiográfico 24×30 cm e os comandos do aparelho ajustados para 100 mA, 5mA/seg e 60 quilovolts dependendo do tamanho variável dos pés. Exames realizados pela mesma equipe de técnicos em radiografia previamente treinados com supervisão dos autores. O chassi é posicionado em três espaços específicos da Caixa conforme a incidência proposta. Foram analisados dados de 50 imagens de pessoas entre 18 e 70 anos. Resultados A avaliação das radiografias após utilização do dispositivo proposto ocorreu de modo geral com qualidade satisfatória, permitindo correta identificação dos elementos anatômicos do pé e tornozelo e reconstrução angular. Pequenas variações nas imagens devido ao tamanho dos pés são aceitáveis e esperadas, sendo possível perceber padronização das radiografias. Conclusão A Caixa proposta se mostra um bom método de minimizar as interferências e evitar erros de interpretação radiográfica, proporcionando qualidade e agilidade ao exame, diminuindo custo e repetições desnecessárias. É inovador, um dispositivo de baixo custo, de material reciclável e biodegradável.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique

Abstract This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Shedding Light on the Lifestyle and Participation of Portuguese Adolescents with Chronic Conditions-Data from the HBSC 2018 Study.

Variables associated with lifestyle can constitute either risk or protective factors for the development and progression of chronic conditions (CC). This study intends to explore the differences between adolescents with and without CC and between adolescents whose school participation is affected/not affected by the existing CC with regard to variables related to lifestyle (i.e., sleep, physical activity, BMI, and leisure). In addition, it also intends to analyze the influence of these variables (i.e., CC and lifestyle) regarding the adolescents' quality of life (QoL). This work is part of the Portuguese HBSC 2018 study. A total of 8215 adolescents participated (52.7% female), with an average age of 14.36 years (SD = 2.28). The results showed that the adolescents with CC and whose school attendance and participation are affected by their CC exhibit more sleep difficulties (i.e., they experience lower sleep quality and have a higher degree of sleepiness), higher BMI levels (i.e., higher values of overweight and obesity), less participation in leisure activities, and a lower perception of QoL. A higher perception of QoL is associated with school participation unaffected by the existing CC, sleeping well, a low level of sleepiness, a more frequent practice of physical activity, a lower BMI, and a greater involvement in leisure activities. Adolescent health and well-being are a prominent issue in terms of public policies, with behavior and lifestyle playing a significant role in this domain. This message needs to be reinforced in regard to families, educators, healthcare professionals, and public sector policies, particularly concerning students with CC.

COVID-19 and Lockdown, as Lived and Felt by University Students.

In the last 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world, forcing the closure of universities, among other unusual measures in recent history. (1) Background: This work is based on the study HOUSE-ULisbon, a survey carried out during the second confinement (March-May 2021) in Portugal with the collaboration of all the Faculties of the University of Lisbon (UL). The present work aims to explore gender differences in how first-year college students experienced and felt COVID-19 and the second confinement. (2) Methods: A questionnaire was carried out. In total, 976 university students (19.66 years (SD = 4.033); Min = 17 and Max = 65) from the first year of the UL were included, of which 69.5% (n = 678) were female, and 30.5% were male (n = 298). SPSS v. 26 was used for quantitative data and MAXQDA 2020 for qualitative data. (3) Results: Overall, students reported various symptoms of physical and mental discomfort (especially females). Statistically significant differences were found in the problems that could arise from the pandemic, such as the prevalence of higher anxiety and worries by females, and online gaming by males. In coping strategies, differences were found in leisure and family relationships, with greater difficulty on the female side. Social interaction was perceived as difficult or very difficult by both genders. As strategies for future pandemics, they highlighted a concerted effort between the government and media in the transmission of messages to the population, facilitating information, knowledge and adoption of protective behaviors. (4) Conclusions: These results are important data for activating or maintaining resources and services for first-year university students, who in some university institutions were supported during the pandemic by psychological, material (e.g., computers, internet), and financial support measures, which are now diminished or extinct. The impacts on their lives will certainly not be extinguished post-pandemic, and health, education, and public policy measures should be prioritized for this group. These results are important data for activating resources and services for students, informing health and education professionals, and supporting public policies.

Diagnosis and treatment of systemic mastocytosis in Brazil: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic Mastocytosis comprises a group of neoplastic diseases characterized by clonal expansion and infiltration of mast cells into several organs. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease may be challenging for non-specialists. Objective: Make suggestions or recommendations in Systemic Mastocytosis based in a panel of Brazilian specialists. Method and results: An online expert panel with 18 multidisciplinary specialists was convened to propose recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis in Brazil. Recommendations were based on discussions of topics and multiple-choice questions and were graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence Chart. Conclusion: Twenty-two recommendations or suggestions were proposed based on a literature review and graded according to the findings.

Chronic Conditions and School Participation of First-Year University Students-HOUSE ULisbon Study.

Students with chronic conditions (CC) tend to experience several barriers in terms of their school participation and performance. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the factors related to the time of diagnosis of CC (recent/non-recent), the barriers to participation and academic success (health condition, people's attitude towards CC and school physical environment), the physical and mental health (physical/psychological symptoms and concerns) and school-related variables (relationship with teachers and peers), regarding the school participation of first-year students with CC. This work is part of the HOUSE-Colégio F3 Project, University of Lisbon, which includes 1143 first-year university students from 17 Faculties and Institutes of the University of Lisbon. In this specific study, only the subsample of 207 students with CC was considered, 72.4% of which were female, aged between 18 and 54 years (M = 20.00; SD = 4.83). The results showed that students with a recent diagnosis of CC and students with school participation affected by the CC were those who presented more negative indicators regarding barriers to school participation, physical and mental health, and school-related variables. A greater impact of CC in terms of school participation was associated with having a recent diagnosis, with people's attitude towards CC and with the health condition as barriers, with more psychological symptoms and worse relationships with teachers and peers. This is a relevant message for the organization of health services for students with CC at the beginning of their university studies, especially since they are often displaced from home and managing their health conditions alone (in many cases, for the first time).

Cognitive assessment of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis: weighing the impact of disability and depressive symptoms / Avaliação cognitiva de pacientes brasileiros com esclerose múltipla: análise do impacto da incapacidade e dos sintomas depressivos

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Cognition is not routinely assessed in patients with MS though they frequently have cognitive complaints or dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the cognitive status of patients with MS with age, sex, and schooling matched controls and to evaluate the potential influence of clinical parameters on cognition. Methods: A total of 35 patients with MS (mean±SD age 37.9 years±11.44, M/F: 12/23) and 33 healthy controls (mean±SD age 38.8 years±12.6, M/F: 12/21) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent a structured clinical assessment and the cognitive tools are as follows: Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Span, and Verbal Fluency Tests (letters F, A, and S and animal category). Psychopathology was assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used for patients. Results: Patients performed worse than controls in almost all tests, with approximately 70% of patients presenting cognitive impairment. The most affected cognitive domain was episodic memory (45.7%), followed by verbal fluency (42.8%) and information processing speed (22.8%). SDMT was inversely correlated with disease severity, as assessed by the EDSS. Depression did not influence cognitive performance in this cohort. Conclusions: Cognitive dysfunction is common among patients with MS. While motor impairment was associated with information processing speed, depression did not influence cognitive performance.

RESUMO A esclerose múltipla (EM) é a doença desmielinizante mais comum do sistema nervoso central. A cognição não é rotineiramente avaliada nos pacientes apesar da ocorrência frequente de queixas ou disfunção cognitivas. Objetivo: Comparar o perfil de pacientes com EM com controles pareados por idade, sexo e escolaridade e investigar a potencial influência de parâmetros clínicos na cognição. Métodos: Trinta e cinco pacientes com EM (idade média±desvio padrão [DP] 37,9 anos±11,44, H/M: 12/23) e 33 controles saudáveis (idade média±DP 38,8 anos±12,6, H/M: 12/21) foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os participantes passaram por avaliação clínica estruturada e por testagem cognitiva com os seguintes instrumentos: Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Span e testes de fluências verbais (letras F, A e S e categoria-animais). A psicopatologia foi investigada com a Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview e com o Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) foi aplicada nos pacientes. Resultados: Pacientes tiveram desempenho pior que os controles na maioria dos testes — 70% deles tiveram déficit cognitivo. A função cognitiva mais frequentemente afetada foi memória episódica (45,7%), seguida por fluência verbal (42,8%) e velocidade de processamento (22,8%). A pontuação no SDMT correlacionou-se inversamente com a gravidade da doença, medida pela EDSS. A depressão não influenciou o desempenho cognitivo nesta série de pacientes. Conclusões: Declínio cognitivo é comum em pacientes com EM. Enquanto o déficit motor se associou com a velocidade de processamento, a depressão não influenciou o desempenho cognitivo.