Chronic Kidney Disease Study in Diabetic Patients: Insights From Primary Care Units in Northern Portugal.

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality, leading to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. Early detection of kidney damage, indicated by microalbuminuria (MA), is crucial for managing DM. Given the impact of these conditions, evaluating the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetic populations within primary healthcare is essential. Methodology This was a cross-sectional and observational study. Adults diagnosed with DM type 1 or 2, from five primary care units (PCUs) located in the North of Portugal, were included in this study. Descriptive and correlational statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statistical significance was set to P < 0,05. Logistic regression models were created to identify the factors associated with CKD and DM. Results A sample of 357 diabetic patients was obtained, with 166 (46.5%) females. Of the sample, 250 (70.1%) were aged 65 or older, and the median known duration of DM was 9.36 years. Excess weight or obesity accounted for 79.8%, with a median body mass index of 28.73 kg/m2 and hypertension in 284 (79.6%). An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min was present in 89 (24.9%) and an MA of 30 mg/dL or higher was present in 68 (19.0%). In total, 130 (36.4%) individuals exhibited eGFR and MA consistent with CKD. Among these, 25 (78.1%) had other identifiable causes of CKD besides DM, hypertension, overweight, or obesity. Binary logistic regression models were constructed to find a relationship between CKD with eGFR < 60 mL/min and MA. A statistically significant association was found between CKD with eGFR < 60 mL/minute and age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.150; P < 0.001), kidney stones (OR = 5.112; P = 0.003), absence of excess weight or obesity (OR = 0.267; P < 0.001). The use of GLP1 agonists showed statistical significance as a predictor (OR = 4.653; P = 0.042) of the presence of MA. Discussion The study investigates the impact of DM and its complications in the surveyed population. While most patients had controlled DM (284, 76.2%), prolonged disease duration correlated with poorer glycemic control, underscoring the need for more effective management strategies in advanced disease stages. Notably, a third of individuals with DM had CKD, with significant implications for therapeutic interventions and heightened risks of renal failure and cardiovascular morbidity. MA was a crucial marker for endothelial injury, with prevalence influenced by DM duration and medication type. However, in many cases, correct identification of CKD was lacking, suggesting under-recognition of renal deterioration in DM. While the study offers valuable insights, its limited sample size and geographic scope warrant cautious interpretation, emphasizing the need for broader, context-specific research to inform comprehensive healthcare strategies. Conclusions In conclusion, this study highlights the significant burden of CKD among diabetic patients, emphasizing the need for proactive screening, personalized management, and accurate diagnosis. Despite limitations, it underscores the importance of early detection and tailored interventions, advocating for improved diabetes care to mitigate renal complications on a broader scale.

A multi-analytical evaluation of the depositional pattern on open-air rock art panels at "Abrigo del Lince" (Badajoz, Spain).

Microscopic observation correlated with chemical-mineralogical characterization was performed on pigment samples from "Abrigo del Lince" rock art site (V-IV millennium BC), in order to provide contributions to the study of prehistoric schematic art on granite in the province of Badajoz (Spain). The research objectives include the understanding of technological and cultural aspects, as well as of conservation and deterioration issues related to the pictographs. The multi-analytical approach encompasses the integration of microscopic observation, SEM-EDS analysis, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and ATR-FTIR and allowed to achieve a multispectral overview of the samples and to describe their varied composition and the alteration pattern which connects them. The main phases overlying the granitic bedrock and involved in this sequence are as follows: hematite, whewellite, and gypsum. While hematite could be stratigraphically considered the most ancient layer and assigned to the use of red ochre as a pigment, whewellite and gypsum are the main constituent of the alteration layer which forms a patina over the pictographs, due to weathering processes. Finally, the role of biofilms in rock art conservation is discussed, suggesting that, especially for what concern thin and homogenous layers of oxalates, their presence should not be necessarily considered an issue.

The impact of modes of administration on self-reports of offending: evidence from a methodological experiment with university students.

Objectives: Current knowledge about the causes of offending behavior is heavily reliant on self-reports of offending (SRO). However, methodological research on the impact of modes of administration on SRO is very scarce. Further, the existing evidence conflicts with the general knowledge about responding to sensitive questions. In this study, we aimed to test whether SRO are affected by modes of administration. Methods: We carried out a methodological experiment, with a 2 (interviewer-administered vs. self-administered surveys) × 2 (paper-and-pencil vs. computer- assisted surveys) factorial design. A total of 181 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of these conditions and completed the International Self-Report Delinquency 3 (ISRD3) questionnaire. Results: Findings showed an increased odds of reporting offending behavior in self-administered surveys, compared to face-to-face interviews. Paper-and-pencil and computer-assisted modes resulted in comparable estimates of offending. Conclusions: This experiment provides evidence that SRO provide more accurate estimates of offending behavior using self-administered surveys.

Exploring the suicidal continuum: Deliberate self-harm diversity and severity as predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) in adolescence is a predictor of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). However, there is still a lack of research systematizing the association between DSH and STBs. Therefore, our main goal was to analyze if DSH diversity and severity predicted suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Our sample comprised 237 Portuguese adolescents and young adults with a history of DSH, from community (80.2%, n = 190) and clinical (19.8%, n = 47) settings, aged between 14 and 23 years (M = 17.31, SD=1.36). Results showed that DSH diversity and severity were significant predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. These results were further discussed, underlining the impact that DSH has for suicide risk and highlighting the need to address further variables to understand these suicidality trajectories.

Measuring Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions with Special Reference to Juvenile Delinquency: A Validation of the "How I Think" Questionnaire in a Sample of Portuguese Adolescents.

The present study aims to test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the "How I Think" (HIT) questionnaire. The HIT questionnaire is a self-report measure of self-serving cognitive distortions. Our sample was comprised of 442 Portuguese-speaking adolescents and young adults (254 males and 188 females), aged between 12 and 20 years. Of the total 442 participants, 351 were recruited from a Portuguese school and 91 from four Portuguese detention centers for juvenile delinquents. Data analysis provided evidence supporting the original six-factor model solution, composed of a four-category typology of self-serving cognitive distortions (i.e., Selfcentered, Blaming Others, Minimizing/Mislabeling, and Assuming the Worst), an Anomalous responding, and one Positive filler factor. Further, results showed satisfactory internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. In conclusion, this article provides Portuguese researchers and practitioners with a valid measure of self-serving cognitive distortions.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome: A multicenter study with 1519 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome(cSLE-APS) in a large Brazilian population. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was carried-out in 27 Pediatric Rheumatology university centers, including 1519 cSLE patients. RESULTS: cSLE-APS was observed in 67/1519 (4%) and was diagnosed at disease onset in 39/67 (58%). The median disease duration was 4.9 (0-17) years. Thrombosis recurrences were evidenced in 18/67 (27%) cSLE-APS patients. The most frequent thrombosis sites in cSLE-APS patients were: venous thrombosis in 40/67 (60%), especially deep vein thrombosis in 29/40 (72%); arterial thrombosis in 35/67 (52%), particularly stroke; small vessels thrombosis in 9/67 (13%) and mixed thrombosis in 3/67 (4%). Pregnancy morbidity was observed in 1/67 (1%). Non-thrombotic manifestation associated to cSLE-APS occurred in 21/67 (31%), mainly livedo reticularis in 14/67 (21%), valvar thickening in 4/67 (6%) and valvar vegetations not related to infections in 2/67 (3%). None of them had catastrophic APS. Further analysis demonstrated that the median of SLICC/ACR-DI [1(0-5) vs. 0(0-7),p < 0.0001] was significantly higher in cSLE-APS patients compared to cSLE without APS. The frequencies of cerebrovascular disease (40% vs. 1%,p < 0.0001), polyneuropathy (9% vs. 1%,p < 0.0001), SLICC/ACR-DI ≥1 (57% vs. 27%, p < 0.0001) and intravenous cyclophosphamide use (59% vs. 37%, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: Our large multicenter study demonstrated that cSLE-APS was a rare condition, occurring during disease course with a high accrual damage. Central and peripheral neuropsychiatric involvements were distinctive features of this autoimmune thrombosis.

First report of detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in oysters (Crassostrea sp.) in the state of Maranhão.

The aim of this study was to report on detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in oysters (Crassostrea sp.) in the state of Maranhão. To conduct this study, 200 farmed oysters were acquired in the municipality of Raposa and 100 in Paço do Lumiar; and a further 100 oysters were taken from the natural stock in the municipality of Primeira Cruz. This total of 400 specimens sampled was divided into 80 pools composed of five animals each. The gills and visceral mass of each oyster were removed for DNA extraction (per pool of oysters), using a commercial kit. The nested PCR technique (with the primer SAG-1) was then used to investigate any presence of protozoa. This molecular technique demonstrated the presence of DNA of T. gondii in 2.5% of the pools of oysters (n = 2/80): these oysters were exclusively from farms. The results from this study allow the conclusion that oysters of the genus Crassostrea that are farmed in the state of Maranhão are capable of filtering oocysts of T. gondii and maintaining them in their tissues. They are therefore potential sources of contamination for humans and other animals.

Sourgrass control in response to the association of 2, 4-d to ACCase inhibitor herbicides / Controle de grama azeda em resposta à associação de 2, 4-d a herbicidas inibidores de ACCase

ACCase inhibitor herbicides are widely used to control poaceae such as sourgrass (Digitaria insularis). However, these herbicides are selective for eudicots, which requires the use of broadleaf herbicides in areas with broadleaf and narrow leaf weeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association ACCase inhibitors and 2,4-D for the control of sourgrass. Two experiments were carried out under greenhouse conditions. The first experiment evaluated the effect of associating 2,4-D and graminicides to control of sourgrass, using dose-response curves for the herbicides clethodim, quizalofop-P-tefuril and clethodim + quizalofop-P-tefuril. In the second experiment, due to the results of the first one, the necessary period between the application of 2,4-D and the graminicides was evaluated in order to avoid antagonism in sourgrass. The results show that the herbicide clethodim, at the recommended dose, has its efficiency reduced in about 8% when applied in association with 2,4-D. As for the herbicide quizalofop-P-tefuril, this effect was higher, causing a reduction of 39% in control. However, the association of 2,4-D to the mixture of clethodim + quizalofop-P-tefuril did not result in antagonism. It takes nine and 12 days between the application of 2,4-D and the graminicides clethodim and quizalofop-P-tefuril, respectively, for there to be no antagonism.

Os herbicidas inibidores da ACCase são amplamente utilizados no controle de poáceas, tal como o capim-amargoso. No entanto, esses herbicidas são seletivos para plantas eudicotiledôneas, o que demanda a utilização de herbicidas latifolicidas, tais como as auxinas sintéticas, em áreas que existam plantas daninhas de folhas largas e folhas estreitas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da associação de inibidores da ACCase e 2,4-D sobre o controle de capim-amargoso. Foram realizados dois experimentos em casa de vegetação. No primeiro experimento foi avaliado o efeito da associação de 2,4-D aos graminicidas no controle de capim-amargoso, utilizando-se curvas de dose-resposta para os herbicidas clethodim, quizalofop-P-tefuril e clethodim + quizalofop-P-tefuril. No segundo experimento, em decorrência dos resultados do primeiro, foi avaliado o período necessário entre a aplicação de 2,4-D e os graminicidas para que não ocorra antagonismo em capim-amargoso. Os resultados demonstram que para o herbicida clethodim, na dose recomendada, a redução de controle foi de cerca de 8% quando o 2,4-D foi aplicado em associação. Já para o herbicida quizalofop-P-tefuril, esse efeito foi superior, causando redução de 39% no controle. Porém, a associação do 2,4-D à mistura de clethodim + quizalofop-P-tefuril não resultou em antagonismo. São necessários nove e 12 dias entre a aplicação de 2,4-D e os graminicidas clethodim e quizalofop-P-tefuril, respectivamente, para que não ocorra antagonismo.

Experience on statin therapy in paediatric age: retrospective study in a Portuguese referral centre.

BACKGROUND: The use of statins in children, although not frequent, is recommended in specific clinical contexts, namely, familial hypercholesterolaemia, conditions carrying a moderate-high cardiovascular risk and sub-optimal cholesterol levels after implementation of lifestyle modifications. The aim of this study is to characterise children with dyslipidaemia managed with statins, followed at a tertiary referral centre in central Portugal. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors carried out a retrospective and descriptive study made up of 66 patients (50% males, mean age of therapy onset 11.9 years) followed up at the Cardiovascular Clinic of a tertiary referral centre between January, 2012, and May, 2018. Clinical, analytical, and echocardiographic parameters were analysed. About 60.6% had clinical and/or molecular diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia. On average, each patient had three cardiovascular risk factors, obesity (31%) being most prevalent, followed by arterial hypertension (14%). Statin therapy showed a statistically significant reduction in the lipid profile, particularly in the total cholesterol (23%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (30%) levels, as well as in the carotid intima-media thickness (p = 0.015). Hepatic and muscle integrity markers were within normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Statins are safe and efficient in the management of children with hypercholesterolaemia. Our study showed that apart from its lipid-lowering properties, it also reduced significantly the carotid intima-media thickness and, implicitly, the cardiovascular risk of these patients.

Self-harm as a predisposition for suicide attempts: A study of adolescents' deliberate self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.

The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive risk factors for self-harm in adolescents with and without suicidal ideation. 600 adolescents answered a questionnaire about self-harm and suicidal behaviors. A logistic regression analysis was conducted. Over half of the individuals with deliberate self-harm (DSH) presented significant suicide risk. There was a direct association between DSH and suicide attempts, with almost the totality of the adolescents with suicide attempts also reporting DSH. According to the prediction model, suicidal ideation and diversity of DSH behaviors are significant predictors of suicide attempts, with an augmentation in the diversity of DSH behaviors and suicidal ideation predicting suicide attempts. Depression and anxiety appeared also as significant predictors of suicide attempts in adolescent self-harmers. Considering that the majority of the sample was not from a clinical setting, an alarming finding was that one third of the total sample was at suicide risk. These results place DSH as a key variable for early intervention.

Social Representations About the Functions of Deliberate Self-Harm: Construction and Validation of a Questionnaire for Portuguese Adolescents.

With the increased awareness about deliberate self-harm, the understanding of its social representations can be important for clinical intervention and prevention. However, there is still a lack of instruments to assess the social representations of the functions of these behaviors. This research focuses on the validation of the Questionnaire of Representations of the Functions of Deliberate Self-Harm for adolescents with and without a history of these behaviors. The basis for this questionnaire was the translation and adaptation of the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury. To access adolescents' social representations, we conducted semidirective interviews and an analysis of the Portuguese written press, which complemented the questionnaire with new items and functions. Study 1 consisted of an exploratory factor analysis with a sample of 434 adolescents. Results revealed a 2-factor structure of interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions. After item reduction, the factorial analysis of the independent functions showed acceptable psychometric values. This structure was corroborated in Study 2 by a confirmatory factor analysis with a new sample of 405 adolescents, which revealed an acceptable model fit. This questionnaire presents a relatively solid structure and is based on acceptable psychometric properties, which allows its use in future research.

How Do Families Represent the Functions of Deliberate Self-Harm? A Comparison between the Social Representations from Adolescents and Their Parents.

Research has recognized the importance of understanding the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm, particularly in the context of clinical intervention. In addition, parents can play a relevant role in the rehabilitation of adolescents with these behaviors. However, there are few studies that focused on the description and comparison of the social representations about these functions, particularly in families. This article aimed to analyze the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm from adolescents and their parents. We developed two sets of analyses: first we compared the social representations from adolescents without a history of deliberate self-harm and their parents, and secondly we compared the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm from adolescents with a history of these behaviors and their parents' social representations. Results revealed significant differences between both groups of families, implying that the groups of participants represent the functions of deliberate self-harm differently. Overall, parents emphasized interpersonal functions and devalued intrapersonal functions. These differences were heightened in the families of adolescents with deliberate self-harm. The present article provides important insights regarding the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm and the differences between parents' social representations and their children experiences and social representations.

Condutas na ritidoplastia e apontamentos histológicos na pele da face do paciente pós-bariátrica / Rhytidoplasty practices and histological notes for the facial skin of post-bariatric patients

Introdução: O número de pacientes classificados com sobrepeso ou obesos e, com isso, dos pacientes pós-bariátricas vem aumentando, gerando uma demanda por ritidoplastias neste perfil de público. O objetivo é expor a rotina e táticas cirúrgicas em um hospital de ensino, o perfil destes pacientes, além de um comparativo superficial histológico da pele, tecido celular subcutâneo e SMAS, entre os pacientes pós e não pós-bariátrica. Métodos: Foi realizado revisão de dados do centro cirúrgico e de prontuário entre os anos de 2012 e 2016 em um hospital público na cidade de Goiânia-GO, com levantamento de 32 casos. Resultados: A tática de ritidoplastia utilizada nos pacientes pós-bariátrica não apresenta grandes diferenças entre a utilizada nos pacientes não pós-bariátrica. A análise histopatológica das amostras colhidas evidenciou diferenças marcantes entre os pacientes pós e não pós-bariátrica. Conclusão: Percebeu-se que a técnica operatória na ritidoplastia do paciente pós-bariátrica sustentou detalhes específicos, com resultado cirúrgico pós-operatório satisfatório, uma pele de pior qualidade histológica, com complicações perioperatórias dentro do esperado e com necessidade de maiores estudos para avaliar durabilidade do procedimento.

Introduction: The number of patients classified as overweight or obese has resulted in an increased number of post-bariatric patients, generating a demand for rhytidoplasty in this public profile. The objective is to expose the routine and surgical tactics in a teaching hospital, patient profiles, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system are compared between post-bariatric and non-post-bariatric patients, as well as histological superficial comparison of the skin. Methods: A review of the data of 32 cases treated in 2012­2016 was conducted in a public hospital in Goiânia-GO. Results: The tactics of rhytidoplasty used in post-bariatric patients do not differ significantly from those used in nonpost- bariatric patients. A histopathological analysis of the collected samples showed marked differences between post-bariatric and non-post-bariatric patients. Conclusion: The surgical technique of rhytidoplasty of post-bariatric patients sustained specific details with satisfactory postoperative surgical results, skin with worse histological quality, perioperative complications within the expected range, and the need for further studies to assess the procedure's durability

Development and Factorial Validation of the Inventory of Deliberate Self-Harm Behaviours for Portuguese Adolescents.

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a public health problem that mainly affects adolescents and young adults. Evidence suggests that multiple methods are used with a self-aggressive intent. The present article focuses on the development and factorial validation of the Inventory of Deliberate Self-harm Behaviours for Portuguese adolescents. This instrument assesses the lifetime frequency of 13 DSH methods, with and without suicidal intent. Study 1 consisted of an exploratory factor analysis with a sample of 131 adolescents with a reported history of DSH. Results revealed a three-factor structure with acceptable internal consistency: High Severity DSH, Mild Severity DSH, and Substance Use DSH. After item reduction, this structure was tested in Study 2 through a confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample of 109 adolescents also with a history of DSH. Results showed an acceptable model fit. This instrument presents a solid structure and acceptable psychometric properties, allowing its use in further research.

Social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm: Adolescents and parents.

INTRODUCTION: The understanding of the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm can be an important factor for the comprehension of this phenomenon. Nonetheless, only a few studies focused on this topic and specifically on the social representations from adolescents with and without a history of deliberate self-harm and their parents. METHODS: This article presents two studies that analysed these representations. Study 1 compared the social representations from 411 Portuguese adolescents (219 females and 192 males, aged 12-19 years), from which 109 reported having a history of deliberate self-harm. Study 2 focused on the comparison of the social representations from 471 parents (265 mothers and 206 fathers, aged 33-62 years) of Portuguese adolescents. Of the parents in Study 2, 120 had children with a history of deliberate self-harm. RESULTS: In Study 1, adolescents without a history of deliberate self-harm perceived most interpersonal functions as more relevant than adolescents with a history of these behaviours, while adolescents with a history of deliberate self-harm emphasized one intrapersonal function. In Study 2, no differences were found between parents of adolescents with and without a history of deliberate self-harm. However, results revealed differences between the representations of mothers and fathers in several intrapersonal functions. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides important insight regarding the social representations about the functions of deliberate self-harm from adolescents with and without a reported history of these behaviours and their parents. The impact for clinical intervention and prevention programs is discussed.

Symptomatic polyautoimmunity at diagnosis of 1463 childhood-onset lupus: A Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate symptomatic polyautoimmunity (PA) at childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus(cSLE) diagnosis, and its association with demographic data, disease activity, clinical manifestations and laboratorial abnormalities in a large Brazilian cSLE population. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 1463 cSLE(ACR criteria) patients from 27 Pediatric Rheumatology services. Symptomatic PA was defined according to the presence of more than one concomitant autoimmune disease(AD) and symptomatic multiple autoimmune syndrome(MAS) was defined as three or more AD. An investigator meeting was held to define the protocol. Demographic data, SLICC classification criteria and SLEDAI-2K were evaluated. RESULTS: At cSLE diagnosis symptomatic PA was observed in 144/1463(9.8%) and symptomatic MAS occurred in solely 10/1463(0.7%). In the former group the more frequently observed associated AD were Hashimoto thyroiditis n = 42/144(29%), antiphospholipid syndrome n = 42/144(29%), autoimmune hepatitis n = 26/144(18%) and type 1 diabetes mellitus n = 23/144(15.9%). Further comparisons between cSLE patients with and without PA showed a higher median age(p = 0.016) and lower mean SLICC criteria (p = 0.039) in those with PA. Additionally, these cSLE patients had less renal involvement(35% vs. 44%, p = 0.038) and red blood cell cast(6% vs. 12%, p = 0.042) and more antiphospholipid antibodies(29% vs. 15%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 10% of cSLE had symptomatic PA at diagnosis, particularly endocrine autoimmune disorders and antiphospholipid syndrome. Lupus was characterized by a mild disease onset and MAS was infrequently evidenced. Further studies are necessary to determine if this subgroup of cSLE patients have a distinct genetic background with a less severe disease and a better long-term outcome.

Biochemical events during somatic embryogenesis in Coffea arabica L.

Several biochemical components associated with different stages of somatic embryogenesis in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) are investigated using foliar explants. Soluble sugar, starch, free amino acids and total proteins were extracted and quantified at different stages of somatic embryogenesis, such as foliar segments (initial explants), primary calluses, embryogenic calluses, globular embryos, torpedoes, cotyledonary embryos and mature fruit zygotic embryos. Total soluble sugar levels increased sixfold at the initial stages of somatic embryogenesis induction. During this period, total soluble sugar in the cultures contained approximately 99.3% glucose and fructose. At 67.4 µg/mg MS, no significant changes were observed in total sugar content during the embryo's somatic maturation and regeneration. During this stage, total soluble sugar was composed of 60% sucrose. After primary callus formation, starch contents increased gradually until the culture's conclusion. Total free amino acids, particularly arginine, lysine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine and histidine, revealed a higher synthesis until the formation of the primary callus, after which they remain statistically constant up to the end of the process. During the induction of calluses, a gradual increase of total proteins occurred, which, in the differentiating and maturing of somatic embryos, did not differ statistically till the formation of a cotyledonary embryo, when rates decreased 21.8%.

Relationship Between HIV and Depressive Symptomatology in Patients From Northern Portugal: Analysis of Individual, Health, and Social Predictors.

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in people living with HIV. Our study involved 371 participants in outpatient treatment for HIV in hospitals in northern Portugal. Participants were referred to the study by the attending physician/nurse, and data were collected through an individual interview at a single evaluation moment. Participants were mostly male (70%), with an average age of 46.63 years (SD = 11.77), and a known diagnosis of HIV for an average of 10.13 years (SD = 6.42). Severe depressive symptoms were identified in 18% of participants. We identified several significant predictors of depressive symptoms: being female, being in a situation of social exclusion, having adverse experiences throughout life, infection by sexual contact in a stable marital relationship, daily concerns regarding health, negative family relationships, and dissatisfaction with social support. Findings suggest the need to include regular mental health assessments and referral for specialized psychological support services.

Does sevoflurane add to outpatient procedural sedation in children? A randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence concerning the effect of sevoflurane in outpatient procedural sedation, especially in children. We hypothesised that the addition of sevoflurane to a sedation regimen improves children's behaviour with minimal adverse events. METHODS: This is a randomised, triple-blind clinical trial conducted on an outpatient basis. Participants were 27 healthy children aged 4 to 6 years, who previously refused dental treatment with non-pharmacologic methods. All participants received oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, maximum 20 mg) and oral ketamine (3 mg/kg, maximum 50 mg) and, in addition: Group MK - 100% oxygen; Group MKS - inhalational sevoflurane at a sedative dose (final expired concentration between 0.3 and 0.4%). Dental appointments were video recorded for assessment of the children's sleep patterns, crying, movements, and overall behaviour during the procedure with the Houpt scale. Intra- and post-operative adverse events were systematically reported. Data were analysed by bivariate analyses in the IBM SPSS v. 19, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: MK (n = 13) and MKS (n = 14) did not differ regarding the Houpt scores (P > 0.05), but 53.8% of children in the MK group showed hysterical and continuous crying at the time of the local anaesthesia injection, compared to 7.1% of children in the MKS group (P = 0.01; phi = 0.5). There was a trend toward less crying and movement over time during the dental appointment in the MKS group (P = 0.48). Minor adverse events were observed in 10 MK children and 4 MKS children (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of sevoflurane to oral midazolam-ketamine improved the children's crying behaviour during local anaesthetic administration, and did not increase the occurrence of adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02284204 . Registered 5 October 2014.

Deviant behavior variety scale: development and validation with a sample of Portuguese adolescents

Abstract This study presents the development and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Deviant Behavior Variety Scale (DBVS). Participants were 861 Portuguese adolescents (54 % female), aged between 12 and 19 years old. Two alternative models were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Although both models showed good fit indexes, the two-factor model didn’t presented discriminant validity. Further results provided evidence for the factorial and the convergent validity of the single-factor structure of the DVBS, which has also shown good internal consistency. Criterion validity was evaluated through the association with related variables, such as age and school failure, as well as the scale’s ability to capture group differences, namely between genders and school retentions, and finally by comparing a sub-group of convicted adolescents with a group of non-convicted ones regarding their engagement in delinquent activities. Overall, the scale presented good psychometric properties, with results supporting that the DBVS is a valid and reliable self-reported measure to evaluate adolescents’ involvement in deviance. (AU)