Psychometric Testing of the Experience of Integrating Chronic Illness into Family Life Questionnaire.

Family members' experience of integrating chronic illnesses or chronic conditions into family life is valuable information for health care professionals, such as nurses, to understand, improve, and adjust the care provided to families of chronically ill patients. Furthermore, the assessment of the experience of integrating chronic illness into family life can support family nursing interventions and reduce suffering. This study aimed to adapt and psychometrically test a new Likert-type questionnaire on the experience of integrating pediatric chronic illness into family life (EICI-FLQ) in two European samples. A sample of 164 primary caregivers of children/adolescents with chronic illnesses/conditions in Iceland and another sample of 237 primary caregivers with children/adolescents with chronic illnesses/conditions in Portugal completed the online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis of the Icelandic sample yielded support for a one-factor solution with acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach's α = .866). Confirmatory factor analysis of the one-factor structure in the Portuguese sample indicated good model fit and similar internal reliability (Cronbach's α = .838). This instrument has good psychometric characteristics and is a promising tool for measuring the experience of integrating pediatric chronic illness into family life in clinical and research settings.

Imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - An update for all stages of patient management.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common and lethal cancer. From diagnosis to disease staging, response to neoadjuvant therapy assessment and patient surveillance after resection, imaging plays a central role, guiding the multidisciplinary team in decision-planning. Review aims and findings: This review discusses the most up-to-date imaging recommendations, typical and atypical findings, and issues related to each step of patient management. Example cases for each relevant condition are presented, and a structured report for disease staging is suggested. Conclusion: Despite current issues in PDAC imaging at different stages of patient management, the radiologist is essential in the multidisciplinary team, as the conveyor of relevant imaging findings crucial for patient care.

Quality of life and family management of paediatric chronic condition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the perception of parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions of their quality of life and family functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected family management of children/adolescents' chronic conditions. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 237 parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module and an open-ended question about the impact of the pandemic on the family management of the paediatric chronic condition. RESULTS: The Total Score of PedsQL™ FIM was slightly higher than the midpoint of the scale (M = 60.27; SD = 19.04), and the impact of the pandemic on the family's management of the chronic condition was perceived by 30% of parents as high or moderate. Statistically significant differences were found between parents who reported a high or moderate impact of the pandemic and those reporting little or no impact of the pandemic regarding parental quality of life and family functioning (t (233) = 8.13, p = .00, Cohen's d = 1.14). Two themes emerged from the analysis of the open-ended question: Impact on the child/adolescent and Impact on the family. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions reported an average quality of life, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the family management of chronic conditions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These results highlight the importance of developing interventions to support families in complex situations and contexts, targeting family functioning, family quality of life, and emotional management.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Testing of the Portuguese Version of the Iceland-Family Illness Beliefs Questionnaire.

Illness beliefs have a role in the adaptation, coping, well-being, healing, and recovery in families of children/adolescents with chronic illness. The assessment of family illness beliefs can support family nursing interventions that address the suffering of family members when illness arises. The purpose of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically test the Portuguese version of the Iceland-Family Illness Beliefs Questionnaire. A sample of 237 parents of children/adolescents who experienced chronic health conditions completed the online questionnaire. The original factor model was tested through confirmatory factorial analysis. The results showed satisfactory model fit indices (χ2/gl = 3.004; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.092) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.74). The instrument showed good psychometric characteristics of validity and reliability, suggesting it may be useful in the assessment of illness beliefs in families experiencing a pediatric chronic illness.

Diffusion-weighted imaging for determining response to neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies evaluating the performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to assess response to NAT. Data extracted included ADC pre- and post-NAT, for predicting response as defined by imaging, histopathology, or clinical reference standards. ADC values were compared with standardized mean differences. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS-2). RESULTS: Of 337 studies, 7 were included in the analysis (161 patients). ADC values reported for the pre- and post-NAT assessments overlapped between responders and non-responders. One study reported inability of ADC increase after NAT for distinguishing responders and non-responders. A correlation with histopathological response was reported for pre- and post-NAT ADC in 4 studies. DWI's diagnostic performance was reported to be high in three studies, with a 91.6-100% sensitivity and 62.5-94.7% specificity. Finally, heterogeneity and high risk of bias were identified across studies, affecting the domains of patient selection, index test, reference standard, and flow and timing. CONCLUSION: DWI might be useful for determining response to NAT in pancreatic cancer. However, there are still too few studies on this matter, which are also heterogeneous and at high risk for bias. Further studies with standardized procedures for data acquisition and accurate reference standards are needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Diffusion-weighted MRI might be useful for assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer. However, further studies with robust data are needed to provide specific recommendations for clinical practice. KEY POINTS: •The role of DWI with ADC measurements for assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. •Pre- and post-neoadjuvant therapy ADC values overlap between responders and non-responders. •DWI has a reported high diagnostic performance for determining response when using histopathological or clinical reference standards; however, studies are still few and at high risk for bias.

Assessing antimicrobial and metal resistance genes in Escherichia coli from domestic groundwater supplies in rural Ireland.

Natural ecosystems can become significant reservoirs and/or pathways for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, with the potential to affect nearby microbiological, animal, and ultimately human communities. This is further accentuated in environments that provide direct human exposure, such as drinking water. To date, however, few studies have investigated AMR dissemination potential and the presence of co-selective stressors (e.g., metals/metalloids) in groundwater environments of human health significance. Accordingly, the present study analysed samples from rural (drinking) groundwater supplies (i.e., private wells) in the Republic of Ireland, where land use is dominated by livestock grazing activities. In total, 48 Escherichia coli isolates tested phenotypically for antimicrobial susceptibility in an earlier study were further subject to whole genome sequencing (WGS) and corresponding water samples were further analysed for trace metal/metalloid concentrations. Eight isolates (i.e., 16.7%) were genotypically resistant to antimicrobials, confirming prior phenotypic results through the identification of ten antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs); namely: aph(3″)-lb (strA; n=7), aph(6)-Id (strA; n = 6), blaTEM (n = 6), sul2 (n = 6), tetA (n = 4), floR (n = 2), dfrA5 (n = 1), tetB (n = 1), and tetY (n = 1). Additional bioinformatic analysis revealed that all ARGs were plasmid-borne, except for two of the six sul2 genes, and that 31.2% of all tested isolates (n = 15) and 37.5% of resistant ones (n = 3) carried virulence genes. Study results also found no significant relationships between metal concentrations and ARG abundance. Additionally, just one genetic linkage was identified between ARGs and a metal resistance gene (MRG), namely merA, a mercury-resistant gene found on the same plasmid as blaTEM, dfrA5, strA, strB, and sul2 in the only isolate of inferred porcine (as opposed to bovine) origin. Overall, findings suggest that ARG (and MRG) acquisition may be occurring prior to groundwater ingress, and are likely a legacy issue arising from agricultural practices.

Psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ family impact module.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module in parents of children/adolescents with chronic health conditions. DESIGN AND METHODS: The European Portuguese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module was administered to 237 parents of children/adolescents with chronic disease and/or chronic disorder. Participants were recruited from the day hospital and/or outpatient services of four hospitals in Northern Portugal, the majority being mothers (87.3%) aged between 31 and 50 years (86.9%). The questionnaire was administered online through the REDCap platform. The hierarchical factor model of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module proposed by Varni and colleagues was tested. RESULTS: Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated good model fit, with the following indices (χ2 /gL = 2.19; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90;  root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07 immune cell [IC] 90% = 0.06-0.07). Internal consistency values were high (parent quality of life subtotal, α = .96; family functioning subtotal, α = .92; total score, α = .96). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The European Portuguese version of the PedsQL™ FIM is a reliable and valid measurement tool for nurses to assess the impact of the child/adolescent chronic conditions on family's quality of life and to develop interventions to improve their well-being.

The antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from private groundwater wells in the Republic of Ireland.

The role of the natural environment in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria has been increasingly recognised in the literature. However, knowledge surrounding the critical factors and mechanisms mediating their occurrence is still limited, particularly in relatively 'pristine' groundwater environments. In the Republic of Ireland (RoI), a country characterised by high groundwater reliance, household-based (unregulated) wells provide drinking water to 11% of the population. These private wells are generally located in rural areas, where the risk of microbiological contamination is high due to intensive agricultural practices and high reliance on domestic wastewater treatment systems; both of which are also potential sources of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Accordingly, the current research sought to elucidate current rates of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and the principal factors associated with their presence in private wells in the RoI. A total of 250 samples (from 132 wells nationwide) were assessed for the presence of faecal (Escherichia coli) and environmental (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, with single isolates from each contaminated sample tested phenotypically against 18 and 9 antimicrobials, respectively. Findings show that while 16.7% of E. coli (n = 8/48) were categorically resistant to ≥1 antimicrobial, with a further 79.2% classified as intermediately resistant, no categorical resistance was found among P. aeruginosa isolates (n = 0/6), with just one intermediately resistant isolate detected. Multivariate regression modelling indicates significantly higher odds of resistant E. coli detection in concurrence with elevated cattle density (OR = 1.028, p = 0.032), aligning with findings of highest resistance rates to veterinary antimicrobials (e.g., streptomycin = 14.6%, tetracycline = 12.5%, and ampicillin = 12.5%). Multivariate model results also suggest overland flow culminating in direct wellhead ingress as a primary ingress mechanism for resistant E. coli. Study findings may inform groundwater source protection initiatives and antimicrobial resistance surveillance moving forward.

Perovskite Solar Modules: Design Optimization.

The increasing demand for solar energy has led researchers worldwide to develop new photovoltaic technologies. Among these, perovskite materials are one of the most promising candidates, with a performance evolution unparalleled in the photovoltaic field. However, this thin-film technology is not yet available at a commercial level, mainly due to upscaling issues. This work studied the best design options for upscaling single cells into modules by minimizing electrical losses in the device substrates. The software LAOSS was used to test and optimize different substrate sizes and designs and to predict several performance outcomes from experimentally fabricated single cells. The results showed that it is possible to retain most of the energy production when upscaling from a single cell to a module if the appropriate design for an efficient monolithic device is used. The width of the interconnection zone also plays an important role in device performance and must be carefully optimized during module design. It then demonstrates the importance of having precise laser tools, which are essential for narrow and smooth scribes, and how useful simulation software can be, which, combined with experimental developments, will facilitate efficient module fabrication, aiming to establish it as a feasible and marketable resource.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Escherichia coli presence and magnitude across a national groundwater monitoring network, Republic of Ireland, 2011-2020.

Groundwater is a vital drinking water resource and its protection from microbiological contamination is paramount to safeguard public health. The Republic of Ireland (RoI) is characterised by the highest incidence of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) enteritis in the European Union (EU), linked to high reliance on unregulated groundwater sources (~16% of the population). Yet, the spatio-temporal factors influencing the frequency and magnitude of microbial contamination remain largely unknown, with past studies typically constrained to spatio-temporally 'limited' sampling campaigns. Accordingly, the current investigation sought to analyse an extensive spatially distributed time-series (2011-2020) of groundwater monitoring data in the RoI. The dataset, compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), showed 'high' contamination rates, with 66.7% (88/132) of supplies testing positive for E. coli, and 29.5% (39/132) exceeding concentrations of 10MPN/100 ml (i.e. gross contamination) at least once during the 10-year monitoring period. Seasonal decomposition analyses indicate that E. coli detection rates peak during late autumn/early winter, coinciding with increases in annual rainfall, while gross contamination peaks in spring (May) and late-summer (August), likely reflecting seasonal shifts in agricultural practices. Mixed effects logistic regression modelling indicates that monitoring sources located in karst limestone are statistically associated with E. coli presence (OR = 2.76, p = 0.03) and gross contamination (OR = 2.54, p = 0.037) when compared to poorly productive aquifers (i.e., transmissivity below 10m2/d). Moreover, 5-day and 30-day antecedent rainfall increased the likelihood of E. coli contamination (OR = 1.027, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.005, p = 0.016, respectively), with the former also being associated with gross contamination (OR = 1.042, p < 0.001). As such, it is inferred that preferential flow and direct ingress of surface runoff are the most likely ingress mechanisms associated with E. coli groundwater supply contamination. The results presented are expected to inform policy change around groundwater source protection and provide insight for the development of groundwater monitoring programmes in geologically heterogeneous regions.

Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Iceland-Family Perceived Support Questionnaire in Parents of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Condition.

The support from nurses perceived by family members of children with chronic conditions has been shown to be a protective factor at different levels in a family's health. As such, nurses need to have instruments that assess this perception to increase the quality of the care provided to those families. This methodological study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese translation of the Iceland-Family Perceived Support Questionnaire (ICE-FPSQ) in parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions. The ICE-FPSQ was administered to 237 parents recruited from the day hospital and outpatient services of four hospitals in Northern Portugal. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients for the Total Scale, Cognitive Support, and Emotional Support subscales were excellent (α = 0.96, α = 0.93, α = 0.96, respectively). Reasonable fit indexes were found by confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/df = 2.799; CFI = 0.960; PCFI = 0.791, and RMSEA = 0.087), indicating a good model fit to the original structure. The ICE-FPSQ is a valid and reliable instrument to measure perceived support.

Validation of the content of a children's game to promote the nursing profession.

OBJECTIVE: To validate content for an experimental game named Quantos Queres, using an origami, about the Nursing profession, for children from 7 to 12 years old. METHOD: Methodological study that included two groups of experts: A (n=7), B (n=40). Non-probabilistic sampling approach was used. We used a self-completion form, available by email and social networks, in Portugal, between February and April 2020. Acceptance decision established for 75% agreement. RESULTS: The groups were mostly composed by nurses. Group A identified the themes: professional profile, training, ethical principles, historical and symbolic elements and conceived the content of the statements in the form of questions and answers. In group B, agreement was higher than 75% in the areas and contents of the statements. CONCLUSION: The selection of content to integrate the game is essential. The agreement obtained shows the importance of the chosen themes and the adequacy to the purpose that will be tested later.

Effective bowel motion reduction in mouse abdominal MRI using hyoscine butylbromide.

PURPOSE: Bowel motion is a significant source of artifacts in mouse abdominal MRI. Fasting and administration of hyoscine butylbromide (BUSC) have been proposed for bowel motion reduction but with inconsistent results and limited efficacy assessments. Here, we evaluate these regimes for mouse abdominal MRI at high field. METHODS: Thirty-two adult C57BL/6J mice were imaged on a 9.4T scanner with a FLASH sequence, acquired over 90 min with ~19 s temporal resolution. During MRI acquisition, 8 mice were injected with a low-dose and 8 mice with a high-dose bolus of BUSC (0.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Eight mice were food deprived for 4.5-6.5 hours before MRI and another group of eight mice was injected with saline during MRI acquisition. Two expert readers reviewed the images and classified bowel motion, and quantitative voxel-wise analyses were performed for identification of moving regions. After defining the most effective protocol, high-resolution T2 -weighted and diffusion-weighted images were acquired from 4 mice. RESULTS: High-dose BUSC was the most effective protocol for bowel motion reduction, for up to 45 min. Fasting and saline protocols were not effective in suppressing bowel motion. High-resolution abdominal MRI clearly demonstrated improved image quality and ADC quantification with the high-dose BUSC protocol. CONCLUSION: Our data show that BUSC administration is advantageous for abdominal MRI in the mouse. Specifically, it endows significant bowel motion reduction, with relatively short onset timings after injection (~8.5 min) and relatively long duration of the effect (~45 min). These features improve the quality of high-resolution images of the mouse abdomen.

Planning for the health impacts of climate change: Flooding, private groundwater contamination and waterborne infection - A cross-sectional study of risk perception, experience and behaviours in the Republic of Ireland.

The frequency and severity of flooding events will increase over the coming decades due to global climate change. While close attention has typically been paid to infrastructural and environmental outcomes of flood events, the potential adverse human health consequences associated with post-event consumption from private groundwater sources have received minimal attention, leading to a poor understanding of private well users' preparedness and the drivers of positive behavioural adoption. The current study sought to quantify the capacity of private well users to cope with flood-triggered contamination risks and identify the social psychological determinants of proactive attitudes in the Republic of Ireland, using a cross-sectional questionnaire incorporating two distinct models of health behaviour, the Health Belief Model and Risk-Attitude-Norms-Ability-Self Regulation model. Adoption of healthy behaviours prior to flooding was evaluated with respect to respondents' risk exposure, risk experience and risk perception, in addition to systematic supply stewardship under normal conditions. Associations between adoption of protective behaviours and perception, experience and socio-demographic factors were evaluated through multinomial and multiple logistic regressions, while a multi-model inferential approach was employed with the predictors of health behaviour models. Findings suggest that floods are not considered likely to occur, nor were respondents worried about their occurrence, with 72.5% of respondents who reported previous flooding experience failing to adopt protective actions. Prior experience of well water contamination increased adoption of proactive attitudes when flooding occurred (+47%), with a failure to adopt healthy behaviours higher among rural non-agricultural residents (136%). Low levels of preparedness to deal with flood-related contamination risks are a side-effect of the general lack of appropriate well stewardship under normal conditions; just 10.1% of respondents adopted both water treatment and frequent testing, in concurrence with limited risk perception and poor awareness of the nexus between risk factors (e.g. floods, contamination sources) and groundwater quality. Perceived risk, personal norms and social norms were the best predictors of protective behaviour adoption and should be considered when developing future awareness campaigns.

Validation of the content of a children's game to promote the nursing profession / Validación del contenido de un juego para niños para promover la profesión de enfermería / Validação do conteúdo de um jogo para crianças para promover a profissão de enfemagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate content for an experimental game named Quantos Queres, using an origami, about the Nursing profession, for children from 7 to 12 years old. Method: Methodological study that included two groups of experts: A (n=7), B (n=40). Non-probabilistic sampling approach was used. We used a self-completion form, available by email and social networks, in Portugal, between February and April 2020. Acceptance decision established for 75% agreement. Results: The groups were mostly composed by nurses. Group A identified the themes: professional profile, training, ethical principles, historical and symbolic elements and conceived the content of the statements in the form of questions and answers. In group B, agreement was higher than 75% in the areas and contents of the statements. Conclusion: The selection of content to integrate the game is essential. The agreement obtained shows the importance of the chosen themes and the adequacy to the purpose that will be tested later.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Validar lo contenido de un juego experimental, llamado Quantos Queres, basado en el origami, sobre la profesión de enfermera, para niños de 7 a 12 años. Método: Estudio metodológico, incluyó dos grupos de expertos: A (n=7), B (n=40). Muestreo no probabilístico. Formulario disponible por correo electrónico y redes sociales, en Portugal, entre febrero-abril de 2020. La aceptación se estableció para una concordancia del 75%. Resultados: Grupos compuestos en su mayoría por enfermeras. El Grupo A identificó los temas: perfil profesional, formación, principios éticos, elementos históricos y simbólicos y diseñó el contenido de las declaraciones en forma de preguntas y respuestas. Grupo B obtuvo más de un 75% de acuerdo sobre las áreas y el contenido de las declaraciones. Conclusión: La selección del contenido a integrar en el juego es fundamental. El acuerdo obtenido evidencia la importancia de los temas elegidos y la adecuación al propósito que será probado posteriormente.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar conteúdo para um jogo experimental, designado por Quantos Queres, utilizando um origami, sobre a profissão de Enfermagem, para crianças dos 7 aos 12 anos. Método: Estudo metodológico, incluiu dois grupos de peritos: A (n=7), B (n=40). Amostragem não probabilística. Utilizado formulário de autopreenchimento, disponibilizado por e-mail e redes sociais, em Portugal, entre fevereiro e abril de 2020. Decisão de aceitação estabelecida para 75% de concordância. Resultados: Os grupos foram majoritariamente constituídos por enfermeiras. Grupo A identificou as temáticas: perfil profissional, formação, princípios éticos, elementos históricos e simbólicos e concebeu o conteúdo dos enunciados em forma de perguntas e respostas. No grupo B obteve-se a concordância superior a 75% nas áreas e nos conteúdos dos enunciados. Conclusão: A seleção do conteúdo a integrar o jogo é fundamental. A concordância obtida evidencia a importância dos temas eleitos e a adequação à finalidade que será testada posteriormente.

Conditioning regimen intensity and low-dose azacitidine maintenance after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.

Azacitidine (AZA) maintenance following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may reduce relapse risk and improve survival. Given logistic and toxicity-related challenges, identifying subgroups appropriate for this approach is an unmet need. Using data from two centers, we retrospectively compared event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of AML and MDS patients who received AZA maintenance (n = 59) with historic controls (n = 90). Controls were selected according to the following criteria: no death, relapse, or Grade III-IV acute GVHD for 100 days after transplant. In multivariable analysis, AZA maintenance yielded significantly improved EFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.011). Outcomes differed according to regimen intensity. For reduced-intensity transplant, EFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.004) were significantly improved and equivalent to myeloablative transplant. A significant benefit following myeloablative transplant was not observed. Within the limitation of its retrospective nature, this study suggests that AZA maintenance improves outcomes following reduced-intensity HCT, comparable to myeloablative HCT.

Gender-Related Differences in Flood Risk Perception and Behaviours among Private Groundwater Users in the Republic of Ireland.

Extreme weather events including flooding can have severe personal, infrastructural, and economic consequences, with recent evidence pointing to surface flooding as a pathway for the microbial contamination of private groundwater supplies. There is a pressing need for increasingly focused information and awareness campaigns to highlight the risks posed by extreme weather events and appropriate subsequent post-event actions. To date, little is known about the presence, directionality or magnitude of gender-related differences regarding flood risk awareness and behaviour among private groundwater users, a particularly susceptible sub-population due to an overarching paucity of infrastructural regulation across many regions. The current study investigated gender-related differences in flood risk perception and associated mitigation behaviours via a cross-sectional, national survey of 405 (168 female, 237 male) private groundwater supply users. The developed survey instrument assessed socio-demographic profile, previous flood experience, experiential and conjectural health behaviours (contingent on previous experience), and Risk, Attitude, Norms, Ability, Self-regulation (RANAS) framework questions. Statistically significant gender differences were found between both 'Norm-Descriptive' and 'Ability-Self-efficacy' RANAS elements (p < 0.05). Female respondents reported a lower level of awareness of the need for post-flood action(s) (8.9% vs. 16.5%), alongside a perceived "lack of information" as a reason for not testing their domestic well (4.9% vs. 11.5%). Conversely, male respondents were more likely to report awareness of their well location in relation to possible contamination sources (96.6% vs. 89.9%) and awareness of previous water testing results (98.9% vs. 93.0%). Gender-related gaps exist within the studied private groundwater reliant cohort, a sub-population which has to date remained under-studied within the context of climate change and extreme weather events. Accordingly, findings suggest that gender-focused communication and education may represent an effective tool for protecting current and future generations of global groundwater users.

Happiness as a strength in the promotion of adolescent and adult young health.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the relation between sociodemographic characteristics of young people associated with the subjectivity of being happy; to evaluate the relationship between the subjectivity of being happy and the perception of health status; to evaluate the relationship between the subjectivity of being happy and the school and family environments and peer groups at school. METHODS: this is an observational study, with an intentional sample of 1,069 young Portuguese people, with ages varying from 14 to 24, most of them women, attending secondary education. The self-filling questionnaire was used. RESULTS: there are statistically significant associations between the subjectivity of being happy and schooling, perception of health status, family APGAR, school and family involvement, absence of problems or teasing by peers at school. CONCLUSIONS: a positive and holistic care coupled with the potential of obtaining and consolidating healthy lifestyles for young people will enable health professionals to perceive them as agents of individual and social change.

Tailoring the Anodic Hafnium Oxide Morphology Using Different Organic Solvent Electrolytes.

Highly ordered anodic hafnium oxide (AHO) nanoporous or nanotubes were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Hf foils. The growth of self-ordered AHO was investigated by optimizing a key electrochemical anodization parameter, the solvent-based electrolyte using: Ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formamide and N-methylformamide organic solvents. The electrolyte solvent is here shown to highly affect the morphological properties of the AHO, namely the self-ordering, growth rate and length. As a result, AHO nanoporous and nanotubes arrays were obtained, as well as other different shapes and morphologies, such as nanoneedles, nanoflakes and nanowires-agglomerations. The intrinsic chemical-physical properties of the electrolyte solvents (solvent type, dielectric constant and viscosity) are at the base of the properties that mainly affect the AHO morphology shape, growth rate, final thickness and porosity, for the same anodization voltage and time. We found that the interplay between the dielectric and viscosity constants of the solvent electrolyte is able to tailor the anodic oxide growth from continuous-to-nanoporous-to-nanotubes.

Sentimentos de tristeza e desesperança em jovens portugueses / Sadness and hopelessness feelings in Portuguese youngers

Introduction: Sadness as a basic of the human being emotion. It can be associated with the intrinsic of the younger's characteristics and their context. It may manifest as discouragement, unwillingness to perform routine and social activities, low self-esteem or aloneness. Hopelessness arises when there is no sight of possibilities, confi-dence in others or future, enthusiasm for life being. That can inhibit the set goals and energy mobilization. These feelings may be signs of more complex problems, such as depressive disorders when associated with loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite, sleep and concentration and suicidal ideation thoughts. Aims: To identify the sadness and hopelessness feelings perceived by the younger ́s and the associations between these feelings and demographic, educational and family characteristics. Method: Descriptive correlational study with 1377 Portuguese younger ́s, which go into high school, aged 14-21 years, average age 17 years and mostly female. Was used the survey "Comportamentos de saúde, comportamentos de risco e envolvimento dos jovens com a escola e a família". Results: Sadness and hopelessness were not noticed by most younger ́s. However, there is a higher risk in younger's with negative school performance, who relate good relationship with colleagues, have never felt threatened by their colleagues, when they become involved with school and family and even if they are perceived the family as functional. Conclusions: Health professionals should identify early, value feelings of sadness and hopelessness in younger ́s and have a transdisciplinary and inclusive practice in health education, in school and family contexts

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