Needs and preferences regarding a mobile application to support diabetic foot self-care

OBJECTIVE

To identify the needs and preferences of individuals with type 2 diabetes regarding the functionalities and characteristics for a mobile application to support foot self-care.

METHOD

Qualitative research with 16 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes recruited during clinical care at a university hospital in Porto, Portugal. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews between March and June 2022 and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Three categories and nine subcategories were identified. Categories included informational needs, essential functionalities for foot health self-care, and user-relevant experience. The preference for objective, limited data input, flexible, and customizable applications was an important factor influencing technology engagement.

CONCLUSION

The research highlighted a preference for customizable and flexible applications, aiding nurses in creating solutions that transform care delivery and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.

Nurses' perception of the impact of professional development sessions on their pre-hospital clinical practice with trauma victims

Background

Continuing education is important for the quality of clinical practice because it complements it and focuses primarily on producing qualified pre-hospital nurses with operationally defined competence in nursing standards. The objective of this study was to assess pre-hospital nurses' opinion of the impact of professional development sessions on their clinical practice.

Method

A descriptive and quantitative study was carried out involving Portuguese pre-hospital nurses. Six professional development sessions were presented in 2020 to pre-hospital registered nurses in four of Portugal's main cities. To collect the data, at the end of each session, we apply a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. This data collection instrument consists of 11 questions, six designed to evaluate the session and five designed to evaluate the trainer responsible for the session. A five-point Likert scale was used for each question, where 1 corresponds to very dissatisfied and 5 to extremely satisfied.

Results

Two hundred and two nurses, which represents 55% of all Portuguese pre-hospital nurses, took part in the assessment of the professional development sessions. The nurses were from the Northern region of Portugal (51%; n = 102), the Centre region (29%; n = 59) and the Southern region of Portugal (20%; n = 41). Nurses found the session extremely satisfactory. All the assessment scores ranged between 4.4 and 4.7 points, on a scale of 1 to 5. 76.2% of the participants considered that the knowledge acquired could have a major impact [score = 5] on their future clinical practice. The majority of pre-hospital nurses (96.5%) felt that the session could have a major impact [score = 5; 76.2%, n = 154] or a very important impact [score = 4; 20.3%, n = 41] on their clinical practice.

Conclusion

The professional development sessions provide pre-hospital nurses with the latest research findings and the majority of nurses considered that the training had a huge impact on their clinical practice. However, it is important that future research aims to explore the cause-effect relationship between training and improved clinical practice.

Individuals' attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey

BACKGROUND

The literature is consensual regarding the academic community exhibiting higher levels of mental disorder prevalence than the general population. The potential of digital mental health apps for improving access to resources to cope with these issues is ample. However, studies have yet to be performed in Portugal on individuals' attitudes and perceptions toward digital mental health applications or their preferences and decision drivers on obtaining mental health care, self-assessment, or treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the determinants of digital mental health applications use in the Portuguese academic community of Porto, along with potential adoption barriers and enablers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was delivered via dynamic email to the University of Porto's academic community. Data collection occurred between September 20 and October 20, 2022. We used structural equation modeling to build three models, replicating a peer-reviewed and published study and producing a newly full mediation model shaped by the collected data. We tested the relationships between use of digital mental health apps and perceived stress, perceived need to seek help for mental health, perceived stigma, past use of mental health services, privacy concerns, and social influence.

RESULTS

Of the 539 participants, 169 (31.4%) reported having used digital mental health apps. Perceived stress and a latent variable, comprising perceptions of mental health problems and coping strategies, were positively associated with mental health app use, while privacy concerns regarding one's information being accessible to others were negatively associated. Perceived stigma, need to seek help, and close relationships did not have a statistically significant direct effect.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings can inform product and policy development of new, better-targeted digital mental health app interventions, with implications for researchers and academia, industry, and policymakers. Our study concludes that, to maximize adherence to these apps, they should have low to no financial charges, demonstrate evidence of their helpfulness and focus on the timely delivery of care. We also conclude that to foster digital mental health app use, there is a need to improve mental health literacy, namely regarding self-awareness of one's conditions, acceptable stress levels, and overall behavior towards mental health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

RR2-10.2196/41040.

The Portuguese mertolenga cattle breed: a review

This review summarizes the state of the art regarding the phylogenetic origins, recent history and present-day main traits and uses of the Mertolenga cattle breed from Southern Portugal, particularly those related to production performances and product quality. Named after the historical city of Mértola, in southern Portugal, the Mertolenga is one of the fifteen autochthonous bovine breeds of Portugal. It is a cattle breed thoroughly adapted to the poor Mediterranean pastures of the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula. It is used predominantly in an extensive to semi-intensive sylvopastoral production system called montado, where pastures are combined with helm and cork trees. Its productive traits allow for a good adaptation to the intense dry heat and pasture shortage during the summer, and compensatory growth in autumn and spring, when pastures regenerate. They are small to medium sized animals, with well-balanced bodies, roan, red, or, less often, red-spotted coats, and known for their nervous temperament. Although this breed experienced a severe decline in numbers in the 1970s and classified as endangered in the 1990s, the work of a few breeders led to the establishment of larger Mertolenga breed inventories, starting from a limited base. For this reason, the entire breed has today a strong influence from a very few herds and sires. Reproduction is still mostly achieved using natural mating, and the males are often kept with the breeding females all year long. It is a heterogeneous breed both phenotypically and genetically. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed the Mertolenga as a one of the most genetically diverse breeds in the country and in the Iberian Peninsula and helped classify this breed, once believed to be a variety of the Alentejana breed. These studies also showed genetic relations with other breeds in the Iberian Peninsula. Mertolenga beef currently benefits from several certifications, the most important one being the PDO - Protected Denomination of Origin.

Association between Urinary Sodium Excretion and Body Fat in School-Aged Children: Insights from the ARIA Study

Childhood obesity has been associated with increased sodium intake. Nonetheless, evidence linking sodium intake to Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Mass Percentage (%BF) remains limited, especially in the pediatric age group. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether there is an association between 24 h urinary sodium excretion with BMI and %BF in a sample group of children from the ARIA study. This cross-sectional analysis included 303 children aged 7 to 12 from across 20 public schools in Porto, Portugal. Weight and %BF were assessed using the Tanita™ BC-418 Segmental Body Analyzer. Children's Total Energy Intake (TEI) was estimated through a single 24 h Recall Questionnaire, and urinary sodium and potassium excretion was estimated by a 24 h urine collection. The association of %BF and BMI with 24 h sodium excretion was estimated by a binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, physical activity, total energy intake, parental education, and 24 h urinary excreted potassium. There was a significant positive association between higher levels of urinary sodium excretion and higher %BF values, even after adjusting for confounders. However, the same was not observed for BMI. Our findings suggest that higher sodium intake is associated with higher values of %BF among children, regardless of TEI and potassium intake.

Barriers to research in family medicine-interviews with Portuguese family physician researchers

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a deeper understanding of the barriers to research in family medicine (FM) and to consider the perceptions and perspectives of professionals. Our study aims to provide a strategic view for research capacity building in FM. We included the perspective of family physician researchers (FPR) on the existing barriers to investigation in this context.

OBJECTIVES

To understand and characterize the barriers to research in FM (personal and structural), from the perspective of Portuguese family physicians who are researchers.

METHODS

A qualitative study, of phenomenological nature, was performed, through the conduction of semi-structured interviews with FPR, from 2019 to 2022. Data analysis and thematic coding were done on MAxQDA®, with inductive and deductive approaches, until data saturation was reached.

RESULTS

A total of 12 family physicians/researchers were interviewed. Seven main themes were identified as barriers to research: time, professional valorization, funding, ethics committees, infrastructure, management/institutions, and participants. Each theme is divided into subthemes that make it possible to assess how a barrier can affect researchers in performing research activities.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the identification of 7 main barriers. Structuring them into sub-themes not only improved the organization of our results but also provided robust support for the next phase, namely the application of a survey with the aim of gaining a deeper insight into the repercussions that these barriers to FPR have at a national level. This research is crucial to laying the foundations for a policy document that offers well-defined and tailored recommendations to address the barriers we have uncovered.

Exploring Lifestyle Factors and Treatment Adherence among Older Adults with Hypertension Attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a Rural Area of Central Portugal

This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to characterize a sample of hypertensive older adults attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a rural area of central Portugal according to their lifestyle and to analyze the impact of lifestyles on treatment adherence. The sample comprised 235 Portuguese hypertense patients, mainly females (63.8%) with a mean age of 75 years (±8.14 years) and low level of education. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, dietary variables, an Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version), a Nutrition Health Determination Questionnaire, a Self-Care with Hypertension Scale, and an Adherence to Treatments Measurement Scale. Only 34.5% of the hypertensive patients have controlled blood pressure values (28.2% men and 38% women). However, more than half (56.2%) of the hypertensive patients are classified as adherent to therapeutic measures. The hypertensive individuals, who present higher levels of adherence to the treatment, do not present alcohol dependence, are frequent consumers of aromatic herbs, sporadically consume salt, present good nutritional health, and practice moderate physical activity. The predictor variables for treatment adherence are the self-care dimensions general dietary (p = 0.001), specific dietary (p = 0.034), physical activity (p = 0.031), and antihypertensive medication intake (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients with healthier lifestyles present better levels of treatment adherence. Therefore, promoting physical activity and healthy dietary practices is necessary to improve treatment adherence and increase antihypertensive treatment's effectiveness.

Fisheries Inspection in Portuguese Waters from 2015 to 2023

As a coastal state, Portugal must ensure active surveillance over its maritime area, ensuring its proper control and inspection. One of the most critical inspection activities is the fishery inspection. To protect biodiversity, we must ensure that all the ships comply with the existing safety regulations and respect the current fishing quotas. This georeferenced dataset describes the fisheries inspections done in Portuguese waters between 2015 and 2023. Since we are dealing with occurrences that may have originated some legal process to the ship's owner, we have ensured data anonymization by pre-processing the dataset to maintain its accuracy while guaranteeing no unique identifiers exist. All the pre-processing performed to ensure data consistency and accuracy is described in detail to allow a quick analysis and implementation of new algorithms. The data containing the results of these inspections can be easily analyzed to implement data mining algorithms that can efficiently retrieve more knowledge and, e.g., suggest new areas of actuation or new strategies.

Mediterranean Diet Favors Vitamin K Intake: A Descriptive Study in a Mediterranean Population

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved longevity and the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs). Vitamin K, which is present in MD core components such as leafy green vegetables, is also known as a protective factor for CIDs. Estimates of vitamin K intake in Mediterranean settings are still scarce, and the association between MD and vitamin K intake is yet to be established. This study analyzed vitamin K intake and MD adherence in the Algarve region, in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonrandom sample of adults using an online questionnaire which included a validated food-frequency questionnaire and a screener for MD adherence. A total of 238 participants were recruited (68% women and 32% men). Adherence to the MD was low (11%). Only 10% of the participants had vitamin K intake below the adequate intake. Adherence to the MD was positively correlated with vitamin K intake (r = 0.463; p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.223; p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of promoting adherence to the MD for optimal vitamin K intake, and future research should focus on developing effective interventions to promote this dietary pattern, particularly among younger individuals and men.

[Assisting diabetics in Portugal: the structuring role of the Association to Protect Poor Diabetics, 1926-1946]

Assistance to diabetics in Portugal was quintessentially linked to the 1926 foundation of the Association to Protect Poor Diabetics (Associação Protetora dos Diabéticos Pobres) which was decisive in structuring diabetology in Portugal. This article shows how during the first half of the twentieth century, this association helped create a model of assistance for diabetics in this country based on the principles of modern diabetology. First, we examine its functional and clinical organization to comply with assistance policy during the New State period in Portugal. Next, we depict the organization of the assistance model, which included treatment and education of poor patients with diabetes.

Beyond Work: The Role of "Family-Friendly" Practices in the Subjective Well-Being of Teleworkers and On-Site Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telework emerged as a pivotal strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, telework's feasibility was contingent on job roles. This gave rise to two distinct groups: teleworkers and on-site workers. However, the impacts of social support and well-being extended to both groups. This study investigated the link between organisational and supervisory family support and subjective well-being, examining work engagement as a mediator. Conducted in Portugal, this cross-sectional study surveyed 515 individuals via web-based questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and multiple-group analysis. The findings revealed a positive correlation between perceived organisational family support (POFS) and work engagement for both groups. Additionally, perceived supervisory family support (PSFS) positively correlated with work engagement for telecommuters but not on-site workers. Furthermore, work engagement was positively associated with subjective well-being for both groups. Moreover, work engagement mediated the relationship between POFS and subjective well-being. This study enriches the literature by analysing POFS, PSFS, work engagement, and subjective well-being dynamics among teleworkers and on-site employees.

Attitudes of the Portuguese population towards advance directives: an online survey

BACKGROUND

Advance directives (ADs) were implemented in Portugal in 2012. Although more than a decade has passed since Law 25/2012 came into force, Portuguese people have very low levels of adherence. In this context, this study aimed to identify and analyse the attitudes of people aged 18 or older living in Portugal towards ADs and to determine the relationships between sociodemographic variables (gender/marital status/religion/level of education/residence/whether they were a health professional/whether they had already drawn up a living will) and people's attitudes towards ADs.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a convenience sample. For this purpose, a request (email) that publicized the link to a -form-which included sociodemographic data and the General Public Attitudes Toward Advance Care Directives (GPATACD) scale-was sent to 28 higher education institutions and 30 senior universities, covering all of mainland Portugal and the islands (Azores and Madeira). The data were collected between January and February 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 950 adults from completed the online form. The lower scores (mean 1 and 2) obtained in most responses by applying the GPATACD scale show that the sample of the Portuguese population has a very positive attitude towards ADs. The data showed that women, agnostics/atheists, health professionals and those who had already made a living will had more positive attitudes (p < 0.001) towards ADs. There were no statistically significant differences in the attitudes of the Portuguese population sample towards ADs in relation to marital status, education level, and residence.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained enable us to confirm that this sample of the Portuguese population has a positive attitude towards ADs. We verify that there are certain fringes of this sample with certain sociodemographic characteristics (women, agnostics/atheists, health professionals and those who had already made a living will) that have a more positive attitude towards ADs. This data could facilitate the implementation and adjustment of relevant measures, particularly in the field of health education and aimed at groups with less favourable attitudes, to increase the effectiveness of voluntary exercise of citizens' autonomy in end-of-life care planning.

Portuguese observational cross-sectional clinical imaging study protocol to investigate central dopaminergic mechanisms of successful weight loss through bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery (BS) is the treatment of choice for refractory obesity. Although weight loss (WL) reduces the prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities, not all patients maintain it. It has been suggested that central mechanisms involving dopamine receptors may play a role in successful WL. This protocol describes an observational cross-sectional study to test if the binding of central dopamine receptors is similar in individuals who responded successfully to BS and age- and gender-matched normal-weight healthy individuals (controls). As secondary goals, the protocol will investigate if this binding correlates with key parameters such as age, hormonal status, anthropometric metrics and neurobehavioural scores. Finally, as exploratory goals, we will include a cohort of individuals with obesity before and after BS to explore whether obesity and type of BS (sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) yield distinct binding values and track central dopaminergic changes resulting from BS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To address the major research question of this observational study, positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride will be used to map brain dopamine type 2 and 3 receptors (D2/3R) non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) of individuals who have successfully responded to BS. Mean regional D2/3R BPND values will be compared with control individuals by two one-sided test approaches. The sample size (23 per group) was estimated to demonstrate the equivalence between two independent group means. In addition, these binding values will be correlated with key parameters to address secondary goals. Finally, for exploratory analysis, these values will be compared within the same individuals (before and after BS) and between individuals with obesity and controls and types of BS.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The project and informed consent received ethical approval from the Faculty of Medicine and the Coimbra University Hospital ethics committees. Results will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Streptomyces profundus sp. nov., a novel marine actinobacterium isolated from deep-sea sediment of Madeira Archipelago, Portugal

A novel strain, MA3_2.13T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment of Madeira Archipelago, Portugal, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. This strain produced dark brown soluble pigments, bronwish black substrate mycelia and an aerial mycelium with yellowish white spores, when grown on GYM 50SW agar. The main respiratory quinones were MK-10(H4), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8). Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and two glycophospholipids were identified as the main phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 1, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 1 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene showed that strain MA3_2.13T is a member of the genus Streptomyces and was most closely related to Streptomyces triticirhizae NEAU-YY642T (NR_180032.1; 16S rRNA gene similarity 97.9 %), Streptomyces sedi YIM 65188T (NR_044582.1; 16S rRNA gene similarity 97.4 %), Streptomyces mimosae 3MP-10T (NR_170412.1; 16S rRNA gene similarity 97.3 %) and Streptomyces zhaozhouensis NEAU-LZS-5T (NR_133874.1; 16S rRNA gene similarity 97.0 %). Genome pairwise comparisons with closest related type strains retrieved values below the threshold for species delineation suggesting that strain MA3_2.13T represents a new branch within the genus Streptomyces. Based on these results, strain MA3_2.13T (=DSM 115980T=LMG 33094T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces profundus sp. nov. is proposed.

Smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: MR imaging malignant predictive features-a 12-year analysis in a referral hospital in Portugal

PURPOSE

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that may help distinguish leiomyosarcomas from atypical leiomyomas (those presenting hyperintensity on T2-W images equal or superior to 50% compared to the myometrium).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective single-centre study that included a total of 57 women diagnosed with smooth muscle tumour of the uterus, who were evaluated with pelvic MRI, between January 2009 and March 2020. All cases had a histologically proven diagnosis (31 Atypical Leiomyomas-ALM; 26 Leiomyosarcomas-LMS). The MRI features evaluated in this study included: age at presentation, dimension, contours, intra-tumoral haemorrhagic areas, T2-WI heterogeneity, T2-WI dark areas, flow voids, cyst areas, necrosis, restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, signal intensity and heterogeneity after contrast administration in T1-WI, presence and location of unenhanced areas. The association between the MRI characteristics and the histological subtype was evaluated using Chi-Square and ANOVA tests.

RESULTS

The MRI parameters that showed a statistically significance correlation with malignant histology and thus most strongly associated with LMS were found to be: irregular contours (p < 0.001), intra-tumoral haemorrhagic areas (p = 0.028), T2-WI dark areas (p = 0.016), high signal intensity after contrast administration (p = 0.005), necrosis (p = 0.001), central location for unenhanced areas (p = 0.026), and ADC value lower than 0.88 × 10-3 mm2/s (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

With our work, we demonstrate the presence of seven MRI features that are statistically significant in differentiating between LMS and ALM.

Eltrombopag Use in Children with Persistent and Chronic Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia in a Portuguese Pediatric Center

N/a.

A report on a survey among Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology associates regarding ionizing radiation protection practices in national interventional cath-labs

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Concerns surrounding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have increased in interventional cardiology (IC). Despite this, the ever-growing complexity of diseases as well as procedures can lead to greater exposure to radiation. The aim of this survey, led by Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (APIC), was to evaluate the level of awareness and current practices on IR protection among its members.

METHODS

An online survey was emailed to all APIC members, between August and November 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions focusing on knowledge and measures of IR protection in the catheterization laboratory. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

From a response rate of 46.9%, the study obtained a total sample of 159 responses (156 selected for analysis). Most survey respondents (66.0%) were unaware of the radiation exposure category, and only 60.4% reported systematically using a dosimeter. A large majority (90.4%) employed techniques to minimize exposure to radiation. All participants used personal protective equipment, despite eyewear protection only being used frequently by 49.2% of main operators. Ceiling suspended shields and table protectors were often used. Only two-thirds were familiar with the legally established limit on radiation doses for workers or the dose that should trigger patient follow-up. Most of the survey respondents had a non-certified training in IR procedures and only 32.0% had attended their yearly occupational health consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety methods and protective equipment are largely adopted among interventional cardiologists, who have shown some IR awareness. Despite this, there is room for improvement, especially concerning the use of eyewear protection, monitoring, and certification.

First record of the great barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda (Perciformes, Sphyraenidae), in the Azores, north-east Atlantic

One individual of Sphyraena barracuda was collected on August 5, 2023, in the northern coast of Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, by spearfishing. In this note, we report this first record and discuss the occurrence, which represents the northernmost one in the north-east Atlantic.

Strategies to Reduce the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Children in Portugal: Results from the Focus Group RSV Think Tank

N/a.

Strategic Communication for Local Public Health Services in Portugal: A Delphi Study

INTRODUCTION

Strategic communication plays a decisive role in public health planning and project implementation. However, Portuguese Local Public Health Units, which are responsible for community interventions, still lack guidance models, tools, specialized resources, and training in health communication. The aim of this study was to develop a conceptual model of strategic organizational communication for local public health services, in Portugal.

METHODS

This study presents a conceptual model of strategic organizational communication for Local Public Health Units, which was developed through a three-round, modified Delphi online panel. Thirty-seven Portuguese specialists in public health, communication, and community members were invited to analyse a proposed framework, based on an up-to-date literature review. High retention rates were observed in all rounds (first = 22 valid participations; second = 21 valid participations; third = 18 valid participations).

RESULTS

Most participants believed that Portuguese Public Health Units were not prepared to communicate effectively and that they would benefit from adequate planning and identification of a communication lead or team. Websites and social media were also identified as essential for effective communication. The validated conceptual model integrated different partners in health and in the community, with emphasis on the relationships with the national network of health authorities, other Public Health Units, primary health care units, municipalities, and schools. The preferred channels identified for communicating with these partners included interpersonal relationships, email, and mobile phone. No consensus was obtained for preferred communication channels between Local Public Health Units and the media.

CONCLUSION

Strategic planning based on the proposed conceptual model involving different stakeholders, has potential to improve the effectiveness of internal and external communication and facilitate the implementation of public health programs and projects. The proposed model needs to be validated in Local Public Health Units, considering the potential human, material, and financial constraints.

Battles of the Soul: Validation of the Scale of Religious and Spiritual Struggles (RSS) for the Portuguese Population

This study aims to adapt and validate the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale for the Portuguese population. The sample consisted of 732 participants with various religious affiliations. The exploratory factor analysis showed that it consists of six dimensions, similar to the initial instrument. A KMO of 0.91 was obtained. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the existence of six factors and showed adequate fit indices. Internal consistency and construct reliability were above 0.70. The analysis of the psychometric qualities of this instrument indicates that it can be applied to the Portuguese population and is a valuable instrument for psychotherapeutic practice and studies in the psychology of religion and spirituality.

Factors behind the Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats by their Guardians in Portugal

In Portugal, the relinquishment of dogs and cats is a major problem. Thus, the authors developed a questionnaire to understand the factors influencing the relinquishment of companion animals in Portugal. With a view to analyze the factors behind relinquishment by companion animal guardians, the authors analyzed surveys completed by 72 participants, divided into two groups: REL (relinquisher, n = 36), i.e., guardians who had relinquished a companion animal and NREL (non-relinquisher, n = 36) i.e., guardians who had never relinquished a companion animal. The only significant factors for the REL group were the presence of children and the type of dwelling (apartment). Additionally, the duration of guardianship of the companion animal before relinquishment (REL group) was significantly shorter if there were children in the household than if there were no children.

Comparing AGS Beers 2019, STOPP version 2, and EU(7)-PIM list in Portuguese older adults in primary health care

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify PIM prevalence in older adults according to the 2019 Beers criteria, Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions version 2 (STOPP v2) criteria, and the Portuguese EU(7)-PIM list and also to analyze the concordance between these criteria.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted among 1200 Portuguese older adults (≥ 65 years old), users of primary health care. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacological data were collected concerning the period between April 2021 and August 2022. A comparative analysis was performed between the three PIM identification criteria, and the concordance was determined according to the Lin concordance correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The mean age was 76.3 (SD 7.7) years old and 57.6% of the older adults were females. Our findings indicate varying prevalence rates among these criteria with 63.8% (95% CI 61.0-66.6%), 66.8% (95% CI 64.1-69.5%), and 50.1% (95% CI 47.2-53.0%) of the older adults take at least one PIM according to the EU(7)-PIM list, Beers 2019, and STOPP v2 criteria, respectively. The highest prevalence observed was for proton pump inhibitors according to EU(7)-PIM list (30.1%, 95% CI 27.6-32.9) and Beers criteria (30.1%, 95% CI 27.6-32.9) and alprazolam according to STOPP v2 criteria (10.1%, 95% CI 8.4-11.9%). A poor concordance between criteria was observed (< 0.834). The highest concordance coefficient was found between the EU(7)-PIM list and the Beers criteria (0.833), and the lowest between the EU(7)-PIM list and STOPP criteria (0.735).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals varying prevalence rates of PIM in older adults, as assessed by different criteria, and highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved prescribing practices. In the future, studies should focus on the occurrence of negative outcomes in older adults associated with PIM consumption.

María Teresa Miras Portugal: a pioneer for vesicular nucleotide storage

Chromaffin granules are secretory granules present in adrenal medulla chromaffin cells. They contain high contents of catecholamines and nucleotides and have been regarded as a model system for the study of vesicular transmitter uptake and release. In 1988, Dr. María Teresa Miras Portugal, when studying catecholamine biosynthesis, detected a novel group of nucleotides, the diadenosine polyphosphates, in the adrenal chromaffin granules. Based on this finding, she unraveled the existence of diadenosine polyphosphate-mediated chemical transmission, leading to a paradigm shift in the field of purinergic signaling. She is also a pioneer in the studies on vesicular nucleotide storage. First, María Teresa and her group characterized nucleotide transport in chromaffin granules and synaptic vesicles using fluorescent nucleotide derivatives such as 1, N6-ethenoadenosine triphosphates. Then, they revealed the presence of a hypothetical vesicular nucleotide transporter with unique properties in terms of substrate specificity. In this article, we will describe her contributions to vesicular nucleotide storage and the foundations she laid for future studies.