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OBJECTIVE: To validate a questionnaire to assess the impact of dementia on one of the household members. METHODS: Methodological study. The instrument was designed based on literature review, expert opinion, and researchers' experience and then applied to a non-probability convenience sample consisting of 262 family members who live daily with a person with dementia. The construct validity was studied by exploratory factor analysis, principal components method, with varimax rotation of the items. RESULTS: An instrument with 30 items was obtained, distributed in four dimensions: "Emotional dimension," "Economic dimension," "Family relations dimension," and "Support-seeking dimension." Factor analysis revealed a total explained variance of 54.96% and a total Cronbach's alpha of .899. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument presents high internal consistency, grouped into four dimensions, all closely related to the family's adaptation to the onset of dementia in one of its members.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To validate a questionnaire to assess the impact of dementia on one of the household members. Methods: Methodological study. The instrument was designed based on literature review, expert opinion, and researchers' experience and then applied to a non-probability convenience sample consisting of 262 family members who live daily with a person with dementia. The construct validity was studied by exploratory factor analysis, principal components method, with varimax rotation of the items. Results: An instrument with 30 items was obtained, distributed in four dimensions: "Emotional dimension," "Economic dimension," "Family relations dimension," and "Support-seeking dimension." Factor analysis revealed a total explained variance of 54.96% and a total Cronbach's alpha of .899. Conclusions: The instrument presents high internal consistency, grouped into four dimensions, all closely related to the family's adaptation to the onset of dementia in one of its members.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Validar encuesta de evaluación del impacto de la demencia en uno de los miembros del agregado familiar. Métodos: Estudio metodológico. El instrumento fue construido basado en la revisión de la literatura, opinión de peritos y experiencia de los investigadores y, en seguida, aplicado a una muestra no probabilística de conveniencia constituida por 262 familiares que cohabitan diariamente con una persona con demencia. La validez de constructo fue estudiada por análisis factorial exploratorio, método de los componentes principales, con rotación varimax de los ítems. Resultados: Obtuvo un instrumento con 30 ítems, distribuidos en cuatro dimensiones: "Emocional", "Económica", "Relaciones familiares" y "Búsqueda de soporte". El análisis factorial reveló variancia explicada total de 54.96% y alfa de Cronbach total de .899. Conclusiones: El instrumento presenta consistencia interna elevada agrupándose en cuatro dimensiones, todas íntimamente relacionadas a la adaptación de la familia delante el aparecimiento de la demencia en uno de sus miembros.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar um questionário de avaliação do impacto da demência num dos membros do agregado familiar. Métodos: Estudo metodológico. O instrumento foi construído, com base na revisão da literatura, na opinião de peritos e na experiência dos investigadores. Foi aplicado a uma amostra não probabilística de conveniência constituída por 262 familiares de pessoas que coabitam diariamente com a pessoa com demência. A validade de constructo foi estudada pela análise fatorial exploratória, método dos componentes principais, com rotação varimax dos itens. Resultados: Obteve-se um instrumento com 30 itens distribuídos por quatro dimensões "Dimensão emocional", "Dimensão económica", "Dimensão relações familiares" e "Dimensão procura de suporte". A análise fatorial revelou uma variância explicada total de 54,96% e um alfa de Cronbach total de ,899. Conclusões: O instrumento apresenta uma consistência interna elevada agrupando-se em quatro dimensões, todas elas intimamente ligadas à adaptação da família ao aparecimento da demência num dos seus membros.

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Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da COVID-19 nos ambientes de trabalho de enfermagem e desenvolver uma ferramenta tecnológica para avaliar sistematicamente a qualificação desses contextos. Método: pesquisa de método misto realizada em seis hospitais portugueses, com participação de 442 enfermeiros. Utilizou-se um questionário com caracterização sociodemográfica e profissional, a Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice e questões abertas. Resultados: a COVID-19 teve impacto negativo nos componentes Estrutura (ƿ<0,001), Processo (ƿ<0,001) e Resultado (ƿ=0,009) dos ambientes de trabalho de enfermagem. A monitorização da qualidade dos ambientes de trabalho foi apontada como uma estratégia de melhoria. A ferramenta tecnológica desenvolvida permite identificar precocemente as dimensões mais fragilizadas e priorizar melhorias. Conclusão: a COVID-19 repercutiu negativamente nos ambientes de trabalho. A ferramenta tecnológica construída, que tornou mais dinâmica a avaliação dos ambientes de trabalho, além de garantir o envolvimento dos enfermeiros, constitui uma importante ferramenta de gestão.

Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de COVID-19 en los entornos de trabajo de enfermería y desarrollar una herramienta tecnológica para evaluar sistemáticamente la calificación de estos contextos. Método: investigación de método mixto realizada en seis hospitales portugueses, con participación de 442 enfermeros. Se utilizó un cuestionario con caracterización sociodemográfica y profesional, la Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice y cuestiones abiertas. Resultados: La COVID-19 tuvo impacto negativo en los componentes Estructura (ƿ<0,001), Proceso (ƿ<0,001) y Resultado (ƿ=0,009) de los ambientes de trabajo de enfermería. La monitorización de la calidad de los entornos de trabajo fue apuntada como una estrategia de mejora. La herramienta tecnológica desarrollada permite identificar precozmente las dimensiones más fragilizadas y priorizar mejoras. Conclusión: COVID-19 tuvo un impacto negativo en los entornos de trabajo. La herramienta tecnológica construida, que hizo más dinámica la evaluación de los ambientes de trabajo, además de garantizar la participación de los enfermeros, constituye una importante herramienta de gestión.

Objective: to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on nursing work environments and to develop a technological tool to assess systematically the qualification of these contexts. Method: mixed method research conducted in six Portuguese hospitals, with the participation of 442 nurses. The questionnaire used contained sociodemographic and professional characterization, which was the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice and open questions. Results: COVID-19 had a negative impact on the components Structure (ƿ<0,001), Process (ƿ<0,001) and Result (ƿ=0,009) of nursing work environments. The monitoring of the quality of the work environments was pointed out as an improvement strategy. The technological tool developed allows identifying the most fragile dimensions early and prioritizing improvements. Final considerations: COVID-19 had a negative impact on work environments. The technological tool built, which made the evaluation of work environments more dynamic, in addition to ensuring the involvement of nurses, is an important management tool.

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BACKGROUND: Considering that the Lactobacillus casei group is strongly associated with caries progression, the use of lactobacilli as probiotics must be balanced due to their possible involvement in dental caries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect and quantify L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and L. casei group species in the active and arrested dentinal lesions of preschoolers. It also aimed to determine the expression profiles of lactobacilli genes related to adhesion, extracellular polymeric substance regulation, and pyruvate oxidation. METHODS: Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from dentinal lesion samples (25 active, 13 arrested) of children between 2 and 5 years of age. The samples were converted to complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were performed to quantify and determine the relative abundance (measured by percentage of total bacteria) of L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and L. casei group species. The expression profiles of L. paracasei/casei genes (spaC and spxB) and L. rhamnosus genes (spaE and wzb) were assessed. The Student t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: The L. casei group species were found to be part of the viable microbial community in dentinal caries. L. paracasei (p = 0.001), L. rhamnosus (p = 0.022), and L. casei (p = 0.004) group species were abundant in the active dentinal lesions compared to the arrested dentinal lesions. Only the wzb gene (p = 0.006) exhibited a statistically significant difference between the active and arrested lesions in terms of its expression profile; it was expressed to a higher extent in the active dentinal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The L. casei group species presented in large numbers in the active dentinal caries lesions, indicating that these microorganisms are related to caries activity, and the wzb gene may play an important role in caries progression.

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OBJECTIVE: To characterize the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in students from elementary schools in Porto and Maia and analyze its association with sleep hygiene, physical activity, cardiometabolic risk, and school performance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 891 Portuguese students: 455 boys (51%) and 436 girls (49%), aged between 9 and 11 years old (mean [M]=9.2, standard deviation [SD]=0.4), with an average weight of 35.9 kg (SD=8.1), average height of 1.4 m (SD=0.1), average body mass index (standardized BMI Z score for the pediatric age group) of 0.76 (SD=1.21); 59.5% of them had normal weight and 15.9% were obese. The students filled a questionnaire on the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescents [KIDMED]), participated in a socio-demographic interview, and had their anthropometric data collected after their parents signed the informed consent form. RESULTS: The results suggest high levels of adherence to the MD (77.6%) both in males and females. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, we found that the Z score was positively associated to cardiometabolic risk and the starting age of an extracurricular physical activity, and negatively associated to the average hours of sleep on a typical day both in males and females. We also identified a negative relation between KIDMED and the starting age of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study has contributed to the knowledge of adherence to the MD among Portuguese elementary students and correlations with variables associated to a healthier lifestyle (MD, hours of sleep, and physical activity). Future studies should focus their attention on other countries and more heterogeneous samples.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in students from elementary schools in Porto and Maia and analyze its association with sleep hygiene, physical activity, cardiometabolic risk, and school performance. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 891 Portuguese students: 455 boys (51%) and 436 girls (49%), aged between 9 and 11 years old (mean [M]=9.2, standard deviation [SD]=0.4), with an average weight of 35.9 kg (SD=8.1), average height of 1.4 m (SD=0.1), average body mass index (standardized BMI Z score for the pediatric age group) of 0.76 (SD=1.21); 59.5% of them had normal weight and 15.9% were obese. The students filled a questionnaire on the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescents [KIDMED]), participated in a socio-demographic interview, and had their anthropometric data collected after their parents signed the informed consent form. Results: The results suggest high levels of adherence to the MD (77.6%) both in males and females. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, we found that the Z score was positively associated to cardiometabolic risk and the starting age of an extracurricular physical activity, and negatively associated to the average hours of sleep on a typical day both in males and females. We also identified a negative relation between KIDMED and the starting age of physical activity. Conclusions: This study has contributed to the knowledge of adherence to the MD among Portuguese elementary students and correlations with variables associated to a healthier lifestyle (MD, hours of sleep, and physical activity). Future studies should focus their attention on other countries and more heterogeneous samples.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar a adesão à dieta mediterrânica de alunos de escolas primárias do Porto e Maia e analisar a sua associação com a higiene do sono, a atividade física, o risco cardiometabólico e o desempenho escolar. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 891 alunos portugueses: 455 meninos (51%) e 436 meninas (49%), entre 9 e 11 anos (média [M]= 9,2; desvio padrão [DP]= 0,4), peso médio 35,9 kg (DP= 8,1), estatura média 1,4 cm (DP= 0,1), índice de massa corporal médio (IMC padronizado por escore Z para a faixa etária pediátrica) 0,76 (DP= 1,2), 59,5% de pessoas com peso adequado e 15,9% de obesos. Os alunos completaram o Índice de Qualidade de Adesão à Dieta Mediterrânica em Crianças e Adolescentes (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescents [KIDMED]) e uma entrevista sociodemográfica e dados antropométricos, após obtenção do consentimento informado dos pais. Resultados: Os resultados sugerem altos níveis de adesão ao padrão alimentar mediterrânico (77,6%), tanto nos meninos como nas meninas. Recorrendo ao coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, encontramos associação positiva entre o escore Z e o risco cardiometabólico, associação negativa entre o escore Z e a média de horas de sono em um dia típico nos meninos e nas meninas, associação positiva entre o escore Z e a idade de início de uma atividade física extracurricular e associação negativa entre o KIDMED e a idade de início da atividade física. Conclusões: Este estudo contribuiu para o conhecimento da adesão ao padrão alimentar mediterrânico de alunos do 1º ciclo de escolaridade do Porto e da Maia e correlações com variáveis associadas a um estilo de vida mais saudável (adesão à dieta mediterrânica, horas de sono e atividade física). Estudos futuros deverão focar a sua atenção em outros países e com amostras mais heterogêneas.

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Several studies of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) have been performed to verify the efficiency of this treatment against caries-related microorganisms. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of aPDT and to review the literature regarding its effects on cariogenic microorganisms organized in biofilms and/or caries lesions. The literature was searched for reviews and original papers about aPDT and its outcomes against Streptococcus mutans as well as other caries-associated microorganisms or caries lesions. Moreover, research on photosensitizers and light sources are also reviewed. The publications were selected using PubMed, Web of Science, and manual search of references cited in key papers. The descriptors used were "dental caries" and "photodynamic therapy". The relative efficacy of aPDT to reduce the population of cariogenic bacteria in in vitro biofilms is demonstrated by large number of laboratory studies. Preclinical (in situ models) and clinical studies show a less pronounced bacterial reduction for aPDT than for in vitro models, especially in dentin carious lesions, since the bacteria in dentin caries may be less susceptible to this therapy due to the limited photosensitizer penetration as well as reduced diffusion of light along dentin structures. Although aPDT may be an efficient and less invasive complementary approach to disinfect deep caries lesions, there is insufficient scientific evidence of its efficacy to warrant a clinical recommendation for its use.

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Bacteroides fragilis colonizes dog guts both as a commensal and as an opportunistic pathogen. This study aims to evaluate virulence factors of 13 B. fragilis strains isolated from dog intestinal tracts and their ability for biofilm formation. Capsules were detected in all the evaluated strains. A total of 61.5% of all strains were biofilm producers. These attributes most likely play an important role in B. fragilis persistent colonization in the gut.

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Bacteroides fragilis colonizes dog guts both as a commensal and as an opportunistic pathogen. This study aims to evaluate virulence factors of 13 B. fragilis strains isolated from dog intestinal tracts and their ability for biofilm formation. Capsules were detected in all the evaluated strains. A total of 61.5% of all strains were biofilm producers. These attributes most likely play an important role in B. fragilis persistent colonization in the gut.

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Bacteroides fragilis colonizes dog guts both as a commensal and as an opportunistic pathogen. This study aims to evaluate virulence factors of 13 B. fragilis strains isolated from dog intestinal tracts and their ability for biofilm formation. Capsules were detected in all the evaluated strains. A total of 61.5% of all strains were biofilm producers. These attributes most likely play an important role in B. fragilis persistent colonization in the gut.

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O presente estudo observou a existência de relações significativas entre sintomatologia psicopatológica (BSI), adesão ao tratamento (CEAT-VIH) e qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-Bref) em 125 pessoas HIV-positivo/AIDS em tratamento antirretroviral, atendidos em um hospital do Porto (Portugal). A sintomatologia psicopatológica correlacionou-se negativamente com adesão ao tratamento e qualidade de vida, e a adesão ao tratamento associou-se positivamente com a qualidade de vida. O modelo preditor de adesão ao tratamento, mediante análise de regressão múltipla, incluiu a ausência de sintomatologia psicopatológica, o comportamento de retirada dos medicamentos na farmácia hospitalar e a presença de efeitos colaterais do tratamento (R² =0,30). Ademais, observou-se um efeito mediador de sintomatologia psicopatológica entre a adesão ao tratamento e a qualidade de vida das pessoas com HIV/AIDS.(AU)

The study shows evidence of statistical association among psychopathological symptoms (BSI), treatment adherence (CEAT-VIH) and quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref) in 125 HIV-positive/AIDS patients followed at Porto Hospital (Portugal). The psychopathological symptoms present a negative correlation with treatment adherence and quality of life. On the other hand, adherence was positively correlated with quality of life. The model of adherence to the antiretroviral treatment using multiple regression analysis includes absence of psychopathological symptoms, an adherence behavior (i.e. to get the medication at the hospital's pharmacy) and the experience of side effects because of medication (R² = 0.30). Besides, psychopathological symptoms have a mediation effect between adherence and quality of life in people with HIV/AIDS.(AU)

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O presente estudo observou a existência de relações significativas entre sintomatologia psicopatológica (BSI), adesão ao tratamento (CEAT-VIH) e qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-Bref) em 125 pessoas HIV-positivo/AIDS em tratamento antirretroviral, atendidos em um hospital do Porto (Portugal). A sintomatologia psicopatológica correlacionou-se negativamente com adesão ao tratamento e qualidade de vida, e a adesão ao tratamento associou-se positivamente com a qualidade de vida. O modelo preditor de adesão ao tratamento, mediante análise de regressão múltipla, incluiu a ausência de sintomatologia psicopatológica, o comportamento de retirada dos medicamentos na farmácia hospitalar e a presença de efeitos colaterais do tratamento (R² =0,30). Ademais, observou-se um efeito mediador de sintomatologia psicopatológica entre a adesão ao tratamento e a qualidade de vida das pessoas com HIV/AIDS.

The study shows evidence of statistical association among psychopathological symptoms (BSI), treatment adherence (CEAT-VIH) and quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref) in 125 HIV-positive/AIDS patients followed at Porto Hospital (Portugal). The psychopathological symptoms present a negative correlation with treatment adherence and quality of life. On the other hand, adherence was positively correlated with quality of life. The model of adherence to the antiretroviral treatment using multiple regression analysis includes absence of psychopathological symptoms, an adherence behavior (i.e. to get the medication at the hospital's pharmacy) and the experience of side effects because of medication (R² = 0.30). Besides, psychopathological symptoms have a mediation effect between adherence and quality of life in people with HIV/AIDS.

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