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- Models of care and associated targeted implementation strategies for cancer survivorship support in Europe: A scoping review protocolPublication . Prue, Gillian; Czamanski-Cohen, Johanna; Kassianos, Angelos P; Pilleron, Sophie; Ladas, Aristea; Can, Aysun Akcakaya; Roldán-Jiménez, Cristina; Csaba Laszlo; Degi, Gökçe Işcan; Arslan, Sevban; Boer, Angela G E M de; Celebic, Aleksandar; Doñate-Martínez, Ascensión; Alhambra-Borrás, Tamara; Mitrevski, Boce; Marzorati, Chiara; Pravettoni, Gabriella; Grasso, Roberto; Nazik, Evsen; Pawlowska, Ewa; Mucalo, Iva; Patrick, John; Tripkovic, Katica; Vojvodic, Katarina; Karekla, Maria; Moschofidou, Maria; Bayram, Sule Biyik; Brandão, Tânia; Arndt, Volker; Jaswal, Poonam Jaswal; Semerci, Remziye Semerci; Bozkul, Gamze; Sahin, Eda; Toygar, Ismail; Frountzas, Maximos; Martins, Rui Miguel; Jefford, Michael; Keane, Danielle; Hegarty, JosephineIntroductionCancer and its treatments can lead to a wide range of side-effects that can persist long after treatments have ended. Across Europe, survivorship care is traditionally hospital-based specialist-led follow-up, leading to gaps in supportive care. Improved screening, diagnosis and treatment increase survival rates. With more individuals living with, through and beyond cancer, the predominance of the hospital-based specialist model is unsustainable, costly and resource-intensive. An understanding of what alternative Models of Care are available and the barriers and facilitators to their implementation is a first step towards enhancing supportive care across the cancer journey. The aim of this scoping review is to source and synthesise information from studies evaluating patient-oriented models of cancer survivorship supportive care for adults in Europe.Methods and analysisThe scoping review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses—Scoping Review Extension guidelines and will be guided by a six-stage methodological framework. A search strategy has been developed according to the Population, Concept and Context structure and will be applied to seven databases. A targeted search of grey literature will be completed. All identified records will be screened using predefined eligibility criteria by at least two researchers and undergo full-text review for inclusion. Data pertaining to the conceptualisation, evaluation and implementation of sourced Models of Care will be extracted.Ethics and disseminationAs there is no primary data, ethical approval is not required. This review will be conducted as part of the EU COST Action CA21152—Implementation Network Europe for Cancer Survivorship Care. The protocol and subsequent scoping review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The Action involves representatives from most countries across Europe which will assist with the dissemination of the work to key stakeholders.
- Fatores psicológicos e familiares nos comportamentos autolesivos dos adolescentes: Da compreensão à intervenção em contexto escolarPublication . Candeias, Maria de Jesus Canelas; Pereira, Maria GouveiaOs comportamentos autolesivos são um grave problema de saúde pública, especialmente entre adolescentes e jovens adultos, necessitando de intervenções preventivas eficazes. Estes comportamentos são influenciados por variáveis sociodemográficas, individuais e relacionais, sendo fundamental compreender melhor o papel dessas variáveis na promoção deste comportamento e desenvolver programas preventivos, particularmente em contextos escolares. Esta tese analisou como é que variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo e idade), individuais (perturbação de personalidade borderline, impulsividade e ideação suicida) e relacionais (funcionamento familiar) contribuem para os comportamentos autolesivos, bem como explora os mecanismos que ligam o funcionamento familiar a estes comportamentos. Para além disso, foi desenvolvido e avaliado um programa de intervenção escolar para adolescentes, professores e auxiliares educativos, com o objetivo de reduzir a prevalência de comportamentos autolesivos. O primeiro estudo validou a versão original da escala Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children para adolescentes, resultando na versão BPFSC-12, composta por 12 itens organizados em quatro fatores de primeira ordem (Instabilidade Afetiva, Problemas de Identidade, Relacionamentos Negativos e Autoagressão) e um fator de segunda ordem, "Características de Personalidade Borderline". Esta versão revelou-se uma medida válida e fiável para a deteção precoce de perturbação de personalidade borderline em adolescentes. O segundo estudo explorou, a contribuição de variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionais e individuais para os comportamentos autolesivos. Observou-se que o género e a idade são preditores significativos, com as raparigas apresentando maior risco. No entanto, fatores intrapessoais, como a perturbação de personalidade borderline e a ideação suicida, mostraram um impacto mais forte na predisposição para estes comportamentos do que o funcionamento familiar. O terceiro estudo investigou se a perturbação de personalidade borderline e a ideação suicida atuam como mediadores entre o funcionamento familiar e os comportamentos autolesivos. Verificou-se que ambos desempenham papéis mediadores significativos, com a ideação suicida como mediador total e a perturbação de personalidade borderline como mediador parcial. A mediação em série indicou que a relação entre o funcionamento familiar e os comportamentos autolesivos é totalmente mediada pela perturbação da personalidade borderline e pela ideação suicida. No âmbito das intervenções, o programa “Healthy Minds” foi desenvolvido para prevenir comportamentos autolesivos em adolescentes em contexto escolar. O programa mostrou-se eficaz na redução das taxas destes comportamentos, na correção de crenças erradas, e na promoção da procura de ajuda profissional, embora sem impacto significativo no reconhecimento de sinais de alerta e na ideação suicida. Adicionalmente, foi implementado um programa de formação para professores e auxiliares educativos, capacitando-os para identificar e intervir em casos de comportamentos autolesivos. A intervenção mostrou-se eficaz na redução de falsas crenças, no aumento da capacidade de reconhecer sinais de alerta e na promoção de atitudes mais adaptativas em relação a estes comportamentos. Em conclusão, esta tese contribui para a compreensão dos comportamentos autolesivos, destacando a importância de considerar tanto variáveis intrapessoais (como a perturbação de personalidade borderline e a ideação suicida) quanto relacionais (como o funcionamento familiar). Reforça a necessidade de estratégias preventivas contínuas e integradas para reduzir a prevalência destes comportamentos e promover o bem-estar dos adolescentes, sublinhando a importância de programas eficazes em contexto escolar.
- Explaining the mental health consequences of internalized racial oppression: The mediating roles of family resilience and collective actionPublication . Ribas, Anna Luiza; Miranda, Mariana; Bú, Emerson Araújo doRacial oppression's institutional and interpersonal levels have had a substantial amount of empirical attention. Internalizedracial oppression (IRO) and the paths through which it negatively impacts mental health have received considerably lesserattention. In this cross‐sectional study with 226 self‐identified Black participants, we focus on colonial mentality, as a form ofIRO, and its association to depression. We argue that this detrimental effect happens because IRO limits the access to socialidentity resources, at both levels of the family system and wider society. The results revealed that the communication/problem‐solving dimension of family resilience mediated the effect of colonial mentality on depression. Support for the Black LivesMatter movement, a measure for collective action, was also a significant mediator but was, however, positively associated withdepression. This study is the first to quantitatively assess IRO's consequences on the mental health of Black individuals in apostcolonial European country. We discuss clinical implications
- Coping and positive body image in young women with breast cancer: The buffering role of social supportPublication . Almeida, Márcia; Griff, Maria Inês; Pais Brandão, Tânia RaquelBackground/Objectives: Considering the unique body image challenges faced by young women with breast cancer, this study aims to deepen our understanding of how coping strategies and perceived social support contribute to fostering positive body image in this population. This is an important issue as body image is capable of influencing women’s self-esteem and psychological adaptation to breast cancer. Methods: A sample of 157 young women with breast cancer (M age = 41.43; SD = 6.05; Min 26 years, Max 50 years), 43% of whom had undergone breast reconstruction, completed an online survey. The survey included measures of coping strategies, positive body image, and perceived social support. Results: No significant differences in coping strategies, perceived social support, or positive body image were observed based on reconstruction status. Moderation analyses revealed that both avoidant and problem-focused coping were significantly associated with positive body image at moderate and high levels of perceived social support, but not at low levels of perceived social support. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between coping strategies and positive body image in women with breast cancer. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social support in enhancing the effectiveness of both avoidant and problem-focused coping strategies in promoting positive body image. Future interventions should prioritize strengthening social support networks to optimize psychological outcomes in this population.
- Religion and emotion regulation: A systematic review of quantitative studiesPublication . Pais Brandão, Tânia RaquelAbstract The association between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation has been the subject of growing interest in the last years since studies have suggested that emotion regulation is likely to be shaped by religion/spirituality. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the quantitative empirical studies toward understanding the relationship between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation. Database searches were conducted in different databases from inception to March 2022 using relevant search terms. Quantitative studies exploring the role of religion/spirituality on emotion regulation were included in this review. Of 887 abstracts identified only 15 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Studies were organized in terms of associations between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation according to religious affiliation, associations between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation regardless of religious affiliation, and emotion regulation as a mediator between religion/spirituality and several psychological-related outcomes. Overall, the findings revealed small to moderate associations between religion and emotion regulation, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.13 to 0.50 for cognitive reappraisal, 0.08 to − 0.72 for expressive suppression, and − 0.09 to 0.56 for other emotion regulation dimensions. Furthermore, most studies highlighted emotion regulation as a key mechanism linking religion/spirituality to psychological outcomes across diverse contexts. Differences in emotion regulation strategies have been examined in a few religious affiliations and most of the studies explored the link between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation regardless of religious affiliation.
- Bioprospecting bioactive peptides in Halobatrachus didactylus Body Mucus: From in silico insights to essential in vitro validationPublication . Cunha, Marta Fernandez; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.; Brassesco, María Emilia; Almada, Frederico; Gonçalves, David; Pintado, Maria ManuelaFish body mucus plays a protective role, especially in Halobatrachus didactylus, which inhabits intertidal zones vulnerable to anthropogenic contaminants. In silico predicted bioactive peptides were identified in its body mucus, namely, EDNSELGQETPTLR (HdKTLR), DPPNPKNL (HdKNL), PAPPPPPP (HdPPP), VYPFPGPLPN (HdVLPN), and PFPGPLPN (HdLPN). These peptides were studied in vitro for bioactivities and aggregation behavior under different ionic strengths and pH values. Size exclusion chromatography revealed significant peptide aggregation at 344 mM and 700 mM ionic strengths at pH 7.0, decreasing at pH 3.0 and pH 5.0. Although none exhibited antimicrobial properties, they inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation. Notably, HdVLPN demonstrated potential antioxidant activity (ORAC: 1.560 μmol TE/μmol of peptide; ABTS: 1.755 μmol TE/μmol of peptide) as well as HdLPN (ORAC: 0.195 μmol TE/μmol of peptide; ABTS: 0.128 μmol TE/μmol of peptide). Antioxidant activity decreased at pH 5.0 and pH 3.0. Interactions between the peptides and mucus synergistically enhanced antioxidant effects. HdVLPN and HdLPN were non-toxic to Caco-2 and HaCaT cells at 100 μg of peptide/mL. HdPPP showed potential antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects, with IC50 values of 557 μg of peptide/mL for ACE inhibition and 1700 μg of peptide/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition. This study highlights the importance of validating peptide bioactivities in vitro, considering their native environment (mucus), and bioprospecting novel bioactive molecules while promoting species conservation.
- Nutrient input from green turtle eggs and hatchlings in a west Africa Island and its nearshore environmentPublication . Ferreira Raposo, Cheila Sofia; Patrício, Ana Rita; Catry, Paulo; Barbosa, Castro; Camará, Assana; Regalla, Aissa; Rebelo, RuiSea turtle nesting brings marine-derived nutrients into sandy beach ecosystems, potentially influencing their dynamics. We investigated nutrient input from green turtle Chelonia mydas eggs and hatchlings into coastal habitats in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. We assessed two islands within the João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park (‘JVPMNP’), with contrasting sea turtle nesting density: very low (João Vieira) and very high (Poilão). On each island, we analyzed stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in one pair of plant species (coinvine Dalbergia ecastaphyllum bush/baobab Adansonia digitata tree) and two pairs of predator species (tufted ghost crab Ocypode cursor/African rainbow crab Cardisoma armatum and sea catfish Carlarius spp./crevalle jack Caranx hippos). The first species in each pair is distributed closer to nesting sites, while the second is found further inland or offshore. Stomach content analysis was also conducted for fishes. Results supported nutrient input from turtle clutches benefiting the species living near nesting sites. Shoreline coinvines at Poilão had higher δ15N (5.1 ± 3.2‰) compared to João Vieira (≈0‰), suggesting assimilation of turtle-derived 15N. Shoreline tufted ghost crabs at Poilão had enriched δ15N (15.2 ± 0.7‰ vs. João Vieira’s 12.2 ± 1.1‰) and δ13C (− 13.4 ± 0.7‰ vs. João Vieira’s − 18.7 ± 1.4‰), likely reflecting predation upon eggs and hatchlings. Sea catfishes at Poilão frequently consumed unhatched turtle eggs washed into the sea (17% frequency of occurrence) and hatchlings (up to 27%). This study suggests that nutrient availability from turtle nests influences and supports shoreline plants and consumers at JVPMNP.
- Couples and parenting dynamics during Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review of the literaturePublication . Sentieiro, Maria Leonor; Ferreira, Luana Cunha; Miranda, Mariana Pires de; Vitória, Beatriz Araújo; Chrysanthi LioupiThe COVID-19 pandemic constituted a public health crisis bound to impact couples, parents, and families globally. However, the literature on the impacts of COVID-19 in families is not yet integrated. This systematic review aims to (1) provide an overview of how the COVID-19 pandemic potentially changed family systems, especially the couples and parenting dynamics, as well as (2) integrate inconsistent findings, and, finally, (3) define new avenues for research and clinical practice. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for this review. The data was collected in bibliographic databases using a combination of keywords. The study includes empirical research published in English, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese, appearing in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning of different-gender or same-gender couples, married or cohabitating, or cohabitating parents with children aged 2 to 18, between April 2020 and December 2023. Within 381 articles, 58 studies met the inclusion criteria, which 50 were quantitative, four qualitative, and four mixed methods studies. A qualitative thematic analysis of the reviewed articles identified 12 categories that were organized by stress sources, mediators, and outcomes. There is consistent evidence across the literature showing some sources of stress during COVID-19, such as Gender Inequalities (e.g., Unequal Division of Household Duties and Lack of Support for Mothers), and External Stress. Also, we identified some themes on the mediators such as Coping Strategies (e.g., Dyadic Support, Communication as a Mediator and Adaptation to New Daily Routines) and finally as outcomes, Lower Psychological Well-Being, and Relational Growth. However, some inconsistencies were found in Relationship (In) Satisfaction, Sexual Functioning and Communication as an Outcome. Explorations of moderators showed that these inconsistencies should be understood in reference to (1) quality assessment (2) coping and (3) income. After conducting a comprehensive analysis of inconsistencies, our study revealed no notable differences in either relationship satisfaction or sexual frequency before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, a decline in sexual satisfaction was observed during the COVID-19 period. No conclusive associations were identified between income, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, sexual frequency, and stress related to COVID-19. Nonetheless, our observations indicated that individuals with moderate or high income, in conjunction with the implementation of effective coping strategies, exhibited a diminished impact of COVID-19-related stress on both relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning. Future studies should focus on a dyadic perspective at various stages of the family cycle, including longitudinal perspectives, as well as studies focused on the role of dyadic coping during times of crises. Findings must be considered with caution because not all studies had equal methodological rigor.
- Exploring links between green HRM, greenwashing, and sustainability: The role of individual and professional TraitsPublication . Cesário, Francisco; Sabino, Ana; Palma-Moreira, Ana; Pinto-Coelho, MafaldaThis study aims to investigate the influence of Green Human Resources Management practices and greenwashing on the three pillars of sustainability—social, environmental, and economic. The moderating role of age and gender as individual characteristics and managerial position and sector as professional characteristics is also analyzed. A convenience sample of 232 respondents was used. Path analysis was employed to assess hypothesized relationships in the proposed model. Results suggest that different Green Human Resources Management practices influence social, environmental, and economic dimensions and individual and professional characteristics play a pivotal role in this relationship. Specifically, it is important to highlight the importance of green performance management and rewards and the non-significant influence of green training. Greenwashing seems to be a determinant of social and economic sustainability. The results emphasize that, for organizations to boost their employees’ perception of the three pillars of organizational sustainability, they must be aware of the specificities of their workforce and act accordingly. This work is relevant because it emphasizes the unique role of each GHRM practice as an antecedent of sustainability. It also contributes to the understanding that specific individual and professional characteristics affect the employees’ perception of sustainability.
- Exploring the factor structure of criminogenic cognitions in incarcerated males: Psychometric evaluation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS)Publication . Pereira, Teresa; Oliveira, Catarina; Basto Pereira, MiguelDespite the importance of criminogenic thinking in addressing criminal behavior, validated instruments to measure these cognitions in Portuguese forensic settings are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) in a sample of 364 Portuguese incarcerated males (Mage = 37.88, SD = 10.88). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, indicating a 15-item, two-factor structure (KMO = 0.82; Bartlett’s test, χ2 = 1841.2, df = 105, p < 0.001). The CCS dimensions, comprising Short-Term Orientation and Responsibility Evasion and Authority Resistance, demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, including convergent validity with antisocial traits, moral disengagement, and self-control dimensions, as well as internal consistency (omega coefficient = 0.60–0.77; composite reliability = 74–91; coefficient H = 89–95), and sensitivity of items. The CCS is a valuable tool within prison settings for assessing criminogenic thinking patterns, supporting risk assessment, the development of targeted rehabilitation programs, and monitoring cognitive changes over time to reduce recidivism, thereby promoting inmates’ safer reintegration into society. Overall, our findings suggest the CCS is a promising tool for assessing criminogenic cognitions in the forensic Portuguese population.