'connEcted caesarean section': creating a virtual link between MOthers and their infanTs to ImprOve maternal childbirth experieNce - study protocol for a PILOT trial (e-motion-pilot).

INTRODUCTION: One-third of mothers rate their childbirth as traumatic. The prevalence of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is 4.7%. Skin-to-skin contact is a protective factor against CB-PTSD. However, during a caesarean section (CS), skin-to-skin contact is not always feasible and mothers and infants are often separated. In those cases, there is no validated and available solution to substitute this unique protective factor. Based on the results of studies using virtual reality and head-mounted displays (HMDs) and studies on childbirth experience, we hypothesise that enabling the mother to have a visual and auditory contact with her baby could improve her childbirth experience while she and her baby are separated. To facilitate this connection, we will use a two-dimensional 360° camera filming the baby linked securely to an HMD that the mother can wear during the end of the surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study protocol describes a monocentric open-label controlled pilot trial with minimal risk testing the effects of a visual and auditory contact via an HMD worn by the mother airing a live video of her newborn compared with treatment-as-usual in 70 women after CS. The first 35 consecutive participants will be the control group and will receive the standard care. The next 35 consecutive participants will have the intervention. The primary outcome will be differences in maternal childbirth experience (Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2) at 1-week postpartum between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes will be CB-PTSD symptoms, birth satisfaction, mother-infant bonding, perceived pain and stress during childbirth, maternal anxiety and depression symptoms, anaesthesiological data and acceptability of the procedure. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton de Vaud (study number 2022-00215). Dissemination of results will occur via national and international conferences, peer-reviewed journals, public conferences and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05319665.

Envolvimiento parental en la escuela: perspectivas de padres e hijos / Envolvimento parental na escola: perspetivas de pais e filhos / Parental involvement in school: parents' and students' perceptions

RESUMO O envolvimento parental na escola é um construto que engloba diferentes comportamentos e atitudes, de carácter multidimensional, envolvendo todas as práticas parentais desenvolvidas pela família, desde os bons hábitos de estudo e a comunicação com a escola, até iniciativas que visam o sucesso escolar dos filhos. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram analisar as perceções, tanto de pais como dos filhos, sobre o envolvimento dos pais no contexto escolar dos filhos e comparar a perceção de pais e filhos sobre esse aspeto. Participaram neste estudo 526 famílias e utilizou-se o Questionário de Envolvimento Parental para recolha de dados. Pais e alunos descreveram um elevado envolvimento parental no contexto escolar. Todavia, verificou-se a existência de diferenças significativas entre as duas perspetivas. Estes resultados possibilitam uma reflexão sobre as tendências, desafios e implicações deste conceito, sendo discutidas as suas implicações para a prática e para a investigação.

RESUMEN El envolvimiento parental en la escuela es un constructo que engloba distintos comportamientos y actitudes, de carácter multidimensional, abarcando todas las prácticas parentales desarrolladas por la familia, desde los buenos hábitos de estudio y la comunicación con la escuela, hasta iniciativas que tengan el objetivo el éxito escolar de los hijos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron analizar las percepciones, de padres y de los hijos, sobre el envolvimiento de los padres en el contexto escolar de los hijos y comparar la percepción de padres e hijos sobre ese aspecto. Participaron en este estudio 526 familias y se utilizó el Cuestionario de Envolvimiento Parental para la recolecta de datos. Padres y alumnos describieron un elevado envolvimiento parental en el contexto escolar. Sin embargo, se percibió la existencia de diferencias significativas entre las dos perspectivas. Estos resultados posibilitan una reflexión sobre las tendencias, desafíos e implicaciones de este concepto, siendo discutidas sus implicaciones para la práctica y para la investigación.

ABSTRACT Parental involvement at school is a construct that encompasses different behaviours and attitudes. Being multidimensional, it involves all the parental practices developed by the family, from study habits and communication with the school to initiatives aimed at the child's success at school. This study aims to analyse not only parents' perceptions of their own involvement with their children's school, but also their children's perceptions of their involvement with their school. It also explores the comparison between parents' and children's perceptions of perceived parental involvement. A total of 526 families took part in this study and the data was collected using the Parental Involvement Questionnaire. Both parents and children perceived a high level of parental involvement with the school, but there were significant differences between their perceptions. These results make it possible to reflect on the trends, challenges and implications of this concept, presenting the implications for practice and research.

Unravelling the Diversity and Abundance of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Faecal Resistome and the Phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility of Indicator Bacteria.

The WHO considers that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the ten greatest global public health risks of the 21st century. The expansion of human populations and anthropogenically related activities, accompanied by the fragmentation of natural habitats, has resulted in increased human-wildlife interaction. Natural ecosystems are therefore subjected to anthropogenic inputs, which affect the resistome of wild animals. Thus, urgent multisectoral action is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals following the One Health approach. The present work falls within the scope of this approach and aims to characterize the AMR of the faecal microbiome of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), an opportunistic and generalist synanthropic species whose abundance has been increasing in urban and peri-urban areas. A high number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were screened and quantified using a high-throughput qPCR approach, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of cultivable E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were assessed interpreted with both ECOFFs and clinical breakpoints. The most abundant ARGs detected confer resistance to trimethoprim and tetracyclines, although the first were absent in one of the locations studied. Several ARGs considered to be threats to human health were identified in high relative abundances (blaTEM, ermB, aadA, tetM, tetW, tetL, drfA1 and drfA17), especially in the geographical area with greater anthropogenic influence. Although at a low percentage, resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were isolated, including one MDR E. coli showing resistance to 12 antimicrobials from 6 different classes.

First characterization of the faecal resistome of eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a sentinel species for aquatic environments.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern. Nowadays, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are considered emerging pollutants. This study followed the One Health framework, in which AMR surveillance in the environment, including in wild animals, is advisable to mitigate this problem. Here we investigated AMR associated with Eurasian otter, a semi-aquatic mammal considered an indicator of freshwater health. To do so, otter's faecal resistome was characterized by a high-throughput qPCR array. This technique has a high-capacity of ARGs profiling. Additionally, we have assessed the antimicrobial susceptibility of two indicator bacteria, E. coli and Enterococcus spp, isolated from otter spraints and interpreted the results according to clinical and epidemiological cut-offs (ECOFFs).

The simpler the better: Highly sensitive 17α-ethinylestradiol sensor based on an unmodified carbon paper transducer.

The remarkable features of a carbon fiber paper sensor (CP) were employed for detection of the estrogenic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), considered a contaminant of emerging concern due to its potential ecotoxicity and widespread in the aquatic ecosystems. In this work, an unpreceded CP pre-treatment study was conducted with the (Il)-hexacyanoferrate(III) ion pair, however a bare sensor without pre-treatment revealed higher efficiency on the oxidation of EE2 compared to a chemical and electrochemical pre-treated CP and a gold nanoparticles modified CP, being thus selected for EE2 determinations. The analytical conditions were thoroughly optimized in terms of electrolyte pH (pH 7), differential pulse voltammetry parameters (modulation time 0.003 s, amplitude 0.09 V, interval time 0.1 s and step potential 0.01 V), and analyte preconcentration potential (0.4 V) and time (180 s). The hormone can be determined by the CP in a wide linear range from 0.1 to 1000 nM, achieving a detection limit of 0.14 ± 0.005 nM and an outstanding sensitivity of 1636 ± 232 µA µM-1 cm-2 in the lowest linear zone (0.1-1 nM). The sensor was validated in river water and fish reaching good recoveries (91.2 ± 4.6 to 109.0 ± 7.1%), reproducibility and repeatability. Moreover, the sensor showed high selectivity to EE2 in the presence of several potential interfering compounds and frequently prescribed drugs, though it could not discriminate the similar hormone, 17ß-estradiol, being the total concentration obtained in this case. CP-based sensors emerge as efficient electroanalytical tools, suggesting that modification of the surface may not always be beneficial in terms of sensitivity.

Oh, deer! How worried should we be about the diversity and abundance of the faecal resistome of red deer?

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to public health. Antimicrobials are used in animal production and human medicine, which contribute to the circulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Wildlife can be reservoirs of pathogens and resistant bacteria. Furthermore, anthropogenic pressure can influence their resistome. This work aimed to study the AMR of the faecal microbiome of red deer, one of the most important game species in Europe. To this end, a high-throughput qPCR approach was employed to screen a high number of ARGs and the antimicrobial susceptibility of indicator bacteria was determined. Several genes that confer resistance to different classes of antibiotics were identified, with the most abundant being tetracycline ARGs. Other genes were also present that are considered current and future threats to human health, and some of these were relatively abundant. Multidrug-resistant E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were isolated, although the overall level of antibiotic resistance was low. These results highlight the pressing need to know the origin and transmission of AMR in wildlife. Thus, and considering the One Health concept, studies such as this one shows the need for surveillance programs to prevent the spread of drug-resistant strains and ARGs.

Antibiotic resistance and potential bacterial pathogens identified in red deer's faecal DNA.

In the last decades, the wildlife-human interface has been increasing due to several anthropogenic factors. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of these new dynamics on the health of wild animals and their associated zoonotic disease risks. This study aimed to characterize the faecal microbiota of two populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus) by metabarcoding, with a particular focus on potential human and veterinary pathogens, and to perform an assessment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) occurrence. The faecal microbiota of red deer was assessed by metabarcoding using the 16S rRNA marker, and OTUs of the genera Treponema, Yersinia, Clostridium, Mycobacterium, and Rickettsia were identified. Two of them affiliated with species more commonly regarded as pathogens (Clostridium piliforme and Yersinia enterocolitica). The quantification of ARGs was performed by quantitative real-time PCR, using a metagenomic approach, and the most abundant genes were found to be blaTEM , sul1, tetracycline resistance genes (tetW, tetO, and tetQ) and ermF. From these, tetO and tetW are rank II ARGs, which were recently considered future threats for human health. Our results suggest the need for screening programs for the occurrence of pathogens and ARGs in wildlife and particularly in-game species.

A closer look on the variety and abundance of the faecal resistome of wild boar.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious problem for public and animal health, and also for the environment. Monitoring and reporting the occurrence of AMR determinants and bacteria with the potential to disseminate is a priority for health surveillance programs around the world and critical to the One Health concept. Wildlife is a reservoir of AMR, and human activities can strongly influence their resistome. The main goal of this work was to study the resistome of wild boar faecal microbiome, one of the most important game species in Europe using metagenomic and culturing approaches. The most abundant genes identified by the high-throughput qPCR array encode mobile genetic elements, including integrons, which can promote the dissemination of AMR determinants. A diverse set of genes (n = 62) conferring resistance to several classes of antibiotics (ARGs), some of them included in the WHO list of critically important antimicrobials were also detected. The most abundant ARGs confer resistance to tetracyclines and aminoglycosides. The phenotypic resistance of E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were also investigated, and together supported the metagenomic results. As the wild boar is an omnivorous animal, it can be a disseminator of AMR bacteria and ARGs to livestock, humans, and the environment. This study supports that wild boar can be a key sentinel species in ecosystems surveillance and should be included in National Action Plans to fight AMR, adopting a One Health approach.

Pathogenicity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from wildlife: Should we care?

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most frequent bacterial agents associated with food-borne outbreaks in Europe. In humans, the infection can lead to life-threatening diseases. Domestic and wild animals can harbor STEC, and ruminants are the main STEC reservoirs, although asymptomatic. In the present study we have characterized STEC from wildlife (wild boar (n = 56), red deer (n = 101), red fox (n = 37) and otter (n = 92)). Cultivable STEC (n = 52) were isolated from 17% (n = 49) of the faecal samples. All the isolates were non-O157 STEC encoding stx1 (n = 2; 4%) and/or stx2 genes (n = 51; 98%). Only one strain (2%) isolated from red fox had an antibiotic resistant phenotype. However, when the normalized resistance interpretation of epidemiological cutoffs (NRI ECOFFs) were used, 23% (n = 12) of the strains were non-wildtype to at least one of the antibiotics tested. After analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), 20 strains were selected for whole genome sequencing and belonged to the following serotypes: O27:H30 (n = 15), O146:H28 (n = 2), O146:H21 (n = 1), O178:H19 (n = 1), and O103:H2 (n = 1). In addition to stx, all strains encode several virulence factors such as toxins, adhesins, fimbriae and secretion systems, among others. All sequenced genomes carried several mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as prophages and/or plasmids. The core genome and the phylogenetic analysis showed close evolutionary relationships between some of the STEC recovered from wildlife and strains of clinical origin, highlighting their pathogenic potential. Overall, our results show the zoonotic potential of STEC strains originating from wildlife, highlighting the importance of monitoring their genomic characteristics following a One Health perspective, in which the health of humans is related to the health of animals, and the environment.

[Contribution of the use of virtual reality in childbirth: A narrative review of the literature]. / Apport de l'utilisation de la réalité virtuelle lors de l'accouchement - Revue narrative de la littérature.

The current use of virtual reality (VR) in medicine is expanding rapidly. This non-pharmacological option is increasingly proposed as primary or complementary/multimodal analgesic or anxiolytic management. The role of VR in obstetrics remains to be defined. We propose a narrative review of the literature on the role of VR in obstetrics during childbirth, which shows promise. If used properly, this technique could help improve the experience of childbirth.

L'usage actuel de la réalité virtuelle (RV) en médecine est en pleine expansion. Cette option non pharmacologique est de plus en plus proposée comme prise en charge antalgique ou anxiolytique principale ou complémentaire/multimodale. La place de la RV en obstétrique reste à définir. Nous proposons ici une revue narrative de la littérature sur la place de la RV en obstétrique lors de l'accouchement, qui se révèle prometteuse. Avec une utilisation bien encadrée, cette technique pourrait avoir sa place dans l'amélioration du vécu de l'accouchement.

Crianças com diabetes mellitus tipo 1: conhecimentos dos pais e elementos de referência na gestão do regime terapêutico com perfusão subcutânea contínua de insulina / Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: knowledge of parents and caregivers in the management of the therapeutic regimen with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

Enquadramento: A incidência de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) em crianças com idades inferiores aos cinco anos tem vindo a aumentar nas últimas décadas em países mais desenvolvidos, incluindo Portugal. A fase de desenvolvimento em que a criança se encontra exige adaptabilidade e particularidades na abordagem terapêutica no sentido de promover bom controlo metabólico e um crescimento saudável. Objetivos: Identificar os conhecimentos dos pais e dos elementos de referência da escola (infantário e pré-escola), na gestão do regime terapêutico com sistema de perfusão subcutânea contínua de insulina (PSCI) na criança com DM1, assim como averiguar a opinião dos mesmos sobre a formação/processo formativo "Tratamento da diabetes com bomba de insulina na idade pediátrica", na gestão do regime terapêutico. Método: Estudo exploratório-descritivo e qualitativo. Numa amostra não probabilística por conveniência constituída por quatro mães e quatro elementos de referência (educadoras de infância e assistente operacional) de crianças com idades compreendidas entre os 21 meses e os 5 anos, com diabetes. Todas as crianças tinham iniciado tratamento com PSCI e eram acompanhadas na consulta de endocrinologia do serviço de pediatria de um centro hospitalar da região centro de Portugal. Como instrumento de recolha de dados optou-se por uma entrevista semiestruturada elaborada para o efeito e os dados emergiram da análise de conteúdo efetuado. Resultados: Unanimidade de opiniões acerca da vantagem da bomba de insulina no regime terapêutico da criança diabética e do seu interface com os glicómetros. As mães revelam conhecimentos e aprendizagens que lhes garantem ter autonomia no uso da bomba infusora. Demonstram ter conhecimento da importância em contabilizar os hidratos de carbono que a criança vai ingerir, mas existe um défice de conhecimentos em relação aos cálculos das unidades de insulina para administração do bolus de correção e para as gramas de hidratos de carbono. Défice de conhecimentos nos sinais e nos sintomas da hipoglicemia e da hiperglicemia e nas intervenções inerentes à sua correção. A alteração do método de administração da insulina para PSCI é percecionada como benéfica por provocar menos dor e angústia nas crianças/pais/cuidadores. Em contexto escolar, a monitorização da glicemia, a contabilização das gramas de hidratos de carbono e a correção da glicemia com insulina é realizada por elementos da escola, mas existe falta de literacia por parte dos mesmos. Foi consensual que a formação contribuiu para a aquisição de conhecimentos e de competências de pais e cuidadores, porém sujeita a fatores espácio-temporais e teórico-práticos a serem ponderados para melhor aprendizagem. Os pais são bons transmissores de conhecimentos e de aprendizagens aos elementos de referência, todavia transmitem o que apreenderam, o que por vezes é insuficiente, resultando em sentimentos de insegurança e de receio, que se colmatavam com o apoio pessoal da equipa de Endocrinologia. Conclusões: Os resultados apurados reforçam a importância das intervenções diferenciadas do enfermeiro especialista em saúde infantil e pediatria, dotando os pais e a comunidade escolar de mais literacia sobre a temática da gestão do regime terapêutico na DM1 de forma a garantir uma prestação de cuidados seguros e adequados à criança.

Background: The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in children under the age of five has been increasing in recent decades in more developed countries, including Portugal. The stage of development in which the child is found requires adaptability and particularities in the therapeutic approach in order to promote good metabolic control and healthy growth. Objectives: To identify the knowledge of the parents and the reference elements of the school (nursery and preschool), in the management of the therapeutic regimen with continuous subcutaneous insulin perfusion (PSCI) in the child with DM1, as well as to check their opinion on the training / training process "Treatment of diabetes with insulin pump in the pediatric age", in the management of the therapeutic regimen. Method: Exploratory-descriptive study and qualitative. In a non-probabilistic convenience sample consisting of four mothers and four reference elements (preschoolers and operational assistant) of children aged 21 months to 5 years, with diabetes. All children had started treatment with PSCI and were followed up at the endocrinology clinic of the pediatric service of a hospital center in the central region of Portugal. As a data collection instrument, a semi-structured interview was developed and the data emerged from the content analysis. Results: Unanimous opinions about the advantage of the insulin pump in the therapeutic regimen of the diabetic child and their interface with the glucose meters. The mothers reveal knowledge and learning that guarantees them to have autonomy in the use of the infuser pump. They demonstrate that they are aware of the importance of counting the carbohydrates the child will ingest, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding the calculations of insulin units for the administration of the correction bolus and carbohydrate grams. Knowledge deficit in the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and in the interventions inherent to its correction. Changing the method of insulin administration to PSCI is perceived as beneficial because it causes less pain and distress in children / parents / caregivers. In the school context, glucose monitoring, carbohydrate gram counting, and glucose correction with insulin are performed by school personnel, but there is a lack of literacy on the part of the school. It was agreed that the training contributed to the acquisition of knowledge and skills of parents and caregivers, but subject to spatiotemporal and theoretical-practical factors to be considered for better learning. Parents are good transmitters of knowledge and learning to the elements of reference, but they transmit what they have learned, which is sometimes insufficient, resulting in feelings of insecurity and fear that were filled with personal support from the Endocrinology team. Conclusions: These results reinforce the importance of the differentiated interventions of nurses specialized in children's health and pediatrics, providing parents and the school community with more literacy on the management of the therapeutic regime in DM1 in order to ensure the provision of safe and appropriate for the child.

Mutations in the vesicular trafficking protein annexin A11 are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. We screened 751 familial ALS patient whole-exome sequences and identified six mutations including p.D40G in the ANXA11 gene in 13 individuals. The p.D40G mutation was absent from 70,000 control whole-exome sequences. This mutation segregated with disease in two kindreds and was present in another two unrelated cases (P = 0.0102), and all mutation carriers shared a common founder haplotype. Annexin A11-positive protein aggregates were abundant in spinal cord motor neurons and hippocampal neuronal axons in an ALS patient carrying the p.D40G mutation. Transfected human embryonic kidney cells expressing ANXA11 with the p.D40G mutation and other N-terminal mutations showed altered binding to calcyclin, and the p.R235Q mutant protein formed insoluble aggregates. We conclude that mutations in ANXA11 are associated with ALS and implicate defective intracellular protein trafficking in disease pathogenesis.

Thermo- and pH-responsive nano-in-micro particles for combinatorial drug delivery to cancer cells.

Drug combinatorial therapy has been gaining the scientific community attention as a suitable approach to increase treatments efficacy and promote cancer eradication. In this study, a new pH- and thermo- responsive carrier was developed by combining doxorubicin-loaded gold-core silica shell nanorods with salicylic acid loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) based microparticles (NIMPS). The obtained results showed that the drugs and nanorods release could be triggered by the near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation or by the exposition to an acidic environment. The in vitro 2D cell studies showed that the NIMPS are biocompatible and easily uptaken by HeLa cells. In addition, 3D cell culture models revealed that the NIMPS administration, combined with the NIR laser irradiation, was capable of reducing the size of the HeLa spheroids up to 48%. Overall, the attained data support the application of the nano-in-micro spheres as a dual stimuli responsive drug carrier system for the local administration of combined therapies to cervical cancer cells.

Strategies to Improve Cancer Photothermal Therapy Mediated by Nanomaterials.

The deployment of hyperthermia-based treatments for cancer therapy has captured the attention of different researchers worldwide. In particular, the application of light-responsive nanomaterials to mediate hyperthermia has revealed promising results in several pre-clinical assays. Unlike conventional therapies, these nanostructures can display a preferential tumor accumulation and thus mediate, upon irradiation with near-infrared light, a selective hyperthermic effect with temporal resolution. Different types of nanomaterials such as those based on gold, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, palladium and conjugated polymers have been used for this photothermal modality. This progress report summarizes the different strategies that have been applied so far for increasing the efficacy of the photothermal therapeutic effect mediated by nanomaterials, namely those that improve the accumulation of nanomaterials in tumors (e.g. by changing the corona composition or through the functionalization with targeting ligands), increase nanomaterials' intrinsic capacity to generate photoinduced heat (e.g. by synthesizing new nanomaterials or assembling nanostructures) or by optimizing the parameters related to the laser light used in the irradiation process (e.g. by modulating the radiation wavelength). Overall, the development of new strategies or the optimization and combination of the existing ones will surely give a major contribution for the application of nanomaterials in cancer PTT.

The effect of the shape of gold core-mesoporous silica shell nanoparticles on the cellular behavior and tumor spheroid penetration.

Size, surface charge, and shape have a huge influence on the behavior, cellular uptake, and cytotoxic profile of nanoparticles. Herein, gold core and silica shell based nanoparticles (Au-MSSs) with spherical or rod-like shape were produced, in order to disclose the effect of the shape of nanomaterials on the cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, 3D tumor spheroid penetration and cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. The Au-MSS spheres induced greater reduction of the ROS content of cancer cells and also displayed a more homogeneous distribution and penetration in 3D tumor spheroids. However, the Au-MSS rods show enhanced cellular migration and uptake in 2D cell cultures, which results in a higher drug delivering capacity. Furthermore, the Au-MSS rods displayed an enhanced cellular cytotoxicity upon laser irradiation (808 nm, 1.7 W cm-2, 10 min), where less than 10% of cells remained viable. In addition, both Au-MSSs have the potential to be used as imaging agents, which further expands their applicability as theranostic agents in the biomedical area. In summary, the obtained results show that the shape of Au-MSSs is crucial for their biological performance, which will have a great influence on their therapeutic outcome. Therefore, our findings may provide useful information for the development and design of new drug delivery systems towards a more effective therapy.

Assessment of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates and screening of Salmonella spp. in wild ungulates from Portugal.

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging global problem. Wild animals are rarely exposed to antibiotics and therefore low levels of antibiotic resistance are expected. However, the growing interactions of these animals with humans and livestock may have a huge impact on their bacterial flora. This study aimed to assess the levels of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from widespread wild ungulates in Portugal. The interpretation of inhibition zone diameters was performed according to clinical breakpoints and epidemiological cut-offs, determined with the normalized resistance interpretation (NRI) method. For clinical breakpoints, 16% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, including ampicillin (10%), tetracycline (9%), streptomycin (5%) co-trimoxazole (4%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (1%) and cefoxitin (1%). The levels of resistance detected in E. coli strains isolated from wild boar were statistically different for ampicillin and co-trimoxasol. According to NRI cut-offs, 10% of the population showed a non-wild-type phenotype against at least one antibiotic, also including tetracycline (9%), co-trimoxazole (6%), streptomycin (4%), ampicillin (2%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (1%). Considering this parameter of comparison, no statistically different levels of resistance were identified between E. coli recovered from the three wild ungulates. Screening of Salmonella spp., which can be potentially pathogenic, was also performed, revealing that its prevalence was very low (1.5%). The study demonstrated that wild ungulates from Portugal are also reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

O estatuto sociocultural familiar como vetor da decisão vocacional: promessas e (des)ilusões da entrada na educação superior / The family social-cultural status as vector of career decision: Promises, illusions and disillusions in higher education access / El estatuto sociocultural familiar como vector de decisión vocacional: promesas y (des)ilusiones de la entrada en la educación superior

A família desempenha uma influência incontornável na construção vocacional dos estudantes da educação superior (ES), enquanto instância primeira da sua socialização. Este artigo apresenta uma análise qualitativa de entrevistas realizadas a estudantes, com o objetivo de apreender a relação do estatuto sociocultural da família com a escolha académica, bem como o significado percebido na família da entrada de um dos seus elementos na ES. Optando por uma metodologia de cariz qualitativo, a amostra deste estudo é constituída por 30 estudantes a frequentar a ES há seis meses, numa das universidades portuguesas mais conceituadas. Os resultados demonstram que os estudantes são oriundos, na sua maioria, de classes económicas, culturais e sociais elevadas. Este seria o "caminho lógico", para quem herdaria, na idade adulta, não apenas o capital económico, mas também o capital relacional. Os recursos educativos e económicos das famílias dos estudantes são fatores-chave nos processos de escolha e matrícula na ES.(AU)

Family has an undeniable influence upon the career construction of college students, since it is a primary source of their socialization. This article presents a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with students, aimed at understanding the relationship between family social-cultural status and academic choice and the perceived meaning in the family of the enrolment of one of their members in college. Making a clear choice for a qualitative methodology, the sample of this study is composed of 30 students enrolled in higher education for more than six months in one of the most prestigious Portuguese universities. Results show that college students came mainly from economic, cultural and social upper classes. It was a "logical path", for those who would inherit, in adulthood, not only the economic capital, but also the relational capital. The educational and economic resources of the students' families are key factors in college enrollment.(AU)

La familia desempeña una influencia inevitable en la construcción vocacional de los estudiantes de la educación superior (ES), al igual que en la primera instancia de su socialización. Este artículo presenta un análisis cualitativo de entrevistas realizadas a estudiantes, con el objetivo de aprehender la relación del estatuto sociocultural de la familia con la elección académica, y también con el significado percibido por la familia de la entrada de uno de sus integrantes en la ES. Optando por una metodología de aspecto cualitativo, la muestra de este estudio está constituida por 30 estudiantes que frecuentan la ES hace 6 meses, en una de las universidades portuguesas más destacadas. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes son oriundos, en su mayoría, de clases económicas, culturales y sociales altas. Este sería el "camino lógico", para quien heredaría en la edad adulta, no solo el capital económico, sino también el capital relacional. Los recursos educativos y económicos de las familias de los estudiantes son factores claves en los procesos de elección e inscripción en la ES.(AU)

O estatuto sociocultural familiar como vetor da decisão vocacional: promessas e (des)ilusões da entrada na educação superior / The family social-cultural status as vector of career decision: Promises, illusions and disillusions in higher education access / El estatuto sociocultural familiar como vector de decisión vocacional: promesas y (des)ilusiones de la entrada en la educación superior

A família desempenha uma influência incontornável na construção vocacional dos estudantes da educação superior (ES), enquanto instância primeira da sua socialização. Este artigo apresenta uma análise qualitativa de entrevistas realizadas a estudantes, com o objetivo de apreender a relação do estatuto sociocultural da família com a escolha académica, bem como o significado percebido na família da entrada de um dos seus elementos na ES. Optando por uma metodologia de cariz qualitativo, a amostra deste estudo é constituída por 30 estudantes a frequentar a ES há seis meses, numa das universidades portuguesas mais conceituadas. Os resultados demonstram que os estudantes são oriundos, na sua maioria, de classes económicas, culturais e sociais elevadas. Este seria o "caminho lógico", para quem herdaria, na idade adulta, não apenas o capital económico, mas também o capital relacional. Os recursos educativos e económicos das famílias dos estudantes são fatores-chave nos processos de escolha e matrícula na ES.

Family has an undeniable influence upon the career construction of college students, since it is a primary source of their socialization. This article presents a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with students, aimed at understanding the relationship between family social-cultural status and academic choice and the perceived meaning in the family of the enrolment of one of their members in college. Making a clear choice for a qualitative methodology, the sample of this study is composed of 30 students enrolled in higher education for more than six months in one of the most prestigious Portuguese universities. Results show that college students came mainly from economic, cultural and social upper classes. It was a "logical path", for those who would inherit, in adulthood, not only the economic capital, but also the relational capital. The educational and economic resources of the students' families are key factors in college enrollment.

La familia desempeña una influencia inevitable en la construcción vocacional de los estudiantes de la educación superior (ES), al igual que en la primera instancia de su socialización. Este artículo presenta un análisis cualitativo de entrevistas realizadas a estudiantes, con el objetivo de aprehender la relación del estatuto sociocultural de la familia con la elección académica, y también con el significado percibido por la familia de la entrada de uno de sus integrantes en la ES. Optando por una metodología de aspecto cualitativo, la muestra de este estudio está constituida por 30 estudiantes que frecuentan la ES hace 6 meses, en una de las universidades portuguesas más destacadas. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes son oriundos, en su mayoría, de clases económicas, culturales y sociales altas. Este sería el "camino lógico", para quien heredaría en la edad adulta, no solo el capital económico, sino también el capital relacional. Los recursos educativos y económicos de las familias de los estudiantes son factores claves en los procesos de elección e inscripción en la ES.