Are sun exposure time, dietary patterns, and vitamin D intake related to the socioeconomic status of Portuguese children?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association among sun exposure time, vitamin D intake, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic status in Portuguese children. METHODS: Participants aged 3-11 years (50.1% females) were recruited from public and private schools (n = 118) in the districts of Coimbra (n = 2980), Lisbon (n = 3066), and Porto (n = 2426). Parents reported their children's daily sun exposure time during the summer season and reported children's food consumption, including vitamin D food sources, using standardized questionnaires. Parents' education level was used as a proxy measure to the socioeconomic status (SES). The principal component factor analysis (PCA) method was used to identify dietary patterns. The eight dietary patterns identified were labeled in: "fast food", "rich in vitamin D", "sugary drinks", "vitamin D", "candies", "supplements", "rich in calcium" and "vegetables/healthy". Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between sun exposure time and dietary patterns according to SES. RESULTS: A total of 4755 children were included. Children from high SES had significantly longer sun exposure time (p < .001) and more frequently consumed vitamin D supplements (p < .001). "Fast food" pattern showed a negative association with sun exposure time in medium and high SES (p = .014 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Children with lower SES spend less time exposed to the sun, consume fewer dietary sources of vitamin D, and consume more foods rich in fat and sugar.

Should organized sport characteristics be considered as a strategy for meeting physical activity guidelines in children?

BACKGROUND: A clearer understanding of the relationships between specific sport context with overall physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) may contribute to the development of more accurate preventive strategies to increase children's engagement in PA. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine how different organized sports contributed to children's daily PA and ST. METHODS: PA was measured for seven days via accelerometers, in 410 children aged 6-10 years (49.8% boys). Of those, 332 (53.0% boys) were engaged in an organized sport and were further considered for statistical analyses. Parents reported children's sport participation (e.g. which sport, number of times per week, duration). The sports were classified into: indoor vs. outdoor; individuals vs. team; combat vs. individual aesthetic vs. racing vs. invasion. Children's height and weight were objectively collected. Multiple one-way analyses of covariance were used to examine the effects of sport characteristics on PA and ST. A linear regression, adjusted for children's sex, age, body mass index and father's educational level, determined the relationship between being involved in multiple PA and sedentary behaviours with Moderate to Vigorous PA (MVPA) levels. RESULTS: Although engaged in an organized sport, only 30% of the children achieved the PA recommendations. Sport (compared with active commute and active play) was the best contributor to daily MVPA. Outdoor sports (vs. indoor) contributed the most to vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA. Team sports (vs. individual) were significantly associated with lower ST. Children in combat sports accumulated more VPA and MVPA, while those in racing sports showed a higher ST. CONCLUSIONS: Sport participation alone does not guarantee children will reach the PA guidelines, and the type of sport can influence children's PA levels. Gender-stereotypes in sports may prevent girls from achieving their 60 minutes of MVPA daily.

Observing the neighborhood multidimensionality and overweight in children of different developmental stages-the emergence of an unusual association.

The present study examines whether the association of the neighborhood environment and overweight in children is moderated by age. This was a cross-sectional study of 832 children aged 3 to 10 years living in the city of Oporto (Portugal). Children were recruited under the scope of the project "Inequalities in Childhood Obesity: The impact of the socioeconomic crisis in Portugal from 2009 to 2015." Overweight was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics and their perceptions of their neighborhood environment. Logistic regressions were used to examine the influence of parental perceived neighborhood characteristics (latent variables: attractiveness, traffic safety, crime safety, and walkability) on overweight in children. A stratified analysis by age category was conducted. Overall, 27.8% of the children were overweight, 17.4% were aged 3 to 5 years, and 31.8% were aged 6 to 10 years. Children aged 3 to 5 years were more sensitive to the neighborhood environment than children aged 6 to 10 years. For children aged 3 to 5 years, the risk of overweight was inversely associated with neighborhood crime safety (OR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.07-3.15; p = 0.030).    Conclusion: Our study suggests the existence of a sensitive age period in childhood at which exposure to a hostile neighborhood environment is most determining for weight gain. Until today, it was thought that the impact of the neighborhood environment on younger children would be less important as they are less autonomous. But it may not be true. What is Known: • The neighborhood environment may adversely affect children's weight status. However, the moderating role of child age in the association between neighborhood environment and overweight is uncertain. What is New: • The study highlights that the association between the neighborhood environment and child overweight is attenuated by age. It is stronger for preschoolers than for early school-age children.

Parental Perception of Their Child's Weight Status in Portugal: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Parental perceptions of a child's weight status may influence family readiness to foster healthy behaviors. Our aim was to observe parental perceptions of their child's weight status in two time periods and in multiple population subgroups. METHODS: Data were collected in two national projects, 2009 - 2010 (n = 6577) and 2016 - 2017 (n = 7594), in public and private kindergartens and primary schools in Portugal (children aged three to 10 years old). Parents filled out a questionnaire regarding their perception of their child's weight status, namely: 1) too thin, 2) thin, 3) normal weight, 4) with some excess weight, or 5) with a lot of excess weight. Children's height and weight were objectively collected, and the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs were used to classify overweight and obesity. Accurate and misclassification levels were calculated for children according to their sex, age, as well as child and parental weight status, while considering differences within and between the two time periods. RESULTS: Overall, accuracy in parental perception of their child's weight was higher in 2016 - 2017 than in 2009 - 2010, regardless of children's sex, age, parental weight status, and education (65.7% and 60.5%, respectively). However, the ability of parents to detect obesity was ~ 50% lower in 2016 - 2017 compared with 2009 - 2010. CONCLUSION: Even though parental perception of their child's weight was better in 2016 - 2017 than in 2009 - 2010 , the inverse result was found among children with obesity. Strategies are needed to encourage parents to improve their perception of the appropriate weight for their child.

INTRODUCTION: Parental perceptions of a child's weight status may influence family readiness to foster healthy behaviors. Our aim was to observe parental perceptions of their child's weight status in two time periods and in multiple population subgroups. METHODS: Data were collected in two national projects, 2009 - 2010 (n = 6577) and 2016 - 2017 (n = 7594), in public and private kindergartens and primary schools in Portugal (children aged three to 10 years old). Parents filled out a questionnaire regarding their perception of their child's weight status, namely: 1) too thin, 2) thin, 3) normal weight, 4) with some excess weight, or 5) with a lot of excess weight. Children's height and weight were objectively collected, and the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs were used to classify overweight and obesity. Accurate and misclassification levels were calculated for children according to their sex, age, as well as child and parental weight status, while considering differences within and between the two time periods. RESULTS: Overall, accuracy in parental perception of their child's weight was higher in 2016 - 2017 than in 2009 - 2010, regardless of children's sex, age, parental weight status, and education (65.7% and 60.5%, respectively). However, the ability of parents to detect obesity was ~ 50% lower in 2016 - 2017 compared with 2009 - 2010. CONCLUSION: Even though parental perception of their child's weight was better in 2016 - 2017 than in 2009 - 2010 , the inverse result was found among children with obesity. Strategies are needed to encourage parents to improve their perception of the appropriate weight for their child.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of thiram and ciprofloxacin using chitosan-silver coated paper substrates.

Fast detection of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water resources is of great environmental interest. Ideally, sustainable materials should be used in water quality monitoring technologies implemented for such purposes. In this regard, the application of bio-based materials aimed at the fabrication of analytical platforms has become of great importance. This research merges both endeavors by exploring the application of chitosan-coated paper, decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy studies of two distinct types of CECs dissolved in aqueous samples: an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) and a pesticide (thiram). Our results indicate the superior SERS performance of biocoated substrates compared to their non-coated paper counterparts. The detection limits achieved for thiram and ciprofloxacin using the biocoated substrates were 0.024 ppm and 7.7 ppm, respectively. The efficient detection of both analytes is interpreted in terms of the role of the biopolymer in promoting AgNPs assemblies that result in local regions of enhanced SERS activity. Taking advantage of these observations, we use confocal Raman microscopy to obtain Raman images of the substrates using ciprofloxacin and thiram as molecular probes. We also demonstrate that these biobased substrates can be promising for on-site analysis when used in conjunction with portable Raman instruments.

Validación para la población portuguesa de la “international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form” (ICIQ-UI SF) / Validação para a população portuguesa do “international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form” (ICIQ-UI SF) / Validation of the “International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short form (ICIQ-UISF) for the Portuguese population

Introducción: La Incontinencia urinaria puede considerarse una condición común asociada con el proceso de envejecimiento con síntomas extremadamente incapacitantes, siendo de dos a tres veces más frecuente en mujeres que en hombres. El uso de instrumentos validados para el diagnóstico inicial de la incontinencia urinaria es fundamental para obtener uniformidad y sistematización en la valoración de esta condición. Objetivo: Adaptar y validar el International Consultation Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) para la población portuguesa. Método: Dos traducciones independientes del ICIQ-UI SF fueron realizadas por traductores portugueses con fluidez en inglés. Después de armonizarlos, la traducción resultante fue retrotraduzida de forma independiente por dos traductores ingleses que hablan portugués con fluidez. La versión final del ICIQ-UI SF al portugués se aplicó a 90 usuarios de la consulta externa de urología, ingresados de urología y consulta de ginecología de un hospital ubicado en Gaia. Se evaluaron las propiedades psicométricas y la fiabilidad del cuestionario. Resultados: No se observaron cambios en el formato original del ICIQ-UI SF al final del proceso de traducción y adaptación del instrumento. La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 55 años. La consistencia interna fue alta, como lo demuestra el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (0,85). El coeficiente de Pearson para las preguntas 3 y 4 fue de 0,88 y para las preguntas 4 y 5 fue de 0,82. La evaluación se consideró satisfactoria y estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: La versión portuguesa del ICIQ-UI SF se validó con éxito, lo que permitió aplicarlo a la población portuguesa con confiabilidad y validez de constructo satisfactorias. (AU)

Introduction: Urinary incontinence can be considered a common condition associated with the aging process with extremely disabling symptoms, being two to three times more prevalent in women than in men. The use of validated instruments for the initial diagnosis of urinary incontinence is essential to obtain uniformity and systematization in the assessment of this condition. Objective: To adapt and validate the International Consultation Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) for the Portuguese population. Methodology: Two independent translations of the ICIQ-UI SF were performed by Portuguese translators fluent in English. After harmonizing them, the resulting translation was independently back translated by two English translators fluent in Portuguese. The final version of the ICIQ-UI SF into Portuguese was applied to 90 users of the outpatient urology, urology and gynecology inpatient clinic of a hospital located in Gaia. The psychometric properties and reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated. Results: No changes to the original format of the ICIQ-UI SF were observed at the end of the instrument's translation and adaptation process. The average age of participants was 55 years. Internal consistency was high, as demonstrated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.85). Pearson's coefficient for questions 3 and 4 was 0.88 and for questions 4 and 5 it was 0.82. The evaluation was considered satisfactory and statistically significant. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the ICIQ-UI SF was successfully validated, making it possible to apply it to the Portuguese population with satisfactory reliability and construct validity. (AU)

Introdução: A incontinência urinária pode ser considerada como uma condição comum associada ao processo de envelhecimento com sintomas extremamente incapacitantes, sendo duas a três vezes mais prevalente nas mulheres do que nos homens. A utilização de instrumentos validados para o diagnóstico inicial da incontinência urinária, é fundamental para obter uma uniformização e sistematização na avaliação desta condição. Objetivo: Adaptar e validar para a população portuguesa o International Consultation Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)Metodologia: Foram realizadas duas traduções independentes do ICIQ-UI SF por tradutores portugueses, fluentes na língua inglesa. Após harmonização das mesmas, a tradução resultante foi retrotraduzida de forma independente por dois tradutores ingleses, fluentes em português. A versão final do ICIQ-UI SF para o português foi aplicado a 90 utentes da consulta externa de urologia, internamento de urologia e de ginecologia de um hospital, localizado em Gaia. Foram avaliadas as propriedades psicométricas e a confiabilidade do questionário. Resultados: Nenhuma alteração ao formato original do ICIQ-UI SF foi observada no final do processo de tradução e adaptação do instrumento. A idade média dos participantes foi de 55 anos. A consistência interna foi alta, como demonstrado pelo coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach (0,85). O coeficiente de Pearson para as perguntas 3 e 4 foi de 0,88 e para as perguntas 4 e 5 foi de 0,82. A avaliação foi considerada satisfatória e estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão: A versão para português do ICIQ-UI SF foi validada com sucesso tornando possível a sua aplicação na população portuguesa com satisfatória confiabilidade e validade de construto. (AU)

Is more prolonged sun exposure associated with healthier life habits and obesity indicators in Portuguese children?

OBJECTIVES: Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. METHODS: A total of 4755 children (3-10 years; 49.86% boys) from the north, center and south-central Portugal were included in the present study. During 2016/2017 children's sun exposure time, screen time, time devoted to the practice of physical activity and active play were collected through standard questionnaires answered by parents. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate differences among sun exposure time according to the sex, age, obesity indicators and lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed that sun exposure time presented a negative association with Body Mass Index (ß = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18; -0.003; p = .042), body fat % (ß = -0.31, 95%; CI: -0.54; -0.07; p = .010), computer time (ß = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12; - 0.05; p < .0001) and a positive association with active play time (ß = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17; 0.27; p < .0001) and total time of physical activity practice (ß = 10.01, 95% CI: 4.52; 15.20; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the need for future guidance on the ideal sun exposure time, especially in children, who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Standardization of criteria for classifying optimal sun exposure time in this age group, considering the parameters that affect vitamin D status, such as age and seasonality, should be considered when planning future guidelines.

Corrigendum: Colloidal nanomaterials for water quality improvement and monitoring.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1011186.].

Stress exposure in specific growth periods associates with children's weight, height, and body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: We investigate associations between children exposure to stressful events, considering: (1) the period in which the event took place, (2) the type of event, and (3) the cumulative effect of the events on children's weight, height and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A total of 8429 Portuguese children (3349 exposed to at least one stressful event during their lifetime; 50.2% males; mean age = 7.21 ± 1.85 years) were included in the analysis. The occurrence of stressful (i.e., adverse) events was reported in a parental questionnaire; children's weight and height were objectively measured. RESULTS: When the stress event took place in the first 2 years of life, compared with during pregnancy or after the 2 years, children were shorter; but the association was weak and only significant for boys. After adjustment for child's birthweight, gestational age, breastfeeding duration, number of siblings, and father's education, the experience of 3+ stressful events (vs. 1 or 2) was associated with higher weight and height in boys. No interaction effect was found between stress and BMI. DISCUSSION: We found some evidence of associations between exposure to stressful events and physical growth of boys. We highlight the complex relationship between exposure to stressful experiences and children's physical growth, particularly the different effects of specific characteristics of the stress event and the sex differences.

Tri-axial accelerometer-assessed physical activity and its association with weight status in a sample of elementary-school children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Objective assessment of physical activity (PA) using accelerometers and pedometers has become more accurate and common practice in the study of childhood overweight. The study aimed: i) to compare PA levels and body shape of boys and girls, and assess compliance of active children with the PA recommendation; ii) to analyse associations between the risk of overweight and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children. METHODS: The sample comprised 395 children (198 girls) aged 6-10 years. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated subsequently. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to obtain seven consecutive days of MVPA, as well as the weekly time being sedentary. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the afore-mentioned relationship among the risk of obesity and MVPA, controlling for confounders. RESULTS: After controlling for wearing time, boys spent significantly more minutes in the moderate-to-vigorous portion of PA than their female counterparts. About 47% of boys were active on week days by achieve the mean value of 60 min/day of MVPA; corresponding percentage for the weekend was just 32%. Among girls, only 22% were active on week days and 29% at the weekend. MVPA was not significantly associated with the risk of being overweight nor in female neither in male children. The final regression model revealed that girls of mothers with high educational level were less likely to be classified as overweight girls. CONCLUSIONS: Findings revealed no significantly relation between MVPA and obesity risk among Portuguese children. Future research should extend similar design to other lifestyle features of children to clarify potential predictors of being overweight at early ages.

Validation of the "international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence quality of life".

OBJECTIVE: To Validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life for the Portuguese population. Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition with a negative impact on people's quality of life. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life was adapted in order to have a standardized structure that allows the assessment of the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life. METHOD: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with two hundred and twenty participants recruited at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João during the period from September 2019 to January 2020. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed. For internal consistency, the standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated. In order to obtain construct validity, an exploratory factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation to extract the main components. RESULTS: The Portuguese version of the questionnaire has 21 items distributed by the three factors found, maintaining the items proposed in the original version. The result of standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient, α=0.906 overall, confirms the internal consistency of the Portuguese version of the instrument. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between each item and the item assessing the impact on quality of life in the form of a scale, verifying a positive correlation in all items. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the questionnaire proved to be reliable and valid in the study carried out for clinical and research use.

Body size, form, composition, and a healthy lifestyle associates with health-related quality of life among Portuguese children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen- and sleep-time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN-27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex-specific normative cut-off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep- and screen-time. RESULTS: Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none. CONCLUSIONS: Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing.

Validation of the "international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence quality of life" / Validación de la "consulta internacional sobre incontinenciacuestionario de incontinencia urinaria módulo de calidad de vida" / Validação do "international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence quality of life module"

ABSTRACT Objective: To Validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life for the Portuguese population. Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition with a negative impact on people's quality of life. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life was adapted in order to have a standardized structure that allows the assessment of the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life. Method: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with two hundred and twenty participants recruited at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João during the period from September 2019 to January 2020. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed. For internal consistency, the standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated. In order to obtain construct validity, an exploratory factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation to extract the main components. Results: The Portuguese version of the questionnaire has 21 items distributed by the three factors found, maintaining the items proposed in the original version. The result of standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient, α=0.906 overall, confirms the internal consistency of the Portuguese version of the instrument. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between each item and the item assessing the impact on quality of life in the form of a scale, verifying a positive correlation in all items. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the questionnaire proved to be reliable and valid in the study carried out for clinical and research use.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Validar la Consulta Internacional sobre Incontinencia Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida para la población portuguesa. La incontinencia urinaria es una condición altamente prevalente conun impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de las personas. Se adaptó el International Consultationon Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life para tener una estructura estandarizada que permita evaluar el impacto de la incontinencia urinaria en la calidad de vida. Método: Se realizóunestudio transversal observacional condoscientosveinte participantes reclutados en el Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho y en el Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João durante el período de septiembre de 2019 a enero de 2020. Las propiedades psicométricas delcuestionario. Para la consistencia interna se calculó el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach estandarizado. Para obtener la validez de constructo se realizó una nálisis factorial exploratorio mediante rotación varimax para extraer los componentes principales. Resultados: La versión portuguesa del cuestionario tiene 21 ítems distribuidos por los tres factores encontrados, manteniendo los ítems propuestos en la versión original. El resultado del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach estandarizado, α=0,906 global, confirma la consistencia interna de la versión portuguesa del instrumento. Se realizó el análisis de correlación de Pearson entre cada ítem y el ítem que evalúa el impacto en la calidad de vida en forma de escala, verificándose una correlación positiva en todos los ítems. Conclusiones: La versión portuguesa delcuestionario demostró ser confiable y válida en el estudio realizado para uso clínico y de investigación.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar o International Consultationon Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life para a população portuguesa. A incontinência urinária é uma condição com elevada prevalência e com impacto negativo na qualidade de vida das pessoas. O International Consultationon Incontinence Questionnaire Quality of Life foi adaptado de forma a ter uma estrutura estandardizada e que permite avaliar o impacto da incontinência urinária na qualidade de vida. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional do tipo transversal com duzentos e vinte participantes recrutados no Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho e no Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João durante o período de setembro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Foram avaliadas as propriedades psicométricas do questionário. Para a consistência interna foi calculado o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach padronizado. Para obter a validade do constructo foi realizada uma análise exploratória fatorial por rotação varimax para extração dos principais componentes. Resultados: A versão portuguesa do questionário tem 21 itens distribuídos pelos três fatores encontrados mantendo, no entanto, os itens propostos na versão original.O resultado de coeficiente alfa de Cronbach padronizado, α=0,906 global, confirma a consistência interna da versão portuguesa do instrumento. Foi realizada a análise da correlação de Pearson entre cada item e o item de avaliação do impacto na qualidade de vida em forma de escala verificando-se uma correlação positiva em todos os itens. Conclusões: A versão portuguesa do questionário, mostrou-se confiável e válida no estudo realizado para utilização na clínica e na investigação.

Colloidal nanomaterials for water quality improvement and monitoring.

Water is the most important resource for all kind forms of live. It is a vital resource distributed unequally across different regions of the globe, with populations already living with water scarcity, a situation that is spreading due to the impact of climate change. The reversal of this tendency and the mitigation of its disastrous consequences is a global challenge posed to Humanity, with the scientific community assuming a major obligation for providing solutions based on scientific knowledge. This article reviews literature concerning the development of nanomaterials for water purification technologies, including collaborative scientific research carried out in our laboratory (nanoLAB@UA) framed by the general activities carried out at the CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials. Our research carried out in this specific context has been mainly focused on the synthesis and surface chemical modification of nanomaterials, typically of a colloidal nature, as well as on the evaluation of the relevant properties that arise from the envisaged applications of the materials. As such, the research reviewed here has been guided along three thematic lines: 1) magnetic nanosorbents for water treatment technologies, namely by using biocomposites and graphite-like nanoplatelets; 2) nanocomposites for photocatalysis (e.g., TiO2/Fe3O4 and POM supported graphene oxide photocatalysts; photoactive membranes) and 3) nanostructured substrates for contaminant detection using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), namely polymers loaded with Ag/Au colloids and magneto-plasmonic nanostructures. This research is motivated by the firm believe that these nanomaterials have potential for contributing to the solution of environmental problems and, conversely, will not be part of the problem. Therefore, assessment of the impact of nanoengineered materials on eco-systems is important and research in this area has also been developed by collaborative projects involving experts in nanotoxicity. The above topics are reviewed here by presenting a brief conceptual framework together with illustrative case studies, in some cases with original research results, mainly focusing on the chemistry of the nanomaterials investigated for target applications. Finally, near-future developments in this research area are put in perspective, forecasting realistic solutions for the application of colloidal nanoparticles in water cleaning technologies.

Chemical Strategies for Dendritic Magneto-plasmonic Nanostructures Applied to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tito Trindade and colleagues at the University of Aveiro. The image depicts dendritic magneto-plasmonic substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202202382.

The Portuguese economic crisis is associated with socioeconomic and sex disparities on children's health-related behaviors and obesity: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to examine the relationship between the 2008 and 2015 economic crisis and children's physical activity (PA) outcomes, eating behaviors and obesity prevalence, while considering sex inequalities and familial socioeconomic status. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study, including data collected in 2016/2017 among 5134 children aged 6-11 years (mean age: 8.11 ± 1.24; 50.0% boys). Children's height, weight, and waist circumference were objectively measured. Children's sleep- and screen-time, participation in organized sports, and specific dietary habits were reported parental-reported using a standardized questionnaire. An economic crisis impact score, with data from 10 indicators of economic needs in the family, was used to characterize the crisis' impact. RESULTS: First, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in children whose families had a higher impact of the crisis. Second, children's intake of fruit and high-fat food, screen-time, sleep-time, and participation in organized sports differed according to the level of impact of the economic crisis. Third, the association between health-related behaviors and the impact of the economic crisis was stronger for girls compared to boys. CONCLUSION: Our findings give us an indication of how economic crises may drive changes in health outcomes.

Chemical Strategies for Dendritic Magneto-plasmonic Nanostructures Applied to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Chemical analyses in the field using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) protocols are expected to be part of several analytical procedures applied to water quality monitoring. To date, these endeavors have been supported by developments in SERS substrate nanofabrication, instrumentation portability, and the internet of things. Here, we report distinct chemical strategies for preparing magneto-plasmonic (Fe3 O4 : Au) colloids, which are relevant in the context of trace-level detection of water contaminants due to their inherent multifunctionality. The main objective of this research is to investigate the role of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAMs) in the preparation of SERS substrates integrating both functionalities into single nanostructures. Three chemical routes were investigated to design magneto-plasmonic nanostructures that translate into different ways for assessing SERS detection by using distinct interfaces. Hence, a series of magneto-plasmonic colloids have been characterized and then assessed for their SERS activity by using a model pesticide (thiram) dissolved in aqueous samples.

Insightful vibrational imaging study on the hydration mechanism of carbamazepine.

Anhydrous carbamazepine (CBZ) is an anti-convulsant drug commonly used to treat epilepsy and relieve trigeminal neuralgia. The presence of the dihydrate form in commercial CBZ tablets can change the dissolution rate of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), thus decreasing its activity. The hydration transformation can occur during wet granulation or storage, within a few weeks, depending on the ambient conditions. This work aims to investigate the effect of relative humidity (RH) in the transition of pure anhydrous CBZ (CBZ III) into the hydrate form by using confocal Raman microscopy with cluster analysis (CA). Firstly, several tablets of pure CBZ III containing different amounts of CBZ DH (50%, 10%, 1%, 0.5%) were prepared and analyzed by Raman imaging with CA. Our results show that CBZ DH crystals can be detected in the CBZ III tablets, at as low a concentration as 0.5%, giving distinct Raman features for the analysed polymorphs. The stability of pure anhydrous (CBZ III) tablets was then monitored by Raman imaging at room temperature (20-22 °C) and different RH (6%, 60% and 89%). The Raman imaging with CA showed that the anhydrous CBZ tablets start to convert into the hydrate form after 48 h, and it completely changes after 120 hours (5 days) at RH 89%. The tablets exposed to RH 6% and 60% did not demonstrate the presence of CBZ DH after 1 week of exposure. The exposure time was extended for 9 months in the former, and no CBZ DH was observed. A comparative study using IR imaging was also performed, demonstrating the viability of these vibrational imaging techniques as valuable tools to monitor the hydration process of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Carbamazepine polymorphism: A re-visitation using Raman imaging.

Raman imaging methods have appeared in the last years as a powerful approach to monitoring the quality of pharmaceutical compounds. Because polymorphism occurs in many crystalline pharmaceutical compounds, it is essential to monitor polymorphic transformations induced by different external stimulus, such as temperature changes, to which those compounds may be submitted. Raman imaging with k-means cluster analysis (CA) is used here as an essential technique to investigate structural and chemical transformations occurring in carbamazepine p-monoclinic (CBZ III) into carbamazepine triclinic (CBZ I) when submitted to temperatures near the melting point of CBZ III (178 °C) and CBZ I (193 °C). CBZ III commercial powder and laboratorial prepared CBZ I were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy with variable temperature. After thermal treatment, the resultant CBZ powder was evaluated by Raman imaging, in which all imaging data was analyzed using CA. Raman imaging allowed the identification of different polymorphs of CBZ (CBZ III and CBZ I) and iminostilbene (IMS), a degradation product of CBZ, in the treated samples, depending on the heating treatment method.