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- Alygizakis, Nikiforos, et al.
(author)
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Making waves: The NORMAN antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes database (NORMAN ARB&ARG)–An invitation for collaboration to tackle antibiotic resistance
- 2024
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In: Water Research. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0043-1354 .- 1879-2448. ; 257
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the global concerns on antibiotic resistance (AR) as a public health issue, it is pivotal to have data exchange platforms for studies on antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. For this purpose, the NORMAN Association is hosting the NORMAN ARB&ARG database, which was developed within the European project ANSWER. The present article provides an overview on the database functionalities, the extraction and the contribution of data to the database. In this study, AR data from three studies from China and Nepal were extracted and imported into the NORMAN ARB&ARG in addition to the existing AR data from 11 studies (mainly European studies) on the database. This feasibility study demonstrates how the scientific community can share their data on AR to generate an international evidence base to inform AR mitigation strategies. The open and FAIR data are of high potential relevance for regulatory applications, including the development of emission limit values / environmental quality standards in relation to AR. The growth in sharing of data and analytical methods will foster collaboration on risk management of AR worldwide, and facilitate the harmonization in the effort for identification and surveillance of critical hotspots of AR. The NORMAN ARB&ARG database is publicly available at: https://www.norman-network.com/nds/bacteria/.
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- Ferreira, Cláudia, et al.
(author)
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eLIFEwithIBD : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an online acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion-based intervention in inflammatory bowel disease
- 2024
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In: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) entails physical, psychological, and social burden and holds a significant impact on quality of life. Experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, shame, and self-criticism have been identified as possible therapeutic targets for improving mental health in people with IBD. Traditional face-to-face psychological therapy continues to provide obstacles for patients seeking assistance. Online psychological therapies centered on acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion have been shown to improve psychological distress in other populations.Objective: This paper presents the study protocol of a two-arm Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of an ACT and compassion-based, online intervention –eLIFEwithIBD - on the improvement of psychological distress, quality of life, work and social functioning, IBD symptom perception, illness-related shame, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion.Methods: The eLIFEwithIBD intervention is an adaptation of the LIFEwithIBD programme (delivered through an in-person group format) and entails an ACT, mindfulness, and compassion-based intervention designed to be delivered as an e-health tool for people with IBD. This protocol outlines the structure and contents of the eLIFEwithIBD intervention. Participants were recruited by an advertisement on the social media platforms of Portuguese Associations for IBD in January 2022. A psychologist conducted a brief interview with 80 patients who were interested in participating. Fifty-five participants were selected and randomly assigned to one of two conditions [experimental group (eLIFEwithIBD + medical TAU; n = 37) or control group (medical TAU;n = 18)]. Outcome measurement took place at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-month follow-up. All analyses are planned as intent-to-treat (ITT).Results: The eLIFEwithIBD intervention is expected to empower people with IBD by fostering psychological strategies that promote illness adjustment and well-being and prevent subsequent distress. The eLIFEwithIBD aims to gain a novel and better understanding of the role of online contextual behavioral interventions on improving the quality of life and mental health of people with IBD.Clinical Trial Registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05405855, NCT05405855.
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3. |
- Ferreira, Cláudia, et al.
(author)
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Randomized controlled trial of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based group intervention for persons with inflammatory bowel disease : the LIFEwithIBD intervention
- 2024
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In: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This study tested the acceptability and efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based intervention (LIFEwithIBD) in people with IBD through a two-arm RCT.Methods: Participants were recruited at the Gastroenterology Department of the Coimbra University Hospital between June and September 2019. Of the 355 patients screened, those who accepted to participate were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: experimental group (LIFEwithIBD; n = 25) or control group (waitlist; n = 29). Participants completed self-report measures at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Intervention acceptability was assessed. Efficacy was examined using intent-to-treat ANCOVA at post-intervention after adjusting for baseline values of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (primary outcomes). Linear mixed models for all longitudinal outcomes were also analysed. Inflammatory and disease biomarkers were determined at T0 and T3.Results: Acceptability results revealed a high level of satisfaction and perceived usefulness regarding the intervention. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in stress symptoms and IBD symptom perception at T1. No significant differences were observed at follow-up for the primary outcomes. The experimental group reported significantly lower Crohn’s disease Symptom severity at T2 than the control group. Post-hoc analyses designed to mitigate floor effects revealed substantial treatment effects for the experimental group regarding anxiety symptoms. No significant differences were observed in clinical biomarkers from T0 to T3.Conclusion: The LIFEwithIBD intervention shows promising, although preliminary, benefits for managing disease activity and reducing anxiety symptoms in IBD patients with high severity of psychological distress.
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