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Numerous publications demonstrate that outdoor and nature-based education benefit school children both physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially and may also promote pro-environmental behaviour. This study assesses the perceptions of 22 students aged 11 to 12 years old after a nature field trip. Such students attended a state-funded primary school and participated in an integrated school programme which aimed to promote environmental awareness and to help children value the natural and cultural heritage of their surroundings. After interviewing the school children in focus groups and analysing data through a coding process and comparison system within an interpretative paradigm, the results illustrate that contribution to field trips benefit children mostly emotionally and socially, while cognitive outcomes are less apparent. These results are particularly relevant in multicultural contexts similar to the one studied.

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) remains unexplained in some patients with recurrent admissions after full investigation. A study was directed for screening SLE and systemic autoimmune connective tissue disorders in recurrent unexplained DHF patients admitted at a short-stay and intermediate care unit. It was found that systemic autoimmune conditions explained 11% from all of cases. Therapy also prevented new readmissions. Autoimmunity should be investigated in DHF.