Design, Development, and Validation of the Self-Perceived Health Scale (SPHS).

Health is a multidimensional concept with notable psychological factors, such as self-perceived health (SPH). SPH is defined as the subjective assessment of individual health status, and it integrates information related to both physical and psychological aspects, such as lifestyle. This study describes the development of the Self-Perceived Health Scale (SPHS), and its validation in a Mexican sample (n = 600). Exploratory factor analysis (n = 303) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 293) were carried out, and they supported the three-dimensionality of the SPH construct: physical health, psychological health, and healthy lifestyle. A final 12-item scale was obtained, and the scale showed adequate validity and reliability, as well as measurement invariance between sexes, indicating its robustness.

Diseño y validación de instrumento para medir el compromiso académico en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos / Design and validation of an instrument to assess academic engagement in Mexican university students

Resumen Objetivo: Diseñar y validar un cuestionario para medir el compromiso académico en una población universitaria mexicana. Método: Se realizó un estudio de tipo instrumental donde participaron 362 estudiantes, el 70,1 % eran mujeres y el 29,9 % eran hombres, ambos grupos con una edad media de 20 años (DT = 2,7), que fueran estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Se utilizó un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) mediante el método de extracción mínimos cuadrados ponderados y rotación oblicua, y Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) mediante ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: Se obtuvo una estructura pentafactorial siendo estas involucramiento, rendimiento, reforzadores, interacción socioeducativa y resiliencia, explicando el 47,87 % de la varianza. La consistencia interna del instrumento estimada con el coeficiente de Alfa de Cronbach (α = 0,82), obteniendo parámetros de ajuste adecuados: CFI = 0,942, GFI = 0,939, AGFI = 0,920, PGFI = 0,716, RMSEA = 0,34. Discusión: El cuestionario de compromiso académico para población universitaria mexicana muestra propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, considerando factores como el involucramiento en el estudio, el rendimiento donde el alumno demuestra sus capacidades y habilidades académicas, los reforzadores que motivan al alumno en sus estudios, la valoración positiva del desempeño futuro que tendrá el alumno como profesional y la resiliencia del alumno para llevar a cabo sus tareas escolares ante situaciones estresantes

Abstract Objective: This paper aims to design and validate a questionnaire to measure Academic Engagement in a mexican university population. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 362 students participated, 70,1 % were female and 29,9 % were male, the total sample had a mean age of 20 years (SD = 2,7), who were Mexican university students. Results: The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were carried out with weighted least squares extraction method and oblique rotation, obtained a pentafactorial structure with involvement, performance, reinforcers, socio-educative interaction and resilience, explaining 47,87 % of the variance. The internal consistency of the instrument was estimated with Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α = 0,82), obtaining adequate adjustment parameters: CFI = 0,942, GFI = 0,939, AGFI = 0,920, PGFI = 0,716, RMSEA = 0,34. Discussion: The academic commitment questionnaire for the Mexican university population has adequate psychometric properties, considering factors such as the involvement in the study, performance where the student demonstrates his academic abilities and skills, reinforcers that motivate the student in his studies, positive valuation of the future performance that the student will have as a professional, and resilience of the student to carry out his school tasks in stressful situations.

Experience on the Management of Patients with Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the NEUMOBIAL Study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are treatable but greatly underdiagnosed disorders. Telemedicine made it possible to continue diagnosis, follow-up visits and treatment modifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study describes the management of patients with COPD and asthma, and their treatments during the pandemic from the pulmonologist's perspective. METHODS: NEUMOBIAL was an ecological study with aggregated data. A total of 279 Spanish pulmonologists answered a 60-question survey about their last 10 patients, focused on the characterisation and changes in visits and treatments during the pandemic. RESULTS: Most pulmonologists (72.0%) considered that the pandemic negatively altered the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with asthma or COPD. Diagnostic tests were reduced during the pandemic, mainly because they were not recommended by pulmonologists (68.1% and 72.7% in the case of COPD and asthma tests, respectively). Moreover, 17.3% of the COPD and 19.1% of the asthma visits were remote visits. According to pulmonologists, low adherence to treatment was mainly due to a lack of patient knowledge about their disease (75.3% and 81.7% in COPD and asthma, respectively). Other factors that also influenced adherence were inadequate use of the inhaler (59.5% for COPD and 57.7% for asthma) and a lack of knowledge about the device (57.3% for COPD and 57.7% for asthma). Pulmonologists chose Zonda® for COPD because of the ease of use of the device (73.1%) and the ability to check whether the entire dose was inhaled (69.5%). For asthma, Spiromax® was chosen because of the ease of use of the device (85.7%) and the possibility of using a single device for maintenance and reliever treatment (82.4%). CONCLUSION: According to pulmonologists, during the pandemic, treatments for COPD and asthma were mainly chosen on the basis of their ease of use; treatment adherence was good; and the number of remote visits increased.

Health psychology on long COVID: Strategies based on NICE and WHO guidelines recommendations / Psicología de la salud y COVID persistente: Estrategias basadas en las guías de recomendación NICE y OMS

Abstract Background The chronic aspect that begins to characterize long COVID appeals to the need for interventions proposed by institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to manage the disease, emphasizing behavioral change and self-care. Objective To perform a narrative review of the psychological literature that offers intervention strategies in alignment with the recommendations of the long COVID management guidelines proposed by WHO and NICE. Method MEDLINE, EBSCO, Google Scholar, SciELO, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane, and CONRICYT databases were consulted, using Boolean operators and keywords for an exhaustive search. Results The contributions of the studies were categorized into five intervention strategies based on WHO and NICE recommendation guidelines: Psychoeducation, Self-care, Support networks, Relaxation, and Goal setting. These are given a brief introduction and their relevance to the management of long COVID symptomatology is described. Discussion and conclusion The persistent condition of COVID-19 symptoms makes it necessary to recognize that lifestyle changes must be made, primarily focused on health care and prevention of worsening disease sequelae. These lifestyle changes can be achieved through behavior modification, focusing on protective factors such as education, self-care, support networks, relaxation techniques and, setting appropriate goals.

Resumen Antecedentes El aspecto crónico que empieza a caracterizar al COVID persistente hace un llamado a la propuesta de intervenciones desde instituciones como la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) para lograr un manejo de la enfermedad, el cambio conductual y el autocuidado. Objetivo Elaborar una revisión narrativa sobre la literatura psicológica que ofrece estrategias de intervención acordes a las recomendaciones de las guías de manejo del COVID persistente propuestas por la OMS y el NICE. Método Se consultaron las bases de datos MEDLINE, EBSCO, Google Scholar, SciELO, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane y CONRICYT. Se utilizaron operadores booleanos y palabras claves para una búsqueda exhaustiva. Resultados Las aportaciones de los estudios fueron categorizadas en cinco estrategias de intervención basadas en las guías de recomendación de la OMS y el NICE: Psicoeducación, Autocuidado, Redes de apoyo, Relajación y Establecimiento de metas. En ellas se realiza una breve introducción y se expone su relevancia para el manejo de la sintomatología del COVID persistente. Discusión y conclusión El padecimiento persistente de los síntomas del COVID-19 hace necesario reconocer que deben realizarse cambios en el estilo de vida, principalmente enfocados en el cuidado de la salud y la prevención del empeoramiento de las secuelas de la enfermedad. Estos cambios en el estilo de vida podrán lograrse mediante la modificación de la conducta, orientándola a factores protectores como la educación, el autocuidado, las redes de apoyo, las técnicas de relajación y el establecimiento de metas adecuadas.

Intralesional SD-101 in Combination with Pembrolizumab in Anti-PD-1 Treatment-Naïve Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Results from a Multicenter, Phase II Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether SD-101, a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, potentiates the antitumor activity of anti-PD-1 antibodies in patients with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naïve, recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with PD-1 Ab-naïve HNSCC received either 2 mg SD-101 injected in one to four lesions or 8 mg SD-101 injected into a single lesion weekly × 4 doses then every 3 weeks × 7 doses. Pembrolizumab was administered at 200 mg every 3 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients received 2 mg and 23 received 8 mg per injection, respectively. A total of 76% of patients had received prior systemic therapy. Combined positive score was ≥1 to < 20 in 35 patients (70%) and ≥ 20 in 15 patients (30%) of 50 patients with available data. There were 12 patients with grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (24%), and no treatment-related deaths. The objective response rate was 24% including 2 complete and 10 partial responses. The median duration of response was 7.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-11.1] months. The response rate was higher in human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) patients (44%, N = 16). Responses were not associated with PD-L1 expression levels or IFNγ-related gene expression at baseline. Responses were observed both in injected (32%) and in noninjected lesions (29%). Progression-free and overall survival at 9 months were 19.0% (95% CI: 9.1-31.7) and 64.7% (95% CI: 45.3-78.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SD-101 combined with pembrolizumab induced objective responses, especially in HPV+ tumors, which were frequently associated with increased intratumoral inflammation and effector immune cell activity.

Humanization in mental health plans in Spain. / La humanización en los planes de salud mental en España.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health (MH) care has important challenges, especially in the field of humanization. Our objectives were to identify the humanization measures in MH plans of the Spanish autonomous communities (CCAA) and the priorities to be developed in this area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A large and multidisciplinary group of people involved in MH care participated in a consensus, according to a modified Delphi method, based on «design thinking¼, in three phases: (1) identification of humanization measures in MH plans of CCAA; (2) analysis of the implementation of these measures; and (3) identification of humanization priorities in MH. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 17 CCAA have current MH plans. They contained four types of humanization measures: (1) improvement of the quality of care; (2) promotion of user participation; (3) campaigns against stigma and discrimination; (4) caring for especially vulnerable people. Implementation of measures ranged from 6.3% (i.e.: specific budget) to 100%, with an average of 64.1%. We identified priority issues, operationalized in 5 proposals: (1) information campaigns; (2) multidisciplinary meeting forums; (3) platforms of support entities; (4) strategies on MH education; (5) humanization in study plans. CONCLUSIONS: Some MH plans include humanization among their objectives, but partially. The implementation of humanization proposals such as those identified in this study is essential to achieve a high-quality MH care.

Evaluation of Pre-malignant Lesions of the Uterine Cervix by Shear Wave Elastography: A New Diagnostic Tool.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the difference in the stiffness between a healthy cervix (no pre-invasive lesions [NPILs]) and a cervix with a pre-invasive lesion (PIL). In the PIL group, we determined whether there was a difference in stiffness between the cervix with persistent low-grade lesions (>2 y, LSIL-persistent) and that with high-grade lesions (HSILs). Evaluation was performed using 2-D shear-wave elastography (SWE) in the midsagittal-plane of the uterine cervix (UC) at 0.5 cm (cervical canal, anterior and posterior cervical lips). In this prospective observational study (consecutive series), we evaluated 96 non-pregnant women: a group with PIL (LSIL-persistent, 22 cases; HSIL, 26 cases) with indications for cervical conization (48 cases) and a group without UC pathology (NPIL, 48 cases). Although we did not observe statistically significant differences (SSDs) in epidemiological characteristics, we did find an SSD in the speed and stiffness between the PIL versus NPIL groups at all evaluated depths (speed: 4.1 m/s vs 3.0 m/s, stiffness: 58.6 and 34.5kPa in the PIL and NPIL groups, respectively, p < 0.001). An SSD in speed and stiffness (speed: 4.9 m/s vs. 3.2 m/s, and stiffness: 76.1 and 38.0 kPa) between the HSIL (26 cases) and LSIL-persistent (22 cases) groups, respectively, was also detected (p < 0.001). The area under the curve of speed differentiation between a cervix with HSILs and without lesions was 73.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.1-83.7), and the best cutoff of speed was 3.25 m/s (sensitivity = 62.5%, 95% CI: 47.3-76.0), with a specificity of 75.5% (95% CI: 60.4-87.1).

[Clinical Practice Guide for Anaphylaxis in Latin America (Galaxia-Latam)]. / Guía de Actuación en Anafilaxia en Latinoamérica. Galaxia-Latam.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction with a rapid onset and it is potentially life-threatening. Its clinical manifestations are varied; they may affect the skin, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the digestive system, among others. The treatment of choice, which is an intra-muscular injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), must be applied promptly. Therefore, being prepared to recognize it properly is of crucial importance. The objective of this clinical practice guide is to improve the knowledge of health professionals about anaphylaxis and, consequently, to optimize the treatment and long-term management of this reaction. This guide is adapted to the peculiarities of Latin America; especially in matters regarding the treatment. The need to introduce epinephrine auto-injectors in countries that don't have them yet is highlighted.

La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave de instauración rápida y potencialmente mortal. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son muy variadas, pudiendo afectar la piel, el sistema cardiovascular, el aparato respiratorio y el digestivo, entre otros. El tratamiento de elección, mediante la inyección intramuscular de adrenalina, debe ser precoz. Por lo anterior, es vital estar preparados para reconocerla adecuadamente. El objetivo de la presente guía de actuación clínica es mejorar el conocimiento de los profesionales sanitarios sobre anafilaxia y, consecuentemente, optimizar el tratamiento y manejo a largo plazo de esta entidad. La guía está adaptada a las peculiaridades de América Latina, especialmente en los aspectos relativos al tratamiento. Se destaca la necesidad de introducir los autoinyectores de adrenalina en los países que no dispongan de ellos.

Randomized trial of omega-3 for autism spectrum disorders: Effect on cell membrane composition and behavior.

A high ω6/ω3 ratio [fatty acid (FA) index] in the cell membrane has been associated with inadequate brain development. It has started to be used as a biomarker of treatment efficacy in human diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if omega-3 supplementation improves erythrocyte membrane ω6/ω3, plasma antioxidant status (TAS) and autistic behaviors. A randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study was designed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of supplementation with ω3 (962mg/d and 1155mg/d for children and adolescents, respectively). Sixty-eight children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) completed the full protocol. Primary outcome measures were erythrocyte membrane FA composition and TAS. Secondary outcome measures were Social Responsiveness Scale and Clinical Global Impression-Severity. Treatment with ω3 improved the erythrocyte membrane ω6/ω3 ratio (treatment effect p<0.008, d=0.66; within subjects effect p<0.007, d=0.5) without changing TAS. There was a within subjects significant improvement in Social Motivation and Social Communication subscales scores, with a moderate to large effect size (p=0.004, d=0.73 and p=0.025, d=0.79 respectively), but no treatment effect (treatment-placebo order). Carryover effects cannot be discarded as responsible for the results in behavioral measures. In conclusion, supplementation with ω3 FA might be studied as an add-on to behavioral therapies in ASD. Optimal duration of treatment requires further investigation. With regard to side effects, the effect of this supplementation on the lipid profile needs monitoring.

Comparison of the Cobas 4800 Human Papillomavirus test against a combination of the Amplicor Human Papillomavirus and the Linear Array tests for detection of HPV types 16 and 18 in cervical samples.

The greater prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 compared to the other high-risk HPV types of cervical cancer led to the development of clinical tests that detect both types separately from other genotypes. One method is the Roche Cobas 4800 HPV test, which is based on a real-time PCR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Cobas 4800 HPV test for detecting genotypes 16 and 18 by comparing the results with those obtained in a combination of the Roche Amplicor HPV assay and the Roche Linear Array (LA) HPV genotyping assay. Excellent concordance was found between both methods (92.7%, kappa value=0.872). The Cobas 4800 HPV test could be used as a single test for identifying HPV types 16 and 18 directly from clinical specimens.

Improving quality at the hospital psychiatric ward level through the use of the EFQM model.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model as a quality framework for improving a psychiatric hospital ward. METHODOGY: Two self-assessments were conducted using the EFQM model. The self-assessment methods combined two approaches proposed by the EFQM: the award simulation approach and the questionnaire approach. Work groups were set up to improve the areas for improvement identified on the self-assessment. RESULTS: The EFQM was a useful framework for self-assessment at the ward level and a good system for identifying areas for improvement. Only one of the 32 sub-criteria did not apply at the ward level. The self-assessment score was 209 points in 2003 and 311 points 2 years later (an increase of 48.8% from the initial score). DISCUSSION: The main difficulties were ensuring that clinical personnel understood the EFQM model, the extra effort demanded by the initial phase and the lack of decision-making capacity in certain relevant areas. Adapting the self-assessment methodology to the specific context facilitated the process, as did a high level of involvement of the part of manager and staff. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to implement the EFQM model at the hospital was level and it has a positive influence on staff communication and involvement. It is important, when working at this level, to adequately focus the scope of the project on improving quality in those areas where there is decision-making capacity.

Focusing properties of fractal zone plates: experimental implementation with a liquid-crystal display.

We report the first experimental results, to our knowledge, with fractal zone plates implemented in a liquid-crystal display. Our results largely agree with theory for the axial irradiance distribution of these lenses. The dependence of the shape and size of the focus points on critical design parameters is discussed. Additional unpredicted features are also described.

Preparation of (R) and (S) alpha methyldopa from a chiral hydantoin containing the alpha phenylethyl group.

Chiral hydantoin (S)-1 was prepared in good yield from phenyl isocyanate and N-[(S)-alpha-phenylethyl]glycinate, (S)-3. Enolate (S)-1-Li was methylated in high yield and good diastereoselectivity. In contrast, a second alkylation reaction of methylated enolate (S)-4-Li proceeded with essentially no diastereoselectivity. Nevertheless, dialkylated hydantoins, (S,S)-7 and (S,R)-7, could be readily separated by flash chromatography and subsequent hydrolysis of either derivative afforded the desired (S)-L-alpha-methyldopa or (R)-D-alpha-methyldopa in good yield.

Leimioblastoma epitelioide gástrico: presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Two cases of epitheloid gastric leimonyoblastoma

Se presentaron dos casos de leiomioblastoma gástrico tipo epiteloide, sacados de los archivos del departamento de patología del hospital San Ignacio. Esta neoplasia aunque rara, es interesante, ya que su comportamiento biológicono siempre esta de acuerdo con su aspecto histológico.