Multidimensional emotional disorders inventory: Reliability and validity in a Spanish clinical sample.

BACKGROUND: The categorical approach to diagnosing mental disorders has been criticized for a number of reasons (e.g., high rates of comorbidity; larger number of diagnostic categories and combination). Diverse alternatives have been proposed using a hybrid or totally dimensional perspective. Despite the evidence supporting use of the Multidimensional Emotional Disorders Inventory (MEDI) for assessing the transdiagnostic dimensions of Emotional Disorders using a dimensional-categorical hybrid approach, no data exist on Spanish clinical samples. The present study explores the validity and reliability of the 49-item MEDI in a clinical sample and provides data for its use. METHODS: A total of 280 outpatients with emotional disorders attended in different Spanish public Mental Health Units in Spain filled out all questionnaires during the assessment phase and the MEDI again one week after. The instruments used evaluate four main constructs: personality, mood, anxiety and avoidance. RESULTS: The nine original factors were confirmed and showed adequate reliability (α: 0.66-0.91) and stability (r = 0.76-0.87). No differences in mean scores by sex were presented in any subscale (p ≥ .07). The MEDI subscales correlated significantly with the scales of each of the selected constructs (0.45 < r < 0.76). LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study were the limited sample size and not being able to count on MEDI scores post-transdiagnostic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The MEDI demonstrates adequate reliability and validity. It allows to assess diverse symptoms efficiently, thus being of interest for clinical studies and practice.

Infrared laser spectroscopy of the linear C13 carbon cluster.

The infrared absorption spectrum of a linear, 13-atom carbon cluster (C13) has been observed by using a supersonic cluster beam-diode laser spectrometer. Seventy-six rovibrational transitions were measured near 1809 wave numbers and assigned to an antisymmetric stretching fundamental in the 1 sigma g+ ground state of C13. This definitive structural characterization of a carbon cluster in the intermediate size range between C10 and C20 is in apparent conflict with theoretical calculations, which predict that clusters of this size should exist as planar monocyclic rings.

Psychometric properties and validation of the Spanish versions of the overall anxiety and depression severity and impairment scales.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most frequent disorders for which patients seek care in public health settings in Spain. This study aimed at validating the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS), which are brief screening scales for anxiety and depression consisting of only five items each. METHODS: The study was conducted in a Spanish clinical sample receiving outpatient mental health treatment (N = 339). A subsample of participants (n = 219) was assessed before and after receiving a course of cognitive-behavioral treatment. RESULTS: The results revealed excellent internal consistency estimates (Cronbach's alpha for the OASIS and the ODSIS was 0.87 and 0.94, respectively), along with promising convergent and discriminant validity and test-criterion relationships (i.e., moderate correlation with other measures of depression and anxiety, as well as with neuroticism, quality of life, adjustment, and negative affect). A one-dimensional structure was obtained for the OASIS and the ODSIS. The ROC analyses indicated an area under the curve of 0.83 for the OASIS and the ODSIS when predicting moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression, respectively. Good sensitivity to therapeutic change was also evidence and the analysis of the sensitivity as a function of 1-specificity area suggested a cutoff value of 10 for both scales. LIMITATIONS: Inter-rater reliability of diagnoses with the ADIS-IV interview could not be investigated and the results obtained may not be generalizable to other samples and health settings. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of these two short and psychometrically sound measures should make screening of anxiety and depressive symptoms in routine care more feasible.

Association between severe disease course and nephritis with Q222R polymorphism in DNAse I gene among lupus patients: An Argentine multicenter study.

UNLABELLED: Objetives: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multifactorial autoimmune disease and the glomerulonephritis is one of the most severe complications, which leads to severe persistent proteinuria, chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease. This multicenter study investigated the genetic associations of a non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in DNase I with the risk of lupus and its influence on development of nephropathy in an Argentinean population. METHODS: Using the Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method, the Q222R (+2373A→G; Gln244Arg) DNase I polymorphism was studied in 156 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 170 healthy controls. RESULTS: Although no significant association between Q222R polymorphism and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus was found, the presence of the A allele was associated with an increased risk for the development of nephropathy (p=0.019, Odd Ratio=2.196, 95 % confidence interval [1.135-4.247]) and a worse disease course [moderate disease course: p=0.006, Odd Ratio=3.250, 95% confidence interval (1.401-7.539); severe disease course: p=0.040, Odd Ratio=2.339, 95% confidence interval (1.040-5.260)]. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the genetic basis of systemic lupus erythematosus will help in the development of new and more effectives strategies for the treatment of the disease in the future.

Stereo- and regioselective hydroxylation of grindelic acid derivatives by Aspergillus niger.

Stereo- and regioselective hydroxylation of grindelane derivatives on position 3beta was catalyzed by cultures of Aspergillus niger. Grindelic acid (1), methyl grindelate (2), 15-hydroxy-7(8)-en-9alpha,13(S)-oxide-ent-labdane (3) and 7alpha,8alpha-epoxymethylgrindelate (4) were bioconverted into the corresponding 3beta-hydroxy derivatives as the only biotransformation products. 13(S),15-dihydroxy-8(9)-en-ent-labdane (5) remained unreacted under the same conditions. The conformational and electronic studies of the substrates are discussed.

Detection of the linear carbon cluster C10: rotationally resolved diode-laser spectroscopy.

Detected in interstellar space and as intermediates in soot formation, molecules of pure carbon in the form of linear chains or ring structures have interested researchers for several decades, who attempt to elucidate their physical properties and the processes govering their formation. A high-resolution infrared spectrometer housing a tunable diode laser and combined with an effective laser ablation source for the cluster production has been used to study the molecular properties of small carbon clusters; reported herein is the first gas-phase spectrum of linear C10.

Characterization of silicon-carbon clusters by infrared laser spectroscopy. The nu 1 band of SiC4.

The nu 1 fundamental vibration of linear SiC4 has been observed by infrared diode laser spectroscopy of a supersonic cluster beam. Twenty-four rovibrational transitions were measured in the spectral region of 2094.6 to 2097.1 cm-1, the rotational temperature was 10 K. A combined least-squares fit of these transitions with previously reported microwave data yielded the following molecular constants: nu 1 = 2095.45806(37) cm-1, B" = 0.051161131(52) cm-1, and B' = 0.0509157(96) cm-1. These results are compared to vibrational spectroscopy measurements of SiC4 trapped in a solid Ar matrix and to ab initio calculations.

Immunofluorescence and Treponema infection: a method using immunofluorescence to study rabbit testicular tissue infected with T pallidum and T pertenue.

We compared immunofluorescent staining of rabbit testicular tissue infected with Treponema pallidum or T pertenue, and fixed in Bouin's fixative, 95% cold ethyl alcohol with 1% glacial acetic acid, or routine 10% buffered formalin solution. The fixative of choice clearly was Bouin's. Although we studied only rabbit tissue, we assume that these fixatives will work well in human biopsy or autopsy material when identification of pathogenic Treponema is needed.

Nutritional status in two Mbyá-Guaraní communities from misiones (Argentina).

Growth and nutritional status of children and adults in two Mbyá-Guaraní communities from Argentina, was assessed. Height, weight, sitting height, upper arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfold were measured on 120 individuals aged from 2 to 60 between March and May, 2001. Data were transformed to z-scores using United States references (NHANES I and NHANES II). A z-score of less than -2 was used as the cut-off point to determine the prevalence of stunting and wasting respectively. Mean z-scores for weight, height, and upper arm circumference lie below the reference (0 > Z > -3), while in sitting height ratio and muscular area for females they were above the US standard (0 < Z < 2). Skinfold thicknesses and muscular area for males were similar to the reference (2 > Z > -1). Our findings are in agreement with others South American Indian research that the prevalence of stunting (36.7%) is significantly higher than wasting (1.8%). The presence of parasitic infections and nutritional environment previously described in this population could be related to the short stature.

Body growth and food intake in moderately and severely malnourished rats.

A longitudinal study with eighty-six rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus var. Wistar) of both sexes was made. The aim was to express adaptability to malnutrition in terms of Age-of-Fitness Point (AFP) and Trend-to-Fitness Stage (TFS). The AFP means the age in which both control and malnourished animals show the same Relative Food Intake (RFI) value, expressed in mg of food intake per g of body weight. The TFS means the percent of RFI reached by the malnourished animals at a given age stage. A TFS=70 for example, means that the animals have to gain 30% of RFI to reach its AFP. Growing animals were submitted to one of the following treatments: control (fed on a stock diet ad libitum), moderate malnutrition (fed on 1/2 of the daily stock diet of a control of the same age and sex) and severe malnutrition (fed on 1/3 of the mentioned diet). Body weight and food intake of all of the animals were registered every ten days, when they were from 20 to 80 days old. Relative Food Intake (RFI) was calculated dividing the food intake (mg) of each animal/day by its respective body weight (g). The RFI data series belonging to each sex and treatment was obtained. The significance of the three independent variables (age, sex, and nutrition) was tested by multiple regressions. Covariation and degree of linearity between RFI and age were tested by simple correlation and simple regression tests. The intercepts of the regressions were all significant. For both sexes they were greater in controls than in the moderately malnourished group, in the latter being greater than in the severely malnourished group. The slopes were significant and negative in all of the groups. While, in males and females, control and moderately malnourished rats showed little differences, the severely malnourished slopes were, respectively, 3.2 and 2.4 times lower than in controls. In controls there were sexual differences for RFI correlated with age which were not present in the malnourished groups. The AFP was calculated by extrapolation: 80-90 days of age in males, with RFI of 80 mg/g, and 100-110 days of age in females, with RFI of 70 mg/g. In males TFS was 29.5% and 88.6 % in moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. In females these values were 9.1% and 63.2%, respectively. Sexual dimorphism in TFS was significant in the moderately malnourished animals and nonsignificant in the severely malnourished ones.

Orofacial athletic injuries and involvement of the temporomandibular joint.

Injuries to the temporomandibular joint can range from contusion to complex displaced fractures. Major factors in the treatment of any injury are the patient's age and the stage in development of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. A failure to diagnosis or the lack of proper treatment may lead to deformities. Following initial evaluation and management, vigorous mobilization of the joint remains a cornerstone of treatment.

[Road safety in work commuting for primary care profesionals]. / La seguridad vial en los desplazamientos al trabajo de los profesionales de atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk behavior patterns for basic health care professionals in road safety. Also to measure the incidence of road traffic accidents METHOD: Cross-sectional survey; population: complete Leon Area Basic Health Care team (N = 1048). Survey included different kind of variables: sociodemografic, labour, type of journey, road accidents going to work in the last three years and perceived risk; using a Likert scale people were asked about frequency of errors and driving offences (traffic offences). An bivariate analysis was made in order to study relationship between incidences and workers' characteristics with perceived risk. RESULTS: 54,3% of workers were analyzed. We found that 84.6% used the car as a means of transportation. Most common infraction declared were: driving after getting little sleep, speeding or being in a rush to get to work. Self-perceived risk as well as accident incidence is higher in nursing area workers, locum, those who travel more than 30km per day and those declared themselves as offenders. Accident incidence is 4.9% workers per year. CONCLUSION: Primary Health Care workers run high risk of accidents and it is well-perceived by them.

Referencias argentinas de estatura sentada y longitud de miembros inferiores de 0 a 18 años / Argentine reference values for sitting height and lower limb length between 0 and 18 years of age

Para el seguimiento del crecimiento de niños con severa malformación de miembros inferiores o de columna, disponer de referencias de estatura sentada (ES) y de miembros inferiores (MI) según edad es una herramienta de gran utilidad. Objetivos: estimar los centilos de ES y MI para ambos sexos, entre 0 a 18 años de edad y evaluar la utilidad de estas referencias en niños con malformaciones localizadas en MI o columna. Material y Métodos: los centilos 3°,10°, 25°, 50°, 75°, 90° y 97° de ES y MI según Edad (SE/E y MI/E) fueron estimados en una población sana de 4803 y 4818 varones y mujeres respectivamente, por el método LMS que utiliza la transformación BOX-COX para normalizar la distribución de los datos a cada edad. Resultados: en los primeros años de edad, la mediana de ES en ambos sexos fue similar. Entre los 11 y 13 años, las niñas tuvieron una ES mayor a la de los varones, pero luego se invirtió y se mantuvo así hasta la adultez. En MI la mediana también fue similar en ambos sexos durante los primeros años, pero a partir de los 12 el incremento fue mayor en los varones. A los 12 años la diferencia fue 0,71 cm, finalizando con 9 cm a los 18 años. El uso de estas referencias en niños con malformaciones de columna ó MI mostró un crecimiento patológico de estatura total y del segmento corporal comprometido, con un tamaño y crecimiento normal del segmento no afectado. Conclusión: los centilos de segmentos corporales según la edad constituyen una herramienta útil para la supervisión del crecimiento de niños con severa malformación de columna o miembros inferiores (AU)

For the follow-up of growth of children with severe lower-limb or spinal deformities, reference values for sitting height (SH) and lower-limb (LL) length according to age are extremely useful. Aims: To define percentiles of SH and LL for both sexes between 0 and 18 years of age and evaluate the usefulness of these references in children with LL or spinal deformities. Material and Methods: 3rd,10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles for SH and LL according to age (SE/age and LL/age) were estimated for a healthy population of 4803 and 4818 boys and girls, respectively, with the LMS method that uses the Box-Cox power exponential (BCPE) to normalize data distribution for age. Results: In the first years of life, mean SH was similar for both sexes. Between 11 and 13 years of age, girls had a greater SH than boys, but this relationship subsequently inverted and remained so until adulthood. The median length of LL was also similar in the first years of life, but after 12 years of age growth was increased in boys. At 12 years of age the difference was 0.71 cm, with a final difference of 9 cm at 18 years of age. The use of these reference values in children with spinal or LL deformities showed pathological growth of the whole body and the body segment involved with normal growth of the nonaffected segment. Conclusion: percentiles of the body segments according to age are a useful tool for the monitoring of growth of children with severe deformities of the spine or lower limbs (AU)