Exploring Candidate Gene Studies and Alexithymia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Alexithymia is a trait involving difficulties in processing emotions. Genetic association studies have investigated candidate genes involved in alexithymia's pathogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the genetic background associated with alexithymia. METHODS: A systematic review of genetic studies of people with alexithymia was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for the study purpose. We used the words "Alexithymia", "gene", "genetics", "variants", and "biomarkers". The present systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We found only candidate gene studies. A total of seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria, which comprised 22,361 individuals. The candidate genes associated with alexithymia were the serotoninergic pathway genes solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4), serotonin 1A receptor (HTR1A), and serotonin 1A receptor (HTR2A); the neurotransmitter metabolism genes dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1), catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxytocin receptor (OXTR); and other pathway genes, vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), tumor protein P53 regulated apoptosis inducing protein 1 (TP53AIP1), Rho GTPase Activating Protein 32 (ARHGAP32), and transmembrane protein 88B (TMEM88B). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that only case-control gene studies have been performed in alexithymia. On the basis of our findings, the majority of alexithymia genes and polymorphisms in this study belong to the serotoninergic pathway and neurotransmitter metabolism genes. These data suggest a role of serotoninergic neurotransmission in alexithymia. Nevertheless, more and future research is required to learn about the role of these genes in alexithymia.

Effects of IL-6/IL-6R axis alterations in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid with the schizophrenia: an updated review and meta-analysis of 58 studies.

Studies investigating the association between IL-6/IL-6R axis and schizophrenia (SZ) susceptibility found inconsistent data. To reconcile the results, a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was performed to assess the associations. This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out in July 2022 using electronic databases PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, PsychInfo, and Scopus. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. Fifty-eight studies were identified, including 4,200 SZ patients and 4,531 controls. Our meta-analysis results showed an increase of IL-6 levels in plasma, serum, or CSF and decreased IL-6R levels in serum in patients under treatment. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the correlation between the IL-6/IL-6R axis and the schizophrenia.

Effect of risperidone on serum IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Risperidone has been significant correlated with a direct effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with schizophrenia. This fact allows the opportunity to link the probable immunomodulatory effect of antipsychotic medication. Specially, a proper functioning of IL-6 pathway plays a potential role in the treatment or development of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of risperidone on IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Studies were identified through a systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The articles found were subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria; then, the mean and standardised differences were extracted to calculate the standardised mean differences using the CMA software. RESULTS: IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia were compared before and after receiving risperidone as treatment. Increased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone (point estimate 0.249, lower limit 0.042, upper limit 0.455, p-value 0.018). In the Asian population sub-analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed (point estimate 0.103, lower limit -0.187, upper limit 0.215, p value 0.890). When we compared individuals with schizophrenia to the control groups, a significant increase of IL-6 levels was observed in the group with schizophrenia (point estimate 0.248, lower limit 0.024, upper limit 0.472, p-value 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia. Potential implications of increased IL-6 levels in people with schizophrenia should be considered in future studies.KEY POINTSIncreased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone.Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia.This study could serve for future research focussed on IL-6.

High Serum Levels of IL-6 Are Associated with Suicide Attempt but Not with High Lethality Suicide Attempts: A Preliminary Case-Control Study.

Suicide attempts are an emerging health problem around the world. Increased levels of IL-6 have been associated with suicidal behavior. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 in individuals with suicide attempts and a comparison group and to associate the IL-6 levels with the lethality of the suicide attempt. Additionally, we associated the rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene with suicide attempts or with the IL-6 serum levels. Suicide attempts and their lethality were evaluated using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The serum concentrations of IL-6 were measured by the ELISA technique in individuals with suicide attempts and then compared to a control group. The rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found elevated serum levels of IL-6 in the suicide attempt group when compared to the control group (F = 10.37, p = 0.002). However, we found no differences of the IL-6 levels between high and low lethality. The IL6R gene polymorphism rs2479409 was not associated with suicide attempts. Our data suggest that IL-6 serum is increased in individuals with suicide attempts.

Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most frequently consumed drug around the world. Its use has been associated with increased suicide behaviors; nonetheless, the association of cannabis smoking and suicide behaviors in adolescents has not yet been established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis. METHODS: We performed an online searched using PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct databases, up to July 2021. We calculated odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning and cannabis smoking in individuals of 11-21 years of age. RESULTS: Twenty studies reported suicide attempts in 34,859 young individuals, suicidal ideation in 26, 937 individuals, and suicide planning in 9054 young individuals. We found an increased risk of suicide attempt in cannabis smokers than in non-cannabis users (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.78-3.05; Z p value; <0.0001; I2 = 97.12%), as well as a significant association between cannabis smoking and suicidal ideation (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.64-2.53; Z p value: <0.001; I2: 94.88) and suicide planning (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.554-1.804; Z p value: 0.000; I2: 92.609). Subgroup analyses showed that American teens have an increased risk of suicidal ideation; the meta-regression analysis revealed that age was negatively associated with the risk of suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that cannabis smoking increased the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and suicide planning in young individuals of 11-21 years of age. The high risk of suicide behaviors could vary depending on the population studied; therefore, more studies are necessary to corroborate the risk of presenting suicide behaviors in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis.

Las percepciones de crianza materna podrían influenciar las conductas autolesivas en adolescentes con diagnóstico de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria / Memories of maternal upbringing could influence self-injurious behaviors in adolescents with diagnosis of eating disorders

RESUMEN Objetivo : Explorar las percepciones de crianza parental en adolescentes diagnosticados con algún trastorno de la conducta alimentaria, e identificar posibles diferencias con alteraciones de la conducta alimentaria y conductas autolesivas. Material y métodos : Un total de 45 adolescentes con algún tipo de trastorno de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) (11 diagnosticados con anorexia nervosa, 23 con bulimia nervosa y 11 con trastorno "por atracón"), pacientes en áreas de consulta externa y hospitalización del Hospital Psiquiátrico Infantil Juan N. Navarro fueron sistemáticamente estudiados. Resultados : Se encontró que cuánto mayores las percepciones de favoritismo (r = 0,41, valor p = 0,005) o rechazo (r = 0,36, valor p = 0,016) del padre, mayores fueron también los puntajes en la Escala de Actitudes Alimentarias. Se encontraron asimismo diferencias en la dimensión de calidez de la madre, entre los adolescentes que presentaron autolesiones (media = 39,6, d.e = 11,3) comparados con aquéllos que no las presentaron (media = 47,4, d.e = 8.8) (t = -2,6, valor p = 0,015). Conclusiones : Los adolescentes con diagnóstico de TCA presentaron diferencias en la percepción de crianza parental, factor que puede influenciar decisivamente la manifestación de otras conductas psicopatológicas.

SUMMARY Objective : To explore the perceived parental rearing behavior in adolescents diagnosed with an eating disorder, and to identify eventual differences with altered eating and self-injurious behaviors. Material and methods : A total of 45 adolescents diagnosed with some eating disorder (11 diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 23 with bulimia nervosa and 11 with binge eating disorder), recruited from the outpatient and hospitalization areas of the Juan N Navarro Children's Psychiatric Hospital, were included. Results : It was found that the greater the memories of favoritism (r = 0.41, p-value = 0.005) or rejection (r = 0.36, p-value = 0.016) by the father, the higher the scores ​​on the Eating Attitude Scale. Differences were also found in the mother's warmth dimension, between the adolescents who presented self-injuries (mean = 39.6, de = 11.3) and those who did not present them (mean = 47.4, de = 8.8) (t = -2.6, value p = 0.015). Conclusions : Adolescents with a diagnosis of eating disorders presented differences in their perception of parental rearing, a factor that may decisively influence the manifestation of other psychopathological behaviors.

Fluoxetine modulates the pro-inflammatory process of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in individuals with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical evidence suggests that inflammation is a key factor to understand the causes of depressive symptoms. Fluoxetine is one of the main first-line medications used for depression, and it is hypothesized that it participates in the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, our aim was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review to understand the interaction of fluoxetine in the IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory process. Studies identified in PubMed and Scopus databases were used to perform a meta-analysis via the Comprehensive software. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a summary statistic. The analysis included a total of 292 individuals with major depressive disorder who received fluoxetine for a period longer than 6 weeks; additionally, IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α levels were measured at the end of the antidepressant treatment. The findings were significant revealed decreased levels of the cytokines studied. In conclusion, the pooled data suggest that fluoxetine treatment improved depressive symptomatology by the modulation of pro-inflammatory process such as IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α.

Interleukin-6 Levels in Serum, Plasma, and Cerebral Spinal Fluid in Individuals with Suicide Behavior: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression.

Evidence suggests that interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations have an important role in suicide behavior (SB) as they are usually increased in these individuals, although no conclusive outcomes have been attained. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the IL-6 levels in plasma, serum, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to determine through a meta-analysis if these levels are increased in individuals with SB in comparison to a group. We calculated the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). In the systematic review, 21 studies were included, while in the meta-analysis, we included nine studies. The results of our meta-analysis indicated that individuals with SB had reduced levels of IL-6 in plasma (d - 0.189, 95% CI: -0.274 to -0.103, Z, P (Q) = 0.339, I2= 7.478), but increased levels of IL-6 in serum (d - 1.14, 95% CI: 0.658 to 1.630, Z, P (Q) = 0.26, I2= 7.47) and CSF (d 0.64, 95% CI: 0.245 to 1.035, Z, P (Q) = 0.163, I2= 44.80). The meta-regression analysis showed an association between males and high IL-6 levels in plasma (P = 0.003) and serum (P = 0.010), but not the central nervous system (CNS), while age was not associated with IL-6 levels in any of the samples evaluated (plasma, serum, or CNS). The present meta-analysis indicates that serum and CNS IL-6 levels are increased in individuals with SB, while plasma IL-6 levels are decreased, highlighting the importance of the biological sample at the moment of selecting IL-6 as biomarker. However, we need more studies performed in different populations that measure IL-6 and also consider gender when these measures are performed.

Genome-wide association study of psychiatric and substance use comorbidity in Mexican individuals.

The combination of substance use and psychiatric disorders is one of the most common comorbidities. The objective of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study of this comorbidity (Com), substance use alone (Subs), and psychiatric symptomatology alone (Psych) in the Mexican population. The study included 3914 individuals of Mexican descent. Genotyping was carried out using the PsychArray microarray and genome-wide correlations were calculated. Genome-wide associations were analyzed using multiple logistic models, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were evaluated using multinomial models, and vertical pleiotropy was evaluated by generalized summary-data-based Mendelian randomization. Brain DNA methylation quantitative loci (brain meQTL) were also evaluated in the prefrontal cortex. Genome-wide correlation and vertical pleiotropy were found between all traits. No genome-wide association signals were found, but 64 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) reached nominal associations (p < 5.00e-05). The SNPs associated with each trait were independent, and the individuals with high PRSs had a higher prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use. In the multinomial models all of the PRSs (Subs-PRS, Com-PRS, and Psych-PRS) were associated with all of the traits. Brain meQTL of the Subs-associated SNPs had an effect on the genes enriched in insulin signaling pathway, and that of the Psych-associated SNPs had an effect on the Fc gamma receptor phagocytosis pathway.

Self-perceived health in psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees. The role of perfectionism and distress / Autopercepción de la salud en psiquiatras y residentes de psiquiatría. El rol del perfeccionismo y el distrés

Abstract Introduction Self-perceived health (SPH) is related to disease and well-being. Psychiatrists report burnout and mental disorders more frequently than other physicians, while personality traits related to perfectionism may influence the perception of well-being and health in these professionals. Objective To compare and determine the association between demographic variables, health conditions, perceived distress, perfectionism, and SPH. Method A cross-sectional, retrospective, comparative study was performed through an online survey. Psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees who were willing and able to participate were included. Demographic variables and self-reports of mental and physical conditions were examined. SPH was rated on a 10-point visual analogue scale and perfectionism through the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Comparative analyses and multiple linear regression models were performed. Results Three hundred and thirty psychiatry trainees and 355 psychiatrists were recruited. Psychiatrists reported more physical conditions (32.4% vs. 15%, p < .001), distress (p < .001), and perfectionism (p < .001). Major depression and anxiety were present over 50% of all participants. A higher SPH was associated with being partnered and having higher distress levels in psychiatry trainees and with the absence of a physical health condition, less concern over errors, and higher personal standards in psychiatrists. Discussion and conclusion Self-oriented perfectionism may have a significant motivational component, accentuated by competitiveness and individualism. Being married and having higher levels of distress in psychiatry trainees appears to create a sense of satisfaction with achievements. The implementation of strategies to prioritize and meet goals is necessary to have an adequate work-life balance without affecting personal satisfaction or the sense of achievement.

Resumen Introducción La autopercepción de la salud (APS) se relaciona con enfermedad y bienestar. Los psiquiatras reportan desgaste emocional y trastornos mentales con mayor frecuencia que otros médicos. El perfeccionismo puede influir en la percepción de la salud en estos profesionistas. Objetivo Comparar y determinar la asociación de variables demográficas, condiciones de salud, distrés y perfeccionismo con la APS. Método Se realizó un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y comparativo mediante una encuesta en línea. Se incluyeron psiquiatras y residentes de psiquiatría que participaron voluntariamente. Se registraron variables demográficas, enfermedades médicas y psiquiátricas (autorreporte). La APS se evaluó con una escala análogo-visual de 10 puntos y el perfeccionismo con la Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo. Se realizaron análisis comparativos y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados Se reclutaron 330 residentes y 355 psiquiatras. Los psiquiatras reportaron más enfermedades físicas (32.4% vs. 15%, p < .001), distrés (p < .001) y perfeccionismo (p < .001). Más del 50% de los participantes reportaron ansiedad y depresión. Una mayor APS se asoció con tener pareja y mayor distrés en los residentes, y con la ausencia de una enfermedad física, menor preocupación por errores y mayores estándares personales en los psiquiatras. Discusión y conclusión El perfeccionismo orientado hacía sí mismo puede tener un componente motivacional acentuado por la competitividad y el individualismo. Tener una pareja y presentar mayor distrés en los residentes pudiera crear una sensación de satisfacción por logros. La creación de estrategias para priorizar y alcanzar objetivos es necesaria para tener un equilibrio de vida sin afectar la satisfacción personal y la sensación de logro.

Development of the Mexican Version of the Empathy Quotient / Desarrollo de la versión mexicana del Cuestionario de Empatía

Abstract Introduction Empathy is defined as the ability or process to identify and understand other person's situation, feelings, and motives. These responses are essential for relationships and social behavior. Baron-Cohen et al. created the Empathy Quotient (EQ), a scale explicitly designed to have a clinical application. The instrument evaluates three constructs of empathy and several studies around worldwide, but not in Mexico. Objective To examine the psychometric properties and the factor congruence of the EQ in a community sample from Mexico City. Method Cronbach´s alpha coefficient and a correspondence factorial analysis was performed to test the relation between response options and factors from the Exploratory Factor Analysis 200 adults without Axis I disorders through the MINI, filled out the Spanish version of the short version (28-items) of the EQ. An exploratory factor analysis was performed while reliability was tested with Cronbach's alpha. In addition, correspondence factorial analysis and the factor congruence coefficient were determined. Results Five items were eliminated from the original 28-item EQ. From the 23 remaining items, only 16 were grouped in the three original proposed dimensions (cognitive empathy: 8 items, emotional reactivity: 4 items and social skills: 3 items), while one item showed communality with a different domain from the one originally proposed. Reliability was adequate (.82) as well as the congruence coefficients (.76 to .99). Discussion and conclusion The EQ Mexican 16-item version is a good tool to assess empathy in a Mexican population.

Resumen Introducción La empatía es definida como la capacidad para identificar y comprender las situaciones, sentimientos y motivaciones de otra persona. Estas respuestas son esenciales para relaciones y comportamientos sociales. Baron-Cohen et al. crearon el cociente de empatía (EQ), una escala diseñada para tener aplicación clínica. El instrumento evalúa tres constructos de empatía y ha probado sus propiedades psicométricas con resultados adecuados en varios estudios mundiales, pero no en México. Objetivo El propósito de este estudio fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas y la congruencia factorial del EQ en una muestra mexicana. Método El alpha de Cronbach y el análisis factorial fueron aplicados para probar la relación entre las opciones de respuesta y los factores en 200 adultos sin diagnóstico, a través de la entrevista MINI. Se utilizó la versión corta en español del EQ y se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio dónde se probó la confiabilidad con el alfa de Cronbach y se determinó adecuada correspondencia y congruencia factorial. Resultados Se eliminaron cinco reactivos de la escala original de 28 reactivos. De los 23 reactivos restantes, solo 16 se agruparon en las tres dimensiones originales (empatía cognitiva: 8 reactivos, reactividad emocional: 4 reactivos y habilidades sociales: 3 reactivos) mientras que un reactivo mostró una comunalidad con un dominio diferente del original. La confiabilidad fue (.82), así como los coeficientes de congruencia (.76 a .99). Discusión y conclusión La versión del EQ es una buena herramienta para evaluar la empatía en población mexicana.

Genetic Polymorphisms of CCDC26 rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857 in Glioma Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

A genetic component is accepted in the etiology of the glioma. Evidence from candidate genes studies and GWAS reveal that CCDC26 gene could increase the risk of glioma. We performed a systematic review and up-to-date meta-analysis to explore if polymorphisms of CCDC26 gene (rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857) may be a susceptibility factor in developing glioma. An online search in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS up to September 2018 was performed. The pooled odds ratios were evaluated by fixed effects model and random effects model. Analyses of the overall sample and ethnic sub-groups were performed. In all the analyses, the allelic, additive, dominant, and recessive models were used. We found an association between all polymorphisms evaluated and an increased risk for glioma in the overall population in all the models studied. In sub-group analysis, we found that rs891835 and rs6470745 increased the risk of glioma in Europeans and Caucasians. On the other hand, the rs891835 polymorphism did not reveal any statistical association in Chinese population. Taken into consideration the limitations of this study, the present findings suggest a possible participation of rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857 as risk factors to develop glioma. Furthermore, it is possible that the involvement of CCDC26 variants depends on ethnicity. However, we recommend to perform further studies to have conclusive outcomes.

Prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis using hypertonic dextrose vs other interventional treatments: systematic review of clinical trials

Abstract Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases including PUBMED, SCIELO, DIALNET and Google Scholar. Main body: We searched for randomized clinical trials that evaluated therapeutic interventions in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These trials compared the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of hypertonic dextrose vs the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of other substances or some interventional procedure application, via assessing pain, physical function and secondary effects and / or adverse reactions. Ten randomized clinical trials were included in this systematic review, the total sample size comprised 328 patients treated with hypertonic dextrose (prolotherapy) vs 348 controls treated with other infiltrations such as local anesthetics, hyaluronic acid, ozone, platelet-rich plasma or interventional procedures like radiofrequency. Conclusions: In terms of pain reduction and function improvement, prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose was more effective than infiltrations with local anesthetics, as effective as infiltrations with hyaluronic acid, ozone or radiofrequency and less effective than PRP and erythropoietin, with beneficial effect in the short, medium and long term. In addition, no side effects or serious adverse reactions were reported in patients treated with hypertonic dextrose. Although HDP seems to be a promising interventional treatment for knee OA, more studies with better methodological quality and low risk of bias are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this intervention.

Stigma and perceived aggression towards schizophrenia in female students of medicine and psychology / Estigma y percepción de agresión hacia la esquizofrenia en mujeres estudiantes de medicina y psicología

Abstract Introduction The main attitudes towards people with schizophrenia are fear and rejection, which derive from the idea that patients have no control over their behavior and that they are aggressive, violent, and/or dangerous. Several studies have shown that mental health professionals show negative attitudes towards patients with schizophrenia from the start of their professional training. Objective To compare the stigmatizing attitudes and perception of aggression of female undergraduate students of medicine and psychology towards people with schizophrenia. Method Fifty-seven (49.6%) undergraduate medical students and 58 (50.4%) psychology students in the early semesters of their professional training were included. Both groups answered the Opinion Scale on Mental Illness and the Public Concept of Aggressiveness Questionnaire (PCA). Results Over 60% of the students from both degree courses considered that the individual with schizophrenia described in the vignette could be aggressive, with a higher percentage corresponding to female students enrolled in the medical degree program. In this group, more negative attitudes towards the disease were observed in terms of separatism, restriction, and stigmatization. Discussion and conclusion It is essential to promote clear, objective information with a biopsychosocial approach to the disease in the syllabus in order to reduce or eliminate stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes regarding schizophrenia acquired prior to professional training.

Resumen Introducción Las principales actitudes hacia las personas con esquizofrenia son de temor y rechazo, las cuales surgen de la idea de que los pacientes no tienen control sobre su comportamiento y que son agresivos, violentos y/o peligrosos. Diversos estudios han señalado que los profesionales de la salud mental muestran actitudes negativas hacia los pacientes con esquizofrenia desde el inicio de su formación profesional. Objetivo Comparar las actitudes estigmatizadoras y la percepción de agresión de mujeres estudiantes de pregrado de medicina y de psicología hacia las personas con esquizofrenia. Método Se incluyeron 57 (49.6%) estudiantes de pregrado de medicina y 58 (50.4%) de psicología que cursaban los primeros semestres de su formación profesional. Ambos grupos contestaron la Escala de Opiniones sobre la Enfermedad Mental y el Cuestionario de Concepto Público de Agresividad (CPA). Resultados Más del 60% de las estudiantes de ambas carreras consideraron que el sujeto con esquizofrenia descrito en la viñeta podría ser agresivo. De éstas, el mayor porcentaje de alumnas pertenecía a la carrera de medicina. De forma similar, en este grupo se observaron mayores actitudes negativas hacia la enfermedad en términos de separatismo, restricción y estigmatización. Discusión y conclusión Es necesario promover dentro del currículo académico información clara y objetiva con un enfoque biopsicosocial de la enfermedad con la finalidad de reducir o eliminar las creencias y actitudes estigmatizadoras sobre la esquizofrenia adquiridas antes de la formación profesional.

Lack of Association of Coffee Consumption with the Prevalence of Self-Reported Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Mexican Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is estimated that almost 366 million people are currently suffering from diabetes mellitus worldwide. However, it has been suggested that coffee consumption has a protective effect against the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This association has been observed in many regions around the world. Today, there are no reports in Mexico regarding this association. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between coffee intake and self-reported type 2 diabetes mellitus in the southeastern part of Mexico. This study included 1277 residents of Comalcalco, a municipality of Tabasco State, Mexico. We calculated the prevalence for diabetes and performed multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regressions to evaluate the combined association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of the diabetes was 12.52% (95% CI: 10.67⁻14.38). The majority of people surveyed (77.29%; 95% CI: 74.95⁻79.60) indicated they were coffee drinkers. The results of multivariate analysis showed a non-significant relationship between the number of cups of coffee drank and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The adjusted odds ratio gave the following values: 1.20, (95% CI: 0.59⁻2.41) for non-daily consumption; 1.66 (0.82⁻3.34), for 1 cup of coffee peer day, and 1.49 (0.78⁻2.86) for 2⁻3 cups. Subsequently, an adjustment was made for age, gender, marital status, education, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. In our population, we did not observe an association between coffee intake and its protective relationship with self-reported type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mental health literacy about bipolar disorder and schizophrenia among medical students: a comparative study of illness recognition, treatment, and attitudes according to perception of aggressiveness-dangerousness / Alfabetización en salud mental sobre el trastorno bipolar y la esquizofrenia en estudiantes de medicina: estudio comparativo del reconocimiento de la enfermedad, tratamiento y actitudes de acuerdo a la percepción de agresión-peligrosidad

Abstract Introduction Lack of information may result in health professionals' negative attitudes toward individuals with mental illness. Objective We sought to determine the association between the perception of aggressiveness-dangerousness and illness recognition, suggested treatment, and attitudes regarding schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a group of medical students. Method This field study used a non-experimental, cross-sectional comparative design in a purposive sample of medical students. Mental illness recognition, beliefs about adequate treatment, perception of patient's aggressiveness-dangerousness, and attitudes toward severe mentally ill persons were assessed with previously validated instruments. Results Of the 104 participants, 54.8% identified a mental health condition in the schizophrenia vignette compared with only 3.8% in the case of bipolar disorder. Most students believed that both diagnoses could lead to aggressive behaviors. Dangerousness was more frequently perceived in the schizophrenia vignette. Discussion and conclusion It is necessary to sensitize and educate medical students so they have accurate information about symptoms and available treatments for individuals with mental illnesses.

Resumen Introducción La falta de información puede dar como resultado actitudes negativas de los profesionales de la salud hacia los individuos con trastornos mentales. Objetivo Determinar la asociación entre la percepción de agresión-peligrosidad y el reconocimiento de la enfermedad, tratamiento sugerido y actitudes sobre la esquizofrenia y el trastorno bipolar en un grupo de estudiantes de pregrado de medicina. Método El presente es un estudio no experimental, transversal comparativo en una muestra propositiva de estudiantes de medicina. El reconocimiento de la enfermedad, creencias acerca del tratamiento más adecuado, percepción de la agresión-peligrosidad del paciente y las actitudes hacia los trastornos mentales graves fueron evaluados con instrumentos previamente validados. Resultados El 54.8% de un total de 104 participantes identificaron un estado de salud mental en la viñeta de esquizofrenia en contraste con tan sólo el 3.8% para el caso de trastorno bipolar. La mayoría de los estudiantes consideraron que ambos diagnósticos se relacionaban con conductas agresivas. La peligrosidad fue percibida más frecuentemente en la viñeta del caso con esquizofrenia. Discusión y conclusión Es necesario sensibilizar y educar a los estudiantes de medicina para que tengan información clara y precisa sobre los síntomas y tratamientos disponibles para los individuos con trastornos mentales.

Uso de tecnologías de la información en el rendimiento académico basados en una población mexicana de estudiantes de Medicina / Use of information technologies in the academic performance based on a Mexican population of medical students

Introducción: en la actualidad, las tecnologías de la información han modificado la relación entre los diferentes factores que inciden en el rendimiento académico. Dentro de las herramientas virtuales disponibles, los Grupos de Google fueron seleccionados para su aplicación, bajo la hipótesis que su uso permite mejorar el aprovechamiento de los estudiantes durante el curso y a su vez mejorar sus calificaciones. Objetivo: comparar las calificaciones obtenidas en dos grupos de estudiantes de Medicina que cursaron la asignatura de genética. Métodos: un grupo que utilizó las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google y el otro grupo en el cual no se utilizó estas herramientas. Resultados: al comparar las calificaciones en ambos grupos, el resultado confirmó nuestra hipótesis, pues se observó mayor rendimiento académico en los estudiantes que utilizaron las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google. Conclusiones: el uso de las tecnologías conlleva a un cambio en la dimensión gnoseológica de la actividad educativa, cambio que aún adolece de una base metodológica acabada. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que el uso de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación en la enseñanza de las Ciencias Médicas, como las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google, aumenta el rendimiento académico en estos estudiantes(AU)

Introduction: Today, information technologies have changed the relationship between the different factors that influence academic performance. Within the available virtual tools, the Google Groups were chosen for their application, under the hypothesis that their use allows to improve the students' use during the course and, in turn, improve their marks. Objective: To compare the marks obtained in two groups of medical students who studied the subject of genetics. Methods: A group that used the virtual tools of Google Groups and the other group, in which these tools were not used. Results: When comparing the marks obtained by both groups, the result confirmed our hypothesis, as it was observed greater academic performance in the students who used the virtual tools of the Google Groups. Conclusions: The use of technologies leads to a change in the gnoseological dimension of educational activity, a change that still suffers from a finished methodological basis. The results obtained in this study suggest that the use of information and communication technologies in the teaching of medical sciences, as the virtual tools of the Google Groups, increases the academic performance in these students(AU)

PHACTR1 Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Increased Risk of Developing Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Mexican Population.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the protein phosphatase and actin regulator 1 gene (PHACTR1) have been associated with susceptibility to develop several diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of two polymorphisms (rs2026458 and rs9349379) of the PHACTR1 gene in the susceptibility to the risk of developing premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Mexican population. The genotype analysis was performed using 5'exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 994 patients with premature CAD and 703 controls. A similar genotype distribution of rs2026458 was observed in both groups; however, under an additive model adjusted by age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, the rs9349379 G allele was associated with a higher risk for developing premature CAD (odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.46, p-value (p) = 0.024). The two PHACTR1 polymorphisms were not in linkage disequilibrium. In summary, our results suggest that the PHACTR1 rs9349379 polymorphism plays an important role in the risk of developing premature CAD in the Mexican population.

Evaluación psicológica de la agresividad impulsiva/predeterminada y factores asociados: Un estudio transversal en usuarios de los servicios de salud en Tabasco, México / Psychological evaluation of impulsive/premeditated aggression and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in users of health services in Tabasco, Mexico

Resumen: INTRODUCCIÓN: La conducta suicida es un problema de salud pública. Se sugiere que la personalidad impulsiva o predeterminada participa en los actos de agresividad como el suicidio. OBJETIVO: En este estudio se identificaron diferencias sociodemográficas, de intento de suicidio y la presencia de depresión entre individuos con característica de agresividad impulsiva o predeterminada. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal que incluyó a 200 residentes de Villahermosa, Tab., México, usuarios de los servicios de salud en ese Estado. La agresividad predeterminada o impulsiva se caracterizó usando la Escala de Agresión Impulsiva/Predeterminada (IPAS). Las características sociodemográficas, de intento de suicidio y de depresión fueron divididas de acuerdo al tipo de agresividad. Subsecuentemente fueron comparadas las características entre los dos grupos. RESULTADOS: Los resultados psicológicos revelaron que la agresividad impulsiva está presente en 62.71 % de la población. Estar desempleado y ser mujer fueron asociadas con la agresividad predeterminada. De igual forma, la mayor proporción de personas con depresión se observó en el grupo de personas predeterminadas (x2 = 18.29, gl = 1, p = 0.001). La proporción de personas con por lo menos un intento de suicidio a lo largo de la vida es similar en las impulsivas y las predeterminadas (6.06% y 6.30%, respectivamente). DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: El presente estudio no muestra relación entre la personalidad y la proporción del intento de suicidio en los usuarios de los servicios de salud en Tabasco. Sin embargo, el estado de ánimo podría estar asociado con la toma de decisiones.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Suicidal behaviour is a public health problem. It has been suggested that impulsive or premeditated personality interferes with aggressive acts such as suicide. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we identified the socio-demographic differences when attempting suicide, as well as the concomitant depression among individuals characterized by impulsive or premeditated aggression. METHODS: We performed a transversal study that included 200 residents of Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, who regularly use the city's General Health Services. The premeditated or impulsive aggression was evaluated using the Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression scale (IPAS). The sample was divided in two groups: impulsive and premeditator individuals. Suicidal attempt, presence of depression and socio-demographic characteristics were evaluated after wards and compared between groups. RESULTS: The psychological evaluation revealed that impulsive aggression is present in 62.71% of the population. We observed that being unemployed and/or being a woman were characteristics associated with premeditated aggression. The premeditators group had the higher proportion of concomitant depression (x2 = 18.29, gl = 1, p = 0.001). The proportion of people that had attempted suicide at least once during their lives was similar in both groups (impulsive = 6.06%, premeditators = 6.30%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study does not show any association between the personality (impulsive or premeditative) and the frequency of suicide attempts in the Tabascan General Health Services users. Nevertheless, the frame of mind (depression) could be associated with taking decisions when attempting suicide.