Evidências de validade do teste informatizado para avaliação das funções executivas / Evidence of validity of the computerized test for evaluating executive functions / Evidencia de validez de la prueba computarizada para evaluación de funciones ejecutivas

Funções executivas (FE) referem-se ao conjunto de habilidades que, de forma integrada, coordenam o comportamento e a cognição. Assim, o comprometimento no desenvolvimento das FE está ligado a vários desfechos negativos ao longo da vida. Portanto, a avaliação dessas habilidades na infância é essencial para identificar e prevenir prejuízos na vida adulta. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar evidências de validade do Teste Informatizado para Avaliação das Funções Executivas (Tafe) pelo critério de idade e pelo padrão de correlação entre medidas do TAFE e outras medidas de FE. Para isso, foi utilizada uma amostra de 51 crianças, entre 4 e 10 anos de idade, matriculadas em uma escola privada na cidade de Goiânia (GO), da pré-escola ao 4º ano do ensino fundamental. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados, além do Tafe, as tarefas de Bloco de Corsi, Teste de Trilhas A e B, Teste de Trilhas Pré-Escolares, Teste de Stroop Pré-Escolares e Subteste Dígitos da Escala Wechsler de Inteligência. Foram conduzidas análises estatísticas Kruskal Wallis para verificar a evidência de validade por relação com idade e análises de correlação não paramétrica de Spearman para avaliar as evidências de validade convergente. O instrumento investigado mostrou-se efetivo para discriminar entre as diferentes faixas etárias, assim, sensível ao desenvolvimento das FE. Os resultados obtidos no Tafe correlacionaram-se aos obtidos em outros testes que também avaliaram FE, mostrando claros padrões de convergência. Logo, as análises dos resultados fornecem evidências de validade ao Tafe, derivadas a partir de diferentes estratégias de investigação.(AU)

Executive functions (EF) refer to the set of skills that, in an integrated way, coordinate behavior and cognition. Thus, the commitment in developing EF is linked to several negative outcomes throughout life. Therefore, the assessment of these abilities in childhood is essential to identify and prevent possible harm in adult life. This study aimed to investigate evidences of validity of the Computerized Test for Evaluation of Executive Functions (TAFE) by the age criterion and by the pattern of correlation between TAFE measures and other EF measures. To this end, a sample of 51 children, between 4 and 10 years old, enrolled in a private school in the municipality of Goiânia (GO), from preschool to the 4th year of elementary school, was used. As instruments, in addition to TAFE, the tasks of Corsi Block, Trails Test A and B, Preschool Trails Test, Preschool Stroop Test and the Digits Subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale were used. Kruskal Wallis statistical analyzes were conducted to verify the evidence of validity by age criteria and Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis to assess evidence of convergent validation. The instrument investigated was effective to discriminate between different age groups, thus being sensitive to the development of EF. The results obtained in TAFE were correlated with those obtained in other tests that also assess FE, showing patterns of convergence. Therefore, the analysis of the results provides validation evidence to TAFE, derived from different investigation methods.(AU)

Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) se refieren al conjunto de habilidades que coordinan la conducta y la cognición. Así, el deterioro en el desarrollo de FE está relacionado con varios resultados negativos durante la vida. Por tanto, la valoración de estas habilidades en la infancia es fundamental para identificar y prevenir posibles daños en la vida adulta. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la evidencia de validez de la Prueba Computarizada para Evaluación de Funciones Ejecutivas (Tafe) por el criterio de edad y convergencia entre las medidas Tafe y otras medidas de FE. Para ello, se utilizó una muestra de 51 niños, de entre 4 y 10 años de edad, matriculados en un colegio privado de Goiânia (Goiás, Brasil) desde la preescolar hasta 4.º de primaria. Como instrumentos, además del Tafe, se utilizaron las tareas de Bloque de Corsi, el Test de los senderos A y B, el Test de los Senderos Preescolares, el Test de Stroop Preescolar y la Subprueba de Dígitos de la Escala Wechsler de Inteligencia. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos de Kruskal Wallis para verificar la validez por criterios de edad y análisis de correlación no-paramétrica de Spearman para evaluar la evidencia de validez convergente. Tafe demostró ser efectivo para discriminar entre diferentes grupos de edad, así es sensible al desarrollo de FE. Los resultados en Tafe se correlacionaron con los obtenidos en otras pruebas de FE, lo que muestra claros patrones de convergencia. Por tanto, el análisis aporta evidencias de validez para Tafe, derivadas de diferentes estrategias de investigación.(AU)

O papel do preconceito sexual na compreensão das atitudes face a gays e lésbicas / The role of sexual prejudice in understanding attitudes toward gay men and lesbians / El papel del prejuicio sexual para comprender las actitudes hacia los gays y las lesbianas

O preconceito sexual é um fenômeno complexo, multidimensional e resistente à mudança que representa uma problemática pervasiva tanto no Brasil quanto em outros países. Diante desse cenário, o presente estudo objetivou investigar as relações entre preconceito sexual e atitudes frente a gays e lésbicas, verificando, adicionalmente, se o preconceito poderia se constituir como uma variável explicadora para essas atitudes. Para tanto, contou-se com a participação de 430 universitários (M = 23,5 anos; DP = 7,90; 72,5% mulheres) de uma instituição pública de João Pessoa (PB), que responderam à Escala Multidimensional de Preconceito Sexual, à Escala Multidimensional de Atitudes frente a Gays e Lésbicas e perguntas demográficas. Os resultados demonstraram que o preconceito sexual predisse positivamente atitudes de homopatologização, rejeição da proximidade e heterossexismo, enquanto teve uma associação negativa com atitudes de suporte a homossexuais. Esses achados indicam que o preconceito sexual se configura como um importante mecanismo explicativo das atitudes face a gays e lésbicas

Sexual prejudice is a complex, multidimensional and change-resistant phenomenon which represents a pervasive problem both in Brazil and in other countries. In the light of this situation, the present study is aimed at understanding the relationships between sexual prejudice and attitudes towards gays and lesbians, verifying, in addition, whether prejudice could constitute an explanatory variable for such attitudes. For this, 430 university students (M = 23.5 years; SD = 7.90; 72.5% women) from a public institution in João Pessoa/PB who responded to the Multidimensional Scale of Sexual Prejudice, the Multidimensional Scale of Attitudes towards Gays and Lesbians and demographic questions. The results showed that sexual prejudice positively predicted attitudes of homopathologization, rejection of proximity and heterosexism, and negatively predicted supportive attitudes toward homosexuals. These findings indicate that sexual prejudice is a major explanatory mechanism for attitudes towards gays and lesbians

El prejuicio sexual es un fenómeno complejo, multidimensional y resistente al cambio que representa un problema generalizado tanto en Brasil como en otros países. Ante esta situación, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las relaciones entre el prejuicio sexual y las actitudes hacia gays y lesbianas, verificando, además, si el prejuicio podría constituir una variable explicativa de tales actitudes. Para ello, se contó con la participación de 430 universitarios (M = 23,5 años; DT = 7,90; 72,5% mujeres) de una institución pública en João Pessoa/PB que respondieron la Escala Multidimensional de Prejuicio Sexual, la Escala Multidimensional de Actitudes hacia Gays y Lesbianas y cuestiones demográficas. Los resultados mostraron que el prejuicio sexual predijo positivamente actitudes de homopatologización, rechazo de la proximidad y heterosexismo, y negativamente actitudes de apoyo hacia homosexuales. Estos hallazgos indican que el prejuicio sexual es un importante mecanismo explicativo de las actitudes hacia gays y lesbianas

A comparison of absolute, ratio standard and allometric approaches for bench press performance assessment in men over 60 / Comparação das abordagens absoluta, razão padrão e alométrica para a performance no supino em homens acima de 60 anos

ABSTRACT Body mass is known to affect muscle strength and the outcome of some functional tests, so that heavier and taller people will be stronger than lighter and smaller ones. Ratio standard (RS) has been widely used to remove the body mass effect, despite long date criticism due to its inadequacy. Allometry (ALLO), in turn, has been applied as an efficient method for normalizing muscular strength. As the bench press (BP) is a well-recognized strength and conditioning exercise for older adults, the aim of the present study was to verify the influence of body mass on the performance assessment of a group of older men in the BP, by comparing the absolute, RS and ALLO approaches. Sixteen healthy old men (65.5±5.13 years old; 75.42±9.78Kg; 1.73±5.98m; 25.11±2.71 kg/m2; 24.76±4.10 %fat) volunteered to participate in the study. Maximum dynamic load was verified by individual one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Comparisons of means revealed that significant 1-RM difference between lighter (54.9±8.85Kg) and heavier (66.2±8.86Kg) participants was identified only in absolute approach (p<0.05; ES=0.57). RS failed in completely remove the body mass effect, allowing correlation between normalized muscular strength and BM (r=0.23), in contraire of ALLO (r=0.03 and 0.06). Kendall's concordance coefficient revealed an absolute lack of agreement between approaches when compared their respective ordinal classifications (kw=0.003; p>0.05). In line with previous research, ALLO has shown to be the only suitable method to remove adequately the body mass effect and to provide appropriated performance scores for the older men evaluated in this study.

RESUMO Sabe-se que a massa corporal afeta a força muscular e o resultado de alguns testes funcionais, de modo que pessoas mais pesadas e altas serão mais fortes que as mais leves e menores. A razão-padrão (RP) tem sido largamente utilizada para remover o efeito da massa corporal, apesar de críticas conhecidas há muito tempo devido sua inadequação. Alometria (ALO), do contrário, tem sido aplicada como um método eficiente para normalizar a força muscular. Como o supino é um exercício de força e condicionamento bem reconhecido para idosos, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência da massa corporal sobre a avaliação do desempenho de um grupo de idosos no supino, comparando as abordagens absoluta (AB), RP e ALO. Dezesseis idosos saudáveis (65,5±5,13 anos de idade; 75,42±9,78Kg; 1,73±5,98m; 25,11±2,71 kg/m2; 24,76±4,10 %gordura) se voluntariaram para participar no estudo. A máxima carga dinâmica foi verificada pelos testes de 1 repetição máxima (1RM). Na comparação das médias, a diferença significante do 1RM entre os participantes leves (54,9±8,85Kg) e pesados (66,2±8,86Kg) foi identificada apenas na abordagem ABS (p<0,05; ES=0,57). A RP falhou em remover completamente o efeito da massa corporal, permitindo correlação entre a força muscular e a massa corporal normalizadas (r=0,23), ao contrário da ALO (r=0,23 e 0,06). O coeficiente de Kendall revelou ausência de concordância entre as abordagens quando comparadas as suas respectivas classificações ordinais (kw=0,003; p>0,05). Em linha com pesquisas anteriores, ALO tem se mostrado como o único método viável para remover adequadamente o efeito da MC e para oferecer escores de desempenho mais apropriados para homens idosos, como os avaliados por este estudo.

Coping da equipe de enfermagem no processo morte-morrer em unidade neonatal / Coping del equipo de enfermería en el proceso muerte-morir en unidad neonatal / Coping of the nursing team in the death-dying process in a neonatal unit

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o coping dos profissionais de enfermagem no processo morte- morrer em neonatologia. Método Estudo qualitativo na abordagem exploratória descritiva, participaram dez profissionais da enfermagem. Histórias rememoradas dos profissionais no cuidado do processo da morte e do morrer em neonatologia foi o meio para a coleta de dados. Organização, tratamento e análise dos dados fundamentado na análise de conteúdo de Bardin e no software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. Resultados Emergiram duas categorias da interface da análise e os fundamentos da Teoria Motivacional de Coping de Skinner, Equipe de enfermagem e a teoria motivacional de coping na morte em neonatologia; Ação regulatória de ameaça e o enfrentamento da morte em neonatologia. As estratégias de coping da equipe de enfermagem estudada mostram que os padrões cognitivos e respostas comportamentais referem-se à própria maneira de lidar com o cotidiano do sofrimento vivenciado em família, onde os profissionais buscam informação para ultrapassar a ameaça, num enfrentamento de desamparo e de fuga do acolhimento. Conclusão Os processos autorreferenciais experienciados em situações estressantes por profissionais da enfermagem favorecem à empatia, o vínculo e a comunicação com a família de neonatos à morte. Os indicativos de fragilidade na formação mantêm-se predisponentes para as dificuldades no enfrentamento da morte-morrer.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender el coping de los profesionales de enfermería en el proceso muerte-morir en neonatología. Métodos Estudio cualitativo de enfoque exploratorio descriptivo, donde participaron diez profesionales de enfermería. Las historias contadas por los profesionales sobre el cuidado del proceso de muerte y del morir en neonatología fue el medio para la recopilación de datos. La organización, el tratamiento y el análisis de los datos fue fundamentado en el análisis de contenido de Bardin y en el software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. Resultados Surgieron dos categorías de la interfaz de análisis y fundamentos de la teoría motivacional de coping de Skinner: Equipo de enfermería y la teoría motivacional de coping respecto a la muerte en neonatología y Acción reguladora de amenaza y el afrontamiento a la muerte en neonatología. Las estrategias de coping del equipo de enfermería estudiado muestran que los patrones cognitivos y las respuestas de comportamiento se refieren a la propria manera de lidiar con la cotidianidad del sufrimiento vivido en familia, donde los profesionales buscan información para superar la amenaza, en un enfrentamiento de desamparo y de fuga de la acogida. Conclusión Los procesos autorreferenciales vividos en situaciones estresantes por profesionales de enfermería favorecen la empatía, el vínculo y la comunicación con la familia de neonatos a fallecer. Los indicios de fragilidad en la formación se mantienen predisponentes para las dificultades de afrontar la muerte-morir.

Abstract Objective This understanding is essential to subsidize interventions of nursing professionals in order to care for families. Method A qualitative study in descriptive exploratory approach involved ten nursing professionals. Recollected stories collected from professionals in the care of the process of death and dying in neonatology was the means for data collection. Data organization, treatment and analysis was based on Bardin's content analysis and the software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. Results Two categories emerged from the analysis interface and the foundations of Skinner's Motivational Theory of Coping, nursing staff and Motivational Theory of Coping in death in neonatology; Threat regulatory action and coping with death in neonatology. The coping strategies of the nursing team studied show that cognitive patterns and behavioral responses refer to the very way of dealing with the daily suffering experienced in the family, where professionals seek information to overcome the threat, a coping with helplessness and escape from welcoming. Conclusion The self-referential processes experienced in stressful situations by nursing professionals favor empathy, bonding and communication with the family of infants. The indicators of frailty in training remain predisposing to difficulties in coping with death-dying.

O compromisso social da psicologia e a possibilidade de uma profissão abrangente / The social commitment of psychology and the possibility of a comprehensive profession / El compromiso social de la psicología y la posibilidad de una profesión amplia

As origens da Psicologia brasileira se relacionam ao projeto de modernização do país, com que ela contribuiu por meio de uma concepção universal de sujeito e de processos de classificação e categorização, pouco atentos às necessidades da realidade social. No processo de redemocratização do país, condições históricas possibilitaram uma ruptura com essa perspectiva, operada pelo Projeto do Compromisso Social. Este texto apresenta uma reflexão sobre o caminho de construção dessa ruptura e de um projeto ético-político comprometido com a realidade brasileira. Analisa o percurso impulsionado na virada do século XX para o século XXI por meio da atuação de entidades da profissão, notadamente os Conselhos de Psicologia, em articulação com importantes mudanças na atuação das psicólogas. Tal percurso permitiu uma revisão crítica da Psicologia, sendo apresentado em cinco eixos: produção de sujeitos democráticos e defesa da democracia; construção de resistência à alienação e combate ao pensamento colonizado; perspectiva de serviços profissionais comprometidos com a garantia de direitos; aprimoramento da qualidade da prática profissional das psicólogas; e expansão das fronteiras da psicologia. Em cada um, são apresentadas ações, estratégias e projetos que levaram à ampliação e ao reconhecimento social da Psicologia, organizada, democrática, ousada e acessivelmente à maioria da população. Ao mesmo tempo, apresenta desafios para a continuidade desse projeto na realidade atual, apostando que, com 60 anos de regulamentação, a Psicologia é capaz de enfrentar novas questões que se colocam no país por meio da atuação das profissionais que levam adiante o projeto de compromisso social.(AU)

Psychology in Brazil is born alongside the country's modernization project, to which the science contributed by establishing a universal conceptualization of the individual and classification and categorization processes, hardly attentive to social reality. The historical conditions set forth by the country's re-democratization allowed a breaking from this perspective, operated by the Social Commitment Project. This paper reflects on the paths that led to this transformation and the ensuing ethical-political project committed to Brazil's reality. It analyzes the trajectory started in the turn of 20th to the 21st century, led by professional entities, namely the Psychology Councils, along with important changes in the psychologist's work. Such trajectory allowed for a critical review of Psychology in five axes: 1) production of democratic individuals and the defense of democracy; 2) construction of resistance against alienation and the fight against a colonized thought; 3) perspectives of professional services committed to ensuring rights; 4) enhanced quality of the psychologist's professional practice; 5) the broadening of the scope of psychology. For each axis, the text presents actions, strategies, and projects that led to the organized and democratic growth and social acknowledgment of Psychology, becoming accessible to most of the population. But it also points out the challenges for this project's current continuity, believing that with 60 years of regulation, Psychology is capable of facing new issues arising in the country by means of professionals who carry on the social commitment project.(AU)

Los orígenes de la Psicología brasileña están relacionados con el proyecto de modernización del país al que contribuyó a través de una concepción universal del sujeto y de procesos de clasificación y categorización poco atentos a las necesidades de la realidad social. En el proceso de redemocratización del país, las condiciones históricas permitieron romper con esta perspectiva, operada por el Proyecto de Compromiso Social. Este texto presenta una reflexión sobre el camino de construcción de esa ruptura y de un proyecto ético-político comprometido con la realidad brasileña. Se analiza la ruta promovida en la transición del siglo XX al siglo XXI, por medio de la acción de entidades de la profesión, en particular los Consejos de Psicología, en articulación con cambios importantes en la actuación de las psicólogas. Este camino permitió una revisión crítica de la Psicología y se presenta en cinco ejes: producción de sujetos democráticos y defensa de la democracia; construcción de resistencia a la alienación y combate al pensamiento colonizado; perspectiva de servicios profesionales comprometidos con la garantía de derechos; mejora de la calidad de la práctica profesional de las psicólogas; y ampliación de las fronteras de la psicología. El texto plantea desafíos para la continuidad de este proyecto en la realidad actual, apostando que con 60 años de regulación la Psicología esté en condiciones de hacer frente a las nuevas cuestiones que se presentan en el país gracias al trabajo de las profesionales que llevan adelante el proyecto de compromiso social.(AU)

Correlação entre suporte social percebido e conflito trabalho-família em agentes comunitários de saúde / Correlation between perceived social support and work-family conflict in community health agents / Correlación entre apoyo social percibido y conflicto trabajo-familia en ACS

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar se existe correlação entre conflito trabalho-família e suporte social percebido em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS). Ademais, este é um estudo transversal e correlacional com delineamento quantitativo, em que foram ocupadas a Escala Multidimensional de Conflito Trabalho-Família (EMCT-F) e a Escala de Percepção de Suporte Social (2-Way SSS). Os participantes da pesquisa foram 139 ACS atuantes em quatro municípios do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Para a análise dos dados, foram utilizadas a Estatística Descritiva, Estatística Paramétrica e Correlação de Pearson. Os resultados entre as correlações das escalas foram estatisticamente significativos (p<0,05) nos fatores dar suporte emocional e conflito família-trabalho, e receber suporte instrumental e conflito família trabalho. Assim, o estudo permitiu compreender melhor a relação entre as variáveis destacadas, sendo que esse entendimento poderá subsidiar intervenções baseadas na Psicologia Positiva para os ACS.(AU)

This study aimed to assess whether there is a correlation between work-family conflict and perceived social support in Community Health Agents (CHA). Moreover, this is a cross-sectional and correlational study with quantitative design, in which the Multidimensional Work-Family Conflict Scale (MWFCS) and the 2-Way Social Support Scale (2-Way SSS) were used. The participants in this study were 139 CHA workers in four municipalities in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. Descriptive Statistics, Parametric Statistics, and Pearson Correlation were used to analyze the data. The results between the correlations of the scales were statistically significant (p<0.05) in the factors give emotional support and work family conflict, and receive instrumental support and work family conflict. Therefore, the study allowed us to better understand the relationship between the variables highlighted, and this understanding may support interventions based on Positive Psychology for the CHA.(AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar si existe correlación entre conflicto trabajo-familia y apoyo social percibido en trabajadores Agentes Comunitarios de Salud. Además, este es un estudio transversal y correlacional con delineamiento cuantitativo, en que fueron empleadas la Escala Multidimensional de Conflicto Trabajo-Familia (EMCT-F) y la Escala de Percepción de Suporte Social (2-Way SSS). Los participantes de este estudio fueron 139 trabajadores que actúan como agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS) en cuatro municipios del interior de Rio Grande do Sul. Para el análisis de los datos fueron empleadas la Estadística Descriptiva, Estadística Paramétrica y Correlación de Pearson. Los resultados entre las correlaciones de las escalas fueron estadísticamente significativos (p<0,05) en los factores dar apoyo emocional y conflicto familia trabajo y recibir apoyo instrumental y conflicto familia trabajo. Por tanto, el estudio permitió comprender mejor la relación entre las variables destacadas, siendo que ese entendimiento podrá subsidiar intervenciones basadas en la Psicología Positiva para los ACS.(AU)

Identification of Enhancers and Promoters in the Genome by Multidimensional Scaling.

The positions of enhancers and promoters on genomic DNA remain poorly understood. Chromosomes cannot be observed during the cell division cycle because the genome forms a chromatin structure and spreads within the nucleus. However, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) measures the physical interactions of genomes. In previous studies, DNA extrusion loops were directly derived from Hi-C heat maps. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) is used in this assessment to more precisely locate enhancers and promoters. MDS is a multivariate analysis method that reproduces the original coordinates from the distance matrix between elements. We used Hi-C data of cultured osteosarcoma cells and applied MDS as the distance matrix of the genome. In addition, we selected columns 2 and 3 of the orthogonal matrix U as the desired structure. Overall, the DNA loops from the reconstructed genome structure contained bioprocesses involved in transcription, such as the pre-transcriptional initiation complex and RNA polymerase II initiation complex, and transcription factors involved in cancer, such as Foxm1 and CREB3. Therefore, our results are consistent with the biological findings. Our method is suitable for identifying enhancers and promoters in the genome.

Multidimensional Approach to Assess Nutrition and Lifestyle in Breastfeeding Women during the First Month of Lactation.

The first month of lactation is a vulnerable nutritional period for the mother. Our aims were (1) to evaluate the nutritional status of breastfeeding women in the first month of lactation, and (2) to explore different aspects of nutrition and lifestyle through a multidimensional approach. A total of 30 healthy breastfeeding women were enrolled in this study. Dietary pattern was assessed through a 72-hour dietary recall questionnaire (days 7 and 28 postpartum) and data were compared with Dietary Recommendation Values (DRV), and through the Adherence to Healthy Food Pyramid (HFP) questionnaire (day 28). Anthropometric parameters were evaluated by bioimpedance. Using factor analysis, nutritional dimensions were extracted, and linear regression models were used to analyze the association between anthropometric parameters and dimensions. Compared to the DRV, women showed insufficient energy, water, vitamin D, and potassium intake and excessive proteins, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and iron intake. We observed a moderate adherence to the HFP, with women being high in the fruits, vegetables, and oil categories, and low adherence to the physical activity, dairy products, and hydration categories. The nutritional dimension, including the HFP categories of physical activity, hydration, and animal protein intake together, was negatively associated with body weight (ß = -3.7 ± 1.7; p-value = 0.047). In conclusion, during the first month postpartum, breastfeeding women exhibited several nutritional imbalances and poor physical activity negatively influencing anthropometric parameters. We propose a multidimensional approach to assess the nutritional status of breastfeeding women as a tool to detect specific deficiencies, allowing for personalized counseling.

Coevolutionary and Phylogenetic Analysis of Mimiviral Replication Machinery Suggest the Cellular Origin of Mimiviruses.

Mimivirus is one of the most complex and largest viruses known. The origin and evolution of Mimivirus and other giant viruses have been a subject of intense study in the last two decades. The two prevailing hypotheses on the origin of Mimivirus and other viruses are the reduction hypothesis, which posits that viruses emerged from modern unicellular organisms; whereas the virus-first hypothesis proposes viruses as relics of precellular forms of life. In this study, to gain insights into the origin of Mimivirus, we have carried out extensive phylogenetic, correlation, and multidimensional scaling analyses of the putative proteins involved in the replication of its 1.2-Mb large genome. Correlation analysis and multidimensional scaling methods were validated using bacteriophage, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic replication proteins before applying to Mimivirus. We show that a large fraction of mimiviral replication proteins, including polymerase B, clamp, and clamp loaders are of eukaryotic origin and are coevolving. Although phylogenetic analysis places some components along the lineages of phage and bacteria, we show that all the replication-related genes have been homogenized and are under purifying selection. Collectively our analysis supports the idea that Mimivirus originated from a complex cellular ancestor. We hypothesize that Mimivirus has largely retained complex replication machinery reminiscent of its progenitor while losing most of the other genes related to processes such as metabolism and translation.

Unsupervised Learning Framework With Multidimensional Scaling in Predicting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions.

Clustering tumor metastasis samples from gene expression data at the whole genome level remains an arduous challenge, in particular, when the number of experimental samples is small and the number of genes is huge. We focus on the prediction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is an underlying mechanism of tumor metastasis, here, rather than tumor metastasis itself, to avoid confounding effects of uncertainties derived from various factors. In this paper, we propose a novel model in predicting EMT based on multidimensional scaling (MDS) strategies and integrating entropy and random matrix detection strategies to determine the optimal reduced number of dimension in low dimensional space. We verified our proposed model with the gene expression data for EMT samples of breast cancer and the experimental results demonstrated the superiority over state-of-the-art clustering methods. Furthermore, we developed a novel feature extraction method for selecting the significant genes and predicting the tumor metastasis. The source code is available at "https://github.com/yushanqiu/yushan.qiu-szu.edu.cn".

Comprehensive assessment of TP53 loss of function using multiple combinatorial mutagenesis libraries.

The diagnosis of somatic and germline TP53 mutations in human tumors or in individuals prone to various types of cancer has now reached the clinic. To increase the accuracy of the prediction of TP53 variant pathogenicity, we gathered functional data from three independent large-scale saturation mutagenesis screening studies with experimental data for more than 10,000 TP53 variants performed in different settings (yeast or mammalian) and with different readouts (transcription, growth arrest or apoptosis). Correlation analysis and multidimensional scaling showed excellent agreement between all these variables. Furthermore, we found that some missense mutations localized in TP53 exons led to impaired TP53 splicing as shown by an analysis of the TP53 expression data from the cancer genome atlas. With the increasing availability of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data, it is essential to employ both protein and RNA prediction to accurately define variant pathogenicity.

Characterization of skin surface and dermal microbiota in dogs with mast cell tumor.

The skin microbiota interacts with the host immune response to maintain the homeostasis. Changes in the skin microbiota are linked to the onset and the progression of several diseases, including tumors. We characterized the skin surface and dermal microbiota of 11 dogs affected by spontaneous mast cell tumor (MCT), using skin contralateral sites as intra-animal healthy controls. The microbial profile differed between healthy and tumor skin surfaces and dermis, demonstrating that the change in microbiota composition is related to the presence of MCT. The number of observed taxa between MCT and healthy skin surfaces was detected, showing a decrease in number and heterogeneity of taxa over the skin surface of MCT, at both inter- and intra-individual level. Preliminary data on bacterial population of MCT dermis, obtained only on three dogs, demonstrated an intra-individual reduction of taxa number when compared to the skin surface. Taxonomy reveals an increase of Firmicutes phylum and Corynebacteriaceae family in MCT skin surface when compared to the healthy contralateral. In conclusion, we demonstrate that microbial population of skin surface and dermis is related to mast cell tumor. Our study provides the basis for future investigations aiming to better define the interaction between mast cell tumors, microbiota and host immune response.

Briófitos en los troncos de árboles como indicadores de la alteración en bosques montanos de Panamá / Bryophytes on tree trunks as indicators of montane forest disturbance in Panama

Introducción: Los bosques montanos tropicales se caracterizan por una alta riqueza y endemismo de briófitos. Sin embargo, la diversidad es altamente sensible a cambios microclimáticos relacionados con alteraciones antrópicas. Objetivo: En este estudio, se evaluó la riqueza y composición de briófitos epífitos en los troncos de árboles de bosques montanos alterados y bosques no alterados ubicados en la ladera occidental del Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. Métodos: Los bosques no alterados mostraron alta humedad, mientras que los bosques alterados mostraron altos niveles de luz y temperatura. En cada árbol evaluamos la presencia y cobertura de briófitos epífitos en 160 cuadrantes de 20 × 30 cm. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 86 especies (49 hepáticas y 37 musgos). La riqueza fue positivamente influenciada por la alteración antrópica, donde los bosques alterados presentaron un mayor número de epífitos de sol. La composición de las comunidades difiere entre los dos tipos de bosques, donde las epífitas de sombra fueron restringidas a bosques no alterados, mientras que las epífitas de sol a zonas alteradas. Conclusiones: Las comunidades de briófitos fueron indicadores efectivos de la alteración de los bosques montanos del Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. Por lo tanto, la conservación de los bosques no alterados garantizará la conservación de una rica y diversa comunidad de briófitos epífitos.

Introduction: Tropical montane forests are characterized by high species richness and endemism of bryophytes. However, this diversity is highly sensitive to microclimatic changes related to anthropogenic disturbance. Objective: In this study, we assessed the richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes on the trunks of trees in undisturbed and disturbed montane forests on the Western slope of the Baru Volcano National Park. Methods: Undisturbed forests were highly humid, while disturbed forests showed high light levels and temperature. In each tree we measured the presence and cover of epiphytic bryophytes in 160 quadrants of 20 × 30 cm. Results: In total, we recorded 86 species (49 liverworts and 37 mosses). Bryophytes richness was positively influenced by disturbance, with disturbed forests showing a high number of sun epiphytes. Bryophyte community composition was different in each forest type, with shade epiphytes confined to primary forests and sun epiphytes restricted to disturbed sites. Conclusions: Bryophyte communities were effective indicators of montane forests disturbance on the Baru Volcano. Thus, protection of the undisturbed forests remnants might help to preserve a rich and diverse community of epiphytic bryophytes.

Adaptation to brazilian portuguese of the O*Net Interests Profiler: Short Form / Adaptação ao português brasileiro do O*Net Interests Profiler: Short Form / Adaptación al portugués brasilero del O*Net Interests Profiler: Short Form

This study aimed to adapt to the Brazilian Portuguese the O*NET Interests Profiler - Short Form. The instrument evaluates vocational interests according to the RIASEC model, which includes six types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional). Validity evidence was obtained through Principal Components Analysis, Multidimensional Scaling, correlations between secondary concepts from the theoretical model, and contrasts between groups. PCA results, the contrasts between selected occupational groups and correlational results between secondary concepts followed the theoretical expectations. However, the MDS results did not fully confirm the hexagonal structure. Overall results suggest the adapted instrument has acceptable evidence of validity. Further studies are suggested to increase the suitability of the Brazilian version of the instrument.

O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar o O*NET Interests Profiler - Short Form para o português brasileiro. O instrumento avalia interesses vocacionais de acordo com o modelo RIASEC, que inclui seis dimensões (Realista, Investigativo, Artístico, Social, Empreendedor e Convencional). As evidências de validade foram obtidas por meio da Análise de Componentes Principais, Escalonamento Multidimensional, correlações entre os conceitos secundários do modelo teórico e contrastes entre grupos ocupacionais. Os resultados da ACP, dos contrastes entre os grupos selecionados e dos resultados das correlações entre os conceitos secundários confirmaram as expectativas teóricas. No entanto, os resultados do EMD não confirmaram totalmente a estrutura hexagonal. Em geral, os resultados sugerem que o instrumento adaptado apressenta evidências aceitáveis de validade. Estudos adicionais são sugeridos para aumentar a adequação da versão brasileira do instrumento.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar al portugués brasileño el O*NET Interests Profiler - Short Form. El instrumento evalúa los intereses vocacionales de acuerdo con el modelo RIASEC, que incluye seis dimensiones (Realista, Investigativo, Artístico, Social, Emprendedor y Convencional). Las evidencias de validez se obtuvieron mediante Análisis de Componentes Principales, Escalamiento Multidimensional, correlaciones entre los conceptos secundarios del modelo teórico y contrastes entre grupos ocupacionales. Los resultados del PCA, los contrastes entre los grupos seleccionados y los resultados de las correlaciones entre los conceptos secundarios confirmaron las expectativas teóricas. Sin embargo, los resultados del MDS solo confirmaron parcialmente la estructura hexagonal. Los resultados sugieren que el instrumento adaptado tiene evidencias aceptables de validez y confiabilidad. Se sugieren estudios adicionales para aumentar la idoneidad de la versión brasileña del instrumento.

Multidimensional dependency subgroups in community-dwelling older adults: A latent class analysis / Subgrupos de dependencia multidimensional en adultos mayores que viven en la comunidad: un análisis de clase latente

Abstract Objectives: Use latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of multidimensional dependency in a sample of older adults and assess sociodemographic, predictors of class membership. Material and methods: Longitudinal data were used from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). 7,920 older adults, 55% women, were recruited. LCA were used to identify meaningful subgroups. LCA was conducted using MPlus version. The final class model was chosen based on the comparison of multiple fit statistics and theoretical parsimony, with models of increasing complexity analyzed sequentially until the best fitting model was identified. Covariates were incorporated to explore the association between these variables and class membership. Results: Three classes groups based on the nine indicators were identified: "Active older adults" was comprised of 64% of the sample participants, "Relatively independent" and "Physically impaired" were comprised of 26% and 10% of the sample. The "Active older adults" profile comprised the majority of respondents who exhibited high endorsement rates across all criteria. The profiles of the "Active older adults" and "Relatively independent" were comparatively more uniform. Finally, respondents belonging to the "Physically impaired" profile, the smallest subgroup, encompassed the individuals most susceptible to a poor dependency profile. Conclusions: These findings highlighted the usefulness to adopt a person-centered approach rather than a variable-centered approach, suggesting directions for future research and tailored interventions approaches to older adults with particular characteristics. Based on patterns of multidimensional dependency, this study identified a typology of dependency using data from a large, nationally representative survey.

Resumen Objetivo: Utilizar el análisis de clase latente (ACL) para la identificación de patrones de dependencia multidimensional en una muestra de adultos mayores y evaluar factores sociodemográficos predictivos de pertenencia a una clase. Métodos: Se utilizaron datos longitudinales del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM). Se analizaron 7,920 adultos mayores, el 55% eran mujeres. El ACL fue utilizado para la identificación de subgrupos significativos. Para el ACL se realizó con el software MPlus. El modelo de clase final se eligió con base a la comparativa de estadísticas de ajuste múltiple y parsimonia teórica, con modelos de complejidad creciente analizados secuencialmente hasta que se identificó el modelo de mejor ajuste. Se incorporaron covariables para explorar la asociación entre estas variables y la pertenencia a clases. Resultados: Se identificaron tres grupos de clases basados en los nueve identificadores. "Adultos mayores activos" estaba compuesto por el 64%. "Relativamente independiente" y "Discapacidad física" comprenden el 26% y el 10% de la muestra, respectivamente. Los perfiles de "Adultos mayores activos" y "Relativamente independiente" eran comparativamente más uniformes. El grupo de "discapacidad física" comprenden a los individuos más propensos a un perfil de dependencia. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos resaltan la utilidad de adoptar un enfoque centrado en la persona lo que sugiere nuevos horizontes de investigación e intervención a medida de las características particulares de los adultos mayores. Basado en patrones de dependencia multidimensional, este estudio identificó una tipología de dependencia utilizando datos de una encuesta representativa a nivel nacional.

Using multidimensional scaling in model choice for congenital oesophageal atresia: similarity analysis of human autopsy organ weights with those from a comparative assessment of Aachen Minipig and Pietrain piglets.

Swine models had been popular in paediatric oesophageal surgery in the past. Although being largely replaced by rodent models, swine experienced a revival with the establishment of minipig models. However, none of them has ever been investigated for similarity to humans. We conducted a pilot study to determine whether three-week old Pietrain piglets and three-month old Aachen Minipigs are suitable for experimental paediatric oesophageal atresia surgery. We tested the operation's feasibility, performed a necropsy, weighed organs, measured organ length and calculated relative weights and lengths, and measured laboratory parameters. We used multidimensional scaling to assess the similarity of the swine breeds with previously published human data. Pietrain piglets had a higher a priori bodyweight than Aachen Minipigs (Δ = 1.31 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-2.23, p = 0.015), while snout-to-tail length was similar. Pietrain piglets had higher absolute and relative oesophageal lengths (Δ = 5.43 cm, 95% CI: 2.2-8.6; p = 0.0062, q1* = 0.0083 and Δ = 11.4%, 95% CI: 5.1-17.6; p = 0.0025, q3* = 0.0053). Likewise, absolute and relative small intestinal lengths were higher in Pietrains, but all other parameters did not differ, with the exception of minor differences in laboratory parameters. Multidimensional scaling revealed three-week old Pietrain piglets to be similar to two-month old humans based on their thoracoabdominal organ weights. This result indicates three-week old Pietrain piglets are a suitable model of paediatric oesophageal atresia surgery, because clinically many procedures are performed at around eight weeks age. Three-month old Aachen Minipigs were more dissimilar to eight-week old humans than three-week old Pietrain piglets.

Valoración de independencia funcional en pacientes geriátricos / Functional Independence assessment in geriatrics patients

Habitualmente las personas adultas mayores presentan cambios físicos, psicológicos, y sociales que afectan las funciones básicas debido al envejecimiento fisiológico. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar el grado de independencia funcional en pacientes geriátricos y su relación con la edad, nivel de educación y tiempo de residencia. Pacientes y Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal enfocándose en la valoración del grado de independencia funcional bajo el índice de Barthel; efectuado en residentes con rangos de edad entre 65- 90 años, donde se obtuvo una descripción importante del nivel de independencia en personas de la tercera edad. El total de la población (muestra) fue de 110 residentes (57 mujeres y 53 hombres). Resultados Pacientes del sexo masculino tuvieron mayor independencia funcional (43% hombres vs. 32% mujeres), corroborando una apreciación estadística de un censo nacional hecho en el año 2010. Adicionalmente, los resultados han sido analizados con sus correlaciones y las significancias del nivel de funcionalidad de los residentes respecto a su edad, nivel de educación, y tiempo de residencia. Conclusiones El nivel de instrucción mostró una ligera correlación con su nivel de funcionalidad, sin embargo, no se encontró relación entre la funcionalidad con la edad y/o tiempo de permanencia en el hogar. Futuros estudios a mayor escala deberían ser efectuados para un apoyo estadístico de relevancia.

Older adults usually have physical, psychological, and social changes that affect basic functions due to physiological aging. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of functional independence in geriatric patients and their relationship to age, level of education and time of residence. Patients and Methods A descriptive, cross-cutting study focused on the assessment of the degree of functional independence under barthel's index was carried out; made in residents with age ranges between 65-90 years, where an important description of the level of independence in seniors was obtained. The total population (sample) was 110 residents (57 women and 53 men). Results It showed that men have greater independence functionality (43% men vs. 32% women), corroborating this appreciation with a national census statistic performed in 2010. In addition, the results have been analyzed with its correlation and significance of the Residents' Functional Level outcome regarding to their age, education level, and time in the institution. Conclusions The educational level showed a slight correlation with its physical functionality, however, no connection was found between functionality and age, nor institutionalized time. Further studies should be performed on a major scale to support static relevance

Psychometric properties of two adolescent depression scales in a colombian community sample: ADRS and RCADS -major depression / Propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de depresión para adolescentes en una muestra comunitaria colombiana: ADRS y RCADS -depresión mayor

Abstract Depression can occur at all ages; however, when it begins early in life, prognosis is less favorable. Early identification and treatment provision need valid and reliable tools to assess depression in children and adolescents. The present study aimed at analyzing, in a Colombian community sample, the psychometric properties of two brief depression scales, using Classical Test Theory methods: The Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS) self-report version and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) - Major Depression Subscale. Analyses of both scales showed most item-scale and item-item correlations to be moderate and significant. Internal consistency was significant and adequate for both, ADRS (.67) and RCADS- Major Depression (.71). For ADRS, a two-factor solution explained 37.39% of variance while a one-single factor explained 25.99%. For RCADS-Major Depression, a two-factor solution explained 41.81% of variance while a one-single factor explained 29.14%. Construct validity was satisfactory, as both scales showed moderate and significant correlations with the convergent (RCADS-Generalized Anxiety) and the discriminant (KADS-11) criteria; yet, correlations with the former were stronger. Results provide further evidence in favor of the ADRS and the RCADS-Major Depression as effective tools to assess depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.

Resumen La depresión puede presentarse a cualquier edad; sin embargo, cuando ocurre en etapas tempranas de la vida el pronóstico es menos favorable. La identificación y el tratamiento tempranos necesitan herramientas válidas y confiables para evaluar la depresión en niños y adolescentes. El presente estudio analizó, en una muestra comunitaria colombiana, las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas breves de depresión, utilizando métodos de la Teoría Clásica de los Test: Escala de Valoración de Depresión Adolescente (ADRS) versión de auto-reporte y la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Infantil Revisada (RCADS)- Subescala de Depresión Mayor. El análisis de las dos escalas mostró correlaciones ítem-ítem e ítemescala, moderadas y significativas. La consistencia interna fue significativa y adecuada para ambas escalas, ADRS (0.67) y RCADS-Depresión Mayor (0.71). Para ADRS, dos factores explicaron 37.39% de la varianza, mientras que la solución de un solo factor explicó 25.99% de la varianza. Para RCADS-Depresión Mayor, dos factores explicaron el 41.81% de varianza y un factor único explicó 29.14%. La validez de constructo fue satisfactoria, ambas escalas mostraron correlaciones moderadas y significativas con el criterio convergente (KADS-11) y el criterio discriminante (RCADS-Ansiedad Generalizada); aunque más fuertes en el primer caso. Los resultados evidencian que ADRS y RCADS-Depresión Mayor son herramientas efectivas para la valoración de síntomas depresivos en niños y adolescentes.