Identification and analysis of metabolite production with biotechnological potential in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous isolates.

Antarctic microorganisms have developed different strategies to live in their environments, including modifications to their membrane components to regulate fluidity and the production of photoprotective metabolites such as carotenoids. Three yeast colonies (ANCH01, ANCH06 and ANCH08) were isolated from soil samples collected at King George Island, which according to their rDNA sequence analyses, were determined to be Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. This yeast is of biotechnological interest, because it can synthesize astaxanthin as its main carotenoid, which is a powerful antioxidant pigment used in aquaculture. Then, the aim of this work was to characterize the ANCH isolates at their molecular and phenotypic level. The isolates did not display any differences in their rDNA and COX1 gene nucleotide sequences. However, ANCH01 produces approximately sixfold more astaxanthin than other wild type strains. Moreover, even though ANCH06 and ANCH08 produce astaxanthin, their main carotenoid was ß-carotene. In contrast to other X. dendrorhous strains, the ANCH isolates did not produce mycosporines. Finally, the ANCH isolates had a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids than other wild type strains. In conclusion, the reported X. dendrorhous isolates are phenotypically different from other wild type strains, including characteristics that could make them more resistant and better able to inhabit their original habitat, which may also have biotechnological potential.

Myotonometry in machinery operators and its relationship with postural ergonomic risk.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between occupational ergonomic risk, personal characteristics, and working conditions with the biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone in the paravertebral muscles of electric pallet jack and forklift operators in the industrial sector. METHODS: A total of 75 industrial sector machine operators were evaluated in 2021. Personal characteristics and working conditions were assessed through a questionnaire. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone were obtained using the Myoton Pro device. Stiffness in paravertebral muscles was compared based on the operated machine and observed ergonomic risk. A multilevel linear regression model was employed to quantify the relationship, with mean differences and 95% CI calculated. RESULTS: Very high ergonomic risk was found in 75% of the electric pallet truck drivers. In this group with the highest ergonomic risk, an association between biomechanical properties and older workers was observed. Additionally, among electric pallet truck drivers, stiffness (mean difference 335.9 N/m, 95% CI: 46.4 (3.4 to 110.0), P < 0.05) and paravertebral muscle tone (mean difference 17.5 Hz, 95% CI: 1.4 (0.1 to 3.4), P < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences in the very high ergonomic risk category compared to the high-risk category. No significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed variables among forklift drivers. CONCLUSIONS: Workers operating electric pallet trucks with very high ergonomic risk according to the REBA method and aged over 40 yr are associated with increased muscle stiffness and tone.

Relationship between Thought Style, Emotional Response, Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), and Biomarkers in Cancer Patients.

(1) Introduction: Cancer diagnosis has been related to depression, anxiety, and distress, as well as to post-traumatic growth (PTG). One of the mediating variables for emotional response is thought style (rumination, cognitive avoidance, and cognitive engagement). (2) Aim: To identify the relationship between thought style and emotional responses to cancer. A secondary aim was to identify the relationship between emotional responses and inflammatory immunological biomarkers. (3) Method: A total of 115 patients with cancer were included in the study. Before initiating cancer treatment, patients were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), distress thermometer, and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Patients provided their most recent blood biometry. (4) Results: Rumination correlated with anxiety, depression, and distress. Cognitive avoidance correlated with PTG (-0.240) and distress (-0.209). Cognitive engagement correlated with PTG (0.393). Regarding thought style and biomarkers, a negative correlation was observed for absolute neutrophils with cognitive avoidance (-0.271) and rumination (0.305). Regarding biomarkers and emotional responses, there was a negative correlation between PTG and absolute lymphocytes (-0.291). There was also a correlation between PTG and neutrophils (0.357) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (0.295). (5) Conclusions: Thought style is related to the emotional response to a cancer diagnosis; rumination is related to depression, distress, and anxiety; and cognitive engagement is related to PTG. PTG is related to inflammation and immunological biomarkers.

Effect of In Vitro Micropropagation on the Chemical, Antioxidant, and Biological Characteristics of Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., an Endemic Plant of the Atacama Desert Andean Region.

The species Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., commonly called "chachacoma", is widely used as a medicinal plant by the Andean communities of Northern Chile. Ethanolic extracts of S. nutans and the main compound, 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) acetophenone, have shown interesting biological activity. However, due to the high-altitude areas where this species is found, access to S. nutans is very limited. Due to the latter, in this work, we carried out micropropagation in vitro and ex vitro adaptation techniques as an alternative for the massive multiplication, conservation, and in vitro production of high-value metabolites from this plant. The micropropagation and ex vitro adaptation techniques were successfully employed, and UHPLC-DAD analysis revealed no significant changes in the phenolic profile, with acetophenone 4 being the most abundant metabolite, whose antioxidant and antibacterial activity was studied. Independently of the applied culture condition, the ethanolic extracts of S. nutans presented high activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. This successful initiation of in vitro and ex vitro cultures provides a biotechnological approach for the conservation of S. nutans and ensures a reliable and consistent source of acetophenone 4 as a potential raw material for pharmacological applications.

Increase in the astaxanthin synthase gene (crtS) dose by in vivo DNA fragment assembly in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

BACKGROUND: Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is a basidiomycetous yeast that is relevant to biotechnology, as it can synthesize the carotenoid astaxanthin. However, the astaxanthin levels produced by wild-type strains are low. Although different approaches for promoting increased astaxanthin production have been attempted, no commercially competitive results have been obtained thus far. A promising alternative to facilitate the production of carotenoids in this yeast involves the use of genetic modification. However, a major limitation is the few available molecular tools to manipulate X. dendrorhous. RESULTS: In this work, the DNA assembler methodology that was previously described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was successfully applied to assemble DNA fragments in vivo and integrate these fragments into the genome of X. dendrorhous by homologous recombination in only one transformation event. Using this method, the gene encoding astaxanthin synthase (crtS) was overexpressed in X. dendrorhous and a higher level of astaxanthin was produced. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology could be used to easily and rapidly overexpress individual genes or combinations of genes simultaneously in X. dendrorhous, eliminating numerous steps involved in conventional cloning methods.

Relationship between mental fatigue and burnout syndrome in remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.

This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature addressing the relationship between mental fatigue and burnout associated with teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic through an integrative review. This review searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, ScienceDirect, and SciELO using the DeCS and MeSH health sciences descriptors. The included articles were published between March and December 2021, during the pandemic. Of a total of 224 results, 215 articles were excluded and 9 were considered for the preparation of this integrative review. Mental fatigue was related to technostress, somatic symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia (p < 0.05), and loss of motivation (p < 0.05). Burnout was positively associated with work overload, high interdependence, and lower role clarity. The presence of a stressful factor and a protective factor was evidenced in burnout: intrusive leadership and workaholism, respectively. Greater exhaustion was observed in workers belonging to generation X (41 to 55 years old). Mental fatigue is related to exhaustion in the productive, physical, and psychological dimensions of individuals. Addiction to work has moderated this phenomenon, however, it is urgent to limit and optimize work hours as well as promote disconnection and rest among workers within the framework of a healthy work policy.

Este estudo pretendeu analisar as evidências científicas disponíveis na literatura sobre a relação entre fadiga mental e esgotamento associados ao teletrabalho em tempos de pandemia de covid-19 mediante uma revisão integrativa. Esta revisão incluiu a pesquisa nos seguintes bancos de dados: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, Science Direct e SciELO. Usando os descritores DeCs e MeSH de ciências da saúde, os artigos incluídos foram datados entre março e dezembro de 2021, durante a pandemia. De um total de 224 resultados, 215 artigos foram excluídos, e 9 foram considerados para a elaboração desta revisão integrativa. A fadiga mental foi relacionada ao tecnoestresse, à presença de sintomas somáticos, como ansiedade e insônia (p < 0,05) e à perda de motivação (p < 0,05). O esgotamento foi positivamente associada à sobrecarga, alta interdependência e falta de clareza quanto à função do trabalhador. Evidenciou-se a presença de um fator estressante e de um fator protetor em relação ao esgotamento, como a liderança intrusiva e o vício no trabalho, respectivamente. Observou-se maior exaustão nos trabalhadores da geração X (41 a 55 anos). Concluiu-se que a fadiga mental está relacionada à exaustão nas dimensões produtiva, física e psicológica dos sujeitos. A dependência do trabalho moderou esse fenômeno, porém, é urgente limitar e otimizar as horas de trabalho, bem como promover a desconexão e o descanso dos trabalhadores no âmbito de uma política de trabalho saudável.

Validation of the Scale on Parental Feeding Behaviors (ECOPAL) for Caregivers of Mexican Children.

Parental feeding practices can be crucial to preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to validate a self-applicable instrument for evaluating the diverse parental feeding behaviors of Mexican caregivers based on the theoretical constructs of coercive control, structure, and autonomy support. The scale's content validity achieved significant values when assessed by expert judges, with moderate intensity in congruence (Kendall's W = 0.462; p = 0.000) and clarity (Kendall's W = 0.369; p = 0.001). The participants were 1185 Mexican adults (32.7 ± 7.6 years of age, 97% women, and 90% mothers) responsible for the main meal of at least one child (4.8 ± 3 years old). The data were subdivided randomly for an exploratory factor analysis (n = 581) and a confirmatory factorial analysis (n = 604). The first analysis grouped the items into 11 factors, with an accumulated variance of 63.9%. In the confirmatory analysis, a 10-factor model showed a better fit (CMIN = 1531.5, p < 0.001, CMIN/df = 2.20, RSEA = 0.045, CFI = 0.92, TLI, 0.91, and NFI = 0.87). The factors in this model were (1) the disposition of non-recommended foods, (2) nutritional education, (3) pressure to eat, (4) praise for healthy eating, (5) monitoring of consumption, (6) structured offer of fruits and vegetables, (7) consumption conditioning, (8) overt restriction, (9) guided choices, and (10) covert restriction. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.816. Therefore, this scale presents good psychometric properties with which to evaluate the frequency of child caregivers' feeding behaviors in the context of ten different feeding practices in Mexico's urban areas and contributes to the knowledge of current practices in the Mexican population. It also evaluates changes resulting from future interventions that promote eating practices that favor the formation of healthy eating habits.

Enhanced Polyphenols Recovery from Grape Pomace: A Comparison of Pressurized and Atmospheric Extractions with Deep Eutectic Solvent Aqueous Mixtures.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging as potent polyphenol extractors under normal atmospheric conditions. Yet, their effectiveness in hot pressurized liquid extraction (HPLE) must be studied more. We explored the ability of various water/DES and water/hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) mixtures in both atmospheric solid liquid extraction (ASLE) and HPLE (50%, 90 °C) for isolating specific polyphenol families from Carménère grape pomace. We assessed extraction yields based on total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and recovery of targeted polyphenols. The HBDs ethylene glycol and glycerol outperformed DES in atmospheric and pressurized extractions. Ethylene glycol exhibited a higher affinity for phenolic acids and flavonols, while flavanols preferred glycerol. Quantum chemical computations indicated that a high-water content in DES mixtures led to the formation of new hydrogen bonds, thereby reducing polyphenol-solvent interactions. HPLE was found to be superior to ASLE across all tested solvents. The elevated pressure in HPLE has caused significant improvement in the recovery of flavanols (17-89%), phenolic acids (17-1000%), and flavonols (81-258%). Scanning electron microscopy analysis of post-extraction residues suggested that high pressures collapse the plant matrix, thus easing polyphenol release.

Characterization and general health conditions of workers in a Chilean industrial area: a worrying reality.

Introduction: Within the occupational field, changes in the characteristics of work have revealed risks associated with static, repetitive work and litle physical activity, which together with individual health conditions of workers can trigger diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: To obtain a preliminary characterization of workers in an industrial area, including their health and working conditions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, developed with 69 men who worked in the industrial area of Viña del Mar, Chile. A clinical and occupational evaluation was carried out with the application of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as well as the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Results: The following risk factors were identified: 53.6% of the workers were smokers, 92.8% presented low levels of physical activity, and 70.3% reported feeling pain in body segments that were physically required during their work tasks. Among all workers, 63% were overweight according to their body mass index and 62% presented high systolic pressure. Pain was mostly detected in the spine, and it was slightly associated with forklif operation by older workers (t-test p < 0.05). Conclusions: Workers were in the presence of cardiovascular and occupational risks. It is necessary to promote timely education and training on health conditions and to evaluate risks associated with machinery operation in order to prevent work-related pain.

Introdução: No âmbito ocupacional, as mudanças no estilo de trabalho têm mostrado riscos associados ao trabalho estático, repetitivo e à pouca atividade física, fatores que, somados às condições individuais de saúde dos trabalhadores, podem favorecer o aparecimento de doenças e distúrbios musculoesqueléticos. Objetivos: Obter uma caracterização preliminar dos trabalhadores da indústria, incluindo a saúde e as condições de trabalho. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 69 homens que trabalham na indústria de Viña del Mar, Chile. Realizaram-se avaliação clínica e ocupacional e aplicaram-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física juntamente com o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Resultados: Identificaram-se os seguintes fatores de risco: 53,6% dos trabalhadores era tabagista, 92,8% apresentava baixo nível de atividade física, 70,3% declarou sentir dor em segmentos corporais necessários à realização de tarefas do trabalho. Dos trabalhadores, 63% tinha sobrepeso, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal, e 62% apresentava pressão sistólica alta. As dores foram detectadas principalmente na coluna vertebral e estavam ligeiramente associadas à operação de empilhadeira por trabalhadores mais velhos (teste t p < 0,05). Conclusões: Os trabalhadores encontravam-se diante de riscos cardiovasculares e ocupacionais. É necessário promover educação e treinamento adequados em relação às condições de saúde e avaliar os riscos associados à operação de equipamentos, a fim de evitar dores relacionadas ao trabalho.

Diversity of insect antimicrobial peptides and proteins - A functional perspective: A review.

The innate immune response of insects provides a robust line of defense against pathogenic microbes and eukaryotic parasites. It consists of two types of overlapping immune responses, named humoral and cellular, which share protective molecules and regulatory mechanisms that closely coordinate to prevent the spread and replication of pathogens within the compromised insect hemocoel. The major feature of the humoral part of the insect immune system involves the production and secretion of antimicrobial peptides from the fat body, which is considered analogous to adipose tissue and liver in vertebrates. Previous research has identified and characterized the nature of antimicrobial peptides that are directed against various targets during the different stages of infection. Here we review this information focusing mostly on the diversity and mode of action of these host defense components, and their critical contribution to maintaining host homeostasis. Extending this knowledge is paramount for understanding the evolution of innate immune function and the physiological balance required to provide sufficient protection to the host against external enemies while avoiding overactivation signaling events that would severely undermine physiological stability.

Affirmative action programs and network benefits in the number of board positions.

Whereas governments are increasingly considering affirmative action programs to increase corporate board diversity, the effect of such programs can be superficial as they do not address the underlying problem, which is women's access to and inclusion in relevant corporate networks. To address this issue, we study the relationship among affirmative action programs (binding gender quotas and non-binding gender targets), director networks, and the number of board positions individual directors hold given their gender. We use personal, professional, and network characteristics of 25,127 unique directors from 2,435 public firms in 32 European countries over the period of 2000 through 2017. We find that in the absence of affirmative action programs, women directors benefit less from their networks than men directors suggesting the existence of a gender gap in network benefits. After the passage of binding gender quotas, this gender gap in network benefits narrows between women and men directors. Overall, this research suggests that binding gender quotas make director networks a more salient tool for hiring women and may help in leveling the playing field in the way these networks are used for achieving top management positions.

Defensins: Transcriptional regulation and function beyond antimicrobial activity.

Defensins are one the largest group of antimicrobial peptides and are part of the innate defence. Defensins are produced by animals, plants and fungi. In animals and plants, defensins can be constitutively or differentially expressed both locally or systemically which confer defence before and a stronger response after infection. Immune signalling pathways regulate the gene expression of defensins. These pathways include cellular receptors, which recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns and are found both in plants and animals. After recognition, signalling pathways and, subsequently, transcriptional factors are activated. There is an increasing number of novel functions in defensins, such as immunomodulators and immune cell attractors. Identification of defensin triggers could help us to elucidate other new functions. The present article reviews the different elicitors of defensins with a main focus on human, fish and marine invertebrate defensins.

Oxidative stress and the presence of bacteria increase gene expression of the antimicrobial peptide aclasin, a fungal CSαß defensin in Aspergillus clavatus.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a broad class of naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds. Plants, invertebrates and fungi produce various AMPs as, for example, defensins. Most of these defensins are characterised by the presence of a cysteine-stabilised α-helical and ß-sheet (CSαß) motif. The changes in gene expression of a fungal CSαß defensin by stress conditions were investigated in Aspergillus clavatus. A. clavatus produces the CSαß defensin Aclasin, which is encoded by the aclasin gene. METHODS: Aclasin expression was evaluated in submerged mycelium cultures under heat shock, osmotic stress, oxidative stress and the presence of bacteria by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Aclasin expression increased two fold under oxidative stress conditions and in the presence of viable and heat-killed Bacillus megaterium. Under heat shock and osmotic stress, aclasin expression decreased. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that oxidative stress and the presence of bacteria might regulate fungal defensin expression. Moreover, fungi might recognise microorganisms as plants and animals do.

Recombinant AfusinC, an anionic fungal CSαß defensin from Aspergillus fumigatus, exhibits antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short and generally positively charged peptides found in a wide variety of organisms. CSαß defensins are a group of AMPs. These defensins are composed of an α-helix and a ß-sheet linked by three or four disulphide bridges. In this study, we describe the antimicrobial activity of an anionic CSαß fungal defensin from Aspergillus fumigatus, AfusinC. AfusinC was recombinantly produced as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The tag was removed by proteolytic cleavage, and AfusinC was purified by size exclusion chromatography. About 0.8 mg of recombinant AfusinC was obtained from 1 L of culture. Recombinant AfusinC was active against mainly gram-positive bacteria including human pathogens and a multiresistant-strain of A. aureus. Additionally, AfusinC showed bactericidal effect against Micrococcus luteus.

Competencias digitales docentes: reporte de autopercepción en ciencias de la salud

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de competencia digital en académicos que ejercen la docencia entre el primer y el quinto año en carreras del área de la salud mediante un cuestionario basado en la autopercepción durante el primer semestre del año 2023. Materiales y métodos: El diseño de investigación aplicado en este estudio fue descriptivo y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 63 profesores que realizan docencia en carreras del área de la salud de la Universidad Viña del Mar, Chile. Se aplicó el cuestionario "DigCompEdu Chek-in" para valorar las competencias digitales docentes, con un formato de respuesta en escala de Likert. El instrumento considera las dimensiones compromiso profesional, recursos/pedagogía digital, evaluación y retroalimentación, empoderamiento a los estudiantes y facilitar la competencia digital de los estudiantes. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un formulario virtual en Google Forms. Los datos se analizaron utilizando estadística descriptiva, que incluyó promedios, desviación estándar, coeficiente de variación, porcentajes y frecuencias. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los docentes, en su conjunto, obtuvieron una calificación promedio de 3,4 en el instrumento completo, con una desviación estándar de 1,2. Esto indica que los profesores se sitúan en un rango intermedio en términos de competencia digital docente (CDD), lo que sugiere que tienen una percepción moderada de su competencia digital. Conclusiones: Los profesionales, en su rol docente, deben sentirse habilitados para abordar cuestiones de seguridad en línea, emplear herramientas de evaluación digital y personalizar la enseñanza mediante la tecnología. Al hacerlo, podrán proporcionar una educación más completa y relevante en la era digital actual. Por tanto, la formación en CDC en los profesores puede constituir un criterio de calidad educativa y de mejora en la preparación de los estudiantes para un mundo marcado por la competencia digital.

Objective: To determine the level of digital skills among academics who teach firstto fifth-year students of health sciences programs using a self-perception questionnaire during the first semester 2023. Materials and methods: The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 63 professors of health sciences programs at Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile. Digital teaching skills were assessed using the DigCompEdu CheckIn questionnaire and a Likert scale response format. The instrument considered the dimensions professional commitment, digital resources/pedagogy, evaluation and feedback, student empowerment and facilitating students' digital skills. Data were collected using Google Forms and analyzed with descriptive statistics that included means, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, percentages and frequencies. Results: The results show that the professors, as a whole, achieved an average score of 3.4 in the complete instrument, with a standard deviation of 1.2. This indicates that professors are in an intermediate range in terms of digital teaching skills, thus suggesting that they have a moderate perception of their digital skills. Conclusions: Professionals, in their teaching role, should feel empowered to address online security issues, use digital assessment tools and customize teaching through technology. By doing so, they will be able to provide a more comprehensive and high-quality education in today's digital age. Therefore, training in digital teaching skills among professors may be a criterion for improving educational quality and students' training in a world where digital skills play a key role.

Improving biocuration of microRNAs in diseases: a case study in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and non-coding RNA molecules that inhibit gene expression posttranscriptionally. They play important roles in several biological processes, and in recent years there has been an interest in studying how they are related to the pathogenesis of diseases. Although there are already some databases that contain information for miRNAs and their relation with illnesses, their curation represents a significant challenge due to the amount of information that is being generated every day. In particular, respiratory diseases are poorly documented in databases, despite the fact that they are of increasing concern regarding morbidity, mortality and economic impacts. In this work, we present the results that we obtained in the BioCreative Interactive Track (IAT), using a semiautomatic approach for improving biocuration of miRNAs related to diseases. Our procedures will be useful to complement databases that contain this type of information. We adapted the OntoGene text mining pipeline and the ODIN curation system in a full-text corpus of scientific publications concerning one specific respiratory disease: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common and aggressive of the idiopathic interstitial cases of pneumonia. We curated 823 miRNA text snippets and found a total of 246 miRNAs related to this disease based on our semiautomatic approach with the system OntoGene/ODIN. The biocuration throughput improved by a factor of 12 compared with traditional manual biocuration. A significant advantage of our semiautomatic pipeline is that it can be applied to obtain the miRNAs of all the respiratory diseases and offers the possibility to be used for other illnesses. Database URL: http://odin.ccg.unam.mx/ODIN/bc2015-miRNA/.

Desempeño de PSI/PORT y SOFA para predicción de ventilación mecánica invasiva en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Performance of PSI/PORT and SOFA in predicting mechanical invasive ventilation in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia / Desempenho de PSI/PORT e SOFA para prever ventilação mecânica invasiva na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2

Resumen Introducción: Son escasas las publicaciones sobre aplicación de escalas pronósticas para predecir el uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el desempeño de las escalas PSI/PORT y SOFA para predecir el uso de VMI en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 01 de abril al 31 de mayo de 2020. Se realizó análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva de las escalas PSI/PORT y SOFA, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos. Resultados: Se incluyó a 151 pacientes, con edad de 52 años (IQR 45-64); 69.5% eran hombres. Del total, 102 pacientes necesitaron VMI (67.5%). Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para predecir VMI fueron: SOFA 0.71 (IC 95% 0.64-0.78) y PSI/PORT 0.78 (IC 95% 0.71-0.85). Al compararlas, no hubo significancia estadística (p = 0.08). Conclusiones: Las escalas SOFA y PSI/PORT pueden infraestimar la necesidad de VMI en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. En nuestro estudio, SOFA y PSI/PORT no tuvieron un buen desempeño para predecir el uso de VMI en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Introduction: There are few publications on the application of prognostic scales to predict the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Therefore, the study's objective was to evaluate the performance of PSI/PORT and SOFA in predicting the use of IMV in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: A retrospective study that included hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia from April 01, 2020, to May 31, 2020. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for PSI/PORT and SOFA scores, as well as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Results: 151 patients were included, aged 52 years (IQR 45-64); 69.5% were men. Of the total, 102 patients required IMV (67.5%). Area under the curve to predict IMV were: SOFA 0.71 (95% CI 0.64-0.78) and PSI/PORT 0.78 (95% CI 0.71-0.85). When comparing them, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.08). Conclusions: In patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, SOFA and PSI/PORT may underestimate the need for IMV. In our study, SOFA and PSI/PORT score performed fair in predicting IMV use in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Resumo Introdução: Existem poucas publicações sobre a aplicação de escalas prognósticas para prever o uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o desempenho do PSI/PORT e SOFA para prever o uso de IMV em pacientes com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes internados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 entre 1o de abril de 2020 e 31 de maio de 2020. Foi realizada análise da curva ROC, calculando a área sob a curva PSI/PORT e SOFA, bem como a sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 151 pacientes, com idade de 52 anos (IQR 45-64); 69.5% eram homens. Do total, 102 pacientes necessitaram de VMI (67.5%). As áreas sob as curvas ROC para predizer VMI foram: SOFA 0.71 (IC 95% 0.64-0.78) e PSI/PORT 0.78 (IC 95% 0.71-0.85). Ao compará-los, não houve significância estatística (p = 0.08). Conclusões: SOFA e PSI/PORT podem subestimar a necessidade de VMI na pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. Em nosso estudo, SOFA e PSI/PORT não tiveram bom desempenho na previsão do uso de VMI em pacientes hospitalizados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2.

Análisis de las respuestas cognitivas relacionadas con el diagnóstico de cáncer en pacientes mexicanos / Cognitive response related to cancer diagnosis in Mexican patients

Resumen La evaluación subjetiva ha sido descripta como una variable mediadora para la respuesta emocional. Se presenta con diferentes contenidos y estilos. El estilo cognitivo se refiere a la manera en que se piensa sobre el estresor, por ejemplo: la rumiación (pensamientos intrusivos, repetitivos, que generan malestar emocional), la evitación (intentos por no pensar en el estresor) y el compromiso cognitivo (enfocados en búsqueda de sentido o solución). En base a esta respuesta emocional, se busca explorar y describir los pensamientos relacionados con el cáncer en un grupo de diez pacientes con la enfermedad. En un estudio cualitativo, se les pidió a diez pacientes con cáncer que indicaran los cinco pensamientos más frecuentes desde su diagnóstico. Se analizó el contenido mediante la técnica top down (teoría a contenido) y, a partir de los estilos de respuestas cognitivas, se clasificó el contenido de los pensamientos reportados por estilo de pensamiento (rumiación, compromiso cognitivo o evitación), por temporalidad (pasado, presente y futuro) y por valencia (positiva o negativa). Posteriormente, se hizo el análisis bottom up (contenido a teoría). Se hicieron tablas cruzadas para identificar los contenidos según el estilo de pensamiento, la temporalidad y la valencia. En los pensamientos con estilo rumiativo, el enfoque temporal se dirigía en su mayoría al futuro y al pasado, mientras que el compromiso cognitivo se enfocaba en el presente. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa mediante una prueba de chi cuadrado. Dentro de los temas relacionados con la incertidumbre, se refirieron a la muerte, al pronóstico de la enfermedad, a la respuesta de la familia y a las finanzas (en el futuro) y a las causas y culpa (en el pasado).

Abstract Cancer has been defined by the World Health Organization as "a disease caused by abnormal cells growing uncontrollably in the body, going beyond their usual boundaries, invading adjoining parts of the body and spreading to other organs". Being diagnosed with cancer has been described as an experience with diverse emotional reactions and difficulties in adaptation, having psychological consequences, being most common depression, anxiety and psychological distress; but also, some patients present positive consequences after having a cancer diagnosis, such as post traumatic growth, which includes positive changes presented after the disease experience. Subjective appraisal about cancer has been defined as a mediating variable for the emotional response presented after a stressor, such as cancer diagnosis, treatment, or important changes during disease process (initiating and finalizing treatment, presenting relapse or remission, as well as when having control studies). The subjective appraisal can be presented with different thought content and styles. Thought style is referred as the way thoughts about the stressor are presented, it has been classified as rumination (thoughts that are intrusive and repetitive that also increase psychological distress), cognitive engagement (thoughts associated with problem solving and meaning finding) or avoidance (aiming to stop thinking about stressor or feeling associated with it). Depending on the thought style presented at a stressor, could be the emotional response (anxiety, depression, distress, post-traumatic growth). The aim of the present study was to describe the thoughts (style, content, valence and temporality) related to cancer diagnosis in a group of ten oncologic patients. To identify if differences between thought style, valence and temporality were presented. The study design is qualitative from a phenomenological point of view. Ten oncologic (different cancer type, clinical stage and treatment) patients were asked to write the five more frequent thoughts since their cancer diagnosis. Each thought was classified by: thought style, valence, and temporality (top-down, classifying the thoughts according to theory). The same thoughts were also classified in semantic units (bottom-up, classifying the thoughts according to their own contents), generating concerns from the content. Cross tabs were made to identify contents and temporality for thought style and valence, which were analyzed by chi square to identify differences between thought style, temporality and valence. The most common thought style was cognitive engagement, followed by rumination (almost same frequency). On what respects to thought style and temporality, rumination was more focused on past (causes and attributions of cancer) and future (uncertainty about death and treatment effectiveness); meanwhile, cognitive engagement was focused on present (to enjoy present moment and focus on daily actions). Chi square was made to identify if this difference was significant, showing temporality was significantly different in cognitive engagement and rumination. The concerns identified in study participants were uncertainty about future and disease, family (communication and wellness of the family), finances (due to expensive treatments), causes and guilt about having cancer. Thoughts that were more centered in present, were more likely to be associated with cognitive engagement. Cognitive engagement has been described previously as an important variable associated with post traumatic growth. Thoughts centered in the past and present were more associated with rumination. Rumination has been associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of mediating role of thought style in disease adaptation, emotional response to the disease, and the relation of this adaptation with the perception of quality of life in cancer patients, the design of psychological interventions aiming on promoting cognitive engagement by problem solving skills, meaning finding, and focusing on present could be a research line derived from present studies results.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Culpa por Obesidad o Sobrepeso para Niños y Adolescentes (ECOSNA).

Introducción: la obesidad es una enfermedad asociada a diferentes trastornos físicos y emocionales que inciden en la calidad de vida y que representan un problema de elevada prevalencia en el mundo. La etiología es múltiple y compleja; se ha señalado la culpa como consecuencia del sobrepeso y, al mismo tiempo, como factor asociado al aumento de peso. En México no existen instrumentos para evaluar la culpa por obesidad y sobrepeso en niños y adolescentes. Objetivos: analizar la fiabilidad y validez de la Escala de Culpa por Obesidad o Sobrepeso para Niños y Adolescentes (ECOSNA) en población de Morelia (México). Material y métodos: se elaboró una versión preliminar basada en la bibliografía que se sometió a la revisión de jueces expertos. La escala obtenida de 6 ítems se aplicó a una muestra de 1.418 estudiantes de educación básica de 7 a 15 años. Se realizó un análisis factorial confir- matorio y se estudió la relación de la escala con otras variables como autoestima, sintomatología depresiva y ansiedad. Resultados: la escala resultó unifactorial, se obtuvo un índice alfa de Cronbach de 0,853. La escala ECOSNA mostró una correlación moderada e inversa con la escala de autoestima, y directa y baja con la sintomatología depresiva y la ansiedad clínica. Conclusión: los datos empíricos indican que la escala presenta una validez y confiabilidad satisfactorias.