Multimodal prehabilitation program in patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: keypoints for an implementation protocol and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications after perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgical procedure are still very high. The implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation program could improve these outcomes. Based on our experience and that of the literature in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, we propose a protocol to promote its implementation. METHODS: First, we performed a retrospective analysis of the implementation feasibility of a multimodal prehabilitation program in patients' candidates for elective perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery in our center. Second, we conducted a literature search of publications in PubMed until December 2022. Relevant data about hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and prehabilitation programs in features and postoperative outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS: Since October 2020, 11 patients were evaluated for prehabilitation in our hospital. Two of them could not be resected intraoperatively due to disease extension. The median hospital stay was 10 days (iqr, 7-11). There were no major complications and 1 patient died. Of a total of 17 articles related to prehabilitation in hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, no reports focusing exclusively on perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were found. Six of the studies had nutritional therapies in addition to physical interventions, and 12 studies used home-based exercise therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience and the data obtained from other studies, a prehabilitation program could be useful to improve perioperative physical and mental fitness in patients' candidates for elective perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery. However, more well-designed studies are needed to allow us to obtain more evidence.

REGISTRI: Regorafenib in first-line of KIT/PDGFRA wild type metastatic GIST: a collaborative Spanish (GEIS), Italian (ISG) and French Sarcoma Group (FSG) phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15% of adult GIST patients harbor tumors that are wild-type for KIT and PDGFRα genes (KP-wtGIST). These tumors usually have SDH deficiencies, exhibit a more indolent behavior and are resistant to imatinib. Underlying oncogenic mechanisms in KP-wtGIST include overexpression of HIF1α high IGFR signaling through the MAPK pathway or BRAF activating mutation, among others. As regorafenib inhibits these signaling pathways, it was hypothesized that it could be more active as upfront therapy in advanced KP-wtGIST. METHODS: Adult patients with advanced KP-wtGIST after central confirmation by NGS, naïve of systemic treatment for advanced disease, were included in this international phase II trial. Eligible patients received regorafenib 160 mg per day for 21 days every 28 days. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR), according to RECIST 1.1 at 12 weeks by central radiological assessment. RESULTS: From May 2016 to October 2020, 30 patients were identified as KP-wtGIST by Sanger sequencing and 16 were confirmed by central molecular screening with NGS. Finally, 15 were enrolled and received regorafenib. The study was prematurely closed due to the low accrual worsened by COVID outbreak. The DCR at 12 weeks was 86.7% by central assessment. A subset of 60% experienced some tumor shrinkage, with partial responses and stabilization observed in 13% and 87% respectively, by central assessment. SDH-deficient GIST showed better clinical outcome than other KP-wtGIST. CONCLUSIONS: Regorafenib activity in KP-wtGIST compares favorably with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially in the SDH-deficient GIST subset and it should be taken into consideration as upfront therapy of advanced KP-wtGIST. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02638766.

Deubiquitinase USP9X loss sensitizes renal cancer cells to mTOR inhibition.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of mammalian metabolism and physiology. Aberrant hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway promotes tumor growth and metastasis, and can also promote tumor resistance to chemotherapy and cancer drugs; this makes mTOR an attractive cancer therapeutic target. mTOR inhibitors have been approved to treat cancer; however, the mechanisms underlying drug sensitivity remain poorly understood. Here, whole exome sequencing of three chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) patients with exceptional mTOR inhibitor sensitivity revealed that all three patients shared somatic mutations in the deubiquitinase gene USP9X. The clonal characteristics of the mutations, which were amassed by studying multiple patients' primary and metastatic samples from various years, together with the low USP9X mutation rate in unselected chRCC series, reinforced a causal link between USP9X and mTOR inhibitor sensitivity. Rapamycin treatment of USP9X-depleted HeLa and renal cancer 786-O cells, along with the pharmacological inhibition of USP9X, confirmed that this protein plays a role in patients' sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors. USP9X was not found to exert a direct effect on mTORC1, but subsequent ubiquitylome analyses identified p62 as a direct USP9X target. Increased p62 ubiquitination and the augmented rapamycin effect upon bortezomib treatment, together with the results of p62 and LC3 immunofluorescence assays, suggested that dysregulated autophagy in USP9X-depleted cells can have a synergistic effect with mTOR inhibitors. In summary, we show that USP9X constitutes a potential novel marker of sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors in chRCC patients, and represents a clinical strategy for increasing the sensitivity to these drugs.

Molecular characterization of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma reveals mTOR pathway alterations in patients with poor outcome.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is a histologically and molecularly distinct class of rare renal tumor. TCGA studies revealed low mutational burden, with only TP53 and PTEN recurrently mutated, and discovered alterations in TERT promoter and in the electron transport chain Complex I genes. However, knowledge on drug targetable genes is limited and treatments at metastatic stage do not follow a molecular rationale. In a large series of 92 chRCC enriched with metastatic cases, we performed an in-depth characterization of mTOR pathway alterations through targeted NGS and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of phospho-S6, tuberin, and PTEN. Mutations in mitochondria, telomere maintenance and other renal cancer related genes and p53 IHC, were also assessed. The impact on metastasis development and disease specific survival was determined, using TCGA-KICH series (n = 65) for validation. mTOR pathway mutations (MTOR, TSC1, TSC2) were present in 17% of primary tumors, most of them being classified as pathogenic. Mutations were associated with positive IHC staining of phospho-S6 and PTEN (P = 0.009 and P = 0.001, respectively) and with chRCC eosinophilic variant (P = 0.039), supporting a biological relevance of the pathway. mTOR pathway mutations were associated with worse clinical outcomes. Survival analysis gave a hazard ratio of 5.5 (P = 0.027), and this association was confirmed in TCGA-KICH (HR = 10.3, P = 0.006). TP53 mutations were enriched in metastatic cases (P = 0.018), and mutations in telomere maintenance genes showed a trend in the same direction. p53 IHC staining pattern was associated with the underlying TP53 defect, and negative PTEN IHC staining (82% of cases) suggested PTEN loss as a chRCC hallmark. In conclusion, our study provides with novel genomic knowledge in chRCC and identifies novel markers of poor survival. Furthermore, this is the first study showing that mTOR pathway mutations correlate with poor prognosis, and may help to identify patients with increased sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors.

Plasma metanephrines and prospective prediction of tumor location, size and mutation type in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Objectives: Plasma free metanephrines are commonly used for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGLs), but can also provide other information. This multicenter study prospectively examined whether tumor size, location, and mutations could be predicted by these metabolites. Methods: Predictions of tumor location, size, and mutation type, based on measurements of plasma normetanephrine, metanephrine, and methoxytyramine were made without knowledge of disease in 267 patients subsequently determined to have PPGLs. Results: Predictions of adrenal vs. extra-adrenal locations according to increased plasma concentrations of metanephrine and methoxytyramine were correct in 93 and 97% of the respective 136 and 33 patients in who these predictions were possible. Predicted mean tumor diameters correlated positively (p<0.0001) with measured diameters; predictions agreed well for pheochromocytomas but were overestimated for paragangliomas. Considering only patients with mutations, 51 of the 54 (94%) patients with NF1 or RET mutations were correctly predicted with those mutations according to increased plasma metanephrine, whereas no or minimal increase in metanephrine correctly predicted all 71 patients with either VHL or SDHx mutations; furthermore, among the latter group increases in methoxytyramine correctly predicted SDHx mutations in 93% of the 29 cases for this specific prediction. Conclusions: Extents and patterns of increased plasma O-methylated catecholamine metabolites among patients with PPGLs allow predictions of tumor size, adrenal vs. extra-adrenal locations and general types of mutations. Predictions of tumor location are, however, only possible for patients with clearly increased plasma methoxytyramine or metanephrine. Where possible or clinically relevant the predictions are potentially useful for subsequent clinical decision-making.

Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents and School Anxiety Inventory: Psychometric properties in French adolescents.

School and social anxiety are common problems and have a significant impact on youths' development. Nevertheless, the questionnaires to assess these anxious symptoms in French adolescents have limitations. The aim of this study is to provide a French version of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) and the School Anxiety Inventory (SAI), analysing their psychometric properties by the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity. The SAS-A and the SAI were collectively administered in a sample of 1011 French adolescents (48.5% boys) ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the previously identified correlated three-factor structure of the SAS-A and the correlated four-factor structure of the SAI. Acceptable internal consistency indexes were found for SAS-A and SAI scores. Correlations supported the convergent validity of the questionnaires' subscales. Overall, results supported the internal consistency and validity of the French versions of the SAS-A and SAI.

Effects of α-, ß- and maltosyl-ß-cyclodextrins use on the glucoraphanin-sulforaphane system of broccoli juice.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are macromolecules with several industrial applications, being particularly used in the food industry as health-promoting compounds protection agents, as flavour stabilizers, or to eliminate undesired tastes and browning reactions, among others. This study shows the effects of α- (10, 30 and 40 mmol L-1 ), ß- (3, 6 and 10 mmol L-1 ) and maltosyl-ß-CDs (30, 60 and 90 mmol L-1 ) use on the health-promoting glucoraphanin-sulforaphane system of a broccoli juice up to 24 h at 22 °C. Maltosyl-ß-CD (90 mmol L-1 ) highly retained glucoraphanin content after 24 h at 22 °C, showing better effectiveness than ß-CD (10 mmol L-1 ). Sulforaphane was efficiently encapsulated with ß-CD at just 3 mmol L-1 , and the sulforaphane formed was stable during 3 h at 22 °C. On the other hand, 40 mmol L-1 α-CD retained a high glucoraphanin content in broccoli juice. In contrast, glucoraphanin levels in juice without CDs decreased by 71% after 24 h. Consequently, CDs addition may potentially preserve glucoraphanin in this broccoli juice during industrial processing with the possibility to be later transformed by endogenous myrosinase after ingestion to the health-promoting sulforaphane. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Giant racemose subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis: A case report]. / Neurocisticercosis racemosa subaracnoidea gigante y ventricular: a propósito de un caso.

Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium, which can affect different anatomical sites. In Spain there is an increasing prevalence mainly due to immigration from endemic areas. The extraparenchymal forms are less common, but more serious because they usually develop complications. Neuroimaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease, supported by serology and a compatible clinical and epidemiological context. First-line treatments are cysticidal drugs such as albendazole and praziquantel, usually coadministered with corticosteroids, and in some cases surgery is indicated. We here report a case of neurocysticercosis with simultaneous intraventricular and giant racemose subarachnoid involvement.

Reliability and Validity Evidence of Scores on the French Version of the Questionnaire about Interpersonal Difficulties for Adolescents.

This study examined the reliability and validity evidence drawn from the scores of the French version of the Questionnaire about Interpersonal Difficulties for Adolescents (QIDA) in a sample of 957 adolescents (48.5% boys) ranging in age from 11 to 18 years (M = 14.48, SD = 1.85). A principal axis factoring (PAF) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to determine the fit of the factor structure of scores on the QIDA. PAF and CFA replicated the previously identified correlated five-factor structure of the QIDA: Assertiveness, Heterosexual Relationships, Public Speaking, Family Relationships, and Close Friendships. The QIDA yielded acceptable reliability scores for French adolescents. Validity evidence of QIDA was also established through correlations with scores on the School Anxiety Inventory and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. Most of the correlations were positive and exceeded the established criteria of statistical significance, but the magnitude of these varied according to the scales of the QIDA. Results supported the reliability and validity evidence drawn from the scores of the French version of the QIDA.

Genetic bases of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

The genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) has become increasingly complex over the last two decades. The list of genes involved in the development of these tumors has grown steadily, and there are currently more than 20 driver genes implicated in either the hereditary or the sporadic nature of the disease. Although genetic diagnosis is achieved in about 75-80% of patients, genetic etiology remains unexplained in a significant percentage of cases. Patients lacking a genetic diagnosis include not only those with apparently sporadic PPGL but also patients with a family history of the disease or with multiple tumors, that meet the criteria to be considered as candidates for carrying germline mutations in yet undiscovered genes. Mutations in known PPGL genes deregulate three main signaling pathways (hypoxia, kinase signaling, and Wnt-signaling pathways), which could be the starting point for the development of personalized treatment for PPGL patients. Furthermore, the integration of results from several genomic high-throughput platforms enables the discovery of regulatory mechanisms that cannot be identified by analyzing each piece of information separately. These strategies are powerful tools for elucidating optimal therapeutic options based on molecular biomarkers in PPGL and represent an important step toward the achievement of precision medicine for patients with metastatic PPGL.

Genomic and immune landscape Of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

The mechanisms triggering metastasis in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma are unknown, hindering therapeutic options for patients with metastatic tumors (mPPGL). Herein we show by genomic profiling of a large cohort of mPPGLs that high mutational load, microsatellite instability and somatic copy-number alteration burden are associated with ATRX/TERT alterations and are suitable prognostic markers. Transcriptomic analysis defines the signaling networks involved in the acquisition of metastatic competence and establishes a gene signature related to mPPGLs, highlighting CDK1 as an additional mPPGL marker. Immunogenomics accompanied by immunohistochemistry identifies a heterogeneous ecosystem at the tumor microenvironment level, linked to the genomic subtype and tumor behavior. Specifically, we define a general immunosuppressive microenvironment in mPPGLs, the exception being PD-L1 expressing MAML3-related tumors. Our study reveals canonical markers for risk of metastasis, and suggests the usefulness of including immune parameters in clinical management for PPGL prognostication and identification of patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.

Cardiogenic shock code 2023. Expert document for a multidisciplinary organization that allows quality care.

Despite the efforts made to improve the care of cardiogenic shock (CS) patients, including the development of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), the prognosis of these patients continues to be poor. In this context, CS code initiatives arise, based on providing adequate, rapid, and quality care to these patients. In this multidisciplinary document we try to justify the need to implement the SC code, defining its structure/organization, activation criteria, patient flow according to care level, and quality indicators. Our specific purposes are: a) to present the peculiarities of this condition and the lessons of infarction code and previous experiences in CS; b) to detail the structure of the teams, their logistics and the bases for the management of these patients, the choice of the type of MCS, and the moment of its implantation, and c) to address challenges to SC code implementation, including the uniqueness of the pediatric SC code. There is an urgent need to develop protocolized, multidisciplinary, and centralized care in hospitals with a large volume and experience that will minimize inequity in access to the MCS and improve the survival of these patients. Only institutional and structural support from the different administrations will allow optimizing care for CS.

Two microRNAs, miR-330 and miR-125b-5p, mark the juxtaglomerular cell and balance its smooth muscle phenotype.

We have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are necessary for renin cell specification and kidney vascular development. Here, we used a screening strategy involving microarray and in silico analyses, along with in situ hybridization and in vitro functional assays to identify miRNAs important for renin cell identity. Microarray studies using vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the renin lineage and kidney cortex under normal conditions and after reacquisition of the renin phenotype revealed that of 599 miRNAs, 192 were expressed in SMCs and 234 in kidney cortex. In silico analysis showed that the highly conserved miR-330 and miR-125b-5p have potential binding sites in smoothelin (Smtn), calbindin 1, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, α-smooth muscle actin, and renin genes important for the myoepithelioid phenotype of the renin cell. RT-PCR studies confirmed miR-330 and miR-125b-5p expression in kidney and SMCs. In situ hybridization revealed that under normal conditions, miR-125b-5p was expressed in arteriolar SMCs and in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Under conditions that induce reacquisition of the renin phenotype, miR-125b-5p was downregulated in arteriolar SMCs but remained expressed in JG cells. miR-330, normally absent, was expressed exclusively in JG cells of treated mice. In vitro functional studies showed that overexpression of miR-330 inhibited Smtn expression in SMCs. On the other hand, miR-125b-5p increased Smtn expression, whereas its inhibition reduced Smtn expression. Our results demonstrate that miR-330 and miR-125b-5p are markers of JG cells and have opposite effects on renin lineage cells: one inhibiting and the other favoring their smooth muscle phenotype.

Comprehensive molecular analysis of immortalization hallmarks in thyroid cancer reveals new prognostic markers.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive molecular studies on tumours are needed to delineate immortalization process steps and identify sensitive prognostic biomarkers in thyroid cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we extensively characterize telomere-related alterations in a series of 106 thyroid tumours with heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Using a custom-designed RNA-seq panel, we identified five telomerase holoenzyme-complex genes upregulated in clinically aggressive tumours compared to tumours from long-term disease-free patients, being TERT and TERC denoted as independent prognostic markers by multivariate regression model analysis. Characterization of alterations related to TERT re-expression revealed that promoter mutations, methylation and/or copy gains exclusively co-occurred in clinically aggressive tumours. Quantitative-FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis of telomere lengths showed a significant shortening in these carcinomas, which matched with a high proliferative rate measured by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. RNA-seq data analysis indicated that short-telomere tumours exhibit an increased transcriptional activity in the 5-Mb-subtelomeric regions, site of several telomerase-complex genes. Gene upregulation enrichment was significant for specific chromosome-ends such as the 5p, where TERT is located. Co-FISH analysis of 5p-end and TERT loci showed a more relaxed chromatin configuration in short telomere-length tumours compared to normal telomere-length tumours. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings support that telomere shortening leads to a 5p subtelomeric region reorganization, facilitating the transcription and accumulation of alterations at TERT-locus.

Transcriptional regulator RBP-J regulates the number and plasticity of renin cells.

Renin-expressing cells are crucial in the control of blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. Notch receptors convey cell-cell signals that may regulate the renin cell phenotype. Because the common downstream effector for all Notch receptors is the transcription factor RBP-J, we used a conditional knockout approach to delete RBP-J in cells of the renin lineage. The resultant RBP-J conditional knockout (cKO) mice displayed a severe reduction in the number of renin-positive juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) and a reduction in the total number of renin positive cells per JGA and along the afferent arterioles. This reduction in renin protein was accompanied by a decrease in renin mRNA expression, decreased circulating renin, and low blood pressure. To investigate whether deletion of RBP-J altered the ability of mice to increase the number of renin cells normally elicited by a physiological threat, we treated RBP-J cKO mice with captopril and sodium depletion for 10 days. The resultant treated RBP-J cKO mice had a 65% reduction in renin mRNA levels (compared with treated controls) and were unable to increase circulating renin. Although these mice attempted to increase the number of renin cells, the cells were unusually thin and had few granules and barely detectable amounts of immunoreactive renin. As a consequence, the cells were incapable of fully adopting the endocrine phenotype of a renin cell. We conclude that RBP-J is required to maintain basal renin expression and the ability of smooth muscle cells along the kidney vasculature to regain the renin phenotype, a fundamental mechanism to preserve homeostasis.

The microRNA-processing enzyme dicer maintains juxtaglomerular cells.

Juxtaglomerular cells are highly specialized myoepithelioid granulated cells located in the glomerular afferent arterioles. These cells synthesize and release renin, which distinguishes them from other cells. How these cells maintain their identity, restricted localization, and fate is unknown and is fundamental to the control of BP and homeostasis of fluid and electrolytes. Because microRNAs may control cell fate via temporal and spatial gene regulation, we generated mice with a conditional deletion of Dicer, the RNase III endonuclease that produces mature microRNAs in cells of the renin lineage. Deletion of Dicer severely reduced the number of juxtaglomerular cells, decreased expression of the renin genes (Ren1 and Ren2), lowered plasma renin concentration, and decreased BP. As a consequence of the disappearance of renin-producing cells, the kidneys developed striking vascular abnormalities and prominent striped fibrosis. We conclude that microRNAs maintain the renin-producing juxtaglomerular cells and the morphologic integrity and function of the kidney.

Relationship between Cyberbullying, Motivation and Learning Strategies, Academic Performance, and the Ability to Adapt to University.

Cyberbullying has become a frequent relational problem among young people, which has made it necessary to evaluate and prevent it in the university setting. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cyberbullying, motivation and learning strategies, the ability to adapt to university, and academic performance. A sample of 1368 Spanish university students (64% female) was administered a battery consisting of the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire, the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory Short version, and the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire, with their academic performance also being studied. The results found that the victimized bullies have greater difficulties in their organization and planning for study and exams, have fewer control and consolidation strategies, and are less able to adapt to university. Logistic regression analyses show that the greater the difficulties in organization and planning, and the greater the difficulties experienced in exams, the greater the probability of a person being a victim and a victimized bully. In addition, students are less likely to be victims, bullies, and victimized bullies as their ability to adapt to university increases. The findings have been discussed and it has been noted that there is a need to address academic adjustment and the ability to adapt to the university environment as a preventive measure for cyberbullying in university students.

Analysis of Telomere Maintenance Related Genes Reveals NOP10 as a New Metastatic-Risk Marker in Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma.

One of the main problems we face with PPGL is the lack of molecular markers capable of predicting the development of metastases in patients. Telomere-related genes, such as TERT and ATRX, have been recently described in PPGL, supporting the association between the activation of immortalization mechanisms and disease progression. However, the contribution of other genes involving telomere preservation machinery has not been previously investigated. In this work, we aimed to analyze the prognostic value of a comprehensive set of genes involved in telomere maintenance. For this study, we collected 165 PPGL samples (97 non-metastatic/63 metastatic), genetically characterized, in which the expression of 29 genes of interest was studied by NGS. Three of the 29 genes studied, TERT, ATRX and NOP10, showed differential expression between metastatic and non-metastatic cases, and alterations in these genes were associated with a shorter time to progression, independent of SDHB-status. We studied telomere length by Q-FISH in patient samples and in an in vitro model. NOP10 overexpressing tumors displayed an intermediate-length telomere phenotype without ALT, and in vitro results suggest that NOP10 has a role in telomerase-dependent telomere maintenance. We also propose the implementation of NOP10 IHC to better stratify PPGL patients.

Cybervictimization, Self-Concept, Aggressiveness, and School Anxiety in School Children: A Structural Equations Analysis.

The rapid increase in cases of cybervictimization amongst children has led researchers to examine the psychoemotional factors related to cyberbullying behavior, in an attempt to prevent and minimize its impact. The objective of this study was to establish and contrast the fit of an explanatory model on cybervictimization based on its relationship with self-concept, aggressiveness, and school anxiety using a structural equations analysis. A total of 542 Spanish students aged 10-12 (M age = 10.97; SD = 0.74) completed a battery of questionnaires. An adjusted structural equations model was obtained (χ2 = 512.23; df = 99; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.928; NFI = 0.91; IFI = 0.928; RMSEA = 0.078). A direct and negative relationship was obtained between cybervictimization and self-concept and between cybervictimization and school anxiety. In addition, a direct and positive relationship was found between aggressiveness and self-concept and between aggressiveness and school anxiety. Indirect relationships were not found between the variables. The study's findings demonstrate that the variables of self-concept and school anxiety are directly related to cybervictimization and that the improved psychoemotional adjustment of the youngest students may help to prevent the risk of being victimized over the Internet.

Personality Traits and Aggression as Explanatory Variables of Cyberbullying in Spanish Preadolescents.

There is a growing interest in preventing cyberbullying in youth. However, multiple questions remain as to the relationship between cyberbullying and psychosocial variables. This study examines the relationship between personality traits, aggression and cyberbullying (victims, bullies, victimized bullies and not involved) in 548 Spanish students aged 10 to 13 (50.2% boys). To do so, the Screening of Peer Harassment, the Big Five Questionnaire for Children and the Aggression Questionnaire were used. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the extraversion trait is an explanatory factor for being a victim and openness is a protective factor against being a cyberbully. Agreeableness was found to be a positive predictor of being a cyberbullying victim. Only verbal aggression and anger were included as explanatory factors of being a victim and a victimized bully, respectively. The results are discussed, suggesting their potential implications in the development of preventive programs.