Violence Exposure and Disability in Colombian Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: the Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Violence is an important public health problem and one of the main causes of deaths worldwide. The mental health consequences of surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Previous studies have identified that there is a relationship between depression and level of disability in female survivors of IPV. Estimating the direct, indirect or total effect of an exposure on an outcome makes it possible to identify mediating effects between a group of variables. Detecting mediation effects is useful for identifying casual pathways that generate a final outcome and provides a rationale for designing interventions to target the mediator, which in turn positively affects the outcome. The objective was to identify the mediating role of depressive symptoms on the relationship between IPV and disability. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 94 women over the age of 18 who were survivors of IPV by men. They were recruited from two public hospitals in Cali and Tuluá in southwest Colombia. An analysis of casual relationships was performed using structural equation modelling that was made up of: four exogenous observed variables (age, current relationship status [in a relationship or single], level of schooling, and history of an impairment), intermediate endogenous variables (violence and depressive symptoms), and the main endogenous variable (disability). The analyses were carried out in Stata14.2. RESULTS: The direct effect of IPV severity on the level of disability was not statistically significant (ß=0.09; P=0.63). However, the indirect effect of IPV severity on disability mediated by depressive symptoms was (ß=0.39; P<0.01). The total effect of IPV severity on the level of disability was even greater (ß=0.48; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a complete mediating role of depressive symptoms on the relationship between the severity of IPV and the level of disability for the female participants in this study. The results of this research contribute to defining strategies to prevent and address intimate partner violence, depressive symptoms and disability in this population.

Influence of Body Image, Risk of Eating Disorder, Psychological Characteristics, and Mood-Anxious Symptoms on Overweight and Obesity in Chilean Youth.

This study investigates the relationship between body image, eating disorders, psychological characteristics, and mood and anxiety symptoms in Chilean youth, with nutritional status, particularly overweight and obesity. With a sample of 1001 participants from five regions of Chile, aged 15 to 23 years. The Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3), the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales (MBSRQ_AS), and the Symptom Inventory Derogatis Revised (SCL90-R) and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to analyze these variables. A model including nine exogenous (independent) variables and ten endogenous variables, based on a literature review, was evaluated by path analysis. The results show a significant association between factors such as sex, family history of overweight, self-classification by weight, and body dissatisfaction with body mass index (BMI). Eating behaviors such as overeating, and lack of appetite were also found to be influenced by interpersonal sensitivity, overweight preoccupation, and drive for thinness. The study underscores the importance of promoting a positive body image and addressing overweight/obesity from a combined health psychology and public health perspective, highlighting the need for interventions that consider nutritional status, and in particular overweight and obesity, as a phenomenon with multifactorial causes and maintainers.

Influencia del tiempo psicológico y el autocontrol en el malestar psicológico en adultos argentinos / Influence of psychological time and self-control on psychological distress in Argentinian adults

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer si la temporalidad subjetiva -perspectiva y foco temporales- y la capacidad de autocontrol e impulsividad repercuten en el malestar psicológico, en particular durante la pandemia por COVID-19. La conjetura teórica es que el tiempo psicológico está estrechamente vinculado a la autorregulación, que influye en el desarrollo de la impulsividad y el autocontrol e impacta en el malestar psicológico. Se diseñó un modelo y se realizó un estudio empírico cuantitativo, no experimental y transversal (. = 279; 78 % mujeres; ME = 30.14 años; DE = 11.21). Los resultados del análisis de correlación mostraron relaciones significativas entre las variables de interés. Para determinar las variables predictoras del malestar psicológico se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. El 48 % de la varianza del malestar psicológico fue explicado por el pasado negativo, autocontrol e impulsividad, y focos temporales futuro y presente. Finalmente, se probó el modelo teórico diseñado para analizar los efectos directos e indirectos del malestar psicológico a través de un análisis de senderos que presentó un buen ajuste a los datos, ya que explicó el 50 % de la varianza de aquel. La perspectiva y el foco temporal explicaron el 53 % de la variabilidad del autocontrol, y presentaron efectos indirectos sobre el malestar psicológico a través del autocontrol. El autocontrol influyó de manera inversa en el malestar. Los hallazgos indican que el tiempo subjetivo y el autocontrol sirven para explicar estados psicológicos, incluso en pandemia, lo cual confirma estudios previos que muestran la importancia de las variables de personalidad -además de las biológicas y contextuales- en la aparición de malestar psicológico.

Abstract Psychological time is an essential aspect of humans. Two of the most important notions of subjective temporality are time perspective and temporal focus. Time perspective is a process by which the flow of personal and social experiences are framed in five different temporal categories: past negative, past positive, present hedonistic, present fatalistic and future. Temporal focus refers to the attention people devote to thinking about the past, present, and future. Previous research shows there is a strong relation between psychological time and self-regulatory processes, specifically self-control and impulsivity. Self-control is the ability to inhibit impulsive behaviors or reactions that can keep the person from pursuing the proposed goals. On the other hand, impulsivity refers to a short attention span and a tendency to engage in risky behaviors, and to prefer immediate rewards. Both subjective temporality and self-regulatory processes influence behaviors and psychological states such as psychological distress. In particular, the objective of this study was to find out if subjective temporality -time perspective and temporal focus-- and self-control and impulsivity have repercussions on psychological distress, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in an Argentinian sample. The theoretical conjecture is that subjective temporality is closely linked to self-regulation, which influences the development of impulsivity and self-control, and impacts psychological distress. A quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional empirical study was carried out (. = 279; 78 % women; ME = 30.14 years old; SD = 11.21). Firstly, the results of the correlational analysis showed significant relations between the variables. Then, to facilitate further analyses, an index variable of self-control was created, which included the scores of self-control and three dimensions of impulsivity. An optimal parallel analysis was performed. It indicated the existence of a single dimension. Then a semi-confirmatory factor analysis was ran, which showed acceptable results (KMO = .68; X. (6) = 198.8, . < .001; GFI = .99; RMSR = 0.03). Thirdly, to determine the predictive variables of psychological distress, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed. It was found that 48 % of the variance of psychological distress was explained by negative past, self-control index, and future and present temporal focuses (. (4, 266) = 64.66, . < .001, R. = .49, R. adjusted = .48). The best predictor variable was past negative. Afterwards, a theoretical model was tested to explain the direct and indirect causes of psychological distress. It presented a good fit (X./gl = 1.63; GFI = .99; RMSEA = .04). Time perspective and temporal focus explained 53 % of the variability of self-control and presented indirect effects on psychological distress through self-control. Self-control inversely influenced psychological distress; more self-control generates less psychological distress. The model explained half of the variance of psychological distress (R. = .50). The findings indicate that subjective temporality and self-control explain psychological states, even during a pandemic, which confirms previous studies that show the importance of personality variables -in addition to biological and contextual variables- in the manifestation of psychological distress. The results support the theory that psychological time can be considered as a personality trait underlying self-control and psychological distress. A theoretical and practical discussion of the results is presented.

Suporte Familiar, Traço/Estado Depressivo e Motivos para Viver em Usuários da Atenção Primária/Secundária / Family Support, Depressive Traits/Conditions and Reasons For Living in Primary/Secondary Care Users / Lo Apoyo Familiar, Rasgos/Condiciones Depresivos y Razones Para Vivir en Usuarios de la Atención Primaria/Secundaria

A depressão pode ser desenvolvida, agravada e/ou prevenida em função de alguns fatores como suporte familiar e motivos para viver, além da possibilidade de ser concebida como traço e estado depressivo. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi testar um modelo teórico preditivo (path analysis) do suporte familiar sobre traço/estado depressivo e sobre os motivos para viver, em uma amostra de 123 participantes, composta por dois grupos: pacientes do CAPS-AD e da ESF e, posteriormente, verificar as diferenças desses aspectos na amostra estudada. Foram aplicados uma ficha sociodemográfica, a Escala Baptista de Depressão - Adulto (EBADEP-A), Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar (IPSF), Escala de Traço e Estado Depressivo (ETED) e Escala Brasileira de Motivos para Viver (BEMVIVER). O resultado da path analysis indicou que os motivos para viver são explicados pelo estado e traço depressivo e pelo suporte familiar. Os pacientes do CAPS-AD, tinham maiores níveis de sintomatologia depressiva e estado depressivo do que o grupo do ESF. Pacientes do ESF apresentaram médias maiores de suporte familiar e motivos para viver. Conclui-se que investir em estratégias que potencializem os motivos para viver e o suporte familiar podem reduzir os riscos de sintomatologia depressiva.

Depression can be developed, worsened and/or prevented depending on some factors such as: family support and reasons for living, in addition to the possibility of being conceived with a depressive trait and state. The main objective of this research was to test a predictive theoretical model (path analysis) of family support on the depressive trait/state and reasons for living, in a sample of 123 participants, composed of two groups: patients from the Psychosocial Care Center- Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS-AD) and the Family Health Strategy (ESF) and verify the differences of these aspects in the studied sample. A sociodemographic form, the Baptista Depression Scale -Adult (EBADEP-A), the Perceived Family Support Inventory (IPSF), Trait and Depressive State Scale (DTS) and the Brazilian Scale of Reasons to Live (BEMVIVER) were applied. The result of the path analysis indicated that the reasons for living are explained by the depressive state and trait and family support. CAPS-AD patients had higher levels of depressive symptoms and depressive state than the ESF group. ESF patients presented higher means of family support and reasons to live. It is concluded that investing in strategies that enhance the reasons to live and family support can reduce the risks of depressive symptoms.

La Depresión puede desarrollarse, agravarse y prevenirse dependiendo de factores como: apoyo familiar y razones para vivir, además puede de ser concebido con un rasgo y estado depresivo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue probar un modelo teórico predictivo del apoyo familiar sobre el rasgo/estado depresivo y las razones de vivir y verificar las diferencias de esos aspectos en la muestra estudiada, de 123 participantes compuesta por dos grupos: pacientes del Centro de Atención Psicosocial - Alcohol y Drogas (CAPS-AD) y la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF). Se aplicó un formulario sociodemográfico, Escala de Depresión de Baptista - Adulto (EBADEP-A), Inventario de Apoyo Familiar Percibido (IPSF), Escala de Rasgo y Estado Depresivo (DTS), Escala Brasileña de Razones para Vivir (BEMVIVER). El resultado del análisis indicó que las razones para vivir a ser explicadas por el estado y rasgo depresivo y por el apoyo familiar. Los pacientes CAPS-AD tenían niveles más altos de síntomas y estado depresivo que el grupo ESF. Los pacientes ESF presentaron mayores medios de apoyo familiar y razones para vivir. Se concluye que invertir en estrategias que potencien estas razones y apoyo familiar puede en la reducción de los riesgos de síntomas depresivos.

Use of structural models to elucidate the occurrence of falls among older adults according to abdominal obesity: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for falls in older adults, but the effects of body fat distribution and its interaction with other factors are not well established. OBJECTIVES: To verify the occurrence of falls among older adults with and without abdominal obesity and the effects of sociodemographic, health, and behavioral variables on this outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study in an urban area of Alcobaça, Brazil. METHODS: Men and women older than 60 years with (270) and without (184) abdominal obesity were included. Sociodemographic, health, and behavioral data were collected using validated questionnaires in Brazil. Descriptive and path analyses were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The occurrence of falls was high in participants with abdominal obesity (33.0%). In both groups, a higher number of morbidities (β = 0.25, P < 0.001; β = 0.26, P = 0.002) was directly associated with a higher occurrence of falls. Among participants without abdominal obesity, a lower number of medications (β = -0.16; P = 0.04), a higher number of depressive symptoms (β = 0.15; P = 0.04), worse performance on the agility and dynamic balance tests (β = 0.37; P < 0.001), and lower functional disability for basic activities of daily living (β = -0.21; P = 0.006) were directly associated with the occurrence of falls. CONCLUSION: Adults older than 60 years with abdominal obesity have a higher prevalence of falls. Different factors were associated with the occurrence of falls in both groups.

Factors increasing the risk for food addiction in Ecuadorian students.

Background: Food addiction (FA) is a construct that has gained interest in recent years, but its relevance in the Ecuadorian population has not yet been explored. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the psychological profile (including FA) between university students from Ecuador and to identify the underlying structure of the relationships of the FA severity level through a mediational model. Methods: The sample consisted of 972 university students, women and men (mean age: 20.1 years old, SD = 2.6), recruited from four Ecuadorian regions. The assessment tools included a unidimensional scale of FA, eating-related measures, emotion regulation state, impulsivity, and psychopathology state. Path analysis modeled the direct and indirect effects explaining the FA severity level. Results: The results indicated that higher psychopathological levels were associated with FA. Similarly, no differences in FA were observed between the Ecuadorian regions. The path analysis suggested that older age, female sex, and higher difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity, negative mood, and anxiety trigger disordered eating; subsequently, more impaired eating behavior impacted the FA level. Conclusion: FA is a complex clinical entity that includes multiple components related to eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health problems. The results of this study provide empirical knowledge for designing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.

Application of Path Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling in Nutrition and Dietetics.

This is one of a series of monographs on research design and analysis. The purpose of this article is to describe a set of statistical procedures or techniques used to develop and test structural models that characterize the relationships and interrelationships between a group of concepts and variables. These procedures include multiple regression, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and structural equation modeling. The article describes the purpose of each of these procedures and how they relate to and build on one another. It also covers the different types of variables examined, including the distinction between endogenous, exogenous, and mediating variables, along with the distinction between measured and unmeasured (or latent) variables. Each procedure results in a set of statistical estimates, and the article presents the interpretation of these estimates, including regression coefficients (standardized and unstandardized), path coefficients, factor loadings, and coefficients of determination (or R2 values). The article presents examples of how each procedure has been used in practice, along with additional resources for readers who wish to learn more.

Reduced vitamin D receptor (VDR) and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene expression contribute to the maintenance of inflammatory immune response in leprosy patients.

Leprosy is an infectious disease influenced by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Reduced gene expressions may be associated with the immunological response pattern and leprosy susceptibility. We investigated the direct and indirect effects of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide (CAMP) gene expressions on the serum levels of vitamin D, Cathelicidin, and cytokines in newly-diagnosed leprosy patients and post-six-months of multidrug therapy (MDT). Thirty-four leprosy patients were assessed, paucibacillary (PB; n = 14) and multibacillary (MB; n = 20) cases, untreated or having received six months of MDT, 18 healthy controls, and 25 household contacts. VDR and CAMP gene expression levels were strongly correlated to some important cytokines in both, untreated leprosy patients (PB, r = 0.9319; MB, r = 0.9569) and patients who had undergone MDT (PB, r = 0.9667; MB, r = 0.9569). We observed that both gene expressions directly influenced IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-17F serum levels in leprosy patients compared to the household contacts and healthy individuals. VDR and CAMP gene expressions induced a persistent inflammatory response in PB and MB leprosy patients, even after six months of MDT, to fight the Mycobacterium leprae infection. Due to the persistent inflammatory profile, multidrug therapy is suggested to be maintained for more than six months, especially for MB patients. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended from the onset as a transcription factor to improve VDR and CAMP gene expression in leprosy patients.

Adiposity and insulin resistance mediate the inverse association between legume intake and blood pressure: a cross-sectional analysis in secondary cardiovascular prevention.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between legume intake and blood pressure, as well as the mediating role of cardiometabolic risk factors in patients in secondary cardiovascular prevention. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical and food intake data were collected from the baseline of the multicentre study Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial - BALANCE (RCT: NCT01620398). The relationships between variables were explored through path analysis. In total, 2247 individuals with a median age of 63·0 (45-91) years, 58·8 % (n 1321) male and 96·5 % (n 2168) with diagnosis of hypertension were included. Negative associations were observed between histidine intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (standardised coefficient (SC) = -0·057; P = 0·012) and between legume intake and BMI (SC = -0·061; P = 0·006). BMI was positively associated with triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index (SC = 0·173; P < 0·001), SBP (SC = 0·144; P < 0·001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SC = 0·177; P < 0·001), and TyG index was positively associated with DBP (SC = 0·079; P = 0·001). A negative indirect effect was observed between the intake of legumes, SBP and DBP, mediated by BMI (SC = -0·009; P = 0·011; SC = -0·011; P = 0·010, respectively). In addition, an indirect negative effect was found between the intake of legumes and the DBP, mediated simultaneously by BMI and TyG index (SC = -0·001; P = 0·037). In conclusion, legume intake presented a negative indirect association with blood pressure, mediated by insulin resistance (TyG) and adiposity (BMI) in individuals of secondary care in cardiology.

The Role of Income on the Relationship Between the Brazilian Cash Transfer Program (Programa Bolsa Família) and Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence From a Multigroup Path Analysis.

Several initiatives are being proposed to reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) worldwide. Actions aimed at women's economic empowerment through income transfer programs are one of those. Still, the literature on their impact is scarce and controversial. This study attempts to shed some light on this matter assessing whether the Brazilian Conditional Cash Transfer Program (Programa Bolsa Família [PBF]) is a protective factor for psychological and physical IPV against women in families of different levels of income. This is a cross-sectional, household-based study conducted in the city of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample comprised 807 women reporting some intimate relationship in the 12 months before the interview. Information on IPV and participation on PBF were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) and a direct question, respectively. A multigroup path analysis was applied to study the relations between PBF and psychological and physical IPV, considering confounding factors, some mediators, and moderation by income. The prevalence of both psychological and physical IPV are high, be it in the poverty and the extreme poverty income strata (psychological IPV: 66.2% and 72.7%, respectively; physical IPV: 26.2% and 40.6%, respectively). Results also showed a positive and direct association between PBF and psychological violence, yet only among families above the poverty line (ß = .287, p = .001). The same could be found regarding physical violence, but the effect of PBF was indirect, mediated by psychological violence (ß = .220, p = .003). Findings suggest that actions aimed at preventing IPV should go hand in hand with the PBF and, perhaps, other income transfer programs. This is even more relevant in relation to the less extreme poverty group where cash transfer may further raise conflicts and violence.

Path analysis of the effect of irrational beliefs on the structures of the planned behavior model in the field of physical activity / Análise do caminho do efeito das crenças irracionais nas estruturas do modelo de comportamento planejado no campo da atividade física

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to path analysis of the hypothesized model of the irrational beliefs on the constructs of the planned behavior model, in particular the physical activity intention, and also the prediction of the physical activity intention based on the constructs of irrational beliefs. 320 male and female students of Semnan Province were randomly selected and completed Planned Behavior and Irrational Beliefs (Ahwaz) questionnaires. A path analysis model was used to analyse the relationships between variables and calculate the direct and indirect structural effects. Also, multiple regression analysis was used to predict theoretical constructs of planned behavior using irrational beliefs dimensions. The results indicated that the hypothesized model is not in accordance with the data of this study and direct effect of irrational beliefs on subjective norms is not meaningful. By eliminating the effect of irrational beliefs on subjective norms and adding the effect of subjective norms on perceived behavioral control, a new model was obtained that was fitted with the data. Also, the results show that two variables of Demand for approval and problem avoidance were significant predictors of physical activity intention. The results of this study showed that irrational beliefs, both directly and indirectly (through attitudes and perceived behavioral control), have an effect on the physical activity intention. Therefore, it is important to reduce the irrational beliefs in order to develop the intentions of physical activity and the physical activity itself.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi traçar a análise do modelo hipotético das crenças irracionais sobre os construtos do modelo de comportamento planejado, em particular a intenção de atividade física, e também a predição da intenção de atividade física com base nos construtos de crenças irracionais. 320 estudantes do sexo masculino e feminino da província de Semnan foram selecionados aleatoriamente e completaram os questionários de Gordon (2008) e Irrational Beliefs (Ahwaz) 2005. Um modelo de análise de caminho foi utilizado para analisar as relações entre as variáveis e calcular os efeitos estruturais diretos e indiretos. Além disso, a análise de regressão múltipla foi usada para prever construções teóricas de comportamento planejado usando dimensões de crenças irracionais. Os resultados indicaram que o modelo hipotético não está de acordo com os dados deste estudo e o efeito direto das crenças irracionais sobre as normas subjetivas não é significativo. Ao eliminar o efeito das crenças irracionais sobre as normas subjetivas e adicionar o efeito das normas subjetivas sobre o controle comportamental percebido, foi obtido um novo modelo que foi ajustado aos dados. Além disso, os resultados mostram que duas variáveis ​​de demanda por aprovação e evitação de problemas foram preditores significativos da intenção de atividade física. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que as crenças irracionais, tanto direta quanto indiretamente (por meio de atitudes e controle comportamental percebido), afetam a intenção de atividade física. Portanto, é importante reduzir as crenças irracionais a fim de desenvolver as intenções de atividade física e a própria atividade física.

New insights on the influence of the quality of tomato seedlings on production of fruits cultivated in substracts / Novas descobertas sobre a influência da qualidade de mudas de tomate na produção de frutos cultivados em substrato

This study evaluated the relationships between the biometric characters of tomato seedlings with the production characters obtained at the end of the crop cycle, to determine how the quality of seedlings interferes with tomato productivity. An experiment was carried out in two growing seasons, in a completely randomized design, with four replications and the experimental unit consisting of five plants. The treatments consisted of seedlings with different ages, differentiated by the days after sowing (DAS): (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 DAS). After each evaluation of the seedlings, they were transplanted to the definitive production site, being evaluated until the end of the cycle. Biometric characters of seedlings and characters of fruit production were evaluated. Pearson correlation analysis and principal components (PCA) were performed to determine the relationships between the characters, path analysis to determine the direct and indirect effects, and analysis of canonical correlations between the groups of characters. In all analyses performed, weak correlation between the biometric characters of the seedlings (which evaluate the quality) with the characters of tomato fruit production in substrate cultivation was identified.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as relações entre os caracteres biométricos de mudas de tomate com os caracteres de produção obtidos ao final do ciclo da cultura, para determinar como a qualidade das mudas interfere na produtividade do tomate. O experimento foi conduzido em duas épocas de cultivo, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e a unidade experimental composta por cinco plantas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por mudas com diferentes idades, diferenciadas pelos dias após a semeadura (DAS): (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40 DAS). Após cada avaliação das mudas, eram transplantadas para o local de produção definitivo, sendo avaliadas até o final do ciclo. Avaliaram-se os caracteres biométricos das mudas e os caracteres da produção de frutos. Análise de correlação de Pearson e componentes principais (PCA) foram realizados para determinar as relações entre os caracteres, análise de trilha para determinar os efeitos diretos e indiretos e análise de correlações canônicas entre os grupos de caracteres. Em todas as análises realizadas, foi identificada correlação fraca entre os caracteres biométricos das mudas (que avaliam a qualidade) com os caracteres da produção de frutos de tomate em cultivo em substrato.

Management of defoliation in Trifolium vesiculosum S. for the production of seeds / [Manejo da desfolha em Trifolium vesiculosum Savi para a produção de sementes]

The present study aims to determine the appropriate defoliation management for the production of seeds and forage in arrowleaf clover via trail analysis. The results obtained demonstrated that defoliation practices have a great influence on the composition of seed yield and germination power. In addition, when the goal is the maximum balance between dry matter production and seed yield, this can be achieved in up to two defoliation practices. These results are confirmed by analyzing the positive association between the weight of a thousand seeds and the seed yield. When the third defoliation practice is performed, it negatively correlates with the weight of a thousand seeds, suggesting that, with the increase in defoliation frequency, there is a lower weight of a thousand seeds, and, therefore, lower seed yield. Therefore, management planning in Trifolium vesiculosum Savi that aims at natural reseeding, maximum yield and seed germination must prioritize one to two defoliation practices, aiming to promote favorable conditions for the perennialization of the species. In this context, the trail analysis proved to be a useful tool as a criterion for obtaining the ideal management aiming at the production of seeds and forage in vesicular clover.(AU)

O presente estudo visa determinar o manejo de desfolha adequado para a produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso via análise de trilha. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as práticas de desfolha possuem grande influência na composição do rendimento de sementes e no poder germinativo. Além disso, quando o objetivo for o máximo equilíbrio entre a produção de matéria seca e o rendimento de sementes, esse pode ser alcançado em até duas práticas de desfolha. Esses resultados são confirmados ao se analisar a associação positiva entre o peso de mil sementes e o rendimento de sementes. Quando realizada a terceira prática de desfolha, esta se correlaciona negativamente com o peso de mil sementes, sugerindo que, com o aumento da frequência de desfolha, ocorre menor peso de mil sementes e, por conseguinte, menor rendimento de sementes. Portanto, o planejamento do manejo em T. vesiculosum Savi que objetive a ressemeadura natural, o máximo rendimento e a germinação de sementes deve priorizar até duas práticas de desfolha, visando promover condições favoráveis para a perenização da espécie. Nesse contexto, a análise de trilha demonstrou ser uma ferramenta útil como critério para obtenção do manejo ideal visando à produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso.(AU)

Metacognitions on Pain, Functionality and Intensity of Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia.

To determine the explanatory capacity of pain metacognitions and beliefs over the functionality, coping and pain intensity, following the Model of Self-Regulatory Executive Functions (S-REF) in a sample of women with fibromyalgia from Medellín and its Metropolitan Area. Method: Metacognitions Scale on Symptom Control, Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire, Chronic Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Chronic Pain Coping Questionnaire, WHODAS 2.0 Scale, and Pain Intensity Numerical Scale. The sample was represented by 108 women between 24 and 60 years old with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. A modeling process was carried out through an analysis of structural equations. Results: The final model fails to fit. Despite this, the analysis suggests that negative metacognitions and pain self-efficacy have an effect over the tendency to catastrophizing. The latter and the pain self-efficacy are the main mediators in the effects of functionality. The intensity of pain is not determined by the metacognitions related to it.

Determinar la capacidad explicativa de las metacogniciones y las creencias del dolor sobre la funcionalidad, el afrontamiento y la intensidad del dolor, siguiendo el Modelo de Funciones Ejecutivas de Autorregulación (FEAR) en una muestra de mujeres con fibromialgia de Medellín y su Área Metropolitana. Método: Se aplicaron: Escala de Metacogniciones acerca del Control de Síntomas, Cuestionario de Autoeficacia al Dolor, Escala de Catastrofización al Dolor Crónico, Cuestionario de Afrontamiento al Dolor Crónico, Escala WHODAS 2.0 y Escala numérica de la intensidad del dolor. La muestra estuvo representada por 108 mujeres entre 24 y 60 años con diagnóstico de fibromialgia. Se realizó un proceso de modilización por medio de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: El modelo final no logra ajustarse. A pesar de ello, el análisis sugiere que las metacogniciones negativas y la autoeficacia al dolor tienen un efecto sobre la tendencia a la catastrofización. Esta última y la autoeficacia al dolor son las principales mediadoras en los efectos de funcionalidad. La intensidad del dolor no está determinada por las metacogniciones relacionadas con este.

Relationship between the FTO Genotype and Early Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: The Mediating Role of Central Obesity, Hypertension, and High Albuminuria.

INTRODUCTION: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications. The aim of the present research was to investigate which and how (directly or indirectly) clinical and metabolic variables mediate the association between fat mass and the FTO gene and early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with T2D. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 236 participants with T2D (53.4% women, mean age 60 ± 10 years). DNA samples were genotyped for the rs7204609 polymorphism (C/T) in the FTO gene. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic data were collected. Path analysis was used to evaluate the associations. RESULTS: Of the sample, 78 individuals with T2D had CKD (33%). Presence of the risk allele (C) was higher among participants with CKD (21.8 vs. 10.8%; p = 0.023). This polymorphism was positively associated with higher waist circumference, which in turn was associated with higher glycated hemoglobin and higher blood pressure. A higher blood-pressure level was associated with higher urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and as expected, higher UAE was associated with CKD. Path analysis showed an indirect relationship between the FTO gene and early CKD, mediated by waist circumference, blood-pressure levels, and UAE. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the C allele may contribute to genetic susceptibility to CKD in individuals with T2D through the presence of central obesity, hypertension, and high albuminuria.

Magnesium dietary intake and physical activity in Type 2 diabetes by gender in White, African-American and Mexican American: NHANES 2011-2014.

Aims: To analyse the causal relationships of nutrition intake and physical activity on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stratified by gender and ethnicity. Materials and Methods: An historical cohort of patients with diagnosed T2DM (n = 2831) was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 public database, including but not limited to, measurements of physical activity, nutrition, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c. Multivariate analyses and path analyses were employed to estimate the regression coefficients and path coefficients (ρ) of causal path models of physical activity and nutrition intake on HbA1c stratified by gender and three ethnicity groups (ie non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Mexican American). Results: A significant causal path from increased physical activity to increased magnesium (Mg) intake to decreased HbA1c was found. In addition, increased physical activity significantly decreased BMI, which further decreased HbA1c. These results varied by gender and ethnicity but were directionally consistent. Physical activity decreased HbA1c through BMI for males and through Mg intake for females. Mexican American decreased HbA1c through Mg intake, while non-Hispanic black had an increased HbA1c due to its ethnicity and through increased BMI. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of physical activity on decreased HbA1c were mediated through the increased Mg intake and decreased BMI. This aligned with recent investigations of the inverse causal association of Mg intake with insulin resistance and with decreased inflammation.

The Biological and Social Determinants of Childhood Obesity: Comparison of 2 Cohorts 50 Years Apart.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the same relationships between early-life risk factors and socioeconomic status (SES) with childhood body mass index (BMI) are observed in a modern cohort (2000) compared with a historic cohort (1947). STUDY DESIGN: The relationships between early-life factors and SES with childhood BMI were examined in 2 prospective birth cohorts from the same region, born 50 years apart: 711 children in the 1947 Newcastle Thousand Families Study (NTFS) and 475 from the 2000 Gateshead Millennium Study (GMS). The associations between birth weight, breastfeeding, rapid infancy growth (0-12 months), early-life adversity (0-12 months), and parental SES (birth and childhood) with childhood BMI z-scores and whether overweight/obese (BMI >91st percentile using UK 1990 reference) aged 9 years were examined using linear regression, path analyses, and logistic regression. RESULTS: In the NTFS, the most advantaged children were taller than the least (+0.91 height z-score, P = .001), whereas in GMS they had lower odds of overweight/obese than the least (0.35 [95% CI 0.14-0.86]). Rapid infancy growth was associated with increased BMI z-scores in both cohorts, and with increased likelihood of overweight/obese in GMS. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage or who have rapid infancy growth in modern environments are now at lower risk of growth restriction but greater risk of overweight.

Modeling Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease: The Impact of Cognitive, Functional, and Mood Variables in Self and Carers' Perceptions.

Quality of life (QoL) includes complex interactions between objective and subjective factors. Through structural equation modeling, we analyzed people with Alzheimer disease (PwAD) and carers' ratings to identify the factors associated with PwAD QoL. We included 264 PwAD and their carers. Model 1, carers' ratings of PwAD QoL, showed a bidirectional association with worse depressive symptoms, lower functionality, and impairment on awareness being linked. These variables were associated with burden and all of them directly affecting carers' ratings of PwAD QoL. Model 2, PwAD self-reported QoL, had the same bidirectional associations among the same variables with all of them influencing PwAD self-reported QoL. However, the interpretations of these similar associations should be different. The path analysis increased the understanding of the relationship between QoL and cognition, functionality, mood, awareness, and burden. Our findings bring together a number of consistent predictors and confirm their different effects in PwAD and carers' point of view about QoL.

Modelo predictivo de conducta de infidelidad sexual entre personas casadas / Predictive model of sexual infidelity behavior among married persons

Resumen La infidelidad marital es relativamente frecuente a pesar de sus consecuencias. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un modelo predictivo de la conducta sexual infiel en personas casadas, mediante el análisis de siete variables que participan en el fenómeno de la infidelidad. Se colectó una muestra de 790 personas casadas (53.4 % mujeres y 47.6 % hombres) por rutas al azar en Monterrey, México. Se aplicó la Escala de Valoración de la Relación, Índice de Satisfacción Sexual, Escala de Actitud hacia la Exclusividad Marital, Escalas de Conducta Infiel, Escala de Búsqueda de Sensaciones Sexuales y Escala de Engrandecimiento Marital. Se especificó el modelo con 2 variables exógenas correlacionadas (búsqueda de sensaciones sexuales y engrandecimiento marital) y 5 variables endógenas (actitud hacia la infidelidad, satisfacción marital, satisfacción sexual, deseo de infidelidad sexual y conducta de infidelidad sexual). De cada 100 participantes, 6 estaban insatisfechos con su matrimonio, 13 con las relaciones sexuales con su pareja y 20 veían más defectos que virtudes en sus parejas. Además, 83 informaron no incurrir en conductas de infidelidad sexual, 60 indicaron total rechazo hacia la propia infidelidad, 72 no mostraron deseo de infidelidad sexual y 51 reportaron no buscar de sensaciones sexuales. El modelo mostró un efecto grande sobre la conducta de infidelidad sexual, explicando 70.8 % de su varianza, y tuvo un buen ajuste: χ 2 (7) = 11.93, P = 0.10, RMSEA = 0.03 y SRMR = 0.01. Se concluye que la variable más crítica es el deseo de infidelidad sexual, cuyo determinante más importante es la búsqueda de sensaciones sexuales. La correlación negativa entre esta última variable y engrandecimiento marital indica que estas 2 variables se pueden modular una a la otra. A su vez, el modelo remarca aspectos de insatisfacción marital y sexual.

Abstract Marital infidelity is relatively frequent despite its consequences. The aim of the study was to develop a predictive model of sexual infidelity behavior among married persons, through the analysis of seven variables related to the infidelity construct. A sample of 790 married persons (53.4 % women and 47.6 % men) was collected in Monterrey, Mexico using random route sampling. The Relationship Assessment Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Index, Attitude toward Marital Exclusivity Scale, Unfaithful Behavior Scales, Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and Marital Aggrandizement Scale were applied. A model with 2 correlated exogenous variables (sexual sensation seeking and marital aggrandizement) and 5 endogenous variables (attitude towards infidelity, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, desire for sexual infidelity, and sexual infidelity behavior) was specified. Six out of 100 participants were dissatisfied with their marriage and 13 with sexual relations with their partner and 20 saw more defects than virtues in their partners. In addition, 83 informed not engaging in sexual infidelity behaviors, 60 indicated total rejection towards own sexual infidelity, 72 showed no desire for sexual infidelity and 51 reported not seeking sexual sensations. The model showed a large effect on the sexual infidelity behavior, explaining 70.8 % of its variance, and had a close fit: χ 2 (7) = 11.93, P-value = 0.10, RMSEA = 0.03, and SRMR = 0.01. It is concluded that the most critical variable in the model is the desire for sexual infidelity, whose most important determinant was the sexual sensation seeking. The negative correlation between this last variable and marital aggrandizement indicates that these 2 variables can be modulated one to the other. Furthermore, the model highlights aspects of marital and sexual dissatisfaction.

Correlations between soil attributes and the occurrence of nematodes and grain yield in an off-season maize crop in Mato Grosso do Sul / Correlações entre atributos do solo e ocorrência de nematóides e produtividade de grãos em milho safrinha no Mato Grosso do Sul

Systems of soil cultivation and use directly influence crop yield by interfering with the soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between maize grain yield, soil chemical and biological attributes, and the occurrence of nematodes in maize crops grown in the off-season, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Soil samples from 21 off-season maize crops were collected in 2015. The samples were used to identify and quantify nematodes, determine biomass carbon and microbial activity, and for chemical analysis. The attributes were clustered based on the variables evaluated using the mean Euclidean distance and Ward's clustering method. The interrelationship between the variables was analyzed by correlations, and its unfolding in the cause and effect investigations was evaluated by the path analysis. Organic matter and microbial biomass carbon positively influence grain yield. Magnesium negatively influences the population of Pratylenchulus spp. in maize crops. The potential acidity and organic matter are related to the presence of Rotylenchulus spp.

Sistemas de cultivo e uso do solo influenciam diretamente o rendimento das culturas, interferindo nos atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a correlação entre a produtividade de grãos de milho, os atributos químicos e biológicos do solo e a ocorrência de nematoides em milho cultivado no período de entressafra, no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Amostras de solo de 21 safras de milho fora de temporada foram coletadas em 2015. As amostras foram usadas para identificar e quantificar os nematóides, determinar a atividade microbiana e o carbono da biomassa, e para análises químicas. Os atributos foram agrupados com base nas variáveis avaliadas usando a distância euclidiana média e o método de agrupamento de Ward. A inter-relação entre as variáveis foi analisada por meio de correlações, e seu desdobramento nas investigações de causa e efeito foi avaliado pela análise de trilha. A matéria orgânica e o carbono da biomassa microbiana influenciam positivamente o rendimento de grãos. O magnésio influencia negativamente a população de Pratylenchulus spp. nas culturas de milho. A acidez potencial e a matéria orgânica estão relacionadas à presença de Rotylenchulus spp.