Psychometric analysis of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) and determinants of psychopathology in two outpatient clinics in Navarre (Spain).

BACKGROUND: The self-report Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire PDSQ is designed to screen Axis I psychiatric disorders. We aim to determine its psychometric properties in Spanish outpatients and assess its relationship with two interviews (for psychopathology and for personality disorders) and clinical/demographic variables. METHODOLOGY: We administered the study questionnaire, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI-Plus), the Standardised Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS), and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q) to 375 patients at two public outpatient centres. Reliability of the study questionnaire was evaluated (Cronbach's alpha, ?) and known-group validity measured by comparing groups based on demographic and clinical variables (binary logistic regression analysis) and MINI-Plus diagnoses (Mann-Whitney U). The diagnostic accuracy of the study questionnaire score was analysed taking the MINI-Plus diagnoses as the gold standard (ROC analysis). RESULTS: Internal consistency was adequate across all PDSQ scales (? >0.7; mean ?=0.85). Known-group comparisons were satisfactory. Female and male patients showed higher prevalence of internalizing and externalizing diagnoses, respectively. Younger age, more life events and limitations, higher SAPAS scores, and lower economic levels were linked to a greater number of PDSQ diagnoses. Inter-group differences were found for all PDSQ scales based on the corresponding MINI-Plus diagnoses. Mean values of sensitivity, AUC, and negative predictive value were 88.7, 0.82, and 96.7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When applied to a sample of Spanish outpatients, the PDSQ exhibits satisfactory psychometric properties and adequate relationships with the psychopathology and personality interviews, and clinical and demographic variables. The study questionnaire is suitable for assessing comorbidity and psychopathology dimensions.

Psychometric analysis of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) and determinants of psychopathologyin two outpatient clinics in Navarre (Spain) / Estudio psicométrico del Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) y determinantes de psicopatología en dos centros ambulatoriosde Navarra (España)

Backgroun: The selfreport Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire PDSQ is designed to screen Axis I psychiatric disorders. We aim to determine its psychometric properties in Spanish outpatients and assess its relationship with two interviews (for psychopathology and for personality disorders) and clinical/demographic variables. Methodology: We administered the study questionnaire, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINIPlus), the Standardised Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS), and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTEQ) to 375 patients at two public outpatient centres. Reliability of the study questionnaire was evaluated (Cronbach’s alpha, a) and knowngroup validity measured by comparing groups based on demographic and clinical variables (binary logistic regression analysis) and MINIPlus diagnoses (MannWhitney U). The diagnostic accuracy of the study questionnaire score was analysed taking the MINIPlus diagnoses as the gold standard (ROC analysis). Results: Internal consistency was adequate across all PDSQ scales (a>0.7; mean a=0.85). Knowngroup comparisons were satisfactory. Female and male patients showed higher prevalence of internalizing and externalizing diagnoses, respectively. Younger age, more life events and limitations, higher SAPAS scores, and lower economic levels were linked to a greater number of PDSQ diagnoses. Intergroup differences were found for all PDSQ scales based on the corresponding MINIPlus diagnoses. Mean values of sensitivity, AUC, and negative predictive value were 88.7, 0.82, and 96.7, respectively. Conclusions: When applied to a sample of Spanish outpatients, the PDSQ exhibits satisfactory psychometric properties and adequate relationships with the psychopathology and personality interviews, and clinical and demographic variables. The study questionnaire is suitable for assessing comorbidity and psychopathology dimensions.(AU)

Fundamento: El PDSQ (Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire) es un cuestionario autoadministrado para el cribado de diagnósticos psiquiátricos del eje I. El objetivo es estudiar sus propiedades psicométricas en pacientes ambulatorios españoles y analizar su relación con dos entrevistas (de psicopatología y de trastornos de personalidad), y con variables clínicas y demográficas. Material y métodos: Se administraron los instrumentos PDSQ, MINIPlus, SAPAS, y LTE-Q a 375 pacientes en dos centros ambulatorios públicos. Se estudió la fiabilidad del PDSQ (α de Cronbach). La validez de grupos conocidos se analizó comparando subgrupos organizados por variables demográficas y clínicas (regresión logística binaria) y por diagnósticos MINI Plus (U de Mann-Whitney). Se estudió el desempeño diagnóstico del PDSQ considerando los diagnósticos MINI Plus como gold standard (análisis ROC). Resultados: La consistencia interna del PDSQ fue adecuada en todas las escalas (α >0,7; media=0,85). Las comparaciones entre grupos conocidos fueron satisfactorias. Mujeres y hombres mostraron prevalencias mayores de trastornos internalizantes y externalizantes, respectivamente. Una menor edad, más sucesos vitales y limitaciones, puntuaciones mayores en SAPAS y niveles económicos más bajos se relacionaron con mayor número de diagnósticos PDSQ. Los grupos basados en los correspondientes diagnósticos MINIPlus difirieron en todas las escalas del PDSQ. Los valores medios de sensibilidad, AUC y valor predictivo negativo fueron 88,7; 0,82 y 96,7, respectivamente. Conclusiones: En su aplicación a pacientes españoles ambulatorios, el PDSQ muestra, propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias y relaciones adecuadas con entrevistas de psicopatología y personalidad, así como con variables clínicas y demográficas. El PDSQ es adecuado para evaluar comorbilidad y dimensiones de psicopatología.(AU)

The network structure of self-reported psychopathological dimensions in common mental disorders (CMDs)

Background and objectives: Common mental disorders (CMDs) in mental health settings show high rates of comorbidities. While semi-structured interviews are the gold standard to establish a diagnosis, there are self-report instruments such as the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) that aids clinicians in improving the diagnostic process in a time-efficient manner.MethodsNetwork analysis of the 13 domains of the PDSQ was applied to a sample of 374 first-contact outpatients to identify domains of psychopathology acting as hubs and bridges of interconnections within the CMDs.ResultsA global network densely connected with positive connections among PDSQ domains was found. The global network has four main clusters: depression-anxiety, somatoform, psychosis and substance-related domains. This network allowed for the identification of main ‘nodes’ acting as hubs favoring interconnections between dimensions and main ‘bridges’ easing the connections between clusters.ConclusionThe network structure of the PDSQ domains might provide a complementary explanation to the high rates of comorbidity among CMDs. Moreover, our results support the relevance of the self-administered PDSQ inventory to account for a deeper understanding of comorbidities among CMDs. (AU)

Effects of topiramate, bupropion and naltrexone isolated or combined on subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of combining topiramate, bupropion and naltrexone in obesity-induced rats on their weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue. METHODS: A total of 40 male Wistar rats were induced to obesity for 8 weeks and the animals were divided into 8 groups: Ctr - control, G0 - Sham, G1 - oral saline solution (1.0mL/day), G2 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg) and bupropion (5.0mg/kg), G3 - naltrexone (20.0mg/kg), G4 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg), G5 - bupropion (5.0mg/kg) and G6 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg), bupropion (5.0mg/kg) and naltrexone (20.0mg/kg). During the experiment, all animals were weighed weekly. After 30 days of treatment animals were euthanized and their skin fragments were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphological, morphometric and biochemical analyzes. RESULTS: The only group that presented a decrease in the volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue was G3, but this decrease was not significant when compared with the other groups. The G4, the G5 and the G6 presented increased adipose tissue volume. Data showed that until the eighth week all animals increased their weight by approximately 50%. After treatment animals of all groups, except G3, increased their weight from 4% to 9% approximately. The G3 was the only group that lost weight, but this decrease was not significant. CONCLUSION: The medicines studied were not efficient in reducing weight in obese rats. However, it should be considered that 30-day treatment period is not enough to observe the stronger effects of these drugs.

Effects of topiramate, bupropion and naltrexone isolated or combined on subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese rats

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of combining topiramate, bupropion and naltrexone in obesity-induced rats on their weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Methods: A total of 40 male Wistar rats were induced to obesity for 8 weeks and the animals were divided into 8 groups: Ctr - control, G0 - Sham, G1 - oral saline solution (1.0mL/day), G2 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg) and bupropion (5.0mg/kg), G3 - naltrexone (20.0mg/kg), G4 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg), G5 - bupropion (5.0mg/kg) and G6 - topiramate (20.0mg/kg), bupropion (5.0mg/kg) and naltrexone (20.0mg/kg). During the experiment, all animals were weighed weekly. After 30 days of treatment animals were euthanized and their skin fragments were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphological, morphometric and biochemical analyzes. Results: The only group that presented a decrease in the volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue was G3, but this decrease was not significant when compared with the other groups. The G4, the G5 and the G6 presented increased adipose tissue volume. Data showed that until the eighth week all animals increased their weight by approximately 50%. After treatment animals of all groups, except G3, increased their weight from 4% to 9% approximately. The G3 was the only group that lost weight, but this decrease was not significant. Conclusion: The medicines studied were not efficient in reducing weight in obese rats. However, it should be considered that 30-day treatment period is not enough to observe the stronger effects of these drugs.

STUDIES OF MOLECULAR CHANGES IN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION IN ANIMAL MODEL.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the structural and molecular changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the process of intervertebral disc degeneration, using animal model. METHODS: Wistar rats underwent intervertebral disc degeneration through 20-gauge needle puncture, and 360° rotation applied for 30 sec, representing the degenerated group, while control group was not submitted to this procedure. Histological parameters and expression of extracellular matrix molecules were evaluated in the 15(th) and 28(th) days after degenerative induction. RESULTS: Fifteen days after the induction of intervertebral disc degeneration, significant changes were observed, such as reduction in the expression metalloprotease-9 (MMP9) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-10). There was a significant increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3. However, different alterations in the ECM were observed at 28 days, the level of collagen I, metalloprotease-2 (MMP2) and caspase-3 were enhanced. Furthermore, expression of heparanase isoforms (HPSE1 and HPSE2) mRNA were increased in the degenerative intervertebral disc. CONCLUSION: The different profiles of ECM molecules observed during the intervertebral disc degeneration suggest that molecular processes such as ECM remodeling, neovascularization, apoptosis and inflammation occur. Experimental Study.

STUDIES OF MOLECULAR CHANGES IN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION IN ANIMAL MODEL

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the structural and molecular changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the process of intervertebral disc degeneration, using animal model. Methods: Wistar rats underwent intervertebral disc degeneration through 20-gauge needle puncture, and 360° rotation applied for 30 sec, representing the degenerated group, while control group was not submitted to this procedure. Histological parameters and expression of extracellular matrix molecules were evaluated in the 15th and 28th days after degenerative induction. Results: Fifteen days after the induction of intervertebral disc degeneration, significant changes were observed, such as reduction in the expression metalloprotease-9 (MMP9) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-10). There was a significant increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3. However, different alterations in the ECM were observed at 28 days, the level of collagen I, metalloprotease-2 (MMP2) and caspase-3 were enhanced. Furthermore, expression of heparanase isoforms (HPSE1 and HPSE2) mRNA were increased in the degenerative intervertebral disc. Conclusion: The different profiles of ECM molecules observed during the intervertebral disc degeneration suggest that molecular processes such as ECM remodeling, neovascularization, apoptosis and inflammation occur. Experimental Study.

Pyrosequencing reveals changes in soil bacterial communities after conversion of Yungas forests to agriculture.

The Southern Andean Yungas in Northwest Argentina constitute one of the main biodiversity hotspots in the world. Considerable changes in land use have taken place in this ecoregion, predominantly related to forest conversion to croplands, inducing losses in above-ground biodiversity and with potential impact on soil microbial communities. In this study, we used high-throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene to assess whether land-use change and time under agriculture affect the composition and diversity of soil bacterial communities. We selected two areas dedicated to sugarcane and soybean production, comprising both short- and long-term agricultural sites, and used the adjacent native forest soils as a reference. Land-use change altered the composition of bacterial communities, with differences between productive areas despite the similarities between both forests. At the phylum level, only Verrucomicrobia and Firmicutes changed in abundance after deforestation for sugarcane and soybean cropping, respectively. In cultivated soils, Verrucomicrobia decreased sharply (~80%), while Firmicutes were more abundant. Despite the fact that local diversity was increased in sugarcane systems and was not altered by soybean cropping, phylogenetic beta diversity declined along both chronosequences, evidencing a homogenization of soil bacterial communities over time. In spite of the detected alteration in composition and diversity, we found a core microbiome resistant to the disturbances caused by the conversion of forests to cultivated lands and few or none exclusive OTUs for each land-use type. The overall changes in the relative abundance of copiotrophic and oligotrophic taxa may have an impact in soil ecosystem functionality. However, communities with many taxa in common may also share many functional attributes, allowing to maintain at least some soil ecosystem services after forest conversion to croplands.

Genotypic characterization of Azotobacteria isolated from Argentinean soils and plant-growth-promoting traits of selected strains with prospects for biofertilizer production.

The genetic diversity among 31 putative Azotobacter isolates obtained from agricultural and non-agricultural soils was assessed using rep-PCR genomic fingerprinting and identified to species level by ARDRA and partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. High diversity was found among the isolates, identified as A. chroococcum, A. salinestris, and A. armeniacus. Selected isolates were characterized on the basis of phytohormone biosynthesis, nitrogenase activity, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization. Indole-3 acetic-acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3) and zeatin (Z) biosynthesis, nitrogenase activity, and siderophore production were found in all evaluated strains, with variation among them, but no phosphate solubilization was detected. Phytohormones excreted to the culture medium ranged in the following concentrations: 2.2-18.2 µ g IAA mL(-1), 0.3-0.7 µ g GA3 mL(-1), and 0.5-1.2 µ g Z mL(-1). Seed inoculations with further selected Azotobacter strains and treatments with their cell-free cultures increased the number of seminal roots and root hairs in wheat seedlings. This latter effect was mimicked by treatments with IAA-pure solutions, but it was not related to bacterial root colonization. Our survey constitutes a first approach to the knowledge of Azotobacter species inhabiting Argentinean soils in three contrasting geographical regions. Moreover, this phenotypic characterization constitutes an important contribution to the selection of Azotobacter strains for biofertilizer formulations.

Effects of glucosamine on the tibial epiphyseal disk of ovariectomized rats: morphologic and morphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of glucosamine sulfate on the tibial epiphyseal disk of the ovariectomized rats. METHODS: After ovariectomy (OVx), 28 female rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups with 7 animals each, treated as follows: OVx 21 - vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) 0.5 mL/day) for 21 days; OVx GS21 - 230 mg/kg/day glucosamine sulphate for 21 days; OVx 45 - treated with NaCl 0.9% as above for 45 days; and OVx - GS45230 mg/kg/day glucosamine sulphate for 45 days. Seven intact animals in the proestrous phase were used as controls (CG). Upon treatment completion, the animals were sacrificed and the left knee joint was dissected and prepared for histological analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of remaining cartilage in new bone of the CG; that found in THE OVx GS45 group was significantly less than that of the OVx 21, OVx GS21, and OVx 45 groups. The percentage of trabecular bone in proestrous animals was the highest. The OVx GS45 group showed higher values compared with the other ovariectomized groups. These results were paralleled by the findings regarding the cells of the proliferative zone, since the CG had the highest values, and the values of the OVx GS45 group were greater than those of the OVx 21, OVx GS21, and OVx 45 groups. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggested that glucosamine may stimulate tibial cartilage and bone growth after ovariectomy in rats.

Effects of glucosamine on the tibial epiphyseal disk of ovariectomized rats: morphologic and morphometric analysis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of glucosamine sulfate on the tibial epiphyseal disk of the ovariectomized rats. METHODS: After ovariectomy (OVx), 28 female rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups with 7 animals each, treated as follows: OVx 21 - vehicle (NaCl 0.9 percent) 0.5 mL/day) for 21 days; OVx GS21 - 230 mg/kg/day glucosamine sulphate for 21 days; OVx 45 - treated with NaCl 0.9 percent as above for 45 days; and OVx - GS45230 mg/kg/day glucosamine sulphate for 45 days. Seven intact animals in the proestrous phase were used as controls (CG). Upon treatment completion, the animals were sacrificed and the left knee joint was dissected and prepared for histological analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of remaining cartilage in new bone of the CG; that found in THE OVx GS45 group was significantly less than that of the OVx 21, OVx GS21, and OVx 45 groups. The percentage of trabecular bone in proestrous animals was the highest. The OVx GS45 group showed higher values compared with the other ovariectomized groups. These results were paralleled by the findings regarding the cells of the proliferative zone, since the CG had the highest values, and the values of the OVx GS45 group were greater than those of the OVx 21, OVx GS21, and OVx 45 groups. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggested that glucosamine may stimulate tibial cartilage and bone growth after ovariectomy in rats.

OBJETIVO: O alvo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito do sulfato de glicosamina no disco epifisário da tíbia em ratas ooforectomizadas. MÉTODOS: Após a ooforectomia (OVx), 28 ratas foram aleatoriamente divididas em 4 grupos experimentais de 7 animais cada, tratados da seguinte maneira: OVx 21 - veículo (0,5ml de NaCl 0.9 por cento ip uma vez ao dia) por 21 dias; OVx GS21 230 - mg/kg peso corporal por dia de sulfato de glicosamina, 21 dias; OVx 45 - tratados com NaCl 0.9 por cento igual ao grupo OVx 21, por 45 dias; e OVx GS45 - 230 mg/kg peso corporal por dia com sulfato de glicosamina, 45 dias. Sete animais intactos, na fase de proestro, foram usados como controle (CG). Ao completar o tratamento, os animais foram sacrificados e a articulação do joelho esquerdo foi dissecada e preparada para análise histológica. RESULTADOS: A porcentagem de cartilagem remanescente no novo osso do CG foi a menor. Os achados no grupo OVx GS45 foi significantemente menor do que no grupo OVx 21, OVx GS21 e OVx 45. A porcentagem de osso trabecular nos animais em pró-estro foi a maior. O grupo OVx GS45 mostrou valores maiores em relação aos outros grupos ooforectomizados. Esses resultados foram correspondentes aos achados em relação às células da zona proliferativa, desde que o CG teve os maiores valores e os valores do grupo OVx GS45 foram superiores aos dos grupos OVx 21, OVx GS21 e OVx 45. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos estudos sugerem que a glicosamina pode estimular o crescimento da cartilagem e do osso tibial após a ooforectomia em ratas.

Transmissão psíquica entre as gerações / Psychic transmission between generations

O reconhecimento da alienação da subjetividade, comprometida numa transmissão psíquica geracional defeituosa, possibilita um novo olhar clínico sobre as patologias da modernidade. O vínculo mãe-bebê e o grupo familiar constituem o berço psíquico do sujeito, constituído por uma tecelagem grupal geracional que poderíamos denominar arquivos de família. Os processos de transmissão são sustentados por mecanismos de identificação junto a um interjogo de projeções-introjeções e incorporações, assim como por uma referência ao superego parental. Neste espapço psíquico intersubjetivo se processa a transmissção psíquica geracional, que precisa ser metabolizada e sofrer transformações. Na clínica do grupo familiar são considerados os traços traumáticos e feridas narcisistas que são transmitidos como restos do 'negativo', sem modificação e de forma repetitiva, nos diversos vínculos do espaço grupal-familiar, gerando, assim, diversos sintomas e sofrimento intra e intersubjetivo (AU)

Transmissão psíquica entre as gerações / Psychic transmission between generations

O reconhecimento da alienação da subjetividade, comprometida numa transmissão psíquica geracional defeituosa, possibilita um novo olhar clínico sobre as patologias da modernidade. O vínculo mãe-bebê e o grupo familiar constituem o berço psíquico do sujeito, constituído por uma tecelagem grupal geracional que poderíamos denominar arquivos de família. Os processos de transmissão são sustentados por mecanismos de identificação junto a um interjogo de projeções-introjeções e incorporações, assim como por uma referência ao superego parental. Neste espaço psíquico intersubjetivo se processa a transmissão psíquica geracional, que precisa ser metabolizada e sofrer transformações. Na clínica do grupo familiar são considerados os traços traumáticos e feridas narcisistas que são transmitidos como restos do "negativo", sem modificação e de forma repetitiva, nos persos vínculos do espaço grupal-familiar, gerando, assim, persos sintomas e sofrimento intra e intersubjetivo.

A intersubjetividade nos processos de transmissão psíquica geracional

O trabalho apresenta as articulações da intersubjetividade com o processo de transmissão psíquica geracional. São referentes para desenvolver o tema conceitos freudianos desenvolvidos em diversos textos como Totem e tabu ( 1913) e Introdução ao Narcisismo (1914), entre outros. A autora assinala os desenvolvimentos de Kaes articulados com os de Aulagnier tais como o contrato narcisista, as funções fóricas materna visando a destacar o vínculo intersubjetivo como fundamento da vida psíquica. Uma vinheta clínica resumida de um atendimento de T.F.A. (terapia familiar analítica) ilustra diversos aspectos vinculados ao tema, em particular o delírio em herança, e as conseqüências das falhas ou estruturas de apoio da vida pulsional. São incluídas breves referências aos trabalhos de Abraham e Torok sobre cripta e fantasma, na medida em que estes conceitos condensam importantes patologias da transmissão psíquica e intersubjetividade(AU).

Tumor carcinoide de apéndice cecal: presentación de un caso / Carcinoid tumor of cecal appendix: presentation of a case

Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 39 años en quien se realiza apendicectomía, sin complicaciones, resultando en el exámen histopatológico imágenes compatibles con carcinoide de apéndice. En base a esto, hemos realizado una revisión de los últimos trabajos presentados al respecto, incluyéndo análisis de institutos nacionales para profundizar en esta patología. La mayor parte de dichas investigaciones coincidieron en la frecuencia del carcinoide apendicular como primera neoplasia del apéndice. Con respecto a la frecuencia como neoplasia en el tracto gastrointestinal hubo discrepancia entre diferentes autores, aunque el tratamiento recomendado coinciden las distintas conductas dependiendo de la magnitud del tumor, metástasis y la presencia o no de síndrome carcinoide

Os elos geracionais na transmissao psiquica do grupo familiar

A autora desenvolve o conceito de transmissao psiquica geracional e suas diversas modalidades. O grupo familiar e o espaco privilegiado da passagem e transformacao desta heranca genealogica que e fundante de nossa vida psiquica e se processa em nivel inconsciente.