Differential expression of biomarkers in saliva related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with mild, moderate and severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Severe COVID-19 is a disease characterized by profound dysregulation of the innate immune system. There is a need to identify highly reliable prognostic biomarkers that can be rapidly assessed in body fluids for early identification of patients at higher risk for hospitalization and/or death. This study aimed to assess whether differential gene expression of immune response molecules and cellular enzymes, detected in saliva samples of COVID-19 patients, occurs according to disease severity staging. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, subjects with a COVID-19 diagnosis were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe disease based on clinical features. Transcripts of genes encoding 6 biomarkers, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein, IDO1 and ACE2, were measured by RT‒qPCR in saliva samples of patients and COVID-19-free individuals. RESULTS: The gene expression levels of all 6 biomarkers in saliva were significantly increased in severe disease patients compared to mild/moderate disease patients and healthy controls. A significant strong inverse relationship between oxemia and the level of expression of the 6 biomarkers (Spearman's correlation coefficient between -0.692 and -0.757; p < 0.001) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker gene expression determined in saliva samples still needs to be validated as a potentially valuable predictor of severe clinical outcomes early at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Identification of peptides presented through the MHC-II of dendritic cells stimulated with Mycobacterium avium.

Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) represents a species of concern, because of its ability to modulate the host's innate immune response, and therefore influence trajectory of adaptative immunity. Since eradicative response against mycobacteria, and M. tuberculosis/M. avium, relies on peptides actively presented on a Major Histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II) context, we assessed paradoxical stimulation of Dendritic Cell resulting on immature immunophenotype characterized by membrane minor increase of MHC-II and CD40 despite of high expression of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in supernatants. Identification of M. avium leucine rich peptides forming short α-helices shutting down Type 1T helper (Th1), contribute to the understanding of immune evasion of an increasingly prevalent pathogen, and may provide a basis for future immunotherapy to infectious and non-infectious disease.

Induced Systemic Resistance in the Bacillus spp.-Capsicum chinense Jacq.-PepGMV Interaction, Elicited by Defense-Related Gene Expression.

Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is a mechanism involved in the plant defense response against pathogens. Certain members of the Bacillus genus are able to promote the ISR by maintaining a healthy photosynthetic apparatus, which prepares the plant for future stress situations. The goal of the present study was to analyze the effect of the inoculation of Bacillus on the expression of genes involved in plant responses to pathogens, as a part of the ISR, during the interaction of Capsicum chinense infected with PepGMV. The effects of the inoculation of the Bacillus strains in pepper plants infected with PepGMV were evaluated by observing the accumulation of viral DNA and the visible symptoms of pepper plants during a time-course experiment in greenhouse and in in vitro experiments. The relative expression of the defense genes CcNPR1, CcPR10, and CcCOI1 were also evaluated. The results showed that the plants inoculated with Bacillus subtilis K47, Bacillus cereus K46, and Bacillus sp. M9 had a reduction in the PepGMV viral titer, and the symptoms in these plants were less severe compared to the plants infected with PepGMV and non-inoculated with Bacillus. Additionally, an increase in the transcript levels of CcNPR1, CcPR10, and CcCOI1 was observed in plants inoculated with Bacillus strains. Our results suggest that the inoculation of Bacillus strains interferes with the viral replication, through the increase in the transcription of pathogenesis-related genes, which is reflected in a lowered plant symptomatology and an improved yield in the greenhouse, regardless of PepGMV infection status.

Methodology of the INVestigating traIning assoCiated blasT pAthology (INVICTA) study.

BACKGROUND: Subconcussive blast exposure during military training has been the subject of both anecdotal concerns and reports in the medical literature, but prior studies have often been small and have used inconsistent methods. METHODS: This paper presents the methodology employed in INVestigating traIning assoCiated blasT pAthology (INVICTA) to assess a wide range of aspects of brain function, including immediate and delayed recall, gait and balance, audiologic and oculomotor function, cerebral blood flow, brain electrical activity and neuroimaging and blood biomarkers. RESULTS: A number of the methods employed in INVICTA are relatively easy to reproducibly utilize, and can be completed efficiently, while other measures require greater technical expertise, take longer to complete, or may have logistical challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This presentation of methods used to assess the impact of blast exposure on the brain is intended to facilitate greater uniformity of data collection in this setting, which would enable comparison between different types of blast exposure and environmental circumstances, as well as to facilitate meta-analyses and syntheses across studies.

Cat Coat Color, Personality Traits and the Cat-Owner Relationship Scale: A Study with Cat Owners in Mexico.

Studies regarding the cat-owner bond are quite rare, and several aspects merit more research, including personality trait differences in cats related to coat color and the cat-owner relationship. The objectives of the study were to describe, from the perspective of their owners, the personality traits of cats based on their coat colors and to evaluate the relationships among the Cat Owner Relationship Scale (CORS), its subscales and the traits of cats. Therefore, the CORS was translated into Spanish, and its psychometric properties were assessed. For the personality traits of cats, participants answered a 7-point Likert scale indicating the extent to which they agreed with the following characteristics in describing their cats: active, aloof, bold, calm, friendly, intolerant, shy, stubborn, tolerant and trainable. 211 cat owners living in Mexico participated. Owners perceived their cats as being bold and friendly. Gray cats had the highest score for being as shy, aloof and intolerant, while orange cats had the highest scores for being trainable, friendly and calm. Tabbies the highest for bold and active, tricolor cats for stubborn, and bicolor cats for tolerant. The 3 CORS subscales had adequate psychometric properties when evaluated separately. Cat-owner interaction was positively correlated with an active and friendly personality and negatively correlated with aloofness. Emotional closeness was positively correlated with an active, bold and friendly personality, and perceived cost was negatively correlated with boldness.

Phytochemical characterisation and in vivo antilithiatic activity of the stems of Caesalpinia bahamensis (Brasilete).

The aim of this work was to identify the main chemical constituents and to evaluate the antilithiatic activity of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of stems of Caesalpinia bahamensis Lam. Fractionation and isolation of constituents from the hydroalcoholic extract was carried out by flash chromatography and semi-preparative liquid chromatography. The antilithiatic activity of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts was evaluated in Wistar rats, where kidney stones were induced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. Creatinine, calcium, and oxalate levels were evaluated and histological analysis was carried out. The homoisoflavonoids protosappanin B, 10-methyl-protosappanin B and brazilin were isolated and the antilithiatic activity of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts was demonstrated by the reduction of the concentration of calcium and oxalate in urine compared to the lithiasis group. It was corroborated by histological analysis. Brazilin and protosappanin B were proposed as chemical markers for this plant species.

CT-guided versus MR-guided radiotherapy: Impact on gastrointestinal sparing in adrenal stereotactic body radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To quantify the indication for adaptive, gated breath-hold (BH) MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRTBH) versus BH or free-breathing (FB) CT-based image-guided radiotherapy (CT-IGRT) for the ablative treatment of adrenal malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty adrenal patients underwent adaptive IMRT MRgRTBH to a median dose of 50 Gy/5 fractions. Each patient was replanned for VMAT CT-IGRTBH and CT-IGRTFB on a c-arm linac. Only CT-IGRTFB used an ITV, summed from GTVs of all phases of the 4DCT respiratory evaluation. All used the same 5 mm GTV/ITV to PTV expansion. Metrics evaluated included: target volume and coverage, conformality, mean ipsilateral kidney and 0.5 cc gastrointestinal organ-at-risk (OAR) doses (D0.5cc). Adaptive dose for MRgRTBH and predicted dose (i.e., initial plan re-calculated on anatomy of the day) was performed for CT-IGRTBH and MRgRTBH to assess frequency of OAR violations and coverage reductions for each fraction. RESULTS: The more common VMAT CT-IGRTFB, with its significantly larger target volumes, proved inferior to MRgRTBH in mean PTV and ITV/GTV coverage, as well as small bowel D0.5cc. Conversely, VMAT CT-IGRTBH delivered a dosimetrically superior initial plan in terms of statistically significant (p ≤ 0.02) improvements in target coverage, conformality and D0.5cc to the large bowel, duodenum and mean ipsilateral kidney compared to IMRT MRgRTBH. However, non-adaptive CT-IGRTBH had a 71.8% frequency of predicted indications for adaptation and was 2.8 times more likely to experience a coverage reduction in PTV D95% than predicted for MRgRTBH. CONCLUSION: Breath-hold VMAT radiotherapy provides superior target coverage and conformality over MRgRTBH, but the ability of MRgRTBH to safely provide ablative doses to adrenal lesions near mobile luminal OAR through adaptation and direct, real-time motion tracking is unmatched.

Antiproliferative, Antiangiogenic, and Antimetastatic Therapy Response by Mangiferin in a Syngeneic Immunocompetent Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model Involves Changes in Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism.

In spite of the current advances and achievements in cancer treatments, colorectal cancer (CRC) persists as one of the most prevalent and deadly tumor types in both men and women worldwide. Drug resistance, adverse side effects and high rate of angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor relapse remain one of the greatest challenges in long-term management of CRC and urges need for new leads of anticancer drugs. We demonstrate that CRC treatment with the phytopharmaceutical mangiferin (MGF), a glucosylxanthone present in Mango tree stem bark and leaves (Mangifera Indica L.), induces dose-dependent tumor regression and decreases lung metastasis in a syngeneic immunocompetent allograft mouse model of murine CT26 colon carcinoma, which increases overall survival of mice. Antimetastatic and antiangiogenic MGF effects could be further validated in a wound healing in vitro model in human HT29 cells and in a matrigel plug implant mouse model. Interestingly, transcriptome pathway enrichment analysis demonstrates that MGF inhibits tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis by multi-targeting of mitochondrial oxidoreductase and fatty acid ß-oxidation metabolism, PPAR, SIRT, NFκB, Stat3, HIF, Wnt and GP6 signaling pathways. MGF effects on fatty acid ß-oxidation metabolism and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) protein expression could be further confirmed in vitro in human HT29 colon cells. In conclusion, antitumor, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects of MGF treatment hold promise to reduce adverse toxicity and to mitigate therapeutic outcome of colorectal cancer treatment by targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism in the tumor microenvironment.

Diferencias en tolerancia a la frustración entre Baby Boomers, Generación X y Millennials / Frustration tolerance differences among Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials

Introducción y objetivos: La sociedad actual se compone de cinco generaciones con características culturales diferenciales, que llevan al supuesto de diferencia en la tolerancia a la frustración entre ellas. La tolerancia a la frustración es un concepto esencial en el modelo cognitivo-conductual. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue comparar la tolerancia a la frustración entre tres de las generaciones: Baby Boomer, X y Millennials. Material y métodos: Participaron 909 personas,192 pertenecientes la generación Baby Boomers, 310 de la generación X y 407 Millennials. Se utilizó la Escala de Tolerancia a la frustración (ETAF) que se compone de 4 dimensiones: personal, social, laboral y familiar. Resultados: La correlación entre edad y tolerancia a la frustración es débil, aunque significativa, lo que se atribuye al tamaño de muestra (rs = .132; p = .001). Las correlaciones entre edad y tolerancia a la frustración dentro de cada grupo generacional, no fueron significativas. La prueba Kruskal-Wallis indicó diferencia significativa en tolerancia a la frustración entre los tres grupos. Con la prueba U de Mann Whitney se identificó equivalencia entre la Generación X y Millennials. Se encontró equivalencia de las tres generaciones en la dimensión familiar. La generación Baby Boomers presenta diferencias significativas con las otras dos generaciones en el resto de las dimensiones, mientras que Millennials y Generación X solo presentan diferencias en la dimensión laboral. Conclusiones: La generación Baby Boomers muestra la mayor tolerancia a la frustración y la generación Millennials la menor tolerancia a la frustración especialmente en la dimensión laboral.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Modern society consists of five generations with differential cultural characteristics, which lead to the assumption of differences in frustration tolerance among them. Frustration tolerance is an essential concept in cognitive-behavioral model. The objective of this research was to compare frustration tolerance among three generations: Baby Boomer, X and Millennials. Material and methods: Participated 909 people; 192 belonging to Baby Boomers generation, 310 to X generation and 407 were Millennials. The Frustration Tolerance Scale was used, it has 4 dimensions: personal, social, labor and family. Scores were not normally distributed, thus nonparametric tests were used. Results: The correlation between age and frustration tolerance is weak, although significant, which is attributed to the sample size (rs = .132; p = .001). The correlations between age and frustration tolerance in each generational group were not significant. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference among three generation when frustration tolerance was compared. Using Mann-Whitney U test an equivalence between Generation X and Millennials was identified. Equivalence of the three generations was found in the family dimension. Significant differences between Baby Boomers generation and each other generation were found in labor, social and personal dimensions. Millennials and Generation X only showed differences in the labor dimension. Conclusions: The Baby Boomers generation shows the highest frustration tolerance and Millennials generation the least frustration tolerance, especially in the labor dimension.(AU)

Determining relevant traits for selecting landrace accessions of Phaseolus lunatus L. for insect resistance.

Plant-insect interactions are a determining factor for sustainable crop production. Although plants can resist or tolerate herbivorous insects to varying degrees, even with the use of pesticides, insects can reduce plant net productivity by as much as 20%, so sustainable strategies for pest control with less dependence on chemicals are needed. Selecting plants with optimal resistance and photosynthetic traits can help minimize damage and maintain productivity. Here, 27 landrace accessions of lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus L., from the Yucatan Peninsula were evaluated in the field for morphological resistance traits, photosynthetic characteristics, insect damage and seed yield. Variation was found in physical leaf traits (number, area, and dry mass of leaves; trichome density, specific leaf thickness and hardness) and in physiological traits (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon, water-use efficiency, and transpiration). Five accessions (JMC1325, JMC1288, JMC1339, JMC1208 and JMC1264) had the lowest index for cumulative damage with the highest seed yield, although RDA analysis uncovered two accessions (JMC1339, JMC1288) with strong positive association of seed yield and the cumulative damage index with leaf production, specific leaf area (SLA) and total leaf area. Leaf traits, including SLA and total leaf area are important drivers for optimizing seed yield. This study identified 12 important morphological and physiological leaf traits for selecting landrace accessions of P. lunatus for high yields (regardless of damage level) to achieve sustainable, environmentally safe crop production.

Pet-Human Relationships: Dogs versus Cats.

The study of human-animal interactions has increased, focusing on the dog-owner relationship, leaving a lag in research on the cat-owner relationship and practically a total absence of studies that compare the dog-owner relationship with the cat-owner relationship. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to make this comparison based on the perception of people living with both dogs and cats, considering interaction, emotional closeness, and perceived cost of the relationship. A total of 132 residents in Mexico participated. To evaluate the pet-human relationship, the dog and cat versions of the Monash dog owner relationship scale were used, thus obtaining comparable scores for the relationship with dogs and cats. Based on what the owners reported, significant differences were found. Relationships with cats were better than relationships with dogs, a finding that was confirmed when comparing male dogs and cats and when comparing female dogs and cats. It was concluded that relationships with cats are better because the perceived cost of such a relationship is lower. However, emotional closeness is greater with dogs than with cats.

Synergistic interaction between amitriptyline and paracetamol in persistent and neuropathic pain models: An isobolografic analysis.

The current study was designed to evaluate the transient antinociceptive interaction between amitriptyline and paracetamol in the formalin test. In addition, considering other long-term neuroprotective mechanisms of these drugs, we hypothesized that this combination might exert some synergistic effects on neuropathic pain linked with its possible ability to prevent Wallerian degeneration (WD). The effects of individual and fixed-ratio of 1:1 combinations of orally administered amitriptyline and paracetamol were assayed in the two phases of the formalin test and in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in rats. Isobolographic analysis was employed to characterize the synergism produced by the combinations. Amitriptyline, paracetamol, and fixed-ratio amitriptyline-paracetamol combinations produced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects mainly on the inflammatory tonic phase. Repeated doses of individual drugs and their combination decreased CCI-induced mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. ED30 (formalin) and ED50 (CCI) values were estimated for the individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. Theoretical ED30/50 values for the combination estimated from the isobolograms were 16.5 ± 3.9 mg/kg and 26.0 ± 7.2 mg/kg for the single and repeated doses in persistent and neuropathic pain models, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the actually observed ED30/50 values, which were 0.39 ± 0.1 mg/kg and 8.2 ± 0.8 mg/kg in each model, respectively, indicating a synergistic interaction. Remarkably, CCI-induced sciatic nerve WD-related histopathological changes were prevented by this combination compared to either drug administered alone.

Tolerancia al estrés y satisfacción con la vida como predictores del impacto por el confinamiento debido al COVID-19 / Stress tolerance and life satisfaction as predictors of the perceived impact of confinement by COVID-19

Introducción y Objetivos: En México, la indicación de permanecer en confinamiento voluntario debido al COVID-19 inició el 14 de marzo del 2020. A la fecha, son pocos los estudios sobre los factores de riesgo y protectores del impacto por este confinamiento. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar un modelo estructural del impacto percibido en diferentes ámbitos de la vida de la persona por el confinamiento debido al COVID- 19, incluyendo como predictores la tolerancia al estrés y satisfacción con la vida.Pacientes o Materiales y Métodos: El diseño fue longitudinal de grupos pareados, buscando identificar el efecto de las variables independientes en un lapso de dos meses (evaluación 1: tolerancia al estrés y satisfacción con la vida) sobre la dependiente (evaluación 2: impacto). Se incluyeron 158 personas con edad promedio de 31.8 años (DE = 11.1), 65.2% mujeres.Resultados: El modelo estructural confirma el efecto de la tolerancia al estrés y la satisfacción con la vida sobre el impacto percibido por el confinamiento en los ámbitos de bienestar emocional, condición física, salud, felicidad y tranquilidad.Conclusiones: Se concluye que la tolerancia al estrés y la satisfacción con la vida pueden ser protectores del impacto por el confinamiento en aquellos ámbitos en los que la persona puede modificar su comportamiento o sus pensamientos.(AU)

Introduction and Objectives: In Mexico, the indication to shelter in place due to COVID-19 began on March 14, 2020. To date, there are few studies on risk factors and protectors of the impact of this confinement. The aim was to evaluate a structural model of the perceived impact in different areas of the person's life due to confinement by COVID-19, including stress tolerance and life satisfaction as predictors.Patients or Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal paired groups study, seeking to identify the effect of the independent variables with two months between evaluations (evaluation 1: stress tolerance and life satisfaction) on the dependent one (evaluation 2: impact). Were included 158 people with mean age of 31.8 years (SD = 11.1), 65.2% women.Results: The structural model confirms the effect of stress tolerance and life satisfaction on the perceived impact of confinement in the areas of emotional well-being, physical condition, health, happiness and tranquility.Conclusions: It is concluded that stress tolerance and life satisfaction can be protectors of the impact of confinement in those areas in which the person can modify their behavior or thoughts.(AU)

Novel arylidene malonate derivative, KM-34, showed neuroprotective effects on in vitro and in vivo models of ischemia/reperfusion.

Cerebral ischemia constitutes the most frequent type of cerebrovascular disease. The reduction of blood supply to the brain initiates the ischemic cascade starting from ionic imbalance to subsequent glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, eventually causing neuronal death. Previously, the authors have demonstrated the in vitro cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of a new arylidene malonate derivative, KM-34, against oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide, glutamate or Fe3+/ascorbate. Here, we examined for the first time the neuroprotective effect of KM-34 on ischemia/reperfusion models. In vitro, treatment with 10 and 50 µM KM-34 reduced the cellular death (propidium iodide incorporation) induced by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) in rat organotypic hippocampal slices cultures. In vivo, stroke was induced in male Wistar rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by 23 h of reperfusion. KM-34 was orally administered 105 min after MCAO onset. We noticed that 1 mg/kg KM-34 reduced infarct volume and neurological score, and increased the latency to fall in the Hanging Wire test compared to vehicle-treated ischemic animals. While ischemic and sham-operated groups showed similar horizontal locomotor activity, vertical counts decreased after MCAO, suggesting that vertical movements are more sensitive to the ischemic injury. Treatment with KM-34 also alleviated the mitochondrial impairment (ROS generation, swelling and membrane potential dissipation) induced by transient MCAO but not significant alterations were found in oxidative stress parameters. Overall, the study provides preclinical evidences confirming the neuroprotective effects of a novel synthetic molecule and paved the way for future investigations regarding its therapeutic potential against brain ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria immunopathogenesis: Closer than they appear. a prime of innate immunity trade-off and NTM ways into virulence.

INTRODUCTION: The growing incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and changes in epidemiological factors have indicated that immune dysregulation may be associated with the emergence of NTM. Minireview entails to acknowledge complex interaction and new ways NTM are evolving around diverse immune status. METHODS: In order to perform this review, we selected peer reviewed, NLM database articles under the terms NTM, mycobacterium complex 'AND' -Host- immune response, immunity regulation, Disease, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP´s), and -pathogen- followed by a snow ball rolling basis search on immune components and NTM related with diseases distribution. RESULTS: The universal exposure and diversity of NTM are well-documented; however, hospitals seldom establish vigilant control of water quality or immunodeficiencies for patients with NTM infections. Depending on the chemical structures and immune mechanisms presented by various NTM varieties, they can trigger different effects in dendritic and natural killer cells, which release interleukin (IL)-17, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and rIL-1B. The T helper (Th)2-acquired immune response is responsible for autoimmune responses in patients with NTM infections, and, quite disturbingly, immunocompetent patients have been reported to suffer from NTM infections. CONCLUSION: New technologies and a comprehensive view has taught us; to acknowledge metabolic/immune determinants and trade-offs along transit through mutualism-parasite continuous.

Marine Seagrass Extract of Thalassia testudinum Suppresses Colorectal Tumor Growth, Motility and Angiogenesis by Autophagic Stress and Immunogenic Cell Death Pathways.

Marine plants have become an inexhaustible reservoir of new phytopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. We demonstrate in vitro/in vivo antitumor efficacy of a standardized polyphenol extract from the marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum (TTE) in colon tumor cell lines (RKO, SW480, and CT26) and a syngeneic allograft murine colorectal cancer model. MTT assays revealed a dose-dependent decrease of cell viability of RKO, CT26, and SW480 cells upon TTE treatment with IC50 values of, respectively, 175, 115, and 60 µg/mL. Furthermore, TTE significantly prevented basal and bFGF-induced angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis assay. In addition, TTE suppressed bFGF-induced migration of endothelial cells in a wound closure assay. Finally, TTE treatment abrogated CT26 colorectal cancer growth and increased overall organism survival in a syngeneic murine allograft model. Corresponding transcriptome profiling and pathway analysis allowed for the identification of the mechanism of action for the antitumor effects of TTE. In line with our in vitro/in vivo results, TTE treatment triggers ATF4-P53-NFκB specific gene expression and autophagy stress pathways. This results in suppression of colon cancer cell growth, cell motility, and angiogenesis pathways in vitro and in addition promotes antitumor immunogenic cell death in vivo.

Validación del modelo de cinco factores de la Escala de Actitud hacia la Estadística en estudiantes mexicanos de psicología / Validation of the five-factor model of the Attitude Scale towards Statistics in Mexican psychology students

Resumen La actitud positiva hacia la estadística promueve el estudio y uso de esta disciplina fundamental para analizar datos; de ahí la relevancia de evaluar el nivel actitudinal y desarrollar estrategias que lo potencien. La Escala de Actitud hacia la Estadística (EAE-25) de Auzmendi es uno de los instrumentos más usados en español para medir esta actitud, pero no se ha validado en México, lo que es importante para su uso en este país y para aportar evidencias de validez. Los objetivos del estudio fueron contrastar el modelo propuesto originariamente, comprobar su consistencia interna, describir su distribución, comparar los promedios entre sexos y verificar su validez concurrente. Este estudio instrumental usó un muestreo no probabilístico. Se analizó una muestra de 383 estudiantes de psicología mexicanos (73.6 % mujeres y 26.4 % hombres) que respondieron a dos escalas de actitud. El modelo de cinco factores (confianza, ansiedad, agrado, utilidad y motivación) mostró buen ajuste a los datos. Sus factores presentaron confiabilidad y validez discriminante. La distribución de las puntuaciones en EAE-25 fue normal. La actitud se polarizó, aproximadamente, en cuatro de cada diez estudiantes hacia la aceptación y en uno de cada diez hacia el rechazo. No hubo diferencias de medias entre sexos. La EAE-25 tuvo correlación alta con actitud hacia la investigación y baja con la calificación en la materia de investigación del semestre anterior. Se concluye que la EAE-25 presenta consistencia interna y validez de constructo.

Abstract The positive attitude towards statistics promotes the study and use of this fundamental discipline to analyze data, hence the relevance of evaluating the attitudinal level and developing strategies that promote a positive attitude. The Auzmendi's Scale of Attitude towards Statistics (EAE-25) is one of the most used instruments in Spanish language to assess this attitude; however, it has not been validated in Mexico, which is important for its use in this country and to provide evidence of validity. The objectives of the study were to test the originally proposed model, to verify its reliability, to describe its distribution, to compare the averages between both sexes, and to verify its concurrent validity. A non-probabilistic sampling was used in this instrumental study. A sample of 383 Mexican psychology students was analyzed (73.6 % women and 26.4 % men). The EAE-25 and a scale assessing attitude towards research were applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the Auzmendi's five-factor model. The parameter estimation was performed by unweighted least squares, using polychoric correlation matrix. The internal consistency was estimated by the McDonald's omega coefficient (ω), the convergent validity by the average variance extracted (AVE), and the discriminant validity by the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT). The mean differences between both sexes were tested through the t-test and concurrent validity through Pearson's correlation coefficients. The model of five correlated factors (confidence, anxiety, pleasure, usefulness, and motivation) showed good fit (χ./df =1.79, GFI = .98, AGFI = .97, NFI = .97, CFI =.99, RMSEA = .04, and SRMR = .07). The five factors showed reliability (ω > .80 in confidence, anxiety, pleasure, and usefulness, and ω = .72 in motivation) and discriminant validity (HTMT < .85 in nine out of ten factor pairs, and < .90 in the pair of the anxiety and confidence factors). The values of AVE were higher than .50 in the factors of confidence, anxiety and pleasure, which shows convergent validity in these three factors. A value of AVE very close to .50 in utility (AVE = .49) was compensated by an omega coefficient of .82, which suggests an acceptable convergent validity. However, the value of AVE was lower than .50 in motivation (AVE = .34). The EAE-25 and its factors presented normal distribution, with the exception of the motivation factor. The scores in the scale and its factors were obtained through the quotient between the sum of the items scored in the sense of acceptance attitude and the number of items added. These scores were interpreted in an absolute sense, by dividing the continuum from 1 to 5 into five intervals in correspondence with the five ordered categories of response to the items: [1, 1.8) y [1.8, 2.6) rejection, [2.6, 3.4) neutral, and [3.4, 4.2) y [4.2, 5] acceptance. The average attitude was positive in confidence (. = 3.53) and utility (. = 3.52), and neutral in the EAE-25 total score and its other three factors. The EAE-25 total scores were polarized towards acceptance in approximately four out of ten students and towards the rejected in approximately one out of ten; in the rest, they were neutral. There were no differences of means between both sexes. The EAE-25 total score had a high correlation with the total score in the scale of attitude towards research (. = .52, . < .001) and low with the qualification in the research subject of the previous semester (. = .13, . < .001). It is concluded that EAE-25 presents internal consistency and construct validity. It is suggested to use this scale in applied research in the field of university education and upper secondary education.

Anti-hypernociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of JM-20: A novel hybrid neuroprotective compound.

The present study examines the possible effect of the novel hybrid molecule JM-20 (3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-411-dihydro-1H-pyrido[2,3-b] [1,5] benzodiazepine) on pain-related behaviours in a persistent pain model (5% formalin test) and in the neutrophil migration events during the inflammatory process. It further introduces JM-20 in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model to clarify the possible subjacent mechanisms with its consequent clinical relevance. A single administration of JM-20 (20 or 40 mg/kg, per os [p.o.]) decreased licking/biting exclusively in the tonic phase of the formalin test in a GABA/benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor antagonist flumazenil-sensitive manner. JM-20 reduced in vivo neutrophil migration, rolling and adhesion to the endothelium induced by intraperitoneal administration of carrageenan in mice. In addition, plasma extravasation and tumour necrosis factor alpha production in the peritoneal fluid were decreased. Treatment with JM-20 (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days after CCI reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in a NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA)/methylene blue/glibenclamide-sensitive manner. Histopathological signs of Wallerian degeneration (WD) of the sciatic nerve were also attenuated, as well as interleukin-1 beta release in the spinal cord. The nitrate/nitrite concentration was increased centrally and did not show differences at the peripheral nerve level. The findings of this study suggest JM-20 can decrease persistent pain. A transient activity of its BDZ portion on nociceptive pathways mediated by GABA/BDZ receptors in association with its anti-inflammatory properties could be at least partially involved in this effect. JM-20 decreased CCI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity via the l-arginine/nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP-sensitive ATP-sensitive potassium channel pathway. Its neuroprotective ability by preventing WD could be implicated in its anti-neuropathic mechanisms.

Satisfacción marital e impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en México / Couple satisfaction and impact of confinement by COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico / Marital satisfaction and impact of confinement by COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico

RESUMEN Introducción : El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la relación entre la satisfacción marital, medida por la Escala de Valoración de la Relación y el impacto percibido por el confinamiento debido al COVID-19 en diferentes ámbitos de la vida de las personas en una muestra mexicana. Método : Se evaluó a 101 personas que viven en pareja, con edad promedio de 41.2 años (DE = 10.7), 54.5% mujeres y 45.5% hombres. Resultados : El principal resultado fue la correlación negativa y significativa que indica que, a mayor satisfacción en la relación, menor impacto del confinamiento en los ámbitos de tranquilidad, felicidad, salud, condición física y bienestar emocional. Conclusión : Las personas que evalúan su relación de pareja como satisfactoria perciben menor impacto durante la contingencia por COVID-19 en los diferentes ámbitos de su vida.

ABSTRACT Background : The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between marital satisfaction, measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale and the perceived impact of confinement due to COVID-19 in different areas of people's lives, in a Mexican sample. Method : 101 people living as a couple, with an average age of 41.2 years (SD = 10.7), 54.5% women and 45.5% men were evaluated. Results : The main result was a negative and significant correlation that indicates that the greater the satisfaction in the relationship, the less impact of confinement in the areas of tranquility, happiness, health, physical condition and emotional well-being. Conclusion : The people with higher marital satisfaction will perceive less impact during the contingency by COVID-19 in the different areas of the person's life.

ABSTRACT Background : The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between marital satisfaction, measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale and the perceived impact of confinement due to COVID-19 in different areas of people's lives, in a Mexican sample. Method : 101 people living as a couple, with an average age of 41.2 years (SD = 10.7), 54.5% women and 45.5% men were evaluated. Results : The main result was a negative and significant correlation that indicates that the greater the satisfaction in the relationship, the less impact of confinement in the areas of tranquility, happiness, health, physical condition and emotional well-being. Conclusion : The people with higher marital satisfaction will perceive less impact during the contingency by COVID-19 in the different areas of the person's life.

RESUMEN Introducción : El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la relación entre la satisfacción marital, medida por la Escala de Valoración de la Relación y el impacto percibido por el confinamiento debido al COVID-19 en diferentes ámbitos de la vida de las personas en una muestra mexicana. Método : Se evaluó a 101 personas que viven en pareja, con edad promedio de 41.2 años (DE = 10.7), 54.5% mujeres y 45.5% hombres. Resultados : El principal resultado fue la correlación negativa y significativa que indica que, a mayor satis- facción en la relación, menor impacto del confinamiento en los ámbitos de tranquilidad, felicidad, salud, condición física y bienestar emocional. Conclusión : Las personas que evalúan su relación de pareja como satisfactoria perciben menor impacto durante la contingencia por COVID-19 en los diferentes ámbitos de su vida.

Mucosal Microbiome Profiles Polygenic Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Mestizo Individuals.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most frequent functional gastrointestinal disorder, worldwide, with a high prevalence among Mestizo Latin Americans. Because several inflammatory disorders appear to affect this population, a further understanding of host genomic background variants, in conjunction with colonic mucosa dysbiosis, is necessary to determine IBS physiopathology and the effects of environmental pressures. Using a simple polygenic model, host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the taxonomic compositions of microbiota were compared between IBS patients and healthy subjects. As proof of concept, five IBS-Rome III patients and five healthy controls (HCs) were systematically studied. The human and bacterial intestinal metagenome of each subject was taxonomically annotated and screened for previously annotated IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease-associated SNPs or taxon abundance. Dietary data and fecal markers were collected and associated with the intestinal microbiome. However, more than 1,000 variants were found, and at least 76 SNPs differentiated IBS patients from HCs, as did associations with 4 phyla and 10 bacterial genera. In this study, we found elements supporting a polygenic background, with frequent variants, among the Mestizo population, and the colonic mucosal enrichment of Bacteroides, Alteromonas, Neisseria, Streptococcus, and Microbacterium, may serve as a hallmark for IBS.