Correlates of Theta and Gamma Activity during Visuospatial Incidental/Intentional Encoding and Retrieval Indicate Differences in Processing in Young and Elderly Healthy Participants.

Incidental visuospatial learning acquired under incidental conditions is more vulnerable to aging than in the intentional case. The theta and gamma correlates of the coding and retrieval of episodic memory change during aging. Based on the vulnerability of incidental coding to aging, different theta and gamma correlates could occur under the incidental versus intentional coding and retrieval of visuospatial information. Theta and gamma EEG was recorded from the frontotemporal regions, and incidental/intentional visuospatial learning was evaluated in young (25-60 years old) and elderly (60-85 years old) participants. The EEG recorded during encoding and retrieval was compared between incidental low-demand, incidental high-demand, and intentional conditions through an ANCOVA considering the patient's gender, IQ, and years of schooling as covariates. Older adults exhibited worse performances, especially in place-object associations. After the intentional study, older participants showed a further increase in false-positive errors. Higher power at the theta and gamma bands was observed for frontotemporal derivations in older participants for both encoding and retrieval. Under retrieval, only young participants had lower power in terms of errors compared with correct responses. In conclusion, the different patterns of power and coherence support incidental and intentional visuospatial encoding and retrieval in young and elderly individuals. The correlates of power with behavior are sensitive to age and performance.

Clinical and treatment profiles of arterial hypertension in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey endorsed by the "Collaborative Group on Arterial Hypertension".

Background: Arterial hypertension is highly prevalent in Mexico; nevertheless, there are limited insights regarding its management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we estimate the prevalence of clinical and treatment profiles of arterial hypertension and explore associated factors for undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension using a cross-sectional survey endorsed by the Collaborative Group on Arterial Hypertension from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Methods: Our survey was conducted from May to November 2021 using the May-Measurement Month 2021 protocols of the International Society of Hypertension. Arterial hypertension (defined as: blood pressure [BP] ≥140/90 mmHg, previous diagnosis, or taking antihypertensives) and its clinical and treatment profiles were classified according to the World Hypertension League Expert Committee. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to explore associated factors for undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. Results: Among 77,145 screened participants (women: 62.4%; median age: 46 [IQR: 32-59] years), the prevalence of arterial hypertension was 35.7% (95% CI: 35.3-36.0, n = 27,540). Among participants with arterial hypertension, 30.9% (95% CI: 30.4-31.5, n = 8,533) were undiagnosed, 6.6% (95% CI: 6.3%-6.9%, n = 1,806) were diagnosed but untreated, 43.4% (95% CI: 42.9-44.0, n = 11,965) had uncontrolled hypertension, and only 19% (95% CI: 18.6%-19.5%, n = 5,236) achieved hypertension control (BP < 130/80 mmHg). Explored associated factors for undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension include being men, living in the central and southern regions, lower educational attainments, higher use of pharmacological agents, and previous COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adverse arterial hypertension profiles, mainly undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension, were highly prevalent during the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico.

May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Mexico.

May Measurement Month 2021 (MMM21) in Mexico was an opportunistic survey that aimed to improve blood pressure awareness at the individual and population levels and to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, knowledge, and rates of hypertension in the country. This survey followed the methodology of MMM, previously published. The total number of participants screened was 77 547, of which 47 793 (61.6%) were female and 29 178 (37.6%) were male. The mean age (SD) was 46.2 (16.6) years. Of all 77 547 participants, 14 939 (19.3%) had hypertension, of which 48% were aware. The frequency and awareness of hypertension in this survey are similar to those reported before the pandemic (MMM19-Mexico and the 2019 National Health Survey), suggesting that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in these parameters of arterial hypertension was not as important as expected. These data are concordant with the official reports in Mexico that showed that the pandemic had a severe impact on cardiovascular mortality but did not modify mortality due to hypertension or stroke.

Prevalent coinfection and associated factors for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy: A cross-sectional study of 21 dialysis units in the State of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predispose to viral coinfections in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy (RRT); nevertheless, few reports have been performed to elucidate the current epidemiology within this population in Mexico. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV coinfection and to explore factors associated with prevalent coinfection in patients living with renal failure undergoing to RRT. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional recruitment across 21 units at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) at the State of Mexico was performed during 2019. A standardized clinical questionnaire was performed to elucidate individual and relatives-related conditions. A treatment facility questionnaire was applied to the chief responsible of each unit to explore treatment facility variables. Serological testing, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometrical parameters were extracted from clinical records. RESULT: In 1,304 patients (57.5% male, mean age 45.5 (SD: 15.6) years, and 95.8% in hemodialysis), the prevalence of any viral coinfection was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.32%-4.23%). The highest viral coinfection prevalence were for HCV, HBV, and HIV, in which men and subjects diagnosed after 2010's had the highest rates. We identify that being submitted to peritoneal dialysis, being treated in a surrogated dialysis center and living with a close relative with prior hepatitis coinfection were associated factors for any viral coinfection. CONCLUSION: In patients submitted to RRT, the prevalence of viral coinfection remains high compared with general population. Screening strategies, medical awareness and targeted public healthcare policies should prioritize better care practices within patients submitted to RRT in Mexico.

[Knowledge of PrevenIMSS Programs in users of a primary health care clinic]. / Conocimientos del programa PrevenIMSS en usuarios de una unidad de medicina familiar.

Background: The PrevenIMSS programs are a strategy to promote health self-care at the three levels of prevention, with special emphasis on primary health care. One of its objectives is to have an impact on the morbidity and mortality of chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, the prevention of these illnesses requires knowledge for health self-care contained in these guidelines. Objective: To identify the information that the IMSS beneficiaries have on self-care of health contained in the PrevenIMSS guidelines. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. After signing the informed consent, one thousand beneficiaries of a UMF were interviewed, 200 for each PrevenIMSS age group. Questions were asked about: 1. Health promotion, 2. Prevention and control of diseases, 3. Detection of diseases, 4. Nutrition, 5. Sexual and reproductive health, and an open question, to identify their needs for self-care of health. Results: The respondents answered having knowledge about the PrevenIMSS components in: Health promotion: 62%. Nutrition: 43%. Disease prevention: 55.3%. Detection and control of diseases: 51.9%. Sexual and reproductive health: 49.9%. The total score obtained by age group was: 0-9 years 46.35 ± 14.36; 10-19 years 46.02 ± 12.06; women from 20 to 59 years old 46.79 ± 8.19, men from 20 to 59 years old 52.19 ± 14.58; adults aged 60 and over 46.65 ± 13.34. Conclusions: The least information is in nutrition. The group of adolescents was the most affected.

Introducción: los programas PrevenIMSS son una estrategia para promover la salud en los tres niveles de prevención, con especial énfasis en el primer nivel de atención. Uno de sus objetivos es impactar en la morbimortalidad de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión, cuya prevención requiere de conocimientos para el autocuidado de la salud contenidos en estas guías. Objetivo: identificar la información que tienen los derechohabientes del IMSS sobre el autocuidado de la salud contenida en las guías PrevenIMSS. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Previa firma de consentimiento informado se entrevistó a mil derechohabientes de una unidad de medicina familiar; 200 por cada grupo etario PrevenIMSS. Se formularon preguntas acerca de: 1. Promoción de la salud, 2. Prevención y control de enfermedades, 3. Detección de enfermedades, 4. Nutrición, 5. Salud sexual y reproductiva, y una pregunta abierta para identificar sus necesidades sobre el autocuidado de la salud. Resultados: los encuestados respondieron tener conocimientos acerca de los componentes PrevenIMSS en: Promoción de la salud, el 62%; Nutrición, 43%; Prevención de enfermedades, 55.3%; Detección y control de enfermedades, 51.9%, y Salud sexual y reproductiva, 49.9%. El puntaje total obtenido por grupo etario fue: 0-9 años: 46.35 ± 14.36; 10-19 años: 46.02 ± 12.06; mujeres de 20 a 59 años: 46.79 ± 8.19, hombres de 20 a 59 años: 52.19 ±14.58, y adultos mayores de 60 años y más: 46.65 ± 13.34. Conclusiones: la menor información se tiene en nutrición. El grupo de adolescentes fue el más afectado.

Higher education students' achievement emotions and their antecedents in e-learning amid COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country survey.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide range of negative consequences for higher education students. We explored the generalizability of the control-value theory of achievement emotions for e-learning, focusing on their antecedents. We involved 17019 higher education students from 13 countries, who completed an online survey during the first wave of the pandemic. A structural equation model revealed that proximal antecedents (e-learning self-efficacy, computer self-efficacy) mediated the relation between environmental antecedents (cognitive and motivational quality of the task) and positive and negative achievement emotions, with some exceptions. The model was invariant across country, area of study, and gender. The rates of achievement emotions varied according to these same factors. Beyond their theoretical relevance, these findings could be the basis for policy recommendations to support stakeholders in coping with the challenges of e-learning and the current and future sequelae of the pandemic.

Conocimientos del programa PrevenIMSS en usuarios de una unidad de medicina familiar / Knowledge of PrevenIMSS Programs in users of a primary health care clinic

Introducción: los programas PrevenIMSS son una estrategia para promover la salud en los tres niveles de prevención, con especial énfasis en el primer nivel de atención. Uno de sus objetivos es impactar en la morbimortalidad de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión, cuya prevención requiere de conocimientos para el autocuidado de la salud contenidos en estas guías. Objetivo: identificar la información que tienen los derechohabientes del IMSS sobre el autocuidado de la salud contenida en las guías PrevenIMSS. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Previa firma de consentimiento informado se entrevistó a mil derechohabientes de una unidad de medicina familiar; 200 por cada grupo etario PrevenIMSS. Se formularon preguntas acerca de: 1. Promoción de la salud, 2. Prevención y control de enfermedades, 3. Detección de enfermedades, 4. Nutrición, 5. Salud sexual y reproductiva, y una pregunta abierta para identificar sus necesidades sobre el autocuidado de la salud. Resultados: los encuestados respondieron tener conocimientos acerca de los componentes PrevenIMSS en: Promoción de la salud, el 62%; Nutrición, 43%; Prevención de enfermedades, 55.3%; Detección y control de enfermedades, 51.9%, y Salud sexual y reproductiva, 49.9%. El puntaje total obtenido por grupo etario fue: 0-9 años: 46.35 ± 14.36; 10-19 años: 46.02 ± 12.06; mujeres de 20 a 59 años: 46.79 ± 8.19, hombres de 20 a 59 años: 52.19 ±14.58, y adultos mayores de 60 años y más: 46.65 ± 13.34. Conclusiones: la menor información se tiene en nutrición. El grupo de adolescentes fue el más afectado.

Background: The PrevenIMSS programs are a strategy to promote health self-care at the three levels of prevention, with special emphasis on primary health care. One of its objectives is to have an impact on the morbidity and mortality of chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, the prevention of these illnesses requires knowledge for health self-care contained in these guidelines. Objective: To identify the information that the IMSS beneficiaries have on self-care of health contained in the PrevenIMSS guidelines. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. After signing the informed consent, one thousand beneficiaries of a UMF were interviewed, 200 for each PrevenIMSS age group. Questions were asked about: 1. Health promotion, 2. Prevention and control of diseases, 3. Detection of diseases, 4. Nutrition, 5. Sexual and reproductive health, and an open question, to identify their needs for self-care of health. Results: The respondents answered having knowledge about the PrevenIMSS components in: Health promotion: 62%. Nutrition: 43%. Disease prevention: 55.3%. Detection and control of diseases: 51.9%. Sexual and reproductive health: 49.9%. The total score obtained by age group was: 0-9 years 46.35 ± 14.36; 10-19 years 46.02 ± 12.06; women from 20 to 59 years old 46.79 ± 8.19, men from 20 to 59 years old 52.19 ± 14.58; adults aged 60 and over 46.65 ± 13.34. Conclusions: The least information is in nutrition. The group of adolescents was the most affected.

Family psychotherapy in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Family psychotherapy has been shown to have a positive impact on the evolution of patients with psychosomatic disorders, and in those with arterial hypertension it could improve the level of control of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an intervention in family psychotherapy in patients with uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension. METHOD: Study with comparative groups. 15 uncontrolled hypertensive patients, assigned to 2 groups: an intervention group of 10 patients who received family psychotherapy and a control group of 5 patients. In both groups, the pharmacological treatment indicated by experts was continued. Both groups were compared before and after the intervention regarding quality of life (InCaViSa), family functioning (Family Functioning Scale), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and creatinine. RESULTS: There was qualitative improvement in the domains of the InCaViSa scale to estimate quality of life in the intervention group and there were no statistically significant changes between the groups in family functioning or in body weight. Among the biochemical variables, only cholesterol showed a significant reduction (p = 0.47). Greater mobility of the family towards more functional behaviors was found in the group that received the intervention, and also in this group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values decreased (p < 0.001), and the use of antihypertensive, anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, as well. CONCLUSIONS: Family psychotherapeutic intervention can favor the control of blood pressure, reduce the doses of antihypertensive, anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs and it can help to transition to better functionally family states.

ANTECEDENTES: La psicoterapia familiar ha demostrado tener un impacto positivo en la evolución de enfermos con trastornos psicosomáticos, y en aquellos con hipertensión arterial arterial pudiera mejorar el nivel de control de la enfermedad. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de una intervención en psicoterapia familiar en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica no controlada. MÉTODO: Estudio con grupos comparados. 15 pacientes hipertensos no controlados, asignados a dos grupos: un de intervención, con 10 pacientes que recibieron psicoterapia familiar, y otro de control con 5 pacientes. En ambos grupos se continuó con el tratamiento farmacológico indicado por expertos. Se compararon ambos grupos antes y después de la intervención respecto a calidad de vida (InCaViSa), funcionamiento familiar (Escala de Funcionamiento Familiar), presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, índice de masa corporal, glucosa, colesterol, triglicéridos, ácido úrico y creatinina. RESULTADOS: Hubo una mejoría cualitativa en los dominios de la escala InCaViSa para estimar la calidad de vida en el grupo de intervención y no hubo cambios estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos en cuanto a funcionamiento familiar y peso corporal. Entre las variables bioquímicas, solo el colesterol mostró una reducción significativa (p = 0.47). Se encontró una mayor movilidad de la familia hacia comportamientos más funcionales en el grupo que recibió la intervención, y también en este grupo disminuyeron las cifras de presión sistólica y diastólica (p < 0.001), así como el uso de antihipertensivos, ansiolíticos y antidepresivos. CONCLUSIONES: La intervención psicoterapéutica familiar puede favorecer el control de la presión arterial, reducir las dosis de antihipertensivos, ansiolíticos y antidepresivos, y ayudar en la transición a estados de mejor funcionalidad familiar.

Academic student satisfaction and perceived performance in the e-learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence across ten countries.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shaped higher education and seen the distinct rise of e-learning as a compulsory element of the modern educational landscape. Accordingly, this study highlights the factors which have influenced how students perceive their academic performance during this emergency changeover to e-learning. The empirical analysis is performed on a sample of 10,092 higher education students from 10 countries across 4 continents during the pandemic's first wave through an online survey. A structural equation model revealed the quality of e-learning was mainly derived from service quality, the teacher's active role in the process of online education, and the overall system quality, while the students' digital competencies and online interactions with their colleagues and teachers were considered to be slightly less important factors. The impact of e-learning quality on the students' performance was strongly mediated by their satisfaction with e-learning. In general, the model gave quite consistent results across countries, gender, study fields, and levels of study. The findings provide a basis for policy recommendations to support decision-makers incorporate e-learning issues in the current and any new similar circumstances.

Diabetic patients are deficient in intentional visuospatial learning and show different learning-related patterns of theta and gamma EEG activity.

Introduction: We hypothesized that diabetic patients without mild cognitive impairment would present deficiencies in visuospatial incidental/intentional memory processing and alterations in the underlying EEG alpha, theta and gamma patterns.Methods: Non-diabetic, diabetic-controlled, and diabetic-uncontrolled patients underwent a visuospatial incidental-intentional memory test under simultaneous recording of temporal, parietal, and frontal EEG. The test required patients to solve a maze, with eight objects irrelevant to the task, embedded in it, after an interference instruction, participants were asked to recall the positions of the objects (incidental test). Finally, the participants were explicitly told to study the object positions, and then were asked to recall the objects again (intentional test). Power from baseline, incidental learning, incidental memory, and intentional learning conditions was obtained in alpha, theta, and low-gamma bands. Comparisons were made across groups and conditions for each band, with age, sex, and years from the diagnosis as covariates (ANCOVA with blocking).Results: Diabetic patients showed spared incidental but deficient intentional visuospatial learning. Uncontrolled patients showed a more profound intentional learning deficit as they scored similar numbers of correct positions under incidental and intentional conditions; whereas, non-diabetic and diabetic-controlled patients increased their number after the intentional study. Non-diabetic participants showed increased power during intentional learning compared with the baseline condition in frontal theta, frontoparietal gamma (Fp2 and P4) and frontal alpha (F4) bands; whereas in diabetic patients the power increased in the theta band, in T5 (uncontrolled) and T5 and F7 (controlled).Conclusions: Diabetic patients without mild cognitive impairment show deficient intentional visuospatial learning which was worse in uncontrolled patients. Theta and gamma power increased in healthy participants during intentional learning principally in frontal areas. These EEG power changes were absent in diabetic patients. The reduced accuracy of diabetic patients in intentional visuospatial learning was associated with different EEG learning-related patterns.