Composite scales of morningness and preferences: preliminary validity data in Peruvian undergraduates.

The aim of this study is to offer preliminary results about the validity of the composite morningness scale (CS) and the early/late preferences scale (PS) in a Peruvian sample. The relationship of both scales with the preferred rising and retiring times was analysed, along with the level of self-reported alertness. In Bohle et al.'s (2001) work, the relationship between morningness and preferred rising and retiring times was higher over the weekend than on weekdays. This difference explained the dispositional nature of morningness, due to the possible lesser influence of time schedules over the weekend in individuals' preferences. This result is replicated in a group of 139 Peruvian undergraduates, aged between 18 and 29 years (M = 21.73), of whom 78.4% were women. The relationship between morningness and (actual) normal rising and retiring times on weekdays and over the weekend is considered. The results partially confirm Bohle et al.'s (2001) hypothesis about preferred rising and retiring times and their relationship with the PS, and actual rising time and its relationship with the CS and PS. The differences in the level of self-reported alertness between morning, intermediate and evening-oriented groups provide support for the validity of both scales. Finally, the scores of CS and PS in Peruvian undergraduates are similar to those found by Smith et al. (2002) in university students from six countries.

[Multiple sclerosis and depression]. / Esclerosis multiple y depresion.

INTRODUCTION: Depression has frequently been reported in multiple sclerosis. However, prevalence rates must be interpreted in the light of the conceptual and methodological limitations of these studies. Depression has traditionally been associated with response to the diagnosis of this disease, the presence of physical and cognitive limitations, the damage of specific neural systems and inmunomodulatory therapy. AIMS: To assess the evolution of emotional state and its relationship with motor and cognitive slowness, in relapsing remitting patients with minimal levels of neurological disability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data are reported for 35 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, 27 treated with interferons and 8 without interferon treatment. Mood disturbance (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), physical disability (Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS) and speed of information processing (reaction times) were assessed. The first testing was carried out before the start of treatment and the second testing one year later. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The group of patients showed a total BDI score indicative of minimal depression associated with items expressing performance difficulties and somatic complaints. Emotional state was not related to physical disability but was related to processing speed measures. A significant improvement of depression was observed after one year of treatment with inmunomodulatory therapy.

[Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. Apropos a case with unusual clinical manifestations and evolution to T-cell lymphoma]. / Linfadenopatía angioinmunoblástica. A propósito de un caso con manifestaciones clínicas inusuales y evolución a linfoma T.

We present the case of a 67-years-old patient which, after treatment with ciprofloxacin, developed fever, exanthema, arthralgias, polyadenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia and severe inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio. Latter, he developed ischemic signs in several locations (splenic and cerebral infarcts), as well as polyneuropathy and inflammatory myopathy. The diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy was established through ganglionary biopsy. The patient improved initially with the administration of corticoids, but in a few months, he developed pleomorphic T lymphoma with quick fatal evolution. We discuss the rarity of some of the clinical and laboratory manifestations in this patient and we comment on the association of ciprofloxacin and the angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy, which has never been previously described in the international literature.