Hope, resilience and subjective happiness among general population of Paraguay in the post COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Positive mental health includes not only the absence of mental disorders but also the presence of subjective well-being, good coping strategies for life stress, and strategies for adapting to community life. It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged mental health in general population worldwide. However, research has not measured protective factors for mental health in the general population after the declared end of pandemic by the World Health Organization. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study surveyed 591 Paraguayan participants aged ⩾18 years, who were recruited through an online survey. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status were collected as well as mental health and validated tools for hope, resilience, subjective happiness were administered. RESULTS: Of the participants, 81.6% were women, 54% were married or in a relationship and 90.7% reported an university education. The main source of stress was economic issues (30.3%). A total of 22.7% had been previously diagnosed with a mental disorder, 22.2% had consulted a mental health professional and 10.8% had consumed prescription drugs. 42.6% reported flourishing, 36.2% reported moderate and 21.2% reported languishing mental health. CONCLUSIONS: This large survey has shown that most of participants reported a flourishing mental health with high ratings at hope, resilience, and subjective happiness scales. Also, the main sources of stress were economic issues, not consequently related to the pandemic. This may add evidences to the international debate on the long term effects of the global pandemic and probably suggests that recovery processes have been collectively adopted in Paraguay.

Asociación entre cronotipo y síntomas depresivos: un estudio exploratorio / Association between chronotype and depressive symptoms: an exploratory study

Introducción: el cronotipo es la predisposición natural de cada individuo a experimentar picos de energía o momentos de descanso en función de su ritmo circadiano. Los individuos pueden tener cronotipos matutinos, vespertinos o intermedios, que pueden tener relación con el desarrollo de depresión. Objetivo: determinar la existencia de asociación entre el cronotipo y la sintomatología depresiva en una muestra de adultos. Metodología: este estudio observacional, descriptivo y exploratorio se realizó en agosto de 2023. Se incluyeron en este estudio adultos de ambos sexos. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, y los participantes respondieron el Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire de Horne y Östberg para evaluar el cronotipo, y el Patient Health Questionnaire de 2 ítems (PHQ-2) para evaluar los síntomas depresivos. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas para todas las variables. Para la estadística inferencial, se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Se utilizó odds ratio para cuantificar las relaciones. Resultados: un total de 105 personas participaron en el estudio, de las cuales el 58 % eran mujeres. La edad media de la muestra era de 29,4 ± 11,6 años. El 69 % de la muestra presentaba el cronotipo matutino, mientras que el 31 % presentaba el cronotipo vespertino. Se observó que el 31 % de los participantes puntuaba positivamente para depresión (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). Se encontró una relación entre el cronotipo y los puntos de corte del PHQ-2 (p=0,036). Se halló una OR=2,5 (IC 95%: 1,05-5,95) a favor del cronotipo vespertino para el desarrollo de depresión. Conclusión: casi siete de cada diez participantes tenían un cronotipo matutino, mientras que tres de cada diez dieron positivo en depresión. Los individuos con cronotipos vespertinos son más propensos a desarrollar síntomas depresivos que aquellos con cronotipos matutinos.

Introduction: chronotype is the natural predisposition of each individual to experience peaks of energy or moments of rest according to their circadian rhythm. Individuals may have morning, evening, or intermediate chronotypes that may be related to the development of depression. Objective: to determine the existence of an association between chronotype and depressive symptomatology in a sample of adults. Methodology: this observational, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted in August 2023. Adults of both sexes were included in this study. Sociodemographic data were collected, and participants answered the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire by Horne and Östberg to assess chronotype, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) to assess depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables. For inferential statistics, the chi-squared test was used with a confidence level of 95 %. Odds ratio was used to quantify the relationships. Results: a total of 105 people participated in the study, 58 % of whom were women. The mean age of the sample was 29.4 ± 11.6 years. Sixty-nine percent of the sample presented the morning chronotype, while 31 % presented the evening chronotype. It was found that 31 % of the participants scored positively for depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). A relationship was found between chronotype and PHQ-2 cutoff points (p=0.036). An OR=2.5 (95 % CI 1.05-5.95) was found in favor of the evening chronotype for the development of depression. Conclusion: almost seven out of ten participants had a morning chronotype, whereas three out of ten were positive for depression. Individuals with evening chronotypes are more likely to develop depressive symptoms than those with morning chronotypes.

Análisis de la coordinación motora por Índice de Masa Corporal y sexo en escolares de Chile

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre la Coordinación Motora (CM) con el Índice de Masa Corporal en escolares chilenos de entre 7 y 9 años. El estudio fue observacional de corte transversal, con características descriptivas y correlacionales. Se evaluaron a 180 escolares (90 mujeres de 8.4 ± 0.9 años y 90 hombres de 8.5± 0.9 años). Se midieron variables antropométricas de peso y talla. Se calculó el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). La coordinación motora (CM) se evaluó utilizando la batería de Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). Los resultados mostraron que en las mujeres el grupo Normopeso tenía un mejor desempeño en la transposición lateral que los grupos Sobrepeso y Obesidad (p˂0.05). En los hombres, el grupo Normopeso superó al grupo Obesidad en los saltos monopedales (p˂0.05). Además, al analizar las diferencias entre sexos, se determinó que las mujeres registraron mayor puntaje que los hombres en el equilibrio a la retaguardia (p<0.05), por su parte, los hombres registraron mejores rendimientos en saltos laterales, transposición lateral y el puntaje total del KTK (p<0.05). Se concluye que existe menor índice de CM en los escolares con elevado IMC, y que existen diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres en el equilibrio, saltos laterales, transposición lateral y el puntaje total del test KTK.

The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between motor coordination (CM) and Body Mass Index in Chilean schoolchildren between 7 and 9 years of age. The study was observational cross-sectional, correlational and descriptive study. 180 students of both sexes were evaluated (90 women aged 8.4 ± 0.9 years and 90 men aged 8.5 ± 0.9 years). Anthropometric weight and height variables were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The CM was evaluated using the battery of Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). The results showed that in the lateral transposition, the normal weight group outperforms the overweight and Obesity group (p˂0.05) for women. For men, in monopedal jumps, the normal weight group also outperformed the obesity group (p˂0.05). In addition, when analyzing the differences between the sexes, it was noted that women had a higher score than men in the rear balance (p˂0.05). On the other hand, men had performed better in lateral jumps, lateral transposition and the total KTK score (p˂0.05). In conclusion, the study found that there was a lower CM index in schoolchildren with a high BMI, and that there were significant differences between men and women in terms of balance, lateral jumps, lateral transposition, and the total score of the KTK test.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre a coordenação motora (CM) com o Índice de Massa Corporal corporal em escolares chilenos entre 7 e 9 anos de idade. O estudo foi observacional transversal, com características descritivas e correlacionais. Foram avaliados 180 escolares de ambos os sexos (90 mulheres com idade de 8,4 ± 0,9 anos e 90 homens com idade de 8,5 ± 0,9 anos). Variáveis antropométricas de peso e altura foram medidas. O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) foi calculado. Além disso, a coordenação motora (MC) foi avaliada por meio da bateria Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). Os resultados mostraram que, para mulheres em transposição lateral, o grupo Peso Normal supera o grupo Sobrepeso e Obeso (p˂0,05). Para os homens, nos saltos monopedais o grupo Peso Normal supera o grupo Obesidade (p˂0,05). Além disso, ao analisar as diferenças entre os sexos, percebe-se que as mulheres apresentam pontuação maiores que os homens no equilíbrio de retaguarda (p<0,05), enquanto os homens apresentam melhor desempenho nos saltos laterais, transposição lateral e pontuação total KTK (p< 0,05). Conclui-se que há menor índice de CM em alunos com IMC elevado, e que existem diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres para equilíbrio, saltos laterais, transposição lateral e pontuação total do teste KTK.

Asociación entre cronotipo y síntomas depresivos: un estudio exploratorio

Introducción: el cronotipo es la predisposición natural de cada individuo a experimentar picos de energía o momentos de descanso en función de su ritmo circadiano. Los individuos pueden tener cronotipos matutinos, vespertinos o intermedios, que pueden tener relación con el desarrollo de depresión. Objetivo: determinar la existencia de asociación entre el cronotipo y la sintomatología depresiva en una muestra de adultos. Metodología: este estudio observacional, descriptivo y exploratorio se realizó en agosto de 2023. Se incluyeron en este estudio adultos de ambos sexos. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, y los participantes respondieron el Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire de Horne y Östberg para evaluar el cronotipo, y el Patient Health Questionnaire de 2 ítems (PHQ-2) para evaluar los síntomas depresivos. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas para todas las variables. Para la estadística inferencial, se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Se utilizó odds ratio para cuantificar las relaciones. Resultados: un total de 105 personas participaron en el estudio, de las cuales el 58 % eran mujeres. La edad media de la muestra era de 29,4 ± 11,6 años. El 69 % de la muestra presentaba el cronotipo matutino, mientras que el 31 % presentaba el cronotipo vespertino. Se observó que el 31 % de los participantes puntuaba positivamente para depresión (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). Se encontró una relación entre el cronotipo y los puntos de corte del PHQ-2 (p=0,036). Se halló una OR=2,5 (IC 95%: 1,05-5,95) a favor del cronotipo vespertino para el desarrollo de depresión. Conclusión: casi siete de cada diez participantes tenían un cronotipo matutino, mientras que tres de cada diez dieron positivo en depresión. Los individuos con cronotipos vespertinos son más propensos a desarrollar síntomas depresivos que aquellos con cronotipos matutinos.

Introduction: chronotype is the natural predisposition of each individual to experience peaks of energy or moments of rest according to their circadian rhythm. Individuals may have morning, evening, or intermediate chronotypes that may be related to the development of depression. Objective: to determine the existence of an association between chronotype and depressive symptomatology in a sample of adults. Methodology: this observational, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted in August 2023. Adults of both sexes were included in this study. Sociodemographic data were collected, and participants answered the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire by Horne and Östberg to assess chronotype, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) to assess depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables. For inferential statistics, the chi-squared test was used with a confidence level of 95 %. Odds ratio was used to quantify the relationships. Results: a total of 105 people participated in the study, 58 % of whom were women. The mean age of the sample was 29.4 ± 11.6 years. Sixty-nine percent of the sample presented the morning chronotype, while 31 % presented the evening chronotype. It was found that 31 % of the participants scored positively for depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). A relationship was found between chronotype and PHQ-2 cutoff points (p=0.036). An OR=2.5 (95 % CI 1.05-5.95) was found in favor of the evening chronotype for the development of depression. Conclusion: almost seven out of ten participants had a morning chronotype, whereas three out of ten were positive for depression. Individuals with evening chronotypes are more likely to develop depressive symptoms than those with morning chronotypes.

Introducing "MEW2" Software: A Tool to Analyze MQ-NMR Experiments for Elastomers.

Low-field time-domain proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an attractive and powerful tool for studying the structure and dynamics of elastomers. The existence of crosslinks and other topological constraints in rubber matrices (entanglements and filler-rubber interactions, among others) renders the fast segmental fluctuations of the polymeric chains non-isotropic, obtaining nonzero residual dipolar couplings, which is the main observable of MQ-NMR experiments. A new software, Multiple quantum nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer for Elastomeric Networks v2 (MEW2), provides a new tool to facilitate the study of the molecular structure of elastomeric materials. This program quantitatively analyzes two different sets of experimental data obtained in the same experiment, which are dominated by multiple-quantum coherence and polymer dynamics. The proper quantification of non-coupled network defects (dangling chain ends, loops, etc.) allows the analyzer to normalize the multiple quantum intensity, obtaining a build-up curve that contains the structural information without any influence from the rubber dynamics. Finally, it provides the spatial distribution of crosslinks using a fast Tikhonov regularization process based on a statistical criterion. As a general trend, this study provides an automatic solution to a tedious procedure of analysis, demonstrating a new tool that accelerates the calculations of network structure using 1H MQ-NMR low-field time-domain experiments for elastomeric compounds.

Dermatitis Artefacta: A Practical Guide for Diagnosis and Management.

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is a psycho-dermatologic condition based on patients' behavioral patterns, characterized by an intentional production of cutaneous lesions on their own skin. The clinical presentation can be highly variable. Patients with DA seldom seek psychological support or psychiatric consultation. More often, they seek help from their primary care physician or dermatologist. This review article aims to provide a practical guide for the diagnosis and management of AD and affected patients. A broad literature search was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic online databases, using key words "dermatitis artefacta", "diagnosis", "management", and "psychodermatology". The search was limited to English and Spanish language articles and was supplemented with themed books and book chapters. DA can occur in a variety of clinical presentations, and physicians should suspect DA in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders or extensive use of healthcare services. The ultimate goal of DA treatment may be a proper referral to mental health services. However, the prognosis is poor even when successful mental health referrals are achieved, with low recovery rates. A useful approach may include the suggestion that a mental health provider can help with the anxiety and the distress generated by the lesions: in this case in this case it will be crucial to discuss this with the mental health provider after obtaining informed consent from the patient. Considering the difficulty in promoting patients' adherence to treatment, the ideal setting for DA treatment is a psycho-dermatologic clinic, where both dermatologic and psychological interventions can be seamlessly integrated.

Neoantigen-specific CD8 T cells with high structural avidity preferentially reside in and eliminate tumors.

The success of cancer immunotherapy depends in part on the strength of antigen recognition by T cells. Here, we characterize the T cell receptor (TCR) functional (antigen sensitivity) and structural (monomeric pMHC-TCR off-rates) avidities of 371 CD8 T cell clones specific for neoantigens, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or viral antigens isolated from tumors or blood of patients and healthy donors. T cells from tumors exhibit stronger functional and structural avidity than their blood counterparts. Relative to TAA, neoantigen-specific T cells are of higher structural avidity and, consistently, are preferentially detected in tumors. Effective tumor infiltration in mice models is associated with high structural avidity and CXCR3 expression. Based on TCR biophysicochemical properties, we derive and apply an in silico model predicting TCR structural avidity and validate the enrichment in high avidity T cells in patients' tumors. These observations indicate a direct relationship between neoantigen recognition, T cell functionality and tumor infiltration. These results delineate a rational approach to identify potent T cells for personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Phenotype and Reactivity of Lymphocytes Expanded from Benign Prostate Hyperplasic Tissues and Prostate Cancer.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a frequent condition in aging men, which affects life quality, causing principally lower urinary tract symptoms. Epidemiologic studies suggest that BPH may raise the risk of developing prostate cancer (PCa), most likely promoting a chronic inflammatory environment. Studies aiming at elucidating the link and risk factors that connect BPH and PCa are urgently needed to develop prevention strategies. The BPH microenvironment, similar to the PCa one, increases immune infiltration of the prostate, but, in contrast to PCa, immunosuppression may not be established yet. In this study, we found that prostate-infiltrating lymphocytes (PILs) expanded from hyperplastic prostate tissue recognized tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and autologous tissue, regardless of the presence of tumor cells. PILs expanded from BPH samples of patients with PCa, however, seem to respond more strongly to autologous tissue. Phenotypic characterization of the infiltrating PILs revealed a trend towards better expanding CD4+ T cells in infiltrates derived from PCa, but no significant differences were found. These findings suggest that T cell tolerance is compromised in BPH-affected prostates, likely due to qualitative or quantitative alterations of the antigenic landscape. Our data support the hypothesis that BPH increases the risk of PCa and may pave the way for new personalized preventive vaccine strategies for these patients.

Time from symptoms onset to remdesivir is associated with the risk of ICU admission: a multicentric analyses.

BACKGROUND: Shorter duration of symptoms before remdesivir has been associated with better outcomes. Our goal was to evaluate variables associated with the need of ICU admission in a cohort of hospitalized patients for COVID-19 under remdesivir including the period from symptoms onset to remdesivir. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicentric study analysing all patients admitted with COVID-19 in 9 Spanish hospitals who received treatment with remdesivir in October 2020. The main outcome was the need of ICU admission after 24 h of the first dose of remdesivir. RESULTS: In our cohort of 497 patients, the median of days from symptom onset to remdesivir was 5 days, and 70 of them (14.1%) were later admitted into ICU. The clinical outcomes associated with ICU admission were days from symptoms onset (5 vs. 6; p = 0.023), clinical signs of severe disease (respiratory rate, neutrophil count, ferritin levels and very-high mortality rate in SEIMC-Score) and the use of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs before ICU. The only variable significatively associated with risk reduction in the Cox-regression analyses was ≤ 5 days from symptoms onset to RDV (HR: 0.54, CI95%: 0.31-0.92; p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: For patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, the prescription of remdesivir within 5 days from symptoms onset diminishes the need of ICU admission.

Suicides among Children and Adolescents in Paraguay: An 18-year National Exploratory Study (2004-2022).

BACKGROUND: Suicide and suicide attempts are impacting events for patients and their relatives, and these behaviors are still taboo among adults and may be even more traumatic when involving children and adolescents. AIM: In this study we aimed to describe suicide rates among children and adolescents in Paraguay over the last decades as well as associated factors such as sociodemographic characteristics and methods used for suicide. METHODS: This was an observational and exploratory study describing the frequency and characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay between 2004 and 2022. Official records of all deaths by suicide were reviewed, and statistical analyses were performed. In addition, an attempt was made to predict the number of suicides in the next 5 years using a mathematical model based on simple linear regression. RESULTS: In the 18-year period observed, 940 suicides among children and adolescents were recorded. The mean age was 15.05 ± 1.8 years old. Of these, 51.17% were male, 74.6% were from urban areas, and 22.2% were from the Greater Asunción and Central Department of Paraguay. The most frequently used method of suicide was intentional self-inflicted injury by hanging, strangulation, or suffocation, which all represented 75.3% of the cases. Our mathematical modeling based on simple linear regression determined that the expected yearly number of national suicides in the pediatric population for the following years, from 2023 to 2027, will range between 72 and 81. CONCLUSION: This study is the first large national epidemiological report on the emerging issue of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay. It may be a relevant source of information for mental health professionals, health authorities, and decision makers to develop national prevention strategies and actions against suicide among youths.

"Pandemic Fatigue" in South America: A Multi-Center Report from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact on daily life, leading to physical and psychosocial consequences. Nowadays, clinicians and health researchers are particularly interested in describing and facing the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as "long-COVID syndrome". Pandemic fatigue has been defined as a cluster of demotivation, tiredness, and psychological effects that emerge gradually over time after the infection or through the adoption of the recommended measures to combat it. In this study, we report the findings of a large survey conducted in South America involving 1448 participants (mean age: 33.9 ± 11.2 years old) from Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Peru, and Paraguay. An online survey was launched through the common social media based on a specific assessment aimed to detect the prevalence of pandemic fatigue and associated factors. Socio-demographic characteristics, medical, and personal information were collected; the Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were also administered. We found mid-levels of pandemic fatigue among respondents (21.7 ± 7.95 score at PFS) as well as significant anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic (1.56 ± 2.76 score at CAS). In addition, pandemic fatigue was significantly associated with the experience of the loss of a relative/friend due to COVID-19, anxiety related to the infection, and reliance on social media as a primary source of information on the pandemic. Vaccination significantly reduced the levels of fatigue among respondents. Our findings may add to the international debate regarding the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to manage them in the general population of South America.

Qualitative Subgenomic RNA to Monitor the Response to Remdesivir in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Impact on the Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: There is no reliable microbiological marker to guide the indication and the response to antiviral treatment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the dynamics of subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) in patients with COVID-19 before and after receiving treatment with remdesivir. METHODS: We included consecutive patients admitted for COVID-19 who received remdesivir according to our institutional protocol and accepted to participate in the study. A nasopharyngeal swab for quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was collected at baseline and after 3 and 5 days of treatment with remdesivir. Genomic and sgRNA were analyzed in those samples and main comorbidities and evolution were collected for the analyses. The main outcomes were early discharge (≤10 days) and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were included in the study, of whom 24 had a negative sgRNA at baseline, with 62.5% (15/24) receiving early discharge (≤10 days) and no deaths in this group. From the 93 remaining patients, 62 had a negative sgRNA at day 5 with 37/62 (59.6%) with early discharge and a mortality rate of 4.8% (3/62). In the subgroup of 31 patients with positive sgRNA after 5 days of remdesivir, the early discharge rate was 29% (9/31) and the mortality rate was 16.1% (5/31). In multivariable analyses, the variables associated with early discharge were negative sgRNA at day 3 and not needing treatment with corticosteroids or intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative sgRNA could help in monitoring the virological response in patients who receive remdesivir. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Tecnologías para la Evaluación, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad: Una Revisión Preliminar e Integradora

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es uno de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo con más alta prevalencia, estimada en 5%, en la población infantil. El objetivo de esta revisión fue sintetizar las tecnologías existentes que sirven para evaluar, diagnosticar y tratar síntomas de TDAH en población pediátrica. Esta es una revisión preliminar, de tipo integradora, que incluyó artículos publicados en 3 bases de datos especializadas, PsycINFO, Eric y Web of Science, entre los años 2005 y 2021. Se encontró que las pruebas diagnósticas clásicas se dividen en pruebas psicométricas, evaluación por biomarcadores y movimientos oculares. Por su parte, las pruebas que utilizan la tecnología son aquellas a evaluación y diagnóstico (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM y BRAINGAZE) y aquellas que se utilizan en la terapéutica (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS y varias basadas en neurofeedback). Las modernas tecnologías ofrecen cierto porcentaje de sensibilidad con baja inversión, tampoco requieren de equipos costosos y la preparación del profesional psicólogo o médico para su aplicación, es relativamente sencilla y accesible, ya que viene como complemento en la compra de la mayoría de los programas. Con el fin de continuar examinando su efectividad, se recomienda seguir evaluando estas herramientas con metodologías más robustas, en poblaciones clínicas grandes, debiendo ser esto una prioridad para futuras investigaciones.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders with the highest prevalence, estimated at 5%, in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to synthesize the existing technologies used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat ADHD symptoms in the pediatric population. This is a preliminary, integrative review, which included articles published in 3 specialized databases, PsycINFO, Eric and Web of Science, between 2005 and 2021. It was found that classical diagnostic tests are divided into psychometric tests, biomarker assessment and eye movements. On the other hand, the tests that use technology are those for evaluation and diagnosis (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM and BRAINGAZE) and those used in therapy (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS and several based-on neurofeedback). The modern technologies offer a certain percentage of sensitivity with low investment, they do not require expensive equipment and the preparation of the psychologist or medical professional for their application is relatively simple and accessible, since it comes as a complement in the purchase of most of the programs. To continue examining their effectiveness, it is recommended to continue assessing these tools with more robust methodologies, in large clinical populations, and this should be a priority for future research.

The Chikungunya anxiety scale (CHIKAS): Development, validation, and relationship between its items and illness-related factors.

Background: Paraguay has recently experienced an exponential increase in chikungunya cases, leading to psychological distress, particularly anxiety. Aim: To develop and validate the Chikungunya Anxiety Scale (CHIKAS). Materials and Methods: An initial scale of 18 items was used, which was subjected to validation by expert judgment to obtain 14 items. To determine construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have been employed, and internal and convergent validity were determined. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health status data were also collected. Results: The study included 974 participants. The final scale consisted of 12 items with evidence of a two-factor model (psychological and physical). The internal validity was good (McDonald's omega = 0.882). The CFA showed good adjustment indices. Regarding participant characteristics, a relationship was found between anxiety due to chikungunya and gender, employment, mental diagnosis, medication use, and chikungunya infection. Conclusion: The final 12-item CHIKAS had strong psychometric properties and was a two-factor model.

Tecnologías para la Evaluación, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad: Una Revisión Preliminar e Integradora / Technologies for the Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Preliminary and Integrative Review

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es uno de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo con más alta prevalencia, estimada en 5%, en la población infantil. El objetivo de esta revisión fue sintetizar las tecnologías existentes que sirven para evaluar, diagnosticar y tratar síntomas de TDAH en población pediátrica. Esta es una revisión preliminar, de tipo integradora, que incluyó artículos publicados en 3 bases de datos especializadas, PsycINFO, Eric y Web of Science, entre los años 2005 y 2021. Se encontró que las pruebas diagnósticas clásicas se dividen en pruebas psicométricas, evaluación por biomarcadores y movimientos oculares. Por su parte, las pruebas que utilizan la tecnología son aquellas a evaluación y diagnóstico (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM y BRAINGAZE) y aquellas que se utilizan en la terapéutica (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS y varias basadas en neurofeedback). Las modernas tecnologías ofrecen cierto porcentaje de sensibilidad con baja inversión, tampoco requieren de equipos costosos y la preparación del profesional psicólogo o médico para su aplicación, es relativamente sencilla y accesible, ya que viene como complemento en la compra de la mayoría de los programas. Con el fin de continuar examinando su efectividad, se recomienda seguir evaluando estas herramientas con metodologías más robustas, en poblaciones clínicas grandes, debiendo ser esto una prioridad para futuras investigaciones.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders with the highest prevalence, estimated at 5%, in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to synthesize the existing technologies used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat ADHD symptoms in the pediatric population. This is a preliminary, integrative review, which included articles published in 3 specialized databases, PsycINFO, Eric and Web of Science, between 2005 and 2021. It was found that classical diagnostic tests are divided into psychometric tests, biomarker assessment and eye movements. On the other hand, the tests that use technology are those for evaluation and diagnosis (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM and BRAINGAZE) and those used in therapy (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS and several based-on neurofeedback). The modern technologies offer a certain percentage of sensitivity with low investment, they do not require expensive equipment and the preparation of the psychologist or medical professional for their application is relatively simple and accessible, since it comes as a complement in the purchase of most of the programs. To continue examining their effectiveness, it is recommended to continue assessing these tools with more robust methodologies, in large clinical populations, and this should be a priority for future research.

Factores asociados y propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe) en población paraguaya / Associated factors and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe) in Paraguayan population

Antecedentes: La irritabilidad, como síntoma transdimensional, está presente en varios trastornos mentales. Este estudio investigó las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe). Sujetos y métodos: el reclutamiento se realizó a través de una encuesta en línea lanzada a través de las redes sociales comunes (Facebook, Twitter) y aplicaciones de mensajería (WhatsApp, Telegram) del 1 al 31 de mayo de 2022. Los sujetos incluidos fueron personas ≥ 18 años de edad de ambos sexos 1920 individuos fueron calificados para el analisis de validacion. El BITe ha sido traducido al español y validado mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. Los participantes también han sido puntuados con el Cuestionario de Agresión (AQ). Resultados: la prueba de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) fue adecuada (KMO=0,880) y la esfericidad se probó significativamente (p<0,001). El análisis confirmatorio que garantiza que la escala es unidimensional. El ajuste del modelo fue bueno, según todos los índices de ajuste. El alfa de Cronbach también garantiza una excelente consistencia interna (α=0,91). Las calculadoras entre las dos escalas (BITe y AQ) han mostrado una buena convergencia (r=0,512; p<0,001). Conclusiones: La versión en español del BITe es una escala unidimensional de cinco elementos tipo Likert que muestra buena validez interna y alta confiabilidad, lo que implica que esta versión tiene excelentes propiedades psicométricas tanto para hombres como para mujeres hispanohablantes.

Background: Irritability, as a trans dimensional symptom, is present in several mental disorders.This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe). Subjects and Methods: The recruitment has been performed through an online survey launched through common social media (Facebook, Twitter) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) from 1st to 31st May 2022. Subjects included were individuals ≥18 years old of age of both sexes. 1920 individuals were rated for the validation analysis. The BITe has been translated into Spanish and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Participants have been also scored with the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Results: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was adequate (KMO=0.880) and sphericity tested significantly (p<0.001). The confirmatory analysis confirmed that the scale is one- imensional. The model adjustment was good, according to all fit indices. Cronbach's alpha also confirmed an excellent internal consistency (α=0.91). Scores between the two scales (the BITe and the AQ) have shown a good convergence (r=0.512; p<0.001). Conclusions: The Spanish version of the BITe is a unidimensional scale of five Likerttype items that shows good internal validity and high reliability, which implies that this version has excellent psychometric properties for both male and female Spanish-speakers

Supramolecular Polycaprolactone-Based Polyurethanes with Thermally Activated Shape-Memory Behavior.

In this work, using supramolecular polyurethanes theories, two polycaprolactone-based polyurethanes with 2-ureido-4-[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) motifs capable of forming quadruple hydrogen bonds were synthetized and characterized, focusing our attention on their capability to show thermally activated shape-memory response. In particular, 1H NMR analyses confirmed the chemical structure of the supramolecular polyurethanes, while DSC showed their totally amorphous morphology. DMTA in tensile mode was used to study their thermally activated shape-memory properties. In our case, the UPy units are the switching domains while the network formed by the segregated hard segments is the permanent domain obtained materials with excellent shape-memory response at both 100 and 85 °C. These materials are promising for multi-responsive materials where bio-based and potentially recyclable polymers with excellent shape-memory properties are needed.

An Ultrasonic Tomography System for the Inspection of Columns in Architectural Heritage.

A new versatile and geometrically reconfigurable ultrasonic tomography system (UTS) has been designed to inspect and obtain information about the internal structure and inner damage of columns in heritage buildings. This nondestructive system is considered innovative because it aims to overcome common limitations of existing systems. Tomographic inspections are typically carried out manually and are thus limited to small portions of construction elements. The proposed UTS allows the automatization of the inspection and the generation of numerous tomographic slices along the height of the column. It is valid for multiple types of columns and materials. In the present work, the system was tested on two limestone columns of the north façade of the Convent of Carmo in Lisbon, Portugal. The UTS is composed of a mechanical and an electronic system. The mechanical system consists of four linear motion subsystems mounted in a square setup. A transducer is placed on each of the axes, acting as emitter or receiver of the ultrasonic signals. The mechanical system also includes a guide system to adapt the inspections to the complex geometry of the columns. The electronic system allows the control and the synchronization of the movements and the emission/reception configuration of the four ultrasonic transducers.