Analysis of Plasma-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent complex neurological diseases in both the canine and human species, with the idiopathic form as its most common diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that play a role in gene regulation processes and appear to be a promising biological target for convulsion control. These molecules have been reported as constituents of the internal content of exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles released by cells. In this study, exosome samples were isolated from the plasma of 23 dogs, including 9 dogs with epilepsy responsive to treatment, 6 dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy, and 8 control dogs. Plasma exosomes were then characterized by electron transmission microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and dot blotting. Afterwards, the microRNA-enriched RNA content of exosomes was isolated, and miRNA quantification was performed by quantitative real-time PCR. Seven circulating miRNAs that have been previously described in the literature as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for epilepsy were evaluated. We observed significant differences in miR-16 (p < 0.001), miR-93-5p (p < 0.001), miR-142 (p < 0.001), miR-574 (p < 0.01), and miR-27 (p < 0.05) levels in dogs with refractory epilepsy compared to the control group. In drug-sensitive epileptic dogs, miR-142 (p < 0.01) showed significant differences compared to healthy dogs. Moreover, distinct levels of miR-16 (p < 0.05), miR-93-5p (p < 0.01), miR-132 (p < 0.05), and miR-574 (p < 0.05) were also found between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant epileptic dogs. Our results present plasma-circulating exosomes as an advantageous source of epileptic biomarkers, highlighting the potential of miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers of canine idiopathic epilepsy.

Effect of a Ketogenic Medium Chain Triglyceride-Enriched Diet on the Fecal Microbiota in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: A Pilot Study.

Ketogenic diets have been successfully used in people and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. This study examined the effect of a ketogenic medium chain triglycerides (MCT)- enriched diet administered for one month on the fecal microbiota of epileptic (n = 11) (six with drug-sensitive epilepsy, DSE; five with drug-refractory epilepsy, DRE) and non-epileptic beagle dogs (n = 12). A significant reduction after diet in the relative abundance of bacteria from the Actinobacteria phylum was observed in all dogs. Epileptic dogs showed a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus compared with non-epileptic dogs at baseline but these differences disappeared after diet. Epileptic dogs also showed a significantly higher abundance of Negativicutes and Selenomonadales after dietary intervention. Baseline microbiota patterns were similar in non-epileptic beagles and dogs with DSE but significantly different from dogs with DRE. In non-epileptic and DSE groups, the MCT diet decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and increased that of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria, but the opposite effect was observed in dogs with DRE. These results suggest that the MCT diet effect would depend on individual baseline microbiota patterns and that ketogenic diets could help reduce gut microbiota differences between dogs with DRE and DSE.

Which factors explain information exchange and user referral among program implementers?

The Program for Psychosocial Care and Comprehensive Health for Victims serves, on a yearly basis, an average of 25,000 users in northern Colombia alone. The program is implemented by multidisciplinary teams comprised of psychologists, social workers, and community facilitators, who step in at the individual, family, and community levels. An attempt has been made to determine the effect generated by the timeframe through which professionals have been engaged with the program-filling positions of centrality and betweenness within the networks of information exchange and user referral, including the potential mediating effect from the structure of the egocentric network of implementers in the two aforementioned networks and the moderating effect of the sense of belonging to a team of professionals. Both centrality and betweenness are positional measures describing the location actors occupied within the network structure. Centrality reflects the nominations made and receipt by an actor in a network and is considered an individual indicator of prominence and power. Betweenness shows the times that an actor act as a bridge among two actors in a network and it is considered an indicator of strategic positioning in social networks. An egocentric network is the local structure of relationships that each implementer maintains with his or her direct contacts. In this study, 112 active implementers were included, mostly women (n = 97, 88.2%), who had been working on the program for 16.9 months on average (SD = 14.7). Through conditional process analysis, it has been shown that the time that the implementers have been working on the program and the sense of belonging to the task team are relevant factors that interact with each other toward explaining the level of centrality and betweenness of professionals in the information exchange and user referral networks.

Gut Microbiota in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: Effects of Disease and Treatment.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in humans and dogs. The structure and composition of gut microbiome associated to this disorder has not yet been analyzed in depth but there is evidence that suggests a possible influence of gut bacteria in controlling seizures. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in gut microbiota associated to canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and the possible influence of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the modulation of this microbiota. Faecal microbiota composition was analyzed using sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in a group of healthy controls (n = 12) and a group of epileptic dogs both before (n = 10) and after a 30-day single treatment with phenobarbital or imepitoin (n = 9). Epileptic dogs showed significantly reduced abundance of GABA (Pseudomonadales, Pseudomonadaceae, Pseudomonas and Pseudomona_graminis) and SCFAs-producing bacteria (Peptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Anaerotruncus) as well as bacteria associated with reduced risk for brain disease (Prevotellaceae) than control dogs. The administration of AEDs during 30 days did not modify the gut microbiota composition. These results are expected to contribute to the understanding of canine idiopathic epilepsy and open up the possibility of studying new therapeutic approaches for this disorder, including probiotic intervention to restore gut microbiota in epileptic individuals.

[Individual and group factors that impact the exchange of information among intervention programs: a structural view]. / Factores individuales y grupales que inciden en el intercambio de información entre implementadores de programas de intervención: una visión estructural.

The exchange of information between appliers of mental health interventions is essential to guarantee effective program implementation. The study aimed to examine how individual and group factors influence the exchange of information among the implementers of a psychosocial intervention program targeted to victims of the war in Colombia. A cross-sectional exploratory design was developed. Interviews were held with 18 psychologists, 22 social workers, 10 community promoters, and a nurse. The study used the E-i index and the visualization of interclass and intraclass links. There is no homophilic tendency in the exchange of information among the three professional categories. Empowerment predicts the nominations received in the request for information network (ß = 0.296, p < 0.006). To be central in the preference network is the principal predictor of receiving requests for information (ß = 0.562, p < 0.0001). Empowered professionals and those who exchange information on the implementation process are considered key informants that can improve the program's effectiveness.

El intercambio de información entre los aplicadores de intervenciones en salud mental es esencial para garantizar la efectividad de la implementación de programas. El objetivo fue examinar cómo influyen factores individuales y grupales en el intercambio de información entre los implementadores de un programa de intervención psicosocial dirigido a víctimas de la guerra en Colombia. Se desarrolló un diseño exploratorio transversal. Fueron entrevistados 18 psicólogos, 22 trabajadores sociales, 10 promotores comunitarios y una enfermera. Se empleó el índice E-i y la visualización de vínculos interclase e intraclase. No existe tendencia homofílica en el intercambio de información entre las tres categorías profesionales. El empoderamiento predice las nominaciones recibidas en la red de solicitud de información (ß = 0,296, p < 0,006). Ser central en la red de preferencia es el principal predictor de la recepción de peticiones de información (ß = 0,562, p < 0,0001). Los profesionales empoderados y aquellos que intercambian información sobre el proceso de implementación son considerados informantes clave que pueden mejorar la efectividad del programa.

A troca de informações entre os profissionais envolvidos nas intervenções de saúde mental é fundamental para garantir a efetividade da implementação de programas. O objetivo aqui era analisar a maneira como fatores individuais e de grupo influenciam a troca de informações entre os implementadores de um programa de intervenção psicossocial, dirigido a vítimas da guerra na Colômbia. Foi desenvolvido um desenho de estudo exploratório transversal. Foram entrevistados 18 psicólogos, 22 trabalhadores sociais, 10 agentes comunitários e uma enfermeira. Foram utilizados o índice E-i e a visualização de vínculos interclasse e intraclasse. Não existe tendência homofílica na troca de informações entre as três categorias profissionais. O empoderamento prevê as denominações recebidas na rede de solicitação de informação (ß = 0,296, p < 0,006). Ser central na rede de preferência é o principal preditor da recepção de pedidos de informação (ß = 0,562, p < 0,0001). Os profissionais empoderados e aqueles que trocam informações sobre o processo de implementação são considerados informantes chaves que podem melhorar a efetividade do programa.

Detection of owner-perceived emotional eating in companion dogs: A regression modelling approach.

BACKGROUND: Emotional eating has been largely demonstrated in humans and laboratory rodents, but a recent survey conducted by the authors revealed that dog owners have also detected this phenomenon in their pets. However, due to the lack of diagnostic tools, veterinarians and researchers might encounter serious difficulties in detecting emotional eating in clinical settings. The present study aimed to explore different variables associated with owner perceived-emotional eating in companion dogs with the ultimate goal of designing a tool that could facilitate its detection. METHODS: The mentioned survey included information on feeding habits, eating behaviour, temperament and emotional state of the dogs, as well as a specific question for assessing the owners' perception on emotional eating. From these data (n = 1137), a stochastic model based on binary logistic regression was used to design a regression model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The final model (r2 = 0.179, p < 0.001) included a constant and nine variables and, of these, five did act as risk factors whereas the rest were considered as protective factors, in line with a congruent clinical perception. These variables could make up an easy-to-respond nine-item checklist to be answered by dog owners that could help veterinarians identify those companion dogs susceptible to emotional eating.

Adaptación lingüística al español y validación de la estructura factorial de la Escala para el Manejo de la Tristeza CSMS-E / Linguistic adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Children's Sadness Management Scale CSMS-E

Entre los países de habla hispana existen limitantes cuando se desea investigar el rol de la tristeza en la adolescencia debido a que no existen instrumentos en español válidos y confiables que permitan evaluar la regulación de ésta emoción en población en desarrollo. Por esta razón se realizó la adaptación lingüística y validación psicométrica de la Escala Infantil para el Manejo de la Tristeza CSMS (Zeman, Shipman, & Penza-Clyve, 2001) con una muestra de 597 adolescentes Colombianos entre 11 y 18 años de edad (48% sexo femenino). A partir del método del comité se hicieron adecuaciones en el lenguaje de la prueba para su ajuste cultural a la población hispanoparlante. El comportamiento psicométrico de la escala fue analizado en dos pasos: en el primero se observaron diez modelos factoriales posibles (Análisis Factorial Exploratorio), y en el segundo se descartaron los de menor ajuste (Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio), hasta elegir el óptimo. Los resultados señalan que la versión en español del CSMS-E ("E" por Español), mantiene validez de constructo comparable a la original, con una estructura de tres componentes que revisan estrategias adaptativas y maladaptativas para regular la tristeza: afrontamiento, inhibición y desregulación. Se ofrece un baremo para su corrección

Among the Spanish-speaking countries there are constraints for studying the roll of sadness in adolescence due to the absence of valid instruments in Spanish for evaluating the regulation of this emotions during the development. For this reason, following the committee procedure we adapted to Spanish the Children's Sadness Management Scale CSMS (Zeman et al., 2001), and conducted its psychometric validation with a sample of 597 Colombian adolescents, between 11 and 18 years of age (48% girls). The psychometric analyses were performed in two steps: (a) observing ten possible models (Exploratory Factor Analysis), (b) discarding those with least adjustment (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), and retaining the structure of best statistical fit. The results indicated that the optimal factorial model is a structure of three components, comparable to the original CSMS. The CSMS-E scale (E for Spanish) maintains comparable construct validity as the American version, and has attested to be a reliable tool in the assessment of adaptive and maladaptive strategies for the regulation of sadness: coping, inhibition and dysregulation. We offer a scoring notation table

Factores individuales y grupales que inciden en el intercambio de información entre implementadores de programas de intervención: una visión estructural / Individual and group factors that impact the exchange of information among intervention programs: a structural view / Fatores individuais e de grupo que incidem na troca de informações entre implementadores de programas de intervenção: uma visão estrutural

Resumen: El intercambio de información entre los aplicadores de intervenciones en salud mental es esencial para garantizar la efectividad de la implementación de programas. El objetivo fue examinar cómo influyen factores individuales y grupales en el intercambio de información entre los implementadores de un programa de intervención psicosocial dirigido a víctimas de la guerra en Colombia. Se desarrolló un diseño exploratorio transversal. Fueron entrevistados 18 psicólogos, 22 trabajadores sociales, 10 promotores comunitarios y una enfermera. Se empleó el índice E-i y la visualización de vínculos interclase e intraclase. No existe tendencia homofílica en el intercambio de información entre las tres categorías profesionales. El empoderamiento predice las nominaciones recibidas en la red de solicitud de información (β = 0,296, p < 0,006). Ser central en la red de preferencia es el principal predictor de la recepción de peticiones de información (β = 0,562, p < 0,0001). Los profesionales empoderados y aquellos que intercambian información sobre el proceso de implementación son considerados informantes clave que pueden mejorar la efectividad del programa.

Abstract: The exchange of information between appliers of mental health interventions is essential to guarantee effective program implementation. The study aimed to examine how individual and group factors influence the exchange of information among the implementers of a psychosocial intervention program targeted to victims of the war in Colombia. A cross-sectional exploratory design was developed. Interviews were held with 18 psychologists, 22 social workers, 10 community promoters, and a nurse. The study used the E-i index and the visualization of interclass and intraclass links. There is no homophilic tendency in the exchange of information among the three professional categories. Empowerment predicts the nominations received in the request for information network (β = 0.296, p < 0.006). To be central in the preference network is the principal predictor of receiving requests for information (β = 0.562, p < 0.0001). Empowered professionals and those who exchange information on the implementation process are considered key informants that can improve the program's effectiveness.

Resumo: A troca de informações entre os profissionais envolvidos nas intervenções de saúde mental é fundamental para garantir a efetividade da implementação de programas. O objetivo aqui era analisar a maneira como fatores individuais e de grupo influenciam a troca de informações entre os implementadores de um programa de intervenção psicossocial, dirigido a vítimas da guerra na Colômbia. Foi desenvolvido um desenho de estudo exploratório transversal. Foram entrevistados 18 psicólogos, 22 trabalhadores sociais, 10 agentes comunitários e uma enfermeira. Foram utilizados o índice E-i e a visualização de vínculos interclasse e intraclasse. Não existe tendência homofílica na troca de informações entre as três categorias profissionais. O empoderamento prevê as denominações recebidas na rede de solicitação de informação (β = 0,296, p < 0,006). Ser central na rede de preferência é o principal preditor da recepção de pedidos de informação (β = 0,562, p < 0,0001). Os profissionais empoderados e aqueles que trocam informações sobre o processo de implementação são considerados informantes chaves que podem melhorar a efetividade do programa.

Examining the effect of the individual characteristics of implementers and the interaction of multiple relationships on the structure of psychosocial intervention teams.

BACKGROUND: Teams' structure may undergo modifications due to the individual attributes of actors and collective-level variables. This research aims to understand the effect of extensive experience working in the program and the simultaneous interaction among different relationships in the network structure of a team of implementers. The Psychosocial Care Program for Victims of Conflict is implemented by psychologists, social workers, and community advocates. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Multivariate analysis, quadratic assignment procedures, and graphic visualization are used to (a) determine how seniority affects the professionals' level of centrality in the program and (b) clarify how the interaction among professionals favors new relationships. RESULTS: Longer-lasting professionals in the program report stronger network bonding, predisposition to work, and information exchange. The nonparametric permutation test indicates an intense association between the information requests submitted and received and between the predisposition to work network and the network of received information requests. The results are discussed to optimize the teams implementing the intervention programs. CONCLUSIONS: Network analysis is a powerfull tool to evaluate program implementation processes. Analyzing the interactions among multiples relationships that emerge between members of multidisciplinary teams allows knowing how certain relationships (e.g., information exchange) triggering other kind of relationships (e.g., users referral). The implementers who have been collaborating in the program for a long time are key informants who can facilitate the process of adaptation of newly incorporated professionals.

Sense of community, psychological empowerment, and relational structure at the individual and organizational levels: Evidence from a multicase study.

The aim of this study was to determine the associations among psychological sense of community (PSoC), psychological empowerment (PE), and relational structure with indicators of centrality and cohesion in egocentric and sociocentric networks when analyzed at different levels. A multicase analysis was used (four developed in Colombia and one in Spain) in which 458 people participated in five studies conducted in organizational and community contexts of vulnerable urban and rural areas. The results suggest that PSoC and PE are intertwined processes whose association is accentuated in organizational contexts. However, the relationships between relational context and PSoC and PE vary notably depending on (a) the type of relationship evaluated, (b) the focus of the study (individual/egocentric vs. group/sociocentric) and the type of indicator used to assess the relational context (centrality vs. structural cohesion). Findings are discussed to understand the role that social bonds play in the development of PSoC and in the ability of subjects to empower themselves in different contexts.

Acercamiento multifactorial a la fisiopatología de la obesidad. Modelo de abordaje COD2 / A multi-factor approach to the physiopathology of obesity: COD2 model

La obesidad en este momento representa una de las peores amenazas del sector salud. El acelerado aumento de la prevalencia y mortalidad a causa de enfermedades cardiovasculares establece un precedente histórico como problema de salud pública mundial. La elevada incidencia de obesidad y enfermedades crónicas ha llevado a múltiples áreas de la salud a entender y buscar un detonante claro que explique esta patología. Existen numerosas causas que explican su comportamiento agresivo, progresivo y crónico. Sin embargo, ninguna de ellas satisface como el solo factor desencadenante que ofrezca un tratamiento único que genere una reducción de su rápida expansión. En este artículo se buscan explicar las principales causas relacionadas con esta entidad así como los mecanismos que lo demuestran, para lograr entender el abordaje adecuado de los pacientes que acuden buscando el manejo de la obesidad (modelo COD2).

Obesity is currently considered as one of the major life-threatening conditions affecting the healthcare system. The accelerated increase in prevalence and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases establishes an historical precedent as a global public health issue. The increased incidence of obesity and chronic diseases, has led multiple health researchers to try to identify a clear triggering factor contributing to obesity. There are numerous causes which explain its aggressive, progressive and chronic behavior. However, they do not satisfactorily elucidate a unique triggering factor which would determine a unique treatment to help decelerate its rapid expansion. This article seeks to explain the major causal factors and mechanisms leading to obesity, in order to find the most appropriate approach for obese patients seeking treatment options (COD2 model).

Exposición a la violencia y riesgo suicida en adolescentes colombianos / Exposure to violence and suicide risk in Colombian adolescents

Resumen Se analizó la asociación entre el riesgo suicida con la exposición a la violencia en la casa, calle, colegio, televisión en adolescentes de Santa Marta (Colombia). Se evaluó una muestra de 210 adolescentes entre 12-19 años (M= 14.6 DE= 1.38). Los sujetos respondieron la Escala de Riesgo Suicida de Plutchik, además de la Escala de Exposición a la Violencia. Se encontró asociación bivariada con la exposición a la violencia en la casa. En un modelo de regresión logística ajustado el apoyo de padres padres/hermanos/amigos (OR=0.213 IC95%=0.70-0649) es un factor protector para el riesgo suicida, mientras el género femenino (OR=5.397 IC95%=2.541-11.460), exposición a la violencia en la casa (OR=2.334 IC95%=1.161-4.298) y dificultades de ingreso a la educación (OR=3.257 IC95%=1.013-10.467) son factores de riesgo. Se concluye que mujeres adolescentes, víctimas de violencia en el hogar y con problemas para acceder a la educación básica tienen mayor probabilidad de presentar riesgo suicida.

Abstract The association between suicide risk and exposure to violence in the home, street, school, television in adolescents of Santa Marta (Colombia) was analyzed. A sample of 210 adolescents aged 12-19 years (M =14.6 SD = 1.38) was evaluated. The subjects responded to the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale and the Violence Exposure Scale. We found a bivariate association with exposure to violence in the home. In an adjusted logistic regression model the support of parents / siblings / friends (OR = 0.213 CI 95% = 0.70-0649) is a protective factor for suicidal risk, while female gender (OR = 5.397 95% CI = 2.541-11.460), exposure to violence in the home (OR = 2.344, 95% CI = 1.161-4.298) and difficulties in entering education (OR = 3.257, 95% CI = 1013-10.467) are risk factors. It is concluded that adolescent women, victims of domestic violence and with problems to access basic education are more likely to present suicidal risk.

Perception of Canine Welfare Concerns among Veterinary Students, Practitioners, and Behavior Specialists in Spain.

Veterinarians are well placed to supervise and ensure canine welfare. However, the perception of animal welfare among veterinarians may vary depending on the level of training and professional practice, including the specialization in animal behavior and welfare. The aim of this study was to survey the perception of canine welfare among veterinarians, including students, practitioners, and behavior specialists. A scale-based questionnaire including 12 issues affecting canine welfare was adapted from Yeates and Main and distributed to first-year (n=50) and fifth-year veterinary students (n=50), as well as veterinary practitioners (n=260) and specialists in behavioral medicine (n=50). For each issue, respondents were asked to rate how much they perceived each issue to affect canine welfare (on a scale of 0 to 4). A General Linear Model test was used to assess the effect of the studied group on scores. "Physical abuse or cruelty" was the highest-scoring problem in all groups and "breed-related conditions" was the lowest. In general, specialists in behavioral medicine assigned significantly higher scores to most items, particularly "behavioral problems" and "lack of sufficient company." In contrast, fifth-year students assigned significantly lower scores to most items. This study shows that situations clearly affecting canine welfare represent an important concern for veterinarians, both undergraduates and professionals. However, the level of professional experience and specialization might influence the perception of more subtle examples of poor welfare. Raising awareness regarding canine welfare, including concern for breed- or behavior-related problems, should be emphasized within university programs.

Construcción y validación de una escala para evaluar salud sexual y reproductiva en adolescentes mujeres de la Región Caribe Colombiana / The Development and Validation of a scale to measure Reproductive and Sexual Health of young women in the Colombian Caribbean region

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo el diseño y validez de una escala para evaluar salud sexual y reproductiva. Participaron 919 estudiantes mujeres entre 11 a 19 años quienes respondieron el cuestionario, que evalúa actitudes y normas subjetivas, basado en planteamientos de la teoría de comportamiento planeado. Con el objetivo de comprobar la fiabilidad y validez del instrumento, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y un análisis de componentes principales con rotación VARIMAX. Esta investigación incluye dos estudios independientes, en el estudio 1 (prueba piloto) la versión del pilotaje inicialmente constaba de 172 ítems y disminuyó a 78 en la muestra final. Para el estudio 2, en la escala de actitud se reporta una media de 3.68 (D.E. = 1.21) y un a= 0.91. Se extrajeron dos factores agrupados en dos dimensiones que explican un 67.10%; en la escala de normas subjetivas se obtuvo media de 3.80 (D.E. = 1.10) y un a= 0.97. Los ítems se adecuan a la matriz factorial. Se extrajeron 11 factores de los cuales son interpretables 9 y se explican en un 75.89%. En conclusión, el instrumento confirma una confiabilidad adecuada y estabilidad estructural de gran utilidad para la comprensión e implementación de estrategias de acción en sexualidad reproductiva en mujeres adolescentes.

This article describes the design and validation of a scale for evaluating reproductive and sexual health. 919 young females from 11 to 19 years in five Caribbean- Colombian cities were administered the questionnaire that assesses attitudes and subjective norms about the reproductive sexuality, based on the planned behavior theory (Ajzen & Fishbein, 2000). The reliability and validity of the instrument was analyzed through exploratory factorial analysis with principal components and VARIMAX rotation. The methodology includes two independent studies; in study 1 (pilot test) the first questionnaire consisted of 172 items and decreased to 78 in the final sample. For study 2, the attitude scale reported (Mean = 3.68, ED = 1.21) and Cronbach's alpha reliability was 0.91. Two factors were extracted and grouped into two dimensions that explain 67.10% of the variance. For the subjective norms scale (Mean = 3.8, ED = 1.1) Cronbach's alpha reliability was 0.97 and eleven factors were extracted and grouped into nine dimensions, which explain 75.89% of the variance. The scale showed good reliability and structural stability for the analysis and design of programs for sexual and reproductive health in adolescent girls.

Correlación entre la personalidad y los factores de la teoría del comportamiento planeado (TCP) en adolescentes escolarizados de 11-19 años del caribe colombiano / Correlation between personality and the factors of the theory of planned behavior, in school enrolled adolescents from 11-19 years old in the Colombian Caribbean

La creciente tasa de embarazos en adolescentes y la alta incidencia de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (entre ellas el VIH/SIDA), son temáticas en torno a la salud y en especial la salud sexual y reproductiva, que han recibido gran atención por parte de investigadores y de la opinión pública en general. Recientemente, se ha encontrado que los adolescentes llevan a cabo con facilidad comportamientos de riesgo para su salud sexual y reproductiva y aquellos que no han presentado dichos comportamientos también muestran altos niveles de intención para llevarlos a cabo. Se ha hipotetizado que además de variables cognitivas como las actitudes, normas subjetivas, control conductual percibido y la intención, la personalidad de los jóvenes es un aspecto que juega un papel importante en su salud sexual y reproductiva. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre las variables de la TCP y las características de personalidad y los resultados sugieren que la direccionalidad de estas correlaciones se encuentra asociada con el tipo específico de comportamiento o situación que se está evaluando.

The increasing rate of pregnancies in teenagers and the high incident of the infections of sexual transmission (HIV/ AIDS, for example), these are health related issues (and especially the sexual and reproductive health), which have received great attention on the part of investigators and of the public opinion in general. Recently, there has been evidenced that teenagers carry out very easily risk sexual behaviors, and those who have not presented the above mentioned behaviors also show high levels of intention to carry out them. There is the hypothesis that besides cognitive variables such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention, the personality of the young persons is an aspect that plays an important paper in their sexual and reproductive health. Significant correlations were found between the variales of the TPB and the personality traits; the results suggest that the direction of these correlations is associated with the specific type of behavior or situation that is assessed.

Professional's Attitudes Do Not Influence Screening and Brief Interventions Rates for Hazardous and Harmful Drinkers: Results from ODHIN Study.

AIMS: To determine the relation between existing levels of alcohol screening and brief intervention rates in five European jurisdictions and role security and therapeutic commitment by the participating primary healthcare professionals. METHODS: Health care professionals consisting of, 409 GPs, 282 nurses and 55 other staff including psychologists, social workers and nurse aids from 120 primary health care centres participated in a cross-sectional 4-week survey. The participants registered all screening and brief intervention activities as part of their normal routine. The participants also completed the Shortened Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (SAAPPQ), which measure role security and therapeutic commitment. RESULTS: The only significant but small relationship was found between role security and screening rate in a multilevel logistic regression analysis adjusted for occupation of the provider, number of eligible patients and the random effects of jurisdictions and primary health care units (PHCU). No significant relationship was found between role security and brief intervention rate nor between therapeutic commitment and screening rate/brief intervention rate. The proportion of patients screened varied across jurisdictions between 2 and 10%. CONCLUSION: The findings show that the studied factors (role security and therapeutic commitment) are not of great importance for alcohol screening and BI rates. Given the fact that screening and brief intervention implementation rate has not changed much in the last decade in spite of increased policy emphasis, training initiatives and more research being published, this raises a question about what else is needed to enhance implementation.

Proceso de aculturación y adaptación del inmigrante: características individuales y redes sociales / Acculturation process and Immigrant's Adaptation: individual characteristics and Social Networks

La inmigración implica para los individuos una serie de procesos cognitivos, motivacionales y afectivos que afectan su adaptación a la nueva sociedad. Estos procesos pueden modificarse a través de estrategias de intervención dirigidas a estos colectivos. La búsqueda bibliográfica se focalizó en documentos que permitieron analizar los factores individuales como socioculturales, asociados a los procesos de adaptación y aculturación, tales como las características individuales y estrategias de afrontamiento de los inmigrantes; el tipo de sociedad de llegada y las redes sociales que construyen los inmigrantes para adaptarse. Los resultados confirman los tres grandes grupos que describen los procesos de aculturación: los que se centran en el contenido (sentimientos, actitudes y conductas), los que se centran en el proceso (establecimiento de relaciones entre inmigrantes y autóctonos) y los interactivos o ampliados, que combinan los dos anteriores.

Immigration implies cognitive, motivational and affective processes that affect their adaptation to the new society. These processes can be modified through intervention strategies aimed at these groups. The literature search focused on documents that allowed analyzing individual and sociocultural factors associated to acculturation and adaptation pro-cesses, such as individual characteristics, coping strategies, the type of host society and the social networks of immigrants. Results show three groups that describe the processes of acculturation: those that focus on the content (feelings, attitudes, and behaviors), others focus on the process (establishing relationships between immigrant and native), and interactive or extended models that combine the two.

[Forage use and availability for white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in an experimental unit of Campeche, Mexico]. / Dieta y disponibilidad de forraje del venado cola blanca Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) en un campo experimental de Campeche, México.

Forage use and availability for white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in an experimental unit of Campeche, Mexico. In Campeche state, 122 Wildlife Conservation and Management Units have been recently conformed. In these units, eventhough the white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi is a game species, no studies on its diet have been undertaken. The objectives of this work were to estimate the botanical composition of the diet and its seasonal change, to determine forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate of O. virginianus thomasi. The study was conducted in the experimental unit of Colegio de Postgraduados in Campeche, Mexico, from October 2010 to May 2012. The diet was determined through microhistological analyses of the white tailed deer feces by the use of reference material. Forage availability was determined through the Adelaide's method; the stocking rate, using the grazing pressure factor; and carrying capacity considering forage availability and 35% of utilization efficiency. In this experimental unit, the deer diet included 40 species belonging to 15 families. The highest species richness ocurred during the rainy season with 29 species. However, deers preferred shrubs during all seasons, and herbaceous species during the rainy season. The diet composition, forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate varied throughout the year. Carrying capacity ranged from 0.04 to 1.08deer/ha. Additional studies are required to detail about the composition of the diet, habitat availability and use throughout its geographical range, and to detail on nutritional and health aspects.

Dieta y disponibilidad de forraje del venado cola blanca Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) en un campo experimental de Campeche, México / Forage use and availability for white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in an experimental unit of Campeche, Mexico

In Campeche state, 122 Wildlife Conservation and Management Units have been recently conformed. In these units, eventhough the white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi is a game species, no studies on its diet have been undertaken. The objectives of this work were to estimate the botanical composition of the diet and its seasonal change, to determine forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate of O. virginianus thomasi. The study was conducted in the experimental unit of Colegio de Postgraduados in Campeche, Mexico, from October 2010 to May 2012. The diet was determined through microhistological analyses of the white tailed deer feces by the use of reference material. Forage availability was determined through the Adelaide´s method; the stocking rate, using the grazing pressure factor; and carrying capacity considering forage availability and 35% of utilization efficiency. In this experimental unit, the deer diet included 40 species belonging to15 families. The highest species richness ocurred during the rainy season with 29 species. However, deers preferred shrubs during all seasons, and herbaceous species during the rainy season. The diet composition, forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate varied throughout the year. Carrying capacity ranged from 0.04 to 1.08deer/ha. Additional studies are required to detail about the composition of the diet, habitat availability and use throughout its geographical range, and to detail on nutritional and health aspects. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 699-710. Epub 2014 June 01.

En Campeche, México no existen estudios de la dieta de Odocoileus virginianus thomasi; a pesar de la existencia de 122 Unidades de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (UMAS) en donde se realiza aprovechamiento del venado cola blanca. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron conocer la composición botánica de la dieta y su cambio estacional, la disponibilidad de forraje, la capacidad de carga y carga animal de O. virginianus thomasi. El trabajo se realizó de octubre 2010 a mayo 2012 en el Campo Experimental del Colegio de Postgraduados en Campeche, México. La composición de la dieta se determinó mediante el análisis de heces de venado y material de referencia con la técnica microhistológica; la disponibilidad de forraje se estimó con el método de Adelaide; la capacidad de carga utilizando la presión de pastoreo y la carga animal considerando el forraje disponible y 35% de eficiencia de utilización. La dieta incluyó 40 especies de 15 familias. La riqueza de especies más alta fue de 29 especies en la época de lluvia; las arbustivas fueron preferidas en las tres épocas del año y las herbáceas en la época de lluvia. La composición de la dieta, disponibilidad de forraje, la capacidad de carga y carga animal variaron a través del año. La capacidad de carga fluctuó entre 0.04 a 1.08 venados/ha.

Medición de la intención en la actividad sexual en adolescentes: una aproximación de acuerdo al género del Caribe Colombiano / Adolescent sexual behavioral intentions measurement: a gender approach in the Colombian Caribbean region

Este estudio de 1.777 adolescentes escolares varones y mujeres entre 11 a 19 años en el Caribe colombiano, tuvo doble objetivo: diseñar y validar dos escalas de intención en sexualidad reproductiva y analizar diferencias de género. El pilotaje de las escalas constaba de 8 ítems y se redujo a 6; la comprobación de la fiabilidad y validez mediante análisis factorial exploratorio y de componentes principales con rotación VARIMAX arrojó dos factores: Intención de Protección e Intención de Riesgo, explicados entre 69. por ciento y 7 por ciento respectivamente. En la Intención de Protección masculina (M = 3.87 y D.E = 1.29) y de Riesgo (M = 2.56 y D.E = 1.18) obtuvieron un alfa entre 0.74 y 0.86, y en la Intención de Protección femenina (M = 3.49 y D.E = 1.35) y de Riesgo (M = 1.50 y D.E = 0.89) osciló entre 0.78 y 0.86. En conclusión, la confiabilidad y estabilidad estructural son adecuadas y existen diferencias de género en las escalas.

The study of 1777 male and female adolescent students of 11 - 19 years in the Colombian Caribbean had two objectives: development and validation of two reproductive health intention scales and analyze gender differences. The pilot of the scale consisted of 8 items and was reduced to 6, to check the reliability and validity using factor analysis and principal components with VARIMAX rotation yielded two factors: Intention and Intention Risk Protection, explained between 69 percent and 7percent respectively. In the male Protection Intent (M = 3.87 and SD = 1.29) and risk (M = 2.56 and SD = 1.18) obtained an alpha between 0.74 and 0.86, and in Protection of Intent to female (M = 3.49 and SD = 1.35) and risk (M = 1.50 and SD = 0.89) ranged between 0.78 and 086. In conclusion, the reliability and structural stability are adequate and there are gender differences in the scales.