Mexican Validation of the MOS Questionnaire on Perceived Social Support in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very negative impact on people's overall mental health and psychosocial well-being, but the study of available social support to cope with such an adverse situation has received hardly any attention. Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the MOS Perceived Social Support Questionnaire among the Mexican population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Non-experimental cross-sectional study. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study were applied in a non-probabilistic sample. A total of 898 people from different regions in Mexico, 258 males and 640 females, participated in the study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The analysis yielded a bi-factor model with two factors, Emotional/informational support and Tangible support, with satisfactory goodness of fit indices. Reliability was adequate with a high hierarchical omega coefficient, as well as in the factors. Likewise, the H coefficient was adequate in the general factor and its dimensions. Conclusions: Results showed that the scale is a valid and reliable measure of perceived social support among the Mexican population.

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto muy negativo en la salud mental y el bienestar psicosocial general de las personas, pero el estudio del apoyo social disponible para hacer frente a una situación tan adversa como esta ha recibido muy poca atención. Objetivo: Examinar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario MOS de Apoyo Social Percibido en población mexicana en contexto de pandemia por COVID-19. Método: Diseño no experimental transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y el Medical Outcomes Study en una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia. Participaron 898 personas de diferentes regiones de México, 258 hombres y 640 mujeres, durante el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Resultados: El análisis arrojó un modelo Bi-factor de dos factores Apoyo emocional/ informacional y Apoyo tangible, con índices de bondad que se ajustaron a los datos. La fiabilidad fue adecuada con un coeficiente de omega jerárquico alto, así como en los factores. Asimismo, el coeficiente H fue adecuado en el factor general y sus dimensiones. Conclusiones: La escala presenta validez y confiabilidad para medir el apoyo social percibido en población mexicana.

Three verbal fluency tasks: Normative data and convergent validity in Argentines over 50 years / Três tarefas de fluência verbal: dados normativos e validade convergente em argentinos com mais de 50 anos

ABSTRACT Verbal fluency tasks are frequently used in neuropsychological assessment, standing out for their easy application and good sensitivity to early cognitive impairment. However, in Argentina, the availability of updated norms is limited, especially for the action fluency variant. There is also little evidence of validity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to obtain Argentine norms for three verbal fluency tasks and to analyze their convergent validity. Methods: Using a nonprobability sampling method, 303 Argentines from a nonclinical population (age mean=66.8, 50-91 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Those with medical conditions that could compromise neuropsychological performance were excluded. Three verbal fluency tasks (i.e., phonological, semantic, and action), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, and the Digit Span-WAIS III test were administered. Correlations and multiple regressions were subsequently performed. Results: Education and age significantly explained 11.8% of the variance in phonological fluency, 15.8% of the variance in semantic fluency, and 20.2% of the variance in action fluency. Hence, the normative data varied according to educational level and age group, with normal performance limit values between 9 and 14 for phonological fluency, 11 and 18 for semantic fluency, and 8 and 17 for action fluency. Positive correlations were obtained between all verbal fluency tasks, as well as between the MoCA test and the Digit Span test. Conclusions: This study supports the applicability of three verbal fluency tasks in an Argentine context by providing age- and education-corrected norms and acceptable evidence of convergent validity.

RESUMO As tarefas de fluência verbal são frequentemente utilizadas na avaliação neuropsicológica, destacando-se pela facilidade de aplicação e boa sensibilidade ao comprometimento cognitivo incipiente. No entanto, na Argentina, a disponibilidade de padrões atualizados é limitada, especialmente pela variante de fluência de ações. Assim sendo, a evidência de validade é escassa. Objetivos: Obter normas argentinas para três tarefas de fluência verbal e analisar sua validade convergente. Métodos: Usando um método de amostragem não probabilística, 303 argentinos de uma população não clínica (idade M=66,8, 50-91 anos) foram recrutados para participar deste estudo. Foram excluídos aqueles com condições médicas que pudessem comprometer o desempenho neuropsicológico. Três tarefas de fluência verbal (ou seja, fonológica, semântica e ações), o teste Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) e o teste Digit Span-WAIS III foram administrados. Correlações e regressão múltipla foram realizadas posteriormente. Resultados: A escolaridade e a idade explicaram significativamente 11,8% da variância da fluência fonológica, 15,8% da variância da fluência semântica e 20,2% da variância da fluência de ações. Assim, os dados normativos variaram de acordo com a escolaridade e a faixa etária, com limite de desempenho normal entre 9 e 14 para fluência fonológica, 11 e 18 para fluência semântica e 8 e 17 para fluência de ações. Foram obtidas correlações positivas entre todas as tarefas de fluência verbal, bem como entre estas, o teste MoCA e o Digit Span. Conclusões: Este estudo apoia a aplicabilidade de três tarefas de fluência verbal no contexto argentino, fornecendo normas corrigidas por idade e educação e evidências aceitáveis de validade convergente.

The impact of Covid-19 on Latin American Psychology: research, profession, and public policy / O impacto da Covid-19 na Psicologia Latino-Americana: pesquisa, profissão e políticas públicas

In this paper, we offer an in-depth analysis of relevant scientific literature and a series of critical reflections based on a narrative review of the impact that the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic had on Latin American psychology. We performed a non-exhaustive search, selection, and analysis of different documentary sources in scientific databases, institutional repositories, and websites of national and regional psychology organizations between May 25 and 31, 2020. In particular, we consulted SciELO, Redalyc, Dialnet, and Google Scholar using the following individual key words associated to psychology: "Coronavirus", "Covid-19" and "Pandemic". Various types of documents were retrieved for a subsequent in-depth analysis (e.g., articles, institutional documents, notes, bulletins, recommendation guides, etc.). Our review allowed us to identify three challenges for psychology in the region: (1) insertion of psychology in public policies; (2) construction of an own agenda of psychological research; (3) evaluation of practices and reorientation of professional training processes.

Neste artigo, é oferecida uma análise aprofundada da literatura científica relevante e uma série de reflexões críticas baseadas em uma revisão narrativa do impacto que os estágios iniciais da pandemia de Covid-19 tiveram na psicologia latino-americana. Foi realizada uma busca não exaustiva, seleção e análise de diferentes fontes documentais em bancos de dados científicos, repositórios institucionais e websites de organizações nacionais e regionais de psicologia entre 25 e 31 de maio de 2020. Em particular, foram consultadas as bases SciELO, Redalyc, Dialnet e Google Scholar usando as seguintes palavras-chave individuais associadas à psicologia: "coronavírus", "Covid-19" e "pandemia". Vários tipos de documentos foram recuperados para uma análise posterior em profundidade (por exemplo: artigos, documentos institucionais, notas, boletins, guias de recomendação, etc.). A revisão feita pelos autores permitiu identificar três desafios para a psicologia na região: (1) inserção da psicologia nas políticas públicas; (2) construção de uma agenda própria de pesquisa psicológica e (3) avaliação das práticas e reorientação dos processos de formação profissional.

Perfil lipídico en pacientes HIV positivos con dos tratamientos antirretrovirales que acudieron al Programa Regional de control VIH- SIDA de la VII Región Sanitaria de Itapúa en el periodo abril a septiembre de 2016 / Lipid profile in HIV-positive patients with two antiretroviral treatments attending the Regional HIV-AIDS Control Programme of the VII Itapúa Health Region from April to September 2016

Numerosas investigaciones demuestran que existe alteración del metabolismo lipídico en pacientes con VIH/SIDA, caracterizada por un aumento en la concentración de triglicéridos y la disminución de las lipoproteínas de alta y baja densidad y del colesterol total. La dislipidemia en personas VIH/SIDA depende de la supresión viral en el momento del estudio, de la respuesta al agente antirretroviral específico que se relaciona con la susceptibilidad genética, además de otros factores entre los cuales se encuentra el empleo de medicamentos, el peso y el estilo de vida. Los pacientes que conviven con esta infección tienen por esta razón un riesgo incrementado de accidente cardiovascular y diabetes. El objetivo fue determinar si existían diferencias en el perfil lipídico en una cohorte de pacientes que reciben esquemas de tratamientos diferentes en la población enfocada. Este fue un diseño observacional de cohorte prospectivo (24) con componente analítico que incluyó pacientes con diagnóstico de HIV y con tratamiento que concurrieron al Programa Regional de Control VIH-SIDA en el Hospital Regional de Encarnación-VII Región Sanitaria de Itapúa de abril a septiembre de 2016. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la mayoría de los analitos componentes del perfil lipídico. Es necesario realizar un control periódico del perfil lipídico en estos grupos de pacientes, pues ello contribuirá a un mejor seguimiento del estado de salud así como a la prevención de accidentes cardiovasculares en los pacientes que conviven con VIH/SIDA y que están en tratamiento con antirretrovirales

Numerous research studies show that there is an impaired lipid metabolism in patients with HIV/AIDS, characterized by an increase in triglyceride concentration and decreased high- and low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol. Dyslipidemia in HIV/AIDS people depends on viral suppression at the time of the study, response to the specific antiretroviral agent that relates to genetic susceptibility, as well as other factors including the use of medications, weight and lifestyle. Therefore, patients living with this infection have an increased risk of cardiovascular accident and diabetes. The objective was to determine whether there were differences in lipid profile in a cohort of patients receiving different treatment schemes in the targeted population. This was a prospective cohort design research with analytical component that included patients with HIV diagnosis and treatment that attended the Regional HIV-AIDS Control Programme at the Regional Hospital of Encarnacion - VII Itapúa Health Region from April to September 2016. Significant differences were found in most analytes components of the lipid profile. A periodic control of the lipid profile is necessary in these patient groups as this will contribute to a better monitoring of the health status as well as to the prevention of cardiovascular accidents in patients living with HIV/AIDS, and who are being treated with antiretrovirals

Evaluación de la patologías periodontales más frecuentes en pacientes sin compromiso sistémico entre las edades de 20 a a 50 años que asisten a las unidades de salud de La Presita Milagro de La Paz, San Carlos, y El Zamoran en el Municipio de San Miguel del departamento de San Miguel en el periodo de febrero a julio de 2004 / Evaluation of the most frequent periodotal pathologies in patients without systemic compromise between the ages of 20 to 50 years who attend the health units of La Presita Milagro de La Paz, San Carlos, and El Zamoran in the Municipality of San Miguel of the department of San Miguel in the period from February to July 2004

Esta Investigación tiene como objeto principal el establecimiento de las patologías periodontales más frecuentes que presentan los pacientes adultos-jóvenes sin compromiso sistémico, como también identificar cada tipo de estas enfermedades. Esta investigación es de tipo diagnóstica descriptiva aplicada a una población de doscientas personas que asistieron a las unidades de salud El Zamorán, La Presita, San Carlos y Milagro de la Paz, durante el período de febrero a julio del2004, tomando como muestra ciento veinte y cuatro unidades de análisis. Las cuales se analizaron por medio de dos tipos de instrumentos que fueron la guía de observación y el cuestionario , se utilizó también una prueba estadística conocida como "ji" cuadrado, dando los resultados siguientes: Del total de la población evaluada se encontró que cuarenta y cinco personas presentan enfermedad gingival y setenta y nueve presentan enfermedad periodontal. De los signos evaluados para obtener la estadística anterior nos da como resultado que ciento veinte y cuatro personas presentaron placa bacteriana y encía eritematosa, noventa y cuatro presentaron encía edematosa y cálculo supragingival , ochenta y seis presentaron cálculo subgingival ,setenta y nueve presentaron hemorragia al sondeo y bolsas periodontales, la presencia de exudado purulento de treinta y tres, la movilidad dental se presentó en setenta y nueve pacientes en la cual diez y nueve presentaron movilidad grado I, movilidad grado II cuarenta y nueve, movilidad grado III once. La evaluación de los hábitos de higiene oral presenta que ciento veinte y cuatro pacientes no conocen una técnica de cepillado dental, catorce se cepilla una vez, diaria y ciento diez mas de dos veces, diez y siete usan hilo dental y ciento siete no lo usan. Tomando en cuenta el análisis de los resultados obtenidos se concluye que: - De la población en estudio a la cual se le aplicó los instrumentos, se observó una frecuencia de un 36.30% en enfermedad gingival y un 63.70% en la enfermedad periodontal que corresponden a un 100% de ciento veinte y cuatro pacientes que representa la muestra.

The main objective of this research is to establish the most frequent periodontal pathologies that young-adult patients present without systemic compromise, as well as to identify each type of these diseases. This research is of a descriptive diagnostic type applied to a population of two hundred people who attended the El Zamorán, La Presita, San Carlos and Milagro de la Paz health units, during the period from February to July 2004, taking as a sample one hundred and twenty-five four units of analysis. Which were analyzed by means of two types of instruments that were the observation guide and the questionnaire, a statistical test known as "chi" square was also used, giving the following results: Of the total population evaluated, it was found that forty-five five people have gum disease and seventy-nine have periodontal disease. Of the signs evaluated to obtain the above statistics, we find that one hundred and twenty-four people presented bacterial plaque and erythematous gingiva, ninety-four presented edematous gingiva and supragingival calculus, eighty-six presented subgingival calculus, and seventy-nine presented hemorrhage on probing. and periodontal pockets, the presence of purulent exudate of thirty-three, dental mobility was presented in seventy-nine patients in which nineteen had degree I mobility, forty-nine degree II mobility, and eleven degree III mobility. The evaluation of oral hygiene habits shows that one hundred twenty-four patients do not know a tooth brushing technique, fourteen brush once, daily and one hundred and ten more than two times, seventeen use dental floss and one hundred and seven do not use it . Taking into account the analysis of the results obtained, it is concluded that: - Of the population under study to which the instruments were applied, a frequency of 36.30% was observed in gingival disease and 63.70% in periodontal disease, corresponding to 100% of one hundred twenty-four patients represented by the sample.

Encefalitis equina venezolana: manifestaciones clínicas iniciales / Encephalitis equine venezolana manifestation clinics initials

Se revisaron, brevemente, 135 casos de encefalitis equina venezolana. Más del 45 por ciento de los pacientes (63), presentaron la tríada: fiebre, cefalea, vómito. Noventa y nueve casos tuvieron cefalea. Ciento veinte casos tuvieron fiebre. Las convulsiones fueron más frecuentes en los niños. La incidencia de casos fue igual para ambos sexos. El 80 por ciento de los casos (109) estuvo en edades comprendidas entre 0 y 20 años