Evidencias psicométricas de la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico (BIEPS-A) en una muestra de adultos mayores peruanos / Psychometric Evidence of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (BIEPS-A) in a Sample of Peruvian Older Adults

Resumen El bienestar psicológico es un importante factor protector de la salud mental, particularmente en población vulnerable como los adultos mayores. Por lo tanto, es necesario contar con instrumentos de medición válidos, confiables e invariantes para su adecuado uso, con fines de evaluación e intervención psicológica. Este estudio se propuso analizar las evidencias de validez, confiabilidad e invarianza factorial de la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico (BIEPS-A) en una muestra de adultos mayores peruanos. Participaron 522 adultos mayores, de 60 a 93 años (M = 70.81, DE = 7.62), quienes respondieron la Escala BIEPS-A. Se encontraron adecuados índices de ajuste para un modelo de tres factores correlacionados: x2/gl = 1.631, CFI = .988, TLI = .984, SRMR = .0470, y RMSEA = .0350. También se halló relación entre las puntuaciones de la BIESP-A y el WHO-5 (r = .504), lo que es evidencia de validez convergente. Así mismo, se halló evidencia de confiabilidad de las puntuaciones con los coeficientes alfa (α) y omega (ω) (> .80). Finalmente, se encontró evidencia parcial de invarianza factorial en función al sexo (ΔCFI < .010, ΔRMSEA < .015). Se concluyó que la escala BIEPS-A reúne evidencias de validez, confiabilidad e invarianza parcial respecto al sexo para su correcto uso en adultos mayores peruanos.

Abstract Psychological well-being is an important protective factor for mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to have valid, reliable, and invariant measurement instruments for their proper use for psychological assessment and intervention purposes. This study aimed to analyze the evidence of validity, reliability, and factor invariance of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (BIEPS-A) in a sample of older Peruvian adults. Participants were 522 older adults, from 60 to 93 years old (M = 70.81, SD = 7.62), who answered the BIEPS-A Scale. Adequate fit indices were found for a model of three correlated factors: x2/gl = 1.631, CFI = .988, TLI = .984, SRMR = .0470, and RMSEA = .0350. A relationship was also found between the scores of the BIESP-A and the WHO-5 (r = .504, r2 = .254), which is evidence of convergent validity. Likewise, evidence of reliability of the scores with the alpha (α) and omega (ω) coefficients (> .80) was found. Finally, partial evidence of factor invariance based on gender was found (ΔCFI < .010, ΔRMSEA < .015). It was concluded that the BIEPS-A scale gathers evidence of validity, reliability and partial invariance with respect to sex for its correct use in older Peruvian adults.

Light, Copper, Action: Visible-Light Illumination Enhances Bactericidal Activity of Copper Particles.

Bacteria are an old concern to human health, as they are responsible for nosocomial infections, and the number of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms keeps growing. Copper is known for its intrinsic biocidal properties, and therefore, it is a promising material to combat infections when added to surfaces. However, its biocidal properties in the presence of light illumination have not been fully explored, especially regarding the use of microsized particles since nanoparticles have taken over all fields of research and subjugated microparticles despite them being abundant and less expensive. Thus, the present work studied the bactericidal properties of metallic copper particles, in microscale (CuMPs) and nanoscale (CuNPs), in the absence of light and under white LED light illumination. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CuMPs against Staphylococcus aureus that achieved a 6-log reduction was 5.0 and 2.5 mg mL-1 for assays conducted in the absence of light and under light illumination, respectively. Similar behavior was observed against Escherichia coli. The bactericidal activity under illumination provided a percentage increase in log reduction values of 65.2% for S. aureus and 166.7% for E. coli when compared to the assays under dark. This assay reproduced the testing CuNPs, which showed superior bactericidal activity since the concentration of 2.5 mg mL-1 promoted a 6-log reduction of both bacteria even under dark. Its superior bactericidal activity, which overcame the effect of illumination, was expected once the nanoscale facilitated the interaction of copper within the surface of bacteria. The results from MBC were supported by fluorescence microscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therefore, CuMPs and CuNPs proved to have size- and dose-dependent biocidal activity. However, we have shown that CuMPs photoactivity is competitive compared to that of CuNPs, allowing their application as a self-cleaning material for disinfection processes assisted by conventional light sources without additives to contain the spread of pathogens.

Bacterial community associated with gingivitis and periodontitis in dogs.

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition characterized by bacterial adhesion, followed by biofilm formation, and subsequently by an inflammatory process that progresses to gingivitis and later to periodontitis. The variations in the oral microbiota have been associated with the progression of this disease. This study evaluated the alteration of the cultivable oral microbiota in dogs with different oral health status. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into three groups: healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The collected oral samples were seeded, and colonies with distinct phenotypic characteristics were isolated and classified using sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The DNA sequences were aligned, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Simpson's diversity index was calculated, and a dissimilarity matrix based on the Jaccard similarity index was used to plot a principal coordinate analysis. A total of 119 bacteria with different colony morphologies were isolated and classified into 4 phyla, 29 genera, and 45 species based on phylogenetic analysis. The results indicated an increase in bacteria belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum and a less extended decrease in Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes phyla in dogs with periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) compared to healthy dogs. Representatives of the genera Neisseria sp., Corynebacterium sp., Pasteurella sp., and Moraxella sp. increased through the worsening of the periodontal disease, while Staphylococcus sp. decreased. All groups exhibited moderate to high levels of biodiversity index, and the plotted PCoA show a clear separation in the oral microbiome of dogs with periodontitis compared to dogs with gingivitis and the healthy group.

Análisis bifactorial y validez de constructo de la Escala de Percepción de Amenaza exogrupal frente a los inmigrantes VIH positivos en una muestra de adultos peruanos / Bifactorial analysis and construct validity of the Out-group Threat Perception Scale against HIV-positive immigrants in a sample of Peruvian adults

En la actualidad se evidenciado aumento de los desplazamientos provocados por conflictos, persecuciones, falta de oportunidades, seguridad, entre otras razones, inscrementando la población de migrante en países de América Latina. Se destaca los desplazados venezolanos, siendo Perú el segundo país de Latinoamérica con más de esta población de migrantes. Estudios han alertado sobre la desvalorización de los migrantes y especialmente aquellos que vivan con enfermedades infectocontagiosas como es el VIH. Los ciudadanos autóctonos del país receptor, percirbe la presencia del exogrupo como amenazas a sus derechos sociales relacionándose con actitudes negativas, que se ha ido poteciando por los medios de comunicación. Por tanto, es importante realizar estudios que estimen el discernimiento de amenazas exogrupal estrechamente hacia los migrantes. El objetivo evaluar las evidencias psicométricas del instrumento de medición EPAE en una muestra de adultos peruanos frente a los inmigrantes VIH. El análisis de los ítems y de confiabilidad demostró un adecuado funcionamiento a excepción de los ítems 4, 5, 11 y 12. Se propone utilizar el modelo 2, el cual consta de 9 agregados, confirmado por los diferentes índices estadísticos (X2/gl=3.49; WMRM=1.124; NFI=0.993; CFI=0.995; GFI=0.997; RMSEA=0.045; SRMR=0.035). Según los valores del análisis bifactor no existe suficiente evidencia para asumir un factor general, se recomienda trabajar con dimensiones independientes. Es importante la identificación de percepción de amenazas reales, debido a que investigaciones han evidenciado que el estigma asociado con el VIH constituye uno de los mayores obstáculos para la prevención de nuevas infecciones(AU)

Currently, there is evidence of an increase in displacement caused by conflicts, persecution, lack of opportunities, security, among other reasons, increasing the migrant population in Latin American countries. The displaced Venezuelans stand out, with Peru being the second country in Latin America with more than this population of migrants. Studies have warned about the devaluation of migrants and especially those who live with infectious diseases such as HIV. The autochthonous citizens of the receiving country perceive the presence of the outgroup as threats to their social rights, related to negative attitudes, which has been promoted by the media. Therefore, it is important to carry out studies that estimate the discernment of out-group threats closely towards migrants. The objective is to evaluate the psychometric evidence of the EPAE measurement instrument in a sample of Peruvian adults compared to HIV immigrants. The analysis of the items and reliability showed an adequate functioning with the exception of items 4, 5, 11 and 12. It is proposed to use model 2, which consists of 9 aggregates, confirmed by the different statistical indices (X2/df= 3.49; WMRM=1.124; NFI=0.993; CFI=0.995; GFI=0.997; RMSEA=0.045; SRMR=0.035). Given the values of the bifactor analysis, there is not enough evidence to assume a general factor, it is recommended to work with independent dimensions. It is important to identify the perception of real threats, since research has shown that the stigma associated with HIV constitutes one of the greatest obstacles to the prevention of new infections(AU)

Antifungal activity of essential oil from Eucalyptus staigeriana against Alternaria alternata causing of leaf spot and black rot in table grapes.

Alternaria alternata causes leaf spot and black rot diseases in leaves and grapes of grapevines, respectively, and leads to huge economic losses in table grapes production. As natural antifungal agents, essential oils (EOs), which are generally recognized as safe substances, shows strong antifungal activity against fungal phytopathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of Eucalyptus staigeriana EO and its in vitro and in vivo effects against A. alternata. The major compounds of E. staigeriana EO were citral (34.32%, of which 21.83% geranial and 12.49% neral), limonene (20.60%) and 1,8-cineole (12.33%). E. staigeriana EO exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on mycelial growth and conidial germination at 1 µL mL-1. Moreover, the EO was able to reduce the incidence and severity of leaf spot disease in leaves and black rot disease in table grapes caused by A. alternata. These results represent a possible alternative to reduce the use of synthetic molecules for the control of diseases in postharvest of table grapes and in vineyard.

Yeast biodiversity in honey produced by stingless bees raised in the highlands of southern Brazil.

The physicochemical characteristics and yeasts diversity in honey samples from 17 species of stingless bees of the genera Nannotrigona, Melipona, Plebeia, Scraptotrigona, and Tetragonisca cultivated in Southern Brazil were determined. The sugar content, moisture, water activity, pH, reducing sugars/total sugar ratio, and total yeast population varied significantly among the honey from the different bee species. The highest yeast population was found in the Plebeia's honey samples and correlated with their high water-activity. Sixteen yeast species were identified based on the nuclear large subunit (26S) ribosomal RNA partial sequences. The genera Starmerella and Zygosaccharomyces were found predominant, with a high prevalence of Starmerella sp., S. etchellsii, and S. apicola. Some yeast species were only identified in honey samples from specific bee species indicating a close relationship between the yeasts and the insects. For the first time, Wickerhamomyces sydowiorum in honey is being reported. In general, the yeast species isolated from stingless bee honey samples demonstrated high osmotolerance and low sugar assimilation.

Morphological characterization and molecular identification of Colletotrichum species associated to sweet persimmon anthracnose in Southern Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e identificação molecular de espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui doce no Sul do Brasil

The highlands of Southern Brazil contribute with 40% of Brazilian persimmon production. Although expanding, persimmon production faces major problems caused by anthracnose disease (black spot), including fruit rot and necrosis of leaves. Several Colletotrichum species (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, among others) are implicated in persimmon anthracnose around the world. To identify Colletotrichum species associated with persimmon anthracnose in the highlands of Southern Brazil, 34 isolates were analyzed by ITS-rDNA partial region, GAPDH, and TUB2 partial gene sequences, morphological characteristics, and virulence on persimmon fruits and leaves. Data showed a high prevalence of C. horii (85.3%), that associated with its high virulence on fruits and leaves, confirm a considerable degree of host preference. Moreover, other species C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, and C. nymphaeae, were identified, but the last three ones exhibited low virulence on fruits and were not able to produce symptoms on leaves. As far as we know this is the first reference on C. asianum in persimmon. The present data may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of anthracnose in sweet persimmon in Southern Brazil, and it will be useful for epidemiological studies and the development of disease management measures.(AU)

As terras altas do sul do Brasil contribuem com 40% da produção brasileira de caqui. Embora em expansão, a produção de caqui enfrenta grandes problemas causados ​​pela antracnose (mancha preta), incluindo o apodrecimento dos frutos e necrose das folhas. Várias espécies de Colletotrichum (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, entre outras) estão envolvidas com a antracnose do caqui em todo mundo. Para identificar espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui nas terras altas do sul do Brasil, 34 isolados foram analisados ​​através da região parcial de ITS-rDNA e sequências parciais dos genes GAPDH e TUB2, características morfológicas e virulência em frutos e folhas de caqui. Os dados mostraram uma alta prevalência de C. horii (85,3%), que associada à sua alta virulência em frutos e folhas, confirma um grau considerável de preferência pelo hospedeiro. Além disso, foram identificadas outras espécies C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, e C. nymphaeae, mas as três últimas exibiram baixa virulência nos frutos e não foram capazes de produzir sintomas nas folhas. Até onde sabemos, esta é a primeira referência sobre C. asianum em caqui. Os presentes dados podem contribuir para uma melhor compreensão da etiologia da antracnose em caqui doce no sul do Brasil e isso pode ser útil para estudos epidemiológicos e para o desenvolvimento de medidas de controle da doença.(AU)

Morphological characterization and molecular identification of Colletotrichum species associated to sweet persimmon anthracnose in Southern Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e identificação molecular de espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui doce no Sul do Brasil

The highlands of Southern Brazil contribute with 40% of Brazilian persimmon production. Although expanding, persimmon production faces major problems caused by anthracnose disease (black spot), including fruit rot and necrosis of leaves. Several Colletotrichum species (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, among others) are implicated in persimmon anthracnose around the world. To identify Colletotrichum species associated with persimmon anthracnose in the highlands of Southern Brazil, 34 isolates were analyzed by ITS-rDNA partial region, GAPDH, and TUB2 partial gene sequences, morphological characteristics, and virulence on persimmon fruits and leaves. Data showed a high prevalence of C. horii (85.3%), that associated with its high virulence on fruits and leaves, confirm a considerable degree of host preference. Moreover, other species C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, and C. nymphaeae, were identified, but the last three ones exhibited low virulence on fruits and were not able to produce symptoms on leaves. As far as we know this is the first reference on C. asianum in persimmon. The present data may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of anthracnose in sweet persimmon in Southern Brazil, and it will be useful for epidemiological studies and the development of disease management measures.

As terras altas do sul do Brasil contribuem com 40% da produção brasileira de caqui. Embora em expansão, a produção de caqui enfrenta grandes problemas causados ​​pela antracnose (mancha preta), incluindo o apodrecimento dos frutos e necrose das folhas. Várias espécies de Colletotrichum (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, entre outras) estão envolvidas com a antracnose do caqui em todo mundo. Para identificar espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui nas terras altas do sul do Brasil, 34 isolados foram analisados ​​através da região parcial de ITS-rDNA e sequências parciais dos genes GAPDH e TUB2, características morfológicas e virulência em frutos e folhas de caqui. Os dados mostraram uma alta prevalência de C. horii (85,3%), que associada à sua alta virulência em frutos e folhas, confirma um grau considerável de preferência pelo hospedeiro. Além disso, foram identificadas outras espécies C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, e C. nymphaeae, mas as três últimas exibiram baixa virulência nos frutos e não foram capazes de produzir sintomas nas folhas. Até onde sabemos, esta é a primeira referência sobre C. asianum em caqui. Os presentes dados podem contribuir para uma melhor compreensão da etiologia da antracnose em caqui doce no sul do Brasil e isso pode ser útil para estudos epidemiológicos e para o desenvolvimento de medidas de controle da doença.

Morphological characterization and molecular identification of Colletotrichum species associated to sweet persimmon anthracnose in Southern Brazil / Caracterização morfológica e identificação molecular de espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui doce no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The highlands of Southern Brazil contribute with 40% of Brazilian persimmon production. Although expanding, persimmon production faces major problems caused by anthracnose disease (black spot), including fruit rot and necrosis of leaves. Several Colletotrichum species (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, among others) are implicated in persimmon anthracnose around the world. To identify Colletotrichum species associated with persimmon anthracnose in the highlands of Southern Brazil, 34 isolates were analyzed by ITS-rDNA partial region, GAPDH, and TUB2 partial gene sequences, morphological characteristics, and virulence on persimmon fruits and leaves. Data showed a high prevalence of C. horii (85.3%), that associated with its high virulence on fruits and leaves, confirm a considerable degree of host preference. Moreover, other species C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, and C. nymphaeae, were identified, but the last three ones exhibited low virulence on fruits and were not able to produce symptoms on leaves. As far as we know this is the first reference on C. asianum in persimmon. The present data may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of anthracnose in sweet persimmon in Southern Brazil, and it will be useful for epidemiological studies and the development of disease management measures.

RESUMO: As terras altas do sul do Brasil contribuem com 40% da produção brasileira de caqui. Embora em expansão, a produção de caqui enfrenta grandes problemas causados ​​pela antracnose (mancha preta), incluindo o apodrecimento dos frutos e necrose das folhas. Várias espécies de Colletotrichum (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, entre outras) estão envolvidas com a antracnose do caqui em todo mundo. Para identificar espécies de Colletotrichum associadas à antracnose de caqui nas terras altas do sul do Brasil, 34 isolados foram analisados ​​através da região parcial de ITS-rDNA e sequências parciais dos genes GAPDH e TUB2, características morfológicas e virulência em frutos e folhas de caqui. Os dados mostraram uma alta prevalência de C. horii (85,3%), que associada à sua alta virulência em frutos e folhas, confirma um grau considerável de preferência pelo hospedeiro. Além disso, foram identificadas outras espécies C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, e C. nymphaeae, mas as três últimas exibiram baixa virulência nos frutos e não foram capazes de produzir sintomas nas folhas. Até onde sabemos, esta é a primeira referência sobre C. asianum em caqui. Os presentes dados podem contribuir para uma melhor compreensão da etiologia da antracnose em caqui doce no sul do Brasil e isso pode ser útil para estudos epidemiológicos e para o desenvolvimento de medidas de controle da doença.

Piperlongumine Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer HCT 116 Cells Independent of Bax, p21 and p53 Status.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer with reported resistance to treatment, in most cases due to loss of function of apoptotic and cell-cycle proteins. Piperlongumine (PPLGM) is a natural alkaloid isolated from Piper species, with promising anti-cancer properties. This study investigated whether PPLGM is able to induce cell death in colorectal carcinoma HCT 116 cells expressing wild-type or deficient in Bax, p21 or p53. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PPLGM was extracted from roots of Piper tuberculatum. Cell viability was determined by reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethilthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonogenic assay. Cell death was evaluated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and flow cytometry. Plasmid cleavage activity and circular dichroism DNA interaction were also analyzed. RESULTS: PPLGM induced selective cell death in all cell lines (IC50 range from 10.7 to 13.9 µM) with an increase in the number of late apoptotic cells and different profiles in cell-cycle distribution. Plasmid DNA analysis showed that PPLGM does not interact directly with DNA. CONCLUSION: This paper suggests that PPLGM may be a promising candidate in colorectal cancer therapy.

Antitumor activity of Brazilian red propolis fractions against Hep-2 cancer cell line.

Continuous increases in the rates of tumor diseases have highlighted the need for identification of novel and inexpensive antitumor agents from natural sources. In this study, we investigated the effects of enriched fraction from hydroalcoholic Brazilian red propolis extract against Hep-2 cancer cell line. Initially 201 fractions were arranged in 12 groups according to their chromatographic characteristics (A-L). After an in vitro cell viability screening, J and L were further selected as promising enriched fractions for this study. The chemical characterization was performed and Biochanin A, Formononetin, and Liquiritigenin compounds were quantified. Through MTT viability assay and morphological changes observed by Giemsa and DAPI staining, the results showed that red propolis inhibited cancer cells growth. Flow cytometry results indicated effects that were partly mediated through programmed cell death as confirmed by externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA cleaved assay, increase at SUB G1-G0 phase in cell cycle analysis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that red propolis enriched fractions promoted apoptotic effects in human cancer cells through the mechanisms involving mitochondrial perturbation. Therefore, red propolis fractions contain candidate agents for adjuvant cancer treatment, which further studies should elucidate the comprehensive mechanistic pathways.