Motivation to learn: an international multilevel study on student autonomy and teacher emphasis on content usefulness / Motivación para aprender: un estudio internacional multinivel sobre la autonomía de los estudiantes y el énfasis de los docentes en la utilidad del contenido

En la educación superior, pocos estudios relacionan factores contextuales en la clase, como el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido y las características motivacionales de los estudiantes. El objetivo fue probar un modelo multinivel sobre la relación entre el énfasis del docente en la utilidad del contenido durante la clase, la autonomía de los estudiantes y, a su vez, la motivación para aprender. Participaron 3033 estudiantes universitarios matriculados de 1º a 4º grado de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, de universidades de España (N = 602), Portugal (N = 469), México (N = 1177), Chile (N = 372), y Brasil (N = 413). Se realizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales multinivel, en el que los participantes respondieron preguntas sobre el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido de la clase, la autonomía y la motivación para aprender. Se hipotetizó que el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido predecía la autonomía del estudiante que, por su vez, predecía la motivación para aprender. Los resultados, a nivel grupal e individual, indican que el énfasis del docente en la utilidad del contenido predijo la autonomía del estudiante, y la autonomía predijo la motivación para aprender.(AU)

Teacher autonomy support is related to improved student learn-ing. In higher education, few studies relate classroom contextual factors, such as teacher emphasis on content usefulness, and students' motivational characteristics. The aim was to test a multilevel model about the relation between the extent of teachers’ emphasis on the usefulness of class con-tent with student autonomy, and, in turn, on motivation to learn. The par-ticipants were 3033 university students enrolled from 1st to 4th grade of Sciences of the Physical Activity and Sport, from universities in Spain (N = 602), Portugal (N = 469), Mexico (N = 1177), Chile (N = 372), and Brazil (N = 413). A multilevel structural equation model was performed, in which participants answered questions about the teacher's emphasis on the use-fulness of class content, basic psychological need for autonomy, and moti-vation to learn. At the group and individual levels, the hypothesis is that the teacher's emphasis on the usefulness of class content predict the stu-dent autonomy, in turn, student autonomy predicts student motivation to learn. Results found at the group level and at the individual level the strength of teacher emphasis on class content predicted student autonomy; student autonomy predicted student motivation to learn.(AU)

Process Simulation and Optimization on Ionic Liquids.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising alternative compounds that enable the development of technologies based on their unique properties as solvents or catalysts. These technologies require integrated product and process designs to select ILs with optimal process performances at an industrial scale to promote cost-effective and sustainable technologies. The digital era and multiscale research methodologies have changed the paradigm from experiment-oriented to hybrid experimental-computational developments guided by process engineering. This Review summarizes the relevant contributions (>300 research papers) of process simulations to advance IL-based technology developments by guiding experimental research efforts and enhancing industrial transferability. Robust simulation methodologies, mostly based on predictive COSMO-SAC/RS and UNIFAC models in Aspen Plus software, were applied to analyze key IL applications: physical and chemical CO2 capture, CO2 conversion, gas separation, liquid-liquid extraction, extractive distillation, refrigeration cycles, and biorefinery. The contributions concern the IL selection criteria, operational unit design, equipment sizing, technoeconomic and environmental analyses, and process optimization to promote the competitiveness of the proposed IL-based technologies. Process simulation revealed that multiscale research strategies enable advancement in the technological development of IL applications by focusing research efforts to overcome the limitations and exploit the excellent properties of ILs.

In search of better snacks: ohmic-heating nixtamalized flour and amaranth addition increase the nutraceutical and nutritional potential of vegetable-enriched tortilla chips.

BACKGROUND: Nixtamalized flour snacks such as tortilla chips are widely consumed across the world, but they are nutritionally poor and contribute to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. The production of healthy versions of such snacks, by incorporating vegetables and improving the quality of the flours used in their formulation, could help address these nutritional challenges. This study compared the fortification of baked tortilla chips with vegetable leaf powders (kale and wild amaranth at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 16% w/w) and using two types of nixtamalized flour: traditional (TNF) and with ohmic heating (OHF). RESULTS: Overall, the use of OHF increased 1.88 times the fibre in enriched and non-enriched snacks with respect to TNF, but the latter had 1.85 times more protein. Addition of 16% of vegetable powders increased protein (kale = 1.4-fold; amaranth = 1.3-fold) and dietary fibre (kale = 1.52-fold; amaranth = 1.7-fold). Amaranth enrichment improved total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of chips at least 1.2 and 1.63 times, respectively. OHF chips also had higher bound TPC than TNF ones, regardless of vegetable addition. Combinations of OHF with 16% amaranth produced chips 1.74-fold higher in antioxidant capacity than non-enriched ones, due to increased content of phenolics such as ferulic acid. CONCLUSION: This work showed that tortilla chips made using nixtamalized flour produced with assisted ohmic heating, alone or in combination with wild amaranth leaf powder, could be used in the production of healthy maize snacks to enhance their prospective antioxidant activity and nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

HLA molecular study of patients in a public kidney transplant program in Guatemala.

Guatemala is a country located in Central America, and while it is one of the most populated countries in the region, the genetic diversity of the population has been poorly analyzed. Currently, there are no analyses of the distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system alleles in mixed ancestry (i.e., ladino) populations in Guatemala. The HLA system exhibits the most extensive polymorphism in the human genome and has been extensively analyzed in a large number of studies related to disease association, transplantation, and population genetics (with particular importance in the understanding of diversity in the human population). Here, we present HLA typing data from 127 samples of unrelated individuals from the kidney transplant program of the San Juan de Dios General Hospital (Guatemala City) using a PCR-SSOP-based (PCR-sequence specific oligonucleotide probes) typing method. We found 16 haplotypes that accounted for 39.76 % of the total haplotype diversity, of which thirteen have been reported previously in Native American populations and three have been reported in European populations. The analyses showed no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and admixture estimates calculated with k = 3 ancestral components showed that Native American was the most represented component, followed by the European component. The African component was less prominent in the Guatemala mixed ancestry sample in comparison to samples from other countries in Central America. The HLA-based admixture results for Central America showed a continuum in the distribution of Native American, European and African ancestries throughout the region, which is consistent with the complex demographic history of the region.

Relationships among instructor autonomy support, and university students' learning approaches, perceived professional competence, and life satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among instructor autonomy support for student learning, and students' motivational characteristics, learning approaches, perceptions of career competence and life satisfaction. Participated 1048 students from Spanish universities with ages between 18, and 57 years. A Structural equation modeling revealed a relationship between instructor autonomy support for student learning with students' basic psychological need satisfaction. As a result, students' basic need satisfaction was related to their intrinsic motivation, and to a deeper learning approach. These educational outcomes contributed to explain students'perceived professional competence, and life satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of student choice, and decision-making in the learning process as a means to facilitating deeper learning, stronger feelings of professional competence, and enhanced well-being.

The Habituation Process in Two Groups of Wild Moor Macaques (Macaca maura).

When studying animal behavior in the wild, some behaviors may require observation from a relatively short distance. In these cases, habituation is commonly used to ensure that animals do not perceive researchers as a direct threat and do not alter their behavior in their presence. However, habituation can have significant effects on the welfare and conservation of the animals. Studying how nonhuman primates react to the process of habituation can help to identify the factors that affect habituation and implement habituation protocols that allow other researchers to speed up the process while maintaining high standards of health and safety for both animals and researchers. In this study, we systematically described the habituation of two groups of wild moor macaques (Macaca maura), an Endangered endemic species of Sulawesi Island (Indonesia), to assess the factors that facilitate habituation and reduce impact on animal behavior during this process. During 7 months, we conducted behavioral observations for more than 7,872 encounters and an average of 120 days to monitor how macaque behavior toward researchers changed through time in the two groups under different conditions. We found that both study groups (N = 56, N = 41) became more tolerant to the presence of researchers during the course of the habituation, with occurrence of neutral group responses increasing, and minimum distance to researchers and occurrence of fearful group responses decreasing through time. These changes in behavior were predominant when macaques were in trees, with better visibility conditions, when researchers maintained a longer minimum distance to macaques and, unexpectedly, by the presence of more than one researcher. By identifying these factors, we contribute to designing habituation protocols that decrease the likelihood of fearful responses and might reduce the stress experienced during this process.

Caracterización del tutor como figura central en la formación del médico general integral / Characterization of the tutor as a key actor in the training of the family medicine physician

Introducción: La educación y la práctica médica constituyen un par dialéctico, del cual emerge el tutor como figura protagónica de los procesos formativos, con conocimientos, habilidades y experiencia para guiar al educando hacia su desarrollo integral. Objetivo: Caracterizar la preparación del tutor en el proceso de formación del residente de Medicina General Integral en el municipio Habana Vieja durante enero-junio de 2019. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación pedagógica en el área del posgrado, de tipo descriptivo. El universo y la muestra estuvieron constituidos por 75 médicos que ejercían la tutoría de formación en residentes de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Se aplicaron métodos teóricos y empíricos. Para obtener la información, se efectuó un análisis documental y se aplicó una encuesta, previo consentimiento informado. Resultados: El 42,7 por ciento de los tutores poseía experiencia como tutor y se encontraba en la agrupación entre 1-3 años; el 54,7 por ciento tenía entre 5-10 años como especialistas. La mayor representación (65,3 por ciento) no ostentaba categoría docente ni científica. La maestría de educación médica superior fue la actividad formativa de mayor representación (15,9 por ciento). El 86,6 por ciento refirió no formar parte de investigaciones; y el 53,3 por ciento, no haber participado en eventos científicos. Solo el 24 por ciento de tutores puntualizó haber realizado publicaciones en revistas de alto impacto. Conclusiones: Existen insuficiencias en la preparación del tutor, por lo que se hace necesario implementar estrategias, como la creación de la comisión de trabajo tutorial a nivel del departamento docente(AU)

Introduction: Medical education and practice make up a dialectical pair, from which tutors emerge as leading actors of training processes, with knowledge, skills and experience to guide learners towards their comprehensive development. Objective: To characterize tutor training in the process of formation of the Family Medicine resident in La Habana Vieja Municipality in the period from January to June 2019. Methods: A descriptive pedagogical research was carried out in the postgraduate area. The universe and the sample consisted of 75 physicians who provided tutorship for training Family Medicine residents. Theoretical and empirical methods were applied. To obtain the information, a documental analysis was carried out and a survey was applied, with prior informed consent. Results: 42.7 percent of the participants had experience as tutors and were in the group between one and three years, while 54.7 percent had been specialists for five to ten years. The highest representation group (65.3 percent) did not hold a teaching or scientific rank. The master's degree in higher medical education was the training activity with the highest representation (15.9 percent). 86.6 percent expressed that they were not carrying out any research, while 53.3 percent have not participated in scientific events. Only 24 percent of the tutors specified that they have published in high-impact journals. Conclusions: There are shortcomings in tutor training, a reason why it is necessary to implement strategies, such as the creation of a tutorial work commission at the level of the teaching department(AU)

La familia y la medicina familiar en la educación de posgrado en Cuba / Family and family medicine in postgraduate education in Cuba

Introducción: La familia funciona como una unidad de atención en la medicina familiar. Junto con las personas y la comunidad se conforman los escenarios principales de las acciones de salud en la formación posgraduada de Medicina General Integral, que asume así una atención integral a la persona desde el punto de vista biopsicosocial. Objetivo: Describir la evolución del sistema de objetivos y contenidos en los programas de formación de la especialidad Medicina General Integral, propuestos para el abordaje de la familia y la medicina familiar en la educación de posgrado en Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, de corte educacional. Se emplearon métodos teóricos y empíricos en función de la revisión bibliográfica y documental, relacionada con los objetivos y contenidos sobre familia y medicina familiar en el posgrado. Se hizo análisis, síntesis y contrastación de criterios, a partir de los materiales revisados. Resultados: La especialidad Medicina General Integral ha transitado hasta 2018 por cinco programas de estudios. Los contenidos familia y medicina familiar se ubican a partir del tercero, en función de profundizar y consolidar las habilidades necesarias para la intervención, tanto educativa como terapéutica de la familia. El primero carecía de integralidad, y la quinta y actual versión está organizada mediante cursos. Conclusiones: El abordaje del sistema de objetivos y contenidos sobre la familia y la medicina familiar en el programa de la especialidad Medicina General Integral ha evolucionado hacia su inclusión progresiva, que contribuye a perfeccionar las competencias de los egresados en el cumplimiento del ejercicio de la medicina familiar(AU)

Introduction: Family functions as a unit during the process of care provision in family medicine. People and the community together make up the main scenarios of health actions in postgraduate training in Family Medicine, which allows comprehensive care for the person from the biopsychosocial point of view. Objective: To describe the evolution of the system of objectives and contents in the training programs of the Family Medicine specialty, proposed for the managment of family and family medicine in postgraduate education in Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and educational research was carried out. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, focused on bibliographic and document review, related to the objectives and contents about family and family medicine in postgraduate studies. Analysis, synthesis and contrast of criteria were used, based on the reviewed materials. Results: Until 2018, the Family Medicine specialty has gone through five study programs. The contents about family and family medicine are included to be studied from the third program, in order to deepen and consolidate the necessary skills for intervention, both educational and therapeutic, of the family. The first one lacked comprehensiveness, and the fifth and current version is organized through courses. Conclusions: The way the system of objectives and contents about family and family medicine are dealt with in the program of the Family Medicine specialty has evolved towards its progressive inclusion, which contributes to perfecting the competences of graduates, in order to fulfill the practice of medicine family(AU)

Individualism, Competitiveness, and Fear of Negative Evaluation in Pre-adolescents: Does the Teacher's Controlling Style Matter?

The traditional teaching style in which the teacher is in control and there is a submissive attitude in students is predominant in Mexico. The development of identity in preadolescence is subjected to social groups, which could develop interpersonal difficulties through the controlling teaching style. Although the fear of negative evaluation in students and competitive sport has been studied in education, relatively little research has been done in the area of physical education in relation to the controlling style. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation and predictive relationship between controlling teaching and the fear of negative evaluation mediated by the frustration of the basic psychological needs (BPN), controlled motivation, and individualism/competitiveness through the theoretical framework of self-determination theory. Participants were 1132 students in the fifth and sixth grades in public elementary schools in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, with ages between 10 and 13 (M = 10.51 years; SD = 0.66 years). Results indicate the perceived controlling teaching style positively predicted the fear of negative evaluation in students of this study through BPN frustration, that is positively related to low-quality motivation, which is related to a higher level of individualism/competitiveness. This, in turn, is proven to be a predictor of the fear of negative evaluation. The results also discuss the promotion of the autonomy support style, avoiding the controlling teaching style, for the minimization of negative results related to the perception of fear and the development of student well-being both within and beyond the school context.

Evolution of the retinal function by flash-ERG in one child suffering from neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis CLN2 treated with cerliponase alpha: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLN) are neurodegenerative disorders among the most frequent, inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Affected patients can present with progressive decline in cognitive and motor functions, seizures, a shortened life span and visual deficiency. CLN2 is one of the rare CLN that benefits from treatment by cerliponase alpha an enzyme replacement therapy. Preliminary results on treated animal models have shown delayed neurological signs and prolonged life span. However, cerliponase alpha did not prevent vision loss or retinal degeneration in those animal models. Cerliponase alpha has currently been delivered to a few CLN2-affected patients. We report the case of one patient suffering from CLN2 treated with intracerebroventricular infusions of cerliponase alpha 300 mg every two weeks. Evolution of his retinal function was assessed by three successive flash-ERG and flash-VEP recordings throughout his treatment over a 4-year period. RESULTS: Before treatment at the age of 4 years 5 months, patient's retinas were normal (normal fundi and normal flash-ERG). After 29 infusions at the age of 6 years 10 months, a-wave combined response was absent, while cone and flicker responses were normal. After 80 infusions at the age of 8 years 9 months, a-wave cone response was absent with b-wave peak time increased, and no combined response. COMMENTS: Despite treatment, our patient's retinas showed a progressive abnormal and inhomogeneous function. Rods function was altered first, then the scotopic system and afterward, the cones. This result differs from those recorded in animal models. The relative preservation of cone functioning for a while could not be unequivocally attributed to enzyme replacement therapy as we lack comparison with the evolution of flash-ERGs recorded in untreated subjects.

Effect of LTLT heat treatment on cathepsin B and L activities and denaturation of myofibrillar proteins of pork.

The aim was to study biophysical and chemical changes during low-temperature long-time (LTLT) heat treatment of pork by measuring cathepsin B+L activity, surface hydrophobicity of myofibrils, particle size of myofibrils and effect on meat toughness as indicated by Allo-Kramer shear force. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were divided into large pieces, vacuum packaged and cooked in water baths at 53, 58, 63, 68 and 73 °C for 1, 8 and 24 h. The results showed that the meat toughness was markedly lower at temperatures of 53 °C and 58 °C and decreased with increasing holding time. Myofibrillar surface hydrophobicity increased with temperature, but not with time, indicating aggregation and/or gelation phenomena took place. Treatments with the lowest shear force values generally had smaller particles and were associated with high cathepsin B+L activity. A mechanism by which these cathepsins might affect the aggregation dynamics and change the mechanical properties of meat is proposed.

Examining the dark side of motivation on life satisfaction in college students: does grit matter? / Explorando el lado oscuro de la motivación sobre la satisfacción con la vida en estudiantes universitarios: ¿importa la constancia?

Despite the fact that teachers can have an important effect on the regulation of student behavior, the existing scientific literature has hardly explored the simultaneous influence of personal traits and social factors to promote student well-being. This study examined the mediating role of amotivated behavior and the relationship with teacher controlling behaviors, grit, and satisfaction with life. A total of 474 college students (female = 135; male = 339) participated in the study. All participants completed a multi-section survey assessing the constructs under analysis. Results from the structural model analysis displayed acceptable fit and amotivation played a mediating role in the relationship between grit-perseverance and life satisfaction but not for gritpassion. These findings provide evidence regarding adequate teacher behavior and the importance of measuring student grit in the classroom setting. These findings provide new insights into the understanding of teacher motivational behaviors and student learning processes that influence student behavioral regulations and affective outcomes

A pesar de que los docentes pueden ejercer un efecto importante sobre la regulación del comportamiento de los estudiantes, la literatura científica existente ha explorado poco la influencia simultanea de los rasgos personales y los factores sociales para promover el bienestar de los estudiantes. Este estudio examino el papel mediador de la desmotivación y las relaciones con el comportamiento controlador percibido del docente y la constancia del estudiante para mejorar la satisfacción con la vida. Participaron 474 estudiantes universitarios (339 hombres y 135 mujeres), que rellenaron los cuestionarios sobre las variables incluidas en el estudio. Los resultados del análisis del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostraron un ajuste adecuado, mostrando el papel mediador de la desmotivación en la relación entre la dimensión perseverancia de la constancia y la satisfacción

Falta de evidencia de transmisión vertical y hallazgos histopatológicos en restos placentarios de pacientes con diagnóstico de Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo por Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) en Guatemala / Lack of evidence of vertical transmission and histopathological findings in placental remains of patients diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Guatemala

El primer caso de infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2, fue reportado en la ciudad de Wuhan, China en diciem-bre de 2019. Desde entonces la enfermedad se ha dispersado a más de 188 países, confirmándose más de 53 millones de casos a nivel mundial. El 13 de marzo de 2020 se reportó el primer caso de COVID-19 en Guatemala y, a mediados del mes de noviembre, se han reportado más de 116,000 casos, 4,000 fallecidos y 106,000 recu-perados; con una tasa de mortalidad de 23 por cada 100,000 habitantes y una letalidad del 3.4%. Hasta ahora, la literatura científica disponible abarca ciertos aspectos de salud reproductiva, mientras se continúa recopilando más información que permita conocer más de su impacto real durante el proceso infeccioso y las secuelas derivadas de éste. La presente es una revisión histopatológica de restos placentarios de tres mujeres con resultado positivo para SARS-CoV-2, ingresadas en un hospital privado de la Ciudad de Guatemala. El examen histopatológico del tejido placentario aporta información importante sobre la salud de la madre y del feto. Todos los casos revelaron signos macroscópicos y microscópicos de disfunción placentaria por mala perfusión vascular materna, con for-mación de infartos hemorrágicos y daño placentario asociado con efectos adversos en el embarazo. Agregando a esto, dos neonatos presentaron un resultado negativo para SARS-CoV-2 y uno falleció. Es de suma importancia el estudio de la placenta de madres positivas a SARS-CoV-2 para conocer el rol de esta durante el embarazo y también, indagar en la posibilidad de transmisión vertical.

The first infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was reported in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019. Since then, the disease has spread to more than 188 countries and territories, confirming more than 53 million cases worldwide. On March 13th 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Guatemala and by the middle of November, more than 116,000 cases have been reported, 4,000 deaths and 106,000 recovered; with a mortality rate of 23 per 100,000 inhabitants and a fatality of 3.4%. Until now, the available scientific literature covers certain aspects of reproductive health, whilst more information continues to be collected that allows us to know more about its real impact on the human body during the infectious process and the consequences derived from it. This is a histopathological report of placental tissue obtained from three women with a positive result for SARS-CoV-2, admitted to a private hospital in Guatemala City. Added to this, the histopathological examination of placental tissue obtained, provides important information about the health of the mother and fetus. All cases revealed macroscopic and microscopic signs of placental dysfunction due to poor maternal vascular perfusion, with evidence of hemorrhagic infarcts and placental damage that is associated with adverse effects in pregnancy. In addition, two newborns had a negative result for SARS-CoV-2 and one newborn died. The study of the placenta of newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers is of utmost importance to understand its role during pregnancy and also, investigate the possibility of vertical transmission..

Design and Validation of the Scale to Measure Aquatic Competence in Children (SMACC).

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to design and analyze the validity of the SMACC (Scale to Measure Aquatic Competence in Children) to evaluate aquatic competence in three- to six-year-old children. In addition, the relation between real competence obtained with the SMACC and perceived aquatic competence was verified as well as its differences according to sex and age. (2) Methods: Content validation was performed through the consensus of nine experts using the Delphi technique, and comprehension validity was determined through a pilot study on a sample of 122 children. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed with two independent samples of 384 and 444 school children between three and six years old, respectively. (3) Results: After the pertinent adjustments, the final questionnaire comprised 17 items, which showed a good fit for both comprehension and content validity. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory analyses support the use of three dimensions in aquatic competence: motor, socio-affective, and cognitive. The correlations support construct validity showing a positive relation with perceived aquatic competence. (4) Conclusions: These promising validity data are discussed from a global and integrative perspective in relation to the improvement of children's development in the aquatic environment during the early stages of their lives.

Aflatoxin B1 exposure and liver cirrhosis in Guatemala: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: In Guatemala, cirrhosis is among the 10 leading causes of death, and mortality rates have increased lately. The reasons for this heavy burden of disease are not clear as the prevalence of prominent risk factors, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and heavy alcohol consumption, appears to be low. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure, however, appears to be high, and thus could be associated with the high burden of cirrhosis. Whether AFB1 increases the risk of cirrhosis in the absence of viral infection, however, is not clear. DESIGN: Cirrhosis cases (n=100) from two major referral hospitals in Guatemala City were compared with controls (n=200) from a cross-sectional study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs of cirrhosis and quintiles of AFB1 in crude and adjusted models. A sex-stratified analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: The median AFB1 level was significantly higher among the cases (11.4 pg/mg) than controls (5.11 pg/mg). In logistic regression analyses, higher levels of AFB1 was associated with cirrhosis (quintile 5 vs quintile 1, OR: 11.55; 95% CI 4.05 to 32.89). No attenuation was observed with adjustment by sex, ethnicity, hepatitis B virus status, and heavy alcohol consumption. A significantly increasing trend in association was observed in both models (p trend <0.01). Additionally, the cirrhosis-AFB1 association was more prominent among men. CONCLUSIONS: The current study found a significant positive association between AFB1 exposure and cirrhosis. Mitigation of AFB1 exposure and a better understanding of additional risk factors may be important to reduce the burden of cirrhosis in Guatemala.

Assessing the Relationship between Autonomy Support and Student Group Cohesion across Ibero-American Countries.

Teacher-endorsed supporting behaviors present themselves as key influencers of student adaptive academic and social functions. The objective of this paper was twofold. First, this study sought to test a model in which student-perceived autonomy support was associated with group cohesion, considering the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Second, the current study examined the dimensionality of the model across five Western countries, namely Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. A convenience sample of 3033 college students (Mage = 21.51 ± SD = 3.71) were recruited for the analysis. The results revealed that perceived autonomy support was positively associated with needs satisfaction, being consequently associated with intrinsic motivation and, ultimately, with group cohesion. Additionally, a multigroup analysis revealed that the model was invariant across college students from the different countries. The current results are discussed around the promotion of teacher uses of autonomy-supportive behaviors fostering adaptive outcomes in students regarding positive social relations and that the cultures of Ibero-American countries are equivalent in this process.

Teachers' interpersonal styles and fear of failure from the perspective of physical education students.

A growing body of research-based knowledge has been generated for the purpose of better understanding the reciprocal and dynamic relationship between teachers' instructional characteristics and students' psychosocial and learning outcomes. This study specifically examined the relationship between teachers' interpersonal styles and fear of failure outcomes in physical education students. Five hundred sixty-two middle school and high school students in Physical Education classes (PE) participated in the study. Students completed questionnaires that assessed instructors' autonomy-supportive and controlling teaching styles and students' own fear of failure. A person-centered analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that higher teacher autonomy support was associated with lower student fear of failure. To the contrary, a controlling teaching style was associated with fear of failure in these students. Two profiles emerged in which moderate fear of failure was associated with a stronger perception of a controlling teacher style and lower levels of fear of failure were associated with greater perceived instructor support for autonomy.

Porosidad del agregado trióxido mineral. Una revisión sistemática / Mineral trioxide aggregate porosity. A systematic review

OBJETIVO: Los materiales que se emplean para procedimientos dentales en los que el material contacta directamente con el tejido pulpar y tejidos periodontales han de cumplir una serie de propiedades, entre ellas la biocompatibilidad. A su vez, han de ser materiales que eviten el paso de fluidos y microorganismos con el fin de preservar las condiciones óptimas de los tejidos. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar la porosidad de los diferentes cementos de agregado trióxido mineral (MTA). MÉTODO: Dos investigadores realizaron búsquedas avanzadas en: PubMed Central, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Li-brary, Science Direc y Science Database (Proquest) siguiendo los criterios PRISMA. Los criterios de inclusión contemplaban los es-tudios in vitro, publicados en inglés desde enero de 1993 hasta abril de 2019, que analizaran y midieran la porosidad del MTA. Se excluyeron los estudios in vivo, piloto, editoriales, cartas, revisiones sistemáticas, reseñas literarias, resúmenes de conferencias y trabajos de fin de grado. RESULTADOS: Un total de 853 artículos resultó de la búsqueda inicial, de los que solo 19 pasaron los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y el análisis del riesgo de sesgo. En ellos, se analizan distintas técnicas de condensación del MTA, radiopacificadores, sustratos, etc., en busca de materiales que presenten menor porosidad. CONCLUSIONES: La elevada heterogeneidad de los estudios sobre porosidad y el hecho de que éstos no estén estandarizados, pue-de condicionar la validez externa o generalización de los resultados entre los distintos investigadores para un mismo material y procedimiento. En los estudios que realizan una comparación entre varios materiales, concluyen que tanto MTA ProRoot® y Bio-dentineTM obtuvieron mejores resultados en cuanto a porosidad. Número de solicitud (PROSPERO): 124340

OBJECTIVE: Materials used for dental procedures in which the material directly contacts the pulp and periodontal tissues must have a series of characteristics, such as biocompatibility. Equally, they must be materials that prevent the passage of fluids and microorganisms aiming at keeping the optimal conditions of the tissues intact. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the porosity of the different cements of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). METHOD: Two researchers conducted advanced searches in: PubMed Central, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and ScienceDatabase (Proquest) following the PRISMA criteria. Inclusion criteria took into account in vitro studies, published in English from January 1993 to April 2019, to analyse and measure the porosity of the MTA. In vivo and pilot studies were excluded, as well as editorials, letters, systematic reviews, literary reviews, conference abstracts and dissertations. RESULTS: A total of 853 articles resulted from the initial search, of which only 19 met the criteria for inclusion, exclusion and analysis of the risk of bias. In them, different condensation techniques of the MTA, radiopacifiers, substrates, etc., are analysed in quest of materials with less porosity. CONCLUSIONS: The high heterogeneity of the studies on porosity and the fact that they are not standardised, can condition the external validity or generalisation of the results among the different researchers for the same material and procedure. In the studies that make a comparison between several materials, they conclude that both MTA ProRoot® and BiodentineTM obtained better outcomes in terms of porosity as compared with other marketed brands. Application number (PROSPERO): 124340

Structural Study of the Compounds Formed in the Reactions of FeCl3·6H2O with Ni(OH)2 in the Presence of Dithiolenes HSRSH (R = C6H2Cl2 or C6H4).

In our attempts to prepare coordination polymers by reaction of FeCl3·6H2O and Ni(OH)2 in the presence of dithiolenes HSC6H2X2SH (X = Cl or H), several ion pairs of compounds containing the anionic entity [Ni(SC6H2X2S)2]- were obtained instead. It was also found that other species without dithiolene ligands were formed in these reactions, giving rise to different ion pairs and a tetrametallic cluster. The careful isolation of the different types of crystalline solids allowed the characterization of all of the resulting compounds by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). In order to establish the amount of nickel and iron present in the crystals, complementary total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analyses were performed. The eight different structural types that were obtained are described and compared with related ones found in the literature.

Proteína C reactiva ultrasensible y riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Ultrasensitive reactive C protein and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objetivo: describir el riesgo cardiovascular de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), según los valores de proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us). Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado en el Patronato del Diabético de zona 1, Ciudad de Guatemala, en el cual participaron 196 pacientes mayores de 50 años de edad, obteniéndose características sociodemográficas, medidas antropométricas. Además, se tomaron muestras de sangre que fueron procesadas en iCroma ll para determinar los valores de Proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us). Resultados: los pacientes que aceptaron formar parte del estudio, tuvieron una media de edad de 62±8.62 DE; 74.4% (146) fueron del sexo femenino; 54% (106) eran católicos y el 82.1% (161), residían en la Ciudad de Guatemala. El estado nutricional fue normal en el 26% (50), el 11% (21) tenía sobrepeso y 63% (125), obesidad. Para índice cintura cadera (ICC) con respecto al sexo femenino, se obtuvo una media de 0.89±0.05 DE y una media 0.97±0.05 DE del sexo masculino. Respecto al riesgo cardiovascular, se obtuvo una media en valores de PCR-us de 2.9±2.8 DE, con 76% (148) de los pacientes en riesgo cardiovascular moderado/alto. Conclusiones: los valores de PCR-us tuvieron una media de 2.9±2.8 DE y 8 de cada 10 pacientes están en riesgo moderado/alto. De los pacientes estudiados, 7 de cada 10 fueron mujeres, con una media para a edad de 62 años. Se encontraron 7 de cada 10 con sobrepeso u obesidad, con una media para índice cintura cadera con respecto al sexo elevado.

Objective: to describe the cardiovascular risk of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to the values of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (PCR-us). Material and methods: descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out on 196 patients over 50 years of age, from the Diabetic Board of Trustees in Zone 1, Guatemala. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and blood were obtained. The blood samples were processed in iCroma ll to determine the values of ultrasensitive reactive Protein C (PCR-us). Results: the patients who accepted to be part of the study had a mean age of 62 ± 8.62 SD years; 74.4% (146) were female; 54% (106) were catholic, and 82.1% (161) resided in Guatemala City. Nutritional status was normal in 50 patients (26%), 21, overweight (11%) and 125, obese (63%). For the waisthip index, with respect to the female, an average of 0.89 ± 0.05 SD and for males, an average 0.97 ± 0.05 SD were obtained. Regarding cardiovascular risk, an average in PCR-us values of 2.9 ± 2.8 SD was obtained; 76% (148) of patient were at moderate / high cardiovascular risk.