The prevalence of suicide attempt and suicidal ideation and its relationship with aggression and bullying in Chilean adolescents.

Background: Suicide constitutes one of the main mental health problems worldwide, requiring detection, and prevention efforts, especially in the adolescent population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation and their relationship with aggressiveness and bullying in Chilean adolescents. Materials and methods: The sample was composed of 728 adolescents schooled from Arica city: 56.6% were males and 43.4% were females. The students attended from de 1st to the 4th year of secondary. The average age of the sample was 15,6 years. The following instruments were used: Okasha's Suicidality Scale, Buss and Perry's Aggressiveness Survey, and the Social Acceptance (School Bullying) sub-test of the Kidscreen-52 Survey. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design was applied. The sampling was non-probabilistic for convenience. Results: 18.4% of the students reported that they had attempted suicide and 65.6% reported that they had suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicide attempts was higher than in male adolescents (29,1% vs. 10,2%), and the same prevalence was for suicidal ideation (76,6% vs. 57,3%). Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation were positively and significantly correlated with aggressiveness (r = 0.32, r = 0.48) and bullying (r = 0.37, r = 0.50). Conclusion: The prevalence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation is both higher in girls than boys. In this sense, girls constitute a risk group. In addition, this study provides evidence that supports the relationship between suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. The results highlight the role that educational institutions should have in terms of prevention and effective approaches.

Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Test Effects of a Community-Based Intervention on Latino Father's Parenting Practices.

Parenting practices have been associated with adolescent lifestyle behaviors and weight status. Evidence is limited regarding the efficacy of interventions to address father influences on adolescent lifestyle behaviors through availability and modeling practices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in father parenting practices after Latino families with adolescents participated in the Padres Preparados Jóvenes Saludables (Padres) program. Time-1 (baseline) and Time-2 (post-intervention) data were used from Latino father/adolescent (10-14 years) dyads enrolled in the Padres two-arm (intervention vs. delayed-treatment control group) randomized controlled trial in four community locations. The program had eight weekly, 2.5-h experiential learning sessions on food preparation, parenting practices, nutrition, and physical activity. Two types of parenting practices (role modeling and home food availability) were assessed by father report via questionnaire for each of 7 lifestyle behaviors, for a total of 14 parenting practices. Linear regression mixed models were used to evaluate the intervention effects. A total of 94 father/adolescent dyads completed both Time-1 and Time-2 evaluations. Significant positive intervention effects were found for frequencies of fruit modeling (p = 0.002) and screen time modeling (p = 0.039). Non-significant results were found for the other 12 father parenting practices.

Adolescent-Reported Latino Fathers' Food Parenting Practices and Family Meal Frequency Are Associated with Better Adolescent Dietary Intake.

Most studies of food-related parenting practices, parental meal involvement, and adolescent dietary intake have focused on maternal influences; studies of paternal influences, particularly among marginalized groups, are lacking. This study examined lower-income, Latino fathers' food parenting practices and involvement in planning meals, buying/preparing foods, and family meal frequency, separately and in combination, to identify relationships with adolescent food intake. Baseline data were used from Latino adolescents (10-14 years, n = 191, 49% boys) participating with their fathers in a community-based overweight/obesity prevention intervention. Fathers reported sociodemographic characteristics. Adolescents reported frequency of fathers' food parenting practices, fathers' food/meal involvement, and family meals and participated in 24 h dietary recalls. The analysis included regression models using GLM (generalized linear mixed model) and PLM (post GLM processing) procedures. Most fathers were married, employed full-time, and had annual incomes below USD 50,000. Favorable fathers' food parenting practices were associated with adolescent intake of more fruit and vegetables and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets/salty snacks, and less fast food (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). No independent effects of family meal frequency or fathers' food/meal involvement were observed on adolescent dietary outcomes. Additional analyses showed favorable food parenting practices in combination with frequent family meals were associated with adolescents having a higher intake of fruit (p = 0.011). Latino fathers can have an important positive influence on adolescent dietary intake.

Sulfur, the Versatile Non-metal.

The non-metallic chemical element sulfur, 3216S , referred to in Genesis as brimstone and identified as element by Lavoisier, is the tenth most abundant element in the universe and the fifth most common element on Earth. Important inorganic forms of sulfur in the biosphere are elemental sulfur (S8), sulfate (SO2-4), and sulfide (S2-), sulfite (SO2-3), thiosulfate, (S2O23), and polythionates (S3O62-; S4O62-). Because of its wide range of stable oxidation states, from +6to -2, sulfur plays important roles in central biochemistry as a structural and redoxactive element and is intimately related to life on Earth. Unusual reaction pathways involving sulfur compounds become possible by the specific properties of this element. Sulfur occurs in all the major classes of biomolecules, including enzymes, proteins, sugars, nucleic acids, vitamin cofactors, and metabolites. The flexibility of these biomolecules follows from its versatile chemistry. The best known sulfur mineral is perhaps pyrite (Fool's gold), with the chemical formula, FeS2. Sulfur radical anions, such as [S3].-, are responsible for the intense blue color of lapis lazuli, one of the most desired and expensive artists' materials. In the microbial world, inorganic sulfur compounds, e.g., elemental sulfur and sulfate, belong to the most important electron acceptors. Studies on microbial sulfur metabolism revealed many novel enzymes and pathways and advanced the understanding on metabolic processes used for energy conservation, not only of the microbes, but of biology in general. Transition metal sulfur complexes display intriguing catalytic activities, they provide surfaces and complex cavities in metalloenzymes that activate inert molecules such as H2, CO, N2 or N2O, and they catalyze the transformations of numerous organic molecules. Both thiamine diphosphate- (ThDP) and S-adenosyl- L-methionine- (SAM) dependent enzymes belong to Nature's most powerful catalysts with a remarkable spectrum of catalytic activities. In conclusion, given sulfur's diverse properties, evolution made an excellent choice in selecting sulfur as one the basic elements of life.

Latino adolescent-father discrepancies in reporting activity parenting practices and associations with adolescents' physical activity and screen time.

BACKGROUND: Latino fathers may play important roles in adolescents' physical activity and screen time. However, informant discrepancies regarding paternal activity parenting practices may challenge studies supporting evidence-based applications. This study examined Latino adolescent-father discrepancies in reporting paternal activity parenting practices, types of discrepancies by participant characteristics, and associations between discrepancy types and adolescents' physical activity and screen time. METHODS: The sample for this cross-sectional study included Latino early adolescents and their fathers (n = 138 dyads) from baseline data collected for a family-centered, healthy lifestyle intervention in a metropolitan area. In parallel measures, Latino adolescents and fathers reported paternal activity parenting practices related to expectation or allowance, behavioral modeling, and providing opportunities for physical activity or screen time. Level of agreement and discrepancies were examined using the percentage of agreement, weighted kappa statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and paired-sample t-tests. Undesirable discrepancy types included adolescents reporting lower scores for paternal physical activity parenting practices or higher scores for paternal screen time parenting practices than fathers. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics and weight status were compared by discrepancy type using between-group t-tests or Chi-square tests. Associations between discrepancy type and adolescents' physical activity and screen time were examined using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: The study sample was low-income with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Adolescent and paternal reports of activity parenting practices had poor agreement (percentages of agreement: 22.2-34.3%, weighted kappa statistics: < 0.2, and correlation coefficients: 0.06-0.25). An undesirable discrepancy type for certain parenting practices was more likely to be observed among fathers without full-time employment, girls, older adolescents, and adolescents and fathers within overweight or obese BMI categories. Discrepancies in paternal expectation regarding physical activity and allowance of screen time had adverse associations with adolescents' physical activity (ß = - 0.18, p = 0.008) and screen time (ß = 0.51, p <  0.001). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Discrepancies in reporting activity parenting practices were evident between Latino adolescents and their fathers, especially among certain sociodemographic and weight status groups. Adolescents' perceptions on paternal parenting practices tended to be better indicators of their activity levels than fathers' reports.

Development of a Survey to Assess Latino Fathers' Parenting Practices Regarding Energy Balance-Related Behaviors of Early Adolescents.

Latino adolescents face challenges to performing energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) to prevent childhood obesity, including healthy dietary intake, adequate physical activity, and limited screen time. Fathers are underrepresented in family-based obesity interventions but could be influential in shaping the EBRBs of Latino children. Three types of parenting practices (setting expectations/limits, role modeling, managing availability and accessibility) have shown relatively consistent positive relationships with children's EBRBs in studies that have mostly involved mothers. The purpose of this study was to develop measures to assess Latino fathers' parenting practices based on existing measurement instruments, focus groups and cognitive testing. Criterion validity of the measures (40 items) was examined with Latino fathers and their early adolescents (10-14 years old, n = 96 dyads) who were predominantly from low-income, two-parent households. Criterion validity was indicated by significantly higher intakes of fruit and vegetables; lower intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets/salty snacks and fast foods; more weekly physical activity hours; and fewer daily screen time hours among adolescents who reported high versus low levels/frequencies of supportive parenting practices. In addition, nearly all scales of adolescent-reported paternal behavioral modeling and availability/accessibility practices were significantly correlated with adolescents' corresponding EBRBs (r = 0.22 to 0.54). However, poor validity and agreement with early adolescents' reports were found for most father-reported parenting practices. Overall, this study indicated that the measures were acceptable for assessing adolescents' report of Latino fathers' parenting practices around EBRBs. The findings also indicate the importance of including early adolescents' reports in measuring paternal parenting practices.

Structure, kinetics, molecular and redox properties of a cytosolic and developmentally regulated fungal catalase-peroxidase.

CAT-2, a cytosolic catalase-peroxidase (CP) from Neurospora crassa, which is induced during asexual spore formation, was heterologously expressed and characterized. CAT-2 had the Met-Tyr-Trp (M-Y-W) adduct required for catalase activity. Its KM for H2O2 was micromolar for peroxidase and millimolar for catalase activity. A Em = -158 mV reduction potential value was obtained and the Soret band shift suggested a mixture of low and high spin ferric iron. CAT-2 EPR spectrum at 10 K indicated an axial and a rhombic component. With peroxyacetic acid (PAA), formation of Compound I* was observed with EPR. CAT-2 homodimer crystallographic structure contained two K+ ions; Glu107 residues were displaced to bind them. CAT-2 showed the essential amino acid residues for activity in similar positions to other CPs. CAT-2 Arg426 is oriented towards the M-Y-W adduct, interacting with the deprotonated Tyr238 hydroxyl group. A perhydroxy modification of the indole nitrogen of Trp90 was oriented toward the catalytic His91. In contrast to cytochrome c peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, the catalase-peroxidase heme propionates are not exposed to the solvent. Together with other N. crassa enzymes that utilize H2O2 as a substrate, CAT-2 has many tryptophan and proline residues at its surface, probably related to H2O2 selection in water.

[Validation of the successful aging inventory in chilean older people]. / Validación del inventario de envejecimiento exitoso en personas mayores chilenas.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of adequate and validated instruments for the measurement of successful aging for geriatric researchers in Chile. AIM: To validate the “Successful Aging Inventory” (SAI) in Chilean older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SAI was answered by 777 older people aged 70 ± 7 years (63% women) living in urban and rural areas, including the highlands of a Northern desert region of Chile. RESULTS: A Cronbach alfa of 0.92 was obtained for the general dimension of successful aging. The figures for each dimension included in the theoretical model (functional performance, intrapsychic factors, gero-transcendence; spirituality; purpose and life satisfaction), and ranged from 0.66 to 0.91. Confirmatory factorial analysis showed that the original inventory model, fits with the data collected from Chilean people. CONCLUSIONS: Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) is a reliable and adequate inventory, which can be used in Chilean older people.

Validación del inventario de envejecimiento exitoso en personas mayores chilenas / Validation of the successful aging inventory in chilean older people

Background: There is a paucity of adequate and validated instruments for the measurement of successful aging for geriatric researchers in Chile. Aim: To validate the “Successful Aging Inventory” (SAI) in Chilean older people. Material and methods: SAI was answered by 777 older people aged 70 ± 7 years (63% women) living in urban and rural areas, including the highlands of a Northern desert region of Chile. Results: A Cronbach alfa of 0.92 was obtained for the general dimension of successful aging. The figures for each dimension included in the theoretical model (functional performance, intrapsychic factors, gero-transcendence; spirituality; purpose and life satisfaction), and ranged from 0.66 to 0.91. Confirmatory factorial analysis showed that the original inventory model, fits with the data collected from Chilean people. Conclusions: Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) is a reliable and adequate inventory, which can be used in Chilean older people.

Effects of simvastatin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Results of a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Statins may have pleiotropic effects in COPD, but mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the pleiotropic effect of statins in patients with stable COPD on (1): lung function (2); pulmonary and systemic inflammation (3); endothelial function (vascular stiffness) and circulating vascular growth factors; and (4), serum uric acid levels. METHOD: Pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 24 patients with stable COPD, all statin-naïve, who were randomized (1:1) to receive simvastatin 40 mg/24 h during 12 weeks (n = 12; 69.0 ± 7.3 years; post-bd FEV1 53.4 ± 10.0% pred.) or placebo (n = 12; 66.4 ± 4.6 years; post-bd FEV1 48.2 ± 12.6% pred.). Nine patients per group (total n = 18) completed the study. RESULTS: Lung function, pulmonary and systemic inflammatory markers and the degree of vascular stiffness did not change significantly in any group. However, treatment with simvastatin increased the plasma levels of erythropoietin (Epo) (4.2 ± 2.2 mIU/mL to 6.8 ± 3.2 mlU/mL, p < 0.05) and reduced those of serum uric acid (7.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL to 6.5 ± 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term treatment with simvastatin in stable COPD patients did not modify lung function, pulmonary and systemic inflammation, or vascular stiffness, but it changed Epo and uric acid levels.

The nitric oxide production in the moss Physcomitrella patens is mediated by nitrate reductase.

During the last 20 years multiple roles of the nitric oxide gas (•NO) have been uncovered in plant growth, development and many physiological processes. In seed plants the enzymatic synthesis of •NO is mediated by a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like activity performed by a still unknown enzyme(s) and nitrate reductase (NR). In green algae the •NO production has been linked only to NR activity, although a NOS gene was reported for Ostreococcus tauri and O. lucimarinus, no other Viridiplantae species has such gene. As there is no information about •NO synthesis neither for non-vascular plants nor for non-seed vascular plants, the interesting question regarding the evolution of the enzymatic •NO production systems during land plant natural history remains open. To address this issue the endogenous •NO production by protonema was demonstrated using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The •NO signal was almost eliminated in plants treated with sodium tungstate, which also reduced the NR activity, demonstrating that in P. patens NR activity is the main source for •NO production. The analysis with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed endogenous NO production and showed that •NO signal is accumulated in the cytoplasm of protonema cells. The results presented here show for the first time the •NO production in a non-vascular plant and demonstrate that the NR-dependent enzymatic synthesis of •NO is common for embryophytes and green algae.

Predicción en tiempo real de la malignidad de ganglios linfáticos mediastínicos mediante ecografía endobronquial / Real-Time Prediction of Mediastinal Lymph Node Malignancy by Endobronchial Ultrasound

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de diferentes características ecográficas para diferenciar los ganglios linfáticos (GL) benignos y malignos mediante ecografía endobronquial (EBUS) y validar una puntuación para una aplicación clínica en tiempo real. Métodos: Se analizaron 208 GL mediastínicos procedentes de 141 pacientes. Dos observadores evaluaron de manera independiente 6 criterios ecográficos diferentes (eje menor ≥ 10 mm, forma, margen, ecogenicidad y estructura hiliar central [EHC] y presencia de densidad hiperecogénica). Se generó una puntuación simplificada en la que a la presencia de márgenes bien definidos, la forma redondeada y el eje menor ≥ 10 mm se les asignaba una puntuación de 1 y a la ecogenicidad heterogénea y la ausencia de EHC se les asignaba una puntuación de 1,5. La puntuación se evaluó prospectivamente para la aplicación clínica en tiempo real en 65 GL durante la EBUS llevada a cabo por 2 operadores experimentados en 39 pacientes. Estos criterios se correlacionaron con los resultados histopatológicos, y se calcularon la sensibilidad, la especificidad y los valores predictivos positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN). Resultados: La heterogeneidad y la ausencia de EHC fueron los parámetros que mostraron la máxima sensibilidad y VPN (≥ 90%) en la predicción de la malignidad de los GL, con una coincidencia interobservadores aceptable (92 y 87%, respectivamente). En la aplicación en tiempo real, la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la puntuación > 5 fueron del 78 y del 86%, respectivamente; tan solo la ausencia de EHC, la forma redondeada y el tamaño de los GL mostraron una asociación significativa con la malignidad de estos. Conclusiones: La combinación de diferentes criterios ecográficos puede ser útil en la predicción de la malignidad de los GL mediastínicos y válida para una aplicación clínica en tiempo real

Objective: To evaluate the utility of different ultrasonographic (US) features in differentiating benign and malignant lymph node (LN) by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and validate a score for real-time clinical application. Methods: A total of 208 mediastinal LNs acquired from 141 patients were analyzed. Six different US criteria were evaluated (short axis ≥ 10 mm, shape, margin, echogenicity, central hilar structure [CHS], and presence of hyperechoic density) by two observers independently. A simplified score was generated where the presence of margin distinction, round shape and short axis ≥ 10 mm were scored as 1, and heterogeneous echogenicity and absence of CHS were scored as 1.5. The score was evaluated prospectively for real-time clinical application in 65 LNs during EBUS procedure in 39 patients undertaken by two experienced operators. These criteria were correlated with the histopathological results and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated. Results: Both heterogenicity and absence of CHS had the highest sensitivity and NPV (≥ 90%) for predicting LN malignancy with acceptable inter-observer agreement (92% and 87% respectively). On real-time application, the sensitivity and specificity of the score > 5 were 78% and 86% respectively; only the absence of CHS, round shape and size of LN were significantly associated with malignant LN. Conclusions: A combination of different US criteria can be useful for the prediction of mediastinal LN malignancy and valid for real-time clinical application

Real-time prediction of mediastinal lymph node malignancy by endobronchial ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of different ultrasonographic (US) features in differentiating benign and malignant lymph node (LN) by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and validate a score for real-time clinical application. METHODS: 208 mediastinal LN acquired from 141 patients were analyzed. Six different US criteria were evaluated (short axis ≥10 mm, shape, margin, echogenicity, and central hilar structure [CHS], and presence of hyperechoic density) by two observers independently. A simplified score was generated where the presence of margin distinction, round shape and short axis ≥10 mm were scored as 1 and heterogeneous echogenicity and absence of CHS were scored as 1.5. The score was evaluated prospectively for real-time clinical application in 65 LN during EBUS procedure in 39 patients undertaken by two experienced operators. These criteria were correlated with the histopathological results and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated. RESULTS: Both heterogenicity and absence of CHS had the highest sensitivity and NPV (≥90%) for predicting LN malignancy with acceptable inter-observer agreement (92% and 87% respectively). On real-time application, the sensitivity and specificity of the score >5 were 78% and 86% respectively; only the absence of CHS, round shape and size of LN were significantly associated with malignant LN. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of different US criteria can be useful for prediction of mediastinal LN malignancy and valid for real-time clinical application.

Mejorando clima organizacional y de aula, satisfacción vital y laboral / Improved climate organizational and classroom, satisfaction work and satisfaccion well being

El siguiente trabajo es un intento de probar la efectividad de una intervención conjunta de psicología positiva con habilidades sociales en el contexto educativo. Para ello, se plantean cinco hipótesis referentes a las variables dependientes clima laboral, clima de aula, satisfacción vital y satisfacción laboral. Para probar lo anterior se utilizaron dos procedimientos cuasi experimentales. Los resultados muestran que la intervención basada en psicología positiva y habilidades sociales produce una significativa mejora en todas las variables concernientes a los profesores, a saber: satisfacción vital, satisfacción laboral y clima laboral. También produce un efecto positivo en el clima de aula de los alumnos, este efecto es más potente cuando se interviene en conjunto a los alumnos y a los profesores que cuando se trabaja sólo con los alumnos.

This paper is an attempt to test the effectiveness of a combined intervention of positive psychology with social skills in the educational context. To do this, there are five hypotheses concerning the dependent variables of work environment, classroom atmosphere, life satisfaction and job satisfaction. To test the above two procedures were used quasi-experimental. The results show that interventions based on positive psychology and social skills produces a significant improvement in all variables related to teachers, namely, life satisfaction, job satisfaction and labor climate. It also produces a positive effect on classroom atmosphere for students; this effect is strongest when it acts in conjunction with students and teachers when working only with students.

Mejorando clima organizacional y de aula, satisfacción vital y laboral / Improved climate organizational and classroom, satisfaction work and satisfaccion well being

El siguiente trabajo es un intento de probar la efectividad de una intervención conjunta de psicología positiva con habilidades sociales en el contexto educativo. Para ello, se plantean cinco hipótesis referentes a las variables dependientes clima laboral, clima de aula, satisfacción vital y satisfacción laboral. Para probar lo anterior se utilizaron dos procedimientos cuasi experimentales. Los resultados muestran que la intervención basada en psicología positiva y habilidades sociales produce una significativa mejora en todas las variables concernientes a los profesores, a saber: satisfacción vital, satisfacción laboral y clima laboral. También produce un efecto positivo en el clima de aula de los alumnos, este efecto es más potente cuando se interviene en conjunto a los alumnos y a los profesores que cuando se trabaja sólo con los alumnos.(AU)

This paper is an attempt to test the effectiveness of a combined intervention of positive psychology with social skills in the educational context. To do this, there are five hypotheses concerning the dependent variables of work environment, classroom atmosphere, life satisfaction and job satisfaction. To test the above two procedures were used quasi-experimental. The results show that interventions based on positive psychology and social skills produces a significant improvement in all variables related to teachers, namely, life satisfaction, job satisfaction and labor climate. It also produces a positive effect on classroom atmosphere for students; this effect is strongest when it acts in conjunction with students and teachers when working only with students.(AU)

Impacto de un programa de psicología positiva en sintomatologia depresiva y satisfaccion vital en adultos mayores / Effects of a positive psychology program in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in the elderly

La presente investigación estudia la efectividad de talleres basados en Psicología Positiva en adultos mayores, mediante el análisis de las variaciones pre-post del niveles de Satisfacción Vital y Sintomatología Depresiva. Se conformó tres grupos: el primero, un grupo cuasi experimental, basado en Psicología Positiva; el segundo, un grupo cuasi control activo, basado en actividades recreativas; y el tercero, un grupo cuasi control inactivo, sin intervención. Se utilizó la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage y Escala de Satisfacción Vital de Diener. Los resultados indican que sólo el grupo con taller basado en Psicología Positiva disminuye significativamente su Sintomatología Depresiva y aumenta significativamente sus niveles de Satisfacción Vital, luego de la intervención. Estos resultados se discuten a la luz de las investigaciones actuales en Psicología Positiva...

This research examines the effectiveness of workshops based on positive psychology for the elderly by analyzing pre-post changes in levels of life satisfaction and depressive symptomatology. Three groups were formed: the first, a quasi-experimental group based on positive psychology; the second, a quasi-active control group based on recreational activities; and the third, a quasi-inactive control group without intervention. The instruments used were: Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale of Diener. Results indicated that only the group that attended positive psychology-based workshops significantly decreased depressive symptoms and significantly increased their levels of life satisfaction after the intervention. These results are discussed in the light of current researches in positive psychology...

Impacto de un programa de psicología positiva en sintomatologia depresiva y satisfaccion vital en adultos mayores / Effects of a positive psychology program in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in the elderly

La presente investigación estudia la efectividad de talleres basados en Psicología Positiva en adultos mayores, mediante el análisis de las variaciones pre-post del niveles de Satisfacción Vital y Sintomatología Depresiva. Se conformó tres grupos: el primero, un grupo cuasi experimental, basado en Psicología Positiva; el segundo, un grupo cuasi control activo, basado en actividades recreativas; y el tercero, un grupo cuasi control inactivo, sin intervención. Se utilizó la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage y Escala de Satisfacción Vital de Diener. Los resultados indican que sólo el grupo con taller basado en Psicología Positiva disminuye significativamente su Sintomatología Depresiva y aumenta significativamente sus niveles de Satisfacción Vital, luego de la intervención. Estos resultados se discuten a la luz de las investigaciones actuales en Psicología Positiva.(AU)

This research examines the effectiveness of workshops based on positive psychology for the elderly by analyzing pre-post changes in levels of life satisfaction and depressive symptomatology. Three groups were formed: the first, a quasi-experimental group based on positive psychology; the second, a quasi-active control group based on recreational activities; and the third, a quasi-inactive control group without intervention. The instruments used were: Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale of Diener. Results indicated that only the group that attended positive psychology-based workshops significantly decreased depressive symptoms and significantly increased their levels of life satisfaction after the intervention. These results are discussed in the light of current researches in positive psychology.(AU)

Attitudes and burden in relatives of patients with schizophrenia in a middle income country.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Most studies of family attitudes and burden have been conducted in developed countries. Thus it is important to test the generalizability of this research in other contexts where social conditions and extended family involvement may be different. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and the burden they experience in such a context, namely Arica, a town located in the northernmost region of Chile, close to the border with Peru and Bolivia. METHODS: We assessed attitudes towards schizophrenia (including affective, cognitive and behavioural components) and burden (including subjective distress, rejection and competence) in 41 main caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, all of whom were users of Public Mental Health Services in Arica. RESULTS: Attitude measures differed significantly according to socio-demographic variables, with parents (mainly mothers) exhibiting a more negative attitude towards the environment than the rest of the family (t = 4.04; p = 0.000).This was also the case for caregivers with a low educational level (t = 3.27; p < 0.003), for the oldest caregivers (r = 0.546; p = 0.000) and for those who had spent more time with the patient (r = 0.377; p = 0.015). Although attitudes had significant association with burden, their explanatory power was modest (R2 = .104, F = 4,55; p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to finding developed countries, the current study revealed a positive and significant relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and their burden. These findings emphasize the need to support the families of patients with schizophrenia in this social context.

Estudio de caracterización de la calidad microbiológica yfisicoquímica del agua utilizada en la industria de alimentos,Colombia, 2007 / Microbiological and chemical quality of water used in Colombian food industries

Introducción. La inocuidad alimentaria ha sido reconocida mundialmente como una función esencial en salud pública. Una de las primeras causas de muerte en los países en desarrollo son las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, que afectan millones de personas en el mundo. El presente estudio fue realizado dentro del marco de un convenio interadministrativo planteado en Colombia para mejorar el estatus sanitario de la producción agroalimentaria del país. Objetivo. Evaluar la calidad higiénico-sanitaria del agua utilizada en una muestra aleatoria de productos de industrias colombianas de alimentos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal. Incluyó 66 industrias localizadas en ocho departamentos y en el Distrito Capital. Se hicieron determinaciones analíticas de trece parámetros fisicoquímicos, tres parámetros microbiológicos, plaguicidas organofosforados y carbamatos, y diez tipos de metales. Resultados. La actividad económica de la mitad de las industrias provenía de la leche y sus derivados, y la otra mitad de productos cárnicos. Según las normas vigentes para el agua de consumo humano, el índice de riesgo de la calidad del agua fue alto en 4,5% de las industrias alimentarias, medio en 34,8%, bajo en 16,7%, y sin riesgo en 43,9%. Los parámetros con mayor número de muestras fuera de la norma fueron los microbiológicos (21,2%) y el cloro residual (28,8%). Conclusión. Aunque es un estudio preliminar, los resultados indican que el agua utilizada en la mayoría de las industrias participantes puede producir deterioro de los alimentos y ser una vía de transmisión de microorganismos patógenos; por lo tanto, es importante organizar un programa continuo de seguimiento y control.

Introduction. Food safety is a public health concern that is recognized worldwide. Food-borne diseases affect millions of people throughout the world, although mainly in developing countries. The current study was performed within the framework of an inter-administrative agreement in Colombia that considers decisions for improving the sanitary status of products from the agrofood industry in Colombia. Objective. Water used in Colombian food industries was assessed for its hygienic and sanitary qualities.Materials and methods. The descriptive cross sectional study included 66 industries located in eight geographic provinces across Colombia, including the Capital District of Bogotá. The analytical determinations included 13 physical-chemical parameters, three bacteriological parameters, organophosphate and carbamate levels and presence of 10 metals. Half of the industries were associated with production of dairy products and the other half with the meat-packing industry. Results. Using the the current standards for human drinking water, the risk index of the food industry water samples was high for 4.5% of these industries, moderate risk for 34.8%, low risk for 16.7% and for 43.9%, no risk. The parameters with the highest number of samples not in compliance with water health standards were microbiological (21.2%) and residual chlorine (28.8%). Conclusions. The results showed that the water used in most food industries can produce food spoilage and transmission of pathogen microorganisms. Importance is stressed for organizing a constant program of monitoring and control of water usage in food industries.

Resultados de la psicoterapia positiva en pacientes con depresión / Positive psychotherapy results in patients with depression

En la presente investigación preliminar se analiza la efectividad de la Psicoterapia Positiva, a través de talleres grupales en una muestra de pacientes diagnosticados con depresión, del consultorio Remigio Sapunar de la ciudad de Arica, en contraste con la terapia habitual en un diseño cuasi experimental. Se utilizaron los instrumentos BDI (Beck, 1979) y CES-D (Radioff, 1977), para síntomas depresivos, y la Escala de Satisfacción Vital (Cuadra, 2002). Los resultados arrojan diferencias de medias significativas en las medidas pre y post del grupo de terapia positiva. Además, se observa una clara tendencia en las diferencias de medias a favor de la eficacia de la psicoterapia positiva sobre la terapia habitual.

In this preliminary research, the effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy was compared to a quasi-experimental behavioral therapy. Participants were patients diagnosed with depression at Remigio Sapunar Centre in Arica, Chile. Depressive symptoms and life satisfaction were assessed using BDI (Beck, 1979), CES-D (Radioff, 1977) and Life Satisfaction Scale (Cuadra, 2002). Findings shown significant means differences between pre and post measures in the positive therapy group. In addition, a clear pattern was observed in the methods, highlighting the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy over behavioral therapy.