Cross-cultural validation and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the quality of life in Childhood epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-55).

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to translate and validate the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-55) into Spanish. METHODS: A backtranslation procedure was used to translate the English version of QOLCE-55 to Spanish, and subsequently, parents of 88 children (aged four to 12 years), completed the Spanish version of three self-reported questionnaires: the QOLCE-55, the Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQLTM 4.0), and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Seven to 10 days later, parents completed the questionnaires again under the same conditions. RESULTS: Internal consistency was between 0.669 and 0.968 for the four subscales: cognitive (CF), emotional (EF), social (SF) and physical functioning (PF); and 0.954 for the total score. The test-retest reliability assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient obtained values from 0.683 for SF to 0.962 for CF. The standard error of measurement for the total score was 5.776, and the minimal detectable change was 16.01. Spearman correlations between the total score of the Spanish version of the QOLCE-55 with the subscales was 0.760 for the CF, 0.776 for the EF, 0.799 for the SF, and 0.682 for the PF (p < 0.001). Convergent validity of QOLCE-55 with the PedsQLTM 4.0 scale was -0.962 (p < 0.001), and the discriminant validity of the QOLCE-55 with PSQ was 0.154 (p = 0.272). This version presented a correlation with maximum lifetime consumption of anti-epileptic drugs (0.500; p < 0.001), and current consumption (0.448; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the QOLCE-55 has demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, indicating that it can be confidently used to measure the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in children with epilepsy in a Spanish-speaking population. These results corroborate the instrument's cross-cultural validity.

Direct administration of ifenprodil and citalopram into the nucleus accumbens inhibits cue-induced nicotine seeking and associated glutamatergic plasticity.

Nicotine use disorder has been associated with glutamatergic alterations within the basal ganglia that might contribute to relapse. Specifically, initiation of cue-induced nicotine seeking produces rapid, transient synaptic potentiation (t-SP) in nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) medium spiny neurons (MSNs), defined as increases in spine head diameter and AMPA to NMDA current ratios (A/N). Ifenprodil, which inhibits nicotine reinstatement when administered systemically, antagonizes GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, has affinity for serotonin receptors, and blocks serotonin transporters (SERT). The mechanisms underlying its therapeutic efficacy, however, remain unknown. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, the current study examined the role of NAcore GluN2B receptors as well as SERT in mediating cue-induced nicotine seeking and associated MSN structure and physiology. Prior to reinstatement, rats received intra-NAcore injections of either ifenprodil, citalopram or artificial cerebral spinal fluid (15 min prior), or GluN2B or control siRNAs (3 consecutive days prior). Rats were sacrificed after a 15-min cue-induced reinstatement session for dendritic spine analysis, western blotting or whole-cell electrophysiology. Intra-NAcore ifenprodil blocked nicotine-seeking behavior and promoted a higher frequency of shorter spines on MSN dendrites. However, a decrease in membrane-bound GluN2B receptor expression did not prevent cue-induced nicotine seeking or associated MSN cell physiology. Interestingly, intra-NAcore citalopram, an SSRI, prevented cue-induced nicotine seeking. Together, these results indicate that the therapeutic effects of ifenprodil on cue-induced nicotine seeking may, in part, be due to its actions at SERT rather than GluN2B, which may be specific to nicotine-seeking as opposed to other drugs of abuse.

Test Anxiety in Adolescent Students: Different Responses According to the Components of Anxiety as a Function of Sociodemographic and Academic Variables.

OBJECTIVE: Test anxiety (TA) is a construct that has scarcely been studied based on Lang's three-dimensional model of anxiety. The objective of this article is to investigate the repercussion of sociodemographic and academic variables on different responses for each component of anxiety and for the type of test in adolescent students. METHOD: A total of 1181 students from 12 to 18 years old (M = 14.7 and SD = 1.8) participated, of whom 569 were boys (48.2%) and 612 girls (51.8%). A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Cuestionario de Ansiedad ante los examenes-Adaptado (CAEX-A) [Test Anxiety Questionnaire-Adapted] an adaptation for Spanish secondary school levels (ESO) and Bachillerato were administered. RESULTS: Girls scored higher on the cognitive and physiological components of TA than boys, the intensity of the physiological response increasing with age. Bachillerato level students reported more physiological anxiety than those of ESO level. Students with better marks in the previous year presented more anxiety in the cognitive component, while those who obtained the lower mark presented higher anxiety values in the behavioral component. Participants reported that the types of tests that cause them more anxiety were oral tests in front of the class, oral presentation in front of a panel, and mathematics tests. CONCLUSION: Adolescents show a differential response of TA based on the physiological, cognitive and motor components, mediated by the variables of gender, age, grade, academic performance and type of exam. These results serve to design specific intervention programs to manage anxiety in situations of academic assessment.

Parental eating disorders symptoms in different clinical diagnoses.

BACKGROUND: The influence of parents can be an important variable in the development of eating disorders (EDs). However, few studies exist which simultaneously assess parents and their children, especially in different clinical groups. METHODS: Our study examines the differences in ED symptoms as measured on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), in parents and their children as patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), unspecified eating disorder (UED) and a control group (CG). RESULTS: The mothers in the clinical group scored higher in ineffectiveness, interoceptive awareness, maturity fears, social insecurity and impulse regulation than the mothers in the control group. The patients’ fathers scored higher on impulse regulation than those in the control group. In addition, the fathers of patients in the BN group scored higher than the fathers of patients in the UED group in body dissatisfaction. They also scored higher in impulse regulation than the fathers of patients with AN. Ineffectiveness and impulse regulation were the variables in which patients’ scores were most similar to their parents. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the presence of ED psychological variables in both parents, not just mothers. Prevention and intervention activities for eating disorders must be designed to also give an active role to the father.

Social Influences on Nicotine-Related Behaviors.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. The number of new smokers, specifically among adolescents, has risen rapidly in recent years. Thus, understanding the role of social influences on patterns of nicotine and tobacco use is important. Clinical studies have addressed the impact social relationships such as family members and peers have on smoking acquisition and susceptibility. As well, preclinical animal models have examined the impact of social factors on drug intake, acquisition, maintenance, and relapse. For example, environmental enrichment (EE) is a multi-faceted model that includes social factors, exercise, and novelty, among others. This model has elucidated addiction-related neurobehavioral effects of these different factors. However, there is a dearth of literature examining the impact of social partners on nicotine addiction and underlying neural mechanisms. Here we discuss the importance of social factors on nicotine addiction vulnerability, and propose new directions for addiction research that integrate social aspects of nicotine use.

Precocious flowering of juvenile citrus induced by a viral vector based on Citrus leaf blotch virus: a new tool for genetics and breeding.

The long juvenile period of citrus trees (often more than 6 years) has hindered genetic improvement by traditional breeding methods and genetic studies. In this work, we have developed a biotechnology tool to promote transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase in juvenile citrus plants by expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana or citrus FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes using a Citrus leaf blotch virus-based vector (clbvINpr-AtFT and clbvINpr-CiFT, respectively). Citrus plants of different genotypes graft inoculated with either of these vectors started flowering within 4-6 months, with no alteration of the plant architecture, leaf, flower or fruit morphology in comparison with noninoculated adult plants. The vector did not integrate in or recombine with the plant genome nor was it pollen or vector transmissible, albeit seed transmission at low rate was detected. The clbvINpr-AtFT is very stable, and flowering was observed over a period of at least 5 years. Precocious flowering of juvenile citrus plants after vector infection provides a helpful and safe tool to dramatically speed up genetic studies and breeding programmes.

A Rasch analysis of patients' opinions of primary health care professionals' ethical behaviour with respect to communication issues.

BACKGROUND: Patients' opinions are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the ethical theories which underlie the care relationship between patients and primary health care professionals. OBJECTIVES: To study the ethical behaviour of primary health care professionals with respect to communication issues according to patients' opinions. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire in patients from a network of 15 urban primary health centres. Participants were patients attended at the centres when the study was conducted. We used a Rasch analysis to verify the structure of the 17 questionnaire items, and to calculate interval level measures for patients and items. We analysed differences according to patient subgroups using analysis of variance tests and differences between the endorsement of each item. RESULTS: We analysed 1013 (70.34%) of questionnaires. Data fit to the Rasch model was achieved after collapsing two categories and eliminating five items. Items with the lowest degree of endorsement were related to the management of differences in conflictive situations between patients and health care professionals. We found significant differences (P < 0.001) in patients' opinions according to the degree of confidence in professionals and their educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Patients opined that empathy and traditional communication skills were respected by family physicians and nurses. However, opinions on endorsement were lower when patients disagreed with health care professionals. The differences found between patient subgroups demonstrated the importance of trust and confidence between patients and professionals.

Ethical behaviour in clinical practice: a multidimensional Rasch analysis from a survey of primary health care professionals of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain).

PURPOSE: Normative ethics includes ethical behaviour health care professionals should uphold in daily practice. This study assessed the degree to which primary health care (PHC) professionals endorse a set of ethical standards from these norms. METHODS: Health care professionals from an urban area participated in a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. We examined the level of ethical endorsement of the items and the ethical performance of health care professionals using a Rasch multidimensional model. We analysed differences in ethical performance between groups according to sex, profession and knowledge of ethical norms. RESULTS: A total of 452 Professionals from 56 PHC centres participated. The level of ethical performance was lower in items related to patient autonomy and respecting patient choices. The item estimate across all dimensions showed that professionals found it most difficult to endorse avoiding interruptions when seeing patients. We found significant differences in two groups: nurses had greater ethical performance than family physicians (p < 0.05), and professionals who reported having effective knowledge of ethical norms had a higher level of ethical performance (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Paternalistic behaviour persists in PHC. Lesser endorsement of items suggests that patient-centred care and patient autonomy are not fully considered by professionals. Ethical sensitivity could improve if patients are cared for by multidisciplinary teams.

Obsessive compulsive inventory-child version (OCI-CV) in a Spanish community sample of children and adolescents / El Inventario Obsesivo Compulsivo-Versión niños (OCI-CV) en una muestra comunitaria de niños y adolescentes españoles

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in designing instruments to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children. The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Child Version (OCI-CV) has showed to be a valid in the evaluation of OCD in clinical and nonclinical populations. The main goal in this study was to analyze factor structure and psychometric properties of the OCI-CV in a community Spanish sample. METHOD: Data were collected from 914 children/adolescents with a mean age of 13.01 (SD = 1.96; Males = 51.3%). Exploratory factor analysis was carried out in order to study the internal structure of the OCI-CV Spanish version. Further, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the total score and the factors obtained were examined. Finally, age and gender differences were also explored. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis yielded a similar structure to the original OCI-CV with the following six factors: Washing/Checking, Obsession, Ordering, Doubting, Neutralizing, and Hoarding. The internal consistency was strong for the total score, but moderate for the subscales. The Spanish version of the OCI-CV showed evidences of test-retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the OCI-CV is an instrument with adequate psychometric properties to assess obsessions and compulsions in Spanish children/adolescents

ANTECEDENTES: existe un creciente interés en el diseño de instrumentos que evalúen los síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos en niños. El Inventario Obsesivo Compulsivo-Versión para Niños (OCI-CV) ha demostrado ser válido para evaluar estos síntomas en población clínica y no clínica. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la estructura factorial y las propiedades psicométricas del OCI-CV en población española comunitaria. MÉTODO: se recogieron datos de 914 niños/adolescentes con una edad media de 13,01 años (DT = 1.96; 51.3% varones). Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio. Posteriormente se examinó la consistencia interna, la fiabilidad test-retest y la validez convergente y divergente de la puntuación total del instrumento y de los factores obtenidos. Finalmente, se comprobó la existencia de diferencias en función del sexo y la edad de los participantes. RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron una estructura similar a la del OCI-CV original, compuesta por los siguientes factores: Lavado/Comprobación, Obsesión, Orden, Duda, Neutralización y Acumulación. La consistencia interna fue buena para la puntuación total, aunque moderada para las diferentes subescalas. La versión en castellano del OCI-CV mostró evidencias de fiabilidad test-retest y validez convergente y discriminante. CONCLUSIONES: OCI-CV es una herramienta con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para la valoración de obsesiones y compulsiones en niños/adolescentes españoles

Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Child Version (OCI-CV) in a Spanish community sample of children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in designing instruments to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children. The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Child Version (OCI-CV) has showed to be a valid in the evaluation of OCD in clinical and nonclinical populations. The main goal in this study was to analyze factor structure and psychometric properties of the OCI-CV in a community Spanish sample. METHOD: Data were collected from 914 children/adolescents with a mean age of 13.01 (SD = 1.96; Males = 51.3%). Exploratory factor analysis was carried out in order to study the internal structure of the OCI-CV Spanish version. Further, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the total score and the factors obtained were examined. Finally, age and gender differences were also explored. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis yielded a similar structure to the original OCI-CV with the following six factors: Washing/Checking, Obsession, Ordering, Doubting, Neutralizing, and Hoarding. The internal consistency was strong for the total score, but moderate for the subscales. The Spanish version of the OCI-CV showed evidences of test-retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the OCI-CV is an instrument with adequate psychometric properties to assess obsessions and compulsions in Spanish children/adolescents.

Tetraploid Rangpur lime rootstock increases drought tolerance via enhanced constitutive root abscisic acid production.

Whole-genome duplication, or polyploidy, is common in many plant species and often leads to better adaptation to adverse environmental condition. However, little is known about the physiological and molecular determinants underlying adaptation. We examined the drought tolerance in diploid (2x) and autotetraploid (4x) clones of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia) rootstocks grafted with 2x Valencia Delta sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) scions, named V/2xRL and V/4xRL, respectively. Physiological experiments to study root-shoot communication associated with gene expression studies in roots and leaves were performed. V/4xRL was much more tolerant to water deficit than V/2xRL. Gene expression analysis in leaves and roots showed that more genes related to the response to water stress were differentially expressed in V/2xRL than in V/4xRL. Prior to the stress, when comparing V/4xRL to V/2xRL, V/4xRL leaves had lower stomatal conductance and greater abscisic acid (ABA) content. In roots, ABA content was higher in V/4xRL and was associated to a greater expression of drought responsive genes, including CsNCED1, a pivotal regulatory gene of ABA biosynthesis. We conclude that tetraploidy modifies the expression of genes in Rangpur lime citrus roots to regulate long-distance ABA signalling and adaptation to stress.

Prevalencia de las alteraciones emocionales en una muestra de menores maltratados / Prevalence of emotional disorders in a sample of battered children

En este trabajo se exponen las prevalencias de indicadores psicopatológicos (ansiedad, depresión e ira) derivados de la exposición a situaciones de maltrato intrafamiliar, en una muestra de 42 menores tutelados (57% niños y 43% niñas). Dicha investigación se ha realizado en base al Proyecto de Evaluación, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento Psicológico en Menores Tutelados (PEDIMET). Para tal fin, en primer lugar se realizó un análisis de la consistencia interna de los instrumentos de evaluación seleccionados: Cuestionario de Autoevaluación Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo en niños (STAIC; Spielberger, 1973); Cuestionario de Sensibilidad a la Ansiedad para niños (CASI; Silverman, Fleisig, Rabian y Peterson, 1991), Inventario de Depresión Infantil (CDI; Kovacs, 1992) e Inventario de expresión de Ira Estado-Rasgo en niños y adolescentes (STAXI-NA; Del Barrio, Spielberger y Aluja, 2005). Se analizan las prevalencias en ansiedad (CASI, 33.71% y STAIC 11.43% para A-E y A-R), depresión (19%) e ira (20% para Rasgo y 7.5% para Estado), así como las diferencias relativas al sexo, en la muestra seleccionada (AU)

In this paper we describe the prevalence of psychopathology indicators (anxiety, depression and anger) from exposure to situations of domestic abuse in a sample of 42 children in care (57% boys and 43% girls). This research was conducted based on the Project Evaluation, Diagnosis and Psychological Tratment in Children Care (PEDIMET). To this end, we first performed an analysis of the internal consistency of the assessment tools selected: SAQ State-Trait Anxiety in children (STAIC, Spielberger, 1973); Questionnaire Anxiety Sensitivity for children (CASI; Silverman, Fleisig, Rabies and Peterson, 1991), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI, Kovacs, 1992) and Anger Expression Inventory State-Trait in children and adolescents (STAXI-NA, Del Barrio, Aluja Spielberger, 2005). We analyze the prevalence in anxiety (CASI, 33.71% and 11.43% STAIC for SA and TA), depression (19%) and anger (20% to 7.5% Trait State) as well as differences relating to sex in the selected sample (AU)

Nueva versión reducida del test de denominación de Boston para mayores de 65 años: aproximación desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem / A new shortened version of the Boston Naming Test for those aged over 65: an approach from item response theory

Introducción. Uno de los tests más utilizados para la evaluación de la afasia en la práctica clínica es el test de denominación de Boston (BNT), una prueba clásica en la que se presentan 60 láminas con dibujos en blanco y negro que valoran la capacidad de los sujetos para denominar dichos dibujos. Pese a su bondad psicométrica, resulta necesario reducir el número de ítems de la prueba con el fin de disminuir su tiempo de aplicación. Sujetos y métodos. Se reclutó una muestra de 547 sujetos mayores de 65 años a los que se les aplicó un protocolo de evaluación neuropsicológica, que incluía el BNT, para determinar sus estados cognitivos; 405 sujetos no presentaron alteraciones cognitivas relevantes, frente a 142 sujetos que fueron diagnosticados de deterioro cognitivo leve. Resultados. La reducción del número de ítems se realizó de acuerdo con los supuestos de la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Puesto que tanto la edad como el nivel educativo mostraron un efecto significativo en el rendimiento de la prueba, ambas variables fueron utilizadas para hallar los puntos de corte de la nueva versión reducida. Ésta presentó una adecuada fiabilidad (alfa = 0,765) y una elevada correlación con la prueba original (r = 0,876). Conclusiones. La nueva versión reducida consta de 15 ítems ordenados en función de su dificultad. Se trata de una tarea con un elevado poder discriminativo de utilidad en la clínica diaria para la detección de alteraciones del lenguaje en personas mayores (AU)

Introduction. One of the tests that is mostly widely used to evaluate aphasia in clinical practice is the Boston Naming Test (BNT), a classic test in which 60 black and white pictures are presented to subjects in order to evaluate their capacity to put a name to such pictures. Despite its psychometric goodness, the number of items in the test has to be reduced in order to lower the time required to apply it. Subjects and methods. Researchers recruited a sample of 547 subjects over the age of 65, who were then administered a neuropsychological evaluation protocol, including the BNT, to determine their cognitive statuses. No relevant cognitive alterations were observed in 405 subjects versus 142 who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Results. The number of items was reduced in accordance with the premises of the item response theory. Since both age and level of schooling were found to have a significant effect on performance in the test, the two variables were used to find the cut-off points of the shortened version. This new version presented an adequate degree of reliability (alpha = 0.765) and a high correlation with the original test (r = 0.876). Conclusions. The new shortened version consists of 15 items that are ordered according to the degree of difficulty. It is a task with a high level of discriminating power that is useful in day-to-day clinical practice for detecting alterations in the anguage of the elderly (AU)

[A new shortened version of the Boston Naming Test for those aged over 65: an approach from item response theory]. / Nueva versión reducida del test de denominación de Boston para mayores de 65 años: aproximación desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem.

INTRODUCTION: One of the tests that is mostly widely used to evaluate aphasia in clinical practice is the Boston Naming Test (BNT), a classic test in which 60 black and white pictures are presented to subjects in order to evaluate their capacity to put a name to such pictures. Despite its psychometric goodness, the number of items in the test has to be reduced in order to lower the time required to apply it. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Researchers recruited a sample of 547 subjects over the age of 65, who were then administered a neuropsychological evaluation protocol, including the BNT, to determine their cognitive statuses. No relevant cognitive alterations were observed in 405 subjects versus 142 who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The number of items was reduced in accordance with the premises of the item response theory. Since both age and level of schooling were found to have a significant effect on performance in the test, the two variables were used to find the cut-off points of the shortened version. This new version presented an adequate degree of reliability (alpha = 0.765) and a high correlation with the original test (r = 0.876). CONCLUSIONS: The new shortened version consists of 15 items that are ordered according to the degree of difficulty. It is a task with a high level of discriminating power that is useful in day-to-day clinical practice for detecting alterations in the language of the elderly.

[Methods for averaging alpha coefficients in reliability generalization studies]. / Métodos para promediar coeficientes alfa en los estudios de generalización de la fiabilidad.

The reliability generalization (RG) approach is a kind of meta-analysis that aims to statistically integrate a set of independent reliability coefficients obtained in several applications of a test, with the purpose of characterizing the measurement error and determining which factors related to the studies and samples can explain its variability. Diverse procedures have been proposed in the literature for averaging a set of independent alpha coefficients, and there is no consensus about which methods are best. Here, we present the results of a Monte Carlo simulation study, comparing the performance of twelve procedures proposed in Feldt and Charter, in terms of bias and mean square error. These procedures differ from each other in the transformation (or not) of the coefficients, and in the application or not of a weighting scheme based on sample size. Our results recommend using weighted methods in contrast to unweighted ones, and transforming the coefficients by the Hakstian and Whalen's proposal or by the proposal based on the square root of the inverse alpha coefficient. Lastly, we discuss the relations between the diverse procedures for averaging alpha coefficients with fixed-effects, random-effects, and varying coefficients models.

Métodos para promediar coeficientes alfa en los estudios de generalización de la fiabilidad / Methods for averaging alpha coefficients in reliability generalization studies

El enfoque de la generalización de la fiabilidad (GF) es un tipo de meta-análisis que pretende integrar un conjunto de coeficientes de fiabilidad obtenidos en varias aplicaciones de un test, con objeto de caracterizar el error de medida y determinar qué factores de los estudios pueden explicar su variabilidad. Se han propuesto en la literatura diferentes procedimientos para promediar un conjunto de coeficientes alfa independientes y no existe un consenso actual sobre qué métodos son los mejores. Presentamos los resultados de un estudio de simulación Monte Carlo para comparar el funcionamiento, en términos de sesgo y error cuadrático medio, de doce procedimientos propuestos por Feldt y Charter. Los procedimientos difieren en función de si los coeficientes se transforman o no, y de si se ponderan por el tamaño muestral o no. Nuestros resultados apuntan hacia la recomendación de que se utilicen procedimientos ponderados frente a los no ponderados, y a que se transformen los coeficientes mediante la propuesta de Hakstian y Whalen o la basada en la raíz cuadrada de la inversa del coeficiente alfa. Finalmente, se discuten las relaciones entre los diferentes procedimientos de promediar con los modelos estadísticos de efectos fijos, aleatorios y de coeficientes variables(AU)

The reliability generalization (RG) approach is a kind of meta-analysis that aims to statistically integrate a set of independent reliability coefficients obtained in several applications of a test, with the purpose of characterizing the measurement error and determining which factors related to the studies and samples can explain its variability. Diverse procedures have been proposed in the literature for averaging a set of independent alpha coefficients, and there is no consensus about which methods are best. Here, we present the results of a Monte Carlo simulation study, comparing the performance of twelve procedures proposed in Feldt and Charter, in terms of bias and mean square error. These procedures differ from each other in the transformation (or not) of the coefficients, and in the application or not of a weighting scheme based on sample size. Our results recommend using weighted methods in contrast to unweighted ones, and transforming the coefficients by the Hakstian and Whalen’s proposal or by the proposal based on the square root of the inverse alpha coefficient. Lastly, we discuss the relations between the diverse procedures for averaging alpha coefficients with fixed-effects, random-effects, and varying coefficients models(AU)

Características y prevalencia de los problemas de ansiedad, depresión y quejas somáticas en una muestra clínica infantil de 8 a 12 años, mediante el CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist) / Characteristics and prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression and somatic complaints in a 8 to 12 years old child clinical sample using the CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist)

Este trabajo presenta la sintomatología internalizante de ansiedad, depresión y quejas somáticas, obtenida en una muestra clínica de 300 niños y niñas de edades entre 8 y 12 años. Se ha empleado como instrumento una escala abreviada (96 items) del CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist, Achenbach y Edelbrock, 1983).La prevalencia encontrada en los factores CBCL-DSM para la muestra total, estimada a partir del percentil 98 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001), es 54% en ansiedad, 32% en alteraciones afectivas y 29% en quejas somáticas; apareciendo más niños que niñas en las dos primeras alteraciones. Se realizó un análisis factorial común y se hallaron tres síndromes empíricos internalizantes: ansiedad-depresión, quejas somáticas y retraimiento-depresión. En estos síndromes empíricos la prevalencia, a partir de la media más una desviación típica, es: 18% en ansiedad-depresión y quejas somáticas, y del 14% en retraimiento-depresión, en todos los casos superior en niños que en niñas (AU)

This paper shows the internalizing symptoms: anxiety, depression and somatic complaints, obtained in a clinical sample from 300 boys and girls aged between 8 and 12 years. The instrument used was the abbreviated Child Behavior Checklist Scale (CBCL) (Achenbach & Edelbrock 1983) of 96 items. The prevalence found in the CBCL-DSM factors in the total sample, estimated from 98th percentile (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001), is 54% in anxiety, 32% in affective alterations, and 29% in somatic complaints, finding a higher prevalence in boys than girls in the first two alterations. A factorial analysis was carried out and it was found three internalizing empirical syndromes: anxious/depressed, somatic complaints and withdrawn/depressed. In these empirical syndromes the prevalence, from mean plus one SD of the sample, is: 18% in anxious/depressed and somatic complaints, and 14% in withdrawn/depressed, and in all factors the prevalence was higher in boys than girls (AU)

Prevalencia y características de los síntomas externalizantes en la infancia. Diferencias de género / Prevalence and characteristics of externalizing symptoms in childhood. Gender differences

En este trabajo se exponen las características de los síndromes empíricos de tipo externalizante, así como su prevalencia en una muestra clínica pediátrica. Se utilizó como instrumento el Inventario Clínico Infantil (ICI), basado en la segunda parte del Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), que evalúa comportamientos y emociones. Se ha aplicado a 300 niños y niñas de edades comprendidas entre los 6 y 12 años, de la Unidad de Psicología Clínica Infantil del HospitalUniversitario de Murcia. Mediante la realización de un análisis factorial se han obtenido tres síndromes empíricos equivalentes a los tres trastornos del comportamiento perturbador: Disocial, Oposicionismo-Desafiante y Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad. Se han obtenido diferentes prevalencias estimadas a partir de puntuaciones propias de la muestra (18,1%,18,5% y 14,5%, respectivamente); y de las correspondientes al percentil 98 del CBCL (44%,28,3% y 40,6%). No hay diferencias entre niños y niñas en Problemas de Conducta (Disocial),mientras que es superior en niños en Oposicionismo-Desafiante. En Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad los niños presentan una prevalencia más alta que las niñas según corrección CBCL (49,3% y 34,3%), mientras que más niñas presentan este problema mediante el síndrome empírico hallado en la muestra clínica (19,8% frente a 12,2% niños) (AU)

This report shows the characteristics of the empirical type externalizing syndromes, and the diagnostic prevalence rates in a clinic pediatric sample. The instrument used was the ClinicalChild Inventory (ICI) that is based on the second part of the Child Behavior Checklist, to assess behavior and emotions. It was carried out by 300 subjects (males and females, aged 6 to 12 of the Clinical Child Psychology Unit of University Hospital of Murcia, from the consultation pediatric hospital. By conducing factor analysis, three externalizing syndromes that are equal to three disruptive behavior disorders were found: dissocial, oppositional defiant and Attention deficit/hyperactivity. It has been obtained different prevalences estimated from punctuation obtained from our sample (18.1; 18.5 and 14.5 respectively); and the score equal to 98 percentile of CBCL (44%; 28,3% y 40,6%). The results indicate that there are not differences between boys and girls in dissocial disorders; while the oppositional defiant disorder is more prevalent in boys than in girls. About Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it was found that is more prevalent in boys than in girls using CBCL (49,3% and 34,3%), and more prevalent in girls than in boys using empirical syndrome obtained in this clinic sample (19,8% girls, 12,2% boys) (AU)

Recovery and characterization of a Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan. 'Clemenules' haploid plant selected to establish the reference whole Citrus genome sequence.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the development of structural genomics has generated a growing interest in obtaining haploid plants. The use of homozygous lines presents a significant advantage for the accomplishment of sequencing projects. Commercial citrus species are characterized by high heterozygosity, making it difficult to assemble large genome sequences. Thus, the International Citrus Genomic Consortium (ICGC) decided to establish a reference whole citrus genome sequence from a homozygous plant. Due to the existence of important molecular resources and previous success in obtaining haploid clementine plants, haploid clementine was selected as the target for the implementation of the reference whole genome citrus sequence. RESULTS: To obtain haploid clementine lines we used the technique of in situ gynogenesis induced by irradiated pollen. Flow cytometry, chromosome counts and SSR marker (Simple Sequence Repeats) analysis facilitated the identification of six different haploid lines (2n = x = 9), one aneuploid line (2n = 2x+4 = 22) and one doubled haploid plant (2n = 2x = 18) of 'Clemenules' clementine. One of the haploids, obtained directly from an original haploid embryo, grew vigorously and produced flowers after four years. This is the first haploid plant of clementine that has bloomed and we have, for the first time, characterized the histology of haploid and diploid flowers of clementine. Additionally a double haploid plant was obtained spontaneously from this haploid line. CONCLUSION: The first haploid plant of 'Clemenules' clementine produced directly by germination of a haploid embryo, which grew vigorously and produced flowers, has been obtained in this work. This haploid line has been selected and it is being used by the ICGC to establish the reference sequence of the nuclear genome of citrus.

[Prevalence and characteristics of externalizing symptoms in childhood. Gender differences]. / Prevalencia y características de los síntomas externalizantes en la infancia. Diferencias de género.

This report shows the characteristics of the empirical type externalizing syndromes, and the diagnostic prevalence rates in a clinic pediatric sample. The instrument used was the Clinical Child Inventory (ICI) that is based on the second part of the Child Behavior Checklist, to assess behavior and emotions. It was carried out by 300 subjects (males and females, aged 6 to 12 of the Clinical Child Psychology Unit of University Hospital of Murcia, from the consultation pediatric hospital. By conducing factor analysis, three externalizing syndromes that are equal to three disruptive behavior disorders were found: dissocial, oppositional defiant and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity. It has been obtained different prevalences estimated from punctuation obtained from our sample (18.1; 18.5 and 14.5 respectively); and the score equal to 98 percentile of CBCL (44%; 28.3% y 40.6%). The results indicate that there are not differences between boys and girls in dissocial disorders; while the oppositional defiant disorder is more prevalent in boys than in girls. About Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it was found that is more prevalent in boys than in girls using CBCL (49.3% and 34.3%), and more prevalent in girls than in boys using empirical syndrome obtained in this clinic sample (19.8% girls, 12.2% boys).