Histological and Memory Alterations in an Innovative Alzheimer's Disease Animal Model by Vanadium Pentoxide Inhalation.

Background: Previous work from our group has shown that chronic exposure to Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) causes cytoskeletal alterations suggesting that V2O5 can interact with cytoskeletal proteins through polymerization and tyrosine phosphatases inhibition, causing Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like hippocampal cell death. Objective: This work aims to characterize an innovative AD experimental model through chronic V2O5 inhalation, analyzing the spatial memory alterations and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), amyloid-ß (Aß) senile plaques, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and dendritic spine loss in AD-related brain structures. Methods: 20 male Wistar rats were divided into control (deionized water) and experimental (0.02 M V2O5 1 h, 3/week for 6 months) groups (n = 10). The T-maze test was used to assess spatial memory once a month. After 6 months, histological alterations of the frontal and entorhinal cortices, CA1, subiculum, and amygdala were analyzed by performing Congo red, Bielschowsky, and Golgi impregnation. Results: Cognitive results in the T-maze showed memory impairment from the third month of V2O5 inhalation. We also noted NFTs, Aß plaque accumulation in the vascular endothelium and pyramidal neurons, dendritic spine, and neuronal loss in all the analyzed structures, CA1 being the most affected. Conclusions: This model characterizes neurodegenerative changes specific to AD. Our model is compatible with Braak AD stage IV, which represents a moment where it is feasible to propose therapies that have a positive impact on stopping neuronal damage.

Alzheimer-like cell death after vanadium pentoxide inhalation.

Vanadium (V) toxicity depends on its oxidation state; it seems that vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is the most toxic to the living cells. It has been reported that oral administration induces changes in motor activity and learning; in rats, I.P. administration increases lipid peroxidation levels in the cerebellum and the concentration of free radicals in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Mice that inhaled V2O5 presented a reduced number of tubulin+ in Leydig and Sertoli cells; it has also been reported that inhaled V2O5 induces loss of dendritic spines, necrosis, and hippocampus neuropil alterations; considering the direct consequence of the interaction of V with cytoskeletal components, makes us believe that V2O5 exposure could cause neuronal death in the hippocampus similar to that seen in Alzheimer disease. This work aimed to determine pyramidal hippocampal CA1 cytoskeletal alterations with Bielschowsky stain in rats exposed to V2O5. Male Wistar rats inhaled 0.02 M of V2O5 one h two times a week for two and six months. We found that rats, which inhaled V2O5 reached 56,57% of dead neurons after six months of inhalation; we recognize strong argyrophilic and collapsed somas and typical flame-shaped in all V-exposed rats hippocampus CA1 compared to controls. We also observe somatodendritic distortions. Axons and dendrites displayed thick dark bands replaced by noticeable thickening and nodosities and the cytoskeleton fibrillary proteins' linear traces. Our findings suggest that V2O5 inhalation induces Alzheimer-like cell death with evident cytoskeletal alterations.

Percepción emocional del COVID-19 en México: Estudio comparación entre la fase 1, fase 2 y medios de información

Introducción: Desde el registro de los primeros casos de COVID-19 en México, se han derivado una serie de respuestas emocionales caracterizadas por miedo y estrés. Dicho impacto emocional se debe en gran medida a la inundación de información paralela a las fases de la pandemia y la transición entre ellas y la percepción que los individuos tienen de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar la percepción del COVID-19 entre la fase 1 y 2 de la pandemia y entre los medios de información usados para informarse en población mexicana. Métodos: Considerando un muestreo en cadena, se realizó un estudio comparativo en el que se diseminó por medio de correo electrónico y redes sociales una batería de evaluación que respondieron 1560 participantes. Resultados: La preocupación por las consecuencias del COVID-19 y su impacto emocional incrementaron al pasar de la fase 1 a la fase 2 de la pandemia. Además, se identificó que el impacto emocional fue mayor en quienes se informaron a través de Facebook® y televisión. Conclusiones: La pandemia tendrá un impacto emocional progresivo en medida en que avancen sus fases y en la importancia de informarse en medios adecuados para prevenir consecuencias emocionales.

Background: Since the first COVID-19 cases in Mexico there have been a variety of emotional responses which have in common fear and stress. The emotional impact of COVID-19 is builded in some way because the information flooding parallel to the pandemic phases, the transition between them and illness perception. The aim of the present work was to compare the perception of COVID-19 between phase 1 and 2 of the pandemic and between the information media used to inform themselves in the Mexican population. Methods: Considering a chain sampling, a comparative study was carried out in which an evaluation battery was disseminated through email and social networks, which was answered by 1560 participants. Results The concern about the consequences of COVID-19 and its emotional impact increased when going from phase 1 to phase 2 of the pandemic. In addition, it was identified that the emotional impact was greater in those who reported through Facebook® and television. Conclusions: The pandemic will have a progressive emotional impact as its phases progress and the importance of informing oneself in adequate means to prevent emotional consequences.

Terapia de Activación Conductual Breve para la Depresión en mujeres con cáncer de mama: casos clínicos / The Brief Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression in women with breast cancer: clinical cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer suele provocar desafíos para quien lo padece, genera un decremento en la calidad de vida y alteraciones emocionales como la depresión. La experiencia de vivir con cáncer contribuye a la pérdida de rutinas diarias, favoreciendo el aislamiento y comportamientos de evitación. OBJETIVO: Conocer la eficacia de una intervención basada en el protocolo revisado de la Terapia de Activación Conductual Breve para la Depresión (BATD- R por sus siglas en inglés) sobre los síntomas de depresión y calidad de vida relacionada a la salud (CVRS) en mujeres con cáncer de mama. MÉTODO: Participaron seis mujeres en etapa de remisión del cáncer de mama con un rango de edad de 31 a 75 años (M=50,50 DT=15,7) de tres hospitales de tercer nivel de la Ciudad de México. La intervención estuvo constituida por seis sesiones semanales de una hora. El procedimiento incluyó: psicoeducación y presentación del tratamiento, selección de actividades considerando áreas de vida y valores, selección de actividades-metas, establecimiento de duración/frecuencia de las actividades elegidas y monitoreo semanal. Con el uso del análisis funcional de la conducta se determinó el empleo de otras técnicas complementarias. RESULTADOS: Las seis pacientes presentaron una disminución clínicamente significativa según las puntuaciones del BDI-II (RCIJT= 2,55-4,58). Las pacientes dos, cuatro y cinco fueron quienes presentaron mejores resultados en la CVRS y un cambio clínico significativo (RCIJT= -2,01 a -5,44). CONCLUSIONES: El protocolo BATD-R derivado del modelo de Activación Conductual, resulta ser una herramienta muy útil, flexible y fácil de utilizar en contextos hospitalarios

INTRODUCTION: Cancer often causes challenges for those who suffer it, leading to a decrease in overall quality of life and emotional disturbances such as depression. The experience of living with cancer contributes to the loss of daily routines, fostering isolation and avoidance behaviors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of an intervention based on the revised protocol of Brief Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression (BATD-R) on symptoms of depression and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast cancer. METHOD: Six women in remission stage of breast cancer with an age range of 31 to 75 years (M = 50,50; SD= 15,7) from three tertiary referral hospitals in Mexico City participated. The intervention consisted of six weekly sessions of one hour. The procedure included: psychoeducation and presentation of treatment, selection of activities considering areas of life and values, selection of activities-goals, establishment of duration / frequency of the chosen activities and weekly monitoring. With the use of functional behavior analysis, the use of other complementary techniques was determined. RESULTS: The six patients presented a clinically significant decrease according to the BDI-II scores (RCIJT = 2.55-4.58). Patients two, four and five were those who presented better results in HRQL and a significant clinical change (RCIJT = -2.01 to -5.44). CONCLUSIONS: The BATD-R protocol derived from the Behavioral Activation model, turns out to be a very useful, flexible and easy to use tool in hospital settings

Activación conductual para el control de la depresión en pacientes oncológicos: una revisión / Behavioral activation for the control of depression in cancer patients: a review

La Activación Conductual (AC) se define como un proceso terapéutico focalizado a incrementar conductas que coloquen al paciente en un ambiente que proporcione contingencias reforzantes. Este tipo de terapia está validada empíricamente como tratamiento no farmacológico para la depresión y se caracteriza por ser flexible y estar centrada en las necesidades únicas del paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la literatura disponible relacionada a los efectos de la terapia de activación conductual sobre el Trastorno Depresivo Mayor en pacientes con cáncer. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática en siete bases de datos, utilizando el sistema PICO para la identificación de los artículos. Se incluyeron estudios en idioma inglés y español publicados en el período 2000-2016 localizados con los descriptores "depresión", "terapia de activación conductual" y "pacientes con cáncer". Se encontraron un total de 373 artículos, de los cuales sólo diez cumplieron con los criterios establecidos para esta revisión. Los estudios se realizaron en pacientes con cáncer no hospitalizados, atendidos en la consulta externa y la intervención se realizó de manera individualizada. Los estudios reportan la utilidad de la AC para el tratamiento del Trastorno Depresivo Mayor en población oncológica. Se sugiere realizar una evaluación clínica para implementar la AC, considerando: la biología del tumor, el estadio clínico, la modalidad de tratamiento y los efectos adversos derivados del mismo, la toxicidad acumulada y la historia natural de la enfermedad (AU)

Behavioral activation (AC) is defined as a therapeutic process focused in increasing patient’s behaviors through an environment that provides the patient reinforcing contingencies. This therapy is empirically validated as a non-pharmacological treatment for depression because of its flexibility and its patient-tailored focus. The purpose of this work was to do a literature review about behavioral activation and major depressive disorder in cancer patients. We conducted a systematic review into seven databases using the PICO system in order to identify the articles. Studies in both English and Spanish published between 2000-2016 were included; the keywords "depression", "behavioral activation therapy" and "cancer patients" were used in the search. 373 articles were found, however only 10 fulfilled the required criteria. The studies were carried out with non-hospitalized ambulatory patients; all the interventions were conducted individually. Results showed the relevance of behavioral activation as the main treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in an oncological population. We suggest to perform a clinical evaluation before applying AC considering: the tumor characteristics, clinical stage, type of treatment, collateral or adverse effects, cumulative toxicity and the natural story of the disease (AU)

Prevalencia de Ansiedad y Depresión en Pacientes Hospitalizados

La ansiedad como la depresión conllevan una serie de respuestas emocionales en los pacientes, que alteran el funcionamiento general, la morbimortalidad y los costos de atención en salud, al prolongar la estancia del paciente en el hospital. Es importante detectar oportunamente los estados de ánimo depresivos y ansiosos en pacientes hospitalizados, esto con el fin de mejorar la recuperación del paciente, disminuir la vulnerabilidad a diversas enfermedades y evitar prolongar la estancia hospitalaria. El propósito del presente fue evaluar a pacientes hospitalizados en los servicios de medicina interna y hematología del Hospital Juárez de México, para: 1) determinar niveles de ansiedad y depresión, y 2) determinar relaciones entre depresión, ansiedad y tiempo con la enfermedad. Participaron 111 pacientes hospitalizados a los cuales se les aplicó la Escala de ansiedad y depresión hospitalaria (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS).Se identificó mayor presencia de ansiedad y depresión a mayor tiempo de enfermedad.

Anxiety and depression lead to a series of emotional responses in patients which alter general functioning, morbidity-mortality, and health care costs, by prolonging the patient's stay in the hospital. It is important to timely detect depressive and anxious moods in hospitalized patients in order to improve patient ́s recovery and to avoid a longer hospital stay. The propose of this paper was to assess hospitalized patients in intern and hematological medicine services areas in the Juarez ́s hospital in Mexico to 1) determine anxiety and depression levels, and 2) determine the relationship between depression, anxiety and period with an illness. A total of 111 hospitalized patients participated, whom which the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied. It was identified as a major presence of anxiety and depression when the period with an illness variable was high.

Intervención cognitivo-conductual para el control de ansiedad ante la biopsia insicional en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Cognitive-behavioral intervention to control anxiety about incisional biopsy in patients with breast cancer

La atención del enfermo oncológico implica la realización de pruebas médico invasivas para la obtención de un diagnóstico preciso. Cuando los pacientes se someten a estos procedimientos experimentan reacciones desadaptativas como miedo, ansiedad y dolor. En el caso del cáncer de mama, la prueba diagnóstica más utilizada es la biopsia incisional, procedimiento que las pacientes ignoran y que condiciona la presencia de incertidumbre, ansiedad y pensamientos anticipados negativos respecto al procedimiento y al posible resultado. La ansiedad y el dolor pueden provocar complicaciones fisiológicas, conductuales y emocionales, motivo por el cual el psicólogo especialista en medicina conductual participa antes, durante y después de la toma de biopsia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un programa cognitivo-conductual sobre la ansiedad en mujeres que se sometieron a toma de biopsia incisional en mama por primera vez. Participaron 10 pacientes del servicio de Oncología del Hospital Juárez de México las cuales fueron atendidas en la consulta externa. La intervención consistió en proporcionar psicoeducación y entrenamiento en relajación pasiva a través de videos, grabaciones e información impresa. Para evaluar ansiedad se utilizaron el inventario IDARE-Estadoy la Escala de Expresión Facial de la Ansiedad (EEF-A), así como tensión arterial y frecuencia cardíaca antes y después de la intervención. Los datos fueron analizados tanto intrasujeto como entre sujetos mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon (p≤0,05) encontrándose reducción de la ansiedad como grupo en lasescalas de ansiedad-estado (puntajes crudos y rangos) y en la EEF-A

Oncological patients are submitted to invasive exams in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis; these procedures may cause maladaptative reactions (fear, anxiety and pain). Particularly in breast cancer, the most common diagnose technique is the incisional biopsy. Most of the patients are unaware about the procedure and for that reason they may focus their thoughts on possible events such as pain, bleeding, the anesthesia, or the later surgical wound care. Anxiety and pain may provoke physiological, behavioral and emotional complications, and because of this reason, the Behavioral Medicine trained psychologist takes an active role before and after the biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cognitive-behavioral program to reduce anxiety in women submitted to incisional biopsy for the first time. There were 10 participants from the Hospital Juárez de México, Oncology service; all of them were treated as external patients. The intervention program focused in psycho-education and passive relaxation training using videos, taperecorded instructions and pamphlets. Anxiety measures were performed using the IDAREState inventory, and a visual-analogue scale of anxiety (EEF-A), and the measurement of blood pressure and heart rate). Data were analyzed both intrasubject and intersubject using the Wilcoxon test (p≤00.05). The results show a reduction in anxiety (as in punctuation as in ranges) besides, a reduction in the EEF-A

The presence of perforated synapses in the striatum after dopamine depletion, is this a sign of maladaptive brain plasticity?

Synaptic plasticity is the process by which long-lasting changes take place at synaptic connections. The phenomenon itself is complex and can involve many levels of organization. Some authors separate forms into adaptations that have positive or negative consequences for the individual. It has been hypothesized that an increase in the number of synapses may represent a structural basis for the enduring expression of synaptic plasticity during some events that involve memory and learning; also, it has been suggested that perforated synapses increase in number after some diseases and experimental situations. The aim of this study was to analyze whether dopamine depletion induces changes in the synaptology of the corpus striatum of rats after the unilateral injection of 6-OHDA. The findings suggest that after the lesion, both contralateral and ipsilateral striata exhibit an increased length of the synaptic ending in ipsilateral (since third day) and contralateral striatum (since Day 20), loss of axospinous synapses in ipsilateral striatum and a significant increment in the number of perforated synapses, suggesting brain plasticity that might be deleterious for the spines, because this type of synaptic contacts are presumably excitatory, and in the absence of the modulatory effects of dopamine, the neuron could die through excitotoxic mechanisms. Thus, we can conclude that the presence of perforated synapses after striatal dopamine depletion might be a form of maladaptive synaptic plasticity.

The combination of oral L-DOPA/rimonabant for effective dyskinesia treatment and cytological preservation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world. Its treatment is limited so far to the management of parkinsonian symptoms with L-DOPA (LD). The long-term use of LD is limited by the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias and dystonia. However, recent studies have suggested that pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system may potentially provide a valuable therapeutic tool to suppress these motor alterations. In the present study, we have explored the behavioral (L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias severity) and cytological (substantia nigra compacta neurons and striatum neuropil preservation) effects of the oral coadministration of LD and rimonabant, a selective antagonist of CB1 receptors, in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. Oral coadministration of LD (30 mg/kg) and rimonabant (1 mg/kg) significantly decreased abnormal involuntary movements and dystonia, possibly through the conservation of some functional tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive dopaminergic cells, which in turn translates into a well-preserved neuropil of a less denervated striatum. Our results provide anatomical evidence that long-term coadministration of LD with cannabinoid antagonist-based therapy may not only alleviate specific motor symptoms but also delay/arrest the degeneration of striatal and substantia nigra compacta cells.

Terapia de activación conductual en pacientes oncológicos: una propuesta de intervención / Behavioral activation therapy in cancer patients: An intervention proposal

El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las creencias y emociones de pacientes hospitalizados en el Servicio de Oncología del Hospital Juárez de México y así diseñar un programa de intervención psicológica fundamentado en la terapia de activación conductual. Se utilizaron redes semánticas naturales modificadas (ReyesLagunes, 1993), las cuales partieron de un concepto central (nodo), del cual se producen palabras definidoras con valor semántico por su importancia para los pacientes. Participaron 25 pacientes hospitalizados, 19 mujeres y 6 hombres en tratamiento oncológico los cuales fueron entrevistados de junio a septiembre del 2011. Los datos se analizaron con el programa Microsoft Office Excel versión 2007 para posteriormente desarrollar una propuesta de intervención psicológica basada en la activación conductual para el control de pensamientos intrusivos, ansiedad y depresión. Los resultados demostraron que la inactividad y estancias hospitalarias largas favorecen la presencia de estados de ánimo negativos. Por lo que se propone la implementación de programas de activación conductual ya que suponen una fuente de reforzamiento natural que favorece un incremento de las actividades y un cambio significativo en el humor, evitando así la presencia sostenida de la ansiedad y depresión aún fuera del contexto hospitalario (AU)

The aim of this study was to determine the beliefs and emotions of hospitalized patients in the Oncology Service of the Hospital Juárez of Mexico and to design a program of psychological intervention based on behavioral activation therapy. We used modified natural semantic networks (Reyes-Lagunes, 1993), which started from a central concept (node), which are produced specific words with semantic value for its importance to patients. Participants were 25 inpatients, 19 women and 6 men in treatment for cancer were interviewed between June and September of 2011. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel version 2007 to further develop a proposed psychological intervention based on behavioral activation to control intrusive thoughts, anxiety and depression. The results showed that inactivity and long hospital stays favor the presence of negative moods. So we propose the implementation of behavioral activation programs as a source of natural reinforcement that favors an increase in activities and a significant change in mood, avoiding the continued presence of anxiety and depression even outside the hospital (AU)

El Intervención psicológica para manejo de ansiedad ante la colocación de catéter puerto en mujeres con cáncer de mama / Psychological intervention for anxiety management port a cath placement in women with breast cancer

Existen diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos a los que se enfrentan los pacientes con cáncer, uno de ellos es la colocación del catéter puerto para la administración de quimioterapia. Durante dicho procedimiento el paciente puede presentar niveles elevados de ansiedad, por lo que es necesario utilizar estrategias psicológicas que ayuden al paciente al manejo de la misma. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de una intervención cognitivo-conductual (psicoeducación y relajación pasiva) ante la colocación del catéter puerto en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Participaron nueve mujeres candidatas a la colocación del catéter puerto, con una media de edad de 55 años. Se midió el grado de ansiedad percibido antes y después del procedimiento utilizando una escala-numérica-ansiedad 0-10. Además se evaluaron signos y síntomas de ansiedad con dos listas checables. Se utilizaron estadísticos descriptivos para los datos demográficos y la prueba de los signos para evaluar la significancia de los cambios en el grado y síntomas de ansiedad. En seis de las nueve participantes se observó un decremento en el grado y síntomas de ansiedad percibidos, la intervención resultó útil para el manejo de ansiedad durante este procedimiento quirúrgico, sin embargo, se concluye que es necesario poner a prueba otro tipo de diseño (AU)

Different surgical procedures facing cancer patients, one of them being the placement of the port a cath for the administration of chemotherapy. During this procedure the patient may have high levels of anxiety, so it is necessary to use psychological strategies that help the patient to manage it.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cognitive behavioral intervention (psychoeducation and passive relaxation) before placing the port a cath in women with breast cancer. Involving nine women candidates for placement of port a cath, with a mean age of 55 years. We measured the degree of perceived anxiety before and after the procedure using a numerical-anxiety scale (0-10). Also evaluated signs and symptoms of anxiety with two check lists. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic data and sign test to assess the significance of changes in the level and anxiety symptoms. In six of the nine patients showed a decrease in the degree of anxiety and perceived symptoms, the intervention was useful for the management of anxiety during this surgical procedure, however, concluded that it is necessary to test other design (AU)

Manganese mixture inhalation is a reliable Parkinson disease model in rats.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal. Regardless of its essentiality, it has been reported that the overexposure causes neurotoxicity manifested as extrapyramidal symptoms similar to those observed in Parkinson disease (PD). Recently, our group reported that mice that inhaled for 5 months the mixture of manganese chloride (MnCl(2)) and manganese acetate Mn(OAc)(3) developed movement abnormalities, significant loss of substantia nigra compacta (SNc) dopaminergic neurons, dopamine depletion and improved behavior with l-DOPA treatment. However, this model has only been characterized in mice. In order to have a well-supported and generalizable model in rodents, we used male Wistar rats that inhaled a mixture of 0.04 M MnCl(2) and 0.02 M Mn(OAc)(3), 1h three times a week for 6 months. Before Mn exposure, animals were trained to perform motor tests (Beam-walking and Single-pellet reaching tasks) and were evaluated each week after the exposure. The mixture of MnCl(2)/Mn(OAc)(3) caused alterations in the motor tests, 75.95% loss of SNc dopaminergic neurons, and no cell alterations in Globus Pallidus or striatum. With these results we conclude that the inhalation of the mixture of Mn compounds is a useful model in rodents for the study of PD.

Health-related quality of life in patients with lung cancer: validation of the Mexican-Spanish version and association with prognosis of the EORTC QLQ-LC13 questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer (LC) is the first cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a fundamental outcome for evaluating treatment results. Our objective was to validate the Mexican-Spanish versions of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life QLQ-LC13 disease-specific questionnaire module in Mexican patients with LC; and to explore the possible prognostic role of HRQL data. METHODS: Translation procedures followed EORTC guidelines. Both instruments were completed by patients with LC. Tests for reliability and validity were performed. A subset of patients was administered HRQL evaluations before and after chemotherapy. HRQL was associated with prognosis in chemotherapy-naïve patients. The protocol was approved by the Institute's Ethics Committee. RESULTS: One hundred fifty three patients (mean age, 60.3 years; 84 females and 69 males) completed both questionnaires. Compliance rates were high, and the questionnaires were well accepted. Nine of 10 multi-item scales of both questionnaires presented Cronbach's alpha coefficients > 0.7. Multi-trait scaling analysis demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. Patients with better Karnofsky or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status reported better functional HRQL scores. Different scales in the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-LC13 questionnaires were accurately related with clinical characteristics. Functional as well as disease-symptom scales improved after chemotherapy, but treatment side-effects scales worsened in test-retest analysis. Better role functioning and absence of thoracic pain scales were associated with longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Mexican-Spanish versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-LC13 questionnaires are reliable and valid for HRQL measurement in Mexican patients with LC and can be used in clinical trials.

Estructura factorial de una escala mexicana del patrón de conducta tipo «a» y su relación con síntomas de enfermedad / Factorial structure in a mexican scale of Type "A" behavior pattern and its relationship with illness symptoms

La mayoría de las escalas de evaluación del patrón de conducta tipo A (TABP) tienen un carácter unidimensional o global. Sin embargo, recientemente se ha demostrado que ciertos componentes del patrón —específicamente la hostilidad— tienen mayor importancia por su relación con la enfermedad cardiovascular. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis factorial de una escala Mexicana del TABP con el propósito de ubicar las dimensiones que lo componen y evaluar su relación con síntomas somáticos del sistema digestivo, respiratorio y circulatorio. Participaron 522 sujetos que laboran en el Distrito Federal y área metropolitana. Los resultados mostraron tres factores que explican en conjunto el 30,85% de la varianza. El primer factor (impaciencia-hostilidad) fue el único que obtuvo relaciones significativas con el sistema circulatorio y sus valores de fiabilidad fueron más altos que la escala original, por lo que se destaca como el componente clave de la escala. Se discute la importancia del componente y la estructura encontrada para su consideración en estudios y programas de prevención e intervención futuros

Most of the Type A Behavior Pattern (TABP) scales were designed on a global character basis, that is, unidimensionally. However, it has been recently demonstrated that hostility has a primordial importance in its relationship with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was to carry out a factorial analysis of a Mexican scale of TABP to locate the dimensions that compose it and to evaluate its relationship with somatic symptoms in the digestive, breathing and circulatory systems. 522 Mexican subjects who work in Mexico City and the suburbs participated. The results show three factors that explain 30.85% of the variance in the whole experiment. The first factor (impatience-hostility) was the only one which obtained significant relationships with the circulatory system and its reliability values were higher than the original scale, and as a result it is singled out as the main component of the scale. We discuss the importance of the components and the structure found for future studies to develop preventive or intervention programs

Evaluación del patrón de conducta tipo a en niños: un estudio longitudinal / Assessment of Type A behaviour pattern in children: a longitudinal study

El patrón de conducta Tipo A es el comportamiento observable que emerge cuando una persona predispuesta se enfrenta a una situación de reto. Los sujetos Tipo A son hostiles, agresivos, competitivos, muestran urgencia de tiempo e impaciencia. Quienes posean este patrón conductual se encuentran en riesgo de padecer enfermedades coronarias. Actualmente, la American Heart Association considera a este patrón como un factor de riesgo de igual magnitud que la hipercolesterolemia o la hipertensión. Dicho patrón puede ser detectado desde la infancia. Se trabajó con 39 niños de primaria, y se aplicó en cinco ocasiones un cuestionario que evalúa la conducta Tipo A. Los resultados mostraron aumentos de las puntuaciones en los sujetos al ir creciendo. Este tipo de estudios representan el inicio de investigaciones longitudinales con niños mexicanos, que en el futuro permitirán establecer la posible patogenia de la enfermedad coronaria y, por ende, sus formas de prevención (AU)

Patrón conductual tipo A en México: aplicación de un nuevo instrumento de evaluación / Type a behavior pattern in Mexico using a new evaluation instrument

La evaluación del patrón conductual tipo A es un tema investigado tanto por los médicos, debido al estatus de factor de riesgo coronario que se le ha concedido, Proponemos un instrumento de evaluación como herramienta auxiliar del clínico, que le permitirá detectar con antelación y en forma sencilla, a sujetos que presentan en mayor o en menor medida conductas relacionadas con el patrón tipo A. El instrumento fue aplicado a una población de 244 sujetos en tres distintos estudios y se efectuó una aplicación test retest con 20 sujetos a cuatro años de distancia. El instrumento mostró confiabilidad y se ofrece como parte de la tecnología conductual, para coadyuvar en el diagnóstico y prevención de la enfermedad coronaria o sus complicaciones