The Global Impact of Multisystemic Vulnerabilities on Criminal Variety: A Cross-Continental Study in Young Adults.

Previous research has shown a robust association between different childhood and adolescent vulnerabilities and youth offending. However, these investigations have primarily focused on youths from high-income Western countries. Consequently, the generalizability of these findings to better inform global justice policies remains uncertain. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the relationship between individual, familial, and contextual vulnerabilities and criminal versatility during young adulthood, accounting for sociodemographic factors and cross-national differences. Data were derived from a diverse sample of 4,182 young adults (67% female; mean age = 18.96; SD = 0.81) residing in 10 countries across 5 continents who participated in the International Study of Pro/Antisocial Behavior in Young Adults. The Psychosocial and Family Vulnerability Questionnaire and the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire were used to assess social and family adversity, and past-year criminal diversity was measured with the Criminal Variety Index. Results indicate that child maltreatment, substance abuse, and delinquent peers are global risk factors for criminal variety. Moreover, they are independent across males and females and among youths living in countries that are ranked differently on the Human Development Index (HDI). In addition, some childhood vulnerabilities showed different predictive ability across sexes (e.g., school failure), and across countries ranked differently on the HDI (e.g., family dysfunction). These findings suggest that certain childhood factors contribute to criminal behavior through transcultural mechanisms. Moreover, they highlight the importance of developing evidence-based policies that focus on transcultural risk factors to globally prevent criminal behavior.

Cross-cultural adaptability of parenting interventions designed for childhood behavior problems: A meta-analysis.

The dissemination of parenting interventions is one of the advised approaches to globally counteract childhood behavior problems, delinquency, and future criminal careers. Many of these interventions are developed in Anglosphere countries and transported to other contexts with distinct cultural backgrounds. However, there are no meta-analyses evaluating the overall effectiveness of these Anglosphere parenting programs in non-Anglosphere settings. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness of parenting interventions developed in Anglosphere countries when transported to non-Anglosphere countries, as well as compare effectiveness levels between Anglosphere and non-Anglosphere trials; and analyze the impact of research and contextual factors in the dissemination of these interventions. Parenting interventions were included if they were: created in an Anglosphere setting; tested in non-Anglosphere countries; focused on reducing childhood behavioral problems; designed for children ranging from two to 12 years old; and tested in an experimental randomized trial. A random-effects model was selected for our meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences, confidence intervals and prediction intervals were also computed. Twenty studies were included, and results suggest that parenting interventions designed for childhood behavior problems can be transported to non-Anglosphere countries and potentially maintain effectiveness. This study is a relevant contribution to the evidence of cross-cultural transportability of parenting interventions.

Meaning in life, meaning-making and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between meaning in life (MiL), meaning-making and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in eighteen electronic databases. The screening and selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines. For the purpose of the meta-analysis, the correlation coefficients between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth were extracted from the included studies. The effect size (r) was calculated using the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator, a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q statistic, I2 index and forest plot, while publication bias was analyzed with the use of the funnel plot and Egger's test. Results: 889 records were considered according to the inclusion criteria. A total of nine articles, published between 2006 and 2021, were included in the systematic review. More than half were published in the last five years. The sample was mostly diagnosed with breast cancer. The meta-analysis included five articles (N = 844) and the results indicate a significant moderate correlation between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.43, 95% IC [0.36, 0.50]). Discussion: In conclusion, there is a clear association between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Future research should explore this relationship further, in order to better assist and guide meaning centered interventions that can potentiate a positive adjustment and possibly growth from the cancer experience.

Birthweight leads to seminal and testicular morphofunctional commitment in sexually mature boars.

Given the importance of males as semen donors for artificial insemination (AI) and the high incidence of low birthweight piglets at commercial farms, the impact of birthweight on fertility in boars deserves special attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate testicular morphofunctional parameters and semen characteristics in different birthweight boars. Forty littermate males were selected at birth and divided into two experimental groups, according to birthweight: high (HW, birthweight ranging from 1.80 to 2.15 kg, n = 20) and low (LW, birthweight ranging from 0.75 to 1.10 kg, n = 20). At 170 days of age, a sub-set of 24 littermate boars (n = 12 HW and n = 12 LW) were randomly selected for semen collection, which was performed once a week, at a 15-day interval, during five weeks. At 300 days of age, boars were orchiectomized, and the testis processed for histological and molecular analyses. The HW group was heavier and presented larger testes compared to LW animals (P < 0.05). Despite that, birthweight did not significantly affect semen volume or sperm quality parameters (concentration, motility, vigor or morphology), although LW boars produced 38.2% fewer total sperm and 24% lower semen concentration, leading to 36.8% less inseminating doses. The histomorphometrical evaluation showed that seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height were similar between experimental groups. However, LW boars presented shorter seminiferous tubules and, consequently, fewer Sertoli cells per testis (P 0.05). Even though plasma testosterone levels were equivalent in both birthweight groups, LW testis presented less androgen receptors (P < 0.05). Additionally, birthweight was positively correlated with total seminiferous tubule length and number of Sertoli cells (P < 0.01), and with body and testis weights (P < 0.01). Taken together, even though adult LW boars showed no evident semen pathologies or spermatogenesis commitment, mature HW males have the potential to produce more spermatozoa, consequently more semen doses per ejaculate, being more valuable to an industry that relies on AI.

Two Sides of Child Maltreatment: from Psychopathic Traits to Altruistic Attitudes Inhibition.

Child maltreatment is a known risk factor for criminal behavior, however, only a few studies have addressed the relationship between child maltreatment and the development of psychopathic traits. Meanwhile, the effect of adverse childhood experiences on prosocial behavior is practically unknown. The current research aims to explore the relationship between child maltreatment, psychopathic traits and altruistic attitudes among young adults. Six hundred and seventy-three young adults from the community filled out the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire, the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory - Short Version and the Altruistic Attitudes Scale. Results suggest that child maltreatment is related to both psychopathic traits and inhibition of altruistic altitudes. Each adverse childhood experience appears to be associated with the development of specific forms of psychopathic traits and/or altruistic attitudes. Early identification of maltreatment is essential for prevention of antisocial behavior and for the promotion of altruistic attitudes. Research, political and social recommendations are suggested.

Intake, digestibility and metabolism in sheep fed with increasing levels of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the substitution of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) on the intake, digestibility of nutrients and ingestive behaviour of sheep. Eight rumen-cannulated sheep were used, with an average body weight of 58.44 ± 13.5 kg. The treatments consisted of the replacement of Tifton 85 hay with cactus at levels of 0, 333, 666 and 1000 g/kg. Samples of food and leftovers were collected at the beginning of each trial period. Digestibility was estimated using indigestible acid detergent fibre. Ingestive behaviour was evaluated via scan sampling. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay with spineless cactus had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrates. The rumination efficiency of neutral detergent fibre was not affected (P > 0.05) by the substitution of Tifton 85 hay with spineless cactus. However, plasma glucose, phosphorus and magnesium were linearly influenced by Tifton 85 hay replacement with spineless cactus. Therefore, spineless cactus can be used to replace up to 500 g/kg of Tifton 85 hay in complete diets for sheep.

Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Cut-Off to Identify High-Risk Is a Good Predictor of ICU Mortality in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) is a widely recommended nutrition risk indicator. Two cut-offs have been proposed for intensive care unit (ICU) patients to classify nutrition risk: ≥3-<5, at risk and ≥5, high risk. To date, no study has directly compared these cut-offs. The aim of this study is to compare the NRS-2002 ICU nutrition risk cut-offs as predictors of clinical outcomes including infections, ICU and hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (MVd), weaning failure, tracheotomy for prolonged MVd, and chronic critical illness (CCI). METHODS: Adult patients were screened and stratified according to NRS-2002 ICU criteria. Clinical, epidemiologic, and nutrition data were extracted from medical records. Statistical analysis for independent samples and Poisson regression were performed. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were screened: 1 (0.54%) no risk; 96 (51.89%) at risk, and 88 (47.56%) high risk. High-risk patients were older, had higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (62.0 ± 14.1 vs 53.0 ± 12.9, respectively; P < .001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (6.9 ± 3.7 vs 5.1 ± 3.1, respectively; P < .001), and developed more infections (42 [47.8%] vs 27 [28.1%]; P = .010). No differences were found for ICU and hospital LOS, MVd days, weaning failure, tracheotomy, and CCI. ICU and hospital mortality were higher in high-risk patients. The high-risk cut-off was predictor of ICU mortality (relative risk 2.10, 95% confidence interval 1.07-4.14; P = .032). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the NRS-2002 high-risk cut-off is associated with worse clinical outcomes and is a predictor for ICU mortality.

Pesquisas em Psicologia Social no Campo da Saúde da População Negra no Brasil / Research in Social Psychology in the field of Health of the Black Population in Brazil

O presente artigo delineia o estado da arte das pesquisas no campo daPsicologia Social e saúde da população negra, no Brasil, considerando que oscoletivos negros sofrem desigualdades sócio-historicamente determinadas e,dentre elas, doenças e agravos que são prevalentes nesta população. Dadosestatísticos demonstram que a morbi-mortalidade no Brasil tem cor, ela é negra,o que aponta para a iniquidade em tratamento à saúde no Brasil. A busca porproduções limitou-se: ao Banco de Teses da Capes – dissertações e teses, naárea da Psicologia Social; na Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações –BDTD, e nas Revistas de Psicologia (em interface com o social), indexadas naRede Scielo. Esse estudo preliminar apontou para uma baixa produção daPsicologia Social no referido tema, o que limita sua atuação na luta pelosdireitos sociais e sua participação nas políticas públicas sobre saúde. (AU)

This work seeks to outline the state of the art of the research in the field of Social Psychology that deal with black population health in Brazil. Black people suffer with specific inequalities which have social and historical causes, and that can be seen also in health care field, particularly concerning diseases that are prevalent in that population. Statistics show that morbidity in Brazil has a color, it is black, which points to the iniquity in health care. The search was limited to following productions: to Capes Theses Database - dissertations and theses in the field of Social Psychology; the Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations – BDTD; the Journals of Psychology (in interface with the social) indexed in SciELO electronic library. This preliminary study indicated a low production in social psychology about the subject, which limits its role in the struggle for social rights and its influence in public health policy.(AU)

Fracción de eyección normal en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca / Normal ejection fraction in hospitalized patients by heart failure

Introducción: Desde la década pasada se reconoce la existencia de Insuficiencia Cardíaca (IC) con Función Sistólica (FS) conservada. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia relativa de IC con FS conservada debido a Disfunción Diastólica (DD), sus etiologías relacionadas y el perfil clínico de sospecha. Material y método: Se revisaron las Historias Clínicas de pacientes internados por IC en un período de tres años y se definió DD a la IC con FS normal (Fracción de Eyección (FE) ò 55 por ciento) evaluada por Ecocardiografía Bidimensional, no debida a otras situaciones que cursan con FS conservada. Resultados: De los 64 pacientes incluidos, 37 (58 por ciento) tenían Disfunción Sistólica (DS) y 27 (42 por ciento) DD. De estos últimos la edad promedio fue de 65 años; 9 (34 por ciento) eran varones y 18 (66 por ciento) eran mujeres. Presentaron signos de IC Global: 21 (77,7 por ciento), de IC Izquierda aislada: 6 (22,3 por ciento) y ninguno con IC Derecha aislada. Se encontró HTA en 17 (63 por ciento); HTA asociada a Cardiopatía Isquémica (CI) en 7 (26 por ciento) y Estenosis Aórtica en 3 (11 por ciento). El Indice Cardiotoráxico (ICT) ó 0,55 en 15 (56 por ciento) pacientes y > 0,55 en 12 (44 por ciento), de estos últimos, 10 (83 por ciento), presentaron Hipertrofia Ventricular Izquierda. La FE promedio fue de 65,5 por ciento. Recibieron tratamiento inadecuado para DD previo a la Ecocardiografía 12 (44 por ciento). Comentarios: Se encontró una alta frecuencia relativa de DD, siendo la etiología más frecuente la HTA. A pesar de que estadísticamente existe una fuerte asociación entre tipo de Disfunción e ICT, esta no llega a ser perfecta y considerando el resto de los parámetros, no se encontró un perfilclínico distintivo respecto de la DS. Se concliye que la Ecocardiografía Bidimensional resulta esencial para definir el tipo de Disfunción Ventricular y adecuar la terapéutica en la IC

Fracción de eyección normal en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca / Normal ejection fraction in hospitalized patients by heart failure

Introducción: Desde la década pasada se reconoce la existencia de Insuficiencia Cardíaca (IC) con Función Sistólica (FS) conservada. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia relativa de IC con FS conservada debido a Disfunción Diastólica (DD), sus etiologías relacionadas y el perfil clínico de sospecha. Material y método: Se revisaron las Historias Clínicas de pacientes internados por IC en un período de tres años y se definió DD a la IC con FS normal (Fracción de Eyección (FE) ò 55 por ciento) evaluada por Ecocardiografía Bidimensional, no debida a otras situaciones que cursan con FS conservada. Resultados: De los 64 pacientes incluidos, 37 (58 por ciento) tenían Disfunción Sistólica (DS) y 27 (42 por ciento) DD. De estos últimos la edad promedio fue de 65 años; 9 (34 por ciento) eran varones y 18 (66 por ciento) eran mujeres. Presentaron signos de IC Global: 21 (77,7 por ciento), de IC Izquierda aislada: 6 (22,3 por ciento) y ninguno con IC Derecha aislada. Se encontró HTA en 17 (63 por ciento); HTA asociada a Cardiopatía Isquémica (CI) en 7 (26 por ciento) y Estenosis Aórtica en 3 (11 por ciento). El Indice Cardiotoráxico (ICT) ó 0,55 en 15 (56 por ciento) pacientes y > 0,55 en 12 (44 por ciento), de estos últimos, 10 (83 por ciento), presentaron Hipertrofia Ventricular Izquierda. La FE promedio fue de 65,5 por ciento. Recibieron tratamiento inadecuado para DD previo a la Ecocardiografía 12 (44 por ciento). Comentarios: Se encontró una alta frecuencia relativa de DD, siendo la etiología más frecuente la HTA. A pesar de que estadísticamente existe una fuerte asociación entre tipo de Disfunción e ICT, esta no llega a ser perfecta y considerando el resto de los parámetros, no se encontró un perfilclínico distintivo respecto de la DS. Se concliye que la Ecocardiografía Bidimensional resulta esencial para definir el tipo de Disfunción Ventricular y adecuar la terapéutica en la IC (AU)