A Systematic Review on Assessing Assessments: Unveiling Psychometric Properties of Instruments for Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder in Minors under Protective Measures.

BACKGROUND: Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) manifest in individuals facing attachment system challenges, particularly observed in minors under protective measures. The lack of standardized tools for assessing these difficulties and uncertainty about the most effective instruments from a psychometric perspective prompted this study. AIM: Using the COSMIN checklist, we systematically reviewed instruments assessing RAD, adhering to PRISMA. METHODOLOGY: Examined tools included the Disturbance Attachment Interview, Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment, Relationship Patterns Questionnaire, Assessment of RAD and DSED, Development and Well-Being Assessment, and Reactive Attachment Disorder Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 10 articles analyzed, the results highlight a research emphasis on internal consistency and structural and construct validity, sidelining other properties. CONCLUSION: Most articles review structural validity and internal consistency. These measures are satisfactory but insufficiently evaluated. It is necessary to evaluate these tools using other indicators such as cross-cultural validity, measurement error, or responsiveness in adolescents under protective measures.

Reactive Attachment Disorder and Its Relationship to Psychopathology: A Systematic Review.

This study aimed to determine, through a systematic review, the relationship between Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and the presence of psychopathology in children and adolescents, and to determine the existence of differences in terms of internalising and externalising psychological problems between the RAD group and groups with other disorders or with typical development. Following the PRISMA methodology, a search was carried out in the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases. The search yielded 770 results, of which only 25 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate a relationship between the presence of RAD and/or disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), with the presence of internalising and externalising problems. These difficulties are more present in children with RAD compared to children without personal difficulties, or children with DSED, children with autism, children with intellectual disabilities or children with hyperactivity. It can be concluded that the presence of RAD has negative consequences on the mental health of children and adolescents, with these being greater in the inhibited group than in the disinhibited group, and with respect to children with autism or hyperactivity.

Mental health, suicide risk and the important role of self-esteem in Adolescents before and during coexistence with COVID-19 in Ecuador

Introduction/Objectives: COVID-19 has had a significant emotional impact on people's lives, especially adolescents. Therefore, the aim was to assess the predictors of suicide risk during the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents in Ecuador by means of a longitudinal study. Method: The application of a longitudinal design with two measures: before the start of the pandemic and one year afterwards. The sample consisted of 137 adolescents between 12-18 years of age. The variables analysed were mental health, the risk of suicide and self-esteem. Statistical analyses were performed using mean comparison, correlations, QCA models and mediation models. Results: The results indicated higher levels of anxiety and stress after one year of the pandemic. In addition, a higher risk of suicide following the pandemic was observed in those adolescents with higher scores in emotional symptomatology and low self-esteem. QCA models and mediation models highlighted the importance of self-esteem as a protective variable between pre-COVID-19 suicide risk and emotional symptomatology and post-COVID-19 suicide risk. Conclusions: This study highlights adolescents' level of vulnerability to the pandemic and its significant psychological impact. It is important to detect which factors function as risks and which as protection against COVID-19 in order to implement intervention programmes that target these aspects and ensure better adolescent well-being.

Introducción/Objetivos: La COVID-19 tuvo un impacto emocional en la vida de las personas, especialmente en la adolescencia. El objetivo fue evaluar los predictores de riesgo de suicidio en adolescentes en Ecuador por medio de un estudio longitudinal. Método: Se trata de un diseño longitudinal con dos medidas: antes del inicio de la pandemia y un año después. La muestra fue de 137 adolescentes entre 12 y 18 años. Las variables analizadas fueron la salud mental, el riesgo de suicidio y la autoestima. Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron mediante comparación de medias, correlaciones, modelos QCA y modelos de mediación. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron mayores niveles de ansiedad y estrés después de un año de la pandemia. Se observó un mayor riesgo de suicidio tras la pandemia en aquellos adolescentes con puntuaciones más altas en sintomatología emocional y baja autoestima. Los modelos QCA y los modelos de mediación destacaron la importancia de la autoestima como variable protectora en el riesgo postsuicidio. Conclusiones: Este estudio pone de manifiesto el nivel de vulnerabilidad de los adolescentes ante la pandemia y su importante impacto psicológico. Es importante detectar qué factores funcionan como riesgos y cuáles como protección frente al COVID-19 para implementar programas de intervención.

Adaptación del Parenting Stress Index-4 Short Form en Madres Mexicanas de Preescolares / Adaptation of the Parenting Stress Index-4 Short Form in Mexican Mothers

Resumen La escala Parenting Stress Index-4-Short Form (PSI-4-SF) es uno de los instrumentos más utilizados en la medición del estrés parental en el ámbito de la investigación sobre este tema. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la estructura factorial y confiabilidad de una versión traducida y adaptada a la población mexicana. Los reactivos de la prueba fueron traducidos y adaptados al español, utilizando el procedimiento estándar de traducción y retraducción. Participaron voluntariamente 332 mujeres entre 18 y 51 años de edad (M=34.27 D.E.=7.34) que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión; quienes contestaron individualmente la escala en línea. Mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio, emergieron dos factores que explicaron el 50.26% de la varianza (KMO=.848): Factor I Distrés parental (33.26% de la varianza explicada, α ordinal= .822) y Factor II Malestar por el cuidado de los hijos (17% de la varianza explicada, α ordinal= .869). En esta adaptación sólo se conservaron 20 de los 36 reactivos que constituyen la escala original. Con lo obtenido se plantea la posibilidad de una medición eficaz del estrés parental en madres de preescolares en población mexicana, lo que permite continuar con esta línea de investigación.

Abstract Some studies have pointed out that parental stress has a greater capacity to affect the upbringing and development of children, than the presence of stress in any other area of life. The most recognized theory on parental stress is the one developed by Abidin, which describes three components: "parents"; "child"; and the "parent-child relationship". The Parenting Stress Index-4-Short Form (PSI-4-SF) is one of the most widely used measures in the field of parental stress research. Despite its widespread use, no consensus has been reached on the items that make up each of the three dimensions. There is a lack of a valid and reliable version of this scale that can be use in Mexican population. The purpose of the present study was to: Culturally translate and adapt the PSI4-SF into Spanish, and to test the construct validity (factor structure) and reliability of the adapted version to the Mexican population. The test items were translated and adapted to Spanish, using a standard forward- and back-translation procedure. Voluntary participants were 332 women between 18 and 51 years of age (M=34.27 SD=7.34) who met the inclusion criteria, they answered the scale online. Internal consistency and factor structure were assessed. By Exploratory Factor Analysis two factors emerged that explained 50.26% of the variance (KMO=.848): Factor I (33.26% of the variance explained, α ordinal= .822) and Factor II (17% of the variance explained, α ordinal= .869), retaining only 20 of the 36 items that constitute the original scale. An equivalent Spanish version of the PSI-4-SF was obtained with good evidence of reliability and validity. These results suggest the possibility of an effective measurement of parental stress in mothers of preschoolers in the Mexican population.

Individual Factors Associated With COVID-19 Infection: A Machine Learning Study.

The fast, exponential increase of COVID-19 infections and their catastrophic effects on patients' health have required the development of tools that support health systems in the quick and efficient diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. In this context, the present study aims to identify the potential factors associated with COVID-19 infections, applying machine learning techniques, particularly random forest, chi-squared, xgboost, and rpart for feature selection; ROSE and SMOTE were used as resampling methods due to the existence of class imbalance. Similarly, machine and deep learning algorithms such as support vector machines, C4.5, random forest, rpart, and deep neural networks were explored during the train/test phase to select the best prediction model. The dataset used in this study contains clinical data, anthropometric measurements, and other health parameters related to smoking habits, alcohol consumption, quality of sleep, physical activity, and health status during confinement due to the pandemic associated with COVID-19. The results showed that the XGBoost model got the best features associated with COVID-19 infection, and random forest approximated the best predictive model with a balanced accuracy of 90.41% using SMOTE as a resampling technique. The model with the best performance provides a tool to help prevent contracting SARS-CoV-2 since the variables with the highest risk factor are detected, and some of them are, to a certain extent controllable.

Emotional Impact in Adolescents in Ecuador Six Months after the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the emotional health of adolescents, especially those with low resilience and life satisfaction. The aim is to analyze the predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress among adolescents in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic.Participants were 586 adolescents from Ecuador aged between 12-18 years (M = 15.30; SD = 1.28). Satisfaction, resilience, anxiety, depression, stress and worries about COVID-19 were assessed. Structural equation models (SEM) and models based on qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) were performed. The results indicate that worries are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. However, higher physical health worries are associated with lower emotional distress. SEM models indicate that life satisfaction is negatively associated with emotional distress. In QCA models, emotional distress is explained by high worries, low resilience, and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction plays a mediating role in emotional distress.In conclusion, adolescents are one of the groups particularly vulnerable to this situation of restriction created by COVID-19. It is necessary to detect signs of risk and protection in emotional adjustment, especially life satisfaction, that appears like principal damper variable.

Do COVID-19 Worries, Resilience and Emotional Distress Influence Life Satisfaction? Outcomes in Adolescents in Ecuador during the Pandemic: SEM vs. QCA

COVID-19 and the measures adopted have been a problem for society at all levels. The aim of the study was to analyze the main predictors of life satisfaction among adolescents in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 902 adolescents from Ecuador aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.30; SD = 1.28). Variables such as life satisfaction, resilience, emotional symptomatology, and worries about COVID-19 were assessed. Two statistical methodologies were compared (structural equation models (SEM) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)) to analyze the possible influence of worries about COVID-19, resilience and emotional symptomatology towards life satisfaction. The results indicated that in both models, worries about COVID-19 were negatively related to life satisfaction. However, having a greater worry, specifically for physical health issues, was associated with better life satisfaction. SEM models indicate that depression is negatively related to life satisfaction. In QCA models, high levels of life satisfaction are explained by low levels of anxiety and depression. Thus, resilience seems to play a mediating role in life satisfaction, although this is only true for the depression variable. It is necessary to detect signs of risk in this population and strengthen resilience in them as elements that can facilitate their adequate coping with their adverse situation.

Does psychological therapy improve the mental health of people with borderline personality disorder and substance abuse disorder? / ¿Mejora la terapia psicológica la salud mental de las personas con trastorno límite de la personalidad y trastorno por abuso de sustancias? Una revisión sistemática

Abstract Introduction: People with comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance abuse disorder (SUD) show great affectation and poorer treatment outcomes. Objective: The aim was to examine useful psychological treatments for people with co-morbid BPD and SUD. Method: The Cochrane Library, ISOC, Psychodoc, ProQuest Central, Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were consulted using a systematic literature review following PRISMA standards. A 185 articles were obtained, of which 12 were selected taking into account the inclusion criteria. The process was carried out by two independent evaluators and the level of agreement was excellent. Results: there are a variety of therapeutic options that, in general, improve the symptoms associated with BPD but not with SUD. Conclusion: more research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of psychological therapies in these patients.

Resumen Introducción: Las personas con trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP) y trastorno por uso y abuso de sustancias (TUS) muestran una gran afectación emocional y peores resultados en el tratamiento psicológico. Objetivo: El objetivo fue examinar los tratamientos psicológicos útiles para las personas con TLP y TUS. Método: Se consultaron las bases de datos Cochrane Library, ISOC, Psychodoc, ProQuest Central, Pubmed, Web of Science y Scopus mediante una revisión bibliográfica sistemática siguiendo las normas PRISMA. Se obtuvieron 185 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 12 teniendo en cuenta los criterios de inclusión. El proceso fue realizado por dos evaluadoras independientes y el nivel de acuerdo fue excelente. Resultados: existe una variedad de opciones terapéuticas que, en general, mejoran los síntomas asociados al TLP pero no al TUS. Conclusión: se necesita más investigación para evaluar la utilidad de las terapias psicológicas en estos pacientes.

Duelo complicado por la muerte de un hijo: presentación de un caso / Complicated grief over the death of a child: presentation of a case

Resumen La pérdida de un ser querido por suicidio puede ser uno de los eventos más estresantes de la vida. Los factores de riesgo y protección asociados a cada caso pueden favorecer o dificultar el procesamiento de la pérdida. Se presenta un caso de trastorno de duelo complejo persistente en el que se aplica el Protocolo Mindfulness para la Aceptación del Dolor, las Emociones y el Duelo. La paciente mejora tras la intervención, observándose que ya no puntúa en trastorno de duelo complejo persistente, ni sintomatologia ansiosa de forma significativa, ha disminuido su afecto negativo y aumentado su autocompasión, afecto positivo y bienestar psicológico. Concluimos que se hace necesaria una evaluación integral desde el sistema sanitario para poder atender a los pacientes que presenten trastorno de duelo complejo persistente de manera multidisciplinar. La intervención psicológica puede disminuir los costes económicos, sanitarios y personales. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 85-92.

Abstract The loss of a loved one by suicide can be one of life's most stressful events. The risk and protective factors associated with each case may make it easier or harder to process the loss. Here we present a case of persistent complex grief disorder in which the Mindfuness Protocol for Acceptance of Grief, Emotions, and Bereavement is applied. The patient improves after the intervention, being observed that she no longer scores in persistent complex grief disorder, nor anxious symptoms in a significant way, her negative affect has decreased, and her grief, positive affect and psychological well-being have increased. We conclude that a comprehensive evaluation from the health system is necessary in order to attend patients with persistent complex mourning disorder in a multidisciplinary way. Psychological intervention can reduce economic, health and personal costs. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 85-92.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y percepción de amenaza de la enfermedad en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada

Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) puede impactar notablemente la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de las personas que la padecen. Además, la percepción sobre lo amenazante que es esta enfermedad para su vida puede impactar notablemente la salud física y emocional de los pacientes. Objetivos: valorar la CVRS y la percepción de amenaza de la enfermedad en pacientes con ERCA y evaluar las asociaciones entre las variables de estudio. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal realizado en 70 pacientes (80 % varones) de entre 38 y 88 años (M=68,88; DT=9,98) mediante dos instrumentos: el cuestionario de calidad de vida en enfermedad renal versión abreviada (KDOQL-SF36) y el cuestionario de percepción de amenaza de enfermedad (BIPQ). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos mediante el programa estadístico SPSS 26.0 y usando los estadísticos pruebas t, d de Cohen y correlaciones de Pearson. Resultados: los participantes mostraron una gran afectación de su CVRS y una percepción negativa de la enfermedad, siendo los peores indicadores los encontrados en mujeres. Una peor percepción de la enfermedad se asoció con mayor afectación de la CVRS. Conclusiones: la percepción de los pacientes sobre su salud puede afectar la adherencia terapéutica, por lo que es necesario implementar programas de intervención que incidan en ella y favorezcan la salud física y mental de los pacientes.

Theoretical framework: advanced chronic kidney disease (AKD) can have a significant impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, a patient's perception of how life-threatening the disease is can have a significant impact on his or her physical and emotional health. Aim: to assess HRQoL and perceived threat of disease in patients with ACKD and to evaluate the associations between the variables under study. Methods: 70 patients (80 % male), between 38-88 years old (M=68.88; DT= 9.98) were evaluated by means of: the Quality of Life in Kidney Disease Shortened Version Questionnaire (KDOQL-SF36) and the Perception of Threatening Disease Questionnaire (BIPQ). Descriptive analyses, Cohen's t, d tests and Pearson's correlations were performed. Results: patients showed a great affectation of their HRQOL and a negative perception of the disease. Women had worse HRQoL and disease perception indicators. A worse perception of the disease was associated with a greater impairment of HRQOL. Conclusions: patients' perception of their health may affect their therapeutic adherence, so intervention programs are needed to influence it and favour the patient's physical and mental health.

Sleep Phases in Crayfish: Relationship Between Brain Electrical Activity and Autonomic Variables.

In vertebrates like mammals and birds, two types of sleep have been identified: rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Each one is associated with specific electroencephalogram patterns and is accompanied by variations in cardiac and respiratory frequencies. Sleep has been demonstrated only in a handful of invertebrates, and evidence for different sleep stages remains elusive. Previous results show that crayfish sleeps while lying on one side on the surface of the water, but it is not known if this animal has sleep phases. Heart rate and respiratory frequency are modified by diverse changes in the crayfish environment during wakefulness, and previously, we showed that variations in these variables are present during sleep despite that there are no autonomic anatomical structures described in this animal. Here, we conducted experiments to search for sleep phases in crayfish and the relationships between sleep and cardiorespiratory activity. We used the wavelet transform, grouping analysis with k-means clustering, and principal component analysis, to analyze brain and cardiorespiratory electrical activity. Our results show that (a) crayfish can sleep lying on one side or when it is motionless and (b) the depth of sleep (measured as the power of electroencephalographic activity) changes over time and is accompanied by oscillations in cardiorespiratory signal amplitude and power. Finally, we propose that in crayfish there are at least three phases of sleep.

Duelo anticipado en familiares de personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer: análisis del discurso / Anticipated Grief in Relatives of People with Alzheimer's Disease: Discourse Analysis / Duelo antecipado em parentes de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer: análise de conteúdo

La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) es la demencia más frecuente, considerada un proceso crónico e incurable. Los cuidadores de personas con EA pueden experimentar duelo anticipado. El objetivo fue observar el desarrollo de duelo anticipado en familiares de personas con EA. Participaron 10 cuidadores familiares de personas con EA en estado moderado o avanzado (70 % mujeres), de entre 18 y 80 años. Respondieron una entrevista semiestructurada (sentimientos, re-conocimiento de la muerte, reorganización familiar, esperanza, facilitación o resistencia a la muerte y aproximación o distanciamiento del familiar). Se empleó la técnica del análisis cualitativo del contenido empleando la triangulación de dos investigadoras. Además, se realizó un análisis descriptivo con spssv.26. Los resultados sugieren que los familiares de personas con EA pasan por un proceso de duelo anticipado: muestran sorpresa, ira y miedo; la mayoría (90 %) reconocía que su familiar estaba al final de la vida; todos realizaron reestructuraciones familiares para adaptarse a la nueva situación; el 30 % tenía la esperanza de que la salud de su familiar mejorara, mientras que el 70% facilitaría el proceso de muerte. Así mismo, la mayoría se acercó más a su familiar (80 %) y la mitad (50 %) cambió positivamente su actitud hacia la muerte. Se identificaron mayores dificultades en mujeres, cuidadores principales con-vivientes con EA y que tienen un nivel de estudios básicos. Conocer los factores de riesgo y protección en el duelo anticipado puede ayudar a detectar a las personas en riesgo, pudiéndose intervenir psicológicamente, potenciando los factores de protección.

Alzheimer's disease (ad) is the most common demen-tia; it is considered a chronic and incurable process. Caregivers of people withadmay experience anticipa-tory grief. The aim was to observe the development of anticipatory grief in family caregivers of people withad. Ten family caregivers of people with moderate or advanced ad (70 % women), aged between 18 and 80 years, participated. They answered a semi-structured interview (feelings, recognition of death, family re-organisation, hope, facilitation or resistance to death and approaching or distancing from the relative). The technique of qualitative content analysis was em-ployed using the triangulation of two researchers. In addition, a descriptive analysis was carried out with spssv.26. The results suggest that relatives of people with ad go through a process of anticipatory grief: they show surprise, anger and fear; the majority (90 %) recognised that their relative was at the end of life; all engaged in family restructurings to adapt to the new situation; 30% were hopeful that their relative's health would improve, while 70% would facilitate the dying process. In addition, most of them became closer to their relative (80 %) and half of them (50 %) changed their attitude towards death in a positive way. Greater difficulties were identified in: women, main caregivers living with ad and those with a basic level of education. Knowing the risk and protective factors in anticipatory bereavement can help to detect people at risk and to intervene psychologically by strengthening the protective factors

A doença de Alzheimer (ad) é a demência mais comum; é considerada um processo crónico e incurável. Os prestadores de cuidados de pessoas com ad podem ex-perimentar um luto antecipado. O objectivo era observar o desenvolvimento do luto antecipado nos cuidadores familiares das pessoas comad. Dez cuidadores famil-iares de pessoas com da moderada ou avançada (70 % mulheres), com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 80 anos, participaram. Responderam a uma entrevis-ta semi-estruturada (sentimentos, reconhecimento da morte, reorganização familiar, esperança, facilitação ou resistência à morte e aproximação ou afastamento do parente). A técnica de análise qualitativa do con-teúdo foi utilizada utilizando a triangulação de dois investigadores. Além disso, foi realizada uma análise descritiva com o spssv.26. Os resultados sugerem que os familiares das pessoas com da passam por um processo de luto antecipado: mostram surpresa, raiva e medo; a maioria (90 %) reconheceu que o seu familiar estava no fim da vida; todos fizeram reestruturaçõesfamiliares para se adaptarem à nova situação; 30 % esperavam que a saúde do seu familiar melhorasse, enquanto 70% facilitariam o processo de morte. Além disso, a maioria deles aproximou-se dos seus parentes (80 %) e metade deles (50 %) mudou a sua atitude em relação à morte de uma forma positiva. Foram identi-ficadas maiores dificuldades em: mulheres, principaiscuidadoras que vivem com ad e aquelas com um nível básico de educação. Conhecer os factores de risco e de protecção em luto antecipado pode ajudar a detectar pessoas em risco e a intervir psicologicamente, re-forçando os factores de protecção

Improved method for isolation of high-quality total RNA from Agave tequilana Weber roots.

Together with their undeniable role in the ecology of arid and semiarid ecosystems, Agave species are emerging as a model to dissect the relationships between crassulacean acid metabolism and high efficiency of light and water use, and as an energy crop for bioethanol production. Transcriptome resources from economically valuable Agaves species, such as Agave tequilana and A. salmiana, as well as hybrids for fibers, are now available, and multiple gene expression landscape analyses have been reported. Key components in molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance could be uncovered by analyzing gene expression patterns of roots. This study describes an efficient protocol for high-quality total RNA isolation from phenolic compounds-rich Agave roots. Our methodology involves suitable root handling and collecting in the field and using saving-time commercial kits available. RNA isolated from roots free of lignified out-layers and clean cortex showed high values of quality and integrity according to electrophoresis and microfluidics-based platform. Synthesis of long full-length cDNAs and PCR amplification tested the suitability for downstream applications of extracted RNA. The protocol was applied successfully to A. tequilana roots but can be used for other Agave species that also develop lignified epidermis/exodermis in roots.

Unravelling Chemical Composition of Agave Spines: News from Agave fourcroydes Lem.

Spines are key plant modifications developed to deal against herbivores; however, its physical structure and chemical composition have been little explored in plant species. Here, we took advantage of high-throughput chromatography to characterize chemical composition of Agave fourcroydes Lem. spines, a species traditionally used for fiber extraction. Analyses of structural carbohydrate showed that spines have lower cellulose content than leaf fibers (52 and 72%, respectively) but contain more than 2-fold the hemicellulose and 1.5-fold pectin. Xylose and galacturonic acid were enriched in spines compared to fibers. The total lignin content in spines was 1.5-fold higher than those found in fibers, with elevated levels of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) subunits but similar S/G ratios within tissues. Metabolomic profiling based on accurate mass spectrometry revealed the presence of phenolic compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, (+)-catechin, and (-)-epicatechin in A. fourcroydes spines, which were also detected in situ in spines tissues and could be implicated in the color of these plants' structures. Abundance of (+)-catechins could also explain proanthocyanidins found in spines. Agave spines may become a plant model to obtain more insights about cellulose and lignin interactions and condensed tannin deposition, which is valuable knowledge for the bioenergy industry and development of naturally dyed fibers, respectively.

Morphological Diversity and Genetic Relationships in Pulque Production Agaves in Tlaxcala, Mexico, by Means of Unsupervised Learning and Gene Sequencing Analysis.

Pulque is one of the oldest fermented beverages, with its origins dating back to pre-Hispanic Mexico. Recently, public consumption has increased. However, the majority of Agave plantations for pulque production have disappeared or been abandoned in recent decades. To create strategies for the conservation and production of pulque agaves, it is necessary to first determine their taxonomic identities and to better understand their genetic and morphological diversity. Despite the historical importance of pulque in Mexico, little attention has been placed on the study of Agave plants used for its production. Therefore, we analyzed the morphological diversity of vegetative characters of nine landraces of two Agave species (A. salmiana and A. mapisaga) which are widely cultivated for pulque production in Tlaxcala, Mexico. The analysis of morphological characters showed that the landraces largely clustered based on classic taxonomic relationships. One cluster of landraces associated with Agave mapisaga var. mapisaga and another with A. salmiana subsp. salmiana, but with the exception of A. salmiana subsp. salmiana "Ayoteco", which is more closely related with A. mapisaga var. mapisaga. Additionally, we analyzed the genetic relationships between 14 landraces and wild individuals using molecular markers (trnL and ITS). The identified genetic variants or haplotypes and genetic pools mainly corresponded with the species. In the case of "Ayoteco", incongruence between markers was observed. Low selection intensity, genetic flow events, and the plasticity of morphological traits may explain the high number of landraces without clear differences in their morphological diversity (vegetative characters) or genetic pools. The use of reproductive traits and massive sequencing might be useful for identifying possible morphological and genetic changes in the Agave landraces used for pulque production.

Psychometric properties of the questionnaire on threat perception of chronic illnesses in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: the objective of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in a sample of adolescents with chronic endocrine or pneumological conditions and to analyze the dimensionality and reduce the scale elaborating scales by sex and medical diagnosis. METHOD: we evaluated 510 patients aged 9-16 years using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We carried out tests of reliability, construct and criterion validity and a comparison of means based on the diagnosis and socio-demographic variables. The reliability and validity analyses showed adequate psychometric properties for this scale, with better results obtained for a single dimension after eliminating 3 items. RESULTS: adolescents with type 1 diabetes and girls were found to have an increased threat perception of their illness. Anxiety/depression was positively associated with the perception of illness. CONCLUSION: this questionnaire is a useful and practical tool for evaluating adjustment to illness in pediatric patients.

Psychometric properties of the questionnaire on threat perception of chronic illnesses in pediatric patients / Propriedades psicométricas do questionário de percepção da ameaça da doença crônica em pediatria / Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario de percepción de amenaza de la enfermedad crónica en pediatría

Objective: the objective of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in a sample of adolescents with chronic endocrine or pneumological conditions and to analyze the dimensionality and reduce the scale elaborating scales by sex and medical diagnosis. Method: we evaluated 510 patients aged 9-16 years using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We carried out tests of reliability, construct and criterion validity and a comparison of means based on the diagnosis and socio-demographic variables. The reliability and validity analyses showed adequate psychometric properties for this scale, with better results obtained for a single dimension after eliminating 3 items. Results: adolescents with type 1 diabetes and girls were found to have an increased threat perception of their illness. Anxiety/depression was positively associated with the perception of illness. Conclusion: this questionnaire is a useful and practical tool for evaluating adjustment to illness in pediatric patients.

Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Percepção de Doenças Versão Breve em uma amostra de adolescentes com condições endócrinas ou pneumológicas crônicas. Analisar a dimensionalidade e reduzir a escala elaborando baremas por sexo e diagnóstico médico. Método: avaliamos 510 pacientes com idades entre 9 e 16 anos usando o Questionário de Percepção de Doenças Versão Breve e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. Foram realizados testes de confiabilidade, validade do construto, validade de critério e comparação de médias segundo o diagnóstico e as variáveis sociodemográficas. As análises de confiabilidade e validade mostraram propriedades psicométricas adequadas para essa escala, obtendo melhores resultados para uma única dimensão após a exclusão de 3 itens. Resultados: observou-se que adolescentes com diabetes tipo 1 e meninas demonstraram maior percepção da ameaça da doença. A ansiedade/depressão associou-se positivamente à percepção da doença. Conclusão: este questionário é uma ferramenta útil e prática para avaliar o ajuste à doença em pacientes pediátricos.

Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio ha sido valorar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Breve de Percepción de la Enfermedad en una muestra de adolescentes con condiciones crónicas endocrinas o neumológicas. Analizar la dimensionalidad y reducir la escala elaborando baremos por sexo y diagnóstico médico. Método: evaluamos 510 pacientes de entre 9-16 años mediante el Cuestionario Breve de Percepción de la Enfermedad y la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión. Realizamos pruebas de fiabilidad, validez de constructo y criterial y comparación de medias en función del diagnóstico y variables sociodemográficas. Los análisis de fiabilidad y validez mostraron adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para esta escala, obteniendo mejores resultados para una única dimensión después de eliminar 3 ítems. Resultados: se observó que los adolescentes con diabetes tipo 1 y las niñas mostraban mayor percepción de amenaza de la enfermedad. La ansiedad/depresión se asociaron positivamente con la percepción de enfermedad. Conclusión: este cuestionario resulta una herramienta útil y práctica, con la que evaluar el ajuste a la enfermedad en pacientes pediátricos.

Enfermedad renal crónica avanzada. Asociación entre ansiedad, depresión y resiliencia / Advanced chronic kidney disease. Association between anxiety, depression and resilience

Resumen Introducción: el padecimiento de la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) se asocia con una mayor probabilidad de padecer sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa. No obstante, la resiliencia puede amortiguar estos efectos. El objetivo general fue valorar la sintomatología ansiosa, depresiva y la resiliencia de los pacientes con ERCA. Métodos: 70 pacientes (80 % varones), con edades entre 38-88 años (M=68,88; DT= 9,98) fueron evaluados mediante la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión y la de Resiliencia de Connor Davidson. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, pruebas t, d de Cohen y correlaciones de Pearson. Resultados: un 41,79 % presentó sintomatología ansiosa y un 25,38 % depresiva, se observaron puntuaciones moderadas de resiliencia. La sintomatología emocional fue mayor en las mujeres y se asoció con una menor resiliencia. Conclusiones: es necesario conocer los factores de riesgo y protección para llevar a cabo programas de intervención que incidan en ellos y favorezcan la salud física y mental del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Advanced chronic kidney disease (ARKD) is associated with a greater likelihood of suffering from depressive and anxious symptomatology. However, resilience may cushion these effects. The overall objective was to assess the anxious and depressive symptomatology and resilience of patients with CKD. Methods: 70 patients (80% male) aged 38-88 years (M=68.88; TD=9.98) were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, Cohen d-tests and Pearson correlations were performed. Results: 41.79% showed anxious symptomatology and 25.38% depressive, with moderate resilience scores. Emotional symptomatology was higher in women and was associated with lower resilience. Conclusions: it is necessary to know the risk and protection factors in order to carry out intervention programs that affect them and favor the physical and mental health of the patient.

La estructura factorial de la Escala hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión en pacientes adolescentes con enfermedad crónica / Factor structure of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in adolescent patients with chronic disease

Introducción. La Escala hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) es un instrumento de pesquisa, utilizado para evaluar sintomatología emocional en diferentes poblacionesy patologías médicas. Este estudio analiza las propiedades psicométricas y la estructura factorial de la HADS en adolescentes con enfermedad crónica y las diferencias en función de la patología médica. Método. La HADS fue administrada a una muestra de 302 adolescentes con enfermedad crónica. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios con una submuestra de 100 adolescentes y análisis factoriales confirmatorios con el resto de los participantes (202) para analizar la validez y fiabilidad de la HADS (14 ítems); además se calculó el análisis de la varianza de un factor para analizar las diferencias entre patologías. Resultados. Pacientes de 12 a 16 años de edad, con una distribución similar por género; el 43 % padecía enfermedades respiratorias, y el 47 %, endocrinológicas. La estructura original de dos factores (ansiedad y depresión) fue la que mostró buenos índices de ajuste e incorporó un factor de 2° orden (malestar emocional). Tres de los ítems originales de la escala fueron eliminados; se obtuvo, finalmente, una nueva versión de 11 ítems. Esta mostró adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y se observaron diferencias entre pacientes con diabetes mellitus 1 y con patología respiratoria, pero no en talla baja, en el factor de depresión. Conclusiones. Esta escala presenta una adecuada fiabilidad y validez en pacientes con enfermedad crónica pediátrica y resulta útil para la detección temprana de clínica ansioso-depresiva en el ámbito sanitario.

Introduction. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a screening instrument that assesses emotional symptoms in different populations and medical conditions.This study analyzes the psychometric properties and factor structure of the HADS in adolescents with chronic disease and the differences based on their medical condition. Method. The HADS was administered to a sample of 302 adolescents with chronic disease. Exploratory factor analyses were done in a sub-sample of 100 adolescents, while confirmatory factor analyses were performed in the rest of participants (202) to examine the validity and reliability of the HADS (14 items); an analysis of variance for a single factor was also done to study differences among diseases.Results. Patients were aged 12-16 years, with a similar sex ratio; 43 % had respiratory diseases and 47 %, endocrine disorders. The original two-factor structure (anxiety and depression) showed adequate fit indices and incorporated a second-order factor (emotional distress). Three of the original items were removed, thus obtaining a new 11-item version. This showed adequate psychometric properties, and differences were observed between patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and those with respiratory disease, but not in terms of short stature, in the depression factor.Conclusions. The HADS displays an adequate reliability and validity in pediatric patients with chronic disease and is useful for the early detection of anxiety and depression in the health care setting