Adaptação e validação para o espanhol do Inventário Multidimensional de Flexibilidade Psicológica (MPFI): evidências de validade interna e invariância fatorial

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the Spanish version of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) within a general population of Argentina. A total of 866 participants with ages between 18 and 84 years (M = 47.33; SD = 17.26) and of both sexes (Men = 40.9%; Women = 59.1%) participated in the main study. A 2-factor higher order model resulted in acceptable fit indices (NFI = .97; NNFI = .98; CFI = .98; IFI = .98; RMSEA .41). The Spanish MPFI also demonstrated both weak (metric) and strong (scalar) factor invariance when compared to the English MPFI given to a United States sample (N = 1630; 18 to 85 years old, M = 50.1, SD = 18.7; 77.0% identifying as women; 86.6% White). Results indicated an acceptable internal consistency in all factors (ω >.74). The adaptation into Spanish of the MPFI presents 60 and 24 items similar to those proposed by the original authors and adequate psychometric properties in the study sample. Regarding its limitations, it should be noted that results only report the factor structure -factor validity- and the internal consistency -reliability- of the MPFI, which is only a first exploratory approach in adapting the scale to the local context. For this reason, future research should continue to explore the psychometric properties of the MPFI in Argentina.Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas y la consistencia interna de la versión en español del Inventario de Flexibilidad Psicológica Multidimensional (MPFI) en población general de Argentina. En el estudio principal participaron un total de 866 participantes con edades entre 18 y 84 años (M = 47,33; DT = 17,26) y de ambos sexos (Hombres = 40,9%; Mujeres = 59,1%). Un modelo de orden superior de 2 factores resultó en índices de ajuste aceptables (NFI = .97; NNFI = .98; CFI = .98; IFI = .98; RMSEA .41). El MPFI español también demostró una invariancia factorial tanto débil (métrica) como fuerte (escalar) en comparación con el MPFI inglés proporcionado a una muestra de los Estados Unidos (N = 1630; 18 a 85 años, M = 50,1, SD = 18,7; 77,0 %). identificándose como mujeres; 86,6% blancos). Los resultados indicaron una consistencia interna aceptable en todos los factores (ω >.74). La adaptación al español del MPFI presenta 60 y 24 ítems similares a los propuestos por los autores originales y adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en la muestra de estudio. En cuanto a sus limitaciones, cabe señalar que los resultados solo reportan la estructura factorial -validez factorial- y la consistencia interna -confiabilidad- del MPFI, lo cual es solo una primera aproximación exploratoria en la adaptación de la escala al contexto local. Por esta razón, futuras investigaciones deben continuar explorando las propiedades psicométricas del MPFI en Argentina.Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades psicométricas e a consistência interna da versão em espanhol do Inventário Multidimensional de Flexibilidade Psicológica (MPFI) em uma população geral da Argentina. Um total de 866 participantes com idades entre 18 e 84 anos (M = 47,33; DP = 17,26) e de ambos os sexos (homens = 40,9%; mulheres = 59,1%) participaram do estudo principal. Um modelo de ordem superior de 2 fatores resultou em índices de ajuste aceitáveis (NFI = 0,97; NNFI = 0,98; CFI = 0,98; IFI = 0,98; RMSEA 0,41). O MPFI espanhol também demonstrou invariância fatorial fraca (métrica) e forte (escalar) quando comparado ao MPFI inglês dado a uma amostra dos Estados Unidos (N = 1630; 18 a 85 anos, M = 50,1, SD = 18,7; 77,0% identificando-se como mulheres; 86,6% brancas). Os resultados indicaram uma consistência interna aceitável em todos os fatores (ω >.74). A adaptação para o espanhol do MPFI apresenta 60 e 24 itens semelhantes aos propostos pelos autores originais e propriedades psicométricas adequadas na amostra do estudo. Em relação às suas limitações, deve-se notar que os resultados apenas relatam a estrutura fatorial -validade fatorial- e a consistência interna -confiabilidade- do MPFI, o que é apenas uma primeira abordagem exploratória na adaptação da escala ao contexto local. Por esse motivo, pesquisas futuras devem continuar explorando as propriedades psicométricas do MPFI na Argentina.Fil: Simkin, Hugo Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Freiberg Hoffmann, Agustín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Caselli, Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de La Matanza; ArgentinaFil: Prozzillo, Paola Alejandra. Universidad de Flores; ArgentinaFil: Rogge, Ronald D.. University Of Rochester; Estados UnidosFil: Wilson, Kelly G.. University of Mississippi; Estados Unido

Inclusive School Community: Why is it so Complex?

This paper addresses the question: why is it so hard for school communities to respond to diversity in learners, staff and parents in inclusive ways? The authors draw on theory and recent professional experience in Queensland, Australia, to offer four guiding principles that address traditional assumptions about learning that result in inequality of opportunity and outcomes for students. The authors suggest these principles to support the development of a more inclusive school community: (1) develop a learning community incorporating a critical friend; (2) value and collaborate with parents and the broader community; (3) engage students as citizens in school review and develop¬ment; and (4) support teachers’ critical engagement with inclusive ideals and practices. The authors describe how the principles can work in concert in a school community

Don't Stop Thinking About Leptoquarks: Constructing New Models

We discuss the general framework for the construction of new models containing a single, fermion number zero scalar leptoquark of mass $\simeq 200-220$ GeV which can both satisfy the D0/CDF search constraints as well as low energy data, and can lead to both neutral and charged current-like final states at HERA. The class of models of this kind necessarily contain new vector-like fermions with masses at the TeV scale which mix with those of the Standard Model after symmetry breaking. In this paper we classify all models of this type and examine their phenomenological implications as well as their potential embedding into SUSY and non-SUSY GUT scenarios. The general coupling parameter space allowed by low energy as well as collider data for these models is described and requires no fine-tuning of the parameters.Comment: Modified text, added table, and updated reference

Finding Ophthalmic Risk and Evaluating the Value of Eye exams and their predictive Reliability (FOREVER)—A cohort study in a Danish high street optician setting: Design and methodology

Purpose The purpose of the study was to describe the rationale and design of Project FOREVER (Finding Ophthalmic Risk and Evaluating the Value of Eye exams and their predictive Reliability). Design Project FOREVER will build a comprehensive database of clinical eye and vision data collected from ~280 000 adults at 100 optician stores across Denmark. The FOREVER database (FOREVERdb) includes detailed data from refraction, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, visual field assessments and retinal fundus images. Linkage to the comprehensive Danish national registries with, that is diagnostic and prescribing data permits investigation of rare associations and risk factors. 30 000 individuals over 50 also provide a saliva sample for later genetic studies and blood pressure measurements. Of these 30 000, 10 000 will also get optical coherence tomography (OCT) nerve and retinal scans. This subpopulation data is reviewed by ophthalmologists for disease detection. All participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire assessing lifestyle, self‐perceived eye health and general health. Enrolment of participants began in April 2022. Perspective The FOREVERdb is a powerful tool to answer a wide range of research questions that can pave the way for better eye health. This database will provide valuable insights for future studies investigating the correlations between eye and general health in a Danish population cohort, enabling research to identify potential risk factors for a range of diseases

Use of sedimentary algal pigment analyses to infer past lake-water total phosphorus concentrations

AbstractWe tested the feasibility of using sedimentary algal pigment analyses by spectral deconvolution to infer past lake-water total phosphorus concentrations. We established equations that link lake-water nutrient concentrations and sediment pigment concentrations, using a combination of calibration in both space and time, with a training set of 31 Swedish lakes. The calibration dataset yielded a significant positive relationship between total carotenoid concentrations and lake-water total phosphorus concentrations. We also compared sediment-pigment-based nutrient inferences with time series of water column monitoring data to evaluate whether temporal changes in total phosphorus concentrations are well captured by analysis of sedimentary pigments. We found that changes in pigment preservation through time can alter the relationship between concentrations of lake-water nutrients and sedimentary pigments, thus limiting the reliability of historical ecological conditions inferred from pigments in the sediment. Our data suggested that ratios of Chlorophyll derivatives to total carotenoids (CD/TC ratio) and Chlorophyll a to Chlorophyll derivatives (CPI) can be used as proxies for pigment preservation. Using our approach, inferred temporal changes in water-column total phosphorus concentrations in lakes are promising, but require further development, specifically with respect to the influence of pigment degradation in both the water column and sediments, as well as the factors that control such degradation.</jats:p

The clinical features of the piriformis syndrome: a systematic review

Piriformis syndrome, sciatica caused by compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, has been described for over 70 years; yet, it remains controversial. The literature consists mainly of case series and narrative reviews. The objectives of the study were: first, to make the best use of existing evidence to estimate the frequencies of clinical features in patients reported to have PS; second, to identify future research questions. A systematic review was conducted of any study type that reported extractable data relevant to diagnosis. The search included all studies up to 1 March 2008 in four databases: AMED, CINAHL, Embase and Medline. Screening, data extraction and analysis were all performed independently by two reviewers. A total of 55 studies were included: 51 individual and 3 aggregated data studies, and 1 combined study. The most common features found were: buttock pain, external tenderness over the greater sciatic notch, aggravation of the pain through sitting and augmentation of the pain with manoeuvres that increase piriformis muscle tension. Future research could start with comparing the frequencies of these features in sciatica patients with and without disc herniation or spinal stenosis

Covid-19 Testing, Hospital Admission, and Intensive Care Among 2,026,227 United States Veterans Aged 54-75 Years.

IMPORTANCE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an evolving pandemic. Limited data are available characterizing SARS-Cov-2 infection in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between demographic and clinical factors and testing positive for coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19+), and among Covid-19+ subsequent hospitalization and intensive care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study including all patients tested for Covid-19 between February 8 and March 30, 2020, inclusive. We extracted electronic health record data from the national Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, on 2,026,227 patients born between 1945 and 1965 and active in care. Exposures: Demographic data, comorbidities, medication history, substance use, vital signs, and laboratory measures. Laboratory tests were analyzed first individually and then grouped into a validated summary measure of physiologic injury (VACS Index). Main Outcomes and Measures: We evaluated which factors were associated with Covid-19+ among all who tested. Among Covid-19+ we identified factors associated with hospitalization or intensive care. We identified independent associations using multivariable and conditional multivariable logistic regression with multiple imputation of missing values. RESULTS: Among Veterans aged 54-75 years, 585/3,789 (15.4%) tested Covid-19+. In adjusted analysis (C-statistic=0.806) black race was associated with Covid-19+ (OR 4.68, 95% CI 3.79-5.78) and the association remained in analyses conditional on site (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.89-3.46). In adjusted models, laboratory abnormalities (especially fibrosis-4 score [FIB-4] >3.25 OR 8.73, 95% CI 4.11-18.56), and VACS Index (per 5-point increase OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.43-1.84) were strongly associated with hospitalization. Associations were similar for intensive care. Although significant in unadjusted analyses, associations with comorbid conditions and medications were substantially reduced and, in most cases, no longer significant after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Black race was strongly associated with Covid-19+, but not with hospitalization or intensive care. Among Covid-19+, risk of hospitalization and intensive care may be better characterized by laboratory measures and vital signs than by comorbid conditions or prior medication exposure

Patterns of COVID-19 testing and mortality by race and ethnicity among United States veterans: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing concern that racial and ethnic minority communities around the world are experiencing a disproportionate burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated racial and ethnic disparities in patterns of COVID-19 testing (i.e., who received testing and who tested positive) and subsequent mortality in the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This retrospective cohort study included 5,834,543 individuals receiving care in the US Department of Veterans Affairs; most (91%) were men, 74% were non-Hispanic White (White), 19% were non-Hispanic Black (Black), and 7% were Hispanic. We evaluated associations between race/ethnicity and receipt of COVID-19 testing, a positive test result, and 30-day mortality, with multivariable adjustment for a wide range of demographic and clinical characteristics including comorbid conditions, health behaviors, medication history, site of care, and urban versus rural residence. Between February 8 and July 22, 2020, 254,595 individuals were tested for COVID-19, of whom 16,317 tested positive and 1,057 died. Black individuals were more likely to be tested (rate per 1,000 individuals: 60.0, 95% CI 59.6-60.5) than Hispanic (52.7, 95% CI 52.1-53.4) and White individuals (38.6, 95% CI 38.4-38.7). While individuals from minority backgrounds were more likely to test positive (Black versus White: odds ratio [OR] 1.93, 95% CI 1.85-2.01, p < 0.001; Hispanic versus White: OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.74-1.94, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality did not differ by race/ethnicity (Black versus White: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80-1.17, p = 0.74; Hispanic versus White: OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.73-1.34, p = 0.94). The disparity between Black and White individuals in testing positive for COVID-19 was stronger in the Midwest (OR 2.66, 95% CI 2.41-2.95, p < 0.001) than the West (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.39, p < 0.001). The disparity in testing positive for COVID-19 between Hispanic and White individuals was consistent across region, calendar time, and outbreak pattern. Study limitations include underrepresentation of women and a lack of detailed information on social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study, we found that Black and Hispanic individuals are experiencing an excess burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection not entirely explained by underlying medical conditions or where they live or receive care. There is an urgent need to proactively tailor strategies to contain and prevent further outbreaks in racial and ethnic minority communities