Deterioro cognitivo en personas que consumen benzoilmetilecgonina y sus derivados. Una revisión bibliográfica

El consumo crónico o excesivo de la sustancia benzoilmetilecgonina y sus derivados se ha visto involucrado en el decremento del área cognitiva del ser humano, enfocándose en la: memoria, atención, concentración, orientación y diversas funciones cognitivas. El presente estudio trata de analizar los mecanismos subyacentes del deterioro cognitivo en personas adictas a la benzoilmetilecgonina y denotar los instrumentos métricos presentados en esta línea de estudio. Mediante una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos Pub Med y Medline, se lograron discriminar 51 artículos científicos no aleatorizados relacionados con la temática. Los artículos fueron analizados mediante la herramienta AMSTAR y descritos con la metodología PRIMA. Como resultado del análisis, se concluyó que el deterioro cognitivo es evidente y progresivo en sus funciones cognitivas de pacientes evaluados. La actualización de esta información permitirá aportar a futuras investigaciones e intervenciones sobre la concientización del consumo.Chronic or excessive consumption of the substance benzoylmethylecgonine and its derivatives has been involved in the decrease in the cognitive area of the human being, focusing on: memory, attention, concentration, orientation and various cognitive functions. The present study tries to analyze the underlying mechanisms of cognitive deterioration in people addicted to benzoylmethylecgonine and denote the metric instruments presented in this line of study. Through a systematic review in the Pub Med and Medline databases, it was possible to discriminate 51 non-randomized scientific articles related to the subject. The articles were analyzed using the AMSTAR tool and described with the PRIMA methodology. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that cognitive impairment is evident and progressive in their cognitive functions in evaluated patients. Updating this information will make it possible to contribute to future research and interventions on consumer awareness

Estudio de la cientificidad y la efectividad de la técnica Mindfulness.

Introduction: Mindfulness is currently presented as an effective technique in the treatment of various psychopathologies, being framed within the third-generation therapies. Objective: The present study aims to assess the effective of mindfulness as a therapeutic resource for the reduction of psychological disorders. Methodology: A literature review of 41 articles was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines and using the AMSTAR critical appraisal tool for the selection and quality of the collected data. Results: It has been evidenced that mindfulness technique shows highly favorable results in disorders such as anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorders. However, regarding disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the need for additional research or an expansion of the participant sample size is suggested. Additionally, long-term follow-up is recommended to evaluate the sustainability of symptom reduction in these cases. Conclusions: One of the most significant findings of this study is that mindfulness technique proves to be more effective when combined with other therapeutic modalities, allowing for more robust and enduring therapeutic outcomes. These results support the increasing application of mindfulness in clinical practice as a valuable resource for the treatment of a variety of psychological disorders.Introducción: El mindfulness se presenta en la actualidad como una técnica efectiva en el tratamiento de diversas psicopatologías, siendo enmarcada dentro de las terapias de tercera generación. Objetivo: El presente estudio se enfoca en evaluar la efectividad de la técnica mindfulness como un recurso terapéutico para la reducción de trastornos psicológicos. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión documental de la literatura compuesta por 41 artículos, siguiendo las pautas PRISMA y utilizando la herramienta de evaluación crítica AMSTAR para la selección y calidad de los datos recopilados. Resultados: se ha evidenciado que la técnica mindfulness muestra resultados altamente favorables en trastornos como la ansiedad, la depresión y los trastornos límite de la personalidad. Sin embargo, en lo que respecta a trastornos como la esquizofrenia y el trastorno bipolar, se sugiere la necesidad de llevar a cabo investigaciones adicionales o de ampliar el tamaño de la muestra de participantes. Asimismo, se recomienda un seguimiento a largo plazo para evaluar la sostenibilidad de la reducción de la sintomatología en estos casos. Conclusiones: Uno de los hallazgos más significativos de este estudio es que la técnica mindfulness demuestra ser más efectiva cuando se combina con otras modalidades terapéuticas, lo que permite obtener resultados terapéuticos más sólidos y duraderos. Estos resultados respaldan la creciente aplicación de mindfulness en la práctica clínica como un recurso valioso para el tratamiento de una variedad de trastornos psicológicos

Estrés percibido, supresión expresiva y sintomatología neurovegetativa en confinamiento por COVID 19

El presente artículo, tiene el propósito de  establecer la relación del estrés percibido, la supresión expresiva y síntomas neurovegetativos de las personas en situación de confinamiento por COVID 19 en la ciudad de Cuenca. Método: De tipo, correlacional, transversal, no experimental. Se determinó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, constituido por 249 personas adultas, de la ciudad de Cuenca. Se utilizó la escala de estrés percibido en su versión corta (PSS-4), el Cuestionario de Autorregulación Emocional (ERQ-P) y la escala de síntomas neurovegetativos  creada por los autores de este estudio. Resultados: La regresión lineal evidencia relación no significativa entre supresión expresiva y síntomas neurovegetativos (r= .100; r2= .010), relación no significativa entre  síntomas neurovegetativos y estrés percibido (r= .003; r2= .010), relación significativa entre supresión expresiva y estrés percibido (r= .379; r2= .144; p< .01) y ausencia de relación de la sintomatología neurovegetativa entre supresión expresiva y estrés percibido (r= .390; r2= .152). Conclusiones: Se concluye que no existe relación significativa entre la sintomatología neurovegetativa y el estrés percibido, así como con supresión expresiva, pero si existe correlación positiva y moderada en supresión expresiva y estrés percibido; la sintomatología neurovegetativa, no afecta  la relación entre el estrés percibido y la supresión expresiva

Psychometric Properties of The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) In Ecuadorian Population

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of validity and reliability of the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) in Ecuadorian university students, since a cultural validation of the instrument has not been found in Ecuador. The study population consisted of a non-probabilistic sample of 600 participants (59.6% women and 40.4% men, M = 21 years, SD = 2.82). The factorial structure was examined with the method of extraction by Parallel Analysis of unweighted least squares (ULS) and of prominent rotation. In both, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and composite reliability. Like the original version, both subscales have a factorial structure of one dimension and are considered good in terms of reliability, which concludes that the scale meets the criteria of validity and reliability in Ecuador

Factors increasing the risk for food addiction in Ecuadorian students

BackgroundFood addiction (FA) is a construct that has gained interest in recent years, but its relevance in the Ecuadorian population has not yet been explored. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the psychological profile (including FA) between university students from Ecuador and to identify the underlying structure of the relationships of the FA severity level through a mediational model.MethodsThe sample consisted of 972 university students, women and men (mean age: 20.1 years old, SD = 2.6), recruited from four Ecuadorian regions. The assessment tools included a unidimensional scale of FA, eating-related measures, emotion regulation state, impulsivity, and psychopathology state. Path analysis modeled the direct and indirect effects explaining the FA severity level.ResultsThe results indicated that higher psychopathological levels were associated with FA. Similarly, no differences in FA were observed between the Ecuadorian regions. The path analysis suggested that older age, female sex, and higher difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity, negative mood, and anxiety trigger disordered eating; subsequently, more impaired eating behavior impacted the FA level.ConclusionFA is a complex clinical entity that includes multiple components related to eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health problems. The results of this study provide empirical knowledge for designing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies

Cyclostationary Algorithm for Signal Analysis in Cognitive 4G Networks with Spectral Sensing and Resource Allocation

Cognitive Radio (CR) effectively involved in the management of spectrum to perform improved data transmission. CR system actively engaged in the data sensing, learning and dynamic adjustment of radio spectrum parameters with management of unused spectrum in the signal. The spectrum sensing is indispensable in the CR for the management of Primary Users (PUs) and Secondary users (SUs) without any interference. Spectrum sensing is considered as the effective adaptive signal processing model to evaluate the computational complexity model for the signal transmission through Matched filtering, Waveform and Cyclostationary based Energy sensing model. Cyclostationary based model is effective for the energy based sensing model based on unique characteristics with estimation of available channel in the spectrum to extract the received signal in the PU signal. Cyclostationary based model uses the spectrum availability without any periodic property to extract the noise features. This paper developed a Adaptive Cross Score Cyclostationary (ACSCS) to evaluate the spectrum sensing in the CR network. The developed ACSCS model uses the computational complexity with estimation of Signal-to-Interference-and-Noise Ratio (SINR) elimination of cost function. ACSCS model uses the Adaptive Least square Spectral Self-Coherence Restoral (SCORE) with the Adaptive Cross Score (ACS) to overcome the issues in CR. With the derived ACSCS algorithm minimizes the computational complexity based on cost function compared with the ACS algorithm. To minimize the computational complexity pipeline triangular array based Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization (GSO) structure for the optimization of network. The simulation performance analysis with the ACSCS scheme uses the Rician Multipath Fading channel to estimate detection probability to sense the Receiver Operating Characteristics, detection probability and probability of false alarm using Maximum Likelihood (ML) detector. The ACSC model uses the Square-law combining (SLC) with the moment generation function in the multipath fading channel for the channel sensing with reduced computational complexity. The simulation analysis expressed that ACSC scheme achieves the maximal detection probability value of 1. The analysis expressed that proposed ACSC scheme achieves the improved channel estimation in the 4G communication environment

The role of iron and zinc in the treatment of adhd among children and adolescents : a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder common from childhood to adulthood, affecting 5% to 12% among the general population in de-veloped countries. Potential etiological factors have been identified, including genetic causes, environmental elements and epigenetic components. Nutrition is currently considered an influ-encing factor, and several studies have explored the contribution of restriction and dietary supplements in ADHD treatments. Iron is an essential cofactor required for a number of functions, such as transport of oxygen, immune function, cellular respiration, neurotransmitter metabolism (dopamine production), and DNA synthesis. Zinc is also an essential trace element, required for cellular functions related to the metabolism of neurotransmitters, melatonin, and prostaglandins. Epidemiological studies have found that iron and zinc deficiencies are common nutritional deficits worldwide, with important roles on neurologic functions (poor memory, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness), finicky appetite, and mood changes (sadness and irritability). Altered levels of iron and zinc have been related with the aggravation and progression of ADHD. Objective: This is a systematic review focused on the contribution of iron and zinc in the progression of ADHD among children and adolescents, and how therapies including these elements are tolerated along with its effectiveness (according to PRISMA guidelines). Method: The scientific literature was screened for randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 to July 2021. The databases con-sulted were Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality and risk of bias (CONSORT, NICE, and Cochrane checklists used). Conclusion: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected. Evidence was obtained regarding the contribution of iron-zinc supplementation in the treatment of ADHD among young individuals. The discussion was focused on how the deficits of these elements contribute to affectation on multiple ADHD correlates, and potential mechanisms explain-ing the mediational pathways. Evidence also suggested that treating ADHD with diet interventions might be particularly useful for specific subgroups of children and adolescents, but further investigations of the effects of these diet interventions are needed

A predictive model of perceived stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in university students Ecuadorians

Background and objectivesThe situation caused by the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the mobility restriction implemented by governments worldwide had a significant impact on people’s routines. Stressors are known to increase emotional imbalance, uncertainty, and frustration in the general population. This study explores the factors that predispose to the risk of perceived stress from COVID-19 and determines the underlying mediating mechanisms in the Ecuadorian population.MethodThe cross-sectional study an incidental non-probabilistic sample of n = 977 participating student volunteers from the four regions of the Republic of Ecuador (68.6% women and 31.4% men). Data on emotional regulation (ERQ), perceived stress (PSS), active procrastination (APS), diagnosis and symptoms related to COVID-19, social isolation, coexistence, and a sociodemographic questionnaire (biological sex, marital status, and age) were recruited. Statistical analysis was based on a structural equation model.ResultsThe risk of suffering perceived stress in the COVID-19 pandemic was higher for single women who have lived longer in social isolation, have lived with more people, have poor emotional regulation and high rates of procrastination. This structural model is similar in all Ecuadorian regions χ2 = 21.54 (p = 0.760), RMSEA = 0.001 (95%CI, 0.00–0.02), CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.999; SRMR = 0.020.DiscussionAlthough our findings are consistent and revealing for the scientific community, the lack of discrimination of the data due to strict isolation measures, taken at different periods by the Ecuadorian government against positive cases of COVID-19, is discussed. The research was applied to the university population, it would be representative to extend the study to schools and colleges.ConclusionWe consider this work as a starting point for the creation of preventive models against perceived stress in the university environment in the event of health emergencies

Identification of novel candidate targets for suppressing ovarian cancer progression through IL-33/ST2 axis components using the system biology approach

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of ovarian cancer (OvC) are the most prevalent element of the tumor microenvironment (TM). By promoting angiogenesis, immunological suppression, and invasion, CAFs speed up the growth of tumors by changing the extracellular matrix’s structure and composition and/or initiating the epithelial cells (EPT). IL-33/ST2 signaling has drawn a lot of attention since it acts as a pro-tumor alarmin and encourages spread by altering TM.Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the OvC tumor microenvironment were found in the GEO database, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, and their presence and changes in healthy and tumor tissue content were examined. Primary cultures of healthy fibroblasts and CAFs obtained from healthy and tumor tissues retrieved from OvC samples were used for in vitro and in vivo investigations. Cultured primary human CAFs were utilized to investigate the regulation and the IL-33/ST2 axis role in the inflammation reactions.Results: Although ST2 and IL-33 expression was detected in both epithelial (EPT) and fibroblast cells of ovarian cancer, they are more abundant in CAFs. Lipopolysaccharides, serum amyloid A1, and IL-1β, the inflammatory mediators, could all induce IL-33 expression through NF-κB activation in human CAFs. In turn, via the ST2 receptor, IL-33 affected the production of IL-6, IL-1β, and PTGS2 in human CAFs via the MAPKs-NF-κB pathway.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IL-33/ST2 is affected by the interaction of CAFs and epithelial cells inside the tumor microenvironment. Activation of this axis leads to increased expression of inflammatory factors in tumor CAFs and EPT cells. Therefore, targeting the IL-33/ST2 axis could have potential value in the prevention of OvC progression

Escala de dificultades en la regulación emocional (DERS): evidencia de validez en población ecuatoriana

Debido a la escasez de instrumentos de evaluación sobre el constructo de dificultades en la regulación emocional en el contexto universitario ecuatoriano, el objetivo del presente estudio fue adaptar lingüísticamente y estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de dificultades en la regulación emocional (DERS) en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios ecuatorianos. Se empleó una muestra no probabilística de 1172 participantes de 17 a 32 años de edad (M = 21.99; DT = 2.49), de los cuales 58.6% eran mujeres y 41.4% hombres. La investigación se desplegó en tres etapas: el primer estudio desarrolló la adaptación lingüística ecuatoriana de la escala. El segundo estudio se refirió a la factorización por ejes principales identificando cinco factores (Falta de compresión emocional; Acceso limitado a estrategias de regulación; Dificultades en el control de impulsos; Interferencias en conductas dirigidas a metas; Falta de claridad emocional) interpretables teóricamente, que explican el 49.22% de la varianza. El tercer estudio desarrolló un análisis factorial confirmatorio, el cual indicó un ajuste aceptable del modelo (GFI = .95; AGFI = .95; NFI = .94; RMR = .11). Los coeficientes de fiabilidad se revelaron aceptables de .90 alfa de Cronbach y .91 omega de McDonald. Como conclusión se menciona que la versión ecuatoriana de la DERS en una muestra universitaria exhibe buenas características psicométricas de estructura interna y fiabilidad.Due to the scarcity of evaluation instruments on the construct of difficulties in emotional regulation in the Ecuadorian university context, the objective of the present study was to adapt linguistically and to study the psychometric properties of the Difficulty Scale in Emotional Regulation (DERS) in a sample of Ecuadorian university students. A non-probability sample of 1172 participants between 17 and 32 years of age (M = 21.99; DT = 2.49), which consisted of 58.6% women and 41.4% men, was used. The research was carried out in three stages. The first study evaluated the Ecuadorian linguistic adaptation of the scale. The second study referred to the factorization by main axes identifying five factors (Lack of emotional understanding; Limited access to regulation strategies; Difficulties in impulse control; Interferences in goal-directed behaviors; Lack of emotional clarity) theoretically interpretable, which explain 49.22% of the variance. The third study developed a confirmatory factor analysis that specified an acceptable fit of the model (GFI = .95; AGFI = .95; NFI = .94; RMR = .11). The reliability coefficients are acceptable as .90 Cronbach’s alpha and .91 McDonald’s omega. In conclusion, it is mentioned that the Ecuadorian version of the DERS in a university sample exhibits good psychometric characteristics of internal structure and responses