Abstract Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon with the potential to reduce vaccination coverage rates, as observed with the yellow fever vaccine (YFV), leading to epidemics and the reintroduction of controlled immunopreventable diseases. This study, together with the scientific literature, aims to map the relationship among the lack of information, vaccine safety and adverse events, and vaccine hesitancy concerning YFV. A scoping review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using controlled (DeCS/MeSH) and uncontrolled descriptors. In this work, we selected eleven articles, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with no time limits, which met the inclusion criteria. False information, inadequate knowledge about the immunizer, lack of time to take a vaccination, acceptance of the vaccine, vaccine safety, and fear of adverse events were related to vaccine hesitancy. This study reinforces the importance of access to adequate information, provides guidance on YFV safety and adverse events, and can aid in the development of public health strategies to mitigate hesitancy.

Resumo A hesitação vacinal é um fenômeno com potencial para reduzir as taxas de cobertura vacinal, como observado na vacina contra febre amarela (VFA), propiciar epidemias e a reintrodução de doenças imunopreveníveis controladas. O objetivo deste estudo é mapear junto à literatura científica a relação entre a falta de informação, a segurança da vacina e os eventos adversos e a hesitação vacinal da VFA. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nas bases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase e Web of Science utilizando descritores controlados (DeCS/MeSH) e não controlados. Foram selecionados 11 artigos publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, sem delimitação de tempo e que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Estiveram relacionados à hesitação vacinal da VFA informações falsas, conhecimento inadequado sobre o imunizante, falta de tempo para se vacinar, aceitação da vacina, insegurança na vacina e medo dos eventos adversos. Este estudo reforça a importância do acesso a informações adequadas, orientações sobre a segurança e os eventos adversos da VFA e pode auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias de saúde pública para mitigar a hesitação vacinal.

Abstract Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon with the potential to reduce vaccination coverage rates, as observed with the yellow fever vaccine (YFV), leading to epidemics and the reintroduction of controlled immunopreventable diseases. This study, together with the scientific literature, aims to map the relationship among the lack of information, vaccine safety and adverse events, and vaccine hesitancy concerning YFV. A scoping review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using controlled (DeCS/MeSH) and uncontrolled descriptors. In this work, we selected eleven articles, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with no time limits, which met the inclusion criteria. False information, inadequate knowledge about the immunizer, lack of time to take a vaccination, acceptance of the vaccine, vaccine safety, and fear of adverse events were related to vaccine hesitancy. This study reinforces the importance of access to adequate information, provides guidance on YFV safety and adverse events, and can aid in the development of public health strategies to mitigate hesitancy.

Resumo A hesitação vacinal é um fenômeno com potencial para reduzir as taxas de cobertura vacinal, como observado na vacina contra febre amarela (VFA), propiciar epidemias e a reintrodução de doenças imunopreveníveis controladas. O objetivo deste estudo é mapear junto à literatura científica a relação entre a falta de informação, a segurança da vacina e os eventos adversos e a hesitação vacinal da VFA. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nas bases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase e Web of Science utilizando descritores controlados (DeCS/MeSH) e não controlados. Foram selecionados 11 artigos publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, sem delimitação de tempo e que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Estiveram relacionados à hesitação vacinal da VFA informações falsas, conhecimento inadequado sobre o imunizante, falta de tempo para se vacinar, aceitação da vacina, insegurança na vacina e medo dos eventos adversos. Este estudo reforça a importância do acesso a informações adequadas, orientações sobre a segurança e os eventos adversos da VFA e pode auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias de saúde pública para mitigar a hesitação vacinal.

Resumo Métodos moleculares como a Copro-PCR se destacam no diagnóstico de T. gondii por serem altamente sensíveis e específicos, podendo distinguir T. gondii de outros coccídeos morfologicamente semelhantes. O objetivo foi a detecção da coproprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii por reação em cadeia da polimerase, em 149 amostras fecais de gatos errantes e domiciliados, utilizando-se três marcadores distintos (B5-B6, 18S e 529pb RE). Oocistos de T. gondii/H. hammondi foram detectados em 15,4% pelos exames parasitológicos de fezes (EPF), e 4% desses oocistos foram identificados positivamente como T. gondii pela Copro-PCR. A presença de material genético de T. gondii foi detectada em 16,1%, mas 12% das amostras positivas pelo Copro-PCR foram negativas no EPF. As amostras com resultados discordantes foram submetidas a uma nova Copro-PCR com os marcadores 18S e 529 e, das 17 amostras, 9 continham material genético de T. gondii. A comparação do EPF com os métodos moleculares mostrou que esse último foi mais sensível, pois detectou 22,1%, enquanto o EPF detectou 15,4%. Isso demonstra a alta sensibilidade e especificidade da Copro-PCR, principalmente com a associação de marcadores (k = 0,809); mas também confirma a importância do uso de técnicas moleculares em laboratórios, uma vez que a Copro-PCR foi capaz de detectar amostras consideradas negativas pelo EPF.

Abstract Molecular methods such as Copro-PCR stand out in the diagnosis of T. gondii, because they are highly sensitive and specific, and can distinguish T. gondii from other morphologically similar coccids. The purpose was the detection of Toxoplasma gondii copro-prevalence by polymerase chain reaction in 149 fecal samples from stray and domiciled cats, using three distinct markers (B5-B6, 18S and 529bp RE). Oocysts of T. gondii/H. hammondi were detected in 15.4% by parasitology fecal tests (PFT), and 4% of these oocysts were positively identified as T. gondii by Copro-PCR. The presence of T. gondii genetic material was detected in 16.1%, but 12% of the samples that tested positive by Copro-PCR were negative in PFT. Samples with discordant results were subjected to a new Copro-PCR with 18S marker and a 529, and of the 17 samples, 9 contained T. gondii genetic material. A comparison of the PFT and the molecular methods showed the latter was more sensitive, since it detected 22.1% while the PFT detected 15.4%. Demonstrating the high sensitivity and specificity of the Copro-PCR, particularly with the association of primers (k=0.809), but also confirms the importance of using molecular techniques in laboratories, since Copro-PCR was able to detect samples considered negative by PFT.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características genotípicas de Toxoplasma gondii isolados de galinhas caipiras da Região Metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Região Centro Oeste do Brasil. A soroprevalência foi de 96% dos animais, determinada por hemaglutinação indireta. As amostras de cérebro e coração foram processadas através da digestão péptica para o bioensaio em camundongos. Os tecidos foram homogeneizados, e as amostras resultantes foram analisadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), que possibilitou a detecção do DNA do parasito em 64% deles. Por meio do bioensaio em camundongos, foi possível detectar 15 isolados, 8 deles apresentando taquizoítos na lavagem peritoneal e 7 apresentando cistos cerebrais. A determinação dos genótipos de T. gondii foi realizada por PCR-RFLP com os seguintes marcadores: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, alt. SAG2, Apico e CS3. Foi possível definir 3 genótipos, incluindo o ToxoDB # 65 e dois deles ainda não foram descritos na literatura. Portanto, conclui-se que os isolados obtidos na região metropolitana de Goiânia apresentaram diversidade genética relativamente baixa.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from free-range chickens in the metropolitan area of Goiânia, Goiás, in Brazil’s central-west region. The seroprevalence rate was found to be 96%, according to an indirect hemagglutination assay. Brain and heart samples were processed by peptic digestion for a mice bioassay. The tissues were homogenized and the resulting samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which revealed that 64% of them contained the parasite's DNA. The mice bioassay revealed 15 isolates, 8 of them tachyzoites isolates from the peritoneal lavage and 7 from brain cysts. T. gondii genotypes were determined through PCR-RFLP, using the following markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, alt. SAG2, Apico and CS3. Three genotypes were identified, inclued ToxoDB #65, and the other two are not yet described in the literature. Hence, we conclude that the isolates obtained from the metropolitan area of Goiânia showed relatively low genetic diversity.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the spontaneous decolonization period and characteristics in a prospective cohort of newborns colonized by multidrug-resistant organisms, after their discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. Multidrug resistance is defined as bacterial non-susceptibility to ≥ 1 agent of ≥ 3 antimicrobial categories. In total, 618 newborns were included in the study, of which 173 (28.0%) presented a positive culture for multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and of these, 52 (30.1%) were followed up in this study. The most frequent intrinsic factors were be born by cesarean section (86.5%), prematurity (84.6%), and very low birth weight (76.9%). The extrinsic factors were having remained hospitalized for an average of 27 days, during which 67.3% were submitted to invasive procedures and 88.5% received antimicrobials. The intrinsic and extrinsic factors of newborns were not associated to a decolonization period longer or shorter than 3 months, which was the average period of decolonization found in the present study. From the totality of colonization cultures sampled at hospital discharge, the Gram-negative Extended Spectrum β-lactamase producing bacteria were the most common, with 28.9% of babies colonized by Klebsiella spp. The median period of decolonization by multidrug-resistant microorganisms in the newborns population after hospital discharge was 3 months, but was highly dependent on the microbial species, and this period was not associated to any intrinsic and extrinsic factors of the newborn.

RESUMO Mimosa flocculosa Burkart é uma espécie nativa, utilizada para recuperação de áreas degradadas. Porém, a produção de mudas em larga escala é dificultada pela dormência tegumentar presente na semente. Esse trabalho avaliou a germinação e a anatomia do tegumento de sementes submetidas à tratamentos de superação da dormência. Sementes de M. flocculosa foram submetidas aos tratamentos: controle, água aquecida a 50, 80 e 100 ºC e H2SO4 durante 1, 3 e 5 minutos. A germinação contou com quatro repetições de 25 sementes em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As variáveis analisadas foram: germinação, tempo médio e índice de velocidade de germinação. Foram realizadas ainda análises anatômicas do tegumento das sementes. Os tratamentos usando água a 80 ºC, e ácido sulfúrico por 3 e 5 minutos promoveram mudanças anatômicas benéficas no tegumento da semente, refletindo no aumento da porcentagem e velocidade de germinação. Recomendamos a água aquecida a 80 ºC pela eficiência e maior segurança na manipulação.

ABSTRACT Mimosa flocculosa Burkart is a native species used for the recovery of degraded areas. Large scale seedling production in nurseries is hindered due to seed physical dormancy. This study evaluated the germination and seed coat anatomy of M. flocculosa seeds subjected to dormancy overcome treatments. Seeds of M. flocculosa were subjected to: control with distilled water, heated water at 50, 80 and 100 °C, and H2SO4 for 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Germination tests were conducted with four replicates of 25 seeds in an entirely casualized delineation, analyzing germination percentage, mean germination time and germination speed index. Moreover, anatomical analysis of the seed coat was conducted. The treatments with heated water at 80 ºC, and sulfuric acid for 3 and 5 minutes promoted benefic anatomical alterations in the seed integument, reflecting in higher and faster in germination rates. Heated water at 80 ºC is recommended because of its efficiency and safety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar se as práticas de enfermagem centradas no usuário em Tratamento Diretamente Observado da tuberculose estão sendo desenvolvidas e se estão contribuindo para a democracia. Método: Estudo descritivo e exploratório, de corte transversal, realizado com 123 enfermeiros em três capitais brasileiras com alta incidência de tuberculose. Os dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a junho de 2014 e analisados mediante análises descritiva e de correspondência múltipla. Resultados: A maioria das ações de cuidado centrado no usuário apresentou escores abaixo de 50%, considerados desfavoráveis ao exercício da democracia. Na análise do escore geral das práticas centradas no usuário por município, Manaus e João Pessoa apresentaram resultados desfavoráveis, e Porto Alegre, parcialmente favoráveis. Conclusão: As três capitais precisam avançar na realização de práticas centradas no usuário submetido a este tipo de tratamento, pois ainda apresentam dificuldades e desafios a serem superados pelo sistema de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze whether user-centered nursing practices in TB DOT are being carried out and are contributing to democracy. Method: A cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study with 123 nurses in three capital cities with high incidence of TB (Manaus-AM, João Pessoa-PB, Porto Alegre-RS) in Brazil. Data were collected from January to June 2014. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analyzes were used. Results: It was identified that the most user-centered care actions had scores below 50%, considered unfavorable to the exercise of democracy. In the analysis of the general user-centered practice score per municipality, Manaus and João Pessoa presented unfavorable results, and the municipality of Porto Alegre was partially favorable. Conclusion: The three municipalities need to advance in the implementation of user-centered practices in DOT, because their health system still has difficulties and challenges to overcome.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar si las prácticas de enfermería dirigidas al paciente de TDO de la TB están realizándose y si contribuyen a la democracia. Método: Estudio descriptivo exploratorio, corte transversal, realizado con 123 enfermeros en tres capitales de alta incidencia de TB (Manaus-AM; João Pessoa-PB; Porto Alegre-RS) en Brasil. Datos recolectados de enero a junio de 2014. Se utilizaron análisis descriptivo y de correspondencia múltiple. Resultados: Se identificó que la mayoría de las acciones de cuidado dirigido al paciente presentaron puntajes inferiores al 50%, considerados desfavorables al ejercicio de la democracia. Analizando los puntajes generales de las prácticas dirigidas al paciente por municipio, Manaus y João Pessoa expresaron resultados desfavorables, y Porto Alegre, parcialmente favorables. Conclusión: Los tres municipios precisan avanzar en la realización de prácticas dirigidas al paciente de TDO, dado que aún representan dificultades y desafíos a superarse por parte del sistema de salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze whether user-centered nursing practices in TB DOT are being carried out and are contributing to democracy. Method: A cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study with 123 nurses in three capital cities with high incidence of TB (Manaus-AM, João Pessoa-PB, Porto Alegre-RS) in Brazil. Data were collected from January to June 2014. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analyzes were used. Results: It was identified that the most user-centered care actions had scores below 50%, considered unfavorable to the exercise of democracy. In the analysis of the general user-centered practice score per municipality, Manaus and João Pessoa presented unfavorable results, and the municipality of Porto Alegre was partially favorable. Conclusion: The three municipalities need to advance in the implementation of user-centered practices in DOT, because their health system still has difficulties and challenges to overcome.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar si las prácticas de enfermería dirigidas al paciente de TDO de la TB están realizándose y si contribuyen a la democracia. Método: Estudio descriptivo exploratorio, corte transversal, realizado con 123 enfermeros en tres capitales de alta incidencia de TB (Manaus-AM; João Pessoa-PB; Porto Alegre-RS) en Brasil. Datos recolectados de enero a junio de 2014. Se utilizaron análisis descriptivo y de correspondencia múltiple. Resultados: Se identificó que la mayoría de las acciones de cuidado dirigido al paciente presentaron puntajes inferiores al 50%, considerados desfavorables al ejercicio de la democracia. Analizando los puntajes generales de las prácticas dirigidas al paciente por municipio, Manaus y João Pessoa expresaron resultados desfavorables, y Porto Alegre, parcialmente favorables. Conclusión: Los tres municipios precisan avanzar en la realización de prácticas dirigidas al paciente de TDO, dado que aún representan dificultades y desafíos a superarse por parte del sistema de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar se as práticas de enfermagem centradas no usuário em Tratamento Diretamente Observado da tuberculose estão sendo desenvolvidas e se estão contribuindo para a democracia. Método: Estudo descritivo e exploratório, de corte transversal, realizado com 123 enfermeiros em três capitais brasileiras com alta incidência de tuberculose. Os dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a junho de 2014 e analisados mediante análises descritiva e de correspondência múltipla. Resultados: A maioria das ações de cuidado centrado no usuário apresentou escores abaixo de 50%, considerados desfavoráveis ao exercício da democracia. Na análise do escore geral das práticas centradas no usuário por município, Manaus e João Pessoa apresentaram resultados desfavoráveis, e Porto Alegre, parcialmente favoráveis. Conclusão: As três capitais precisam avançar na realização de práticas centradas no usuário submetido a este tipo de tratamento, pois ainda apresentam dificuldades e desafios a serem superados pelo sistema de saúde.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to describe the preliminary psychometric properties of the “Self-Efficacy to Regulate Eating Habits (SEREH)”. Material and Methods Participated in a randomized clinical trial for lifestyle modification 135 subjects with metabolic syndrome, who were divided into two groups (e.g., experimental and control), in a 18-months follow-up. The evaluation included anthropometric, clinical, psychological and lifestyle data. To verify the validity and reliability, a factorial analysis was performed, as well as analyses of the internal consistency, temporal stability, sensitivity to change, and convergent validity. Results A solution with two factors was extracted, which explained 60.97% of the variance of the SEREH. The internal consistency for the total score was 0,971 - Cronbach’s alpha. Regarding temporal stability, no changes were observed during the follow-up in the control group. With regard to sensitivity to change, the experimental group showed greater self-efficacy than did the control group during the follow-up. Conclusions These preliminary results showed adequate psychometric properties of the scale, demonstrating that this is a valid and reliable scale for assessing self-efficacy related to food behaviors.

Resumen Introducción El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las propiedades psicométricas preliminares de la “Escala de autoeficacia para hábitos alimentarios”. Material y Métodos Participaron en un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para la modificación del estilo de vida 135 sujetos con síndrome metabólico, divididos en dos grupos (grupo control y grupo experimental), con un seguimiento de 18 meses. La evaluación incluyó datos antropométricos, clínicos, psicológicos y de estilo de vida. Para la validez y fiabilidad se realizó análisis factorial, de la consistencia interna, estabilidad temporal, sensibilidad al cambio y validez concurrente. Resultados La solución de 2 factores explica el 60,97% de la varianza común. La consistencia interna para la puntuación total fue de 0,971 - alfa de Cronbach. En cuanto a la estabilidad temporal, no se observó ningún cambio en el grupo control. Con respecto a la sensibilidad al cambio, el grupo experimental presentó mayor autoeficacia a lo largo del seguimiento. Conclusiones Los resultados preliminares mostraron niveles adecuados de validez y fiabilidad, demostrando ser una escala útil para evaluar la autoeficacia relacionada a la alimentación.

ABSTRACT Background: Social support can introduce favorable changes in lifestyle to reduce the cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to verify these changes in the clinical population participating in this study and present the psychometric properties of the scales of social support for ‘Eating Habits' and ‘Exercise' in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Methods: 135 participants attending a programme for changing lifestyle habits. Sociodemographic, psychological, and lifestyle variables were assessed at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) in Granada (Spain) between 2013 and 2014. The following procedures were used: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, sensibility to change and temporal stability. Results: The AFC confirmed the original structure of both scales, except for the exclusion of factor 2 (family) from the social support scale for the year. For the social support scale, the local adjustment, all items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.64 and R2≥0.41, respectively). For the exercise scale, the local adjustment, the items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.62 and R2≥0.38, respectively). Internal consistency values were between adequate and excellent, with Cronbach's alpha figures between 0.714 and 0.864. Regarding sensitivity to change, the experimental group increased the perception of social support for food and exercise. The control group did not show significant differences. Conclusions: Our results show adequate indices for validity and reliability of the measures. Both measures appeared to be useful to assess social support in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

RESUMEN Fundamentos: El apoyo social puede introducir cambios favorables en el estilo de vida de cara a reducir el riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar dichos cambios en la población clínica que participó en el mismo y presentar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de apoyo social: los hábitos alimentarios y el ejercicio. Ambas fueron aplicadas en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM). Métodos: Participaron 135 sujetos en un programa de modificación de estilo de vida. Las medidas sociodemográficas, psicológicas y de estilo de vida fueron tomadas en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) de Granada (España) durante 2013 y 2014. Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC), de la consistencia interna, de la sensibilidad al cambio y de la estabilidad temporal. Resultados: El AFC confirmó la estructura original de ambas escalas, excepto por la exclusión del factor 2 (familia) de la escala de apoyo social para el ejercicio. Para la escala de apoyo social, el ajuste local, todos los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,64 y R2≥0,41, respectivamente). Para la escala de ejercicio, el ajuste local, los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,62 y R2≥0,38, respectivamente). Los valores de consistencia interna resultaron entre adecuados y excelentes, con cifras de alfa de Cronbach entre 0,714 y 0,864. En cuanto a la sensibilidad al cambio, el grupo experimental aumentó la percepción del apoyo social para la alimentación y para el ejercicio. El grupo de control no presentó diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran niveles adecuados de validez y fiabilidad, demostrando que las escalas son adecuadas para evaluar el apoyo social en pacientes con SM.

ABSTRACT Background: Social support can introduce favorable changes in lifestyle to reduce the cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to verify these changes in the clinical population participating in this study and present the psychometric properties of the scales of social support for ‘Eating Habits' and ‘Exercise' in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Methods: 135 participants attending a programme for changing lifestyle habits. Sociodemographic, psychological, and lifestyle variables were assessed at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) in Granada (Spain) between 2013 and 2014. The following procedures were used: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, sensibility to change and temporal stability. Results: The AFC confirmed the original structure of both scales, except for the exclusion of factor 2 (family) from the social support scale for the year. For the social support scale, the local adjustment, all items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.64 and R2≥0.41, respectively). For the exercise scale, the local adjustment, the items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.62 and R2≥0.38, respectively). Internal consistency values were between adequate and excellent, with Cronbach's alpha figures between 0.714 and 0.864. Regarding sensitivity to change, the experimental group increased the perception of social support for food and exercise. The control group did not show significant differences. Conclusions: Our results show adequate indices for validity and reliability of the measures. Both measures appeared to be useful to assess social support in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

RESUMEN Fundamentos: El apoyo social puede introducir cambios favorables en el estilo de vida de cara a reducir el riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar dichos cambios en la población clínica que participó en el mismo y presentar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de apoyo social: los hábitos alimentarios y el ejercicio. Ambas fueron aplicadas en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM). Métodos: Participaron 135 sujetos en un programa de modificación de estilo de vida. Las medidas sociodemográficas, psicológicas y de estilo de vida fueron tomadas en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) de Granada (España) durante 2013 y 2014. Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC), de la consistencia interna, de la sensibilidad al cambio y de la estabilidad temporal. Resultados: El AFC confirmó la estructura original de ambas escalas, excepto por la exclusión del factor 2 (familia) de la escala de apoyo social para el ejercicio. Para la escala de apoyo social, el ajuste local, todos los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,64 y R2≥0,41, respectivamente). Para la escala de ejercicio, el ajuste local, los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,62 y R2≥0,38, respectivamente). Los valores de consistencia interna resultaron entre adecuados y excelentes, con cifras de alfa de Cronbach entre 0,714 y 0,864. En cuanto a la sensibilidad al cambio, el grupo experimental aumentó la percepción del apoyo social para la alimentación y para el ejercicio. El grupo de control no presentó diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran niveles adecuados de validez y fiabilidad, demostrando que las escalas son adecuadas para evaluar el apoyo social en pacientes con SM.

Abstract Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by a set of clinical conditions, including autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and infectious conditions, that can compromise a patient’s quality of life. Here we assessed polymorphisms in CTLA-4 +49A/G (rs231775), PTPN22 +1858G/A (rs2476601), and MBL2 -550 (H/L) (rs11003125), -221(X/Y) (rs7096206) and exon 1 (A/O) in women from northeastern Brazil to determine whether polymorphisms within these key immune response genes confer differential susceptibility to clinical conditions in TS. A case-control genetic association study was performed, including 86 female TS patients and 179 healthy women. An association was observed for the A/G genotype of CTLA-4 +49A/G in TS patients (p=0.043, odds ratio [OR]=0.54). In addition, an association between the CTLA-4 G/G genotype and obesity was detected in TS patients (p=0.02, OR=6.04). Regarding, the -550(H/L) polymorphism in the MBL2 promoter, the frequency of the H/L genotype was significantly higher in the TS group than healthy controls (p=0.01, OR=1.96). The H/H genotype indicated a protective effect in TS patients (p=0.01, OR=0.23). No differences were observed in the distribution of -221(X/Y), MBL2 exon 1 variants, and PTPN22 +1858G/A in any assessed groups. CTLA-4 variants are potentially involved in obesity in this cohort of TS patients from northeastern Brazil.

ABSTRACT Background: Self-efficacy refers to beliefs in individuals’ own capacities to do something. With the intent of evaluate the validity and reliability, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise Scale (SERES) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: 135 participants with medical diagnosis of MetS took part in the study (Mage=55.5, SD=7.6). We investigated sociodemographic, psychological, and life-style variables. Participants were recruited at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) in Granada (Spain) between 2013 and 2014. In order to characterise the sample, descriptive statistics were used. Factorial analysis, internal consistency and convergent reliability of the SERES were also calculated. Group differences were investigated using Student’s t test. Results: A solution with two factors was extracted, which explained 72.7% of the variance of the SERES. The internal consistency values for the total score of the SERES were (0.925 and 0.864) according to the values of Cronbach’s alpha and Guttman’s two halves, respectively. Significant correlations of the SERES were detected for with physical exercise, assertiveness, stress, anger, and active life-style (e.g., renouncing to sedentary behaviours) Conclusions: This was the first study to report on psychometric properties of the SERES. Results supported the adequacy of the measure for use with patients with MetS. SERES seemed to be useful in evaluating self-efficacy in relation to physical exercise, psychosocial, and lifestyle variables.

RESUMEN Fundamentos: La autoeficacia percibida se refiere a la creencia en la propia capacidad para hacer algo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener la validez y la fiabilidad de la escala de autoeficacia para el ejercicio físico (AEEF) en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM) y para ello fueron verificadas las propiedades psicométricas de la misma. Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 135 sujetos con una edad media de 55,5 años (DT=7,6) que cumplían los criterios diagnósticos para el SM. Se tomaron medidas sociodemográficas, psicológicas y de estilo de vida de los mismos. Los sujetos fueron reclutados en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) de Granada (España) durante los años de 2013 a 2014. La caracterización de la muestra fue realizada a través de análisis descriptivos. Se realizó el análisis factorial, de la consistencia interna y de validez convergente del AEEF; las diferencias intra e intergrupales fueron evaluadas a través de la prueba t de Student. Resultados: Extrajimos una solución de 2 factores que explicaron el 72,7% de la varianza común. Los valores de consistencia interna para la puntuación total de la AEEF fueron de (0,925 y 0,864) según los valores del alfa de Cronbach y del método de las dos mitades de Guttman, respectivamente. Las correlaciones de la AEEF con la frecuencia de la práctica de ejercicios, la renuncia al sedentarismo, la asertividad, el estrés y la ira fueron estadísticamente significativas Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio sobre las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la AEEF. Los resultados mostraron niveles aceptables de validez y fiabilidad en pacientes con SM. La escala demostró ser útil para evaluar la asociación de la autoeficacia relativa al ejercicio físico con distintas variables psicosociales y de estilo de vida.