The portuguese version of the big three perfectionism scale – further validation with adults from the general population

Introduction

Both original Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS; Smith et al. 2016), and the Portuguese version validated with a sample of university students (Lino et al. 2018) evaluates three second-order factors (rigid, self-oriented and narcissistic perfectionism) and ten facets.

Objectives

To confirm the BTPS three-factors-ten-dimensions’ structure in a sample of Portuguese adults from the general population.

Methods

A sample of 467 adults (70.7% females; Mean age=38.44±12.27; range: 25-82) answered the BTPS Portuguese version and other validated perfectionism measures (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scales from Frost and Hewitt & Flett; Self-Presentation Perfectionism Scale). To study the temporal stability a sub-sample of 132 participants completed the BTPS again after approximately five weeks. SPSS and AMOS software was used.

Results

The second order model presented an acceptable fit (X²/df=3.115; TLI=.811; CFI=.825; RMSEA=.067). There was also evidence of a general factor comprising all the 45 items (X²/df=3.127; TLI=.809; CFI=.823; [JA1] RMSEA=.068). The Cronbach alphas of the three factors ranged from a=.88 to a=.92; and facets had a>.70 showing a total of a=.94. Total and dimensional scores showed significant positive and moderate to high correlations with the other perfectionism measures and their test-retest correlation coefficients were r=.85 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study confirms the validity and reliability of the Portuguese BTPS underlying three-factors structure. Additionally, we found, for the first time, that BTPS can also be validly and reliably used to measure a global perfectionism construct. It is our intention to develop a shorter version the Portuguese BTPS in the near future.

Relationship between fear of COVID-19 and individual factors – a preliminary study

Introduction

Fear associated to infectious diseases is directly related with their transmission rate, morbidity and mortality. High levels of fear associated with COVID-19 can affect people’s ability to act and think rationally. In a time of pandemics, it is essential to understand individual factors that might be associated to higher vulnerability to stress and fear.

Objectives

To analyse: a)correlations between Fear of Covid-19 and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics; b)the mediator role of repetitive negative thinking on the relationship between personality traits and Fear of Covid-19.

Methods

234 adults (75.6% women; mean age=29.53±12.51) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese version of the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and other questionnaires to evaluate clinical and sociodemographic characteristics (years of education, perceived physical and mental health and infection by Covid-19), Personality (NEO-FFI-20) and Repetitive negative thinking (PTQ-15). SPSS and Process Macro (Hays, 2020) were used.

Results

FCV-19 mean scores were significantly higher in women and significantly correlated with years of education (r=-.14) (p<.05). History of previous/current Covid-19 infection did not significantly distinguish FCV-19 scores and they did not correlate with perceived health. FCV-19 correlated significantly with neuroticism and PTQ total and dimensional scores (r>.20, p<.01). Both Repetitive thinking and Cognitive interference were mediators of the relationship between neuroticism and fear of COVID, even after controlling for gender and education.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence on individual factors that might be associated to the emotional response to the Covid-19 pandemics, aiming to facilitate public health initiatives to ease people’s fears in a near future.

Generalized problematic internet use: An impulsive-compulsive spectrum disorder?

Introduction

Generalized problematic internet use/GPIU has recently been associated with the impulsive-compulsive spectrum/ICS, but its mapping onto these behaviour dimensions is relatively unexplored.

Objectives

To compare patterns of internet use and scores of BIG-5 personality traits, perfectionism and psychological distress between groups with low/high levels of GPIU.

Methods

475 university students (78.9% girls; mean age 20.22±1.695) answered the Portuguese versions of: GPIU Scale, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-13, NEO-FFI-20, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and other questions about internet use. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were performed using SPSS.

Results

Individuals with high levels of GPIU (median+2SD; n=18; 3.8%) spent significantly more time/day in online activities, exceeding what they have planned; had no other hobbies and used social networks to meet friends; reported that GPIU interfered with affective/work relationships and academic performance (all p<.05). There were no significant differences in the purposes of the internet use (e-mail, social networks, shopping, videogames, multimedia, sexual, work…), unless for general information searching and betting games (both p<.05). High-PGIU group also presented significant higher levels of neuroticism, negative (but not positive) perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and stress (all p<.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that unlike the purposes of internet use, personality, perceived interference and the associated cognitive-emotional processes and symptoms (psychological distress) may help distinguishing between functional vs. dysfunctional internet use. Considering the preponderance of processes over contents and the presence of certain dimensions, such as perception of uncontrollability, interference and social isolation we add more evidence to consider PGIU as falling within the spectrum of impulsive-compulsive disorders.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.

The relationship between perfectionism, generalized problematic internet use and bulimic behaviours

Introduction

Perfectionism is a consistent risk factor for various psychopathological conditions, including psychological distress and eating disorders. Recently, we have shown, for the first time, that there is a relationship between perfectionism and generalized problematic internet use/GPIU (Sobral et al. 2020). Specifically, we found that the role of perfectionism in psychological disorder is partially mediated by GPIU. On the other hand, it has been suggested that the widespread use of digital media can lead to negative body image perception and abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors.

Objectives

To explore, for the first time, the relationship between perfectionism, GPIU and disordered eating behavior.

Methods

475 university students (78.9% girls; mean age 20.22±1.695) answered the Portuguese validated versions of: Composite Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, GPIU Scale and Eating Attitudes Test-25. SPSS and Hayes’ Process Macro (2020) were used.

Results

Bulimic Behaviours/BB significantly and moderately correlated with Perfectionist efforts (r=.263), Perfectionist concerns (r=.284) and GPIU (r=.25) (all p<.001). The mediation analyses revealed that GPIU is a partial mediator of the relationship between both perfectionism dimensions and BB.

Conclusions

The evidence that both negative and “positive” perfectionism dimensions are associated to eating pathology is in line with our previous research. The present study adds, for the first time, that one of the perfectionism pathways of influence on BB operates through UGPI. Assessment and intervention to diminish eating psychopathology should focus on perfectionism and compulsive traits which could be involved in both ED and GPIU and in their comorbidity.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Autistic traits predict obsessive-compulsive symptoms: Study in a clinical sample

Introduction

Co-occurrence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features is well stablished. Diagnosis of OCD increases the risk of a later diagnosis of ASD, and vice versa. Moreover, a recent combined genome-wide association study identified a shared polygenic risk between the two disorders. Our preliminary results also indicate that OCD patients have higher levels of autistic traits than individuals from the community.

Objectives

To determine which autistic dimensions (social skill, communication, attention switching, attention to detail imagination) are predictors of OC symptoms.

Methods

39 OCD patients (52,5% female; 19 to 64 years old) answered the Portuguese versions of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient for Adults and Obsessive Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI-R). Spearman correlation and linear multiple regression tests were performed using SPSS.

Results

The OCI-R global score showed positive correlations with some AQ dimensions (attention switching, attention to detail and communication). The regression model showed that attention to detail (β = .43, p = .01) and attention switching (β = .33, p = .038) explained 36% of obsessive-compulsive symptoms variance.

Conclusions

Our results are in line with a dimensional perspective of psychopathological continua and indicate that the overlap between OCD and ASD occurs through shared neurocognitive processes. We suggest that, besides being a predisposing factor for social difficulties (e.g.: facial/emotion recognition) in ASD, attention to detail and deficits in attention switching may also lead to difficulties to dismiss repetitive thoughts or extinguish behaviours in OCD. Future studies should investigate the distinctive features and underlying processes between OCD/ASD.

Relationship between COVID-19 perceived risk and perfectionism – a preliminary study

Introduction

Research following the Covid-19 pandemics has shown that psychological reactions to the pandemic and its constraints can vary significantly depending on personality. One of the traits that has not been studied yet, but can play a harmful role in the COVID-19 psychological impact is perfectionism. This trait, characterized by setting excessively high standards of performance and striving for flawlessness, has increased in recent years and is considered a transdiagnostic process involved in several (mental) health problems (Curran & Hill 2019).

Objectives

To analyze the role of Perfectionism in the levels of fear of COVID19 and of perception of infection risk by COVID-19.

Methods

234 adults (75.6% women; mean age=29.53±12.51) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese validated versions of Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (C19PRS; Pereira et al. 2020), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC19S; Cabaços et al. 2020) and Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS; Garrido et al. 2020). SPSS was used to perform correlation and regression analysis.

Results

Perceived Risk and Fear of COVID-19 were significantly correlated with perfectionism (.243, .228, respectively) (both, p<.01). Perfectionism explains 5.5% (Adjusted R2) of the FC19S variance (Beta=.243, p<.001) and 4.8% of the C19PRS variance (Beta=.228, p=.01).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary, but completely innovative evidence that perfectionism contribute to the psychological impact of Covid-19 pandemics. In the near future we will test the hypothesis that the nature of unpredictability and the limitations imposed by the global crisis may be exacerbating the already high levels of psychological distress that affect negative perfectionists.

Mindfulness and self-compassion based intervention program to prevent burnout in medical and dentistry students

Introduction

Burnout occurs in every stage of a medical graduation and career. In the first years of graduation, is affects 35-45% of medical and dentistry students. This has severe consequences, such as: higher levels of suicidal ideation, substance abuse, medical errors and medical neglect; lower levels of empathy and self-compassion - essential to the quality of healthcare. Students with certain personality traits (e.g., neuroticism and, particularly, perfectionism) are more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation when facing stressors of daily life. Our recent studies proved that mindfulness and self-compassion can attenuate the effect of perfectionism on psychological distress.

Objectives

To present the rational, materials, methodology and preliminary results of our project COMBURNOUT, aimed to develop, implement and assess the efficacy of a mindfulness and self-compassion-based intervention to prevent burnout in medical and dentistry students.

Methods

Students with high levels of burnout, psychological distress and perfectionism will be randomly assigned to intervention (8 weekly sessions) or control groups. The sessions will be composed by psychoeducation about burnout, mindfulness and self-compassion practices, within and between sessions. The follow up will include three assessment moments until a year after the intervention.

Results

We expect that the experimental group will present significantly lower levels of burnout, psychological distress and perfectionism, and higher levels of emotional regulation skills.

Conclusions

The facilitators training and the manualization are guaranties of standardization and sustainability. If the positive impact of COMBURNOUT is verified, we intend to provide the program to medical/dentistry students from all over the country.

Impulsivity and compulsivity aggregate in alcohol use disorder and explain comorbidity with impulse-control and related disorders

Introduction

The conceptualization of impulsivity and compulsiveness has fluctuated between two different perspectives: they are (1) distinct and orthogonal dimensions, (2) extreme poles of the same dimension/ spectrum. We favor this latter, accepting that these dimensions contribute to the etiopathogenesis of impulsive-compulsive disorders, namely alcohol use disorder/AUD.

Objectives

To analyze: Differences of impulsivity and compulsivity levels between AUD patients vs. participants from the community; prevalence of impulsive-compulsive disorders/ICD in AUD; if impulsivity/compulsivity predict the severity of alcohol use and ICD in AUD.

Methods

32 AUD patients (21% women, mean age 46±10) answered the Portuguese versions of: Alcohol-Use-Disorders-Identification-Test, Questionnaire-for-Impulsive-Compulsive-Disorders-in-Parkinson’s-Disease, Barrat-Impulsiveness-Scale, Obsessive-Compulsive-Inventory and Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scales; 50 adults from the community (68% women, mean age 29±14) answered the former three. Mann-Whitney-U, Spearman and regression tests were performed using SPSS.

Results

AUD individuals vs. subjects from the community presented higher levels of impulsivity and compulsivity (p<.001). AUD-group: AUDIT median score was 25 (>8 harmful use); 81% reported ICD-symptoms; impulsivity and compulsivity highly correlated (r=.639; p<.001); impulsivity levels explained the presence of certain ICD (gambling, compulsive buying, eating disorders) and depression/anxiety/stress (OR=.152; p<.05); compulsivity levels also explained the occurrence of specific ICD (compulsive buying and other repetitive automatic behaviours) and depression/anxiety/stress (OR=.131 p<.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that impulsivity and compulsivity co-occur and contribute to the explanation of AUD, and related comorbidity and psychological distress. This highlights the utility of considering impulsivity and compulsivity when subtyping, stratifying, and treating AUD patients. Finally, we assert that disorders of impulsivity and compulsivity (eg.: AUD and ICD) co-occur.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.

Portuguese version of the fear of COVID-19 scale – psychometric study

Introduction

More than in other conditions, fear is associated with infectious diseases, and is directly associated with its transmission rate, morbidity and mortality. High levels of fear can affect the individual’s ability to think clearly, react proportionately and make rational decisions in the context of COVID-19. Recently, Mertens et al. (2020) developed the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to measure this construct.

Objectives

To analyse the psychometric properties of the FCV-19S Portuguese version, namely construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity.

Methods

A community sample of 234 adults (75.6% women; mean age= 29.53±12.51; range:16-71) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese versions of the FCV-19S, the Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (CPRS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).The total sample was randomly divided in two sub-samples: sample A (n=117) was used to perform an exploratory factor analysis/EFA; sample B (n=117) to make a confirmatory factor analysis/CFA.

Results

EFA resulted in one component. CFA revealed that the unifactorial model presented acceptable fit indexes (X2/df=3.291; CFI=.977; GFI=.932; TLI=.919; p[RMSEA≤.01]=.091). Cronbach alpha was α=.855. The total score significantly correlated with Covid-19 Perceived Risk (r=.529, p<.01) and with anxiety from DASS-21 (r=.132, p<.05).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of FCV-19S, which will be used in an ongoing research project on the relationship between fear of Covid-19, personality, cognitive processes and adherence to public health measures to contain the pandemic.

From trauma to pain - a pathway to dental anxiety

Introduction

The main risk factor for dental anxiety is previous traumatic experiences of pain in the dental office. Other consistent etiologic factors are trait-anxiety and preparedness (genetic predisposition to increased sensitivity to pain and aversive stimuli). However, there is a wide inter-individual diversity in the anxiety experience – not all individuals with traumatic experiences at the dentist will develop dental anxiety anxiety

Objectives

To explore potential paths by which a traumatic experience at the dentist (TRAUMA) can lead to dental anxiety.

Methods

A community sample of 552 adults (68.2% women; mean age= 35.15±15.790) completed the Portuguese validated versions of: Dental Fear Survey/DFS, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization/SPT Scale, Fear of Dental Pain/FDP Questionnaire and Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire–15.

Results

140 participants (25.2%) had TRAUMA; it was significantly (p<.01) correlated with trait-anxiety (Spearman r=.190), SPT (r=.192), FDP (r=.333), RNT (r=.274) and dental anxiety (DFA total score; r=.418). In the mediation analysis (PROCESS macro 3.5 for SPSS; Model 81; Hays, 2020), trait-anxiety and gender were controlled (as RNT, SPT, FDP mean scores were higher in women, p>.01). Our model was significant (R²=17.15%; p<.001) and showed that TRAUMA predicted dental anxiety directely [direct effect: 10.25 (95% CI - 7.10-13.40)] and also through SPT, FDP and RNT (5 significant indirect effects).

Conclusions

This study underlines the importance of avoiding traumatic experiences in the dental office and of good clinical communication in pain management. If trauma still occurs, dentist should learn how to reduce its impact on the sensitivity and fear of pain and on the RNT.

Psychosocial risk factors for dysfunctional beliefs towards motherhood

Introduction

Motherhood-related beliefs are characterized by themes of failure and maternal role idealization. Recent studies found that postpartum depression/PPD is both predicted and a predictor by/for dysfunctional beliefs/DB. Additionally, it is possible that when contextual factors (eg. lack of social support) are present, women may anticipate the parenting experience as being of isolation, which in turn can lead to more dysfunctional attitudes.

Objectives

To explore psychosocial risk factors for motherhood-DB.

Methods

233 women were evaluated in the second trimester (17.05±4.82 weeks) of pregnancy and in the third month (12.08±4.25 weeks) postpartum sociodemographically and psychosocially (years of education, previous children and social support) and the Portuguese validated self-report questionnaires to assess: perinatal depression; perinatal anxiety; perfectionism; negative affect; self-compassion; and repetitive negative thinking (all in T0). The Attitudes Towards Motherhood Scale was administered in the postpartum. When Pearson/Spearmen correlation coefficients proved significant (p<.05), linear/logistic (hierarchic) regression analysis were performed.

Results

Motherhood-DB correlated significantly with all the variables, except for years of education, Other-oriented-Perfectionism and Common-Humanity. Motherhood-DB were significantly higher in women without previous children (p<.05). The final regression model was statistically significant (p<.001) explaining 15% of the Motherhood-DB variance, with Socially-Prescribed-Perfectionism and social support being the only statistically significant predictors. Hierarchic regression showed that even after controlling for social support, SSP significantly incremented the variance in 9%.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for preventive approaches to help women understand the origins of their dysfunctional beliefs (perfectionism, the myths of perfect motherhood) and for the promotion of positive cognitions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Portuguese version of the COVID-19 perceived risk scale – psychometric study

Introduction

Risk perception of COVID-19 is potentially a significant determinant of the pandemic evolution and the public’s response to it. Acceptable levels of risk perception can be considered good for people to effectively fight the pandemic and adopt preventive health behaviors while high levels of risk perception may be damaging. Recently, Yıldırım&Güler (2020) developed the Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (C19PRS) to measure this construct.

Objectives

To analyze the psychometric properties of the C19PRS Portuguese version, namely construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity.

Methods

A community sample of 234 adults (75.6% women; mean age= 29.53±12.51; range:16-71) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese versions of the CPRS and the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S; Cabaços et al. 2020). The total sample was randomly divided in two sub-samples: sample A (n=117) was used to perform an exploratory factor analysis/EFA; sample B (n=117) to make a confirmatory factor analysis/CFA.

Results

EFA resulted in three components. CFA revealed that the second-order model with three factors presented good fit indexes (X2/df=1.471; CFI=.959; GFI=.948; TLI=.932; p[RMSEA≤.01]=.065). CPRS Cronbach alphas was α=.687; for F1 Worry, F2 Susceptibility to Covid-19 and F3 Susceptibility to Overall Morbimortality were α=.747, α=.813 and α=.543, respectively. The total and dimensional scores significantly correlated with FCV-19S (r>.30, p<.01).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of CPRS, which will be used in an ongoing research project on the relationship between Covid-19 perceived risk, perfectionism, cognitive processes and adherence to public health measures to contain the pandemic.

Is perfectionism associated to dental anxiety?

Introduction

Personality traits like neuroticism and trait-anxiety, as well as the predisposition to a greater sensitivity to pain, are risk factors for dental anxiety. Although perfectionism has been associated with both anxiety and pain, particularly when mediated by repetitive negative thinking/RNT (Macedo et al. 2015; Albuquerque et al. 2013), its role in dental anxiety has not yet been studied.

Objectives

To analyze the role of perfectionism and RNT in dental anxiety.

Methods

A community sample of 552 adults (68.2% women; mean age=35.15±15.79 years) completed the Portuguese versions of:Hewit and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale–13, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization/SPT Scale, Fear of Dental Pain/FDP Questionnaire, Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire and Dental Fear Survey/DFS.

Results

Trait-anxiety (r=.225), socially prescribed perfectionism/SPP (r=.177), SPT (r=.286), FDP (r=.509) and RNT (r=.274) were significantly (p<.01) correlated with dental anxiety (DFS total score). Serial mediation analysis using the PROCESS-macro 3.5 for SPSS (Hayes, 2020; Model 6) showed that even controlling for trait-anxiety and gender (as SPT, FDP and RNT mean scores were significantly higher in women, p<.01) SPP plays a significant indirect effect through SDT, FDP and RNT on dental anxiety, which are (isolated or sequentially) full mediators of this relationship (Total effect: .553, p<.001).

Conclusions

This study shows for the first time that negative perfectionism is a predictor of dental anxiety; its influence operates through the increase in levels of sensitivity to pain, DPA and RNT. We suggest that when intervening in this health problem it is important to evaluate perfectionism and try to mitigate its negative impact, namely diminishing RNT and the focus on pain and fear.

Cyclooxygenase 2 messenger RNA levels in canine follicular cells: interrelationship with GDF-9, BMP-15, and progesterone

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) encoded by the Cox-2 gene within the periovulatory follicles is a critical mediator of oocyte development. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) participate in the modulation of certain target genes in the ovary, possibly influencing the Cox-2 gene expression. However, this relationship has not been characterized in canines. This study aimed to examine the possible relationships among BMP-15, GDF-9, progesterone, and Cox-2 gene expression in granulosa-cumulus cells in dogs. Granulosa cells from antral follicles and their corresponding cumulus-oocyte complexes and follicular fluid (FF) were separately obtained from 56 ovaries collected from adult bitches at estrus (n = 15) and proestrus (n = 13) after ovariohysterectomy. Total RNA extraction was performed in follicular cells, and Cox-2 gene expression was assessed by quantitative PCR analysis. Progesterone, BMP-15, and GDF-9 were determined in the FF samples using ELISA assays. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) with or without (control) recombinant GDF-9 and BMP-15. After 72 h of culture, Cox-2 transcript analyses were performed in cumulus cells via quantitative PCR. Data were evaluated by ANOVA. An increase (P < 0.05) in Cox-2 messenger RNA levels was observed in follicular cells from follicles at estrus with respect to those at proestrus. However, the levels of BMP-15 and GDF-9 in FF decreased (P < 0.05), whereas progesterone increased (P < 0.05) from the proestrus phase to the estrus phase. The expression of Cox-2 gene in cumulus cells was 4-fold greater (P < 0.01) than that in the control when both growth factors were added to the IVM culture. In conclusion, although BMP-15 together with GDF-9 appears to upregulate the levels of Cox-2 transcripts during IVM, the inverse relationship of these paracrine factors with Cox-2 gene expression and the positive correlation of progesterone with Cox-2 transcripts suggest that the high progesterone levels could be more relevant in the local mechanisms regulating the Cox-2 gene expression.

PETCO2 gradient: a novel prognostic parameter in cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Background

Previous parameters such as peak VO2, VE/VCO2 slope and OUES have been described to be prognostic in heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to identify further prognostic factors of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in HF patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of HF patients who underwent CPET from January to November 2019 in a single centre was performed. PETCO2 gradient was defined by the difference between final PETCO2 and baseline PETCO2. HF events were defined as decompensated HF requiring hospital admission or IV diuretics, or decompensated HF resulting in death.

Results

A total of 64 HF patients were assessed by CPET, HF events occurred in 8 (12.5%) patients. Baseline characteristics are shown in table 1. Patients having HF events had a negative PETCO2 gradient while patients not having events showed a positive PETCO2 gradient (−1.5 [IQR −4.8, 2.3] vs 3 [IQR 1, 5] mmHg; p=0.004). A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that PETCO2 gradient was an independent predictor of HF events (HR 0.74, 95% CI [0.61–0.89]; p=0.002). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significantly higher incidence of HF events in patients having negative gradients, p=0.002 (figure 1).

Conclusion

PETCO2 gradient was demonstrated to be a prognostic parameter of CPET in HF patients in our study. Patients having negative gradients had worse outcomes by having more HF events.

Time to first event, decompensated heart

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Normas de reação para peso aos 365 e 550 dias de idade em bovinos Guzerá no Nordeste do Brasil

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da interação genótipo ambiente (IGA) sobre os pesos ajustados aos 365 (P365) e 550 (P550) dias de idade de bovinos Guzerá por meio de modelos hierárquicos Bayesianos de norma de reação. O banco de dados utilizado foi cedido pela Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu (ABCZ) e continha 15169 e 11183 registros para o P365 e P550, respectivamente. Ajustou-se um modelo animal (MA) e modelos hierárquicos de norma de reação com variâncias homogenias e heterogenias em um passo (MHNRHO1P e MHNRHE1P, respectivamente) e dois passos (MHNRHO2P e MHNRHE2P, respectivamente) para avaliar a existência e efeito da IGA. O MHNRHO1P foi o modelo de melhor ajuste. As estimativas de herdabilidade no MA foram de 0,37 e 0,29 para o P365 e P550, respectivamente. Foram obtidos valores de herdabilidade variando de 0,21 a 0,71 para o P365 e 0,06 a 0,93 para o P550 no MHNRHO1P ao longo do gradiente ambiental. As correlações de Spearman entre as classificações dos reprodutores para o P365 e P550 variaram de 0,26 a 0,99 e de -0,99 a 0,99, respectivamente, e as correlações genéticas variaram entre 0,70 a 1,00 e 0,40 a 1,00 para o P365 e P550, respectivamente. Existe IGA em bovinos da raça Guzerá no Nordeste do Brasil para o P365 e P550, sendo necessário considerar a possibilidade de inclusão deste efeito nas avaliações genéticas.

Abstract P2-06-16: New targets in triple negative breast cancer: Role of Oncostatin M receptor pathway

BACKGROUND:Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poor prognosis, lack of targeted therapies and are often refractory to conventional chemotherapy treatments. Therefore, finding new therapeutic targets for those tumours is an unmet need with high clinical impact. In this context, Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) is a promising therapeutic target as it is over-expressed in this tumour subtype and its activation promotes invasiveness (Guo L, et al. 2013 Oncogene; West NR, et al.2014 Oncogene). We previously showed that OSMR is frequently copy-number gained and over-expressed in squamous cell carcinoma, where it induces migration, invasion and metastasis (Caffarel MM, et al 2013 Journal of Pathology; Caffarel MM, et al 2014 Journal of Pathology; Kucia-Tran JA, et al. 2016 Brit J Cancer; Kucia-Tran JA, et al 2018 Journal of Pathology). We now investigate the role of OSMR in breast cancer progression.

METHODS: To address this issue we use a wide array of tools including in vitro cell cultures and in vivo models. The expression of OSMR pathway was analysed in FFPE samples and large datasets of publicly available breast cancer samples (METABRIC, n=1462; and TCGA, n=547).

RESULTS: OSMR and its ligand Oncostatin M (OSM) are over-expressed in basal tumours, where they associate with shorter overall survival (p=0.015). While OSMR is expressed by breast cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts, the main source of OSM seems to be primarily macrophages. OSM treatment of breast cancer cells induces the expression of important mediators of angiogenesis and invasion. Importantly, OSMR activation accelerates tumour onset, tumour growth and metastasis in orthotopic xenografts in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support that OSMR pathway may have an important role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer and that it could be a promising candidate for therapeutic targeting in TNBC. OSMR could be blocked by antibody based inhibition, strategy that has had a major impact on breast cancer.

Citation Format: Alvarez I, Araujo A, Abaurrea A, Rezola R, Urruticoechea A, Lawrie C, Caffarel MM. New targets in triple negative breast cancer: Role of Oncostatin M receptor pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-06-16.

Rate effects on transformation kinetics in a metastable austenitic stainless steel

In this study, the effects of strain rate on the mechanical properties and the strain-induced austenite-to-martensite transformation in type 201 austenitic stainless steel (SS201) were investigated. This grade was selected as a low-cost stainless steel with good lightweighting potential for automotive applications. The material was tested in tension at a quasi-static rate (5×10^-2 s^-1), two low-intermediate rates (10⁰ s^-1 and 10¹ s^-1), and a high rate (5×10² s^-1). 3D digital image correlation was used to enable accurate strain measurements during mechanical testing. Magnetic induction and X-ray diffraction were used ex-situ of deformation to measure the volume fraction of martensite formed at each strain rate, for different plastic strain levels. The effects of strain rate on deformation-induced martensite formation and on the stress/strain behavior was determined in this study, and was compared to results reported in the literature for 300 series austenitic stainless steels. The results show a favourable response for the SS201, which exhibits a substantial increase in strength and energy absorption at high rates without compromising tensile ductility.

Flora of Bolivia - where do we stand?

Abstract The botanical exploration of Bolivia during the last two centuries did not leave a botanical legacy in the country. Only towards the end of the 20th century Bolivia saw the start of the biology careers at its universities and the development of its own herbaria. Nowadays there are important herbaria in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Sucre with collections ranging between 40,000 and 350,000 specimens. In 2014 a catalogue of the vascular flora of Bolivia was published under the auspices of the Missouri Botanical Garden, recording 15,345 species, of which 12,165 are native and 2,343 are endemic, while 694 are cultivated, 267 adventitious and 221 are naturalized. Endemic species of vascular plants add up to 2,343 species. The 286 families listed follow the APG III classification system. There are about 150 botanists in Bolivia interested in studying the country's rich flora. During a workshop organized in 2013 to promote a Flora of Bolivia, the participants established jointly a preliminary format for the taxonomic treatments. The Flora of Bolivia is planned to be an electronic, open access publication with international participation. The World Flora represents a challenge that must be tackled by circumscribing, verifying and recording all species known within our territory, and it is expected that it will have positive repercussions from and towards the ongoing Flora of Bolivia, in a similar way as the long running series of the Flora Neotropica has provided a wider picture that can be adapted and modified to fit our particular country.

Fast demographic traits promote high diversification rates of Amazonian trees

The Amazon rain forest sustains the world's highest tree diversity, but it remains unclear why some clades of trees are hyperdiverse, whereas others are not. Using dated phylogenies, estimates of current species richness and trait and demographic data from a large network of forest plots, we show that fast demographic traits – short turnover times – are associated with high diversification rates across 51 clades of canopy trees. This relationship is robust to assuming that diversification rates are either constant or decline over time, and occurs in a wide range of Neotropical tree lineages. This finding reveals the crucial role of intrinsic, ecological variation among clades for understanding the origin of the remarkable diversity of Amazonian trees and forests.

Differences in variability of hypervariable region 1 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) between acute and chronic stages of HCV infection

Distinguishing between acute and chronic HCV infections is clinically important given that early treatment of infected patients leads to high rates of sustained virological response. Analysis of 2179 clonal sequences derived from hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the HCV genome in samples obtained from patients with acute (n = 49) and chronic (n = 102) HCV infection showed that intra-host HVR1 diversity was 1.8 times higher in patients with chronic than acute infection. Significant differences in frequencies of 5 amino acids (positions 5, 7, 12, 16 and 18) and the average genetic distances among intra-host HVR1 variants were found using analysis of molecular variance. Differences were also observed in the polarity, volume and hydrophobicity of 10 amino acids (at positions 1, 4, 5, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 29). Based on these properties, a classification model could be constructed, which permitted HVR1 variants from acute and chronic cases to be discriminated with an accuracy of 88%. Progression from acute to chronic stage of HCV infection is accompanied by characteristic changes in amino acid composition of HVR1. Identifying these changes may permit diagnosis of recent HCV infection.

Impact of model for end-stage liver disease score on long-term survival following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Survival rates after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have significantly increased after Milan criteria and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score implementation. However, few studies have reported this survival in countries with organ donor shortages over a period of 10 years and long waiting lists.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of clinical data from 93 consecutive HCC patients who underwent OLT from June 2001 to September 2011 excluded 22 who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Seventy-one deceased donor liver transplantations (DDLT) were evaluated before and after the MELD era. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot survival rates. The follow-up was 2 months to 10 years.

RESULTS

The overall survival and recurrence rates at 10 years were 67% and 12.2%, respectively. After MELD, patient survival at 5 years decreased from 70% to 64% and the recurrence rate decreased from 15.3% to 12.5%. The most frequent recurrence sites were lung and liver.

CONCLUSION

In our center MELD score implementation had a small impact on long-term survival post OLT for HCC.

[Lymphohistiocytic activation syndrome and Burkholderia cepacia complex infection in a child revealing chronic granulomatous disease and chromosomal integration of the HHV-6 genome]

Chronic granulomatous disease (GCD) is characterized by severe infections, notably with Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). GCD is rarely complicated by lymphohistiocytic activation syndromes, most often secondary to bacterial or viral infections, in particular human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). We describe the case of a 10-month-old boy who suffered from multiple organ failure due to a BCC infection and a lymphohistiocytic activation syndrome, leading to diagnosis of GCD. The initial search for HHV-6 was positive and the infection was treated, but the progression and viral sample analysis led to the chromosomal integration of the HHV-6 genome. The child's clinical condition was normal after bone marrow transplantation. This case describes a rare association between GCD and lymphohistiocytic activation syndrome and raises questions about the role played by chromosomal integration of the HHV-6 genome.

273 OVUM PICKUP AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF A SYNCHRONIZED FOLLICULAR WAVE DID NOT AFFECT IVP IN BOS INDICUS, BOS TAURUS, OR BUBALUS BUBALIS

One important factor in the success of ovum pickup (OPU)/IVP in Bos taurus is the follicular status at OPU concerning the dominance period (Hendriksen et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 11-20). The hypothesis of the present study is that OPU performed after follicle deviation, when follicles show a mild level of atresia, improves competence for IVP in Nelore (NE), Holstein (HO), and buffaloes (BU). Objectives were to determine effects of OPU done at different times of synchronized follicular wave (1, 3, or 5 d after expected emergence) and of genetic group (NE, HO, and BU) on IVP. A total of 27 heifers (9 of each genetic group) were maintained in contemporary nutritional and environmental conditions during experiment, in a cross-over design, performed in 6 replicates. Recovered oocytes with at least one cumulus cell layer were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% of FCS plus 50 μM of cysteamin and 0.3 mM of cystine, at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air for 24 h. IVF was done with 2 × 106 spermatozoa per mL of NE (for bovine oocytes) or BU semen (for BU oocytes), for 20 h at the same incubator conditions of IVM. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF under the same previous atmosphere conditions. Medium was changed 3 d after IVF when cleavage rate (CR) was assessed. Blastocyst (BR) and hatching rates (HR) were evaluated 7 and 9 days after IVF, respectively. About 50% of hatched blastocysts were fixed until nuclei counting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Proc Mixed model. No effects of interaction or time of synchronization were observed in any of the variables. Concerning genetic group, NE had better results than HO and BU (mean ± SEM / heifer / replicate), respectively, for visualized follicles (41.0a ± 2.1, 22.1b ± 1.3, 18.8b ± 0.9), total oocytes (37.1a ± 2.5, 15.4b ± 1.2, 14.8b ± 1.0), oocytes at IVM (30.8a ± 2.4, 10.7b ± 1.0, 7.9b ± 0.7), oocytes at IVC (18.7a ± 0.8, 8.0b ± 0.5, 7.5b ± 0.4), cleaved embryos (15.4a ± 0.7, 4.6b ± 0.4, 4.4b ± 0.3),CR(81.8a, 59.1b, 62.3b), blastocysts on Day 7 (5.1a ± 0.6, 1.0b ± 0.2, 0.6b ± 0.1), BR (25.8a, 13.6b, 9.1b), and hatched blastocysts on Day 9 (2.6a ± 0.4, 0.3b ± 0.1, 0.3b ± 0.1). Recovery rate and HR were greater for NE (89.4 and 50.6%, respectively) than for HO (73.3 and 23.2%), but neither differed from BU (82.8 and 31.9%). Also, the percentage of viable was greater for NE (83.0) than for HO (66.9) and BU (53.1). No effects were observed for nuclei counting (NE = 176.6 ± 5.3, HO = 168.9 ± 13.7 and BU = 206.1 ± 23.1). Results demonstrate that Nelore had a better efficiency for IVP than Holstein and buffaloes. OPU performed at different times of synchronized follicular wave did not influence IVP, conversely to the initial hypothesis of this study. FAPESP (06/59550-6, 07/04782-2), Tortuga Cia Zootecnica®, Santa Adele and São Caetano Farms, LMMD, PCAPS, HOVET (Dr. Ubiraem Schalch), VRA, VNP (Prof. Dr. Francisco de Palma Rennó).

Distinguishing acute from chronic and resolved hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections by measurement of anti-HCV immunoglobulin G avidity index

An assay to measure avidity index (AI) was developed to diagnose incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The assay demonstrated an AI value statistically significantly lower in primary HCV infections than in chronic infections. When the assay was applied to past resolved infections, the difference in AI values was not as significant as the difference between incident and chronic infections. Lower AI values obtained in past resolved infections may be directly related to lower levels of immunoglobulin G anti-HCV in past resolved infections than in either new infections or chronic infections.

Echocardiographic evaluation in 485 aeronautical workers exposed to different noise environments

INTRODUCTION

Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) is a heterogeneous and systemic entity, caused by long term (> or =10 yr) exposure to noise environments characterized by large pressure amplitude and low frequency (LPALF) (> or =90 dB SPL, < or = 500 Hz), and not explained by other possible etiologic agents. The goal of this study was to identify possible structural changes in hearts of men with suspected VAD.

METHODS

A total of 485 men were divided into 3 noise groups: no noise exposure (< or =70 dB), n = 48 (Group I); moderate noise exposure, (>70dB and < 90 dB), n = 113 (Group II); and intense noise exposure (> or =90 dB), n = 324 (Group III). Echo-Doppler studies were performed (HP SONOS 1500) and recorded on coded videotapes. Three observers performed blinded evaluations of 26 echo-Doppler parameters. For the purpose of the present study only 12 morphological parameters were compared among the groups: thickening of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, pericardium and endocardium; mitral valve regurgitation, prolapse and ruptured chordae tendinae; and inflow velocities. Thickness and severity of the applicable parameters were scored in seven-grade scale (0,0.5,1, ...,3).

RESULTS

All evaluated parameters were statistically significantly different in Group I vs. Group III, except flow velocity E. Comparison of Group I vs. Group II revealed statistically significant differences in mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pericardial thickening, with the strongest evidence for mitral and pericardial structures.

CONCLUSIONS

This confirms the results of previous studies. Occupational exposure to noise environments characterized by LPALF noise causes structural changes in the heart. Mitral valve and pericardial thickening constitute the first signs of VAD.