Cognitive impairment acceleration after late-life depression in a model of Alzheimer´s disease

Background: Clinical studies suggest that depressive symptoms could be considered an important risk factor for the future development of cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer's disease (AD). In fact, there is a strong association between depression in later life and AD. The age of onset of AD has been shown to be accelerated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a history of depression, and women appear to be particularly more vulnerable to this condition. In addition, individuals with MCI who present with depressive symptoms have an elevated burden of amyloid-beta (Aβ), the main toxic protein associated with Alzheimer's pathology, and a higher risk of developing AD compared to non-depressed MCI patients. However, it is unknown whether depression can be considered a risk factor for the development of AD. Although it has been described that some transgenic models of AD can develop signs similar to depression in advanced stages, the induction of Alzheimer's pathology due to a depressive process has not been studied under experimental conditions to emulate late-life depression as a risk factor for AD. Method: In this study, we induced chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in P301S tau transgenic mice to determine whether depression is a cause, rather than a consequence, of the development of AD. Result: The results of our study indicate that the induction of CUMS in transgenic animals of the disease give rise to changes in depressive state of the animals. Conclusion: The findings generated in this project could provide evidence of depression as a risk factor for AD, its mechanisms of action, use as early biomarkers, as well as the discovery of new therapies for AD.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Fondos FEDER y Universidad de Málag

Cognitive decline and tau-associated pathology worsen after late-life depression in P301S mice.

Recent studies suggest that depression may be a crucial risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In fact, there is a strong association between late-life depression and AD. The age of AD onset has been shown to be accelerated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a history of depression, and women appear to be particularly more vulnerable to this condition. In addition, individuals with MCI who present depressive symptoms have an elevated burden of amyloid-beta, the main toxic protein associated with AD pathology, and a higher risk of developing AD compared to non-depressed MCI patients. Although it has been described that some transgenic models of AD can develop signs similar to depression in advanced stages, the induction of AD pathology due to a depressive process has not been studied under experimental conditions to emulate late-life depression as a risk factor for dementia. The objective of this study is to determine, by inducing unpredictable mild chronic stress (CUMS) in tau transgenic P301S mice, whether depression is a cause, rather than a consequence, of tau-associated pathology. The results of our study indicate that the induction of CUMS in transgenic animals accelerates tau pathology, synaptic impairment, elevates neuroinflammation, and triggers GABAergic alterations, in addition to worsen clinical signs. The findings generated in this project could provide solid evidence of depression as a risk factor for AD and other tauopathies.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Late-life depression accelerates cognitive impairment and tau-associated pathology in an Alzheimer´s disease model.

Clinical studies suggest that depression could be considered an important risk factor for the future development of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In fact, there is a strong association between late-life depression and AD. The age of AD onset has been shown to be accelerated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a history of depression, and women appear to be particularly more vulnerable to this condition. In addition, individuals with MCI who present depressive symptoms have an elevated burden of amyloid-beta (Aβ), the main toxic protein associated with Alzheimer's pathology, and a higher risk of developing AD compared to non-depressed MCI patients. Although it has been described that some transgenic models of AD can develop signs similar to depression in advanced stages, the induction of Alzheimer's pathology due to a depressive process has not been studied under experimental conditions to emulate late-life depression as a risk factor for AD. In this study, we induced chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in P301S tau transgenic mice to determine whether depression is a cause, rather than a consequence, of the development of AD pathology. Our results suggest that transgenic tau mice subjected to CUMS seem to develop a depressive state. This animals display enhanced cognitive impairment compared to controls. In addition, histological studies show increased tau deposition, suggesting that late-life depression could worse AD progression by accelerating tau aggregation and worsening clinical signs. The findings generated in this project could provide evidence of depression as a risk factor for AD, providing new insights on molecular mechanisms involved in AD onset and progression.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Late-life depression accelerates cognitive decline in a tauopathy mouse model

Background: Clinical studies suggest that depressive symptoms could be considered an important risk factor for the future development of cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer's disease (AD). In fact, there is a strong association between depression in later life and AD. The age of onset of AD has been shown to be accelerated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a history of depression, and women appear to be particularly more vulnerable to this condition. In addition, individuals with MCI who present depressive symptoms have an elevated burden of amyloid-beta, one of the featured toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's pathology, and a higher risk of developing AD compared to non-depressed MCI patients. Although it has been described that some transgenic models of AD can develop signs similar to depression in advanced stages, it is unknown whether late-life depression can accelerate tau-associated pathology and, therefore, acting as a risk factor for AD. Method: In this study, we induced chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in P301S tau transgenic mice to determine whether depression is a cause, rather than a consequence, of the development of AD. Result: The results of our study indicate that the induction of CUMS in transgenic animals induces phenotypic changes related to a depressive state. Conclusion: The findings obtained after inducing late-life depression-like in P301S mice indicate that depression could be considered a risk factor for AD, by accelerating tau aggregation and worsening clinical signs.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Inclusión educativa: estrategias para favorecer la autodeterminación en la infancia

El presente trabajo responde a un Sub-tema que se inserta en la Línea de Investigación “Inclusión Educativa de personas con discapacidad: políticas y prácticas” aprobada por la UCC-CONICET.El problema que se busca dar respuesta es ¿Cuáles son las estrategias que favorecen la autodeterminación de los estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual incluidos en la escuela y el aula común?.El objetivo de este sub-tema es Identificar las estrategias que promueven el desarrollo de los procesos de construcción de la autodeterminación en las personas con discapacidad intelectual en el marco de la inclusión educativa.En cuanto a los aspectos metodológicos se desarrolla un diseño exploratoriodescriptivo, con elementos cuantitativos y cualitativos.Las unidades de observación principales son los niños con discapacidad intelectual incluidos en el nivel inicial y primario (con apoyo de FUSDAI), sus docentes y sus profesionales de apoyo a la inclusión.El muestreo es intencional, en tanto se describe la situación de autodeterminación de los niños con discapacidad intelectual incluidos en los niveles inicial y primario con el seguimiento de FUSDAI.Como instrumentos de recolección de datos son: entrevista semi-estructurada a los docentes de los niños incluidos; cuestionario semi-estructurado auto-administrado a los profesionales de apoyo y temario guía para la observación participante.Hasta el momento se ha logrado la elaboración y reajuste del marco teórico; revisión de antecedentes de investigación en el tema; construcción de dimensiones, sub-dimensiones e indicadores; elaboración de los instrumentos de recolección de datos; prueba de instrumentos; análisis e interpretación de los datos sobre la autodeterminación de los estudiantes.Se espera analizar las estrategias implementadas primeramente en el nivel inicial y primario, para continuar en el 2017 con las estrategias implementadas en el nivel medi

Inclusión educativa y autodeterminación en el secundario

El trabajo que aquí presentamos es un Sub-tema que se incorpora en la Línea de Investigación “Inclusión Educativa de personas con discapacidad: políticas y prácticas” admitida por la UCC-CONICET.El problema de investigación responde al siguiente interrogante: ¿Cuáles son las estrategias que benefician la autodeterminación de los adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual incluidos en la escuela media común?.El objetivo general de este trabajo consiste en identificar las estrategias que promueven el desarrollo de los procesos de construcción de la autodeterminación en las personas con discapacidad intelectual en el marco de la inclusión educativa. Los objetivos específicos son:a) Identificar las conductas autodeterminadas en los niños y jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual incluidos, con el seguimiento del EITI de FUSDAI.b) Indagar si los docentes de las escuelas comunes expresan en sus diseños curriculares, a nivel áulico, la promoción de la autodeterminación de sus estudiantes.c) Analizar aquellas prácticas docentes que en el aula y en la escuela resultan favorecedoras u obstaculizadoras de la autodeterminación de los estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual incluidos.Para este artículo se trabajó más concretamente en Identificar las conductas autodeterminadas en los adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual integrados/ incluidos en distintas escuelas ordinarias de nivel secundario de la ciudad de Córdoba (con el apoyo del EITI de FUSDAI).En un próximo estudio se buscará identificar las oportunidades o barreras que aparecen en el ambiente escolar inclusivo que favorecer o no su autodeterminación, que posibilite la propuesta de estrategias valiosas, que puedan ser utilizadas por los jóvenes con discapacidad, profesores y familias en pos de su desarrollo armonioso, orientado siempre a su total inclusión escolar, laboral y social.Los resultados de este estudio y su propuesta de intervención podrán contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida de los adolescentes observados, como así también realizar aportes a ser extendidas a otros estudiantes con o sin discapacidad

Análise semiparamétrico dos fatores associados à sustentabilidade dos empreendimentos

This article, a research product, aims to identify and analyze the factors that determine the sustainability of the enterpreneurships, evidencing the relevance of the individual and crossed effects, related to the entrepreneur, entrepreneurship and the environment, in the Subregion of Bajo Cauca - Colombia, for which a quantitative methodology was addressed through a semi-parametric model. We used a sample of 101 entrepreneurs, 73 active and 28 inactive. The main contribution of this research is to determine the degree to which each variable, of those identified for the study -elaboration of the business plan, location, indebtedness, diversification of the offer and legal form-, individually and in interaction with others, affects the survival of the enterpreneurships.El presente artículo, producto de una investigación, pretende identificar y analizar los factores que determinan la sostenibilidad de los emprendimientos, evidenciando la relevancia de los efectos individuales y cruzados, relacionados con el emprendedor, el emprendimiento y el entorno, en la Subregión del Bajo Cauca – Colombia, para lo cual se abordó una metodología cuantitativa mediante un modelo semiparamétrico. Se utilizó una muestra de 101 emprendedores, 73 activos y 28 inactivos. El principal aporte de la investigación es determinar el grado en que cada variable, individualmente y en interacción con otras, afecta la supervivencia de los emprendimientos. Las variables que inciden sobre la supervivencia son: elaboración del plan de negocios, ubicación, endeudamiento, diversificación de la oferta y forma jurídica.O presente artigo, produto de pesquisa, pretende identificar e analisar os fatores que determinam a sustentabilidade dos empreendimentos, evidenciando a relevância dos efeitos individuais e cruzados, relacionados com o empreendedor, o empreendimento e o meio, na subregião do Baixo Cauca – Colômbia, para o qual se abordou uma metodologia quantitativa mediante um modelo semiparamétrico. Utilizou-se uma mostra de 101 empreendedores, 73 ativos e 28 inativos. A principal contribuição desta pesquisa é determinar o grau em que a cada variável, das identificadas para o estudo – elaboração do plano de negócios, localização, endividamento, diversificação da oferta e forma jurídica –, individualmente e em interação com outras, afeta a sobrevivência dos empreendimentos

El rol de la reflexión en la práctica pedagógica : percepciones de docentes de idiomas en formación

Páginas: 216-234.O objetivo deste estudo de caso foi compreender as percepções de estudantes de um programa de ensino de inglês em relação ao papel da reflexão em suas práticas educacionais e investigar a estrutura de reflexão, incluindo os aspectos que os profissionais mais comumente entendem a o tempo para refletir. Para tanto, foram selecionados nove alunos praticantes, e foram analisados seus ensaios reflexivos, reflexões realizadas após a aula e participação em um questionário virtual. Os resultados mostraram que os estudantes praticantes perceberam a reflexão como um elemento fundamental e indispensável para encontrar soluções para aspectos negativos de suas aulas. Embora os profissionais apontassem como uma de suas motivações para refletir o fato de ser um exercício obrigatório no tema, eles também reconheceram a importância do mesmo como elemento fundamental para o desenvolvimento do ensino profissional. O esquema mais comum seguido pelos estudantes em suas reflexões foi a descrição dos eventos de classe como um passo preliminar para a reflexão. Em conclusão, foi estabelecido que os alunos ainda estão em um nível básico de reflexão, o que levou o programa de prática a trabalhar mais neste componente.El presente estudio de caso tuvo como propósito conocer las percepciones de los estudiantes de un programa de enseñanza de inglés frente al rol de la reflexión en sus prácticas educativas e indagar sobre la estructura de la reflexión, incluyendo los aspectos que los practicantes más comúnmente comprenden a la hora de reflexionar. Para este propósito, fueron seleccionados nueve estudiantes practicantes, a los que se les analizaron ensayos reflexivos, reflexiones realizadas después de clase y la participación en un cuestionario virtual. Los resultados demostraron que los estudiantes practicantes percibieron la reflexión como un elemento fundamental e indispensable para encontrar soluciones frente a aspectos negativos de sus clases. Si bien los practicantes señalaron como una de sus motivaciones para reflexionar el hecho de ser un ejercicio obligatorio en la asignatura, también reconocieron la importancia de la misma como un elemento fundamental para su desarrollo profesional docente. El esquema más común seguido por los estudiantes en sus reflexiones fue la descripción de eventos de clase como paso previo a la reflexión. Como conclusión, se pudo establecer que los estudiantes aún se encuentran en un nivel básico de reflexión, lo que impulsó al programa de práctica a trabajar más sobre este componente.The purpose of this case study was to understand the perceptions of students of an English teaching program in the face of the role of reflection in their educational practices and to investigate the structure of reflection, including the aspects that practitioners most commonly understood when they reflected. For this purpose, nine practicing students were selected, who were analyzed reflective essays, reflections made after class and participation in a virtual questionnaire. The results showed that the practicing students perceived the reflection as a fundamental and indispensable element to find solutions to negative aspects of their classes. Although the practitioners pointed out as one of their motivations to reflect the fact of being a mandatory exercise in the subject, they also recognized the importance of it as an overriding element for their professional teaching development. The most common scheme followed by students in their reflections was the description of class events as a preliminary step to reflection. In conclusion, it was established that the students are still at a basic level of reflection, which prompted the practice program to work more on this component.Bibliografía: páginas 231-234.Artículo de investigación revisado por pares académicos

SLUG in cancer development

The SNAIL-related zinc-finger transcription factor, SLUG (SNAI2), is critical for the normal development of neural crest-derived cells and loss-of-function SLUG mutations have been proven to contribute to piebaldism and Waardenburg syndrome type 2 in a dose-dependent fashion. While aberrant induction of SLUG has been documented in cancer cells, relatively little is known about the consequences of SLUG overexpression in malignancy. To investigate the potential role of SLUG overexpression in development and in cancer, we generated mice carrying a tetracycline-repressible Slug transgene. These mice were morphologically normal at birth, and developed mesenchymal tumours (leukaemia and sarcomas) in almost all cases examined. Suppression of the Slug transgene did not rescue the malignant phenotype. Furthermore, the BCR–ABL oncogene, which induces Slug expression in leukaemic cells, did not induce leukaemia in Slug-deficient mice, implicating Slug in BCR–ABL leukaemogenesis in vivo. Overall, the findings indicate that while Slug overexpression is not sufficient to cause overt morphogenetic defects in mice, they demonstrate a specific and critical role for Slug in the pathogenesis of mesenchymal tumours.Research in our group is supported by MEyC (BIO2000-0453-P4-02, SAF2003- 01103and FIT-010000-2004-157), Junta de Castilla y León (CSI06/03), ADE de Castilla y León (04/04/SA/0001), FIS (PI020138, G03/179, and G03/136) and USALCIBASA project. MPC is a recipient of an MCyT fellowship and MSM is supported by Fundación Cientíica de la AECC.Peer reviewe