PRDM9 diversity at fine geographical scale reveals contrasting evolutionary patterns and functional constraints in natural populations of house mice

One of the major challenges in evolutionary biology is the identification of the genetic basis of postzygotic reproductive isolation. Given its pivotal role in this process, here we explore the drivers that may account for the evolutionary dynamics of the PRDM9 gene between continental and island systems of chromosomal variation in house mice. Using a data set of nearly 400 wild-caught mice of Robertsonian systems, we identify the extent of PRDM9 diversity in natural house mouse populations, determine the phylogeography of PRDM9 at a local and global scale based on a new measure of pairwise genetic divergence, and analyze selective constraints. We find 57 newly described PRDM9 variants, this diversity being especially high on Madeira Island, a result that is contrary to the expectations of reduced variation for island populations. Our analysis suggest that the PRDM9 allelic variability observed in Madeira mice might be influenced by the presence of distinct chromosomal fusions resulting from a complex pattern of introgression or multiple colonization events onto the island. Importantly, we detect a significant reduction in the proportion of PRDM9 heterozygotes in Robertsonian mice, which showed a high degree of similarity in the amino acids responsible for protein-DNA binding. Our results suggest that despite the rapid evolution of PRDM9 and the variability detected in natural populations, functional constraints could facilitate the accumulation of allelic combinations that maintain recombination hotspot symmetry. We anticipate that our study will provide the basis for examining the role of different PRDM9 genetic backgrounds in reproductive isolation in natural populations

Empathy and prosocial behaviour during adolescente

Aunque la relación entre empatía y prosocialidad viene siendo estudiada desde hace años prevalece aún una importante indefinición conceptual e incluso de resultados. Este trabajo pretende aportar algo de luz a la relación entre ambos conceptos y otras variables del contexto social en una muestra de adolescentes. Un total de 513 adolescentes, 221 chicos y 292 chicas de edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 19 años cumplimentaron un cuestionario que incluía medidas sobre empatía, conducta prosocial, y aspectos relacionados con las variables familiares y de relación con los iguales. Entre los resultados obtenidos podemos destacar la relación existente entre conducta prosocial y empatía disposicional, y entre estas dos variables y las relaciones con la familia y con el grupo de los iguales. Así mismo, y en concordancia con abundante literatura científica, hallamos mayores niveles de prosocialidad y empatía en las chicas que en los chicos.The relationship between empathy and prosocial behaviour has been an area of research for many years. Nevertheless, to this day, there is a lack of clarity not only in the definition of the concepts but also in the various results on the subject. The aim of this study is to shed some light in examining the relationship of both concepts with other variables of social context. To achieve this goal a sample of 513 adolescents, 221 boys and 292 girls, aged between 13 and 19, was interviewed. The teenagers completed a questionnaire, including measures of empathy, prosocial behaviour and family and peer relationship variables. In our results, we can point out our finding of a relationship between prosocial behaviour and empathy. Furthermore, it is worth noticing that there is a clear link of family and peer relationships with prosocial behavior as well as with empathy. Also, as has already been suggested in previous scientific literature, we find higher levels of prosocial behaviour and empathy in girls than in boys.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología BSO2002-03022BSO2002-0302

Friendship Relationships in Children and Adolescents: Positive Development and Prevention of Mental Health Problems

Studying childhood and adolescence from the perspective of Positive Development involves seeing them from the creation of skills and values that allow the child and the adolescent to move towards adulthood in a successful way, as well as considering them from the avoidance and prevention of violence, addiction, depression and other mental health problems.Developmental Psychology theorists such as Harry Stack Sullivan have put forward that friendships can provide a unique developmental context in which children and adolescents learn about Conflict and Negotiation and develop Perspective Taking Skills and Empathic Concern; also in that relationship, furthermore, they satisfy social needs of Companionship and Intimacy.First of all, in this chapter it is presented the Argentine adaptation of Bukowski Friendship Quality Scale (children´s version), an instrument that evaluates friendship quality and explores six dimensions of peer relationships: Companionship, Balance, Conflict, Help, Security and Closeness.Subsequently, two studies conducted with this instrument, in the adolescent version, are presented. The first study evaluates the relationship between Friendship quality and Loneliness feelings in adolescents. It is observed that the rejection of peers and loneliness self-perception feelings with their peers, are negatively correlated with Friendship quality dimensions: Balance, Companionship, Help, Security and Closeness. The Conflict Friendship dimension correlates positively with Family loneliness and Peer loneliness.In the second study, it is presented the results of the hierarchical regressions performed to evaluate Empathy and Values dimensions as predictive variables of Friendship Quality dimensions. Regarding Value Scale, Honesty is the best predictor of Friendship Quality dimensions; and regarding Empathy, Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern are the best predictors of Friendship Quality dimensions.Finally, it is considered how these contributions highlight the important role of friendship and peer relationships in the prevention of mental health problems.Fil: Rodriguez, Lucas Marcelo. Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina "santa Maria de Los Bs. As.". Facultad Teresa de Avila. Centro de Investigacion Interdisciplinar En Valores, Integracion y Desarrollo Social.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, José Eduardo. Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina "santa Maria de Los Bs. As.". Facultad Teresa de Avila. Centro de Investigacion Interdisciplinar En Valores, Integracion y Desarrollo Social.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mesurado, Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Psicología Matemática y Experimental Dr. Horacio J. A. Rimoldi; Argentin