Verbal Memory and IQ Predict Adaptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Adaptive deficits are commonly found in high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) despite of cognitive potential. Most studies have focused on the relationships between adaptive behavior and intellectual quotient (IQ) and have used correlations to study relationships between them. Few studies have analyzed cognitive variables other than IQ as potential predictors of adaptive behavior in HF-ASD using regression methods. This study aimed to analyze the impact of several cognitive variables on adaptive behavior in a sample of children and adolescents with HF-ASD. METHODS: Sample included 16 child and adolescent boys with HF-ASD (age between 7-17 years). Cognitive assessment included measures of general intelligence, visual memory, verbal memory, working memory and problem solving/flexibility tests. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) was used to evaluate adaptive behavior. To establish the predictive capacity of the cognitive variables for adaptive functioning, linear regression models were fitted for each adaptive domain using a stepwise method. RESULTS: Verbal memory and IQ emerged as the main independent predictors for VABS adaptive scores. The 41% of the variance in Communication was predicted by IQ. The 35% of the variance in Daily Living Skills was predicted by verbal memory. Almost half of the variance in Socialization was predicted by both, verbal memory and IQ (49%). No other cognitive functions were associated with adaptive scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the strong impact of IQ and verbal memory on adaptive behavior in HF-ASD patients. These findings could contribute to identify potential targets of intervention

Advice from a Medical Expert through the Internet on Queries about AIDS and Hepatitis: Analysis of a Pilot Experiment

BACKGROUND: Advice from a medical expert on concerns and queries expressed anonymously through the Internet by patients and later posted on the Web, offers a new type of patient–doctor relationship. The aim of the current study was to perform a descriptive analysis of questions about AIDS and hepatitis made to an infectious disease expert and sent through the Internet to a consumer-oriented Web site in the Spanish language. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Questions were e-mailed and the questions and answers were posted anonymously in the “expert-advice” section of a Web site focused on AIDS and hepatitis. We performed a descriptive study and a temporal analysis of the questions received in the first 12 months after the launch of the site. A total of 899 questions were received from December 2003 to November 2004, with a marked linear growth pattern. Questions originated in Spain in 68% of cases and 32% came from Latin America (the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). Eighty percent of the senders were male. Most of the questions concerned HIV infection (79%) with many fewer on hepatitis (17%) . The highest numbers of questions were submitted just after the weekend (37% of questions were made on Mondays and Tuesdays). Risk factors for contracting HIV infection were the most frequent concern (69%), followed by the window period for detection (12.6%), laboratory results (5.9%), symptoms (4.7%), diagnosis (2.7%), and treatment (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm a great demand for this type of “ask-the-expert” Internet service, at least for AIDS and hepatitis. Factors such as anonymity, free access, and immediate answers have been key factors in its success

Campañas de marcado de atún rojo juvenil (Thunnus thynnus) juvenil coordinadas por el IEO, previstas en el Programa ICCAT-GBYP y realizadas en el Estrecho de Gibraltar durante Noviembre de 2011 y enero de 2012

This paper presents the results of conventional tagging surveys on juvenile bluefin tuna conducted in the Strait of Gibraltar during different periods of 2011 and 2012 with two vessels from the port of Algeciras that usually fish using pole and bait in that area. The campaigns were carried out within the framework of the Enhanced Research Program for Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) (GBYP). In 36 days of activity, a total of 1389 bluefin tuna were tagged, weighing an average of approximately 15 kg, ranging between 7 and 40 kg. In 46% of the specimens, two different tags were placed, and the forecasts established in the Tagging Plan within the ICCAT-GBYP were achieved.GBYP-ICCATPostprin

Análisis de los resultados de las Campañas de marcado de Atún rojo (Thunnus thynnus) del “Tagging GBYP-ICCAT 3ª Fase realizadas en el Golfo de León y Estrecho de Gibraltar durante 2011-12

In the Gulf of Lion Campaign 109 bluefin were tagged with conventional tags measuring between 74 cm and 108 cm fork length (LH). Five of these specimens had an electronic mark mini-patt placed on them. The campaign of the Strait of Gibraltar took place from 5/10/12 to 21/11/12 with 117 days at sea with a total of 1,477 bluefin marked of which 1,432 copies were marked, mainly with a double mainstream brand mark, 20 individuals with an electronic type pop-up (mini-pat) and 25 more fish with internal electronic tags. The tagged fish measured between 70 cm and 130 cm fork length (LH). Likewise, the biological samples which were scheduled were obtained for more than 40 samples of bluefin tuna of all sizes.Postprin

Nanoscale spatiotemporal diffusion modes measured by simultaneous confocal and stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy imaging

The diffusion dynamics in the cellular plasma membrane provide crucial insights into molecular interactions, organization, and bioactivity. Beam-scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy combined with super-resolution stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy (scanning STED–FCS) measures such dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution. It reveals nanoscale diffusion characteristics by measuring the molecular diffusion in conventional confocal mode and super-resolved STED mode sequentially for each pixel along the scanned line. However, to directly link the spatial and the temporal information, a method that simultaneously measures the diffusion in confocal and STED modes is needed. Here, to overcome this problem, we establish an advanced STED–FCS measurement method, line interleaved excitation scanning STED–FCS (LIESS–FCS), that discloses the molecular diffusion modes at different spatial positions with a single measurement. It relies on fast beam-scanning along a line with alternating laser illumination that yields, for each pixel, the apparent diffusion coefficients for two different observation spot sizes (conventional confocal and super-resolved STED). We demonstrate the potential of the LIESS–FCS approach with simulations and experiments on lipid diffusion in model and live cell plasma membranes. We also apply LIESS–FCS to investigate the spatiotemporal organization of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in the plasma membrane of live cells, which, interestingly, show multiple diffusion modes at different spatial positions

Glycosylation of Stannyl Ceramides Promoted by Modified Montmorillonite­ in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The direct glycosylation of ceramides in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) successfully proceeded to produce β-glycolipids in high yield and with full stereoselectivity. The reaction is promoted by montmorillonite modified with a superacid (CF₃SO₃H). The value of this protocol was demonstrated in the efficient synthesis of isoglobotrihexosylceramide (iGB3)

Laboratory-Scale Biodegradation of Fuel Oil No. 6 in Contaminated Soils by Autochthonous Bacteria

In order to evaluate the degradation of fuel oil no. 6 (FO6) in contaminated soil, laboratory-scale bioreactors were set up to study biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and natural attenuation processes. A solution of fertilizers was added in biostimulation and biouagmentation (0.03% N, 0.01% P). To the bioaugmentation process, an enrichment culture of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms was also added once a week. Total aerobic and hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms were determined by plate count, and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration was determined gravimetrically (EPA method 9071b) every 15 days. After 1 year of study, degradation rate was higher for biostimulation (0.19 g TPH/day), followed by natural attenuation (0.18 g TPH/day) and bioaugmentation (0.16 g TPH/day). TPH showed a change in composition of hydrocarbons, attributed to microbiological activity. Microbial counts of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms were on the range of 4–6 log CFU/g soil. Preliminary bacterial identification corresponded to Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Actinomyces, and Bacillus strains; randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD); and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis demonstrated a large microbial diversity. From the degradation rates, it can be predicted that such limits will be achieved by increasing further 107–117 days of the treatments. Results demonstrated to be efficient on the restoration of contaminated soil, being an alternative to treat soils contaminated with heavy hydrocarbons

Identifying clinical clusters with distinct trajectories in first-episode psychosis through an unsupervised machine learning technique

The extreme variability in symptom presentation reveals that individuals diagnosed with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) may encompass different sub-populations with potentially different illness courses and, hence, different treatment needs. Previous studies have shown that sociodemographic and family environment factors are associated with more unfavorable symptom trajectories. The aim of this study was to examine the dimensional structure of symptoms and to identify individuals’ trajectories at early stage of illness and potential risk factors associated with poor outcomes at follow-up in non-affective FEP. One hundred and forty-four non-affective FEP patients were assessed at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. A Principal component analysis has been conducted to identify dimensions, then an unsupervised machine learning technique (fuzzy clustering) was performed to identify clinical subgroups of patients. Six symptom factors were extracted (positive, negative, depressive, anxiety, disorganization and somatic/cognitive). Three distinct clinical clusters were determined at baseline: mild; negative and moderate; and positive and severe symptoms, and five at follow-up: minimal; mild; moderate; negative and depressive; and severe symptoms. Receiving a low-dose antipsychotic, having a more severe depressive symptomatology and a positive family history for psychiatric disorders were risk factors for poor recovery, whilst having a high cognitive reserve and better premorbid adjustment may confer a better prognosis. The current study provided a better understanding of the heterogeneous profile of FEP. Early identification of patients who could likely present poor outcomes may be an initial step for the development of targeted interventions to improve illness trajectories and preserve psychosocial functioning

Nuevos datos científicos sobre desembarcos de especies asociadas realizados por la flota española de palangre de superficie en el Mediterráneo en 1999 y 2000

(New scientific data on by-catch landings of the Spanish longline fishery for swordfish in the Mediterranean during the years 1999 and 2000). This document presents data on by-catch commercial landings (except tunas and tuna-like species) of the Spanish Mediterranean longline fishery of swordfish during the years 1999 and 2000. Between 61.3 and 70% of the reported landings of by-catch are represented by large pelagic sharks. The blue shark (Prionace glauca) makes up 45% of the landings.Ce document présente les données concernant les débarquements de prises accessoires (thonidés et especes voisines exceptés) de la pêche palangrière espagnole d’espadon pendant les années 1999 et 2000. Les grans requins constituent 61,3 et 70% des débarquements déclarés de prises accessoires. Le requin peau-bleue (Prionace glauca) constitue 45% des débarquements.Se presentan datos de desembarcos comerciales de especies asociadas (excepto túnidos y afines) de la pesquería española de palangre de superficie de pez espada en el Mediterrá neo en los años 1999 y 2000. Entre el 61.3 y el 70% de los desembarcos de especies asociadas reportados están representados por grandes tiburones pelágicos, destacando las capturas de tintorera (Prionace glauca) que suponen el 45% de los desembarcos