The Cerebellum and Autism: More than Motor Control

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social cognition at its core. Human and animal studies converge in the existence of a network of key brain structures involved in the perception, integration, and coding of social cues. These structures mainly involve areas traditionally associated with cognitive function, such as the prefrontal cortex; processing of emotions, such as the amygdala; and motivation and reward, such as the nucleus accumbens. The cerebellum, conventionally associated with motor functions, is lately being considered as a key structure within the social circuitry. Cerebellar neuroanatomical alterations are among the most replicated findings in postmortem brain samples of patients with autism. In addition, cerebellar defects have been proposed to affect the functioning of distal brain areas to which the cerebellum projects. In fact, animal studies support the inclusion of the cerebellum as part of the brain network regulating social cognition and provide a mechanistic tool to study its function within the social network. In this chapter, we review current evidence from human and animal studies, opening a new avenue for further research

Trace elements and C and N isotope composition in two mushroom species from a mine-spill contaminated site

Fungi play a key role in the functioning of soil in terrestrial ecosystems, and in particular in the remediation of degraded soils. The contribution of fungi to carbon and nutrient cycles, along with their capability to mobilise soil trace elements, is well-known. However, the importance of life history strategy for these functions has not yet been thoroughly studied. This study explored the soil-fungi relationship of two wild edible fungi, the ectomycorrhizal Laccaria laccata and the saprotroph Volvopluteus gloiocephalus. Fruiting bodies and surrounding soils in a mine-spill contaminated area were analysed. Isotope analyses revealed Laccaria laccata fruiting bodies were 15N-enriched when compared to Volvopluteus gloiocephalus, likely due to the transfer of 15N-depleted compounds to their host plant. Moreover, Laccaria laccata fruiting bodies δ13C values were closer to host plant values than surrounding soil, while Volvopluteus gloiocephalus matched the δ13C composition to that of the soil. Fungal species presented high bioaccumulation and concentrations of Cd and Cu in their fruiting bodies. Human consumption of these fruiting bodies may represent a toxicological risk due to their elevated Cd concentrations

Gender inequality and violence against women in Spain, 2006-2014: towards a civilized society

ABSTRACT. Objective: Considering both the economic crisis of 2008 and the Gender Equality Law (2007), this study analyses the association between gender inequality in Spanish Autonomous Communities (AC) and intimate partner violence (IPV) from 2006 to 2014 in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: Ecological study in the 17 Spanish AC on the correlation between the reported cases by IPV and deaths and the Gender Inequality Index and its dimensions: empowerment, participation in the labour market and adolescent birth rates; and their correlation with Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Results: In 2006, IPV mortality rates were higher in autonomous communities with greater gender inequality than AC with more equality (4.1 vs. 2.5 × 106 women >14 years), as were reporting rates of IPV (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.47-1.50). In 2014, the IPV mortality rates in AC with greater gender inequality fell to just below the mortality rates in AC with more gender equality (2.5 vs. 2.7 × 106 women >14 years). Rates of IPV reports also decreased (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.20-1.23). Adolescent birth rates were most associated with IPV reports, which were also associated with the burden of NEET by AC ( 2006 = 0.494, 2014 = 0.615). Conclusion: Gender-sensitive policies may serve as a platform for reduced mortality and reports of IPV in Spain, particularly in AC with more gender inequality. A reduction of NEET may reduce adolescent birth rates and in turn IPV rates.RESUMEN. Objetivo: Considerando la crisis económica de 2008 y la Ley de igualdad entre hombres y mujeres (2007), se analiza la asociación entre la desigualdad de género de las comunidades autónomas (CCAA) españolas con la violencia del compañero íntimo (VCI) en 2006 y 2014, respecto a características sociodemográficas. Métodos: Estudio ecológico en las 17 CCAA sobre la asociación entre las muertes y denuncias por VCI y el Índice de Desigualdad de Género y sus dimensiones: empoderamiento, participación en el mercado laboral y tasas de fecundidad de adolescentes; y su asociación con jóvenes que ni estudian ni trabajan. Resultados: En 2006, las CCAA con mayor desigualdad de género sufrieron tasas de mortalidad por VCI superiores que las de mayor igualdad (4,1 frente a 2,5 × 106 mujeres >14 años), y también las denuncias fueron más (odds ratio [OR]: 1,49; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,47-1,50). En 2014, disminuyeron las tasas de mortalidad por VCI en las CCAA con mayor desigualdad de género, situándose ligeramente por debajo de las de más igualdad (2,5 frente a 2,7 × 106 mujeres >14 años). Las denuncias también disminuyeron (OR: 1,22; IC95%: 1,20-1,23). La fecundidad de las adolescentes es la dimensión más asociada con las denuncias por VCI, asociadas al porcentaje de jóvenes que ni estudian ni trabajan por CCAA ( 2006 = 0,494, 2014 = 0,615). Conclusión: Las políticas con perspectiva de género pueden ser la base de la reducción de la mortalidad y de las denuncias por VCI en España, y aún más en las CCAA con más desigualdad de género. Reducir la cantidad de jóvenes que ni estudian ni trabajan puede disminuir la fecundidad adolescente y los índices de VCI

Plan de cuidados al paciente en unidad de ictus. La importancia de una atención especializada

Introducción: El ictus constituye en España la segunda causa de muerte en la población general y la primera en la mujer. Además supone la primera causa de discapacidad y el motivo más frecuente de hospitalización neurológica generando así un gran gasto en los servicios sanitarios y sociales Metodología Para el desarrollo del trabajo fueron consultadas diversas bases de datos con el objetivo de tener una variedad de artículos para una visión más completa del tema. Además se revisaron los protocolos del hospital universitario Miguel Servet y la biblioteca de ciencias de la salud de la Universidad de Zaragoza. Desarrollo: El trabajo consiste en el desarrollo de un plan de cuidados por medio de la taxonomía NANDA-NIC-NOC. Se identificaron las principales etiquetas diagnósticas, objetivos, indicadores, intervenciones y actividades de enfermería para el paciente con ictus en el contexto de una unidad de ictus Conclusiones: Diversos estudios han demostrado con alto grado de evidencia los beneficios que ofrece la atención en unidades de ictus frente a otros servicios. Considero imprescindible en este caso una formación completa y actualizada del personal de enfermería en este campo

Polyamines under Abiotic Stress: Metabolic Crossroads and Hormonal Crosstalks in Plants

Polyamines are essential compounds for cell survival and have key roles in plant stress protection. Current evidence points to the occurrence of intricate cross-talks between polyamines, stress hormones and other metabolic pathways required for their function. In this review we integrate the polyamine metabolic pathway in the context of its immediate metabolic network which is required to understand the multiple ways by which polyamines can maintain their homeostasis and participate in plant stress responses

¿El frío como terapia? Protocolo para la aplicación de hipotermia terapéutica

Introducción: la hipotermia terapéutica se define como la disminución controlada de la temperatura con el fin de proporcionar neuroprotección. Utilizada desde la antigüedad, fue en el año 2002 tras la publicación de dos estudios con resultados favorables de pacientes tratados con hipotermia, cuando se consideró como verdadero neuroprotector. Con un grado de recomendación I, y un nivel de evidencia A, su aplicación se centra en la parada cardiorrespiratoria (PCR) presenciada secundaria a fibrilación ventricular (FV) o taquicardia ventricular sin pulso (TVSP). Entre sus efectos beneficiosos se encuentran: una disminución de la presión intracraneal y de la respuesta inflamatoria, protección de la barrera hematoencefálica y disminución de las demandas de oxígeno mejorando el suministro de éste a zonas de isquemia junto con la protección de órganos vitales. Objetivos: realizar un protocolo de aplicación de los cuidados de enfermería durante la técnica de hipotermia terapéutica controlada que incluya el procedimiento y los pasos a seguir, los aspectos a vigilar y las posibles complicaciones Metodología: se llevó a cabo una extensa revisión bibliográfica en numerosas bases de datos, libros, revistas, artículos de periódico y páginas web. Asimismo, se obtuvo información de la unidad de cuidados intensivos del hospital Royo Villanova de Zaragoza y de los expertos presentes en ella. Conclusiones: la rápida instauración de la hipotermia tras una PCR disminuye las secuelas neurológicas del paciente. El papel del enfermero es clave a lo largo de toda la técnica, el cual debe conocer su fisiología, importancia y posibles efectos adversos para ofrecer una atención enfermera de calidad

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in bivalve mollusks and marine sediments

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater pose the question of whether this new pandemic virus could be released into watercourses and potentially continue to finally reach coastal waters. In this study, we employed two bivalve molluscan species from the genus Ruditapes as sentinel organisms to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 signals in the marine coastal environment. Estuarine sediments from the natural clam banks were also analyzed. Viral RNA was detected by RT-qPCR, targeting IP4, E and N1 genomic regions. Positive samples were also subjected to a PMAxx-triton viability RT-qPCR assay in order to discriminate between intact and altered capsids, obtaining indirect information about the viability of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 RNA traces were detected in 9/12 clam samples by RT-qPCR, from which 4 were positive for two different target regions. Viral quantification ranged from <LoQ to 4.48 Log genomic copies/g of digestive tissue. Regarding the sediment samples, 3/12 were positive by RT-qPCR, but only IP4 region was successfully amplificated. Quantification values for sediment samples ranged from <LoQ to 3.60 Log genomic copies/g of sediment. RNA signals disappeared in the PMAxx-triton viability RT-qPCR assay, indicating non-infectious potential. In addition, the recently discovered human-specific gut associated bacteriophage crAssphage was also quantified as a biomarker for the presence of human-derived wastewater contamination on the study area. CrAssphage was detected in 100% of both types of samples with quantification values ranging from <LoQ to 5.94 Log gc/g digestive tissue and from <LoQ to 4.71 Log gc/g sediment. Statistical analysis also showed that quantification levels for the crAssphage in clams are significantly higher than in sediments. These findings represent the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the marine environment, demonstrating that it can reach these habitats and make contact with the marine lifeThis study was partly supported by Grant ED431C 2018/18 from the Consellería de Educación, Universidade e Formación Profesional, Xunta de Galicia (Spain)S

Disrupted neuroglial metabolic coupling after peripheral surgery

Immune-related events in the periphery can remotely affect brain function, contributing to neurodegenerative processes and cognitive decline. In mice, peripheral surgery induces a systemic inflammatory response associated with changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and transient cognitive decline, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we investigated the effect of peripheral surgery on neuronal-glial function within hippocampal neuronal circuits of relevance to cognitive processing in male mice at 6, 24, and72hpostsurgery. At 6hwedetect theproinflammatorycytokineIL-6inthehippocampus, followedupbyalterations in them RNA and protein expression of astrocyticandneuronal proteinsnecessaryfor optimal energysupplytothebrainandfor thereuptakeandrecycling of glutamate in the synapse. Similarly, at 24 h postsurgery the mRNA expression of structural proteins (GFAP and AQP4) was compromised. At this time point, functional analysis in astrocytes revealed a decrease in resting calcium signaling. Examination of neuronal activity by whole-cell patch-clamp shows elevated levels of glutamatergic transmission and changes in AMPA receptor subunit composition at 72 h postsurgery. Finally, lactate, an essential energy substrate produced by astrocytes and critical for memory formation, decreases at 6 and 72 h after surgery. Based on temporal parallels with our previous studies, we propose that the previously reported cognitive decline observed at 72 h postsurgery in mice might be the consequence of temporal hippocampal metabolic, structural, and functional changes in astrocytes that lead to a disruption of the neuroglial metabolic coupling and consequently to a neuronal dysfunction.This work was supported by a “Ramón y Cajal” fellowship (RYC-2014-15792 to A.G.-C.) from Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad”, the Swedish Research Council, the confocal microscope used in the study by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (Grant KAW2008.0149), and NIH/NIA R01AG057525 to N.T