Exploring the association between Urinary Bisphenol A, S, and F Levels and semen Quality Parameters: Findings from Led-Fertyl Cross-Sectional Study.

Infertility is recognized as a multifaceted condition affecting approximately 15% of couples globally, influenced by various factors including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Among these environmental factors, bisphenol A (BPA) emerges as a prominent Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs) widely distributed, leading to chronic human exposure in daily life. As regulations on BPA became more stringent, alternative substances such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) have emerged. Animal studies have demonstrated a dose-dependent decline in fertility and embryotoxicity following chronic exposure to BPA. However, literature data on human studies are limited and heterogeneous. Additionally, even less is known about the relationship between exposure to the BPA analogues (BPS and BPF) and sperm quality. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between urinary concentrations of BPA, BPF, and BPS and semen quality parameters among 195 adult Spanish men from the Led-Fertyl study cohort using multiple linear regression models adjusted by potential confounding variables. Our results revealed an inverse association between log-transformed creatinine-adjusted concentration (ng/mg)) of BPA and BPF levels and the percentage of sperm vitality (ß: -3.56 %; 95%CI: -6.48 to -0.63 and ß: -4.14 %; 95%CI: -6.97 to -1.31; respectively). Furthermore, participants in the highest quartile of BPA and BPF urinary concentration exhibited lower sperm vitality compared to those in the lowest quartile (ß: -6.90 %; 95%CI: -11.60 to -2.15 and ß: -9.68 %; 95%CI: -14.43 to -4.94; respectively). These results supply epidemiological evidence establishing a relationship between bisphenols urine exposure and sperm quality, suggesting that a re-evaluation of the overall safety of BPA alternatives is warranted.

Value of factor v in the diagnosis of early graft dysfunction after liver transplantation. internal validation.

Primary graft dysfunction is a major early complication following liver transplantation, potentially leading to retransplantation or patient death. Coagulation Factor V and ALT have emerged as important biomarkers in assessing liver function, yet their role as early predictors of graft loss has not been fully validated. The aim of this study is to conduct an internal validation of published results on the applicability of Factor V and ALT for diagnosing graft dysfunction and its predictive ability for graft loss within the first 90 days. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 513 adult recipients from 2012 to 2023 at the Regional University Hospital of Málaga. Factor V and ALT levels were measured on postoperative day 2 and patients were categorized based on FV <37.5 and ALT >1539. The association with 90-day graft loss was analysed. Graft loss occurred in 43 patients (8.4%) within the first 90 days. The combination of FV <37.5 and ALT >1539 on postoperative day 2 demonstrated a specificity of 99% and a test efficiency of 94% in predicting graft loss. Patients meeting both criteria had a 74-fold increased risk of graft loss, with most losses occurring within the first week, and a median survival of 4 days. These findings suggest that Factor V and ALT on postoperative day 2 are reliable early markers for predicting graft loss, enabling risk stratification and guiding critical decisions regarding early retransplantation in the immediate postoperative period.

Pica is associated with lower willingness to change negative habits of diet and exercise, inadequate lifestyle, and less healthful food consumption in dialysis.

Background: In dialysis patients, on the one hand unwillingness to change negative lifestyle patterns is associated with worse nutritional status and unhealthy lifestyle, whereas on the other, pica may be highly prevalent. However, it is not known whether pica is associated with unwillingness to change negative lifestyle behaviors, as well as with consumption of different types of foods. This study aimed to investigate this issue. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in dialysis patients. Lifestyle was assessed using the self-administered Instrument to Measure Lifestyle Questionnaire (IMEVID). Pica diagnosis was established according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. A food frequency questionnaire was performed and self-reported willingness to change was determined by a trans-theoretical model staging inventory. Results: Compared with patients without pica, those with pica (particularly hard pica) had lower willingness to change unhealthy behavior in the case of diet (22% vs. 46% in precontemplation/contemplation stages, respectively) and exercise (43% vs. 62% in precontemplation/contemplation stages, respectively). Patients with hard pica had significantly (p < 0.05) lower scores in almost all dimensions of the lifestyle questionnaire than those in the no pica group: diet (23.9 vs. 26.8, respectively), physical activity (5.5 vs. 7, respectively), knowledge of disease (5.7 vs. 6.4, respectively), emotion management (6.6 vs. 8, respectively) and adherence to treatment (13.4 vs. 14.7, respectively), but not in the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Compared to patients with no pica, those with hard pica ate vegetables and fruits less frequently, and dairy products, fried foods and soda more frequently. Conclusions: Pica was more frequently observed in patients with lower willingness to change negative habits of diet and exercise, in those who had more unhealthy behaviors in diet, exercise and emotion management dimensions and adherence to treatment, as well as in those who ate less frequently healthful foods and more frequently unhealthy foods.

Icariin as a Treatment Proposal in Mammalian Reproduction.

Icariin (ICA), one of the main active components of Herba Epimedii, is a natural prenylated flavonol glycoside that possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antiosteoporotic, anti-aging, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and aphrodisiac effects, and prevents numerous health disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, sexual dysfunction, menstrual disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, asthma, chronic inflammation, and diabetes. In the reproductive system, it has been observed that ICA may play a role in preserving fertility by regulating different signalling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, which improves ovarian function, and ERα/Nrf2, which enhances testicular function and prevents ROS generation. In contrast, regulating the NF/kB signalling pathway causes anti-inflammatory effects, reducing spontaneous abortions. In this study, we review and examine the relevant literature on the therapeutic potential of ICA in reproduction, highlight the various mechanisms of action and limitations for the therapeutic applications of ICA, and summarise and highlight the existing preclinical research on its effects on male and female reproduction.

Multifaceted activation of STING axis upon Nipah and measles virus-induced syncytia formation.

Activation of the DNA-sensing STING axis by RNA viruses plays a role in antiviral response through mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the STING pathway regulates Nipah virus (NiV) replication in vivo in mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that following both NiV and measles virus (MeV) infection, IFNγ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), an alternative DNA sensor in addition to cGAS, induces the activation of STING, leading to the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the production of IFNß and interleukin 6. Finally, we found that paramyxovirus-induced syncytia formation is responsible for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and leakage of mitochondrial DNA in the cytoplasm, the latter of which is further detected by both cGAS and IFI16. These results contribute to improve our understanding about NiV and MeV immunopathogenesis and provide potential paths for alternative therapeutic strategies.

Dietary counseling, meal patterns, and diet quality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with/without chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Aim to this study is to investigate the association of Dietary Counseling, Meal Patterns, and Diet Quality (DietQ) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with/without chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary healthcare. METHODS: Cross-sectional study acquired data on dietary counseling and meal patterns by direct interview with a food-frequency questionnaire and one 24-h food-recall. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was used to classify DietQ ["good" DietQ (GDietQ, score ≥ 80) and "poor" DietQ (PDietQ, score < 80)]. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: This study included 705 patients with T2DM: 306 with normal kidney function; 236 with early nephropathy, and 163 with overt nephropathy (ON). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multivariate linear-regression models for predicting HEI and χ2 tests for qualitative variables and one-way ANOVA for quantitative variables were employed. Mann-Whitney U and independent Student t were performed for comparisons between GDietQ and PDietQ. RESULTS: Only 18 % of the population was classified as GDietQ. Patients with ON and PDietQ vs. with GDietQ received significantly less dietary counseling from any health professional in general (45 % vs 72 %, respectively), or from any nutrition professional (36 % vs. 61 %, respectively). A better HEI was significantly predicted (F = 42.01; p = 0.0001) by lower HbA1C (ß -0.53, p = 0.0007) and better diet diversity (ß 8.09, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more advanced stages of CKD had less nutritional counseling and worse dietary patterns, as well as more frequent PDietQ. Our findings reinforce the need for dietitians and nutritionists in primary healthcare to provide timely nutritional counseling.

Melatonin Alleviates Liver Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Leptin-Deficient Mice.

Despite efforts to elucidate the cellular adaptations induced by obesity, cellular bioenergetics is currently considered a crucial target. New strategies to delay the onset of the hazardous adaptations induced by obesity are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of 4 weeks of melatonin treatment on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism in the livers of leptin-deficient mice. Our results revealed that the absence of leptin increased lipid storage in the liver and induced significant mitochondrial alterations, which were ultimately responsible for defective ATP production and reactive oxygen species overproduction. Moreover, leptin deficiency promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and outer membrane permeabilization. Melatonin treatment reduced the bioenergetic deficit found in ob/ob mice, alleviating some mitochondrial alterations in the electron transport chain machinery, biogenesis, dynamics, respiration, ATP production, and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Given the role of melatonin in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, it could be used as a therapeutic agent against adipogenic steatosis.

Obesity and periodontitis: a comprehensive review of their interconnected pathophysiology and clinical implications.

Obesity and periodontitis are significant health problems with a complex bidirectional relationship. Excess body fat is linked to systemic diseases and can lead to persistent inflammation, potentially harming periodontal health. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of teeth, poses substantial health risks. Both conditions share pathological processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, which aggravate health status and make treatment more challenging. Understanding this interaction is crucial for developing effective management strategies for both diseases. This study explores the multifaceted aspects of obesity and periodontitis and their reciprocal relationship.

Sphenoid Inverted Nasal Papilloma Presenting as Chronic Headaches in a 21-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

An inverted papilloma is a rare, benign tumor that affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are the most commonly affected, while the involvement of the sphenoid sinus is rare and may be associated with malignancy. We describe the case of a 21-year-old female who presented with recurring headaches along with dizziness, difficulty concentrating, mild hypoacusis, and occasional nasal congestion. A CT of the sinuses showed a soft tissue lesion in the sphenoidal sinus with extension into the posterior ethmoidal cells. After the biopsy, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with sphenoid inverted nasal papilloma.

Utility of culture and molecular methods using AllplexTM Bacterial Vaginosis Plus Assay (SeegeneⓇ) as a tool for endometriosis, infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss diagnosis.

Endometriosis, infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are entities characterised by a decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria, (BVAV) according with 16S rRNA sequencing studies. However, the use of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) as a tool for diagnosis algorithms is unknown. Seventy-four patients were included, with a median age of 36.5 years old (IQR: 34-39) including infertility (n=31), endometriosis (n=25), or RPL (n=18), for culturing and NAAT using the Allplex™ Bacterial Vaginosis Plus (ABVP) assay (SeegeneⓇ) with endometrial samples. The objective was determining the utility of ABVP assay for diagnosing the entities. Forty-six microorganisms were isolated from 31 out of 74 patients (41.9 %). Twenty-five endometrial samples (33.8 %) were positive for some targets included in the ABVP-assay, with median Ct value ∼37 (IQR: 31.3-37.1) and Qt value 1.43 Log10copies/reaction (IQR:1.1-2.6). For Lactobacillus species, sensitivity and specificity were 80 % and 84 %, respectively. Gardnerella vaginalis, 63.6 % and 95.7 %. No significant increase in BVAV was detected in any of the gynaecological entities. The ABVP and culture based algorithm did not show utility as a tool for endometriosis, infertility, or RPL diagnosis.

Increase in congenital syphilis in a tertiary-care centre from Madrid, Spain: Back to the classics.

Globally, an increase in sexually transmitted diseases worldwide has been reported, including acquired Treponema pallidum infection. Congenital syphilis is the mother-to-child transmission syphilis infection, experiencing an increase in cases returning to incidence rates of years ago. We report three cases of symptomatic congenital syphilis occurring in a tertiary-care hospital in Madrid (Spain). Cases were diagnosed by serology and molecular biology methods. The use of molecular techniques in specimens such as skin lesion, subplacental exudate swabs, bronchoalveolar aspirate, or cerebrospinal fluid could favour the diagnosis of this clinical entity, especially in symptomatic newborns with systemic involvement.

Effect of Self-transcendence, Self-distancing, and Family Functionality on Self-care Agency in Older Adults.

Objective: To determine the effect of self-distancing, self-transcendence, and family functioning on self-care agency in Mexican older adults. Methods: Correlational-explanatory design, with a sample of 253 elderly, collecting data through a simple random sampling. A personal data questionnaire was applied, the scale of: self-transcendence, the self-distancing subscale, the family APGAR and the ability to self-care in Mexican population from different demographic groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied (Mann-Whitney U and a structural equation model) and the study was approved by a registered ethics committee. Results: The study had participation from 253 elderly, with a mean age of 68.02 years, with prevalence of the female sex (60.1%); the level of education was primary school or lower (51.4%). It was observed that the group of chronic diseases had lower self-distancing (U = 4.449.5, p = 0.038) and greater self-transcendence (U = 4177.0, p = 0.008), and selfcare (U = 4365.5, p = 0.024) than the group without chronic diseases. It was also found that self-transcendence, self-distancing, and family functionality produce a positive effect of 37% on selfcare. Conclusion: Self-distancing, self-transcendence, and family functionality explain an important proportion of selfcare in the elderly. Said knowledge permits understanding the care behavior of the elderly and, thus, propose future educational interventions by nursing to prevent or avoid functional, cognitive loss and social effects.

High-Resolution Ultrasound for Complications of Botulinum Toxin Use: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) has revolutionized both aesthetic and therapeutic medicine by selectively inhibiting acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, inducing localized muscle relaxation. However, its use can be associated with various complications. As a diagnostic modality, high-resolution ultrasound can better characterize these complications. Here, we present four clinical cases of complications associated with the application of BTX, along with their corresponding ultrasonographic findings. In this study, cases were selected randomly, irrespective of the timing of BTX injections, to illustrate a spectrum of complications observed in clinical practice. Despite its benefits, BTX can have adverse effects ranging from mild to severe, including aesthetic and functional complications, such as hematoma, ptosis, facial asymmetry, nodules, or pseudoaneurysm. High-resolution ultrasound emerges as a crucial tool in the multidisciplinary management of these complications, allowing for accurate evaluation and effective therapeutic guidance.

Effect of Self-transcendence, Self-distancing, and Family Functionality on Self-care Agency in Older Adults / Efecto de la autotrascendencia, autodistanciamiento y funcionalidad familiar en la agencia de autocuidado en adultos mayores / Efeito da autotranscendência, do autodistanciamento e da funcionalidade familiar na agência do autocuidado em idosos

Objective. To determine the effect of self-distancing, self-transcendence, and family functioning on self-care agency in Mexican older adults. Methods. Correlational-explanatory design, with a sample of 253 elderly, collecting data through a simple random sampling. A personal data questionnaire was applied, the scale of: self-transcendence, the self-distancing subscale, the family APGAR and the ability to self-care in Mexican population from different demographic groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied (Mann-Whitney U and a structural equation model) and the study was approved by a registered ethics committee. Results.The study had participation from 253 elderly, with a mean age of 68.02 years, with prevalence of the female sex (60.1%); the level of education was primary school or lower (51.4%). It was observed that the group of chronic diseases had lower self-distancing (U = 4.449.5, p = 0.038) and greater self-transcendence (U = 4177.0, p = 0.008), and selfcare (U = 4365.5, p = 0.024) than the group without chronic diseases. It was also found that self-transcendence, self-distancing, and family functionality produce a positive effect of 37% on selfcare. Conclusion. Self-distancing, self-transcendence, and family functionality explain an important proportion of selfcare in the elderly. Said knowledge permits understanding the care behavior of the elderly and, thus, propose future educational interventions by nursing to prevent or avoid functional, cognitive loss and social effects.

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto del autodistanciamiento, autotrascendencia y funcionamiento familiar sobre la agencia de autocuidado en adultos mayores mexicanos. Métodos. Diseño correlacional-explicativo, con una muestra de 253 adultos mayores, recolectado mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó un cuestionario de datos personales, la escala de: autotrascendencia, la subescala de autodistanciamiento, el APGAR familiar y la capacidad de autocuidado en población mexicana de diferentes grupos demográficos. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva e inferencial (U de Mann-Whitney y un modelo de ecuación estructural) y contó con la aprobación de un comité de ética registrado. Resultados. Participaron 253 adultos mayores, con una media de 68.02 años, predominó el sexo femenino (60.1 %) y el grado de estudio de primaria o menor (51.4 %). Se observó que el grupo de enfermedades crónicas tuvo menor autodistanciamiento (U = 4.449,5, p = 0.038) y mayor autotrascendencia (U = 4.177,0, p = 0,008) y autocuidado (U = 4.365,5, p = 0.024) que el grupo sin enfermedades crónicas. También se encontró que la autotrascendencia, autodistanciamiento y funcionalidad familiar producen un efecto positivo de un 37 % sobre el autocuidado. Conclusión. El autodistanciamiento, autotrascendencia y la funcionalidad familiar explican una importante proporción del autocuidado en los adultos mayores. Dicho conocimiento permite entender la conducta del cuidado del adulto mayor y de esta manera proponer a futuro intervenciones educativas por enfermería con miras a prevenir o evitar la pérdida funcional, cognitiva y afectaciones sociales.

Objetivo. Determinar o efeito do autodistanciamento, da autotranscendência e do funcionamento familiar na capacidade de autocuidado em idosos mexicanos. Métodos. Desenho correlacional-explicativo, com amostra de 253 idosos, coletada por meio de amostragem aleatória simples. Aplicou-se um questionário de dados pessoais, a escala de autotranscendência, a subescala de autodistanciamento, o APGAR familiar e a capacidade de autocuidado na população mexicana de diferentes grupos demográficos. Estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais (U de Mann-Whitney e modelo de equações estruturais) foram aplicadas e tiveram aprovação de um comitê de ética registrado. Resultados. Participaram 253 idosos, com idade média de 68.02 anos, predominou o sexo feminino (60.1%) e o nível de escolaridade era fundamental ou inferior (51.4%). Observou-se que o grupo com doenças crônicas apresentou menor autodistanciamento (U=4.449.5, p=0.038) e maior autotranscendência (U=4177.0, p=0.008) e autocuidado (U=4365.5, p= 0.024) que o grupo sem doenças Crônicas. Verificou-se também que a autotranscendência, o autodistanciamento e a funcionalidade familiar produzem um efeito positivo de 37% no autocuidado. Conclusão. O autodistanciamento, a autotranscendência e a funcionalidade familiar explicam uma proporção importante do autocuidado em idosos. Esse conhecimento permite compreender o comportamento de cuidar do idoso e desta forma propor futuras intervenções educativas pela enfermagem com vistas a prevenir ou evitar perdas funcionais, cognitivas e efeitos sociais.

Perception of Complementary Medicine and Treatment Adherence as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Individuals with Chronic Conditions in Mexico.

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths. In Mexico, these pose major challenges due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate primary care quality. Complementary medicine presents itself as an adjuvant in this context, offering minimally invasive techniques to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, effective treatment adherence is crucial for positive outcomes, influenced by self-efficacy, resulting in persistently low adherence rates-a pressing public health concern. This observational study aimed to explore how perceptions of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic diseases in Mexico. Data were collected from 113 participants with chronic conditions, including T2DM, HTN, and obesity. Participants completed surveys assessing perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The study revealed significant correlations between the perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Treatment adherence was positively associated with self-efficacy, while perception of holistic medicine was negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Perception of complementary medicine and adherence to treatment were found to predict 41.9% (p = 0.001) self-efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing self-efficacy levels, and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare approaches in managing chronic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and their implications for healthcare outcomes in Mexico and beyond.

Pirfenidone Reverts Global DNA Hypomethylation, Promoting DNMT1/UHRF/PCNA Coupling Complex in Experimental Hepatocarcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is associated with altered modifications in DNA methylation, changing transcriptional regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate how pirfenidone (PFD) modifies this pathway and the effect generated by the association between c-Myc expression and DNMT1 activation. Rats F344 were used for HCC development using 50 mg/kg of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 25 mg/kg of 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). The HCC/PFD group received simultaneous doses of 300 mg/kg of PFD. All treatments lasted 12 weeks. On the other hand, HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the effects of PFD in restoring DNA methylation in the presence of the inhibitor 5-Aza. Histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and western blot analysis were carried out and our findings showed that PFD treatment reduced the amount and size of tumors along with decreased Glipican-3, ß-catenin, and c-Myc expression in nuclear fractions. Also, this treatment improved lipid metabolism by modulating PPARγ and SREBP1 signaling. Interestingly, PFD augmented DNMT1 and DNMT3a protein expression, which restores global methylation, both in our in vivo and in vitro models. In conclusion, our results suggest that PFD could slow down HCC development by controlling DNA methylation.

Inhibition of autophagy prevents cardiac dysfunction at early stages of cardiomyopathy in Bag3-deficient hearts.

The HSP70 co-chaperone BAG3 targets unfolded proteins to degradation via chaperone assisted selective autophagy (CASA), thereby playing pivotal roles in the proteostasis of adult cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, the complex functions of BAG3 for regulating autophagy in cardiac disease are not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that conditional inactivation of Bag3 in murine CMs leads to age-dependent dysregulation of autophagy, associated with progressive cardiomyopathy. Surprisingly, Bag3-deficient CMs show increased canonical and non-canonical autophagic flux in the juvenile period when first signs of cardiac dysfunction appear, but reduced autophagy during later stages of the disease. Juvenile Bag3-deficient CMs are characterized by decreased levels of soluble proteins involved in synchronous contraction of the heart, including the gap junction protein Connexin 43 (CX43). Reiterative administration of chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of canonical and non-canonical autophagy, but not inactivation of Atg5, restores normal concentrations of soluble cardiac proteins in juvenile Bag3-deficient CMs without an increase of detergent-insoluble proteins, leading to complete recovery of early-stage cardiac dysfunction in Bag3-deficient mice. We conclude that loss of Bag3 in CMs leads to age-dependent differences in autophagy and cardiac dysfunction. Increased non-canonical autophagic flux in the juvenile period removes soluble proteins involved in cardiac contraction, leading to early-stage cardiomyopathy, which is prevented by reiterative CQ treatment.

Functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex in autism spectrum disorder.

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) brain scans of adolescents diagnosed with ASD and a neurotypical control group. The Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) consortium was utilized to acquire data from the University of Michigan (145 subjects) and data from the New York University (183 subjects). The posterior cingulate cortex showed reduced connectivity with the anterior cingulate cortex for the ASD group compared to the control group. These two brain regions have previously both been linked to ASD symptomology. Specifically, the posterior cingulate cortex has been associated with behavioral control and executive functions, which appear to be responsible for the repetitive and restricted behaviors (RRB) in ASD. Our findings support previous data indicating a neurobiological basis of the disorder, and the specific functional connectivity changes involving the posterior cingulate cortex and anterior cingulate cortex may be a potential neurobiological biomarker for the observed RRBs in ASD.

Sex differences in visuospatial cognition- a female advantage in jigsaw puzzle solving.

Mentally visualizing objects, understanding relationships between two- or three- dimensional objects, and manipulating objects in space are some examples of visuospatial abilities. Numerous studies have shown that male participants outperform female participants in visuospatial tasks, particularly in mental rotation. One exception is solving jigsaw puzzles. Performance by seven- to eight-year-old girls was found to be superior to that of boys of the same age (Kocijan et al. 2017). No study, however, has confirmed this finding in an adult population, where sex differences are often detectable. Seventy-nine young adult participants were given four different jigsaw puzzles and the Shepard and Metzler mental rotation test (MRT) with two main goals: First, to investigate possible sex differences in jigsaw puzzle solving, and second, to explore a potential relationship between mental rotation and jigsaw puzzle solving. We hypothesized that female participants would outperform males in the jigsaw puzzles but males would outperform females in the MRT. The findings confirmed this hypothesis. Notably, the male performance in jigsaw puzzle solving was attributed to their sex and mediated by their higher MRT scores. These results yielded two key insights. First, they indicate a dissociation between these two visuospatial abilities, jigsaw puzzle solving and mental rotation; and second, female and male participants capitalize on their distinct cognitive strengths when solving visuospatial tasks.

Increase in gonococcal arthritis in Madrid, Spain, 2022-2023.

In recent years, there has been an increase in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Europe and Spain. Disseminated gonococcal infection is an uncommon clinical presentation that includes gonococcal arthritis. Improved antibiotic treatment has reduced the incidence of gonococcal arthritis. However, the increase in gonococcal infections may have increased the frequency of this clinical entity in recent times. We report five cases of gonococcal arthritis in patients in a tertiary-care hospital in the northern area of Madrid (Spain) from October 2022 to October 2023. Major cases occurred in male patients with unprotected sex and polyarticular symptoms requiring hospital admission and treatment with ceftriaxone and cefixime. The use of molecular techniques has allowed the detection of a greater number of culture-negative cases of gonococcal arthritis, as well as the detection of mutations associated with resistance to fluoroquinolone for switching to oral treatment.