Strength of the perception action coupling in human body discrimination tasks.

Perceiving and extracting information from others rely on functional Perception Action Coupling. Because motor experiences influence the strength of the perception action coupling, we explored the duality between vision and proprioceptive information about the self and others in body perception using a sequential same-different visual task from 6 to 7 years old to adults. Using a same-different matching task combined with congruent or incongruent action execution, this study explored in 30 children (M ± SD: 9.2 ± 1.5; 16♀), 33 adolescents (M ± SD: 14.7 ± 1.5; 16♀) and 28 adults (M ± SD: 29.5 ± 6.5; 12♀) how the congruence of the perception action coupling could influence the body representation building in memorizing and discriminating other's postures. The first result revealed better performances to perceive other's body postural changes compared to objects' shapes modifications as early as 6-7 years old. Nevertheless, this ability needs a long time to mature as reflected by the lower performances in children compared to older groups, i.e. adolescents and young adults. In addition, executing a congruent action during the encoding phase increased the RT, reflecting involvement of additional cognitive processes of self-other correspondence, without improving the performance accuracy, due to a slow maturation of multimodal body representations. On the other hand, executing an incongruent action during the encoding phase revealed an interference effect to perceive others' posture, demonstrated by the decrease of performance accuracy. As we initially hypothesized, the strength of perception action coupling appears to be modulated by age. Indeed, the interference effect had a greater impact in adolescents involved in a different judgment of two body postures. Therefore, the assessment of the perception action coupling may predict the body representation maturity in typical development or internal body representation dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Effectiveness of community-based initiatives for mitigation of land degradation after wildfires.

Local communities, informed about the main post-fire environmental threats, applied land restoration techniques after the 2017 Ponte Caldelas wildfire (Galicia, Spain). Volunteers crews, supervised by local researchers/technicians identified high-severity burned areas and applied: post-fire mulch by using corn mulch (chopped corn at a rate of 4 Mg ha-1), corn strip mulch (chopped corn on 1-m wide contourline-strips at the bottom of plots, at 1 Mg ha-1) and wheat mulch (wheat straw, at 2 Mg ha-1), as well as acorn seeding with native oak (Quercus robur) acorns. Furthermore, the mulch effect on seed germination/root elongation was tested in the laboratory using direct topsoil samples and <0.45 microns-filtered soil solutions. Soil erosion during the first post-fire year was 27-11 Mg ha-1 for the Parada-Laforet sites, respectively. Corn, corn strip, and wheat mulching were very effective at reducing soil erosion, leading to 95, 76% and 93% less erosion than in untreated plots. During post-fire year 2 mulching was still effective at reducing soil erosion in the case of corn (87%) and corn strip mulch (73%), but less effective with straw mulch (36%). For the third year no differences were observed. Acorn seedling establishment failed in 96% of the cases. Still, survival rate of the germinated acorns was significantly higher on the mulched (50%) than on the untreated spots (26%; p<0.05). The laboratory experiments also showed higher germination rates, shoot length and biomass in mulched than untreated soils. The results demonstrated that the mulching measures applied by the local volunteers were effective for preventing soil erosion after forest fires. The success of ecosystem restoration with acorn seeding was low due to the low germination and the high predation by rodents, and further research is needed to scale acorn seeding to natural recruitment rates.

A reduced level of consciousness affects non-conscious processes.

Being conscious is a profound aspect of human existence, and understanding its function and its inception is considered one of the truly grand scientific challenges. However, the nature of consciousness remains enigmatic, to a large part because "being conscious" can refer to both the content (phenomenology) and the level (arousal) of consciousness, and how these different aspects are related remains unclear. To empirically assess the relation between level and content of consciousness, we manipulated these two aspects by presenting stimuli consciously or non-consciously and by using Propofol sedation, while brain activity was measured using fMRI. We observed that sedation affected both conscious and non-conscious processes but at different hierarchical levels; while conscious processing was altered in higher-order regions (the intraparietal sulcus) and spared sensory areas, the opposite effect was observed for non-conscious processing. The observation that Propofol affected non-conscious processing calls for a reconsideration of what kind of information one can gain on "consciousness" from recording neural responses to sedation without considering both (content) conscious and (content) non-conscious processing.

[Prevalence of dermatological diseases in Primary Care]. / Prevalencia de enfermedades dermatológicas en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To guide the training of Primary Care physicians in the most prevalent and relevant skin pathologies, it is necessary to study their prevalence in the Primary Care consultation and describe their characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study. It took place at the Porriño Health Center (Pontevedra, Spain). A total of 305 patients of the same quota participated, recruited in consultation during 41days between September 2018 and February 2019, selected by systematic sampling coinciding with those mentioned at the hour between 9 and 13hours and, failing that, we selected the next of those mentioned. The variables were analyzed: age, sex, educational and economic level, diagnostic means, previous diagnosis of dermatological disease, treatment, follow-up and relationship with systemic diseases. The statistical analysis performed was descriptive and bivariate by sex with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: 161 women and 144 men participated, age and number of consultations being non-parametric. Median age was 59years (IQR: 42-69), with no significant differences between sexes. 69.83% (95%CI: 64.46-74.71) present between 1 and 5 types of skin lesions grouped in 33 different diagnoses. The 15 most frequent pathologies account for 77.35% (95%CI: 75.80-84.48) of diagnoses. As the most relevant pathologies, we observed two basal cell carcinomas and one squamous cell carcinoma (0.98%; 95%CI: 0.34-2.85). CONCLUSIONS: Dermatological diseases have a high prevalence in Primary Care.

Evaluación mediante grupos focales de las expectativas y percepciones de las mujeres durante el proceso del parto / Evaluation by focus groups on women's expectations and perceptions during the birth process

Objetivos. Actualmente el proceso de atención al parto es objeto de un excesivo intervencionismo, no siempre avalado por la evidencia científica, y descuidándose aspectos organizativos y de humanización. Pretendemos analizar la percepción y expectativas de las madres en la atención a su parto, puerperio y lactancia en los hospitales públicos del Servicio Gallego de Salud, para informar y facilitar la mejora de de este servicio en ellos. Material y métodos. Se realizaron 14 grupos focales (uno por cada hospital público de Galicia), compuestos de mujeres que dieron a luz en el año 2008 mediante parto vaginal o cesárea no programada. Resultados. Se analiza el proceso del parto, identificando secuencialmente los elementos importantes para las madres, positivos y negativos, y las propuestas de mejora. Sus vivencias y opiniones, especialmente en aspectos como su participación en la toma de decisiones, la tecnificación del parto y la lactancia han permitido llevar a cabo una evaluación del funcionamiento del área de maternidad. Al investigar las expectativas y demandas de las usuarias se ha obtenido información de la calidad percibida, y se ha respondido a la necesidad de las madres de compartir su experiencia de parto. Conclusiones. Las madres demandan un trato más humano, empatía, más información y participación. Los procesos clave en los que se debe realizar un mayor esfuerzo en la aplicación de estos elementos son la dilatación y la estancia en la planta (AU)

Objectives: Delivery care giving is undergoing excessive interventionism today, not supported by scientific evidence, neglecting organisational aspects and individualisation. This study analyses the perception of mothers during their delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding periods in the Galician Health Service, in order to inform and help to improve this service. Material and methods: A total of 14 focus group meetings were held (one in each Galician public hospital), consisting of women who, in 2008, delivered by vaginal delivery or those who were not scheduled for a caesarean section. Results: The process of birth analysis can identify a sequence of important elements both positive and negative, for mothers, and may lead to suggestions for improvement. Their experiences and opinions, especially in aspects such as participation in decision-making, mechanisation of labour and lactation, may help to conduct an assessment of the maternity ward operating. When investigating expectations and demands from users, information from perceived quality is received, and also mothers’ experience is shared. Conclusions: Mothers call for humanity, empathy, information and participation. Facing the implementation of these elements, the key processes for working harder are the dilation stage and hospital staying (AU)

[Evaluation by focus groups on women's expectations and perceptions during the birth process]. / Evaluación mediante grupos focales de las expectativas y percepciones de las mujeres durante el proceso del parto.

OBJECTIVES: Delivery care giving is undergoing excessive interventionism today, not supported by scientific evidence, neglecting organisational aspects and individualisation. This study analyses the perception of mothers during their delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding periods in the Galician Health Service, in order to inform and help to improve this service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14 focus group meetings were held (one in each Galician public hospital), consisting of women who, in 2008, delivered by vaginal delivery or those who were not scheduled for a caesarean section. RESULTS: The process of birth analysis can identify a sequence of important elements both positive and negative, for mothers, and may lead to suggestions for improvement. Their experiences and opinions, especially in aspects such as participation in decision-making, mechanisation of labour and lactation, may help to conduct an assessment of the maternity ward operating. When investigating expectations and demands from users, information from perceived quality is received, and also mothers' experience is shared. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers call for humanity, empathy, information and participation. Facing the implementation of these elements, the key processes for working harder are the dilation stage and hospital staying.

Las unidades funcionales para la gestión de riesgos sanitarios (seguridad del paciente / Operational units for health risk management (patient safety)

En 1995, el INSALUD comenzó a desarrollar actuaciones de asesoría en gestión de riesgos que después de las transferencias culminaron en el desarrollo de estructuras funcionales en los centros sanitarios. Estas unidades están compuestas por un conjunto de profesionales, incluidos directivos, y tienen como objetivo identificar, evaluar, analizar y tratar los riesgos sanitarios para mejorar la seguridad de los pacientes. Su estructura organizativa puede variar en función de necesidades, recursos y filosofía de cada organización. En este artículo se presenta la experiencia de las unidades de gestión de riesgo desarrolladas en las comunidades autónomas de Madrid, País Vasco, INGESA (Ceuta y Melilla) y Galicia. Asimismo, se plantea una reflexión sobre la evaluación de su impacto y sus futuras funciones para mejorar la seguridad de los servicios sanitarios (AU)

In 1995 INSALUD began to develop performance measures in the field of risk management, and following transfer of powers to the regions, these led to the development of operational units in individual healthcare centres. These units, which consist of a group of health professionals, including managers, aim to identify, evaluate, analyse and deal with health risks, to enhance patient safety. Their organisational structure can vary in accordance with the needs, resources and philosophy of each individual organisation. This paper presents the experience of the risk management units developed in four Spanish regions: Madrid, the Basque Country, Galicia and INGESA (Ceuta and Melilla). It also includes reflections on assessment of their impact and on their future role in improving safety in healthcare services (AU)

[Operational units for health risk management (patient safety)]. / Las unidades funcionales para la gestión de riesgos sanitarios (seguridad del paciente).

In 1995 INSALUD began to develop performance measures in the field of risk management, and following transfer of powers to the regions, these led to the development of operational units in individual healthcare centres. These units, which consist of a group of health professionals, including managers, aim to identify, evaluate, analyse and deal with health risks, to enhance patient safety. Their organisational structure can vary in accordance with the needs, resources and philosophy of each individual organisation. This paper presents the experience of the risk management units developed in four Spanish regions: Madrid, the Basque Country, Galicia and INGESA (Ceuta and Melilla). It also includes reflections on assessment of their impact and on their future role in improving safety in healthcare services.

Volatile compounds secreted by Brindley's glands of adult Triatoma infestans: identification and biological activity of previously unidentified compounds.

Volatile emissions of adult male Triatoma infestans were collected on non-polar SPME fibers and analyzed by gas chromatography linked to a mass spectrometer. A complex mixture of 16 short-chain esters and acids were identified. The composition of short-chain aliphatic acids (ethanoic to nonanoic acids) was similar to previously reported results. The most abundant aliphatic acid was 2-methylpropanoic acid, constituting 18% of the total volatile content. Also abundant were the esters 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate, which constituted 30% and 22%, respectively, of the total volatile content. A similar pattern of compounds was observed in the volatiles secreted by dissected male Brindley's glands; however, in this case, 2- and 3-methylbutan-1-ol were detected which were not found in live insect volatile emissions. Large variability in volatile composition was also observed among the glands excised from different insects. Electroantennographic (EAG) evaluation of the components of Brindley's gland showed significant responses for 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate compared to controls. The mixture of volatiles secreted by excised Brindley's glands and the isolated 2- and 3-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate had repellent effects on both male and female T. infestans, possibly associated with a defensive strategy.

Clinical, pathological and toxicological findings of a iatrogenic selenium toxicosis case in feeder pigs.

Histopathological and toxicological analyses confirmed a clinical diagnosis of selenium (Se) intoxication in pigs from a farm in Spain. After an initial episode of diarrhoea, animals presented both dermatological and neurological signs; the most obvious sign was a marked hind limb paresis. Cutaneous lesions consisted on diffuse alopecia, multifocal skin necrosis and coronary band necrosis of the hooves. Central nervous system lesions involved the cervical and lumbar intumescences of the spinal cord and consisted of a severe, bilateral symmetrical poliomyelomalacia of the ventral horns; pons and medulla oblongata also presented lesions of polioencephalomalacia. Analyses of feed and sera from clinically affected pigs revealed a marked increase in Se concentration. Clinical investigations indicated that a failure in Se dosage in feed was the cause of the toxicosis.

Behavioural response of Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to quinazolines.

The behavioural responses of the haematophagous bug Triatoma infestans towards some previously identified components of its faeces: 4-methylquinazoline, 2,4- dimethylquinazoline and their mixtures were evaluated using a video tracking system. Fifth instar nymphs and females but not males were significantly attracted to polyethylene glycol formulations of 4-methyl + 2,4-dimethylquinazoline (50 microg each). Fifth instar nymphs were also attracted to 4-methylquinazoline alone (50 microg) but females were only attracted by the mixture of both methyl quinazolines (50 microg each). Syntheses of both methyl quinazolines were carried out starting from 2-aminoacetophenone by modifying the conditions of reported procedures.

Resynchronization of hormonal rhythms after an eastbound flight in humans: effects of slow-release caffeine and melatonin.

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential chronobiotic properties of slow-release caffeine, in comparison with melatonin, on resynchronization of endogenous melatonin and cortisol secretions after an eastbound flight by jet incurring a time loss of 7 h. A group of 27 reservists of the US Air Force received either slow-release caffeine (300 mg), melatonin (5 mg) or placebo before, during and/or after the transmeridian flight. Saliva and urine were sampled before the flight in the United States (from day -2 to day 0) and after the flight in France (from day 1 to day 10). Saliva was collected once a day on waking to determine saliva melatonin and cortisol concentrations. In addition, concentrations of caffeine in saliva were determined three times a day and of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in urine collected overnight to check that the treatment regimes had been complied with. From day 3 to day 5, post-flight saliva melatonin concentrations were significantly different from control values in the placebo group only. During treatment with melatonin, the mean urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin concentration in the melatonin group was more than twice as high as in the two other groups. In the slow-release caffeine group and the melatonin group, mean saliva cortisol concentrations were significantly lower than control from day 2 to day 5, whereas the placebo group had a mean saliva cortisol concentration significantly lower than the control value from day 2 to day 9. In conclusion, these results indicate that administration of slow-release caffeine, as well as of melatonin, allows a faster resynchronization of hormone rhythms during the 4 days following an eastbound flight incurring the loss of 7 h.

[Disorders in gaze saccades in Huntington disease. Clinical correlations]. / Störung der Blicksakkaden bei der Huntington-Krankheit. Klinische Korrelationen.

Oculomotor abnormalities have long been recognized in Huntington's disease (HD). The precise correlation between them and other clinical findings has not yet been determined. Using videonystagmography, we studied reflexive, visually guided horizontal saccades in 32 patients with genetically confirmed HD: nine female and 23 male patients, including six with young onset HD (YOHD), 19 with adult onset HD (AOD), and seven with late onset HD (LOHD). Huntington's patients exhibited increased saccade latency (P < 0.05), decreased saccade velocity (P < 0.0005), and impaired saccade accuracy (P < 0.01). A significant difference between the different groups of patients could be determined, and YOHD was characterized by normal latency and decreased saccade velocity while LOHD showed increased saccade latency but normal velocity. Furthermore, we found a significant difference between the genetic data (length of CAG-repeats) and saccadic abnormalities, with higher repeat numbers corresponding to shorter latency and decreased velocity, as in YOHD. The study of saccade parameters might be useful as an objective method for testing the effectiveness of future therapies.

Tolcapone increases plasma catecholamine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Tolcapone is a catechol-ortho-methyl-tranferase (COMT) inhibitor that increases the L-DOPA half-life and the duration of effect in Parkinson's disease. We investigated the effect of tolcapone on the plasma catecholamine levels. We measured plasma catecholamines 2h after the first daily dose of L-DOPA or L-DOPA+tolcapone while resting and 2 and 10min after standing. We also measured the pharmacokinetics of L-DOPA and 3-OM-DOPA and the clinical response to the medication for 6h after the early morning dose. The levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline and total catecholamines significantly increased and 3-OM-DOPA decreased with tolcapone. We did not observe significant changes in the plasma L-DOPA levels at the doses of tolcapone used in this study. Tolcapone side effects included worsening of dyskinesia and psychosis, diarrhea and elevation of liver enzymes. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory recording of arterial blood pressure and heart rate did not reveal cardiovascular side effects in patients treated with tolcapone for less than 1year. Since adrenergic stimulation may increase the hepatotoxic potential of commonly used drugs, usually thought of as safe for the liver, we postulate that some of the already reported life threatening complications of tolcapone could be related to excessive adrenergic stimulation by high catecholamine levels caused by inhibition of COMT activity.

Prevalencia de lesiones neuropatológicas de enfermedad de Alzheimer y de Parkison en individuos asintomáticos / Neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's and Parkinson diseases in asyntomatic individuals

Objetivos: Búsqueda de lesiones neuropatológicas características de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) y de la enfermedad Parkinson (EP) en cerebros autopsiados de pacientes sin clínica neurológica. Pacientes y métodos: Del archivo del Banco de Tejidos para Investigación Neurológica se seleccionaron 60 casos sin historia de enfermedad neurológica de edades comprendidas entre 46 y 90 años. Sobre bloques fijados en formol e incluidos en parafina correspondientes a corteza cerebral (frontal, temporal, parieto-occipital), hipocampo (anterior y posterior) y mesencéfalo, se realizaron técnicas de hematoxifina-eosina; plata-metenamina modificada y Bieischowsky, en la corteza cerebral e hipocampos, para la determinación de lesiones de tipo EA; y técnicas de inmunohistoquírnica para el anticuerpo ubiquitina (Ub) para la detección de cuerpos de Lewy (CL) en la sustancia nigra. La cuantificación de las lesiones se realizó mediante los criterios del CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Aizbeimer Disease). Resultados: Se observaron lesiones de tipo Alzheimer, presencia de ovillos neurofibrilares (ONF), placas seniles, difusas y neuríticas. Atendiendo a la intensidad y distribución de las mismas se clasificaron en 'posibles EA' en el 13,3 por ciento (8 casos) y 'normales' en el 86,7 por ciento (52 casos),15 de los cuales no mostraron nigún tipo de lesión. En cuanto a las lesiones de EP; se observaron CL ubiquitina+ en 10 casos (17 por ciento), de los cuales 5 presentaron tanto CL como neuritas Ub+, mientras que en 17 casos (28 por ciento) sólo se observaron neuritas Ub+. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se ha detectado una proporción significativa de pacientes sin clínica neurológica con lesiones características de EA o EP, según criterios diagnósticos de consenso, que sugieren la existencia de una fase preclínica prolongada en estas enfermedades neurodegenerativas. Un estudio más detallado de este subgrupo de individuos puede proporcionar claves patogénicas sobre las primeras fases del proceso neurodegenerativo (AU)

Repellency of deet to nymphs of Triatoma infestans.

The repellency of N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet) to Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) was evaluated using third-instar nymphs and a video tracking technique. Three experimental designs were used: (a) the test arena floor was divided into two halves, only one of which was treated with deet; (b) the arena floor was divided into an inner circle and an outer ring, only the latter treated with deet; (c) half of the test arena was covered by a filter paper roof treated with deet (out of reach of the nymphs). In all three types of experiment, a repellent effect was demonstrated proportional to the dose of deet. When a host (pigeon) was shielded by deet-treated gauze, the rate of blood-feeding by the nymphs was inhibited. Topical pre-treatment of the nymphs with N-ethylmaleimide, to block chemoreception, inhibited the repellency.

Bradykinesia in Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by the presence of hyperkinesias, but bradykinesia is also present in most patients. We studied the motor performance of 18 patients with genetically proven HD (age, 38.5 +/- 10 y; clinical stage, 1.7 +/- 1.7; (CAG) triplet length, 49.2 +/- 6.8 triplets; all but three patients were free from neuroleptics) and compared with a control group (n = 18) and with a typical Parkinson's disease (PD) group (n = 20). Motor study included the four timed tests commonly used for PD: Pronation-supination (PS), finger dexterity (FD), movement between two points (MTP) and walking test (WT). Tests were done at 9 AM. The PD group was studied in "off" condition, with no medication given for 12 hours. The HD group was slower than the controls on all tasks (all tests significant, p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test) and even slower than PD group (for FD, p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between each test and clinical stage (for PS, r = 0.84; for FD, r = 0.75; for MTP, r = 087, and for WT, r = 0.77, Pearson). Severe bradykinesia was present in HD, and motor impairment is related to clinical stage.

Clinical genetics of familial progressive supranuclear palsy.

Recent studies have shown that progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) could be inherited, but the pattern of inheritance and the spectrum of the clinical findings in relatives are unknown. We here report 12 pedigrees, confirmed by pathology in four probands, with familial PSP. Pathological diagnosis was confirmed according to recently reported internationally agreed criteria. The spectrum of the clinical phenotypes in these families was variable including 34 typical cases of PSP (12 probands plus 22 secondary cases), three patients with postural tremor, three with dementia, one with parkinsonism, two with tremor, dystonia, gaze palsy and tics, and one with gait disturbance. The presence of affected members in at least two generations in eight of the families and the absence of consanguinity suggests autosomal dominant transmission with incomplete penetrance. We conclude that hereditary PSP is more frequent than previously thought and that the scarcity of familial cases may be related to a lack of recognition of the variable phenotypic expression of the disease.

Home-based therapies for the common cold among European American and ethnic minority families: the interface between alternative/complementary and folk medicine.

BACKGROUND: Most studies of alternative/complementary medicine use in children have focused on children with chronic illness and have not addressed the more common form of complementary medicine: popular home-based interventions and therapies for common low-morbidity sickness episodes. Also, there has often been a distinction between alternative/ complementary medical practices used by the general population and those used by members of ethnic minority groups and commonly referred to as folk medicine or ethnomedicine. OBJECTIVE: To describe the home-based therapies and practices that parents from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds use to treat the common cold in their children. METHOD: Interviews with mothers of children coming for care at a number of clinics and physicians' offices. Included were mothers from European American, African American, Puerto Rican, and West Indian-Caribbean heritages. RESULTS: Mean number of home-based remedies for the common cold did not differ among ethnic groups (controlling for maternal age, maternal education, number of children, and health insurance status). There were differences among groups regarding the frequency of use of specific remedies. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based remedies for colds in childhood are commonly used. Many of the treatments are complementary to biomedical treatment (ie, antipyretics, over-the-counter cold remedies, fluids). Very few are potentially hazardous if taken in moderation. Mothers from ethnic minorities use similar amounts of homebased interventions when compared with mothers from the majority culture.