Requerimientos para la producción e implementación de un Material Educativo Digital / Requirements for Producing and Implementing Digital Educational Materials

Introducción: La revolución digital ha llegado al campo educativo y exige que los entornos educativos digitales generen experiencias educativas contundentes. Para realizar este proceso, es fundamental diseñar y construir un material educativo digital (MED) ajustado a los lineamientos tecnológicos, técnicos y pedagógicos enmarcados en la neurobiología del aprendizaje (NA) del estudiante. Objetivo: Evaluar los elementos necesarios para la producción de un material educativo digital (MED) inédito, mediante su implementación en estudiantes. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis cuantitativo a través del Test de Wilcoxon SR con el software SPSS de IBM, y un análisis cualitativo con el software QDA Miner. Posteriormente, se triangularon los datos. Resultados: En el análisis cuantitativo se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el pretest y el postest (p < 0,001) y la mediana entre dicha diferencia de 22,6 por ciento. En el análisis cualitativo se definieron tres categorías: los comentarios positivos de la experiencia, las sugerencias de los estudiantes al proceso y las dificultades técnicas surgidas durante la implementación. Conclusiones: Son evidentes el interés, la motivación, el enganche y el disfrute de los estudiantes de una forma activa en el proceso de aprendizaje, que proporcionan un punto de partida para transformar las prácticas educativas con resultados significativos(AU)

Introduction: The digital revolution has reached the educational field and demands that digital educational environments generate powerful educational experiences. To carry out this process, it is essential to design and build a digital educational material adjusted to the technological, technical and pedagogical guidelines framed in the student's neurobiology of learning. Objective: To evaluate the necessary elements for the production of an unpublished digital educational material, through its implementation in students. Methods: A quantitative analysis was performed through the Wilcoxon SR test using the IBM SPSS software, together with a qualitative analysis using the QDA Miner software. Subsequently, the data were triangulated. Results: The quantitative analysis yielded a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest (p < 0.001), as well as a median difference of 22.6 percent. The qualitative analysis permitted to define three categories: positive comments on the experience, the students' suggestions to the process, and technical difficulties encountered during the implementation. Conclusions: The students' active interest in, motivation for, engagement towards and enjoyment of the learning process are evident, facts that provide a starting point for transforming educational practices with significant outcomes(AU)

Christofredo Jakob, los cimientos de la neurociencia argentina / Christofredo Jakob, the foundations of argentine neuroscience

El presente artículo es una reseña biográfica de la vida del Dr. Christofredo Jakob, desde su formación en Alemania, las personalidades que acompañaron su desarrollo y las publicaciones científicas en suelo germano. Luego llegarían los inicios de su trabajo en la Argentina y los principales alcances de sus investigaciones. A través de esta reseña recorremos los comienzos del estudio sistemático del sistema nervioso en el país y recordamos el Día del Neurocientífico argentino. (AU)

This article is a biographical review of the life of Dr. Christofredo Jakob, from his training in Germany, the personalities who accompanied his development and the scientific publications on German soil. Then came the beginnings of his work in Argentina and the main achievements of his research. Through this review, we retrace the beginnings of the systematic study of the nervous system in the country and we remember the Day of the Argentine Neuroscientist. (AU)

The cannabinoids mechanism of action: an overview / Mecanismo de ação dos canabinoides: visão geral

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The discovery of the psychoactive agent of Cannabis sativa (tetrahydrocannabinol - THC) in the second half of the 20th century originated the research that later came to identify dozens of other substances from this plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Ensuing description of their interaction sites in animals and humans, together with endogenous ligands, transport proteins as well as synthesis and degradation enzymes, revealed what came to be known as the endocannabinoid system. Several receptors participate in this system. CONTENTS: The first receptors to be discovered were called CB1 and CB2, both are G protein-coupled (GPCR). It is noteworthy that CB1 receptors are among the most abundant and widely distributed GPCR in the mammalian brain, with marked expression in basal ganglia, cerebellum and hippocampus, for instance; on the other hand, they are scarce in areas of the brainstem related to breathing control. In light of the multiplicity of pharmacological effects of cannabinoids, concomitant with the lack of more clarifying studies on their mechanisms of action despite the great interest in research on their therapeutic application, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge in this area. CONCLUSION: Considering the literature research conducted for the composition of this article, it is possible to conclude that cannabinoids have a broad spectrum of action mechanisms in the human body, and that more robust clinical studies are needed to better understand their broad therapeutic potential.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A descoberta do princípio psicoativo da Cannabis sativa (tetrahidrocanabinol - THC) na segunda metade do século XX inaugurou pesquisas que posteriormente vieram a identificar dezenas de outras substâncias a partir dessa planta, incluindo canabinoides, terpenos e flavonoides. A subsequente descrição dos sítios de interação dessas substâncias em animais e humanos, assim como seus ligantes endógenos, proteínas de transporte e enzimas de síntese e degradação, revelou o que veio a ser conhecido como sistema endocanabinoide. Diversos receptores participam deste sistema. CONTEÚDO: Os primeiros receptores a serem descobertos foram denominados CB1 e CB2, ambos são acoplados à proteína G (GPCR). É importante ressaltar que os receptores CB1 estão entre os GPCRs mais abundantes e amplamente distribuídos do encéfalo de mamíferos, com marcada expressão, por exemplo, em gânglios da base, cerebelo e hipocampo; em contrapartida, são escassos em áreas do tronco cerebral relacionadas ao controle da respiração. Diante da multiplicidade de efeitos farmacológicos dos canabinoides, concomitante à falta de estudos mais esclarecedores sobre seus mecanismos de ação apesar do grande interesse na pesquisa de sua aplicação terapêutica, é preciso aprofundar o conhecimento nessa área. CONCLUSÃO: Considerando as pesquisas bibliográficas realizadas para a composição deste artigo, é possível concluir que os canabinoides possuem um amplo espectro de mecanismos de ação no organismo humano, e que mais estudos clínicos robustos são necessários para que seja possível entender melhor o seu amplo potencial terapêutico.

Mutual promotion action between the self-directed learning ability of medical students and the effect of flipped classroom teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between the self-directed learning ability of medical students and the effect of flipped classroom teaching.Methods:The questionnaire survey was used. From November to December 2020, 123 students of 5-year program enrolled in 2019 in Peking University Health Science Center were chosen as the study objects and Neurobiology is a required course for them. The Medical Students' Autonomous Learning Ability Assessment Scale (MSALAAS) was used to assess the students' self-directed learning ability. The final examination score and a questionnaire survey were used to assess the teaching effect of the course. Descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney analysis were used to analyze the change of self-directed learning ability of students after the course. One-dimensional linear regression was used to analyze the influence of self-directed learning ability on the final examination score, course experience and course assessment. Results:The total score of MSALAAS was increased from [(109.84 ± 14.12) points] to [(113.65±15.88) points] ( P<0.05) after the course. If the total score of the MSALAAS was referred to as an independent variant, and the final examination score, the course experience and course assessment was referred to as a dependent variable, respectively. The one-dimensional linear regression analysis showed that the total score of the MSALAAS was correlated with the final examination score ( B=0.248, t=3.59, P<0.001), the course experience ( B=0.049, t=3.15, P=0.002) and course assessment ( B=0.048, t=3.18, P=0.002). Conclusion:Flipped classroom teaching can promote the improvement of the self-directed learning ability of medical students. In converse, the students with higher self-directed learning ability might achieve higher examination score and get the better course experience and assessment.

On the construction of private class learning community based on intelligent teaching platform and analysis of its application effects / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In order to improve the effectiveness of private class inquiry with the development of information teaching, the smart teaching platform has been established, with instructional management, curriculum setting, teacher preparation, classroom application, supervision and monitoring modules. Taking the platform as the medium, the small class inquiry learning community of entity curriculum is constructed between students and the teachers. In the eight-year medical teaching, the content of learning cycle is designed according to the entity curriculum, which is issued on cloud platform before class, in class and after class. Students learn basic concepts by themselves in the learning community, explore the application of knowledge under the guidance of teachers, and expand knowledge in class or after class. After having test in teaching procedure, the small class learning community based on smart teaching cloud platform has a submission rate, interaction rate and score rate of more than 90%. It can not only make full use of the advantages of information-based teaching resources, but also build face-to-face learning community in the course teaching, reflecting the emotional interaction of personalized teaching. It's suggested that new approaches to teaching should be student-centered and activity-based, engaging students actively in the learning process, which can promote students' autonomous learning ability and innovative thinking ability.

Neurobiología del trastorno depresivo mayor / Neurobiology of major depressive disorder / Neurobiologia do transtorno depressivo maior

La depresión es una de las patologías más abordadas actualmente, la presencia de síntomas característicos provoca gran precaución y requiere de alto cuidado personal, además, el padecimiento de esta enfermedad se enlaza directamente a los aspectos neurobiológicos que explica los procesos dentro del sistema nervioso central. Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las siguientes teorías de la neurología de la depresión mayor: teoría de la monoaminas, teoría neurotrófica y teoría inflamatoria junto con su relación con la depresión. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura científica relacionados a la neurobiología de la depresión mayor, incluyendo estudios; experimentales, originales, metaanálisis y paginas oficiales. Se utilizó la base de datos PubMed, y Google scholar, cuyos documentos fueron publicados entre 2015 a 2022 en idioma español e inglés; se utilizaron los términos MESH y DeCs: "depresión" "inflamación" "neurobiología" "monoaminas biogénicas". Conclusión: Se concluye que, a pesar de los nuevos descubrimientos en cuanto a diferentes mecanismos de la neurobiología de la depresión, aún existen vacíos por descubrir que impiden desarrollar una teoría unificada de la etiología.

Depression is currently one of the most frequently addressed pathologies, the presence of characteristic symptoms causes great caution and requires high personal care, in addition, the suffering of this disease is directly linked to the neurobiological aspects that explain the processes within the central nervous system. Objective. The aim of the present study is to describe the following theories of the neurology of major depression: monoamine theory, neurotrophic theory and inflammatory theory together with their relation to depression. Methodology. A bibliographic review of the scientific literature related to the neurobiology of major depression was carried out, including experimental studies, original studies, meta-analysis and official pages. The PubMed database was used, and Google scholar, whose documents were published between 2015 to 2022 in Spanish and English language; the terms MESH and DeCs were used: "depression" "inflammation" "neurobiology" "biogenic monoamines". Conclusion: It is concluded that, despite new discoveries regarding different mechanisms of the neurobiology of depression, there are still undiscovered gaps that prevent the development of a unified theory of etiology.

A depressão é uma das patologias mais freqüentemente abordadas atualmente, a presença de sintomas característicos causa grande cautela e requer um alto cuidado pessoal, além disso, o sofrimento desta doença está diretamente ligado aos aspectos neurobiológicos que explicam os processos dentro do sistema nervoso central. Objetivo. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever as seguintes teorias da neurologia da depressão grave: teoria monoamina, teoria neurotrófica e teoria inflamatória, juntamente com sua relação com a depressão. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica da literatura científica relacionada à neurobiologia da depressão grave, incluindo estudos experimentais, estudos originais, meta-análises e páginas oficiais. Utilizamos o banco de dados PubMed e Google scholar, cujos documentos foram publicados entre 2015 e 2022 em espanhol e inglês; usamos os termos MESH e DeCs: "depressão" "inflamação" "neurobiologia" "monoaminas biogênicas". Conclusão: Conclui-se que, apesar das novas descobertas sobre diferentes mecanismos da neurobiologia da depressão, ainda existem lacunas ainda não descobertas que impedem o desenvolvimento de uma teoria unificada da etiologia.

Consecuencias neurobiológicas del abuso sexual en la infancia: revisión de literatura / Neurobiological consequences of child sexual abuse: literature review / Consequências neurobiológicas do abuso sexual infantil: revisão da literatura

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las consecuencias neurobiológicas en ninos, ninas y adolescentes con antecedente de abuso sexual infantil (ASI). Metodologia: Se realizó una revisión de literatura entre los años 2015 al 2020 en tres bases de datos (Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo), utilizando las palabras clave: abuso sexual infantil, neurobiologia. Se recopiló información acerca de los tipos de alteraciones neurobiológicas (estructurales, funcionales, endocrinos, psicológicos, inmunológicos y genéticos) en ninos, ninas y adolescentes con antecedente de ASI. Se excluyeron articulos cuyo titulo o resumen no incluyeran los temas de esta revisión. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 99 estudios asociados a las consecuencias neurobiológicas del ASI, con las consecuentes alteraciones estructurales, funcionales, endocrinas, inmunológicos y genéticos que afectan a un importante número de victimas. Conclusiones: Diversos autores han encontrado una relación entre la exposición al ASI y los cambios neurobiológicos, visibilizando asi, el impacto que esto ocasiona en la salud de las victimas, por tal, se hace importante promover intervenciones tempranas y tratamiento adecuado por las múltiples consecuencias que genera, algunas irreversibles.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the neurobiological consequences in children and adolescents with a history of child sexual abuse (CSA). Methodology: A literature review was carried out between the years 2015 and 2020 in three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo), using the keywords: child sexual abuse, neurobiology Information was collected about the types of neurobiological alterations (structural, functional, endocrine, psychological, immunological and genetic) in children and adolescents with a history of CSA. Articles whose title or abstract did not include the topics of this review were excluded. Results: 99 studies associated with the neurobiological consequences of CSA were selected, with the consequent structural, functional, endocrine, immunological and genetic alterations that affect a significant number of victims. Conclusions: Various authors have found a relationship between exposure to CSA and neurobiological changes, thus making visible the impact that this causes on the health of the victims, therefore, it is important to promote early interventions and adequate treatment due to the multiple consequences that generates, some irreversible.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as conseqüências neurobiológicas em crianças e adolescentes com histórico de abuso sexual infantil (CSA). Metodologia: Entre 2015 e 2020 foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica em três bancos de dados (Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo), utilizando as palavras-chave: abuso sexual infantil, neurobiologia. Foram coletadas informações sobre os tipos de alterações neurobiológicas (estruturais, funcionais, endócrinas, psicológicas, imunológicas e genéticas) em crianças e adolescentes com histórico de CSA. Foram excluidos os artigos cujo titulo ou resumo não incluia os tópicos desta revisão. Resultados: Foram selecionados 99 estudos associados às conseqüências neurobiológicas da CSA, com conseqüentes alterações estruturais, funcionais, endócrinas, imunológicas e genéticas que afetam um número significativo de vitimas. Conclusões: Vários autores encontraram uma relação entre a exposição à CSA e as mudanças neurobiológicas, tornando assim visivel o impacto que isso tem na saúde das vitimas, por isso é importante promover intervenções precoces e tratamento adequado para as múltiplas conseqüências que ela gera, algumas das quais são irreversiveis.

Posibles mecanismos de acción de la terapia electroconvulsiva en esquizofrenia: revisión de la evidencia disponible en investigación con seres humanos / A review about the putative mechanisms of action of electroconvulsive therapy in schizophrenia in human research

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has multiple uses in psychiatry, but its mechanisms of action (MA) in patients with schizophrenia (PS) are poorly understood. We synthesize and discuss the available evidence in this regard. We conducted a search for primary human studies and systematic reviews searching MA of ECT in PS published in PubMed/Medline, SciELO, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library, including 24 articles. Genetic findings are scarce and inconsistent. At the molecular level, the dopaminergic and GABAergic role stands out. The increase in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after ECT, is a predictor of positive clinical outcomes, while the change in N-acetyl aspartate levels would demonstrate a neuroprotective role for ECT. This intervention would improve inflammatory and oxidative parameters, thereby resulting in a symptomatic improvement. ECT is associated with an increase in functional connectivity in the thalamus, right putamen, prefrontal cortex and left precuneus, structures that play a role in the neural default mode network. A decrease in connectivity between the thalamus and the sensory cortex and an enhanced functional connectivity of the right thalamus to right putamen along with a clinical improvement have been reported after ECT. Moreover a volumetric increase in hippocampus and insula has been reported after ECT. These changes could be associated with the biochemical pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Most of the included studies are observational or quasi-experimental, with small sample sizes. However, they show simultaneous changes at different neurobiological levels, with a pathophysiological and clinical correlation. We propose that the research on ECT should be carried out from neurobiological dimensions, but with a clinical perspective.

Aspectos neurobiológicos en la toma de decisiones afectivas y sociales e influencia del estrés: posibles implicancias en la toma de decisiones clínicas / Neurobiological aspects in affective and social decision-making: possible implications on clinical decision-making

RESUMEN: La toma de decisiones está influenciada por múltiples factores muchas veces no conscientes. En este artículo se sintetizan algunos correlatos neurobiológicos del componente afectivo y social sobre la toma de decisiones, incluyendo el impacto del estrés agudo y crónico y la perspectiva cognitiva de las heurísticas y los sesgos en la práctica clínica. A nivel afectivo, la hipótesis del marcador somático ha asociado la respuesta corporal periférica con estructuras nerviosas centrales en la configuración de las decisiones; intervienen estructuras como la corteza orbitofrontal y el hipocampo. En la toma de decisiones sociales se involucran las dimensiones recompensa y motivación. En este tipo de decisiones es crucial la capacidad de mentalizar a otro e integrar su perspectiva en la toma de decisiones. Esta función se ha relacionado con el surco temporal posterosuperior, la unión temporoparietal, la corteza cingulada anterior y la corteza prefrontal medial. No obstante, en la toma de decisiones sociales también se integra el cumplimiento de normas socialmente establecidas. El estrés agudo o crónico puede afectar la toma de decisiones, positiva o negativamente. En estos procesos se han involucrado al eje hipotálamo-hipófiso-adrenal junto con circuitos corticoestriados, prefrontales, amigdalinos e hipocampales. En la toma de decisiones clínicas se conjugan factores "prerreflexivos" emocionales, sociales y cognitivos que influyen directamente en las conductas adoptadas con los pacientes. Recomendamos enfatizar la investigación en esta área y fortalecer su enseñanza para reconocerlos adecuadamente.

ABSTRACT Decision-making is influenced by multiple unaware factors. We synthesize some neurobiological correlates of the affective and social components on decision-making, including the impact of acute and chronic stress. We also address the impact of heuristics and biases on clinical practice from the cognitive perspective. At an affective level, the hypothesis of the somatic marker has associated the peripheral body response with central nervous structures in the configuration of decisions; structures such as the orbitofrontal cortex and the hippocampus intervene. The reward and motivation dimensions are involved in social decision-making. In these types of decisions, the ability to mentally engage others and integrate their perspective into decision making is crucial. This function has been related to the posterior superior temporal sulcus, the temporoparietal junction, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the medial prefrontal cortex. However, compliance with socially established norms is also integrated into social decision-making. Acute or chronic stress may affect decision-making, positively or negatively. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has been involved in these processes together with corticostriatal, prefrontal, amygdala and hippocampal circuits. In clinical decision-making, "pre-reflective" emotional, social and cognitive factors are combined, influencing the decisions towards patients. We recommend emphasizing research in this field and strengthening education in this area to recognize these aspects adequately.

Dificultades interpersonales en los trastornos alimentarios: un modelo psiconeurobiológico explicativo/comprensivo / Interpersonal difficulties in eating disorders: an explanatory/ comprehensive psychoneurobiological model

RESUMEN: Antecedentes: Los trastornos alimentarios (TCA) presentan entre sus síntomas disfunciones psicosociales como ansiedad social, alexitimia y falta de asertividad. Objetivo: Se propone un modelo explicativo/comprensivo que integra aspectos de psiconeurobiología y comportamiento útil para la clínica. Método: Se evaluó una revisión de la literatura en Medline / PubMed, SciELO y bases de datos de textos especializados con criterios de calidad. Fueron seleccionados conceptos centrales para construir una coherencia que permitiera la lectura psiconeurobiológica del fenómeno y su aplicación clínica. Resultados: Cuatro factores fueron dispuestos a significar: 1- sistema de alarma; 2- sistema de recompensa 3- cerebro social; 4-mecanismos de control (inhibición/excitación). Se dispusieron mostrando la complejidad de su interacción psicofisiológica. Se sugiere que la ingesta de alimentos podría funcionar como una forma primaria de equilibrio cuando hay fallas en alguno de los sistemas expuestos. Conclusión: Se presenta un modelo de integración psiconeurobiológico útil para explicar la dificultad interpersonal en TCA. Esta forma de comprensión facilita: la conexión entre las investigaciones emergentes en TCA y DI; la toma de decisiones clínicas y orientan el pronóstico y las alternativas de tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Background: Eating disorders (ED) are characterized by psychosocial disfunctions, like social anxiety, alexithymia and lack of assertiveness. Objective: To propose a comprehensive integrative model including neurobiology and behavior aspects. Method: A literature review on Medline/PubMed, SciELO and specialized texts databases were assessed against quality criteria. Core concepts were extracted and coherence articulated. Results: Four factors were disposed to meaning: alarm and reward system with social brain and control (inhibition/excitation) mechanisms. They were articulate in a complex psychophysiological interplay. They were associated with social behaviours achieved/not achieved during development. Food intake could operate like a pathological balance to psychopathological effects Conclusion: An explanatory/comprehensive psychoneurobiological model to understand social function in ED is proposed. This form of understanding facilitates: the connection between emerging research in eating disorders and ID; clinical decision-making and guide the prognosis and treatment alternatives.

Perspectiva histórica del trastorno del espectro del autismo / Historical perspective of autism spectrum disorder

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente artículo incluye una mirada histórica de algunas teorías y clasificaciones del trastorno del espectro del autismo (TEA), incluyendo a los autores más reconocidos y las perspectivas semiológicas vigentes. Se pretende contribuir así a la unificación de criterios entre los profesionales, y propender por la reflexión acerca de las consecuencias de una conceptualización desacertada del trastorno. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se trata de una revisión documental de artículos indexados en bases de datos, y otros documentos seleccionados intencionalmente. RESULTADOS: Tres categorías a saber fueron consideradas para la organización de la información: a) de la ficción a la ciencia: el paso de la sintomatología mítica a la clasificación nosológica; b) los pioneros austríacos: la dualidad inicial que se transformó en espectro; y c) trastorno del espectro del autismo: una trayectoria en la estructuración de sus criterios diagnósticos. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: La variabilidad en las hipótesis etiológicas, así como en la manifestación de los síntomas nucleares del TEA, han impactado en su clasificación y abordaje terapéutico. Se requiere una actualización permanente de los profesionales por el avance de la genética y las neurociencias, siendo posible la futura generación de cambios en el rol de los profesionales que intervienen en su detección, evaluación e intervención.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This article involves a historical review of some theories and classifications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the most recognized authors and current semiological perspectives. In this way, it is intended to contribute to the unification of criteria among professionals, and to encourage reflection on the consequences of an unwise conceptualization of the disorder. Materials and methods: It is a documentary review of articles indexed in databases, and other intentionally selected documents. Results: Three categories, namely, were considered for the organization of the information: a) from fiction to science: the transition from mythical symptomatology to nosological classification; b) the Austrian pioneers: the initial duality that became a spectrum; and c) autism spectrum disorder: a trajectory in the structuring of its diagnostic criteria. Discussion and conclusions: The variability in the etiological hypotheses, as well as in the manifestation of the core symptoms of ASD, have impacted its classification and therapeutic approach. A permanent update of professionals is required due to the advancement of genetics and neurosciences, making possible the future generation of changes in the role of professionals involved in its detection, evaluation and intervention.

Neurocircuit models of obsessive-compulsive disorder: limitations and future directions for research

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric condition classically characterized by obsessions (recurrent, intrusive and unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (excessive, repetitive and ritualistic behaviors or mental acts). OCD is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and not all patients respond to first-line treatments. Several neurocircuit models of OCD have been proposed with the aim of providing a better understanding of the neural and cognitive mechanisms involved in the disorder. These models use advances in neuroscience and findings from neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies to suggest links between clinical profiles that reflect the symptoms and experiences of patients and dysfunctions in specific neurocircuits. Several models propose that treatments for OCD could be improved if directed to specific neurocircuit dysfunctions, thereby restoring efficient neurocognitive function and ameliorating the symptomatology of each associated clinical profile. Yet, there are several important limitations to neurocircuit models of OCD. The purpose of the current review is to highlight some of these limitations, including issues related to the complexity of brain and cognitive function, the clinical presentation and course of OCD, etiological factors, and treatment methods proposed by the models. We also provide suggestions for future research to advance neurocircuit models of OCD and facilitate translation to clinical application.

El cerebro ¿Una máquina analógica con funcionamiento cuántico? / The brain. An analogic machine with quantum functioning?

Resumen La neurociencia moderna aborda el problema de funcionamiento global del cerebro para poder comprender los procesos neurobiológicos que subyacen a las funciones mentales, y especialmente, a la consciencia. La actividad cerebral está basada en el intercambio de información entre neuronas a través de contactos llamados sinapsis. Las neuronas forman redes de conexión entre ellas (circuitos), que están dedicados a procesar una parcela específica de información (visual, auditiva, motora…). Los circuitos establecen redes entre ellos, combinando diferentes modalidades de información para generar lo que conocemos como actividad mental. El estudio de las conexiones entre regiones corticales, que se ha llamado conectoma, está siendo abordado mediante técnicas de neuroimagen como la resonancia magnética nuclear, que aportan datos sobre la densidad de conexiones del cerebro. La capacidad del cerebro de crear nuevas conexiones en función de la experiencia (plasticidad cerebral), sugiere que el conectoma es una estructura dinámica en constante interacción con estímulos externos e internos. La pregunta sobre si el conocimiento del conectoma de un individuo nos per mitiría predecir su conducta parece que todavía no tiene respuesta clara, porque no conocemos los parámetros físicos que ligan la complejidad de las conexiones del cerebro con la aparición de las funciones mentales y de la consciencia. Por el momento, parece que la compleja e impredecible conducta no es el simple resultado de procesos lineales de interacción neuronal. La incertidumbre prima al determinismo, lo que abre la puerta a la posibilidad de un mecanismo cuántico para explicar la consciencia.

Abstract Modern neuroscience addresses the problem of the global functioning of the brain in order to understand the neurobiological processes that underlie mental functions, and especially, consciousness. Brain activity is based on the exchange of infor mation between neurons through contacts or synapses. Neurons form networks of connection between them (circuits), which are dedicated to processing a specific type of information (visual, auditory, motor…). The circuits establish networks among themselves, combining different modalities of information to generate what we know as mental activity. The study of connections between cortical regions, which has been called connectome, is being approached through neuroimaging techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance that provide data on the density of connections in the brain. The brain's ability to create new connections based on experience (brain plasticity) suggests that the connectome is a dynamic structure in constant interaction with external and internal stimuli. The question about whether knowledge of an individual's connectome would allow us to predict his or her behavior seems to have no clear answer yet, because we do not know the physical parameters that link the complexity of the brain's connections with the appearance of mental functions and consciousness. At the moment, it seems that the complex and unpredictable behavior is not the simple result of linear processes of neuronal interaction. Uncertainty prevails over determinism, which opens the door to the possibility of a quantum mechanism to explain consciousness.

Progress on the correlation between perinatal hypoxia and autism spectrum disorder / 国际儿科学杂志

The global prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is 1%~1.5%, and the latest prevalence rate in the United States is 1.7%.ASD has become one of the diseases with rapid growth in the number of global diseases.In the past decade, scholars at home and abroad have noticed that hypoxia can regulate the fetal growth trajectory and increase the risk of a variety of neurological diseases, including ASD.This paper focuses on the correlation between perinatal hypoxia and the prevalence of ASD by analyzing hypoxia in epidemiology, the consistency between hypoxia neurobiology and ASD, and the possible mechanism of the association between hypoxia and ASD.Perinatal hypoxia may affect the development of children′s nervous system from epigenetics, dopamine, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, steroids, and ultimately increase the risk of ASD.It provides an important reference for evaluating pregnancy monitoring indicators and formulating intervention, and evaluates early risk in advance.Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis of children.

Professor Ângelo Machado: career, scientific contributions, and the iconic neuroanatomy book / Professor Ângelo Machado: carreira, contribuições científicas e o icônico livro de neuroanatomia

ABSTRACT Professor Ângelo Barbosa Monteiro Machado (May 22, 1934 to April 6, 2020) was one of the most outstanding and respected professors in the Brazilian history. He worked broadly as a professor, neuroscientist, writer, dramaturgist, neurobiologist, and entomologist. The publication of the neuroanatomy book is pioneer, revolutionary, and iconic in the history of academic medical education in Brazil. In the literature field, he also wrote many books in which he adapted scientific knowledge to children. In this article, the authors approach the academic life of Professor Ângelo Machado and the steps that culminated in the most renowned Brazilian textbook of neuroanatomy: Neuroanatomia Funcional.

RESUMO O professor Ângelo Barbosa Monteiro Machado (22/05/1934-06/04/2020) foi um dos mais destacados e respeitados professores da história do Brasil. Ele trabalhou amplamente como professor, neurocientista, escritor, dramaturgo e entomologista. A publicação do livro de neuroanatomia é pioneira, revolucionária e icônica na história da educação médica acadêmica no Brasil. No campo da literatura, também escreveu diversos livros nos quais adaptou o conhecimento científico para as crianças. Neste artigo, os autores abordam a vida acadêmica do professor Ângelo Machado e as etapas que culminaram no mais conceituado livro brasileiro de neuroanatomia: Neuroanatomia Funcional.

Transtorno de personalidade borderline em homens: uma revisão integrativa / Borderline personality disorder in men: an integrative review

OBJETIVO: Apresentar e sistematizar as principais evidências científicas a respeito do transtorno de personalidade borderline em homens (TPB). MÉTODO: Durante o período de abril de 2021, realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura científica acerca da temática em questão, sendo utilizados os descritores indexados no DeCS: Transtorno da Personalidade Borderline; Transtorno da Personalidade Limítrofe; Masculino; Fatores Desencadeantes; Cognição; Neurobiologia; Comportamento Social. Para realizar a pesquisa, os descritores foram combinados nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e EBCS nos sites de Busca Pubmed e na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde ­ BVS. RESULTADOS: Foi possível identificar algumas alterações comportamentais, de humor e neuropsicológicas em homens com TPB. Dentre as alterações comportamentais, a mais prevalente foi a agressão (37,5% dos artigos). Do mesmo modo, a alteração de humor mais encontrada foi a desregulação emocional (12,5% dos artigos), muito comum em pacientes com TPB; igualmente, as alterações a nível neuropsicológico com maior quantidade de achados envolvem alterações na região da amígdala (20,83% dos artigos), córtex (16,66% dos artigos), bem como o hipocampo (16,66% dos artigos), regiões essenciais para o controle do humor e tomada de decisão. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível concluir que existem algumas alterações comportamentais, de humor e neuropsicológicas que são mais prevalentes no gênero masculino, sobretudo aquelas que envolvem agressão, raiva e seus fatores neuropsicológicos associados. Dito isso, considera-se que a sistematização dessas informações contribui na identificação e controle dos casos de TPB em homens, assim como colabora para o desenvolvimento científico do campo da psicopatologia em relação aos processos que envolvem tal patologia.

OBJECTIVE: To present and systematize the main scientific evidence regarding borderline personality disorder (BPD) in men. METHOD: During April 2021, there was an integrative review of the scientific literature on the subject in question, using the descriptors indexed in the DeCS: Borderline Personality Disorder; Male; Precipitating Factors; Cognition; Neurobiology; Social Behavior. To perform a search, the descriptors were combined in the Medline, Lilacs, and EBCS databases on the search site Pubmed and the Virtual Health Library ­ VHL. RESULTS: It was possible to identify some behavioral, mood, and neuropsychological changes in men with BPD. Among behavioral changes, the most prevalent is aggression (37.5% of articles). Likewise, the mood alteration most commonly found was emotional dysregulation (12.5% of the articles), very common in patients with BPD; similarly, the neuropsychological alterations with the highest number of findings involve alterations in the amygdala region (20.83% of the articles), cortex (16.66% of the articles), and the hippocampus (16.66% of the articles), essential regions for mood control and decision making. CONCLUSION: It was possible to conclude that there are some behavioral, mood, and neuropsychological changes that are more prevalent in males, especially those that involve aggression, anger, and their associated neuropsychological factors. That said, it is considered that the systematization of this information contributes to the identification and control of cases of BPD in men and contributes to the scientific development of the field of psychopathology concerning the processes involving such pathology.

Evidências Neurobiológicas de Viés Atencional no Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo: Revisão Sistemática / Neurobiological Evidence of Attentional Bias in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Systematic Review

Resumo O viés atencional corresponde à alocação de recursos de atenção a materiais irrelevantes à tarefa. Supõe-se que pacientes com transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) apresentem viés atencional voltado à ameaça. Com o objetivo de descrever os achados neurobiológicos do viés atencional voltado à ameaça no TOC, foi realizada uma busca sistemática por estudos experimentais com investigação neurobiológica nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus e LILACS. Quatro estudos com grupo controle são descritos nos resultados, todos indicam diferenças estatisticamente significativas na atividade encefálica associada a atenção em pacientes. Os achados neurobiológicos dos estudos incluídos na revisão sugerem a alocação de recursos da atenção a estímulos irrelevantes, independente da valência emocional no TOC.

Abstract The attentional bias is the allocation of attentional resources to irrelevant stimuli during a task. It is assumed that patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) presents attentional bias toward threatening stimuli. In order to describe OCD's neurobiological findings of attentional bias towards a threat, it was performed a systematic review of experimental studies with neurobiological assessment in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS. Four studies with control group are described in this review, all presenting statistically significant differences in brain activity associated with attention in patients. The neurobiological findings of the studies included in the review suggest allocation of attentional resources to irrelevant stimuli, regardless of the emotional valence in OCD.

A Simple and Low-Cost, but Naturalistic Method for Introducing Students to Action Potentials

Abstract Current trends in science education recommend the complementary use of virtual and hands-on methods of teaching. In neurobiology, for instance, there is a plethora of virtual laboratories and simulators that can be readily combined with traditional physical labs. Unfortunately, physical laboratories are almost unaffordable for many institutions due to the high cost of equipment. In this paper, we present a simple and low-cost in vivo method for demonstrating some of the basic biophysical properties of neural action potentials. The method involves the following steps: a) dissection of the ventral nerve cord of earthworm; b) electrical stimulation; c) amplification and visualization of the medial and lateral giant fibers' action potentials; and d) recording. The system showed stability, expected amplification, high signal-to-noise ratio, and an estimated total cost of US$ 5.662. We provide guidelines for assembling the system and discus its utility as a teaching alternative for low budget institutions.

The effect of cognitive impairment on fall risk in the elderly and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms / 中华老年医学杂志

Cognitive impairment increases the risk of falls and is an important risk factor for falls.At the same time, early gait disorders(a major risk factor for falls)can also predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases.Therefore, cognitive impairment and falls are not separate problems, but are highly correlated and may share common pathological mechanisms.This article explores the impact of cognitive impairment on fall risk in the elderly and its neurobiological mechanisms based on relevant nationally and international research, and provides a theoretical framework and recommendations for fall prevention and clinical intervention in the future.

Neurobiological mechanism of post-stroke depression / 国际脑血管病杂志

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the common complications of stroke, which can seriously affect the functional rehabilitation of patients with stroke and increase their mortality and disability rate. As for the pathogenesis of PSD, endogenous theory emphasizes that it is closely associated with biological mechanism, while reactive theory believes that it is associated with psychosocial factors. At present, the research on the pathogenesis and treatment of PSD focuses on inflammation, immune response, stress, nerve regeneration, brain network, biological rhythm disorder, sleep disorder, melatonin and so on. This article reviews the research progress on the neurobiological mechanism of PSD and the related treatment for the pathogenesis.