Teoría de la mente en trastornos del neurodesarrollo: más allá del trastorno del espectro autista / Theory of mind in neurodevelopmental disorders: Beyond autistic spectrum disorder

Introducción La teoría de la mente (ToM) es la capacidad humana de percibir, interpretar y atribuir los estados mentales de las otras personas y la alteración de esta función cognitiva es un síntoma nuclear del trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Hay otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo como el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo de inicio en la infancia (TOC) y el síndrome de Tourette (ST), que pueden presentarse con disfunciones cognitivas, y en los que la ToM ha sido menos estudiada, especialmente en población juvenil. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la ToM avanzada entre grupos de jóvenes con diagnóstico de TOC, ST o TEA y un grupo de controles sanos. Métodos Se entrevistaron clínicamente a varones de entre 11 y 17 años con diagnóstico principal de TOC (n = 19), ST (n = 14), TEA (n = 18), y un grupo control de sujetos sanos (n = 20). Se les administró instrumentos de estimación de cociente intelectual, severidad de los síntomas psiquiátricos y las pruebas para evaluar la ToM: la tarea Historias de la vida cotidiana y el Test de la mirada. Resultados Los jóvenes con ST presentan dificultades similares para resolver tareas de ToM avanzada al nivel de los pacientes con TEA, a diferencia de los pacientes con TOC de inicio en la infancia que presentan resultados similares a los controles sanos. Conclusiones La ToM está alterada en otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo más allá del TEA, como en el ST. (AU)

Introduction Theory of mind (ToM) is the human ability to perceive, interpret, and attribute the mental states of other people, and the alteration of this cognitive function is a core symptom of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In such other neurodevelopmental disorders as childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) that can present with cognitive dysfunctions, ToM has been less extensively studied, especially in the young population. The aim of the study was to compare advanced ToM between groups of young people diagnosed with OCD, TS, or ASD and a control group. Methods Clinical interviews were conducted with male patients aged between 11 and 17 years with a main diagnosis of OCD (n = 19), TS (n = 14), or ASD (n = 18), and a control group (n = 20). We administered instruments for estimating intelligence quotient and severity of psychiatric symptoms, and tasks to evaluate ToM (the “Stories from everyday life” task and the “Reading the mind in the eyes” test). Results Young people with TS and with ASD present similar difficulties in solving advanced ToM tasks, whereas patients with childhood-onset OCD present similar results to controls. Conclusions ToM is altered in other neurodevelopmental disorders beyond ASD, such as TS. (AU)

Theory of mind in neurodevelopmental disorders: beyond autistic spectrum disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Theory of mind (ToM) is the human ability to perceive, interpret, and attribute the mental states of other people, and the alteration of this cognitive function is a core symptom of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In such other neurodevelopmental disorders as childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) that can present with cognitive dysfunctions, ToM has been less extensively studied, especially in the young population. The aim of the study was to compare advanced ToM between groups of young people diagnosed with OCD, TS, or ASD and a control group. METHODS: Clinical interviews were conducted with male patients aged between 11 and 17 years with a main diagnosis of OCD (n = 19), TS (n = 14), or ASD (n = 18), and a control group (n = 20). We administered instruments for estimating intelligence quotient and severity of psychiatric symptoms, and tasks to evaluate ToM (the "Stories from everyday life" task and the "Reading the mind in the eyes" test). RESULTS: Young people with TS and with ASD present similar difficulties in solving advanced ToM tasks, whereas patients with childhood-onset OCD present similar results to controls. CONCLUSIONS: ToM is altered in other neurodevelopmental disorders beyond ASD, such as TS.

[Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on youngsters with autistic spectrum disorder]. / Análisis del impacto de la COVID-19 en menores de edad con trastorno del espectro autista.

INTRODUCTION: The state of emergency and national lockdown declared in Spain over the coronavirus pandemic markedly impaired routines and access towards health services supports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This population is of particular vulnerability towards sudden changes and is distinguished by their complex management. OBJECTIVES: The main goal was to qualitatively assess the psychosocial and mental state of children diagnosed with ASD affiliated to the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, during and after the first lockdown period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was administered to relatives of 65 boys and girls with a main diagnosis of ASD. RESULTS: A worsening of key A symptoms was reported during lockdown. In addition, the use of new technologies, intake between meals, and anxiety symptoms increased. Recovery after lockdown was not complete in our sample. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the need for planning specific supports for minors with ASD and for resources to reverse the effects on routines, habits, and school returnal.

TITLE: Análisis del impacto de la COVID-19 en menores de edad con trastorno del espectro autista.Introducción. La declaración del confinamiento domiciliario a raíz de la pandemia de la COVID-19 alteró profundamente las rutinas y el acceso a soportes sociosanitarios en menores de edad con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Esta población se distingue por su elevada complejidad de manejo y vulnerabilidad ante cambios. Objetivos. Evaluar cualitativamente el estado psicosocial en menores con TEA atendidos en el Hospital Clínic de Barcelona durante el confinamiento y pasado éste. Pacientes y métodos. Se administró una encuesta, elaborada específicamente para este estudio, a los cuidadores principales de 65 niños y niñas con diagnóstico principal de TEA. Resultados. Se observó una regresión en la sintomatología nuclear del TEA. Además, aumentó el uso de nuevas tecnologías y la ingesta entre comidas, y apareció una sintomatología ansiosa. La recuperación tras el confinamiento no fue total en nuestra muestra. Conclusiones. Los resultados ponen de relieve la necesidad de planificación de soportes específicos para los menores con TEA y de recursos para revertir las afectaciones en las rutinas, los hábitos y la incorporación escolar.

Análisis del impacto de la COVID-19 en menores de edad con trastorno del espectro autista / Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on youngsters with autistic spectrum disorder

Introducción: La declaración del confinamiento domiciliario a raíz de la pandemia de la COVID-19 alteró profundamente las rutinas y el acceso a soportes sociosanitarios en menores de edad con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Esta población se distingue por su elevada complejidad de manejo y vulnerabilidad ante cambios. Objetivos: Evaluar cualitativamente el estado psicosocial en menores con TEA atendidos en el Hospital Clínic de Barcelona durante el confinamiento y pasado éste.Pacientes y métodos: Se administró una encuesta, elaborada específicamente para este estudio, a los cuidadores principales de 65 niños y niñas con diagnóstico principal de TEA. Resultados: Se observó una regresión en la sintomatología nuclear del TEA. Además, aumentó el uso de nuevas tecnologías y la ingesta entre comidas, y apareció una sintomatología ansiosa. La recuperación tras el confinamiento no fue total en nuestra muestra. Conclusiones: Los resultados ponen de relieve la necesidad de planificación de soportes específicos para los menores con TEA y de recursos para revertir las afectaciones en las rutinas, los hábitos y la incorporación escolar.(AU)

Introduction: The state of emergency and national lockdown declared in Spain over the coronavirus pandemic markedly impaired routines and access towards health services supports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This population is of particular vulnerability towards sudden changes and is distinguished by their complex management. Objectives: The main goal was to qualitatively assess the psychosocial and mental state of children diagnosed with ASD affiliated to the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, during and after the first lockdown period. Patients and methods. A survey was administered to relatives of 65 boys and girls with a main diagnosis of ASD. Results. A worsening of key ASD symptoms was reported during lockdown. In addition, the use of new technologies, intake between meals, and anxiety symptoms increased. Recovery after lockdown was not complete in our sample. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for planning specific supports for minors with ASD and for resources to reverse the effects on routines, habits, and school returnal.(AU)

Theory of mind in neurodevelopmental disorders: Beyond autistic spectrum disorder. / Teoría de la mente en trastornos del neurodesarrollo: más allá del trastorno del espectro autista.

INTRODUCTION: Theory of mind (ToM) is the human ability to perceive, interpret, and attribute the mental states of other people, and the alteration of this cognitive function is a core symptom of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In such other neurodevelopmental disorders as childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) that can present with cognitive dysfunctions, ToM has been less extensively studied, especially in the young population. The aim of the study was to compare advanced ToM between groups of young people diagnosed with OCD, TS, or ASD and a control group. METHODS: Clinical interviews were conducted with male patients aged between 11 and 17 years with a main diagnosis of OCD (n=19), TS (n=14), or ASD (n=18), and a control group (n=20). We administered instruments for estimating intelligence quotient and severity of psychiatric symptoms, and tasks to evaluate ToM (the "Stories from everyday life" task and the "Reading the mind in the eyes" test). RESULTS: Young people with TS and with ASD present similar difficulties in solving advanced ToM tasks, whereas patients with childhood-onset OCD present similar results to controls. CONCLUSIONS: ToM is altered in other neurodevelopmental disorders beyond ASD, such as TS.

Changes in the expression of prostaglandin E and F synthases at induced and spontaneous labour onset in the sheep.

The differential production of prostaglandin (PG) F(2 alpha) and PGE(2) within the uterine compartment may play a role in controlling myometrial contraction. We hypothesized that the enzymes downstream of PG endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGHS-2) determine the ratio of PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the utero-ovarian vein plasma and the time of normal and preterm labour onset. The aim of this study was to simultaneously determine the expression of PGF and PGE synthases (PGFS and PGES) in gestational tissues at spontaneous and induced-preterm labour in sheep. Myometrial, endometrial and placental tissue were obtained from ewes in dexamethasone-induced preterm labour, age-matched control ewes, and ewes in spontaneous term labour for analysis of mRNA expression by real-time PCR. PGFS mRNA expression was significantly increased following dexamethasone-induced and spontaneous labour onset in placentome (P<0.01) but was unchanged in the myometrium and endometrium. In contrast, PGES mRNA expression remained unchanged or decreased. PGHS-2 mRNA expression was increased in all tissues examined in both dexamethasone-induced and spontaneous labour (P<0.001). Plasma PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha) concentrations rose in both dexamethasone-induced and spontaneous labour with the ratio of PGF(2 alpha):PGE(2) increased with labour onset (P<0.05). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the increased expression, of PGFS is responsible for the increased PGF(2 alpha):PGE(2) ratio and this, together with increased PGHS-2 expression, accounts for myometrial activity at labour onset. The findings point to PGFS expression as a key factor in regulating the uterotonic process in the sheep.

Screening for trauma history on an inpatient affective-disorders unit: a pilot study.

Psychiatric inpatients (N = 343) admitted to an affective-disorders unit were administered a self-rating Trauma Questionnaire (TQ) to evaluate life history of traumatic experiences. Eighty four percent of the sample identified at least one traumatic-event category (M = 2.27 categories/patient). Symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were highly prevalent. However, only six patients received a chart diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. Female patients evidenced more PTSD symptoms than males, in contrast to an equal number of event categories identified by the two sexes. Age correlated negatively with number of symptoms endorsed. Implications for trauma screening in affective-disorder patients are discussed.

Time evolution of the caustics of a laser heated liquid film.

The free surface of a liquid film of black oil is deformed by heating with a Gaussian laser beam, thus changing the intensity distribution in the reflected and transmitted beams. The time evolution of the caustics of those beams is numerically studied. The topological structure of the caustics abruptly changes at three critical instants of time. Measurement of the divergence of the caustics of the reflected and transmitted beams allows one to deduce the liquid refractive index.

Comparación entre nifedipina cápsulas y captopril comprimidos dispersibles en el tratamiento de las emergencias hipertensivas / Comparation between nifedipine capsules and captopril tablets in the treatment of hypertensive urgencies

Se estudiaron sesenta (60) pacientes con emergencias hipertensivas, los cuales fueron sometidos a tratamiento con captopril y nifedipina. Treinta (30) recibieron nifedipina, una cápsula de 10 mg cuyo contenido fue administrado por vía sublingual y los otros treinta (30) recibieron captopril comprimidos dispersibles administrados por vía sublingual, se les determinaron las cifras tensionales antes de administrar la medicación y a los 5,10 y 30 minutos después del tratamiento. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que ambas drogas son efectivas en la reducción de la tensión arterial, tanto sistólica como diastólica. La nifedipina produjo una mayor reducción de la tensión sistólica y el captopril de la tensión diastólica, pero no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el efecto hipotensor de ambos medicamentos. Los efectos secundarios encontrados fueron menores con el captopril que con la nifedipina

Research note: nutritive value of poultry by-product meal. 3. Incorporation into practical diets.

Studies were conducted to investigate the value of poultry by-product meal (PBPM) when incorporated into practical diets at low levels (5 to 10%). Samples from one plant, a Monday morning sample (fresh broiler waste) and a Friday afternoon sample (broiler and hatchery waste and dissolved air flotation sludge) were compared to a sample from another plant (fresh broiler waste). When the samples were incorporated at the 5% level into isocaloric, isonitrogenous corn-soy meal-based practical diets, no differences in 20-day gain or feed efficiency could be detected between the samples or in comparison with the effects of feeding an all-plant-based control diet in two experiments. Chick growth and feed efficiency were significantly depressed when PBPM was incorporated into the diet at the 10% level.

Nutritive value of poultry by-product meal. 2. Comparisons of methods of determining protein quality.

Studies were conducted to compare several methods of determining the protein quality of poultry by-product meal (PBPM). A sample of PBPM was compared to a soybean meal (SBM) sample fortified with .5% of L-methionine. Each was incorporated into corn starch and poultry oil-based diets at 2.5% increments between 0 and 30% protein. Diets were fed for 7 days starting when the chicks were 8 days old. Slope-ratio and saturation kinetics models were fitted for the two protein sources. Protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio, and net protein utilization were calculated for each diet. The PER was the most discriminating method of estimating protein quality, especially at lower levels (2.5% protein: PBPM = .65, SBM + methionine (Met) = 4.23). At higher levels, no differences could be detected (30% protein: PBPM = 2.45, SBM + Met = 2.31). The 6% protein level was chosen for further studies because there were large differences in PER, and the chicks were in positive nitrogen balance. For eight samples of PBPM (from three different processing facilities), Kjeldahl N ranged from 8.64 to 10.22% gross energy (GE) from 4.49 to 5.36 kcal/g; Ca from 3.6 to 8.84%, and P from 2.04 to 2.55%. A Monday morning sample (fresh broiler waste) was compared to a Friday afternoon sample from the same processing facility (broiler and hatchery waste, and DAF sludge) in semipurified diets at 6% protein. Significant differences in gain were detected in two experiments, but PER in only one. For the five samples tested by all methods, similar rankings were found by PER, pepsin digestibility, total lysine and Carpenter's available lysine.