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El objetivo de la investigación consistió en analizar la aceptación de la violencia hacia la mujer en población española y cubana, centrándose en la relación del fenómeno con las creencias sexistas y creencias justificadoras de la desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres. Completaron un cuestionario 230 participantes de nacionalidad española y 200 de nacionalidad cubana. Los resultados mostraron que la aceptación del maltrato dependía del país, del sexo del participante y de variables ideológicas legitimadoras de la desigualdad (sexismo, creencias en un mundo justo y códigos del honor). Los hombres y la población cubana, aceptaron en mayor medida que las mujeres y la población española, la violencia hacia las mujeres. Además, los resultados mostraron un patrón diferencial en el efecto de las medidas ideológicas en función del país. En España, la relación entre el sexismo benévolo y la aceptación de la violencia estuvo mediada por los códigos del honor. En Cuba, la relación entre el sexismo hostil y la aceptación de la violencia hacia la mujer estuvo mediada por las creencias en el mundo justo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research has postulated that judicial inferencing and judgement-making are subject to biased appraisals. This study assessed the factors reported in the literature associated to the appraisal of criminality in a mock case of a battered woman standing trial for murdering her husband, and who pleaded legitimate selfdefence in response to an instance of intimate partner violence. A nationwide sample of 169 police officers from different cities in Spain freely volunteered to participate in the study. Using a mock trial design, the defendant's prototypicality (prototypical vs. nonprototypical), and physical attractiveness (attractive vs. unattractive) were manipulated. Participants were required to assess the criminality (credibility, responsibility, and controllability) of a battered woman accused of murdering her husband, and who alleged legitimate self-defence in response to an incident of intimate partner violence. The results showed that a defendant perceived as the prototype of a battered woman was judged as having less or no control of the situation; physical attractiveness increased the perception of the defendant's responsibility in committing the crime; and an interaction between prototypicality and attractiveness in assigning credibility to the defendant's testimony. Moreover, hostile sexism mediated the relationship between the defendant's prototypicality and controllability. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for judicial judgement making in cases of battered women who kill their aggressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cerebral ischemia stimulates endogenous neurogenesis. However, the functional relevance of this phenomenon remains unclear because of poor survival and low neuronal differentiation rates of newborn cells. Therefore, further studies on mechanisms regulating neurogenesis under ischemic conditions are required, among which ephrin-ligands and ephrin-receptors (Eph) are an interesting target. Although Eph/ephrin proteins like ephrin-B3 are known to negatively regulate neurogenesis under physiological conditions, their role in cerebral ischemia is largely unknown. We therefore studied neurogenesis, brain injury and functional outcome in ephrin-B3 (knockout) and ephrin-B3 (wild-type) mice submitted to cerebral ischemia. Induction of stroke resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation around the lesion site of ephrin-B3 compared to ephrin-B3 mice. However, prominent post-ischemic neurogenesis in ephrin-B3 mice was accompanied by significantly increased ischemic injury and motor coordination deficits that persisted up to 4 weeks. Ischemic injury in ephrin-B3 mice was associated with a caspase-3-dependent activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Whereas inhibition of caspase-3 had no effect on brain injury in ephrin-B3 animals, infarct size in ephrin-B3 mice was strongly reduced, suggesting that aggravated brain injury in these animals might involve a caspase-3-dependent activation of STAT1. In conclusion, post-ischemic neurogenesis in ephrin-B3 mice is strongly enhanced, but fails to contribute to functional recovery because of caspase-3-mediated aggravation of ischemic injury in these animals. Our results suggest that ephrin-B3 might be an interesting target for overcoming some of the limitations of further cell-based therapies in stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostitution has been the subject of intense debate in all societies and cultures though to varying degrees of public acceptance or rejection. The choice of legal approach to deal with this issue (i.e., legalization or prohibition) may be influenced by ideological factors. The primary aim of this study was to assess, in a sample of 620 individuals drawn from general population, the legal stances towards prostitution, and attitudes and beliefs regarding the underlying motives and behaviour of men who resort to prostitution. Moreover, the effects of sexist attitudes and beliefs and the legal stance towards prostitution on victim-blaming in cases of physical or sexual assault to prostitutes were assessed. The results reveal significant differences in legal stance towards prostitution in relation to attitudes and beliefs concerning the underlying motives and behaviour of men who procure the services of a prostitute. In other words, a high score in prohibition was associated to hostile attitudes and belief regarding the behaviour of men who resort to prostitution whereas a high score in legalization predicted benevolent attitudes and beliefs towards these men. Furthermore, the results show that a high degree of hostile sexism and the legal stance of prohibition predicted victim-blaming in physical or sexual assault to prostitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the nervous and vascular systems are functionally different, they show a high degree of anatomic parallelism and cross-talk. They also share similar mechanisms and molecular cues that regulate their development and maintenance. Malfunctioning of this cross-talk can cause or influence several vascular and neuronal disorders. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the neurovascular link. Second, we focus on two neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer''s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to illustrate how a defective neurovascular link might contribute to their pathogenesis. Finally, we briefly discuss some therapeutic implications of the neurovascular link for designing strategies to treat these diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is evidence supporting the relation between partner-specific dependency and violent relationships in couples. The scale used as a reference to assess this kind of dependency is the Spouse-Specific Dependency Scale (SSDS). The instrumental project includes two independent studies. The aim of the first study was to present the first psychometric data for the Spanish version of the SSDS. This study involved 230 adult participants. After constructing the items and testing their content validity, we carried out a statistical analysis of the items, a study of the dimensional structure of the test and a reliability study of the instrument. The second study, on a sample of 600 participants, aimed to determine the internal structure of scale through confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, external evidence for validity was obtained. We conclude the study by proposing future research, as well as discussing the need and importance of assessing partner-specific dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuronal Hu/ELAV-like proteins HuB, HuC and HuD are a class of RNA-binding proteins that are crucial for proper development and maintenance of the nervous system. These proteins bind to AU-rich elements (AREs) in the untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) of target mRNAs regulating mRNA stability, transport and translation. In addition to these cytoplasmic functions, Hu proteins have been implicated in alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation in the nucleus. The purpose of this study was to identify transcriptome-wide effects of HuD deletion on both of these nuclear events using RNA sequencing data obtained from the neocortex of Elavl4–/– (HuD KO) mice. HuD KO affected alternative splicing of 310 genes, including 17 validated HuD targets such as Cbx3, Cspp1, Snap25 and Gria2. In addition, deletion of HuD affected polyadenylation of 53 genes, with the majority of significantly altered mRNAs shifting towards usage of proximal polyadenylation signals (PAS), resulting in shorter 3′-UTRs. None of these genes overlapped with those showing alternative splicing events. Overall, HuD KO had a greater effect on alternative splicing than polyadenylation, with many of the affected genes implicated in several neuronal functions and neuropsychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of pericytes in the control of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity has remained enigmatic. In this issue, Bell et al. and two concurrent studies highlight that pericyte loss causes BBB breakdown and hypoperfusion. Remarkably, these vascular changes precede neurodegeneration and cognitive defects in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNA transport restricts translation to specific subcellular locations, which is the basis for many cellular functions. However, the precise process of mRNA sorting to synapses in neurons remains elusive. Here we use Rgs4 mRNA to investigate 3′-UTR-dependent transport by MS2 live-cell imaging. The majority of observed RNA granules display 3′-UTR independent bidirectional transport in dendrites. Importantly, the Rgs4 3′-UTR causes an anterograde transport bias, which requires the Staufen2 protein. Moreover, the 3′-UTR mediates dynamic, sustained mRNA recruitment to synapses. Visualization at high temporal resolution enables us to show mRNA patrolling dendrites, allowing transient interaction with multiple synapses, in agreement with the sushi-belt model. Modulation of neuronal activity by either chemical silencing or local glutamate uncaging regulates both the 3′-UTR-dependent transport bias and synaptic recruitment. This dynamic and reversible mRNA recruitment to active synapses would allow translation and synaptic remodeling in a spatially and temporally adaptive manner. Asymmetric subcellular mRNA distribution is important for local translation of neuronal mRNAs. Here the authors employed MS2 live-cell imaging and showed that the reporter mRNA containing the 3' UTR of Rgs4 shows an anterograde transport bias, dependent on neuronal activity and the protein Staufen2, and mediates sustained mRNA recruitment to synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When forming a relationship, people can to some extent include their partner's resources, perspectives and identities in their own identity (i.e., inclusion of the other in the self, or IOS). In this study, which was conducted with 169 couples, we examine the association of three sources of IOS: (a) the IOS of one member of the relationship; (b) the IOS of their partner; and (c) the similarity of both partners' IOS with indicators of relational quality (partner conflicts, satisfaction with the relationship and sexual satisfaction) and quality of life (life satisfaction and stress). Using a multilevel approach, the results showed that higher IOS was related to higher levels of relational quality in the person and their partner, and with higher levels of quality of life in the person but not in their partner. Likewise, couples showed a strong similarity in IOS, which was indicative of higher relational quality and quality of life. These results underscore the importance of analysing the (inter)personal mechanisms and their consequences at different levels (i.e., individual and couple). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In polarized cells, such as neurons, the synthesis of an mRNA does not ensure its proper cellular expression. Most mature transcripts require the association with RNA-binding proteins, resulting in the formation of RNA granules, which are then transported within the cytoplasm along the cytoskeleton and delivered to their proper subcellular locations, where they can be locally translated. Here we review current microscopy methods that have been developed to visualize RNA granule formation, transport and translation at the single cell level with a special emphasis on the MS2 and SunTag systems. They include the labeling of mRNAs and RNA-binding proteins in living cells or even the detection of newly synthesized proteins in situ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By relying on literature on counter-stereotypes and media contact, we investigated whether media exposure is associated with counter-stereotypical gender perceptions. Focusing on the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, we recruited samples (N = 2,228) from eight competing countries (China, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Spain, England, US) across three continents. We hypothesized that exposure to media coverage of the competition's counter-stereotypical female exemplars would be associated with increased counter-stereotypical perceptions of women. Results revealed that media exposure was associated with greater communion and agency attributed to women. In turn, communion and agency were associated (negatively and positively, respectively) with attribution of stereotypically male abilities (abilities to engage in stereotypically male academic disciplines and jobs) to women compared to men. No effects emerged for perceptions of stereotypically female characteristics. Gender moderated these effects, with associations being stronger among male than among female respondents. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Police officers are society's first interveners in intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and are essential for victim safety. Despite IPVAW laws, police attitudes influence their real actions during IPVAW intervention. However, the fuzzy conceptualization of the construct deters the pursuit of conclusive evidence. This systematic review sought to identify the components of police attitudes toward intervention in IPVAW and their determinants. A search was conducted through several databases (e.g., Web of Science). Papers were included if they (a) provided original empirical findings or were review studies, (b) were published between 1990 and 2019, (c) were written in Spanish or English, (d) alluded to police officers, and (e) focused on police attitudes toward intervention in IPVAW or their determinants. Fifty-seven papers were included. The studied components of police attitudes toward intervention in IPVAW extracted from the literature were tolerance of IPVAW, minimal police involvement, unsupportive and supportive attitudes toward the legal system and legislation against IPVAW, understanding of the complex nature of abuse, and IPVAW intervention as an important police task. Moreover, the central role of individual and situational determinants in police attitudes toward intervention in IPVAW was confirmed, whereas organizational and societal determinants were studied scarcely. This review proposes a framework upon which to build operational definition of police attitudes toward intervention in IPVAW and includes remarks on police backgrounds and the situational characteristics of IPVAW events that are essential in shaping police procedures for managing them. Empirical evidence should be transferred to police training and standard operating procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multistudy investigation is focused on the analysis of theoretically relevant compassion-related appraisals (i.e., similarity with the person in need, attribution of responsibility, and help-related perceived efficacy) that may promote compassionate responses in the context of adversity. Study 1 (N = 384) revealed that a higher similarity with the person in need, lower attribution of responsibility, and higher help-related perceived efficacy were associated with increased compassion, which, in turn, was associated with a greater desire to help. Study 2 (N = 319) extended prior findings by examining whether this compassionate pathway could be modulated by perspective taking, which is the act of considering the feelings of others in need. Results showed that the compassionate pathway found in Study 1 seems to remain constant regardless of perspective-taking instructions (e.g., imagining how that person feels vs. remaining objective and detached). In this research, we point out a promising direction for interventions directed at enhancing compassion and prosocial tendencies in distressing contexts. • We analyzed the content validity of seven independent suffering scenarios. • A higher similarity with the person in need was related to increased compassion. • A lower attribution of responsibility was associated with higher compassion. • Higher help-related perceived efficacy was related to increased compassion. • All these appraisals were indirectly associated with a greater desire to help via compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) is a short-lived protein required for the removal of damaged mitochondria through Parkin translocation and mitophagy. Because the short half-life of PINK1 limits its ability to be trafficked into neurites, local translation is required for this mitophagy pathway to be active far from the soma. The Pink1 transcript is associated and cotransported with neuronal mitochondria. In concert with translation, the mitochondrial outer membrane proteins synaptojanin 2 binding protein (SYNJ2BP) and synaptojanin 2 (SYNJ2) are required for tethering Pink1 mRNA to mitochondria via an RNA-binding domain in SYNJ2. This neuron-specific adaptation for the local translation of PINK1 provides distal mitochondria with a continuous supply of PINK1 for the activation of mitophagy. [Display omitted] • Local translation supports mitophagy in axons • Pink1 mRNA is cotransported with mitochondria • SYNJ2BP is the mitochondrial anchor for synaptojanin 2, which binds the PINK1 mRNA • This pathway is shared by several mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial transcripts Harbauer et al. describe mitochondrial hitchhiking of the Pink1 mRNA on mitochondria in neurons. This coupling of the transcript of a short-lived mitochondrial protein to the movement of its target organelles ensures the functionality of the PINK1-dependent degradation of damaged mitochondria in distal parts of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Vessel sprouting by migrating tip and proliferating stalk endothelial cells (ECs) is controlled by genetic signals (such as Notch), but it is unknown whether metabolism also regulates this process. Here, we show that ECs relied on glycolysis rather than on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production and that loss of the glycolytic activator PFKFB3 in ECs impaired vessel formation. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 not only regulated EC proliferation but also controlled the formation of filopodia/lamellipodia and directional migration, in part by compartmentalizing with F-actin in motile protrusions. Mosaic in vitro and in vivo sprouting assays further revealed that PFKFB3 overexpression overruled the pro-stalk activity of Notch, whereas PFKFB3 deficiency impaired tip cell formation upon Notch blockade, implying that glycolysis regulates vessel branching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Growing axons are guided to their targets by attractive and repulsive cues. In the developing spinal cord, Netrin-1 and Shh guide commissural axons toward the midline. However, the combined inhibition of their activity in commissural axon turning assays does not completely abrogate turning toward floor plate tissue, suggesting that additional guidance cues are present. Here we show that the prototypic angiogenic factor VEGF is secreted by the floor plate and is a chemoattractant for commissural axons in vitro and in vivo. Inactivation of Vegf in the floor plate or of its receptor Flk1 in commissural neurons causes axon guidance defects, whereas Flk1 blockade inhibits turning of axons to VEGF in vitro. Similar to Shh and Netrin-1, VEGF-mediated commissural axon guidance requires the activity of Src family kinases. Our results identify VEGF and Flk1 as a novel ligand/receptor pair controlling commissural axon guidance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to a proangiogenic/immune-suppressive (M2-like) phenotype and abnormal, hypoperfused vessels are hallmarks of malignancy, but their molecular basis and interrelationship remains enigmatic. We report that the host-produced histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, while improving chemotherapy. By skewing TAM polarization away from the M2- to a tumor-inhibiting M1-like phenotype, HRG promotes antitumor immune responses and vessel normalization, effects known to decrease tumor growth and metastasis and to enhance chemotherapy. Skewing of TAM polarization by HRG relies substantially on downregulation of placental growth factor (PlGF). Besides unveiling an important role for TAM polarization in tumor vessel abnormalization, and its regulation by HRG/PlGF, these findings offer therapeutic opportunities for anticancer and antiangiogenic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to elucidate the connection of perceived health and financial threat linked to the COVID-19 pandemic with the willingness to engage in prosocial and antisocial behaviors, while also testing the potential mediating role of empathic concern. During the lockdown period, a sample of Spanish community members (N = 702) filled in a multi-measure online survey. Our results revealed that (a) COVID-19 health (but not financial) threat predicted a greater tendency to express prosocial actions, (b) none of these forms of COVID-19 threat predicted antisocial inclinations, and (c) empathic concern mediated the effects of COVID-19 health threat on both prosocial and antisocial tendencies. Findings speak to the ongoing debate about whether individuals most psychologically impacted by the pandemic would tend to respond in a more prosocial or antisocial manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]