Artículos Gobierno

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The parietal cortex has a causal role in ambiguity computations in humans
(2024) Valdebenito-Oyarzo, Gabriela; Martínez-Molina, María Paz; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Zamorano, Francisco; Figueroa-Vargas, Alejandra; Larraín-Valenzuela, Josefina; Stecher, Ximena; Salinas, César; Bastin, Julien; Valero-Cabré, Antoni; Polania, Rafael
Humans often face the challenge of making decisions between ambiguous options. The level of ambiguity in decision-making has been linked to activity in the parietal cortex, but its exact computational role remains elusive. To test the hypothesis that the parietal cortex plays a causal role in computing ambiguous probabilities, we conducted consecutive fMRI and TMS-EEG studies. We found that participants assigned unknown probabilities to objective probabilities, elevating the uncertainty of their decisions. Parietal cortex activity correlated with the objective degree of ambiguity and with a process that underestimates the uncertainty during decision-making. Conversely, the midcingulate cortex (MCC) encodes prediction errors and increases its connectivity with the parietal cortex during outcome processing. Disruption of the parietal activity increased the uncertainty evaluation of the options, decreasing cingulate cortex oscillations during outcome evaluation and lateral frontal oscillations related to value ambiguous probability. These results provide evidence for a causal role of the parietal cortex in computing uncertainty during ambiguous decisions made by humans.
Oscillatory activity underlying cognitive performance in children and adolescents with autism: a systematic review
(2024) Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Soto-Fernández, Patricio; Kausel, Leonie; Víctor Márquez-Rodríguez, Víctor; Carvajal-Paredes, Patricio; Martínez-Molina, María Paz; Figueroa-Vargas, Alejandra; Billeke, Pablo
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that exhibits a widely heterogeneous range of social and cognitive symptoms. This feature has challenged a broad comprehension of this neurodevelopmental disorder and therapeutic efforts to address its difficulties. Current therapeutic strategies have focused primarily on treating behavioral symptoms rather than on brain psychophysiology. During the past years, the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (NIBS) has opened alternatives to the design of potential combined treatments focused on the NEurophysiopathology of neuropsychiatric disorders like ASD. Such interventions require identifying the key brain mechanisms underlying the symptomatology and cognitive features. Evidence has shown alterations in oscillatory features of the neural ensembles associated with cognitive functions in ASD. In this line, we elaborated a systematic revision of the evidence of alterations in brain oscillations that underlie key cognitive processes that have been shown to be affected in ASD during childhood and adolescence, namely, social cognition, attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. This knowledge could contribute to developing therapies based on NIBS to improve these processes in populations with ASD
Theta and alpha oscillations may underlie improved attention and working memory in musically trained children
(2024) Kausel, Leonie; Zamorano, Francisco; Billeke, Pablo; Sutherland, M.E.; Alliende, M. I.; Larrain-Valenzuela, J.; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Aboitiz, F.
Introduction: Attention and working memory are key cognitive functions that allow us to select and maintain information in our mind for a short time, being essential for our daily life and, in particular, for learning and academic performance. It has been shown that musical training can improve working memory performance, but it is still unclear if and how the neural mechanisms of working memory and particularly attention are implicated in this process. In this work, we aimed to identify the oscillatory signature of bimodal attention and working memory that contributes to improved working memory in musically trained children. Materials and methods: We recruited children with and without musical training and asked them to complete a bimodal (auditory/visual) attention and working memory task, whereas their brain activity was measured using electroencephalography. Behavioral, time–frequency, and source reconstruction analyses were made. Results: Results showed that, overall, musically trained children performed better on the task than children without musical training. When comparing musically trained children with children without musical training, we found modulations in the alpha band pre-stimuli onset and the beginning of stimuli onset in the frontal and parietal regions. These correlated with correct responses to the attended modality. Moreover, during the end phase of stimuli presentation, we found modulations correlating with correct responses independent of attention condition in the theta and alpha bands, in the left frontal and right parietal regions. Conclusions: These results suggest that musically trained children have improved neu ronal mechanisms for both attention allocation and memory encoding. Our results can be important for developing interventions for people with attention and working memory difficulties.
A multimodal interface for speech perception: the role of the left superior temporal sulcus in social cognition and autism
(2024) Kausel, Leonie; Michon, Maëva; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Aboitiz, Francisco
Multimodal integration is crucial for human interaction, in particular for social communication, which relies on integrating information from various sensory modalities. Recently a third visual pathway specialized in social perception was proposed, which includes the right superior temporal sulcus (STS) playing a key role in processing socially relevant cues and high-level social perception. Importantly, it has also recently been proposed that the left STS contributes to audiovisual integration of speech processing. In this article, we propose that brain areas along the right STS that support multimodal integration for social perception and cognition can be considered homologs to those in the left, language-dominant hemisphere, sustaining multimodal integration of speech and semantic concepts fundamental for social communication. Emphasizing the significance of the left STS in multimodal integration and associated processes such as multimodal attention to socially relevant stimuli, we underscore its potential relevance in comprehending neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in social communication such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further research into this left lateral processing stream holds the promise of enhancing our understanding of social communication in both typical development and ASD, which may lead to more effective interventions that could improve the quality of life for individuals with atypical neurodevelopment.
Country-level gender inequality is associated with structural differences in the brains of women and men
(2023) Zugman, André; Alliende, Luz María; Medel, Vicente; Bethlehem, Richard A.I.; Seidlitz, Jakob; Ringlein, Grace; Arango, Celso; Arnatkevičiūtė, Aurina; Asmal, Laila; Bellgrove, Mark; Benegal, Vivek; Bernardo, Miquel; Billeke, Pablo; Bosch-Bayard, Jorge; Bressan, Rodrigo; Busatto, Geraldo F.; Castro, Mariana N.; Chaim-Avancini, Tiffany; Compte, Albert; Costanzi, Monise; Czepielewsk, Leticia; Dazzan, Paola; Fuente-Sandoval, Camilo de la; Forti, Marta Di; Díaz-Caneja, Covadonga M.; Díaz-Zuluaga, Ana María; Ples, Stefan Du; Duran, Fabio L. S.; Fittipaldi, Sol; Fornito, Alex; Freimer, Nelson B.; Gadelha, Ary; Gama, Clarissa S.; Garani, Ranjini; Garcia-Rizo, Clemente; Gonzalez Campo, Cecilia; Gonzalez-Valderrama, Alfonso; Guinjoan, Salvador; Holla, Bharath; Undurraga, Juan
Gender inequality across the world has been associated with a higher risk to mental health problems and lower academic achievement in women compared to men. We also know that the brain is shaped by nurturing and adverse socio-environmental experiences. Therefore, unequal exposure to harsher conditions for women compared to men in gender-unequal countries might be reflected in differences in their brain structure, and this could be the neural mechanism partly explaining women's worse outcomes in gender-unequal countries. We examined this through a random-effects meta-analysis on cortical thickness and surface area differences between adult healthy men and women, including a meta-regression in which country-level gender inequality acted as an explanatory variable for the observed differences. A total of 139 samples from 29 different countries, totaling 7,876 MRI scans, were included. Thickness of the right hemisphere, and particularly the right caudal anterior cingulate, right medial orbitofrontal, and left lateral occipital cortex, presented no differences or even thicker regional cortices in women compared to men in gender-equal countries, reversing to thinner cortices in countries with greater gender inequality. These results point to the potentially hazardous effect of gender inequality on women's brains and provide initial evidence for neuroscience-informed policies for gender equality.
Quantifying hierarchy and prestige in US ballet academies as social predictors of career success.
(2023) Herrera-Guzmán, Yessica; Gates, Alexander J.; Candia Vallejos, Cristian; Barabási, Albert-László
In the recent decade, we have seen major progress in quantifying the behaviors and the impact of scientists, resulting in a quantitative toolset capable of monitoring and predicting the career patterns of the profession. It is unclear, however, if this toolset applies to other creative domains beyond the sciences. In particular, while performance in the arts has long been difficult to quantify objectively, research suggests that professional networks and prestige of affiliations play a similar role to those observed in science, hence they can reveal patterns underlying successful careers. To test this hypothesis, here we focus on ballet, as it allows us to investigate in a quantitative fashion the interplay of individual performance, institutional prestige, and network effects. We analyze data on competition outcomes from 6363 ballet students affiliated with 1603 schools in the United States, who participated in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) between 2000 and 2021. Through multiple logit models and matching experiments, we provide evidence that schools’ strategic network position bridging between communities captures social prestige and predicts the placement of students into jobs in ballet companies. This work reveals the importance of institutional prestige on career success in ballet and showcases the potential of network science approaches to provide quantitative viewpoints for the professional development of careers beyond science.
The work, economic, and remittance stress and distress of the COVID-19 pandemic containment policies: The case of venezuelan migrants in Argentina and Chile.
(2023) Real, Deisy Del; Crowhurst Pons, Felipe Ignacio; Olave, Lizeth
According to the social stress process model, global crises are macro-level stressors that generate physiological stress and psychological distress. However, existing research has not identified immigrants’ COVID-19 containment policy stressors or examined the social stress of sending remittances amid crises. Drawing on in-depth longitudinal interviews with 46 Venezuelan immigrants— half before and half during the pandemic—in Chile and Argentina, we identified the COVID-19 containment policies’ stressors. We focused on Venezuelan immigrants because they constitute one of the largest internationally displaced populations, with most migrating within South America. We found that the governmental COVID-19 containment measures in both countries generated four stressors: employment loss, income loss, devaluation of employment status, and inability to send needed remittances. Moreover, sending remittances helped some migrants cope with concerns about loved ones in Venezuela. However, sending remittances became a social stressor when immigrants struggled to simultaneously sustain their livelihoods and send financial support to relatives experiencing hardships in Venezuela. For some immigrants, these adversities generated other stressors (e.g., housing instability) and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Broadly, for immigrants, the stressors of global crises transcend international borders and generate high stress, which strains their psychological well-being.
Orcas remember what to copy: a deferred and interference‑resistant imitation study
(2023) Zamorano-Abramson, José; Hernández‑Lloreda, Mª Victoria; Colmenares, Fernando; Call, Josep
Response facilitation has often been portrayed as a “low level” category of social learning, because the demonstrator’s action, which is already in the observer’s repertoire, automatically triggers that same action, rather than induces the learning of a new action. One way to rule out response facilitation consists of introducing a delay between the demonstrator’s behavior and the observer’s response to let their possible efects wear of. However, this may not rule out “delayed response facilitation” in which the subject could be continuously “mentally rehearsing” the demonstrated actions during the waiting period. We used a do-as-the-other-did paradigm in two orcas to study whether they displayed cognitive control regarding their production of familiar actions by (1) introducing a delay ranging from 60 to 150 s between observing and producing the actions and (2) interspersing distractor (non-target) actions performed by the demonstrator and by the subjects during the delay period. These two manipulations were aimed at preventing the mental rehearsal of the observed actions during the delay period. Both orcas copied the model’s target actions on command after various delay periods, and crucially, despite the presence of distractor actions. These fndings suggest that orcas are capable of selectively retrieving a representation of an observed action to generate a delayed matching response. Moreover, these results lend further support to the proposal that the subjects’ performance relied not only on a mental representation of the specifc actions that were requested to copy, but also fexibly on the abstract and domain general rule requested by the specifc “copy command”. Our fndings strengthen the view that orcas and other cetaceans are capable of fexible and controlled social learning.
Network anatomy in logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia
(2023) Mandelli, Maria Luisa; Lorca-Puls, Diego L.; Lukic, Sladjana; Montembeault, Maxime; Gajardo-Vidal, Andrea; Licata, Abigail; Scheffler, Aaron; Battistella, Giovanni; Grasso, Stephanie M.; Bogley, Rian; Ratnasiri, Buddhika M.; La Joie, Renaud; Mundada, Nidhi S.; Europa, Eduardo; Rabinovici, Gil; Miller, Bruce L.; Leon, Jessica De; Henry, Maya L.; Miller, Zachary; Gorno-Tempini, Maria Luisa
The logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized linguistically by gradual loss of repetition and naming skills resulting from left posterior temporal and inferior parietal atrophy. Here, we sought to identify which specific cortical loci are initially targeted by the disease (epicenters) and investigate whether atrophy spreads through predetermined networks. First, we used cross-sectional structural MRI data from individuals with lvPPA to define putative disease epicenters using a surface-based approach paired with an anatomically fine-grained parcellation of the cortical surface (i.e., HCP-MMP1.0 atlas). Second, we combined cross-sectional functional MRI data from healthy controls and longitudinal structural MRI data from individuals with lvPPA to derive the epicenter-seeded resting-state networks most relevant to lvPPA symptomatology and ascertain whether functional connectivity in these networks predicts longitudinal atrophy spread in lvPPA. Our results show that two partially distinct brain networks anchored to the left anterior angular and posterior superior temporal gyri epicenters were preferentially associated with sentence repetition and naming skills in lvPPA. Critically, the strength of connectivity within these two networks in the neurologically-intact brain significantly predicted longitudinal atrophy progression in lvPPA. Taken together, our findings indicate that atrophy progression in lvPPA, starting from inferior parietal and temporoparietal junction regions, predominantly follows at least two partially nonoverlapping pathways, which may influence the heterogeneity in clinical presentation and prognosis.
Evidence of the active participation of women in the intergroup conflict based on the use of aggression and cooperation
(2023) Muñoz Reyes, José Antonio; Torrico-Bazoberry, Daniel; Polo Rodrigo, Pablo; Figueroa, Oriana; Guzmán-Lavín, Eugenio; Fajardo, Gabriela; Valenzuela-Martinez, Nohelia T.; Belinchón, Montserrat; Rodriguez-Sickert, Carlos; Pita, Miguel
Intergroup conflict has been a persistent aspect of human societies since the emergence of our species. Various researchers have proposed that competition between groups has acted as a key selective force throughout human evolutionary history. Such intergroup competition for limited resources exacerbated the expression of intergroup aggression and intragroup cooperation. Furthermore, it would have a sexual dimorphism, with men demonstrating increased sensitivity to conflict threats—in order to maximize reproductive opportunities—, while women generally reject from active engagement in intergroup conflict. In the present study, we conducted behavioral experiments under controlled laboratory conditions to measure cooperation and aggression from using virtual games, specifically the Public Good Games and the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm, in a sample of 541 participants. We created control and experimental intergroup competition scenarios, where aggression and cooperation were necessary to increase monetary rewards. Our results shows that men modulate aggression and cooperation in the presence of intergroup conflict. In addition, our data also reveals that women cooperate more than men and display heightened levels of cooperation and aggression when confronted with intergroup conflict. These findings prompt a reevaluation of current functional theoretical models concerning the role of women in intergroup conflict and suggest that the dynamics of human aggression and cooperation may be more nuanced than previously believed.
Educación intercultural en Chile: La experiencia inclusiva del taller «Palabras de unión»
(2023) Pavez Soto, Iskra; Ortiz López, Juan; Alfaro Contreras, Carmen; Colomés, Sofía; Villegas, Pamela; Grandon, Nicolás; Acuña, Jeanette; Coloma, Camila; Gonzalez, Andrea
El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la percepción que tienen las familias migrantes de origen haitiano, cuya lengua materna es el creole, sobre la experiencia de sus hijas e hijos en el taller ‘Palabras de Unión’ donde facilitaron el proceso de inmersión lingüística. Mediante una metodología cualitativa, se realizaron nueve entrevistas semiestructuradas a madres y padres, apoderados de un establecimiento público de enseñanza básica, ubicado en un barrio vulnerable de Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile. Los resultados reflejan que las familias migrantes valoran el apoyo recibido de parte del taller, especialmente las estrategias utilizadas por el equipo interdisciplinario conformado por profesores, fonoaudiólogos y personal docente. No obstante, se observa una alta demanda de parte de los apoderados por tener más oportunidades de comunicación con la escuela. Se reconoce que las nuevas tecnologías de la información funcionan como un canal accesible que puede facilitar la participación de toda la comunidad escolar.
Degeneracy in the neurological model of auditory speech repetition
(2023) Sajid, Noor; Gajardo-Vidal, Andrea; Ekert, Justyna O.; Lorca-Puls, Diego L.; Hope, Thomas M. H.; Green, David W.; Friston, Karl J.; Price, Cathy J.
Both classic and contemporary models of auditory word repetition involve at least four left hemisphere regions: primary auditory cortex for processing sounds; pSTS (within Wernicke's area) for processing auditory images of speech; pOp (within Broca's area) for processing motor images of speech; and primary motor cortex for overt speech articulation. Previous functional-MRI (fMRI) studies confirm that auditory repetition activates these regions, in addition to many others. Crucially, however, contemporary models do not specify how regions interact and drive each other during auditory repetition. Here, we used dynamic causal modelling, to test the functional interplay among the four core brain regions during single auditory word and pseudoword repetition. Our analysis is grounded in the principle of degeneracy-i.e., many-to-one structure-function relationships-where multiple neural pathways can execute the same function. Contrary to expectation, we found that, for both word and pseudoword repetition, (i) the effective connectivity between pSTS and pOp was predominantly bidirectional and inhibitory; (ii) activity in the motor cortex could be driven by either pSTS or pOp; and (iii) the latter varied both within and between individuals. These results suggest that different neural pathways can support auditory speech repetition. This degeneracy may explain resilience to functional loss after brain damage.
Facing the blue Anthropocene in Patagonia by empowering indigenous peoples’ action networks
(2023) Araos, Francisco; Hidalgo, Carlos; Brañas, Francisco; Anbleyth-Evans, Jeremy; Diestre, Florencia; Yu Iwama, Allan
Chilean Patagonia is a globally significant ecosystem for biodiversity, and simultaneously a global center for the aquaculture industry. Environmental crises have accelerated over the last decades with the installation of salmon farms, increasing impacts on indigenous livelihoods and the habitats of marine species. Indigenous Marine Areas (IMA) have confronted the effects of the blue Anthropocene in Chilean Patagonia, causing diverse indigenous communities to evolve mechanisms to enhance ocean health and sustainability. Based on an analysis of the main socio-spatial trends of IMA in Patagonia and their action networks in the Los Lagos Region, this study demonstrates the importance of a multiple agent network to mobilize the implementation of IMA. The study shows how indigenous people face the challenges of the UN Ocean Decade, enhancing the sustainability pathways of blue Patagonia.
Imitation of Novel Intransitive Body Actions in a Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas): A “Do as Other Does” Study
(2023) Zamorano-Abramson, José; Hernández-Lloreda, María Victoria
Cetaceans are well known for their unique behavioral habits, such as calls and tactics. The possibility that these are acquired through social learning continues to be explored. This study investigates the ability of a young beluga whale to imitate novel behaviors. Using a do-as-other does paradigm, the subject observed the performance of a conspecific demonstrator involving familiar and novel behaviors. The subject: (1) learned a specific ‘copy’ command; (2) copied 100% of the demonstrator’s familiar behaviors and accurately reproduced two out of three novel actions; (3) achieved full matches on the first trial for a subset of familiar behaviors; and (4) demonstrated proficiency in coping with each familiar behavior as well as the two novel behaviors. This study provides the first experimental evidence of a beluga whale’s ability to imitate novel intransitive (non-object-oriented) body movements on command. These results contribute to our understanding of the remarkable ability of cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas, and now beluga whales, to engage in multimodal imitation involving sounds and movements. This ability, rarely documented in non humananimals, has significant implications for the development of survival strategies, such as the acquisition of knowledge about natal philopatry, migration routes, and traditional feeding areas, among these marine mammals.
Another in need enhances prosociality and modulates frontal theta oscillations in young adults
(2023) Lavín, Claudio; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; López, Vladimir; Billeke, Pablo
Introduction: Decision-making is a process that can be strongly affected by social factors. Evidence has shown how people deviate from traditional rationalchoice predictions under different levels of social interactions. The emergence of prosocial decision-making, defined as any action that is addressed to benefit another individual even at the expense of personal benefits, has been reported as an example of such social influence. Furthermore, brain evidence has shown the involvement of structures such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior insula, and midcingulate cortex during decision settings in which a decision maker interacts with others under physical pain or distress or while being observed by others. Methods: Using a slightly modified version of the dictator game and EEG recordings, we tested the hypothesis that the inclusion of another person into the decision setting increases prosocial decisions in young adults and that this increase is higher when the other person is associated with others in need. At the brain level, we hypothesized that the increase in prosocial decisions correlates with frontal theta activity. Results and Discussion: The results showed that including another person in the decision, setting increased prosocial behavior only when this presence was associated with someone in need. This effect was associated with an increase in frontocentral theta-oscillatory activity. These results suggest that the presence of someone in need enhances empathy concerns and norm compliance, raising the participants’ prosocial decision-making.
Towards a comprehensive approach to mentalization-based treatment for children with autism: integrating attachment, neurosciences, and mentalizing
(2023) Costa-Cordella, Stefanella; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Borgeaud, Karin; Grasso-Cladera, Aitana; Malberg, Norka T.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed based on socio-communicative difficulties, which are believed to result from deficits in mentalizing, mainly evidenced by alterations in recognizing and responding to the mental states of others. In recent years, efforts have been made to develop mentalization-based treatment (MBT) models for this population. These models focus on enhancing individuals’ ability to understand and reflect on their own mental states, as well as those of others. However, MBT approaches for people with ASD are limited by their existing theoretical background, which lacks a strong foundation grounded in neuroscience-based evidence properly integrated with attachment, and mentalizing. These are crucial aspects for understanding psychological processes in autism, and as such, they play a pivotal role in shaping the development of tailored and effective therapeutic strategies for this specific population. In this paper we review evidence related to the neurobiological, interpersonal, and psychological dimensions of autism and their implications for mentalizing processes. We also review previous mentalization-based frameworks on the psychosis continuum to provide a comprehensive understanding of attachment, neurobiology, and mentalization domains in therapeutic approaches for autism. After presenting a synthesis of the literature, we offer a set of clinical strategies for the work with children with autism. Finally, we provide recommendations to advance the field towards more robust models that can serve as a basis for evidence-based therapeutic strategies.
La despótica confortabilidad del consumidor: la identidad de cliente en el mercado personalizado
(2022) AEDO, ANDRES
Las interacciones entre consumidores y oferentes han dejado de ser intercambios libres y voluntarios basados en la mutua conveniencia, pues en las transacciones de mercado han emergido prácticas despóticas y violentas por parte de los clientes hacia los trabajadores. Esta forma patológica de ejercicio del consumo es resultado del condicionamiento de la nueva sociedad de mercado marcada por la personalización de productos y servicios, posibilitando la emergencia de una nueva forma de identidad de consumidor que tiene como rasgo característico la confortabilidad de los clientes. Esta condición de personalización/confortabilidad hace que se estructure una relación de autoridad situacional entre oferta y demanda, y posibilita los tratos despóticos cuando los deseos de los clientes son perturbados.
La ética de la confortabilidad personal: una nueva identidad económica
(2022) ; AEDO, ANDRES; Vargas, Francisca
Este artículo sostiene como hipótesis que una de las formas de comprender los comportamientos agresivos de los clientes hacia los trabajadores en el mercado contemporáneo puede sustentarse en la emergencia del derecho a la confortabilidad personal como característica de un nuevo espíritu del consumidor. Este derecho a la confortabilidad personal, derivado de una situación de autoridad y subordinación entre clientes y trabajadores, dada la personalización de los mercados contemporáneos, fue paradójicamente desplegado por las mismas empresas en sus procesos de atención a los clientes, tal como se aprecia en los manuales de atención al cliente analizados en este trabajo.
The influence of the Kemmerer’s Mission in the Constitution of 1925
(2022) Soto Velasco, Sebastián; Couyoumdjian, Juan Pablo
The Kemmerer Mission, which visited Chile between July and October 1925, was hired in order to implement a series of monetary and financial reforms intended to achieve monetary stability in the country. As part of this work, it was also consulted regarding some articles of the Constitution that was being drafted during this period. The participation of the Kemmerer mission in the discussion regarding the budgetary and fiscal norms of what would be the Constitution of 1925 is a matter that has not been sufficiently studied either by the constitutional or economic history in Chile. Some of the proposals of the Mission, such as the debates on the presidential initiative, came to ratify issues already agreed upon. Others, such as the reduction of the discussion period for the budget and the requirement to approve funded bills, were widely welcomed. And there are other matters where Kemmerer’s proposals were rejected. Based on this, we conclude that its influence on these matters was limited. But although the stricture in budgetary matters proposed by the Kemmerer Mission was considered excessive in the country, even in an admittedly presidential convention, this marks the beginning of a trend that laid the foundations for the concentration of financial power in the Executive.
COVID-19 aftermath: exploring the mental health emergency among students at a Northern Italian University
(2022) Patrono, Alessandra; Renzetti, Stefano; Manco, Angela; Brunelli, Paola; Moncada, Stefanny M.; Macgowan, Mark J.; Placidi, Donatella; Calza, Stefano; Cagna, Giuseppa; Rota, Matteo; Memo, Maurizio; Tira, Maurizio; Lucchini, Roberto G.
In this study, we investigated the symptoms of physical and mental health associated with lifestyle changes due to a lockdown among the students of a university in Northern Italy, one of the most affected areas in Europe during the first wave of COVID-19. We examined the psychopathological variations in relation to mental health problems in a young population. The goal was to develop interventions to resolve these new psychosocial problems. From June to July 2020, students participated in an anonymous survey asking about habits and symptoms that emerged during the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. Five health outcomes were assessed: digestive disorders; headaches; fear of COVID-19; panic and anxiety crises; and depression/sadness. The conditions and duration of the social isolation, lifestyle, SARS-CoV-2 infection in the household, financial situation, and productivity were considered in the analysis. A total of 3533 students completed the survey. The participants experienced headaches, depression and sadness, digestive disorders, a fear of COVID-19, and anxiety/panic crises. The duration of isolation was associated with an increased risk of digestive disorders, headaches, and COVID-19 fear. The female gender, medium-intense telephone usage, sleep quality, memory difficulties, and performance reduction were associated with an increased risk of the health outcomes. Future interventions should focus on promoting and implementing different habits with the support of health and university organizations.

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