bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Health-Related Physical Fitness Using Multiple Linear Regression in Korean Adults: National Fitness Award 2015–2019
Authors: Kim Sung-Woo , Park Hun-Young , Jung Hoeryong , Lee Jinkue , Lim Kiwon
Published: May 2021

Continuous health care and the measurement of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) is necessary for prevention against chronic diseases; however, HRPF measurements including laboratory methods may not be practical for large populations owing to constraints such as time, cost, and the requirement for qualified technicians. This study aimed to develop a multiple linear regression model to estimate the HRPF of Korean adults, using easy-to-measure dependent variables, such as gender, age, body mass index, and percent body fat. The National Fitness Award datasets of South Korea were used in this analysis. The participants were aged 19–64 years, including 319,643 male and 147,600 females. HRPF included hand grip strength (HGS), flexibility (sit and reach), muscular endurance (sit-ups), and cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated VO2max). An estimation multiple linear regression model was developed using the stepwise technique. The outlier data in the multiple regression model was identified and removed when the absolute value of the studentized residual was ≥2. In the regression model, the coefficient of determination for HGS (adjustedR2: 0.870,P< 0.001), muscular endurance (adjustedR2: 0.751,P< 0.001), and cardiorespiratory fitness (adjustedR2: 0.885,P< 0.001) were significantly high. However, the coefficient of determination for flexibility was low (adjustedR2: 0.298,P< 0.001). Our findings suggest that easy-to-measure dependent variables can predict HGS, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults. The prediction equation will allow coaches, athletes, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public to better estimate the expected HRPF.
dsRNA Molecules From the Tobacco Mosaic Virus p126 Gene Counteract TMV-Induced Proteome Changes at an Early Stage of Infection
Authors: Konakalla Naga Charan , Nitin Mukesh , Kaldis Athanasios , Masarapu Hema , Carpentier Sebastien , Voloudakis Andreas
Published: May 2021

Exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the tobacco–Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) pathosystem was shown previously to induce resistance against TMV providing an alternative approach to transgenesis. In the present study, we employed proteomics technology to elucidate the effect of TMV on tobacco as well as the effect of exogenous application of TMV p126 dsRNA molecules (dsRNAp126) at an early stage of the tobacco–TMV interaction. The proteome of tobacco leaf at 15 min post inoculation (mpi) in the presence or absence of dsRNAp126 molecules was studied. Thirty-six tobacco proteins were differentially accumulated in TMV-infected vs. healthy tobacco leaf tissue. The identified main differential TMV-responsive proteins were found to be involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, stress, and defense responses. Most of the virus-induced changes in the tobacco leaf proteome were not observed in the leaves treated with dsRNAp126 + TMV. The results indicated that the protein changes induced by TMV infection were counteracted by the exogenous application of dsRNAp126 molecules. Moreover, using small RNA sequencing, we showed that the exogenously applied dsRNAp126 was efficiently processed in tobacco as early as 15 min post application (mpa) to produce small interfering RNAs (siRNAs); the dicing pattern was not affected by the presence of TMV. The presence of dsRNAp126 reduced TMV p126 RNA abundance suggesting virus titer reduction via a sequence-specific mechanism, since a non-homologous dsRNA did not protect from TMV infection nor affect TMV accumulation.
Plant-Produced Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Elicits Potent Neutralizing Responses in Mice and Non-human Primates
Authors: Siriwattananon Konlavat , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Shanmugaraj Balamurugan , Rattanapisit Kaewta , Phumiamorn Supaporn , Sapsutthipas Sompong , Trisiriwanich Sakalin , Prompetchara Eakachai , Ketloy Chutitorn , Buranapraditkun Supranee , Wijagkanalan Wassana , Tharakhet Kittipan , Kaewpang Papatsara , Leetanasaksakul Kantinan , Kemthong Taratorn , Suttisan Nutchanat , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo
Published: May 2021

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected global public health and economy. Despite the substantial efforts, only few vaccines are currently approved and some are in the different stages of clinical trials. As the disease rapidly spreads, an affordable and effective vaccine is urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the immunogenicity of plant-produced receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in order to use as a subunit vaccine. In this regard, RBD of SARS-CoV-2 was fused with Fc fragment of human IgG1 and transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana by agroinfiltration. The plant-produced RBD-Fc fusion protein was purified from the crude extract by using protein A affinity column chromatography. Two intramuscular administration of plant-produced RBD-Fc protein formulated with alum as an adjuvant have elicited high neutralization titers in immunized mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Further it has induced a mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses and vaccine-specific T-lymphocyte responses which was confirmed by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Altogether, our results demonstrated that the plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD has the potential to be used as an effective vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the immunogenicity of plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein in mice and non-human primates.
The Triumph of (Underlying)Ideology Over Populism in Western Europe
Authors: Fernández-García Belén
Published: May 2021

The prototypical form of populism in Europe has been that of the radical right, which combines populism with nationalism, xenophobia and certain doses of authoritarianism. European left-wing populism, for its part, had remained a marginal phenomenon until the outbreak of the economic crisis in 2008. Since then, populism has ceased to be a phenomenon almost exclusively for the radical right and has spread along the ideological spectrum or has appeared with ambiguous ideological positions. The recent electoral advances of populism in Europe have led to the formation of coalition governments between populist parties of different ideological signs (first in Greece, then in Italy). Likewise, the programmatic evolution followed by some populist parties (e.g., the populist radical right's shift to the economic center, or even center-left) or some similarities between these parties beyond their populist rhetoric (e.g., Euroscepticism), indicates that European populist parties may have more in common than might be expected. This leads us to the following question: Are we witnessing the triumph of populism over ideology? That is, do left and right populist parties tend to converge on other issues that are beyond their populist rhetoric? Or do left-right differences remain hegemonic? This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the nature of populism in Europe. In particular, this article aims to determine whether underlying ideology triumphs over populism in these types of political organizations or not. In order to do that, this study will analyze the ideological positioning and cohesiveness of populist parties in Western Europe at both party and electorate levels. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this research is to shed light on a phenomenon that is advancing electorally in Europe and that could determine future coalitions and government alliances.
Psychological Capital Mediates the Relationship Between Problematic Smartphone Use and Learning Burnout in Chinese Medical Undergraduates and Postgraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Changhong , Li Ge , Fan Zhaoya , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Fan
Published: May 2021

Learning burnout is a pressing issue among Chinese medical undergraduates and Postgraduates and has drawn continuous attention worldwide. Studies have found that problematic smartphone use could affect learning burnout, but more research is needed in this direction. Furthermore, few studies focused on the mediating effect of psychological capital on the relationship between problematic smartphone use and learning burnout. The present study was a cross-sectional survey that recruited 1,800 participants from a medical university in Chongqing, China. A questionnaire based on the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, Learning Burnout Scale, and demographic variables were administered to these students, and 1,475 provided valid responses (81.94%). 771 were undergraduates (52.3%) and 704 were postgraduates (47.7%). Hierarchical regression and the bootstrap method were used to examine the mediating effect of psychological capital. After controlling for demographic variables, problematic smartphone use positively predicted learning burnout in undergraduates (β = 0.328, p < 0.01) and in postgraduates (β = 0.342, p < 0.01). The partial mediating effect of psychological capital was 0.068 in undergraduates and 0.074 in postgraduates, accounting for 20.67 and 21.64%, respectively, of the total effect of problematic smartphone use on learning burnout. All the 95% confidence intervals (CI) did not contain 0. Problematic smartphone use can directly predict learning burnout and their relationship was mediated by psychological capital in Chinese medical undergraduates and postgraduates. Strategies to alleviating problematic smartphone use and enhance psychological capital in medical undergraduates and postgraduates may provide useful suggestions for future interventions on dealing with learning burnout in Chinese medical undergraduates and postgraduates.
Trait Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing During the Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Centered Coping
Authors: Sanchez-Ruiz Maria-Jose , Tadros Natalie , Khalaf Tatiana , Ego Veronica , Eisenbeck Nikolett , Carreno David F. , Nassar Elma
Published: May 2021

Studies investigating the COVID-19 pandemic from a psychological point of view have mostly focused on psychological distress. This study adopts the framework of existential positive psychology, a second wave of positive psychology that emphasizes the importance of effective coping with the negative aspects of living in order to achieve greater wellbeing. Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) can be crucial in this context as it refers to emotion-related personality dispositions concerning the understanding and regulation of one’s emotions and those of others. The present study investigated the relationship between trait EI and both wellbeing and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress), while exploring the mediating role of meaning-centered coping (proactive transformative strategies based on meaning in life) and maladaptive coping (i.e., behavioral disengagement and self-blame) during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 326 Lebanese adults completed measures of trait EI, wellbeing, psychological distress, coping, and meaning-centered coping. Results showed a strong positive correlation between trait EI and meaning-centered coping. Trait EI also correlated positively with wellbeing and negatively with psychological distress. Structural equation modeling showed that meaning-centered coping partially mediated the relationship between trait EI and wellbeing. Maladaptive coping fully mediated the relationship between trait EI and psychological distress. Findings indicate that trait EI is positively related to dealing with a stressful situation such as the pandemic in positive ways at both the cognitive level, by reformulating the situation to see something valuable in it, and behavioral level, by being proactive about it. Trait EI was positively linked to seeing the situation as an opportunity for personal growth, finding personal meaning in this situation, maintaining an attitude of hope and courage, and acting more responsibly with one’s self and others during the current crisis. In turn, this coping formula was related to lower psychological distress and improved mental health. These results are consistent with the existential positive psychology framework and can inform implementation programs and policies aiming at raising awareness and promoting healthy and successful coping during the pandemic.
Cannabis Affects Cerebellar Volume and Sleep Differently in Men and Women
Authors: McPherson Katherine L. , Tomasi Dardo G. , Wang Gene-Jack , Manza Peter , Volkow Nora D.
Published: May 2021

Background: There are known sex differences in behavioral and clinical outcomes associated with drugs of abuse, including cannabis. However, little is known about how chronic cannabis use and sex interact to affect brain structure, particularly in regions with high cannabinoid receptor expression, such as the cerebellum, amygdala, and hippocampus. Based on behavioral data suggesting that females may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of chronic cannabis use, we hypothesized lower volumes in these regions in female cannabis users. We also hypothesized poorer sleep quality among female cannabis users, given recent findings highlighting the importance of sleep for many outcomes related to cannabis use disorder.

Methods: Using data from the Human Connectome Project, we examined 170 chronic cannabis users (>100 lifetime uses and/or a lifetime diagnosis of cannabis dependence) and 170 controls that we attempted to match on age, sex, BMI, race, tobacco use, and alcohol use. We performed group-by-sex ANOVAs, testing for an interaction in subcortical volumes, and in self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Inventory).

Results: After controlling for total intracranial volume and past/current tobacco usage, we found that cannabis users relative to controls had smaller cerebellum volume and poorer sleep quality, and these effects were driven by the female cannabis users (i.e., a group-by-sex interaction). Among cannabis users, there was an age of first use-by-sex interaction in sleep quality, such that females with earlier age of first cannabis use tended to have more self-reported sleep issues, whereas this trend was not present among male cannabis users. The amygdala volume was smaller in cannabis users than in non-users but the group by sex interaction was not significant.

Conclusions: These data corroborate prior findings that females may be more sensitive to the neural and behavioral effects of chronic cannabis use than males. Further work is needed to determine if reduced cerebellar and amygdala volumes contribute to sleep impairments in cannabis users.
A Framework-Based Approach to Assessing Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents
Authors: Lin Ping-I , Srivastava Gautam , Beckman Linda , Kim Yunhwan , Hallerbäck Maria , Barzman Drew , Sorter Michael , Eapen Valsamma
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has yielded extensive impacts globally in the year of 2020. Although the mental health of children and adolescents may be particularly susceptible to stressors stemming from the pandemic and anti-contagion policies, most ongoing efforts are geared toward curbing the viral spread. In the current perspective, we have identified four domains of factors corresponding to an ecological framework that may directly or indirectly influence the mental health of children and adolescents during the pandemic. The evidence suggests that anti-contagion policies might trigger cascades that impact the mental health of children and their families through multiple different sectors that used to form a safety net for youths. Additionally, children with neuropsychiatric disorders could experience exacerbated symptoms during the pandemic. Furthermore, the risk of domestic violence has surged during the pandemic, which further compounds the imminent mental health crisis. A mental health pandemic could be inevitable if no proactive prevention strategies were in place. Therefore, we recommend understanding each individual mental health risk pathway via the ecological framework in order to develop integrative prevention and intervention strategies.
Anosognosia in Early- and Late-Onset Dementia and Its Association With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Authors: Tondelli Manuela , Galli Chiara , Vinceti Giulia , Fiondella Luigi , Salemme Simone , Carbone Chiara , Molinari Maria Angela , Chiari Annalisa , Zamboni Giovanna
Published: May 2021

Background: The symptom anosognosia or unawareness of disease in dementia has mainly been studied in patients with late-onset dementia (LOD, ≥65 years), whereas little is known on whether it is also present in patients with early-onset dementia (EOD, <65 years). We aimed at investigating differences in anosognosia between LOD and EOD, by also studying its association with different clinical variants of EOD and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Methods: A total of 148 patients, 91 EOD and 57 LOD, were recruited and underwent extended clinical assessment and caregiver interview that included questionnaires aimed at measuring anosognosia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Differences in anosognosia between EOD and LOD and between subgroups with different clinical variants were investigated, as well as correlation between anosognosia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. A regression analysis was applied to explore the association between anosognosia and development of neuropsychiatric symptoms during disease progression.

Results: Median levels of anosognosia were not significantly different between EOD and LOD. Anosognosia increased overtime with disease progression and was higher in frontotemporal dementia patients or, more precisely, in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease variants associated with involvement of the frontal lobes. Higher levels of early anosognosia were associated with higher frequency and severity of subsequent neuropsychiatric symptoms, in particular apathy, later in the course of the disease.

Conclusion: Anosognosia is a frequent symptom of EOD, occurring in 94.5% of all-cause EOD, and it is associated with higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric symptoms during disease progression. Recognising anosognosia may be helpful for clinicians and families to reduce diagnostic delay and improve disease managment.
Dementia Incidence, Burden and Cost of Care: A Filipino Community-Based Study
Authors: Dominguez Jacqueline , Jiloca Leo , Fowler Krizelle Cleo , De Guzman Ma. Fe , Dominguez-Awao Jhozel Kim , Natividad Boots , Domingo Jeffrey , Dominguez Jayvee Dyne , Reandelar Macario , Ligsay Antonio , Yu Jeryl Ritzi , Aichele Stephen , Phung Thien Kieu Thi
Published: May 2021

Background: In the midst of competing priorities and limited resources in low-middle-income countries (LMIC), convincing epidemiological evidence is critical for urging governments to develop national dementia plans. The majority of primary epidemiological studies on dementia are from high income countries (HIC). Implications for developing countries are typically extrapolated from these outcomes through modeling, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. In this study, we directly assessed the incidence of dementia, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and cost of care among community-dwelling Filipino elderly.

Methods: This was a follow-up study of the prospective cohort Marikina Memory Ageing Project (MMAP). Baseline assessment was performed in 2011–2012, and follow-up was done in 2015–2016 (N = 748 at follow-up). Incident dementia was determined. Disease burden was computed using the incidence rates and DALYs. Both indirect and direct (medical and non-medical) costs of dementia care were computed.

Results: The crude incidence rate was 16 (CI: 13–20) cases per 1,000 person-years (pyr) with 17 (CI: 12–21) per 1,000 pyr for females and 14 (CI: 9–21) per 1,000 pyr for males. Based on this incidence, we project an estimation of 220,632 new cases in 2030, 295,066 in 2040, and 378,461 in 2050. Disease burden was at 2,876 DALYsper 100,000 persons. The economic burden per patient was around Php 196,000 annually (i.e., ~4,070 USD, or 36.7% of average family annual income in the Philippines). The majority (86.29%) of this care expense was indirect cost attributed to estimated lost potential earning of unpaid family caregivers whereas direct medical cost accounted for only 13.48%.

Conclusions: We provide the first Filipino community-based data on the incidence of dementia, DALYs, and cost of care to reflect the epidemiologic and economic impact of disease. The findings of this study serve to guide the development of a national dementia plan.
Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities Between Natives and Migrants: A Delphi Consensus for Sustainable Cross-Cultural Healthcare Pathways
Authors: Candeias Pedro , Alarcão Violeta , Stefanovska-Petkovska Miodraga , Santos Osvaldo , Virgolino Ana , Pintassilgo Sónia , Pascoal Patrícia M. , Costa Andreia Silva , Machado Fernando Luís
Published: May 2021

The increasing number of international migrants (ranging from 153 million in 1990 to ~272 million in 2019) brought to attention the wide variation of national contexts concerning the policy measures to protect migrants' rights and ensuring their equal access to basic and essential services, namely in health. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a key component to the overall health and quality of life and is impacted by power inequities inherent to society's institutions, environment, economics, and culture. In Portugal, guidelines for intervention in SRH are insufficient, a gap that is more pronounced with migrant populations due to the absence of culturally sensitive indicators to assess and monitor SRH. The aim of this work was 2-fold: to identify good practices in the SRH field, with a particular focus, whenever possible, on migrant populations, and to identify relevant and inclusive indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal. A Delphi panel (via online survey) with 66 experts (researchers, teachers, and health professionals) and 16 stakeholders (non-governmental organizations, civil society, and governmental organizations) was implemented in two rounds. Panelists were asked to state their level of agreement (5-point Likert-type scale) regarding four different SRH areas: Sexual Health, Reproductive Health, Social-Structural Factors, and Good Practices. Items were based on literature review and a World Café with 15 experts and stakeholders. Participation rate was 68% and response rate was 97% on the first round. From the initial list of 142 items, a total of 118 (83%) items were approved by consensus. Findings may provide extended opportunities for the healthcare system to engage in better informed decisions and more inclusive and integrative strategies regarding SRH, contributing to build political measures toward sexual and reproductive justice.
Aging Effects on Epicardial Adipose Tissue
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca
Published: May 2021

Epicardial fat is the visceral fat of the heart. Epicardial fat is a white adipose tissue, but it displays also brown-fat like or beige fat features. Under physiological conditions, epicardial fat has cardioprotective functions such as free fatty acids supply and thermoregulation of the adjacent myocardium. Epicardial adipose tissue encounters changes in the transition from embryological to childhood and then to adult life. Aging can affect the function and morphology of epicardial fat, more likely in women than in men. The effect of aging on the brown fat properties of the epicardial fat is the most prominent and with the greatest clinical implications. It is promising to know that epicardial fat responds to newer pharmaceutical drugs modulating the adipose tissue and potentially restoring its browning effects. Epicardial fat pro-inflammatory secretome is down-regulated in end-stage coronary artery disease. Chronic ischemia and adverse hemodynamic conditions can also affect the regulatory component of the epicardial fat. Epicardial fat may incur in apoptotic and fibrotic changes that alter its transcriptome and proteasome. In conclusion, aging and advanced stage of chronic diseases are likely to influence and affect epicardial fat genes and function. Whether the downregulation of the epicardial fat tissue is due more to aging than advancing stages of coronary artery disease, or more likely to the combination of both, would be object of future investigations.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Doppler Effect and Multipath Fading Mitigation
Authors: Basar Ertugrul
Published: May 2021

Owing to the envisioned new use-cases, such as immersive virtual reality and high-fidelity mobile hologram, and their potential challenging new requirements for future wireless networks, extensive research has already started on 6G and beyond wireless technologies. Despite the fact that several modern physical layer solutions have been introduced in the past decade, a level of saturation has been reached in terms of the available spectrum and adapted modulation/coding solutions, which accordingly limits the maximum capacity and reliability. Within this respective, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-empowered communication appears as a potential candidate to overcome the inherent drawbacks of legacy wireless systems. The core idea of RIS-assisted communication is the transformation of the random and uncontrollable wireless propagation environment into a reconfigurable communication system entity that plays an active role in conveying information and improving system performance. In this paper, the well-known multipath fading phenomenon is revisited in mobile wireless communication systems, and novel and unique solutions are introduced from the perspective of RISs. The feasibility of eliminating or mitigating the multipath fading effect stemming from the movement of mobile receivers is also investigated by utilizing RISs. It is shown that rapid fluctuations in the received signal strength due to the Doppler effect can be effectively reduced by using real-time tunable RISs. It is also proven that for a hypothetical propagation environment where all reflectors are coated with RISs, the multipath fading effect can be totally eliminated. Furthermore, we show that for more general propagation environments with several interacting objects, even a few real-time tunable RISs can remarkably reduce the Doppler spread and the deep fades in the received signal.
Drag-Based Model (DBM) Tools for Forecast of Coronal Mass Ejection Arrival Time and Speed
Authors: Dumbović Mateja , Čalogović Jaša , Martinić Karmen , Vršnak Bojan , Sudar Davor , Temmer Manuela , Veronig Astrid
Published: May 2021

Forecasting the arrival time of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their associated shocks is one of the key aspects of space weather research. One of the commonly used models is the analytical drag-based model (DBM) for heliospheric propagation of CMEs due to its simplicity and calculation speed. The DBM relies on the observational fact that slow CMEs accelerate whereas fast CMEs decelerate and is based on the concept of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drag, which acts to adjust the CME speed to the ambient solar wind. Although physically DBM is applicable only to the CME magnetic structure, it is often used as a proxy for shock arrival. In recent years, the DBM equation has been used in many studies to describe the propagation of CMEs and shocks with different geometries and assumptions. In this study, we provide an overview of the five DBM versions currently available and their respective tools, developed at Hvar Observatory and frequently used by researchers and forecasters (1) basic 1D DBM, a 1D model describing the propagation of a single point (i.e., the apex of the CME) or a concentric arc (where all points propagate identically); (2) advanced 2D self-similar cone DBM, a 2D model which combines basic DBM and cone geometry describing the propagation of the CME leading edge which evolves in a self-similar manner; (3) 2D flattening cone DBM, a 2D model which combines basic DBM and cone geometry describing the propagation of the CME leading edge which does not evolve in a self-similar manner; (4) DBEM, an ensemble version of the 2D flattening cone DBM which uses CME ensembles as an input; and (5) DBEMv3, an ensemble version of the 2D flattening cone DBM which creates CME ensembles based on the input uncertainties. All five versions have been tested and published in recent years and are available online or upon request. We provide an overview of these five tools, as well as of their similarities and differences, and discuss and demonstrate their application.
Recent Patterns of Stunting and Wasting in Venezuelan Children: Programming Implications for a Protracted Crisis
Authors: Raffalli Susana , Villalobos Carlos
Published: May 2021

This study aims to assess the patterns of wasting and stunting and their concurrence among vulnerable Venezuelan children. We performed an analysis of 46,462 anthropometric records captured by Caritas Venezuela between 2017 and 2019 and relating to children under 5 years old in the poorest parishes. Based on the WHO 2006 child growth standards, we identify 31.7% and 11.5% of the records from 2019 as stunted and wasted, respectively. Our unconditional analysis shows that stunting was more frequent among boys and shows an inverted U-shape association with age. The prevalence of stunting increases from 0.28 in 2017 to 0.32 in 2019. By contrast, the wasting prevalence decreases from 0.15 in 2017 to 0.11 in 2019. The concurrence of stunting and wasting slightly decreases over the same period from 0.045 to 0.039, all three trends being statistically significant. Using multilevel regression models, our conditional analysis shows that the odds of wasted children being stunted are 1.079 times greater than for non-wasted children. Similarly, the odds of stunted children being wasted are 1.085 times greater than for non-stunted children. While age is not statistically associated with stunting, it reduces the likelihood of being wasted. Furthermore, each additional month of age reduces by 1.16% the odds of facing the simultaneous concurrence of stunting and wasting instead of not facing it. The children's sex is also found to have a significant association with the probability of stunting and wasting. The odds of stunting and wasting amongst boys are found to be 1.19 and 1.084 times greater than for girls, respectively. We also found a significant and sizeable association between food insecurity and both stunting and wasting. Although lack of access to clean water is not associated with stunting, it is associated with higher levels of wasting. Protracted humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has brought considerable damage to child growth. Findings have policy and programming implications: stunting should be targeted as a humanitarian priority in protracted crisis, not only to mitigate the growth failure in children facing multiple nutritional deficiencies, but also as an approach for preventing persistent acute malnutrition.
The Impact of a Dedicated “Hot List” on the In-Patient Management of Patients With Acute Gallstone-Related Disease
Authors: Jamdar Saurabh , Chandrabalan Vishnu V. , Obeidallah Rami , Stathakis Panagiotis , Siriwardena Ajith K. , Sheen Aali J.
Published: May 2021

Background: Index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care for patients admitted to hospital with symptomatic acute cholecystitis. The same standard applies to patients suffering with mild acute biliary pancreatitis. Operating theatre capacity can be a significant constraint to same admission surgery. This study assesses the impact of dedicated theatre capacity provided by a specialist surgical team on rates of index admission cholecystectomy.

Methods: This clinical cohort study compares the management of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease admitted to a tertiary care university teaching hospital over two equal but chronologically separate time periods. The periods were before and after service reconfiguration including a specialist HPB service with dedicated operating theatre time allocation.

Results: There was a significant difference in the number of admissions over the two time periods with a greater proportion of patients having index admission surgery in the second time period with correspondingly fewer having more than one admission during this latter time period. In the second time period 43% of patients underwent index admission cholecystectomy compared to 23% in the first (P < 0.001). The duration of surgery was shorter for patients undergoing surgery during the second time period [135 (102–178) min in the first period and in the second period 106 (89–145) min] (P = 0.02).

Discussion: This paper shows that the concentration of theatre resources and surgical expertise into regular theatre access for patients undergoing urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an effective and safe model for dealing with acute biliary disease.
Comparison of a Point-of-Care Analyzer With a Chemiluminescent Immunoassay for Serum Progesterone Measurement in Breeding Management of the Bitch
Authors: Zuercher Julia , Boes Katie M. , Balogh Orsolya , Helms Alyssa B. , Cecere Julie T.
Published: May 2021

Accurate serum progesterone measurements for timing bitches during breeding management is critical for reproductive practice, especially as artificial insemination has become routine to facilitate breeding of animals that are geographically or temporally separated. To measure serum progesterone, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) has replaced radioimmunoassay as the current standard in the bitch due to its high correlation and increased practicality. In January 2019, a colorimetric point-of-care (POC) immunoassay for quantitative in-clinic canine serum progesterone measurements in <30 min was released. This study provides an independent comparison of the POC (Catalyst One, IDEXX) to the current industry standard, CLIA (Immulite-2000, Siemens). To assess inter-assay imprecision of POC and agreement of the POC and CLIA results, 100 canine serum samples were analyzed on three analyzers (POC-1, POC-2, and CLIA), of which, 74 (POC-1) and 75 (POC-2) results were within POCs' reportable range of 0.2–20 ng/mL and included in the study. To assess intra-assay imprecision, pooled canine serum samples at low (L1), intermediate (L2), and high (L3) progesterone concentrations were analyzed ten times each on POC-1 and CLIA. Relative to CLIA, POC values showed good correlation (POC-1, r2 = 0.9366; POC-2, r2 = 0.9438, P < 0.0001) and significant positive proportional bias at values >2 ng/mL. The POC inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were 13.2% (0.2–2.9 ng/mL, 0.6–9.2 nmol/L, L1), 10.0% (3.0–9.9 ng/mL, 9.5–31.5 nmol/L, L2), 7.1% (10.0–20.0 ng/mL, 31.8–63.6 nmol/L, L3), and 11.2% (all samples). The intra-assay CVs for POC (L1, 15.3%; L2, 7.0%; L3, 4.7%) were higher than those for CLIA (L1, 5.89%; L2, 4.89%; L3, 3.44%). Based on the more rapid increase in serial serum progesterone concentrations in ovulating bitches and the greater imprecision of the POC, the clinical interpretations of serum progesterone measurements as they relate to canine breeding management should be made with caution.
Un enfoque postmoderno y construccionista sobre la salud mental y la psicoterapia.
Authors: Caro Isabel
Published: May 2021

En este artículo nos centraremos en los planteamientos y las nuevas prácticas terapéuticas defendidas por algunos autores que desde una postura posmodernista, critican de lleno los valores y supuestos de la psicología tradicional y el modo cómo se refleja en el diagnóstico, evaluación y tratamiento psicológicos. Con este fin se expondrá, brevemente, la teoría construccionista social, entrando en algunas consideraciones sobre temas importantes que pueden afectar a la visión sobre nuestro trabajo terapéutico.
La terapia sexual.
Authors: Gomà Quintillà Hermínia
Published: May 2021

El desarrollo de la terapia sexual ha conocido diversas aproximaciones desde diferentes paradigmas psicológicos y desde múltiples abordajes biológicos y médicos. En este trabajo se parte de una definición funcional de problema sexual, dado que éstos pueden tener diversos orígenes y provenir de ámbitos diferentes, tanto biológicos, como personales y relacionales, a fin de delimitar mejor las estrategias de intervención.
Las parafilias sexuales.
Authors: Muse Mark
Published: May 2021

Este articulo repasa los diferentes tipos de parafilias, y presenta estrategias terapeuticas para su tratamiento. Tales estrategias abordan la terapia cognitivo-conductual, y el uso de diferentes fármacos.
Del mentalismo al constructivismo: el peregrinaje de una teoría.
Authors: Martorell José Luis
Published: May 2021

Se presenta una revisión de los intentos de vinculación de la teoría del Análisis Transaccional con diferentes paradigmas. El trabajo pretende reflexionar sobre el hecho de que todos estos intentos de integración coexistan sin haber supuesto rupturas dentro del cuerpo teórico transaccionalista.
Conversación con Vittorio Guidano.
Authors: Medina Díaz J. Minerva
Published: May 2021

Vittorio Guidano es un maestro de la psicoterapia que ha revolucionado estecampo con la aportación del Modelo Cognitivo Procesal Sistémico. Este modeloestá enmarcado en un enfoque epistemológico post-racionalista que incorporanuevas nociones sobre la realidad y el conocimiento.
La arquitectura narrativa de la personalidad a través del sueño: las auto narraciones nucleares recursivas.
Authors: Dimaggio G. Giancarlo , Serio A. Vicenzo , Ruggeri Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Este artículo parte del supuesto que los sueños constituyen un fenómeno donde resulta particularmente factible observar la estructura narrativa del self. Éste se concibe organizado a través de representaciones múltiples organizadas como historias que continuamente la mente se explica a sí misma, dando origen a las llamadas autonarraciones nucleares recursivas. En el artículo se ilustra este punto de vista a través de diversos ejemplos.
Soybean Relative Maturity, Not Row Spacing, Affected Interseeded Cover Crops Biomass
Authors: Kandel Hans J. , Samarappuli Dulan P. , Johnson Kory L. , Berti Marisol T.
Published: May 2021

Adoption of cover crop interseeding in the northwestern Corn Belt in the USA is limited due to inadequate fall moisture for establishment, short growing season, additional costs, and need for adapted winter-hardy species. This study evaluated three cover crop treatments—no cover crop, winter rye (Secale cereale L.), and winter camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz)—which were interseeded at the R6 soybean growth stage, using two different soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) maturity groups (0.5 vs. 0.9) and two row spacings (30.5 vs. 61 cm). The objective was to evaluate these treatments on cover crop biomass, soil cover, plant density, and soybean yield. Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield was also measured the following year. The early-maturing soybean cultivar (0.5 maturity) resulted in increased cover crop biomass and soil cover, with winter rye outperforming winter camelina. However, the early-maturing soybean yielded 2308 kg·ha−1, significantly less compared with the later maturing cultivar (2445 kg·ha−1). Narrow row spacing had higher soybean yield, but row spacing did not affect cover crop growth. Spring wheat should not follow winter rye if rye is terminated right before seeding the wheat. However, wheat planted after winter camelina was no different than when no cover crop was interseeded in soybean. Interseeding cover crops into established soybean is possible, however, cover crop biomass accumulation and soil cover are limited.
Irrigation Scheduling with Soil Gas Diffusivity as a Decision Tool to Mitigate N2O Emissions from a Urine-Affected Pasture
Authors: Rousset Camille , Clough Timothy J. , Grace Peter R. , Rowlings David W. , Scheer Clemens
Published: May 2021

Pastures require year-round access to water and in some locations rely on irrigation during dry periods. Currently, there is a dearth of knowledge about the potential for using irrigation to mitigate N2O emissions. This study aimed to mitigate N2O losses from intensely managed pastures by adjusting irrigation frequency using soil gas diffusivity (Dp/Do) thresholds. Two irrigation regimes were compared; a standard irrigation treatment based on farmer practice (15 mm applied every 3 days) versus an optimised irrigation treatment where irrigation was applied when soil Dp/Do was ≈0.033 (equivalent to 50% of plant available water). Cow urine was applied at a rate of 700 kg N ha−1 to simulate a ruminant urine deposition event. In addition to N2O fluxes, soil moisture content was monitored hourly, Dp/Do was modelled, and pasture dry matter production was measured. Standard irrigation practices resulted in higher (p = 0.09) cumulative N2O emissions than the optimised irrigation treatment. Pasture growth rates under treatments did not differ. Denitrification during re-wetting events (irrigation and rain) contributed to soil N2O emissions. These results warrant further modelling of irrigation management as a mitigation option for N2O emissions from pasture soils, based on Dp/Do thresholds, rainfall, plant water demands and evapotranspiration.
Plant Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis and Transcriptional Regulation in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Jan Rahmatullah , Asaf Sajjad , Numan Muhammad , Lubna  , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: May 2021

Plant secondary metabolites (SMs) play important roles in plant survival and in creating ecological connections between other species. In addition to providing a variety of valuable natural products, secondary metabolites help protect plants against pathogenic attacks and environmental stresses. Given their sessile nature, plants must protect themselves from such situations through accumulation of these bioactive compounds. Indeed, secondary metabolites act as herbivore deterrents, barriers against pathogen invasion, and mitigators of oxidative stress. The accumulation of SMs are highly dependent on environmental factors such as light, temperature, soil water, soil fertility, and salinity. For most plants, a change in an individual environmental factor can alter the content of secondary metabolites even if other factors remain constant. In this review, we focus on how individual environmental factors affect the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants during both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Furthermore, we discuss the application of abiotic and biotic elicitors in culture systems as well as their stimulating effects on the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Specifically, we discuss the shikimate pathway and the aromatic amino acids produced in this pathway, which are the precursors of a range of secondary metabolites including terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds. We also detail how the biosynthesis of important metabolites is altered by several genes related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. Genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis in various plant species during stress conditions are regulated by transcriptional factors such as WRKY, MYB, AP2/ERF, bZIP, bHLH, and NAC, which are also discussed here.
Effect of Cryptorchidism on the Histomorphometry, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in Boar Testes
Authors: Fan Xiaorui , Liu Yihui , Yue Meishan , Yue Weidong , Ren Gaoya , Zhang Jingwen , Zhang Xinrong , He Junping
Published: May 2021

Spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boars have one testis in the abdomen or inguinal canal, causing its temperature to be at or near the body temperature, which impairs spermatogenesis, although the histomorphometry and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the histomorphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy alterations in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in unilateral cryptorchid, scrotal (contrascrotal), and preweaning piglet (preweaning) testes. Histomorphometrical analysis of cryptorchid testes showed that the seminiferous tubules contained only Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The number of spermatogonia markedly decreased, and the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably in cryptorchid testes. TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis signals were predominantly observed in spermatogonia. In cryptorchid and contrascrotal testes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and LC3 were located in spermatogonia. The number of PCNA-positive, TUNEL-positive, and LC3-positive germ cells was low, and the protein and mRNA levels of PCNA and LC3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid testes. Taken together, the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably, whereas the number of germ cells decreased in the cryptorchid testes, compared with that in the contrascrotal testes. Insufficient proliferation, excessive apoptosis, and autophagy were involved in the regulation of the decrease in spermatogonia in cryptorchid boar testes.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Dry Hydrastis canadensis on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens
Authors: Tzeng Tzuen-Rong J , Liu Tzu-Yu , Lin Chiao-Wei , Chang Pei-En , Liao Pei-Xin , Yang Wen-Yuan , Cheng Chih-Yuan , Liao Pei-Chun , Chiang Wen-Dee , Ding Shih-Torng , Lin Yuan-Yu
Published: May 2021

Alternative growth promoters are able to not only effectively replace the traditional use of antibiotics but also provide additional health benefits for livestock and reduce food safety concerns. This study investigated the effects of dry Hydrastis canadensis on the laying performance and fecal microbial community of laying hens. Twenty-four Lohmann (LSL, white layer strain) hens were reared from 40 to 48 weeks of age and randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (six birds/treatment). The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet with no treatment as control, a basal diet plus 0.6% powder of dry Hydrastis canadensis roots (R) or leaves (L), and a basal diet plus 0.6% powder of a mixture of dry Hydrastis canadensis roots and leaves (1:1, LR). No mortality was observed in the whole experimental period. The results indicated that albumen height in the LR group was significantly greater than that in the control group. The diet supplemented with Hydrastis canadensis had no significant effects on egg production rate, egg weight, eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, or yolk height during the whole experimental phase. However, principal coordinate analysis, comparative heat map analysis, and cluster dendrogram analysis of cecal microbiota showed distinct clusters among the groups treated with Hydrastis canadensis and the control group. Regarding blood biochemical parameters, serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in all Hydrastis canadensis-treated groups compared with those in the control group. Moreover, serum low-density lipoprotein levels were lower in hens supplemented with the leaf of Hydrastis canadensis. The abundances of the phyla Fusobacteria and Kiritimatiellaeota were increased (p < 0.05) in laying hens fed with 0.6% Hydrastis canadensis leaves, whereas the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes in cecum digesta decreased in response to treatment with Hydrastis canadensis roots and leaves. The relative abundance of the Fusobacterium genus was higher in the LR group compared with that in the control. On the contrary, we found a different trend in the Synergistes genus. The potential influences of these microbiota on the performance of laying hens were discussed. The results demonstrate that Hydrastis canadensis can improve the egg albumen height and modulate the cecum digesta microbiota composition of laying hens.