bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difficult Capacity Cases—The Experience of Liaison Psychiatrists. An Interview Study Across Three Jurisdictions
Authors: Kane Nuala B. , Ruck Keene Alex , Owen Gareth S. , Kim Scott Y. H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Assessment of capacity for treatment and discharge decisions is common in the general hospital. Liaison psychiatrists are often asked to support the treating medical or surgical team in difficult capacity assessments. However, empirical research on identification and resolution of difficult capacity cases is limited. Some studies have identified certain patient, decisional, and interpersonal factors which cause difficulty, but no study has explored how these issues are resolved in practice. Our study therefore aimed to describe how experienced liaison psychiatrists identify and resolve difficult capacity cases in a general hospital setting.

Methods

We carried out semi-structured interviews with 26 liaison psychiatrists from England, Scotland, and New Zealand, on their most difficult capacity cases. Thematic analysis was used to examine types of difficulty and how these were resolved in practice. Summaries were prepared and example quotes extracted to illustrate phenomena described.

Results

We identified four types of difficulty in capacity assessment, spanning both clinical and ethical domains: 1) Difficulty determining whether the decision is the patient's own or driven by illness, 2) Difficulty in applying ethical principles, 3) Difficulty in avoiding personal bias, and 4) Procedural difficulties. The liaison psychiatrists presented as self-reflective and aware of challenges and pitfalls in hard cases. We summarized their creative strategies to resolve difficulty in assessment.

Conclusion

Practitioners approaching difficult capacity cases require both clinical skills, e.g., to uncover subtle illness impairing decision-making and to consider interpersonal dynamics, and ethical skills, e.g., to negotiate the role of values and risks in capacity assessment. Education and training programmes should incorporate both aspects and could include the resolution strategies identified in our study. Practitioners, supported by health and social care systems, should work to develop self-aware and reflective capacity assessment practice.
Effectiveness of Family-Centered Empowerment Model on Psychological Improvement of Patients With Myocardial Infarction: A Bayesian Multivariate Approach
Authors: Raei Mehdi , Ghasemi Mohammad , Hushmandi Kiavash , Shirmohammadi-Khoram Nasrin , Omolbanin Seyedrezaei Seyedeh , Rostami Hosein , Vahedian-Azimi Amir
Published: July 2022

Objective

There is a limited understanding of the impact of the family-centered empowerment model (FCEM) on the psychological symptoms in post-myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the FCEM on the psychological improvement of patients with MI.

Methods

The present study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) where patients experienced a standard home cardiac rehabilitation (CR) or CR utilizing the FCEM approach. The empowerment of patients was estimated during nine assessments, such as pre- and post-intervention. Factors, such as quality of life (QoL), state and trait anxiety, and perceived stress, were evaluated. A Bayesian multivariate mixed-effects model was used to simultaneously investigate the effect of the intervention group on study outcomes across the time.

Results

Among all the participants in this study, 24 (34.3%) were women with a total mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 61.40 ± 12.83 and 24.87 ± 3.80 for age and body mass index (BMI). The participants who were in the FCEM group had a significantly higher mean level of perceived stress (β = 28.80), state anxiety (β = 16.20), trait anxiety (β = 3.65), physical (β = 38.54), and mental QoL (β = 42.14). Moreover, the individuals in the FCEM group had a significantly higher mean level of general health (β = 31.64) in the physical dimension of QoL, vitality (β = 15.04), mental role limitation (β = 21.84), and mental health (β = 18.16) in the mental dimension of QoL.

Conclusions

The FCEM can be a valuable treatment mechanism for patients with post-MI to improve their stress, anxiety, and QoL.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals the Profile of Viral Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tian Xiangyong , Duan Wenjing , Zhang Xiulei , Wu Xiaoqiang , Zhang Chan , Wang Zhiwei , Cao Guanghui , Gu Yue , Shao Fengmin , Yan Tianzhong
Published: July 2022

Background

To study the clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the detection of viral infections in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using mNGS technology, 50 human fluid samples of KTRs were detected, including 20 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples, 21 urine samples and 9 blood samples. The detected nucleic acid sequences were compared and analyzed with the existing viral nucleic acid sequences in the database, and the virus infection spectrum of KTRs was drawn.

Results

The viral nucleic acids of 15 types of viruses were detected in 96.00% (48/50) of the samples, of which 11 types of viruses were in BALF (95.00%, 19/20), and the dominant viruses were torque teno virus (TTV) (65.00%; 13/20), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (45.00%; 9/20) and human alphaherpesvirus 1 (25.00%; 5/20). 12 viruses (95.24%, 20/21) were detected in the urine, and the dominant viruses were TTV (52.38%; 11/21), JC polyomavirus (52.38%; 11/21), BK polyomavirus (42.86%; 9/21), CMV (33.33%; 7/21) and human betaherpesvirus 6B (28.57%; 6/21). 7 viruses were detected in the blood (100.00%, 9/9), and the dominant virus was TTV (100.00%; 9/9). Four rare viruses were detected in BALF and urine, including WU polyomavirus, primate bocaparvovirus 1, simian virus 12, and volepox virus. Further analysis showed that TTV infection with high reads indicated a higher risk of acute rejection (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

mNGS detection reveals the rich virus spectrum of infected KTRs, and improves the detection rate of rare viruses. TTV may be a new biomarker for predicting rejection.
Implementing a Dutch Physical Therapy Intervention Into a U.S. Health System: Selecting Strategies Using Implementation Mapping
Authors: Thackeray Anne , Waring Jackie , Hoogeboom Thomas J. , Nijhuis-van Der Sanden Maria W. G. , Hess Rachel , Fritz Julie M. , Conroy Molly B. , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Coach2Move is a person-centered physical therapy intervention that has demonstrated success in changing physical activity behaviors among older adults in the Netherlands. In this manuscript, we describe how we developed an implementation plan for Coach2move in a U.S. population and healthcare system using Implementation Mapping.

Methods

We established an implementation planning team of researchers, patients, and clinicians. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research provided an overall structure for consideration of the context for implementation. Implementation Mapping guided the planning process. The implementation planning team worked sequentially through the five tasks of Implementation Mapping (1) Identify needs, program adopters and implementers; (2) Identify adoption and implementation outcomes, performance objectives, determinants, and matrices of change; (3) Choose theoretical models and implementation strategies; (4) Produce implementation protocols; (5) Evaluate implementation outcomes. In this manuscript, we identify our evaluation plan but not results as data collection is ongoing.

Results

Clinic managers and physical therapists were identified as program adopters and implementors. Performance objectives necessary steps to achieving implementation outcomes were linked to Coach2Move fidelity indicators with implementation by the physical therapist. These included delivery of person-centered care, motivational interviewing, meaningful goal setting, shared decision-making in planning, and systematic monitoring and follow-up. Determinants linked to these performance objectives included knowledge, outcome expectations, skills and self-efficacy, and perceived norms. Implementation strategies were selected based on a review of methods effective for influencing these determinants. This resulted in four primary strategies (1) educational meetings and dynamic training, (2) peer-assessment meetings, (3) changing the electronic health record template, and (4) reminders and prompts. Measures of intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility will be collected after training and early in implementation. Fidelity and effectiveness measures will be collected over the next 12-months.

Conclusion

Implementation mapping provided a systematic process for identifying what physical therapists would need to implement Coach2Move with fidelity. The result was a matrix linking behavioral determinants and performance objectives. These matrices of change allowed for systematic identification and tailoring of implementation strategies to the needs of our population and setting. The process was acceptable to diverse stakeholders, facilitated communication across stakeholders.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Associated With Vaccine Inequity Among Healthcare Workers in a Low-Income Fragile Nation
Authors: Noushad Mohammed , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Al-Awar Mohammed Sadeg , Al-Saqqaf Inas Shakeeb , Mohammed Sami Osman Abuzied , Samran Abdulaziz , Yaroko Ali Ango , Barakat Ali , Elmi Omar Salad , Alsalhani Anas B. , Talic Yousef Fouad , Rastam Samer
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Preventing severe disease and acquiring population immunity to COVID-19 requires global immunization coverage through mass vaccination. While high-income countries are battling vaccine hesitancy, low-income and fragile nations are facing the double dilemma of vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to vaccines. There is inadequate information on any correlation between vaccine hesitancy and access to vaccines. Our study in a low-income nation aimed to fill this gap.

Methods

In the backdrop of a severe shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in Yemen, a low-income fragile nation, we conducted a nation-wide cross-sectional survey among its healthcare workers (HCWs), between 6 July and 10 August 2021. We evaluated factors influencing agreement to accept a COVID-19 vaccine and any potential correlation between vaccine acceptance and lack of access to vaccines.

Results

Overall, 61.7% (n = 975) of the 1,581 HCWs agreed to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Only 45.4% of the participants agreed to have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, with no sex dependent variations. Although several determinants of vaccine acceptance were identified, including, having a systemic disease, following the updates about COVID-19 vaccines, complying with preventive guidelines, having greater anxiety about contracting COVID-19, previous infection with COVID-19, believing COVID-19 to be a severe disease, and lower concern about the side effects of COVID-19, the strongest was access to vaccines (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 2.5–4.03; p-value: 0.001).

Conclusion

The immediate and more dangerous threat in Yemen toward achieving population immunity is the severe shortage and lack of access to vaccines, rather than vaccine hesitancy, meaning, improving access to vaccines could lead to greater acceptance.
Government Health Expenditure, Economic Growth, and Regional Development Differences—Analysis Based on a Non-parametric Additive Model
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , Tao Chunhai , Xiong Qizhe
Published: July 2022

Government health expenditure plays an important role in guaranteeing people's livelihood and in improving the quality of human capital, and it also plays an important role in affecting economic development. In order to characterize the specific trend of government health spending affecting economic growth, and analyze the impact difference in different regions, this paper uses a non-parametric additive model to analyze the impact of government health expenditure on economic development and regional development differences based on three aspects: linear, non-linear and comprehensive effects. From the perspective of linear effects, the results show that the proportion of government health expenditure to GDP nationwide and in the western regions has a positive impact on economic development, while the impact in the eastern and central regions is negative. From the perspective of non-linear effects, in the national and in the eastern, central and western regions, the proportion of government health expenditure to GDP has a significant non-linear impact on economic development. From the perspective of comprehensive effects, the proportion of government health expenditure to GDP has a significant non-linear positive effect on economic development nationwide and in all regions. In addition, the proportion of fixed assets investment to GDP, the proportion of exports to GDP, and the proportion of residents' income to GDP promote non-linear effects to different extents of non-linear promotion, but there are slight differences in different regions. Based on estimation results, the paper recommends that the government further expands the proportion of government health expenditure in GDP, promotes investment in fixed assets, stimulates exports in the eastern region, and continues to implement the western support policy.
A Critical Analysis of Industrial Human-Robot Communication and Its Quest for Naturalness Through the Lens of Complexity Theory
Authors: Mukherjee Debasmita , Gupta Kashish , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: July 2022

Human-robot communication is one of the actively researched fields to enable efficient and seamless collaboration between a human and an intelligent industrial robotic system. The field finds its roots in human communication with the aim to achieve the “naturalness” inherent in the latter. Industrial human-robot communication pursues communication with simplistic commands and gestures, which is not representative of an uncontrolled real-world industrial environment. In addition, naturalness in communication is a consequence of its dynamism, typically ignored as a design criterion in industrial human-robot communication. Complexity Theory-based natural communication models allow for a more accurate representation of human communication which, when adapted, could also benefit the field of human-robot communication. This paper presents a perspective by reviewing the state of human-robot communication in industrial settings and then presents a critical analysis of the same through the lens of Complexity Theory. Furthermore, the work identifies research gaps in the aforementioned field, fulfilling which, would propel the field towards a truly natural form of communication. Finally, the work briefly discusses a general framework that leverages the experiential learning of data-based techniques and naturalness of human knowledge.
New Experimental Tools to Use Noble Gases as Artificial Tracers for Groundwater Flow
Authors: Brennwald Matthias S. , Peel Morgan , Blanc Théo , Tomonaga Yama , Kipfer Rolf , Brunner Philip , Hunkeler Daniel
Published: July 2022

Labeling groundwater by injecting an artificial tracer is a standard and widely used method to study groundwater flow systems. Noble gases dissolved in groundwater are potentially ideal artificial tracers, as they are not subject to biogeochemical transformations, do not adsorb onto the aquifer matrix, are colorless, and have no negative impact on the quality of groundwater resources. In addition, combining different noble-gas species in multi-tracer tests would allow direct analysis of the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of groundwater flow systems. However, while the handling of noble gases is safe and straightforward for injection into groundwater, conventional methods to analyse dissolved noble gases tend to be impractical for groundwater tracer tests. The sampling and subsequent lab-based analysis of dissolved noble gases are laborious, expensive and time intensive. Therefore, only researchers with access to specialized noble-gas labs have attempted such tracer tests. The recently developed gas-equilibrium membrane-inlet mass spectrometers (GE-MIMS) allow efficient on-site analysis of dissolved gases at high temporal resolution. The GE-MIMS instruments thereby eliminate most of the analytical and logistical constraints of conventional lab-based techniques and therefore provide new opportunities for groundwater tests using artificially injected gases. We used a GE-MIMS to systematically test the applicability of He, Kr, and Xe as artificial groundwater tracers. These gas species were injected into groundwater as Dirac-like pulses at three piezometers located at various locations upstream of a pumping well, where dissolved gas concentrations were continuously monitored with the GE-MIMS instrument. The groundwater travel times observed in these tracer tests ranged from a few hours to several weeks, and were consistent with the groundwater flow field at the experimental test site. Travel times determined from the noble gas tracer tests were also consistent with those obtained traditional dye tracers.
Sunflower Seed Husk as Promising By-Product for Soil Biodisinfestation Treatments and Fertility Improvement in Protected Lettuce Crop
Authors: Gandariasbeitia Maite , López-Pérez José Antonio , Juaristi Berdaitz , Larregla Santiago
Published: July 2022

One of the major challenges in biodisinfestation treatments against soilborne pathogens is the selection of the proper organic amendments and mixture features. The use of agro-industrial by-products is a sustainable alternative with proven efficacy, but the availability has to be considered in terms of location and quantity. Sunflower seed is one of the five major oil crops widely cultivated and the husk constitutes a significant part that is discarded. This by-product brings together the features to be considered an interesting organic amendment in agricultural soils because of its lignocellulose content, but no references have been found in this field. In this study, sunflower seed husk was used with fresh cow manure in biodisinfestation treatments, alone or combined with other by-products (rapeseed cake, beer bagasse and wheat bran). The assay was performed in summer in a commercial greenhouse with significant yield losses in lettuce crops caused by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Four different amendment mixtures were applied which included 3kg/m2 cow manure, as common waste, and 1 kg/m2 of by-products (dry weight), considering 6mgC/g soil in all treatments but different C/N ratio (23, 29, 31, 34) and by-products. Data was collected in three moments: (i) before and (ii) after biodisinfestation treatments and (iii) after harvesting the first crop after biodisinfestations. Crop damage was assessed through root galling index and the number of eggs in roots. The effects on the pathogen population and the whole soil nematode community were assessed along with some physicochemical and soil microbiological variables (respiration rate, microbial organic C, water-soluble organic C and physiological profile of heterotrophic bacteria through Biolog Ecoplates™). All treatments reported effectiveness in disease control without significant differences among them, but among times. However, soil temperatures during biodisinfestations were higher at higher C/N ratios and fertility variables also increased in these cases, mainly in the treatment with husk as the only by-product. Sunflower seed husk proved to be an interesting source of organic C to improve both biodisinfestation treatments and soil fertility in humid temperate climate zones.
Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined With Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dan Yuan , Meng Wenjun , Li Wenke , Chen Zhiliang , Lyu Yongshuang , Yu Tianwu
Published: July 2022

Background

Although many studies reported the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or surgical resection (SR) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the efficacy of these two strategies remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of sequential use of TACE plus RFA (TACE + RFA) and SR alone in treating HCC.

Methods

Relevant studies with unmatched and propensity score-matched patients were identified by comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software version 5.4.1. Finally, 12 eligible studies were included in this study, including 11 case–control studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome of interest for this study was to compare the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), major complications, 5-year OS in different tumor diameters between the two treatment strategies, and hospital stay time.

Results

HCC patients who received TACE + RFA had a lower incidence of complication rates and shorter hospital stay time than those who received SR alone. Among these studies using propensity score-matched cohorts, SR had better 3- and 5-year OS than TACE + RFA, whereas there were no significant differences between TACE + RFA and SR regarding the 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS. When the tumor diameter is longer than 3 cm, the 5-year OS rate is better when SR is selected.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the short-term survival outcomes between TACE + RFA and SR in HCC patients. Moreover, SR is superior to TACE + RFA in terms of long-term beneficial effects but may result in a higher risk of major complications and a longer hospital stay time.
Effect of Silver Nanoparticles With Thermoplastic Polyurethane on Postoperative Rehabilitation of Diabetic Patients With Open Fracture of Lower Extremities
Authors: Zhang Dong , Yao Dongchen , Ma Ruofei , Nan Shaokui , Lv You , Zhu Yue , Zhu Shiwen
Published: July 2022

Objective

This retrospective study aims to explore the effect of silver nanoparticles with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU/NS) on the rehabilitation of diabetic patients with open fracture of lower extremities.

Methods

Diabetic patients (n = 98) with open fracture of lower extremities treated in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively from June 2015 to December 2021. TPU/NS nanocomposites were prepared for postoperative treatment of diabetic patients with open fracture of lower extremities. First, the cultured Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used to test the antibacterial effect of TPU/NS dressing in vitro. After using TPU/NS dressing (observation group) and traditional dressing (control group), the inflammatory reaction, clinical treatment, functional rehabilitation, and adverse reactions in patients were compared.

Results

TPU/NS dressing effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 μg/mL. The usage of TPU/NS dressing reduced the inflammatory reaction by reducing positive rate of bacteria after the dressing on the seventh day postoperatively. Besides, the times of dressing, stopping time of wound exudation, wound healing time, length of hospital stay, and VAS score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group; the incidence of adverse reactions after treatment was lower in the observation group as compared with the control group (17.07% vs. 35.09%). Meanwhile, the functional rehabilitation and life quality of patients in the observation group were better TPU/NS dressing treatment.

Conclusion

TPU/NS dressing has the function of promoting the postoperative recovery of patients by inhibiting the bacterial infection of the wound, thus improving the limb function and life quality. As a result, there was a tremendous potential to apply the constructed TPU/NS membrane to diabetic patients with open fractures, especially those with soft tissue injury.
Research Progress on the NSP9 Protein of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Sha Huiyang , Zhang Hang , Chen Yao , Huang Liangzong , Zhao Mengmeng , Wang Nina
Published: July 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a contagious disease caused by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). PRRS is also called “blue ear disease” because of the characteristic blue ear in infected sows and piglets. Its main clinical features are reproductive disorders of sows, breathing difficulties in piglets, and fattening in pigs, which cause considerable losses to the swine industry. NSP9, a non-structural protein of PRRSV, plays a vital role in PRRSV replication and virulence because of its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) structure. The NSP9 sequence is highly conserved and contains T cell epitopes, which are beneficial for the development of future vaccines. NSP9 acts as the protein interaction hub between virus and host during PRRSV infection, especially in RNA replication and transcription. Herein, we comprehensively review the application of NSP9 in terms of genetic evolution analysis, interaction with host proteins that affect virus replication, interaction with other viral proteins, pathogenicity, regulation of cellular immune response, antiviral drugs, vaccines, and detection methods. This review can therefore provide innovative ideas and strategies for PRRSV prevention and control.
Hematology and Plasma Chemistry Reference Values in Nursehound Shark (Scyliorhinus Stellaris) Maintained Under Human Care
Authors: Morón-Elorza Pablo , Rojo-Solis Carlos , Steyrer Christine , Álvaro-Álvarez Teresa , Valls-Torres Mónica , Encinas Teresa , García-Párraga Daniel
Published: July 2022

Studies determining baseline hematological reference intervals (RI) in elasmobranchs are very limited. In this study, blood samples were collected from 94 clinically healthy Nursehound Shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris) maintained under human care. Median (RI) in major leukocyte types were similar to other Carcharhinid sharks as lymphocytes were the predominant leukocyte with 38.0 (28.2–53.5)%, followed by coarse eosinophilic granulocytes with 20.0 (12.2–31.7)%, fine eosinophilic granulocytes with 6.0 (1.2–12.8) %, monocytes with 2.0 (0.0–6.0)%, and neutrophils with 2.0 (0.0–6.0)%. Nursehound Shark produced granulated thrombocytes, which were classified as granulocytes and represented 28.5 (12.4–39.7)% of all leukocytes. Median (RI) manual red blood cell and white blood cell counts were 177.50 (132.50–210.00) x 109 cells/l and 8.26 (5.24–14.23) x 109 cells/l, respectively. Median (RI) plasma chemistry values showed alkaline phosphatase 7.7 (4.2–13.0) U/l, aspartate aminotransferase 7.6 (3.3–17.1) U/l, blood urea nitrogen 281.6 (261.2–305.0) mmol/l, calcium 3.97 (3.59–4.47) mmol/l, total cholesterol 2.04 (1.02–3.91) mmol/l, chloride 233.0 (215.2–259.0) mmol/l, iron 3.79 (1.74–6.93) μmol/l, glucose 0.87 (0.47–1.44 mmol/l), potassium 3.8 (2.9–4.6) mmol/l, sodium 243.0 (227.7–271.0) mmol/l, phosphorus 1.58 (1.13–2.10) mmol/l, total protein 24.0 (20.0–35.0) g/l, and triglycerides 0.97 (0.49–3.35) mmol/l. Creatine kinase, gamma glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were below the instrument reading range.
Co-construcción de la Alianza Terapéutica en Mujeres Jóvenes con Intento suicida. Análisis Discursivo del Diálogo Terapéutico: Estudio de Caso
Authors: Roque Tovar Bernardo Enrique , Tena Suck Edgar Antonio , Sánchez Antillón Antonio
Published: July 2022

El presente artículo explora la formación de la alianza terapéutica en mujeres jóvenes que han tenido un intento suicida a través del análisis de un episodio en la atención terapéutica de un caso específico. Se parte de una concepción de la alianza como una negociación constante entre terapeuta y paciente que se aprecia en el diálogo terapéutico. Para el análisis del episodio se utiliza una metodología de análisis del discurso basada en la teoría de los actos del habla; el instrumento utilizado fue el Algoritmo David Liberman. Los resultados muestran la importancia de la complementariedad lingüística en la formación de la alianza, así como los actos del habla que la sugieren. El artículo termina con una serie de conclusiones a tomar en cuenta por el clínico en la construcción de la alianza en general y de manera particular con casos con intento suicida.
Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso en un niño con celos y rumia disfuncionales
Authors: Alonso Sanz Ángel , Barbero Rubio Adrián , Ruiz Francisco J. , Gil Luciano Bárbara
Published: July 2022

La Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) se está convirtiendo en una vía de intervención prometedora en los problemas psicológicos en la infancia. En el presente estudio se aborda la intervención desde ACT en un caso de un niño de 9 años (J) que muestra numerosas conductas disruptivas en el contexto familiar, especialmente en situaciones que involucran a su hermano menor, y un patrón de rumia muy extendido. Se utilizó un diseño de caso único A-B con medidas de seguimiento. Los resultados muestran una reducción clínicamente significativa de las conductas disruptivas e incremento de flexibilidad psicológica tanto en el niño como en los padres. Se presentan los principales ejercicios y metáforas que se utilizaron para incrementar la flexibilidad psicológica de J, así como la intervención realizada con los padres, tanto de cara a la gestión de sus propias barreras psicológicas como las pautas para potenciar un comportamiento más flexible en su hijo.
A multiple-baseline evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy focused on repetitive negative thinking in panic disorder
Authors: Derly J. Toquica-Orjuela  , Ángela M. Henao  , Miguel A. Segura-Vargas  , Francisco J. Ruiz Jiménez
Published: July 2022

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for treating panic disorder, a segment of the population is not treated due to the treatment length and the acceptability of interoceptive exposure. This study explored the efficacy of a brief protocol based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focused on repetitive negative thinking (RNT) in adults suffering from panic disorder. We designed a 4-session RNT-focused ACT protocol because previous CBT studies considered this length "ultra-brief." Additionally, although conducting exposure is consistent with the ACT model, we did not include explicit exposure exercises to increase the intervention acceptability. A randomized, multiple-baseline design across three participants was implemented with a 3-month follow-up. The effect of the intervention was evaluated through weekly scores on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21; S. H. Lovibond & P. F. Lovibond, 1995), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ; Meyer et al., 1990), and the frequency of panic attacks. After the intervention, all participants ceased to experience panic attacks and showed clinically significant changes in the DASS-Total and PSWQ. The effect sizes comparable across designs were very large and statistically significant for the DASS-Total (d= 2.48), DASS-Depression (d= 1.45), DASS-Anxiety (d= 1.93), DASS-Stress (d= 1.63), and PSWQ (d= 2.36). All three participants also showed clinically significant changes and large effect sizes in experiential avoidance (d= 3.26), cognitive fusion (d= 3.58), and valued living (Progress: d= 0.72, Obstruction: d= 2.43). In conclusion, brief RNT-focused ACT interventions might be efficacious for treating panic disorder.
A Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Intervention on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: David Arjol  , Adrián Barbero-Rubio
Published: July 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease of unknown etiology that mainly affects women of reproductive age. SLE causes a series of physical and psychological symptoms that, due to its chronic course, lead to a diminished quality of life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is accumulating evidence supporting its usefulness in improving the psychological problems associated with SLE although research remains scarce. The aim of this study was to study the efficacy of a 10-hour brief ACT intervention protocol in group format in 15 patients with SLE from Navarra. Nine belonged to the experimental group (n1 = 9) and six to the control group (n2 = 6). Measures related to psychological flexibility processes and quality of life were taken before the intervention (pre), at the end (post), at one month and after three months (follow-up). The participants in the experimental group showed a substantial improvement in the degree of acceptance of pain and in variables focused on quality of life with respect to the control group. The improvements tended to be sustained over time. These results suggest that brief, group-based ACT interventions show promise for intervention in patients with SLE.
Editorial. Monográfico sobre la Terapia Contextual: Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT)
Authors: Barbero-Rubio Adrián
Published: July 2022

Editorial del monográfico de la Revista de Psicoterapia sobre la Terapia Contextual: Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT)
Development of a Novel Pyrometer by Eliminating the Uncertainty of Emissivity Using Reflector with Two Apertures in Medium Plate Rolling Process
Authors: Wang Junlin , Xie Zhi , Che Xunjian
Published: July 2022

The uncertainty of emissivity has a major effect on the accuracy of a pyrometer in billet temperature measurement. In order to eliminate the influence of emissivity, we place a reflector with two apertures at the front of a pyrometer. The two apertures on the reflector are used to measure intrinsic radiation and approximate blackbody radiation of the billet. The radiation is collected by two infrared dual-band detectors in the pyrometer. Then, the real-time emissivity of the billet can be measured with no assumptions, so the influence of emissivity is eliminated. In addition, the measurement uncertainty is analyzed based on the ray-tracing method. The pyrometer is developed and the accuracy verification of emissivity is implemented. Compared with the reference material at the same temperature, the measurement errors of the emissivity are 0.021 and 0.005 at two wavelengths. Then, we install the pyrometer in the medium plate rolling process for measurement. Compared with a thermal imager used in the rolling process, the measurement fluctuation is reduced obviously. It indicates that the method of emissivity measurement is very effective for billet temperature measurement.
Review of Agricultural-Related Water Security in Water-Scarce Countries: Jordan Case Study
Authors: Beithou Nabil , Qandil Ahmed , Khalid Mohammad Bani , Horvatinec Jelena , Ondrasek Gabrijel
Published: July 2022

Food security is an essential issue for human survival and civilization. Whenever food–water security is in doubt, the community is negatively affected. Globally, Jordan is the second most water-stressed country, located in an arid, politically divided and migratory active Middle East region that lacks the access to valuable natural resources such as fertile soils. Jordan receives about 78 m3/person/year from renewable resources, which represents 1% of the world water share. Jordan’s Water Minister declared that a 50 million m3 lack of drinking water is to be faced next year; this shortage is added to the lack of irrigation water, which yields food insecurity and food price fluctuations that wear out the consumer. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of agricultural cropping patterns and water security by analyzing the most relevant national databases. The study results will contribute to the development of national policy in order to strategize the aid programs and adaptation measures for more sustainable planning in the Jordanian agri-food sector.
Improving Bell Pepper Crop Performance and Fruit Quality under Suboptimal Calcium Conditions by Grafting onto Tolerant Rootstocks
Authors: López-Serrano Lidia , Calatayud Ángeles , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef
Published: July 2022

Calcium deficiency or its inefficient translocation to pepper fruits leads to considerable economic loss by reducing the number of marketable fruits. The present study proposes grafting as an environmentally friendly technique to effectively reduce such loss. A commercial variety (Al-cudia F1; V) was grafted onto two pepper (Capsicum annum L.) accessions (V/A6 and V/A8), a hybrid rootstock (V/N) and was also self-grafted (V/V). All rootstock–scion combinations were cultivated under greenhouse conditions with optimal and suboptimal Ca supply and assessed for fruit yield and biomass production, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, mineral concentration in leaves and fruits as well as several fruit quality parameters. The V/N plants demonstrated an enhanced capacity for increased biomass, higher yield and number of commercial fruits and greater mean fruit weight compared with the other rootstock–scion combinations. These improvements are attributed primarily to increased intrinsic water efficiency. Additionally, a significantly higher Ca concentration in leaves was found under suboptimal Ca conditions in the V/N combination than that found in the other rootstock–scion combinations indicating a higher capacity for Ca uptake and translocation. Under the same conditions, the concentration of organic acids in fruits, such as citric and tartaric, which impact the organoleptic quality, was also higher in V/N plants. Consequently, we can conclude that grafting pepper onto tolerant rootstocks is a successful tool for ameliorating the negative impact of suboptimal Ca conditions on pepper crop performance and fruit quality.
Teosinte (Euchlaena mexicana L.) Seed Production: Effect of Sowing Date, Seed Rate and Cutting Management on Seed Yield
Authors: Sanjyal Sunita , Hampton John G. , Rolston Phil , Marahatta Santosh
Published: July 2022

Teosinte (Euchlaena mexicana L.) is a popular herbage crop in Nepal. Although farmers produce teosinte seeds, management for maximizing seed yield is unknown. A study was undertaken to investigate teosinte seed yield in order to explore the seed production potential of teosinte for maximizing herbage yield. There were four different sowing dates (30 March, 30 April, 30 May and 30 June), four seed rates (20, 40, 60 and 80 kgha−1) and three herbage cuttings (nil, once at 45 days after sowing (DAS), twice at 45 and 75 DAS) arranged in a split-split plot design. In both years, the highest seed yield was obtained from the two earliest sowings because they had taller plants, more tillers, a higher leaf area index (LAI) and more cobs per plant, ears per cob and seeds per ear than later sown plants. In 2017, seed yield did not differ among the seed rates because of adverse climatic conditions; however, in 2018 the two lower seed rates out yielded the two highest seed rates. Cutting twice significantly reduced seed yield in both years; one cut did not reduce seed yield in 2017 but it did so in 2018. These results suggest teosinte seed crops should be sown early at a seed rate between 20 to 40 kgha−1. An economic analysis indicated that the traditional farmer practice of taking one herbage cut from their seed crop would not affect the gross margin.
Effects of Different Organic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties in Newly Reclaimed Land
Authors: Li Xuqing , Li Dingyi , Lu Qiujun , Wang Daoze , Ren Xiaoxu , Lv Luqiong , Ahmed Temoor , Yan Jianli , Li Bin
Published: July 2022

It is well known that soil fertility is poor in most newly reclaimed land, which has been developed as an effective way to compensate farmland occupation. In order to ameliorate the soil quality of the newly reclaimed land, this study investigated the effect of commercial organic fertilizer (COF) (0.45, 0.90, 1.35 and 1.80 kg/m2), sheep manure (SM) (0.45, 0.75, 1.05 and 1.35 kg/m2), mushroom residue (MR) (1.50, 2.25, 3.00 and 3.75 kg/m2), and chemical compound fertilizer (CCF) (0.075 kg/m2) on the growth of sweet potato, soil pH, organic matter content (OMC), available phosphate, total nitrogen, available potassium, exchangeable Ca and Mg, as well as bacterial and fungal microbial composition during 2019–2021. The results from this study indicated that the COF, SM, MR, and CCF did not significantly change the soil pH, but significantly increased the OMC, which has been regarded as the most significant soil quality parameter. This suggests that the soil amendments used in this study have great potential to improve the soil quality in newly reclaimed land. However, these soil amendments exhibited a differential effect on sweet potato biomass, nutrient elements and the microbial community of the newly reclaimed soil, which depend on the kind and concentration of organic/chemical fertilizer, the application time, as well as the plant and soil parameters. The change was also observed on the bacterial and fungal soil microbial community, which provides us with a microbial basis to understand why organic fertilizer has a great effect on soil improvement. Overall, our results suggest that soil amended with organic fertilizers has great potential for the production of sweet potato in immature soil from the new reclamation land.
A Fourier Transform-Based Calculation Method of Wilting Index for Soybean Canopy Using Multispectral Image
Authors: Shen Panpan , Ma Xiaodan , Guan Haiou , He Haotian , Wang Feiyi , Yu Miao , Yang Chen
Published: July 2022

The growth process of soybean plants needs a lot of water. The rapid detection of canopy wilting of soybean under drought stress is of great significance for soybean variety breeding, cultivation regulation and fine management. Aiming at the problems of cumbersome and time-consuming when the traditional chemical technology was used to determine soybean wilting index, a calculation method of wilting index for soybean canopy was proposed in this study based on multispectral images’ Fourier transform. Suinong 26, a northeast soybean variety, was taken as the object. First, four kinds of soybean multispectral images of green, red, red-edge and near-infrared channels were acquired by a Sequoia multispectral camera. Second, based on the multispectral reflection image preprocessed by median filter and mean filter, the target area of a multispectral image of the soybean canopy was extracted by the iterative threshold method and affine transformation algorithm, and the effective segmentation rate was 97.02%. In addition, Fourier transform was used to analyze the spectrum characteristics of the soybean canopy’s multispectral image. When the spectrum radius of each channel was 50, the energy reached more than 98% and was concentrated in the low-frequency region of the spectrum center. Finally, according to the difference between the low-frequency DC component and the proportion of total energy in the spectral radius of the multispectral images under normal and drought treatment, a calculation model of the soybean wilting index was constructed based on the energy spectrum of Fourier transform. The results showed that the difference of the wilting index between normal and drought treatment for the four channels (green, near-infrared, red and red-edge) was 2.38, 3.11, 3.56 and 4.11, respectively. The effectiveness of the wilting index was verified and analyzed by using the average leaf inclination angle. The determination coefficient R2 of the four channels between the calculated wilting index and the average leaf inclination angle was more than 0.85. This calculation method can provide a quantitative basis and technical support for the scientific regulation of ecological and morphological phenotypic traits of soybean plants under drought stress.
The Use of Abdominal Ultrasound to Improve the Cryptorchidectomy of Pigs
Authors: Carbonari Alice , Lillo Edoardo , Cicirelli Vincenzo , Sciorsci Raffaele Luigi , Rizzo Annalisa
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to describe a technique to locate retained testes in pigs by means of ultrasound examination and thereafter proceed with cryptorchidectomy. Fifty-two monolateral cryptorchid pigs were enrolled. After anaesthesia, 42 pigs (Group U) underwent ultrasound examination before cryptorchidectomy, and 10 pigs (Group C) were used as control group without ultrasonography. The total duration of anaesthesia, ultrasound examination, and surgery was evaluated. In 10 pigs of Group U and 10 pigs of Group C, the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and body temperature (T) were monitored to assess intraoperative pain response. An operator used the Piglet Grimace Scale (PGS) to assess postoperative pain. In Group U, the total time required for anaesthesia and surgery was less than Group C. No intra- or postoperative complications were reported in both groups. For HR, RR, and T, no statistically significant differences were observed. During the postoperative pain assessment, the highest pain scores were recorded at T6 (6 h after surgery). Ultrasound examination was found to be a valid technique for locating the retained testis in the abdomen in cryptorchid pigs and to reduce the duration of the surgery.
Molecular Characterization of Entamoeba spp. in Pigs with Diarrhea in Southern China
Authors: Wang Pei , Li Sen , Zou Yang , Han Ru-Yi , Wang Ping , Song De-Ping , Wang Cheng-Bin , Chen Xiao-Qing
Published: July 2022

Entamoeba spp. is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan that can parasitize most vertebrates, including humans and pigs, causing severe intestinal diseases and posing a serious threat to public health. However, the available data on Entamoeba spp. infection in pigs are relatively limited in China. To characterize the infection of Entamoeba spp. within pigs in southern China, 1254 fecal samples of diarrheic pigs were collected from 37 intensive pig farms in Hunan, Jiangxi and Fujian provinces and the infection of Entamoeba spp. was investigated based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Entamoeba spp. was 58.4% (732/1254), including 38.4% (118/307) in suckling piglets, 51.2% (153/299) in weaned piglets, 57.9% (55/95) in fattening pigs and 73.4% (406/553) in sows, respectively. Moreover, age and the sampling cities in Jiangxi and Fujian provinces were found to be the key factors influencing the infection of Entamoeba spp. (p < 0.05). Two subtypes (ST1 and ST3) with a zoonotic potential of Entamoeba polecki and Entamoeba suis were detected in all age groups of pigs and all sampling areas, with the predominant species and predominant subtype being E. polecki (91.3%, 668/732) and E. polecki ST1 (573/668), respectively, and E. polecki ST1 + E. polecki ST3 (78.6%, 239/304) being the most frequently detected form of mixed infection. Severe Entamoeba spp. infection and zoonotic subtypes were found in this study, exposing a large public health problem in the study area, and strategies need to be implemented to eliminate the risk in the future.