bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Brief Web-Based “Social Norms”-Intervention on Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Use Among German University Students: Results of a Cluster-Controlled Trial Conducted at Eight Universities
Authors: Pischke C. R. , Helmer S. M. , Pohlabeln H. , Muellmann S. , Schneider S. , Reintjes R. , Schmidt-Pokrzywniak A. , Girbig M. , Krämer A. , Icks A. , Walter U. , Zeeb H.
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: “Social norms” (SN)-interventions are aimed at changing existing misperceptions regarding peer substance use by providing feedback on actual norms, thereby affecting personal substance use. It is unknown whether SN-intervention effects previously demonstrated in US students can be replicated in German students. The aim of the INSIST-study was to examine the effects of a web-based SN-intervention on substance use.

Design: Cluster-controlled trial.

Setting: Eight Universities in Germany.

Participants and Measurements: Students were recruited at four intervention vs. four delayed intervention control Universities. 4,463 students completed baseline, 1,255 students (59% female) completed both baseline and 5-months follow-up web-based surveys on personal and perceived peer substance use. Intervention participants received feedback contrasting personal and perceived peer use with previously assessed use and perceptions of same-sex, same-university peers. Intervention effects were assessed via multivariable mixed logistic regression models.

Findings: Relative to controls, reception of SN-feedback was associated with higher odds for decreased alcohol use (OR: 1.91, 95% CI 1.42-2.56). This effect was most pronounced in students overestimating peer use at baseline and under or accurately estimating it at follow-up (OR: 6.28, 95% CI 2.00-19.8). The OR was 1.33 (95% CI 0.67-2.65) for decreased cannabis use in students at intervention Universities and was statistically significant at 1.70 (95% CI 1.13-2.55) when contrasting unchanged and decreased with increased use. Regarding tobacco use and episodes of drunkenness, no intervention effects were found.

Conclusions: This study was the first cluster-controlled trial suggesting beneficial effects of web-based SN-intervention on alcohol and cannabis use in a large sample of German University students.

Clinical Trial Registration: The trial registration number of the INSIST-study is DRKS00007635 at the “German Clinical Trials Register.”
Reduced Risk of Hospitalization With Stronger Community Belonging Among Aging Canadians Living With Diabetes: Findings From Linked Survey and Administrative Data
Authors: Gupta Neeru , Sheng Zihao
Published: May 2021

Background: Social isolation has been identified as a substantial health concern in aging populations, associated with adverse chronic disease outcomes and health inequalities; however, little is known about the interconnections between social capital, diabetes management, and hospital burdens. This study aimed to assess the role of community belonging with the risk of potentially avoidable hospitalization among aging adults living with diabetes in Canada.

Methods: The study leveraged a novel resource available through Statistics Canada's Social Data Linkage Environment: the Canadian Community Health Survey linked to administrative health records from the hospital Discharge Abstract Database. A population-representative sample of 13,580 community-dwelling adults aged 45 and over with diabetes was identified. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association of individuals' sense of community belonging with the risk of diabetes-related hospitalization over the period 2006–2012.

Results: Most (69.9%) adults with diabetes reported a strong sense of belonging to their local community. Those who reported weak community belonging were significantly more likely to have been hospitalized for diabetes (χ2 = 13.82; p < 0.05). The association between weak community attachment and increased risk of diabetes hospitalization remained significant [adjusted OR: 1.80 (95%CI: 1.12–2.90)] after controlling for age, education, and other sociodemographic and behavioral factors.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resurfaced attention to the need to better address social capital and diabetes care in public health strategies. While the causal pathways are unclear, this national study highlighted that deficits in social attachments may place adults with diabetes at greater risk of acute complications leading to hospitalization.
The EU Referendum and Experiences and Fear of Ethnic and Racial Harassment: Variation Across Individuals and Communities in England
Authors: Nandi Alita , Luthra Renee Reichl
Published: May 2021

This paper uses nationally representative, longitudinal data to examine experiences and fear of ethnic and racial harassment in public spaces among minorities in the UK, comparing levels of both before and after the 2016 EU Referendum. We do not find an increase in the prevalence of ethnic and racial harassment, but we do find higher levels of fear of ethnic and racial harassment in the period after the Referendum. The increase in fear following the vote was concentrated among more privileged individuals: those with higher levels of education, and those living in less socioeconomically deprived areas with lower levels of previous right-wing party support. We conclude that the Referendum exacerbated already higher levels of perceived discrimination among higher educated minorities while reducing the buffering effect of residence in “safe areas.”
Comparison of Granular Bone Grafts and Transverse Process Bone Grafts for Single-Segmental Thoracic Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Single-Center Comparative Study
Authors: Du Xing , Ou Yunsheng , Zhu Yong , Luo Wei , Jiang Guanyin , Jiang Dianming
Published: May 2021

Background: To compare the clinical efficacy of granular bone grafts and transverse process bone grafts for single-segmental thoracic tuberculosis (TB).

Methods: The clinical records of 52 patients who were diagnosed with single-segmental thoracic TB and treated by one stage posterior debridement, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation in our department from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 25 cases were in the granular bone graft group and 27 cases in the transverse processes bone graft group. Outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), neurological function, operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, Cobb angle, bone graft fusion time, and postoperative complications were all recorded and analyzed.

Results: There were no significant differences in operative time, operative blood loss, and hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). With an average follow-up of 18–33 months, all patients in the two groups showed significant improvement in VAS score, ESR, CRP, and neurological function compared with preoperative measurements (P < 0.05), however, no significant differences were found for the last follow-up (P > 0.05). The two groups showed similar Cobb angle correction (P > 0.05), but the granular bone graft group had a larger Cobb angle loss than the transverse processes bone graft group (P < 0.05). The bone graft fusion time of the granular bone graft group was shorter than that of the transverse processes bone graft group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the postoperative complications rate between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Granular bone grafts and transverse process bone grafts may achieve comparable clinical efficacy for single-segmental thoracic TB, but the former method had a shorter bone fusion time.
Detection and Quantification of the E6 Oncogene in Bovine Papillomavirus Types 2 and 13 From Urinary Bladder Lesions of Cattle
Authors: Alcântara Brígida Kussumoto de , Lunardi Michele , Agnol Alais Maria Dall , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: May 2021

Bovine papillomavirus types 2 and 13 can induce tumors in both the cutaneous and mucosal epithelia of cattle. These viral types are associated with the development of benign cutaneous papillomas and malignant lesions in the urinary bladders of cattle, with the latter being known as bovine enzootic hematuria. Among the viral oncoproteins encoded by Deltapapillomavirus DNA, the E6 oncoprotein has an important role in cell proliferation and might be related to cancer initiation and promotion. The aim of this study was to present a standardized SYBR Green-based quantitative PCR for detection and quantification of the bovine papillomavirus 2 and 13 E6 oncogenes in urinary bladder samples from cattle. Twenty-four urinary bladders from cattle displaying tumors (n = 12) and normal bladder mucosa (n = 12) were tested by quantitative PCR. Of the 12 urinary bladders with tumors, six presented bovine papillomavirus 2 DNA concentrations ranging from 1.05 × 104 to 9.53 × 103 copies/μL, while two had bovine papillomavirus 13 DNA amplified at concentrations of 1.30 × 104 to 1.23 × 104 copies/μL. The healthy bladder mucosa samples were negative for both bovine papillomaviruses. Once the results were confirmed by conventional PCR and direct sequencing, the quantitative PCR assay developed in this study was shown to be a sensitive and specific tool for detecting and quantifying the E6 ORF of bovine papillomavirus 2 and 13 in a variety of clinical samples. Our findings of identification of bovine papillomavirus 2 and 13 DNA in urothelial tumors from cattle suffering from bovine enzootic hematuria agree with data from previous studies, representing the first detection of bovine papillomavirus 13 DNA in malignant bladder lesions of cattle from Brazil.
¿Una psicoterapia sin fundamentos? La hermenéutica, el discurso y el fin de la certidumbre.
Authors: Stancombe John , White Susan
Published: May 2021

En la última década, la actividad terapéutica ha empezado a cuestionarse los fundamentos de sus propias afirmaciones. Sin poder refugiarse en el empirismo lógico ni en el realismo ingenuo debido a su crítica intrínseca hacia estas posiciones filosóficas, ha intentado buscar una respuesta en las epistemologías hermenéutica y postfundacionalista. Mediante el análisis de los temas de debate de la investigación del proceso terapéutico, podremos trazar el desarrollo de las actuales tendencias lingüísticas. El fin de la era de la búsqueda de certidumbres en el ámbito de la terapia ha tenido ciertas consecuencias que, hasta la fecha, han sido ignoradas tanto por los clínicos como por los teóricos, cuya intención de huir de las restricciones del cientificismo resulta incompatible con un inquebrantable compromiso con las prácticas terapéuticas, que son esencialmente normativas.
¿No habrá llegado la hora de de-construir el constructivismo en psicología clínica?
Authors: O’Hara Maureen
Published: May 2021

En este artículo me he propuesto llevar a cabo una revisión de los debates abiertos en la actualidad entre el absolutismo frente al relativismo, la libertad frente a la determinación, el objetivismo frente al subjetivismo, el representacionalismo frente al nominalismo, el determinismo frente al indeterminismo, y otras manifestaciones de la polémica que enfrenta al realismo con el constructivismo en psicología. Para ello, tomo en cuenta las ventajas en inconvenientes de ambos extremos y sugiero que, aunque el discurso postmodernista haya dado muchos frutos tanto en la teoría como en la práctica clínica, erigiéndose en voz crítica de la corriente principal de la psicología científica, cuando se lleva al extremo atenta contra sus propias aspiraciones de convertirse en fuente de curación, ya que niega la legitimidad de cualquier autoridad.
Comentario de libros.
Authors: Kvale Steinar
Published: May 2021

En su introducción como coordinador de esta reciente e interesante recopilación de trece “ensayos postmodernistas”, Steinar Kvale llama la atención sobre la ruptura con el pasado en cuanto al objeto de la psicología. Existe más bien un decentramiento del self; una desviación desde el interior de la psique hacia el texto del mundo, con un énfasis especial en el conocimiento práctico y localizado. Se conceptualiza al postmodernismo como muerte del sujeto y consiguiente desparición del agente autónomo e intencional como fundamento de la psicología y la educación. La investigación psicológica al uso no sirve a los psicoterapeutas contemporáneos y éstos se ven obligados a construir un segundo cuerpo de conocimientos.
Las disfunciones sexuales.
Authors: Frigola Gloria
Published: May 2021

Las disfunciones sexuales constituyen una categoría noslógica de disitntos síndromes psicofisiológicos que afectan por inhibición a la respuesta sexual en cualquiera de sus tres fases: deseo, excitación y eyaculación u orgasmo.
El vaginismo como una cuestión de barreras emocionales.
Authors: Mariscal Elena
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo desarrolla una consideración del problema del vaginismo desde una óptica constructivista, más centrada en la significación del síntoma que del tratamiento directo del mismo, mostrando una forma alternativa de aproximación a este tipo de problemática.
Psicoterapia sexual holónica de pareja.
Authors: Rubi Eusebio , Velasco T. César , Zumaya Mario , Bridges Sara K.
Published: May 2021

Este artículo plantea la psicoterapia sexual y de pareja de una forma integradora, desde una perspectiva constructivista y sistémica. Desarrolla a este propósito el concepto de holón, como conjunto de varios sistemas de constructos, relativos a la dimensión reproductiva, de género, erótica y de vinculación afectiva de la sexualidad. Ofrece sugerencias para un tratamiento integral y ejemplifica su aplicación con un caso en el que se combinan la terapia sexual y la de pareja.
Componentes básicos de la sexualidad humana.
Authors: Diamond Milton
Published: May 2021

Para una comprensión global y completa de la sexualidad de una persona se deben considerar como mínimo cinco componentes de la personalidad, del comportamiento y de la biología. Estos componentes se pueden recordar fácilmente mediante el mnemotécnico PRIMO: Patrones de género, Reproducción, Identidad sexual, Mecanismos sexuales, y Orientación sexual.
Problemas de diagnostico en los casos de transexualidad.
Authors: Garaizabal Elizalde Cristina
Published: May 2021

La problemática actual de la transexualidad debe ser considerada a la luz de las nuevas definiciones y expectativas que se abren a partir de los avances médico-quirúrgicos que posibilitan la realización de operaciones de cambio de genitales. Estas alternativas anatómicas plantean de forma acuciante la cuestión de su significación psicológica y social frente a una perspectiva más tradicional que las considera un error de la naturaleza.
Procedimientos con fantasía para el cambio psicoterapéutico creativo en análisis transaccional.
Authors: Rosal Ramón , Gimeno-Bayón Ana
Published: May 2021

Dentro de las psicoterapias que tienen como meta facilitar cambios creativos -cambios del sistema y subsistemas de la personalidad- y no sólo cambios correctivos, se ofrece, en primer lugar, una clasificación de diez formas de utilizar procedimientos con imágenes y fantasía en Análisis Transaccional. A continuación se presenta una explicación desde este modelo sobre el poder terapéutico de las imágenes, vinculadas -como también la creatividad- al denominado «Pequeño Profesor», parte de los potenciales del «Estado Niño del Yo». En tercer lugar se describen los cambios terapéuticos específicos que se pretende conseguir con cada una de aquellas diez formas de aplicar las técnicas imaginarias. A continuación se ofrece un ejemplo de informe de sesión. Finalmente se muestra la relación que puede comprobarse, en este modelo entre la fantasía y los cambios creativos, meta de la psicoterapia.
Análisis transaccional psicodinámico: el sistema terapeuta-paciente, alianza, pseudoalianza y anticontrato.
Authors: Miglionico Achille
Published: May 2021

El artículo presenta una lectura transaccional de los fenómenos transferenciales y contratransferenciales fundamentada en el análisis de la participación de los guiones del terapeuta y del paciente en la relación terapéutica. Estos fenómenos dificultan la construcción de la alianza terapéutica y del contrato terapéutico.
Terapia cognitiva, constructivismo y sueños: una revisión crítica.
Authors: Rosner Rachel I.
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo examina la ya antigua, aunque a veces tenue, relación existente entre el fenómeno del sueño y la tradición de la terapia cognitiva. Señala el hecho de que A.T. Beck partió del enfoque psicoanalítico del sueño como plataforma de lanzamiento desde la cual organizar los cimientos de su nueva teoría cognitiva, pero se encontró con dificultades tanto a nivel teórico como práctico, lo cual le restó atractivo a la posibilidad de continuar con ulteriores exploraciones del fenómeno del sueño en el marco del floreciente movimiento de terapia cognitiva. Sin embargo, las recientes aproximaciones a la terapia cognitiva realizadas por los constructivistas ofrecen diversas soluciones a algunos de los dilemas teóricos planteados por A.T. Beck, con lo que están abriendo nuevas vías de exploración del fenómeno del sueño tanto a nivel teórico, como experimental y clínico, dentro del contexto de la terapia cognitivo-constructivista.
Combinación de psico y farmacoterapia en los trastornos depresivos.
Authors: Fernández Liria Albert
Published: May 2021

Presentamos en este trabajo una revisión del modelo de combinación de psicofármacos y psicoterapia en general y aplicado especificamente a la depresion, asumiendo las recomendaciones de los grupos más importantes a nivel internacional sobre este tema. Hacemos una breve revisión de la psicoterapia como tratamiento utilizado en los trastornos mentales y como destreza adquirible, haciendo un análisis más detallado de la efectividad de los tratamientos combinados con psicofarmacos, buscando en ello la complementariedad, y dejando atras las actitudes basadas en la confrontación que han resultado inútiles y estériles. Terminamos con la conclusión de que si en algunos casos parece que está demostrada la superioridad de los tratamientos combinados, en otros no parece quedar esto claro, pero desde luego lo que sí cabe decir, es que la combinación de psicofarmacos y psicoterapia, a priori, no es negativa.
Tratamiento integrado de psicofarmacoterapia y terapia cognitiva-conductual en trastorno de pánico con agorafobia.
Authors: Bogiaizian Daniel
Published: May 2021

Producto de la experiencia clínica, este trabajo intenta acercar un modelo de integración entre la psicoterapia cognitivo-conductual y la farmacoterapia, aplicado al tratamiento del trastorno de pánico con agorafobia. Este campo, que desde los trabajos de investigación aparece poco claro en sus resultados, merece ser considerado. Teniendo en cuenta algunas variables inespecíficas, como son las intervenciones del psicólogo en la farmacoterapia, las del psiquiatra en la psicoterapia, y mejorando la comunicación entre ambos, se obtienen sensibles disminuciones en los abandonos de los tratamientos y buenas evoluciones en los cuadros tratados, especialmente en los más severos.
Mesa redonda cibernética: análisis de la influencia de la combinación de psicofármacos y psicoterapia, según las diferentes orientaciones de psicoterapia.
Authors: Mirapeix Carlos , Caro Isabel , Echeburúa Enrique , González Torres Miguel A. , Ibáñez Elena , Rodríguez Vega Beatriz , Villegas Besora Manuel
Published: May 2021

En el contexto del número monográfico de la Revista de Psicoterapia, sobre tratamientos integrados de psicofármacos y psicoterapia, decidimos incluir una novedosa mesa redonda cibernética, en la que diversos expertos hemos interactuado de una forma especial, realizando un «Análisis de la influencia de la combinación de psicofármacos y psicoterapia, según las diferentes orientaciones de psicoterapia».
Comentario de libros.
Authors: Botella Luis , Pacheco Meritxell
Published: May 2021

Comentario del libro "Constructivismo en psicoterapia".

Teniendo en cuenta la demanda creciente de literatura sobre psicoterapia constructivista en español, cabe recibir con entusiasmo la traducción a nuestro idioma de esta obra publicada originalmente en lengua inglesa por la American Psychologycal Association (1995). El carácter fundacional del libro en general y de su primera parte en particular, permite contextualizar la evolución de las psicoterapias constructivistas hasta la fecha y vislumbrar dónde situará el futuro a los psicoterapeutas constructivistas, y quienes podrían llegar a ser nuestros compañeros de viaje.
The Relative Importance of Herbage Nutritive Value and Climate in Determining Daily Performance per Cow in a Pasture-Based Dairy Farm
Authors: Duranovich Federico , Shadbolt Nicola , Draganova Ina , López-Villalobos Nicolas , Yule Ian , Morris Stephen
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the relative importance of herbage nutritive value (NV), herbage quantity and climate-related factors in determining daily performance per cow in a pasture-based dairy farm. Data on milk production, live weight, body condition score, weather, herbage NV and herbage quantity were regularly collected from August 2016 to April 2017 and from July 2017 to April 2018 at Dairy 1, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results indicated herbage NV was of higher relative importance in explaining the variation in performance per cow than herbage quantity and climate factors. The relative importance of the interaction between herbage metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on explaining variation in yields of milk, fat and protein was high (0.11 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.15). Herbage ME was of high relative importance in determining milk urea and body condition score, while neutral detergent fiber was a key driver of milk urea and liveweight (0.12 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.16). The quantity of herbage supplied at Dairy 1 might have been high enough to not limit cow performance. Developing feeding strategies aimed at improving the efficiency of cow feeding by exploiting the daily variation in herbage NV to better match supply and demand of nutrients may be useful to improve the overall performance per cow of pasture-based dairy farms.
Effects of Liming and Nutrient Management on Yield and Other Parameters of Potato Productivity on Acid Soils in Montenegro
Authors: Jovovic Zoran , Dolijanovic Zeljko , Spalevic Velibor , Dudic Branislav , Przulj Novo , Velimirovic Ana , Popovic Vera
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of liming (CaCO3 1000 kg ha−1) and application of organic fertilizers (rotted farmyard manure 40 t ha−1) and six different combination of mineral fertilizers: NPK 15:15:15 800 kg ha−1 + KAN (calcium ammonium nitrate) 240 kg ha−1; NPK 15:15:15 400 kg ha−1 + MCB (water-soluble mineral fertilizer NPK 13:11:20 + 2MgO + microelements + humic acid) 300 kg ha−1 + KAN 125 kg ha−1; MCB 400 kg ha−1; MCB 400 kg ha−1 + KMg (water-soluble mineral fertilizer Multi KMg 13:0:43 + 2MgO) 100 kg ha−1; MCB 600 kg ha−1 + KMg 100 kg ha−1 and MCB 800 kg ha−1 + KMg 100 kg ha−1 on yield and other productivity parameters of potato (Kennebec variety). The aim of the research was to optimize the system of potato plant nutrition for maximum profitability in the future potato production on acid soils of mountainous region of Montenegro. The experiments were carried out during 2015 and 2016, on Dystric Cambisols. The results obtained suggested that in both years, the highest values for all studied parameters were measured on plots with combined application of liming, organic and mineral fertilizers. In addition, a significant influence on the increase in the number of tubers per plant, the average tuber weight and the total yield was also demonstrated in all individual trials of potato nutrition, and the interaction of organic manure and mineral fertilizer. Fertilizing with rotted farmyard manure had significantly increased potato productivity, with the effect more pronounced in treatments with liming. The highest number of tubers (6.2 and 7.2), average tuber weight (93.5 g and 101.0 g) and yield (27.6 t ha−1 in 2015 and 34.8 t ha−1 in 2016, respectively) were obtained using combinations of MCB 800 kg ha−1 + KMg 100 kg ha−1 on variants fertilized with rotted farmyard manure and liming. This research is a valuable source of information for potato growers and scientists from this region as the results have shown how fertilization is raising productivity in this environment and its importance in the future potato growing on acid soils in mountainous regions of Montenegro and Western Balkans.
Assessing Influence Factors on Daily Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas Concentrations from an Open-Sided Cubicle Barn in Hot Mediterranean Climate
Authors: D’Urso Provvidenza Rita , Arcidiacono Claudia , Valenti Francesca , Cascone Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Measurement of gas concentrations constitutes basic knowledge for the computation of emissions from livestock buildings. Although it is well known that hot climate conditions increase gas emissions, in the literature the relation between gas concentrations from open barns and animal-related parameters has not been investigated yet. This study aimed at filling this gap by evaluating daily gas concentrations within an open-sided barn in hot Mediterranean climate. The influence of microclimatic parameters (MC) and cow behavior and barn management (CBBM) were evaluated for ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Results showed that both MC and CBBM affected concentrations of NH3 (p < 0.02), CH4 (p < 0.001), and CO2 (p < 0.001). Higher values of NH3 concentration were detected during the cleaning of the floor by a tractor with scraper, whereas the lowest NH3 concentrations were recorded during animal lying behavior. Measured values of CO2 and CH4 were highly correlated (C = 0.87–0.89) due to the same sources of production (i.e., digestion and respiration). The different management of the cooling systems during the two observation periods reduced significantly CH4 concentrations in the barn when the cooling system in the feeding area was switched off. Based on methodological choices due to the specific barn typology, parameters related to animals can provide information on the variation of gas concentrations in the barn environment in hot climate conditions.
Comparative Analysis of Milk Microbiomes and Their Association with Bovine Mastitis in Two Farms in Central Russia
Authors: Sokolov Sergei , Fursova Ksenia , Shulcheva Irina , Nikanova Daria , Artyemieva Olga , Kolodina Evgenia , Sorokin Anatoly , Dzhelyadin Timur , Shchannikova Margarita , Shepelyakovskaya Anna , Zinovieva Natalia , Brovko Fedor
Published: May 2021

Bovine mastitis is a widespread infectious disease. In addition to the economic damages associated with reduced milk yield due to mastitis, the problem of food contamination by microorganism metabolites, in particular toxins, is also a concern. Horizontal transfer of microorganisms from animal populations to humans can also be complicated by antibiotic resistance. Therefore, bovine mastitis is relevant to the study of microbiology and veterinary medicine. In this study, we investigated the microbiome of milk samples from healthy cows and cows with different forms of mastitis from individual quarters of the udder of cows during first and second lactation. Total DNA was extracted from milk samples. The V3–V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes from each sample were amplified to generate a library via high-throughput sequencing. We revealed significant dominance of several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) corresponding mostly to groups of Staphylococcus aureus, Aerococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. In addition, we unexpectedly identified Streptococcus thermophilus in samples with high SCC quantities. We found some infectious agents that characterized summer mastitis. We demonstrated that in Central Russia, mastitis is associated with a wide variety of causal organisms. We observed some differences in the diversity of the two investigated farms. However, we did not find any significant difference among healthy, mastitis and subclinical samples according to their SCC status from either farms by principal component analysis. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) confirmed the presence of several indicator genera in farms from Moscow and the Tula Region. These results confirm the complex bacterial etiology of bovine mastitis.
Changes in Leukogram and Erythrogram Results in Bitches with Vaginitis
Authors: Chmurska-Gąsowska Maria , Bojarski Bartosz , Sowińska Natalia , Strus Magdalena
Published: May 2021

Vaginitis in female dogs is a problem most veterinarians face in their practice. It manifests as localized inflammation, and its variable etiology and different severities often make diagnosis problematic. The study consisted of comparing blood smears taken from 16 animals: 8 healthy bitches and 8 bitches with confirmed vaginitis. We analyzed the percentage of different types of white blood cells (leukogram) and changes in the shape of red blood cells (erythrogram) in both groups. We observed changes in red blood cell morphology, i.e., a higher percentage of lacrimocytes and schistocytes in female dogs with vaginitis compared to their healthy counterparts. The observed hematological changes may illustrate the severity of inflammation. The analysis of erythrograms showed a significantly higher percentage of lacrimocytes and schistocytes in diseased bitches (1.58 ± 1.19% and 0.13 ± 0.12%) compared to healthy animals (0.58 ± 0.38 and 0.00 ± 0.00, respectively). The obtained results may indicate that the analysis of erythrograms throughout the course of vaginitis in bitches may constitute a diagnostic tool, as opposed to the analysis of leukograms, which is more sensitive when it comes to the systemic inflammatory response of the organism. It seems that simultaneous analysis of erythrograms and leukograms may facilitate the diagnostic process in clinical practice.
Canine Gastric Carcinomas: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study and Similarities with the Human Counterpart
Authors: Hardas Alexandros , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Beck Sam , Becker William E. , Ramírez Gustavo A. , Priestnall Simon L.
Published: May 2021

Canine gastric carcinoma (CGC) affects both sexes in relatively equal proportions, with a mean age of nine years, and the highest frequency in Staffordshire bull terriers. The most common histological subtype in 149 CGC cases was the undifferentiated carcinoma. CGCs were associated with increased chronic inflammation parameters and a greater chronic inflammatory score when Helicobacter spp. were present. Understanding the molecular pathways of gastric carcinoma is challenging. All markers showed variable expression for each subtype. Expression of the cell cycle regulator 14-3-3σ was positive in undifferentiated, tubular and papillary carcinomas. This demonstrates that 14-3-3σ could serve as an immunohistochemical marker in routine diagnosis and that mucinous, papillary and signet-ring cell (SRC) carcinomas follow a 14-3-3σ independent pathway. p16, another cell cycle regulator, showed increased expression in mucinous and SRC carcinomas. Expression of the adhesion molecules E-cadherin and CD44 appear context-dependent, with switching within tumor emboli potentially playing an important role in tumor cell survival, during invasion and metastasis. Within neoplastic emboli, acinar structures lacked expression of all markers, suggesting an independent molecular pathway that requires further investigation. These findings demonstrate similarities and differences between dogs and humans, albeit further clinicopathological data and molecular analysis are required.
Antibacterial Activities of Homemade Matrices Miming Essential Oils Compared to Commercial Ones
Authors: Oliveira Ribeiro Sofia , Fontaine Véronique , Mathieu Véronique , Abdesselam Zhiri , Dominique Baudoux , Caroline Stévigny , Florence Souard
Published: May 2021

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high chemical variability complicates their development into new antibacterial agents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to standardize their chemical composition. Several commercial essential oils of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and thyme (chemotype thymol) (Thymus vulgaris L.) were bought on the market. GC–MS analysis revealed that thyme essential oils have a chemical composition far more consistent than ajowan essential oils. Sometimes thymol was not even the major compound. The most abundant compounds and the homemade mixtures were tested against two Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antibacterial property of β-caryophyllene presented no direct activity against S. aureus LMG 15975, but in association with thymol or carvacrol at equal percentages an MIC of 125 μg/mL was observed. The mixture of those three compounds at equivalent percentages also decreased by 16-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. Against S. aureus LMG 21674, β-caryophyllene presented an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and decreased by 267-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. These observations led us to question the benefits of using a complex chemical mixture instead of one active compound to fight bacterial resistance.
Hidrox® Counteracts Cyclophosphamide-Induced Male Infertility through NRF2 Pathways in a Mouse Model
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Impellizzeri Daniela , Scuto Maria , Ontario Maria Laura , Crea Roberto , Cordaro Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Calabrese Vittorio
Published: May 2021

Background: Every year, men use cyclophosphamide to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases. On the one hand, this chemotherapy often has the beneficial effect of regressing the tumor, but on the other hand, it leads to infertility due to excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testes caused by its metabolite, acrolein. Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial power of a new compound called Hidrox®, containing 40–50% hydroxytyrosol, in counteracting the damage related to fertility induced by cyclophosphamide. The study was conducted using a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w, in distilled water at 10 mL/kg b.w. The treatment was administered via the oral administration of Hidrox® at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Results: Our study confirms that the use of cyclophosphamide causes a series of sperm and histological alterations strongly connected with oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time that Hidrox® protects testes from CYP-induced alterations by the modulation of physiological antioxidant defenses.
Instant Center Identification of Single-Loop Multi-DOF Planar Linkage Using Virtual Link
Authors: Nie Liangyi , Ding Huafeng , Ting Kwun-Lon , Kecskeméthy Andrés
Published: May 2021

Instant center is an important kinematic characteristic which can be used for velocity and singularity analysis, configuration synthesis and dynamics modeling of multi-degree of freedom (multi-DOF) planar linkage. The Aronhold–Kennedy theorem is famous for locating instant centers of four-bar planar linkage, but for single-loop multi-DOF linkages, it fails. Increasing with the number of the links of single-loop multi-DOF planar linkages, the lack of link relationship makes the identification of instant center become a recognized difficulty. This paper proposes a virtual link method to identify instant centers of single-loop multi-DOF planar linkage. First, three types of instant centers are redefined and the instant center identification process graph is introduced. Then, based on coupled loop chain characteristic and definition of instant center, two criteria are presented to convert single-loop multi-DOF planar linkage into a two-loop virtual linkage by adding the virtual links. Subsequently, the unchanged instant centers are identified in the virtual linkage and used to acquire all the instant centers of original single-loop multi-DOF planar linkage. As a result, the instant centers of single-loop five-bar, six-bar planar linkage with several prismatic joints are systematically researched for the first time. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is demonstrated using loop equations. It is a graphical and straightforward method and the application is wide up to single-loop multi-DOF N-bar (N ≥ 5) planar linkage.
Recent Advances in Myoelectric Control for Finger Prostheses for Multiple Finger Loss
Authors: Srimaneepong Viritpon , Heboyan Artak , Syed Azeem Ul Yaqin , Trinh Hai Anh , Amornvit Pokpong , Rokaya Dinesh
Published: May 2021

The loss of one or multiple fingers can lead to psychological problems as well as functional impairment. Various options exist for replacement and restoration after hand or finger loss. Prosthetic hand or finger prostheses improve esthetic outcomes and the quality of life for patients. Myoelectrically controlled hand prostheses have been used to attempt to produce different movements. The available articles (original research articles and review articles) on myoelectrically controlled finger/hand prostheses from January 1922 to February 2021 in English were reviewed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect resources. The articles were searched using the keywords “finger/hand loss”, “finger prosthesis”, “myoelectric control”, and “prostheses” and relevant articles were selected. Myoelectric or electromyography (EMG) signals are read by myoelectrodes and the signals are amplified, from which the muscle’s naturally generated electricity can be measured. The control of the myoelectric (prosthetic) hands or fingers is important for artificial hand or finger movement; however, the precise control of prosthetic hands or fingers remains a problem. Rehabilitation after multiple finger loss is challenging. Implants in finger prostheses after multiple finger loss offer better finger prosthesis retention. This article presents an overview of myoelectric control regarding finger prosthesis for patients with finger implants following multiple finger loss.
Isolation and Characterization of Probiotic Bacillus subtilis MKHJ 1-1 Possessing L-Asparaginase Activity
Authors: Lim Hyeji , Oh Sujin , Yu Sungryul , Kim Misook
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to isolate functional Bacillus strains from Korean fermented soybeans and to evaluate their potential as probiotics. The L-asparaginase activity of MKHJ 1-1 was the highest among 162 Bacillus strains. This strain showed nonhemolysis and did not produce β-glucuronidase. Among the nine target bacteria, MKHJ 1-1 inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis resulted in MKHJ 1-1 identified as Bacillus subtilis subsp. stercoris D7XPN1. As a result of measuring the survival rate in 0.1% pepsin solution (pH 2.5) and 0.3% bile salt solution for 3 h, MKHJ 1-1 exhibited high acid resistance and was able to grow in the presence of bile salt. MKHJ 1-1 showed outstanding autoaggregation ability after 24 h. In addition, its coaggregation with pathogens was strong. Therefore, MKHJ 1-1 is a potential probiotic with L-asparaginase activity and without L-glutaminase activity, suggesting that it could be a new resource for use in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Is Any Feature of the Stabilometric Evaluation Clinically Relevant in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Delgado-Delgado Raquel , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Gowie Antonia Emma , Calvo-Moreno Sofia Olivia , Centenera-Centenera María Belén , Gallego-Sendarrubias Gracia María
Published: May 2021

Current neuroanatomical evidence showed the anatomical relationship between the temporomandibular joint innervation with the vestibular system. However, there is no clear evidence regarding if temporomandibular disorders are associated with balance impairments. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess the clinical relevance of stabilometric features in populations with temporomandibular disorders and to analyze the influence of the mandibular position and visual afference in the balance scores in both healthy and clinical populations. This observational study was conducted in one sample of healthy controls and one sample with temporomandibular disorders. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, and foot size), clinical data (presence or absence of temporomandibular disorders) and stabilometric data under six different conditions were collected. Sixty-nine subjects (43.5% male; 36.2% patients) were assessed. No differences between Temporomandibular disorders and healthy groups were found in any stabilometric outcomes, unlike oscillation area with closed eyes and medium interscuspidal position (p < 0.01). Although visual feedback showed to be relevant (p < 0.0001), mandibular position produced no differences in any stabilometric measurement (p > 0.05). This study found that healthy subjects and patients with temporomandibular disorders showed no balance differences in the stabilometric outcomes assessed. Although visual input played an important role in the balance, mandibular position seems to be irrelevant.
Causes, Factors, and Control Measures of Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens—A Critical Review
Authors: Leslie Erin , Hinds Jason , Hai Faisal I.
Published: May 2021

This review critically analyses the chemical and physical parameters that influence the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens in the drinking water distribution system, specifically in premise plumbing. A comprehensive literature review reveals significant impacts of water age, disinfectant residual (type and concentration), temperature, pH, and pipe materials. Evidence suggests that there is substantial interplay between these parameters; however, the dynamics of such relationships is yet to be elucidated. There is a correlation between premise plumbing system characteristics, including those featuring water and energy conservation measures, and increased water quality issues and public health concerns. Other interconnected issues exacerbated by high water age, such as disinfectant decay and reduced corrosion control efficiency, deserve closer attention. Some common features and trends in the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens have been identified through a thorough analysis of the available literature. It is proposed that the efforts to reduce or eliminate their incidence might best focus on these common features.
Thermodynamic Study on the Dissociation and Complexation of Coumarinic Acid with Neodymium(III) and Dioxouranium(VI) in Aqueous Media
Authors: Malacaria Luana , Corrente Giuseppina Anna , Furia Emilia
Published: May 2021

In the frame of a systematic study on the sequestering ability of natural antioxidants towards metal cations, the complexation of coumarin-3-carboxilic acid (HCCA) with neodymium(III) and dioxouranium(VI) (uranyl, UO22+), and overall stability constants of the resulting complexes, were evaluated from the pH-potentiometric titration data at 37 °C and in an aqueous solution (i.e., 0.16 mol/L NaClO4). The graphic representation of the complex’s concentration curves is given by the distribution diagrams, which provide a depiction of all the species present in the solution in the selected pH ranges. The protonation constant of HCCA was also determined to evaluate the competition of the ligand for the metal cations and H+. The ligand-to-metal concentration ratio was varied between 1 and 10, and the hydrogen ion concentration was decreased stepwise until the incipient precipitation of a basic salt of the metal, which occurred at different values depending on the specific metal cation and the ligand to metal ratio. Speciation profiles obtained by potentiometric titrations and supported by UV-Vis data show that a complexation occurs at a ligand-to-Nd(III) and to –UO22+ ratio of 1:1 and 2:1, with different degrees of deprotonation: Nd(OH)(CCA)+, UO2(OH)(CCA), UO2(OH)2(CCA)−, and Nd(OH)(CCA)2, UO2(CCA)2 and (UO2)2(OH)2(CCA)2.
Knowledge of Quantum Hidden Variables Enables Backwards-In-Time Signaling
Authors: Carmi Avishy , Cohen Eliahu , Maccone Lorenzo , Nikolić Hrvoje
Published: May 2021

Bell’s theorem implies that any completion of quantum mechanics which uses hidden variables (that is, preexisting values of all observables) must be nonlocal in the Einstein sense. This customarily indicates that knowledge of the hidden variables would permit superluminal communication. Such superluminal signaling, akin to the existence of a preferred reference frame, is to be expected. However, here we provide a protocol that allows an observer with knowledge of the hidden variables to communicate with her own causal past, without superluminal signaling. That is, such knowledge would contradict causality, irrespectively of the validity of relativity theory. Among the ways we propose for bypassing the paradox there is the possibility of hidden variables that change their values even when the state does not, and that means that signaling backwards in time is prohibited in Bohmian mechanics.
Botulinum Toxin Type A Reconstituted with Lidocaine: A Report of 1000 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Bove Pierfrancesco , Santillo Vincenzo , Colella Giuseppe , Vitagliano Rita , Fragola Romolo , Lo Giudice Giorgio , Zerbinati Nicola , Ferrieri Ivo , Rauso Raffaele
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: There is an increasing demand for a reversal of the aging process and, nowadays, more patients are seeking minimally invasive methods instead of surgery to meet this goal. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the predictability of the off-label aesthetic use of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) reconstituted with lidocaine. (2) Methods: One thousand treatments, between January 2010 and January 2020, with BoNTA reconstituted with lidocaine for the rejuvenation of the upper third of the face, were performed and retrospectively evaluated. (3) Results: A few seconds after the BoNTA injections, the effect of muscle paralysis was seen in all cases; this allowed providing an optimal symmetric result with no need for a touch-up procedure at the control after three weeks. A burning sensation during the injections was claimed by almost all patients. Major complications were not registered. No touch-up procedures were required. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study show how the reconstitution of BoNTA with lidocaine may avoid imperfect results after the injections; the immediate feedback on the extent of paralysis to be expected from the chemodenervation action of BoNTA allows the physician to have immediate control of the final result.
Mandibular Coronoid Process Hypertrophy: Diagnosis and 20-Year Follow-Up with CBCT, MRI and EMG Evaluations
Authors: d’Apuzzo Fabrizia , Minervini Giuseppe , Grassia Vincenzo , Rotolo Rossana Patricia , Perillo Letizia , Nucci Ludovica
Published: May 2021

Coronoid process hypertrophy (CPH) consists of an abnormal volumetric increment of the mandibular coronoid process; as this process grows gradually, the infratemporal space needed for the rotation and translation of the mandible is reduced, which results in a reduction of the range of mouth opening and lateral excursion, limiting mouth opening. The purpose of this case report was to describe a rare case of hypertrophy of coronoid processes with associated temporomandibular ankylosis, monitored for over 20 years. The patient was first visited when he had a facial trauma at the age of 4. Then he was followed through clinical, functional, instrumental, bi-dimensional and three-dimensional radiological evaluations up to the age of 24. Physical therapy was initiated at the age of 10 to improve the condition of the masticatory muscles, while at the age of 14, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulations were performed to reduce muscle tension and, a bite plane was delivered to control the parafunctional activity of the jaw in the night and self-control instruction was provided for daytime habits. The adult patient has not accepted surgical intervention; thus, the future objective is to continue monitoring over the years to avoid a detrimental progression of the medical condition through physical and functional therapies while waiting for patient consent to surgery if needed.