bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Breeding-Relevant Fruit Cracking and Fruit Firmness Quantitative Trait Loci in Sweet Cherry via Pedigree-Based and Genome-Wide Association Approaches
Authors: Crump William Wesley , Peace Cameron , Zhang Zhiwu , McCord Per
Published: March 2022

Breeding for decreased fruit cracking incidence and increased fruit firmness in sweet cherry creates an attractive alternative to variable results from cultural management practices. DNA-informed breeding increases its efficiency, yet upstream research is needed to identify the genomic regions associated with the trait variation of a breeding-relevant magnitude, as well as to identify the parental sources of favorable alleles. The objectives of this research were to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fruit cracking incidence and firmness, estimate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes at the detected QTLs, and identify the ancestral source(s) of functional haplotypes. Fruit cracking incidence and firmness were evaluated for multiple years on 259 unselected seedlings representing 22 important breeding parents. Phenotypic data, in conjunction with genome-wide genotypic data from the RosBREED cherry 6K SNP array, were used in the QTL analysis performed via Pedigree-Based Analysis using the FlexQTL™ software, supplemented by a Genome-Wide Association Study using the BLINK software. Haplotype analysis was conducted on the QTLs to identify the functional SNP haplotypes and estimate their phenotypic effects, and the haplotypes were tracked through the pedigree. Four QTLs (two per trait) were consistent across the years and/or both analysis methods and validated the previously reported QTLs. qCrack-LG1.1m (the label given to a consistent QTL for cracking incidence on chromosome 1) explained 2–15.1% of the phenotypic variance, while qCrack-LG5.1m, qFirm-LG1.2m, and qFirm-LG3.2m explained 7.6–13.8, 8.8–21.8, and 1.7–10.1% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. At each QTL, at least two SNP haplotypes had significant effects and were considered putative functional SNP haplotypes. Putative low-cracking SNP haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of ‘Emperor Francis’ and ‘Schmidt’ and unnamed parents of ‘Napoleon’ and ‘Hedelfingen,’ among others, and putative high-firmness haplotypes were tracked to an unnamed parent of ‘Emperor Francis’ and ‘Schmidt,’ an unnamed grandparent of ‘Black Republican,’ ‘Rube,’ and an unknown parent of ‘Napoleon.’ These four stable QTLs can now be targeted for DNA test development, with the goal of translating information discovered here into usable tools to aid in breeding decisions.
Functional Characterization of a Flavone Synthase That Participates in a Kumquat Flavone Metabolon
Authors: Tian Shulin , Yang Yuyan , Wu Tao , Luo Chuan , Li Xin , Zhao Xijuan , Xi Wanpeng , Liu Xiaogang , Zeng Ming
Published: March 2022

Flavones predominantly accumulate as O- and C-glycosides in kumquat plants. Two catalytic mechanisms of flavone synthase II (FNSII) support the biosynthesis of glycosyl flavones, one involving flavanone 2-hydroxylase (which generates 2-hydroxyflavanones for C-glycosylation) and another involving the direct catalysis of flavanones to flavones for O-glycosylation. However, FNSII has not yet been characterized in kumquats. In this study, we identified two kumquat FNSII genes (FcFNSII-1 and FcFNSII-2), based on transcriptome and bioinformatics analysis. Data from in vivo and in vitro assays showed that FcFNSII-2 directly synthesized apigenin and acacetin from naringenin and isosakuranetin, respectively, whereas FcFNSII-1 showed no detectable catalytic activities with flavanones. In agreement, transient overexpression of FcFNSII-2 in kumquat peels significantly enhanced the transcription of structural genes of the flavonoid-biosynthesis pathway and the accumulation of several O-glycosyl flavones. Moreover, studying the subcellular localizations of FcFNSII-1 and FcFNSII-2 demonstrated that N-terminal membrane-spanning domains were necessary to ensure endoplasmic reticulum localization and anchoring. Protein–protein interaction analyses, using the split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid system and bimolecular fluorescence-complementation assays, revealed that FcFNSII-2 interacted with chalcone synthase 1, chalcone synthase 2, and chalcone isomerase-like proteins. The results provide strong evidence that FcFNSII-2 serves as a nucleation site for an O-glycosyl flavone metabolon that channels flavanones for O-glycosyl flavone biosynthesis in kumquat fruits. They have implications for guiding genetic engineering efforts aimed at enhancing the composition of bioactive flavonoids in kumquat fruits.
Application of a Biostimulant (Pepton) Based in Enzymatic Hydrolyzed Animal Protein Combined With Low Nitrogen Priming Boosts Fruit Production Without Negatively Affecting Quality in Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes
Authors: Mesa Tania , Polo Javier , Casadesús Andrea , Gómez Íñigo , Munné-Bosch Sergi
Published: March 2022

Improved nutrient use efficiency together with the use of biostimulants have been little explored thus far to improve fruit yield and quality in economically relevant crops. The aim of this study was to determine the additive or synergistic effects, if any, of the application of an enzyme hydrolyzed animal protein biostimulant (Pepton) combined with priming with low nitrogen (N) in the production and quality of greenhouse tomatoes. Biostimulant treatment (Pepton at a dose equivalent of 4 kg/ha) was applied by ferti-irrigation for 2 months during the vegetative phase both in controls (watered with nutrient solution) and nutrient efficient crop (NEC), in which plants were primed with low N by exposing them to a 30% N deficiency for 2 months, and then recovered for 1 month before fruit production. Foliar water and N contents, pigments, maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm ratio), and phytohormones [including abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and cytokinins] were measured prior and at 4 and 8 weeks after the first application. Fruit production and quality [as indicated by total soluble sugars (TSS) and acidity (TA), and the contents of lycopene, vitamin E, and vitamin C] were measured 1 month later at harvest. Priming with low N availability (NEC plants) doubled (p < 0.001) fruit production (due to an increase in the number of fruits), tended to increase (p = 0.057) by 20% the amount of TSS and increased (p < 0.05) the contents of lycopene (by 90%) and vitamin E (by 40%). Pepton displayed a tendency, almost significant, to improve (p = 0.054) total fruit production both in control and NEC plants, thus showing an additive effect to low N priming in boosting fruit production. Pepton maintained fruit quality in terms of sugar accumulation, total acidity and the contents of carotenoids, vitamins C and E. Pepton-related improvement in fruit production seemed to be related, at least partially, to an increased accumulation of cytokinins and photosynthetic pigments in leaves, which might favor vegetative vigor and ultimately fruit yield. In conclusion, Pepton application was effective in improving the yield of greenhouse tomatoes showing additive effect with low N priming, without negatively affecting fruit quality.
Biocontainment of Genetically Engineered Algae
Authors: Sebesta Jacob , Xiong Wei , Guarnieri Michael T. , Yu Jianping
Published: March 2022

Algae (including eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria) have been genetically engineered to convert light and carbon dioxide to many industrially and commercially relevant chemicals including biofuels, materials, and nutritional products. At industrial scale, genetically engineered algae may be cultivated outdoors in open ponds or in closed photobioreactors. In either case, industry would need to address a potential risk of the release of the engineered algae into the natural environment, resulting in potential negative impacts to the environment. Genetic biocontainment strategies are therefore under development to reduce the probability that these engineered bacteria can survive outside of the laboratory or industrial setting. These include active strategies that aim to kill the escaped cells by expression of toxic proteins, and passive strategies that use knockouts of native genes to reduce fitness outside of the controlled environment of labs and industrial cultivation systems. Several biocontainment strategies have demonstrated escape frequencies below detection limits. However, they have typically done so in carefully controlled experiments which may fail to capture mechanisms of escape that may arise in the more complex natural environment. The selection of biocontainment strategies that can effectively kill cells outside the lab, while maintaining maximum productivity inside the lab and without the need for relatively expensive chemicals will benefit from further attention.
Uncovering New Insights and Misconceptions on the Effectiveness of Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria in Plants: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: De Zutter Noémie , Ameye Maarten , Bekaert Boris , Verwaeren Jan , De Gelder Leen , Audenaert Kris
Published: March 2022

As the awareness on the ecological impact of chemical phosphate fertilizers grows, research turns to sustainable alternatives such as the implementation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), which make largely immobile phosphorous reserves in soils available for uptake by plants. In this review, we introduce the mechanisms by which plants facilitate P-uptake and illustrate how PSB improve the bioavailability of this nutrient. Next, the effectiveness of PSB on increasing plant biomass and P-uptake is assessed using a meta-analysis approach. Our review demonstrates that improved P-uptake does not always translate in improved plant height and biomass. We show that the effect of PSB on plants does not provide an added benefit when using bacterial consortia compared to single strains. Moreover, the commonly reported species for P-solubilization, Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp., are outperformed by the scarcely implemented Burkholderia spp. Despite the similar responses to PSB in monocots and eudicots, species responsiveness to PSB varies within both clades. Remarkably, the meta-analysis challenges the common belief that PSB are less effective under field conditions compared to greenhouse conditions. This review provides innovative insights and identifies key questions for future research on PSB to promote their implementation in agriculture.
Neuroticism Drives Associations Between Repetitive Behaviors and Depression in Autistic Adults
Authors: Schwartzman Jessica M. , Williams Zachary J. , Richards Jared K. , Mattheiss Samantha R. , Gotham Katherine O.
Published: March 2022

Depression is more prevalent among autistic adults than neurotypical adults, yet risk factors are incompletely understood in this population. Some research groups have focused on relationships between negative repetitive thinking and depression in the autistic population, which may explain elevated prevalence rates in line with general population findings on rumination and internalizing disorders. Little is known about associations between depression and more prototypical repetitive cognitions and/or behaviors characteristic of autism (i.e., insistence on sameness [IS] and repetitive sensorimotor [RSM] behaviors). Therefore, the present study aimed to examine associations between IS, RSM behaviors, and depressive symptoms in 762 autistic adults, and whether observed effects are confounded by additional factors (e.g., demographic factors, trait neuroticism). To test if greater IS scores were associated with greater depressive symptoms on the BDI-II, a Bayesian linear regression was conducted with BDI-II scores (dependent variable) regressed on age, gender, educational level, RSM scores, and IS scores (independent variables). To test the effects of neuroticism on observed relationships, a second regression was conducted that included all predictors from the baseline model and neuroticism. Standardized regression coefficients were tested against an interval null hypothesis of [−0.1, 0.1] to assess for practical significance. Results indicated that IS exhibited a moderate positive relationship with depressive symptoms, while RSM behaviors provided only a slight increase in predictive ability. However in the second model, neuroticism exhibited a strong positive relationship with depressive symptoms, completely attenuating the effect of IS. Associations between RSM behaviors and depressive symptoms did not meet our criteria for practical significance, particularly when neuroticism was added to the model. Neither RSM nor IS moderated the effect of neuroticism on depression. The findings from this study add to the literature on risk factors in the pathway to depression in autism, and suggest opportunities for clinical translation to screening and intervention efforts. Screening for IS in autistic individuals is a common diagnostic practice in clinical and research settings that may be leveraged to also identify those at higher risk for depression, and increasing flexibility in daily life may promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Dering Madelaine-Rachel , Lepsy Nicole , Fuge Jan , Meltendorf Tanja , Hoeper Marius M. , Heitland Ivo , Kamp Jan C. , Park Da-Hee , Richter Manuel J. , Gall Henning , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Ellermeier Dietmar , Kulla Hans-Dieter , Kahl Kai G. , Olsson Karen M.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and progressive pulmonary vascular disease resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue and leading to death from right heart failure if not adequately treated. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subgroup of PH characterized by obstruction or occlusion of pulmonary arteries by post-embolic fibrotic material. To date, few studies examined symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with CTEPH, showing depression levels as high as 37.5%. However, none of the former studies used structured expert interviews.

Methods

Mental disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID). The prevalence of mental disorders in patients with CTEPH were compared to the prevalence in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the general German population. Quality of life (QoL) was measured with World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life questionnaire (short form). Factors associated with QoL were analyzed with linear regression and the diagnostic value of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Hundred and seven patients with CTEPH were included. Almost one-third of the patients (31.8%) had current psychological disorders. Panic disorder (8.4%), specific phobia (8.4%), and major depressive disorder (6.5%) were the most prevalent mental illnesses. The prevalence of panic disorders was higher in CTEPH compared to the German population while major depressive disorder was fewer in CTEPH compared to PAH. The presence of mental disorders had a major impact on QoL. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale discriminated depression and panic disorder reliably.

Conclusion

Mental disorders are common in patients with CTEPH and associated with an impaired QoL. The HADS may be a useful screening tool for panic and depression disorders in patients with CTEPH. Further research on therapeutic strategies targeting mental disorders in patients with CTEPH is needed.
International Publication Trends in Low Back Pain Research: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis
Authors: Huang Fan , Zheng Beisi , Wu Cunshu , Zhao Siyi , Xu Yuanyue , Li Ziyuan , Huang Chuyu , Fan Zhiyong , Wu Shan
Published: March 2022

Background

Although there is a growing research base on low back pain, the bibliometric literature related to it is deficient. The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric and visualization analysis of low back pain and to provide a broad view of the current trends in LBP research and a potential guide in this discipline.

Methods

The authors searched the Web of Science to extract publications regarding low back pain, and found a total of 12,249 publications during a period of 22 years, among which 12,242 were eligible. We classified and analyzed publications such as total citations, average citations per item, H-index, research types, countries/regions, institutions, and journals using standard bibliometric indicators. Bibliometric approaches (VOSviewer1.6.13 and CiteSpace 5.8.3) were also available for gathering information and explore the trends of research.

Results

Conspicuously, over the past 22 years, an increasing number of scholars have specialized in the research of LBP, exerting the boom in articles. The largest number of document type was that of articles. Under modern conditions, regional distinction existed in the research of low back pain and developed countries preceded others. Research individuals and institutions were preoccupied by respective aspects. Visualization analysis provided objective information for potential collaborators and cooperative institutions. Furthermore, most burst keywords varied during different periods.

Conclusions

The map of research on LBP obtained by our analysis is expected to help researchers to efficiently and effectively explore LBP.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Advanced Esophageal Cancer Based on the KEYNOTE-181 Study
Authors: Zhan Mei , Xu Ting , Zheng Hanrui , He Zhiyao
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

The KEYNOTE-181 study demonstrated that pembrolizumab for advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer in patients with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 10 had a survival advantage and better tolerability than chemotherapy. However, at the same time, pembrolizumab places an economic burden on patients. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab based on the KEYNOTE181 study.

Materials and Methods

A three-state Markov model [progression-free survival (PFS), progressive disease (PD), and death] based on data from the KEYNOTE-181 study was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. The model evaluates the outcomes from the Chinese society's perspective. Costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the ICER in terms of 2021 US$ per QALY gained, were calculated. one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the model robustness.

Results

Compared with chemotherapy, pembrolizumab increased costs by $37,201.68, while gaining 0.23 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $163,165.26 per QALY in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10. The ICER is $202,708.62 per QALY and $163,643.19 per QALY in the total population and patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. The ICER was much higher than the commonly accepted willingness-to-pay threshold ($11,105.8 per QALY). One-way and sensitivity analyses showed that the costs of pembrolizumab and the utility of PD were the crucial factors in determining the ICER, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrated pembrolizumab is unlikely to be cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $11,105.8 per QALY. The result was robust across sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab is not a cost-effective treatment option for the second-line treatment of esophageal cancer from the perspective of Chinese society.
Effect of Exercise Training on Physical Fitness Among Young Tennis Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xiao Wensheng , Geok Soh Kim , Bai Xiaorong , Bu Te , Norjali Wazir Mohd Rozilee , Talib Othman , Liu Wenfang , Zhan Chongjiang
Published: March 2022

Background

Physical fitness comprises both health- and skill-related components that have been shown to correlate with the competitive ability of the athletes. Competitive ability of the athletes is strongly related to the positive or poor characteristics of physical fitness. Additionally, the adolescent stage is critical for the development of physical fitness. Physical fitness training for young tennis players should receive more attention. However, the current literature is deficient in in-depth reviews of the effects of exercise training on the physical fitness of young tennis players.

Objective

This review is aimed to investigate the effects of exercise training on physical fitness among young tennis players.

Methods

From October 2020, a comprehensive search was undertaken in four electronic databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and CINAHL Plus) and also on Google Scholar and other sources of gray literature references. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the over scientific evidence was determined using the best evidence synthesis (BES). This review included only studies that employed an experimental design to assess the physical fitness components of young tennis players.

Results

Nine articles on exercise training met all inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. The studies were of a high standard of quality. The research findings are relatively credible. The results indicated that speed (n = 8) and agility (n = 8) were the most often investigated performance characteristics in exercise training interventions with young tennis players, followed by power (n = 7), strength (n = 4), and flexibility (n = 1). Exercise training significantly increased the physical fitness of young tennis players in terms of speed and agility. There is a lack of evidence about strength and flexibility. Meanwhile, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect on power, and yet there is no evidence regarding the effect of exercise training on endurance.

Conclusions

This systematic review established a compelling case for the beneficial effects of exercise training interventions on physical fitness in youngtennis players. The review identifies current research gaps (i.e., athlete gender, with a particular emphasis on female athletes) that should be addressed in future experimental studies.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD 42020213145.
Optimizing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Growth With Different Combinations of Organo-Mineral Fertilizers
Authors: Traoré Adama , Bandaogo Alimata Arzouma , Savadogo Ouango Maurice , Saba Fatimata , Ouédraogo Audrey Leiticia , Sako Yaya , Sermé Idriss , Ouédraogo Souleymane
Published: March 2022

With the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture that respects the environment and human health, a study was carried out to evaluate the impact of organic and mineral fertilizers on tomato plant cultivation. The study was carried out at the Research Station of Farako-Bâ in Burkina Faso. A complete randomized block of Fisher design with four replications was used to carry out the experiment. The treatments were as follows: T0: control (compost 15 t/ha); T1: compost (15 t/ha) + biosol (160 kg/ha) + urea (35 kg/ha) + NPK (87.5 kg/ha) + KCl (52.5 kg/ha); T2: compost (15 t/ha) + neem seed cake (10 t/ha) + urea (100 kg/ha) + NPK (250 kg/ha) + KCl (150 kg/ha); T3: compost (15 t/ha) + biochar (10 t/ha) + urea (100 kg/ha) + NPK (250 kg/ha) + KCl (150 kg/ha). The data collected were collar diameter, height of plants, number of fruits, fruit diameter, and tomato fruit yield. The results showed that the combination organo-mineral fertilizers had a significant effect on tomato plant productivity. Application of neem seed cake and mineral fertilizers was the most efficient treatment with a yield increase of 53% and 40% in 2019, respectively. In 2020, the yield increase was 32 and 85% for biochar and biosol, respectively. Incorporation of organo-mineral fertilizers has improved soil organic and nutrient status, which ultimately promotes crop growth of tomato plant. Neem cake can be effectively used to increase tomato plant productivity and farmer's income and also maintain soil fertility.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Leaf Extracts Against Pathogens Implicated in Poultry Diseases
Authors: Olawuwo Olasunkanmi S. , Famuyide Ibukun M. , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: March 2022

Antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogens are responsible for treatment failure and economic losses, and can also be a source of resistant zoonotic infections representing a risk to human health. In 2006 the European Union banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals and other regions are likely to follow suit. Alternative products and strategies are sought to help maintain animal gut health to reduce the prevalence of pathogens in the food chain. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of organic and aqueous leaf extracts of Alchornea laxiflora, Ficus exasperata, Morinda lucida, Jatropha gossypiifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, and Acalypha wilkesiana were tested against bacterial poultry pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and fungal species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans) using a 2-fold serial microdilution method. Activity of extracts against biofilms of the pathogens was done using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. The safety of extracts was determined against Vero and Caco-2 cells using a tetrazolium-based in vitro assay. Acetone and cold water extracts of M. lucida had the best activity against three bacteria (MIC = 0.05–0.07 mg/ml) and two fungal (MIC = 0.03–0.15 mg/ml) organisms, respectively. The E. coli isolate and A. flavus were the most susceptible bacteria and fungi, respectively. Caco-2 cells generally displayed higher selectivity index (SI) values compared to Vero cells and average SI values against Vero and Caco-2 cells for both bacteria and fungi ranged from 0.01 to 4.48 and 0.005 to 16.41, respectively. All plant extracts had good anti-biofilm activity (>50%) against at least one organism. The disruption of established biofilm growth by the plant samples proved to be more difficult to achieve than efficacy against planktonic forms of bacteria. This study shows that some of the plant species are potential candidates as alternative feed additives in poultry production. In the future, a poultry feed trial to evaluate their in vivo efficacy as herbal feed additives will be conducted.
El desencanto moderno de la psicoterapia. Rendimientos heideggerianos para una nueva fundamentación
Authors: Gómez Peñalver Julián
Published: March 2022

La psicoterapia, como producto moderno, se ve a sí misma como un conjunto de técnicas empíricamente válidas destinadas a aliviar un síntoma o malestar. Esta fundamentación tiene en su base la disponibilidad técnico-teórica del mundo, así como del individuo y sus desajustes, pero no da cuenta de la paradoja de la equivalencia, donde diferentes modelos teóricos obtienen resultados similares de eficacia. La fundamentación de la terapia bajo la tradición del cuidado de sí, mediante los rendimientos de la ontología existencial de Martin Heidegger, puede ofrecer una salida a la paradoja de la equivalencia donde el protagonista del cambio no es el presupuesto teórico desde el que se parta, sino el movimiento mismo de una subjetividad inmersa en el mundo que, de manera mediada y bajo una ventana teórica, se deja propiciar la aparición de dimensiones de sentido no atendidas previamente.
Cuidar el proceso de un Grupo: Coordenadas Psicodramáticas para su comprensión
Authors: Navarro Roldán Natacha
Published: March 2022

Se pretende poner en el centro de la reflexión el entendimiento del grupo como entramado de vínculos que generan aprendizaje sobre roles, así como su  valor  como ente y sistema terapéutico cuyo fin último es la salutogénesis a través del propio crecimiento y madurez. El objetivo final es permitir el crecimiento individual y tolerar la incertidumbre de su propio devenir.
La Psicoterapia de Grupo desde la perspectiva relacional del Psicoanálisis
Authors: Ávila Espada Alejandro
Published: March 2022

En este trabajo se identifican los principales conceptos relacionales que fundamentan la Psicoterapia de Grupo, así como las principales necesidades humanas que requieren del grupo para ser completadas. Se delimitan los ámbitos relacionales que tienen siempre, a efectos de la intervención en ellos, carácter grupal. Finalmente se aporta una síntesis sobre la psicoterapia de grupo psicoanalítica-relacional.
Revisión de la Evidencia sobre la Efectividad de la Psicoterapia de Grupo
Authors: Gil Escudero Guillermo , Rodríguez-Zafra Mónica
Published: March 2022

Este trabajo expone las ideas y los datos básicos sobre la evidencia de la eficacia de la psicoterapia de grupo. Tras resumir las ideas principales que se manejan en este campo, se enumeran seis ámbitos en los que existe suficiente evidencia sobre la eficacia de la psicoterapia de grupo: los trastornos de personalidad, la depresión y el duelo, los trastornos de la alimentación, la violencia juvenil, los pacientes aquejados de cáncer o SIDA y las adicciones. A continuación se examina el tema de la evidencia diferencial de la eficacia de la psicoterapia psicodinámica de grupo, destacando las dificultades que hacen difícil la obtención de evidencia sobre los efectos de las diferentes psicoterapias. No obstante, la revisión de las investigaciones y revisiones previas analizadas ponen de manifiesto la eficacia de la psicoterapia de grupo como método de tratamiento de muy diferentes problemáticas, pacientes y situaciones, aunque, en general, no se encuentran diferencias significativas en función del tipo de enfoque teórico-psicoterapéutico grupal empleado.
Variazione del setting nella psicoterapia di gruppo dovute alla pandemia da covid19
Authors: Montecchi Leonardo
Published: March 2022

Questo articolo si concentra sugli effetti prodotti dalla pandemia/ sindemia sul setting dei gruppi psicoterapeutici. Dopo avere descritto il concetto di gruppo e di gruppalita' intesa come stato di coscienza modificato e come vissuto intenzionale e non intenzionale, si sofferma sulle condizioni di passaggio dalla situazione di aggruppamento in cui la gruppalita non è cosciente di se, al gruppo in cui la gruppalita' prende coscienza. In oltre si mostrano le variabili indipendenti che favoriscono questo passaggio cioè il compito, lo spazio, il tempo e i ruoli/ funzioni. In conclusione vengono descritti gli effetti di cambiamento del setting dovuti alla pandemia, soprattutto in relazione allo spazio, in tre gruppi. Il primo si svolge nel Centro Osservazione e Diagnosi della comunità di Vallecchio, in provincia di Rimini. Il secondo è un gruppo di apprendimento. Il terzo e' un gruppo di psicoterapia.
Transitando lo grupal: La potencia transformadora del encuentro a través de la Psicoterapia de Grupo
Authors: Rodríguez-Zafra Mónica , García Galeán Laura , Izquierdo Martín Margarita
Published: March 2022

Editorial del monográfico "Transitando lo grupal: La potencia transformadora del encuentro a través de la psicoterapia de grupo"
Environmental Impacts of Egg Production from a Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Guillaume Aurore , Hubatová-Vacková Anna , Kočí Vladimír
Published: March 2022

The food industry represents a vast environmental burden to our planet. Most animal products are known to have greater environmental impacts than alternative plant-based sources of nutrition. One of the most consumed animal products are eggs, represented in most dietary habits both as a primary ingredient and processed. In the European Union (EU), eggs for consumption can be produced in four different laying systems: enriched cages, barns, free-range, and organic. In past years, discussions about the ethical perspective have been ongoing among the wider public, industry and academia. However, the essential comparison of environmental impacts of the laying systems has been missing in our region. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an excellent tool for comparing environmental impacts of various scenarios. Therefore, we performed a LCA of several egg-producing subjects in the Czech Republic, representative of all four laying systems. In addition, these regulated laying systems were compared to a community garden system. Our results suggest feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed composition, and manure management to be the most important factors influencing the total environmental impacts of eggs. Moreover, environmental benefits linked to outdoor access or using organic feed over conventional were observed in our study.
Effects of Dietary Lysolecithin Supplementation during Late Gestation and Lactation on Sow Reproductive Performance, Sow Blood Metabolic Parameters and Piglet Performance
Authors: Papadopoulos Georgios A. , Wealleans Alexandra L. , Delis Georgios A. , Janssens Geert P. J. , di Benedetto Mauro , Fortomaris Paschalis
Published: March 2022

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of lysolecithin in sows’ diets during the last three weeks of the gestation period and throughout the lactation period on performance and metabolic parameters. In total 60 sows were allocated to two treatments: (a) CG (control group): the sows were fed commercially control diets; (b) LLG (lysolecithin group): the sows were fed the control diets supplemented with 750 g/t of feed supplemented with lysolecithin (Lysoforte Booster DryTM, Kemin Europa N.V., Herentals, Belgium). Backfat was lower in LLG than CG at end of gestation and at weaning (p = 0.030 and 0.044, respectively), while the CG sows mobilized more backfat between day 14 to weaning (p = 0.006). Litter weight at weaning was higher in the LLG (p = 0.027). Fasted glucose levels at day 14 of lactation tended to be lower in LLG compared to CG (p = 0.074). Urea concentrations were higher in LLG than CG at day 14 (p = 0.002). Lysolecithin supplemented sows compared to the control mobilized less tissue during lactation to support lactation demands. In conclusion, lysolecithin supplementation in sows resulted in improved litter weight at weaning without an excessive catabolism of backfat tissue, most probably due to an efficient nutrient utilization, which warrants further investigation.
Ultrasound-Guided Saphenous Nerve Block in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A Cadaveric Study Comparing Two Injectate Volumes
Authors: Felisberto Ricardo , Flaherty Derek , Tayari Hamaseh
Published: March 2022

Ultrasound-guided (US-guided) loco-regional anesthesia techniques allow direct visualization and blockade of sensory nerves. The saphenous nerve (SN), a terminal branch of the femoral nerve (FN), is strictly a sensory nerve for which electrical locator devices are ineffective for localization as no effector muscle contractions can be evoked. US-guided SN block in species other than rabbits produces hind-limb analgesia without affecting FN motor function. The aims of this study were to develop a US-guided SN block technique in rabbits and to compare the spread obtained using two different dye volumes. Twelve hind-limbs from six cadavers (1.6 ± 0.1 kg) were included; after randomization, the SN block was performed on the right or left hind-limb, injecting 0.05 mL kg−1 or 0.1 mL kg−1 of tissue dye in lidocaine (1:50 v:v). Subsequent dissections allowed nerve staining measurements. All SNs were identified, and 17.8 ± 4.6% and 31.0 ± 8.9% of the SN length were stained using low-volume and high-volume of the dye, respectively. Regardless of the volume used, the SN was consistently stained while the motor branch of the FN was not. This US-guided technique may provide hind-limb analgesia without affecting FN motor function in rabbits undergoing mid-distal hind-limb surgeries.
Feeding Fiber-Bound Polyphenol Ingredients at Different Levels Modulates Colonic Postbiotics to Improve Gut Health in Dogs
Authors: Jewell Dennis E. , Jackson Matthew I. , Cochrane Chun-Yen , Badri Dayakar V.
Published: March 2022

This study assessed changes in canine fecal metabolites and microbiota with the consumption of foods with increasing concentrations of a fiber bundle including pecan shells, flax seed, and powders of cranberry, citrus, and beet that was previously shown (at 14% w/w) to improve stool quality, shift fecal bacterial metabolism from proteolysis to saccharolysis, increase abundance of saccharolytic bacteria, and decrease abundance of proteolytic bacteria. In this study, 48 healthy adult dogs were split evenly to consume different inclusion levels (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) of the fiber bundle for a 31-day period following a 28-day pre-feed period. Increases from baseline in the fecal short-chain fatty acids butyric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid were observed only in the dogs that consumed the food with the 4% fiber bundle. With addition of any level of the fiber bundle, increases were seen in the polyphenols hesperidin, hesperetin, ponciretin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, secoisolariciresinol, and enterodiol. However, fecal microbiota and their metabolism, and stool scores were largely unaffected by the fiber bundle. Overall, addition of the fiber bundle appeared to increase bioactive metabolites of increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency for beneficial to health and, at levels ≥4%, shifted gut bacterial metabolism toward saccharolysis.
Disentangling the Legal and Illegal Wildlife Trade–Insights from Indonesian Wildlife Market Surveys
Authors: Nijman Vincent , Morcatty Thais Q. , Feddema Kim , Campera Marco , Nekaris K. A. I.
Published: March 2022

It is challenging to disentangle the legal and illegal aspects of wild-caught animals that are traded in wildlife markets or online, and this may diminish the value of conducting wildlife trade surveys. We present empirical studies on the trade in birds (ducks, owls, songbirds, non-passerines) in Indonesia (2005 to 2021). Based on visits to wildlife markets, wholesale traders, and monitoring of an Instagram account, we examine if five specific pieces of legislation (domestic and international) are adhered to: (1) protected species, (2) harvest quota, (3) welfare, (4) provincial transport restrictions, and (5) illegal import of CITES-listed species. Our five distinctly different case studies showed that in each case, certain rules and regulations were adhered to, whilst others were violated to varying degrees. When trade involved non-protected species, there was frequently a lack of harvest quotas or trade occurred above these allocated quotas. Basic welfare provisions were regularly and habitually violated. Visiting wildlife markets and recording first-hand what is openly offered for sale is a highly reliable, verifiable, and valuable method of data collection that can give insight in numerous aspects of the animal trade. Our research provides support for recognising the urgency for the government to take appropriate action to curb all the illegal aspects of the bird trade in Indonesia.
Pandemic Puppies: Demographic Characteristics, Health and Early Life Experiences of Puppies Acquired during the 2020 Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK
Authors: Brand Claire L. , O’Neill Dan G. , Belshaw Zoe , Pegram Camilla L. , Stevens Kim B. , Packer Rowena M. A.
Published: March 2022

The UK recorded sharp rises in puppy purchasing during the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many first-time dog owners purchasing puppies to improve their mental health during this challenging period. Government restrictions on movement and social interaction during the pandemic led to animal welfare concerns over puppies’ reduced time-sensitive exposures to key environmental and social stimuli during their critical developmental period. This study aimed to compare demographics, health and early-life experiences of puppies purchased and brought home < 16 weeks of age between 23 March–31 December 2020 (“Pandemic Puppies”), with dogs purchased and brought home < 16 weeks during the same date period in 2019 (“2019 puppies”). An online survey of UK-based puppy owners was conducted between 10 November and 31 December 2020 with valid responses representing 5517 puppies (Pandemic Puppies: n = 4369; 2019 puppies: n = 1148). Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that Pandemic Puppies were less likely to have attended puppy training classes (67.9% 2019 vs. 28.9% 2020; p < 0.001) or had visitors to their home (94.5% 2019 vs. 81.8% 2020; p < 0.001) aged < 16 weeks compared with 2019 puppies. Fewer Pandemic Puppies underwent veterinary checks prior to purchase than 2019 puppies (2019: 91.3% vs. 2020: 87.4%; p < 0.001), but more were sold with a passport (2019: 4.1% vs. 2020: 7.1%; p < 0.001). Pandemic Puppies were significantly more likely to be ‘Designer Crossbreeds’ (2019: 18.8% vs. 2020: 26.1%; p < 0.001) and less likely to be Kennel Club registered than 2019 puppies (2019: 58.2% vs. 2020: 46.2%; p < 0.001). Greater support from veterinary and animal behavioural professionals is likely needed to ameliorate the health and behavioural impacts of growing up in a pandemic upon this vulnerable population.
Impact of the Acceptance of the Recommendations Made by a Meropenem Stewardship Program in a University Hospital: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alba Fernandez Jorge , del Pozo Jose Luis , Leiva Jose , Fernandez-Alonso Mirian , Aquerreta Irene , Aldaz Azucena , Blanco Andres , Yuste Jose Ramón
Published: March 2022

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) promote appropriate antimicrobial use. We present a 4-year retrospective study that evaluated the clinical impact of the acceptance of the recommendations made by a meropenem-focused ASP. A total of 318 meropenem audits were performed. The ASP team (comprising infectious disease physicians, pharmacists and microbiologists) considered meropenem use in 96 audits (30.2%) to be inappropriate. The reasons to consider these uses inappropriate were the possibility of de-escalating to a narrower-spectrum antibiotic, in 66 (68.7%) audits, and unnecessary meropenem use, in 30 (31.3%) audits. The ASP team recommended de-escalation in 66 audits (68.7%) and discontinuation of meropenem in 30 audits (31.3%). ASP interventions were stratified according to whether or not recommendations were followed. The group in which recommendations were accepted and followed (i.e., accepted audit, AA) included 66 audits (68.7%) and the group in which recommendations were not followed (i.e., rejected audit, RA) included 30 (31.3%) audits. The comorbidity of the AA group (Charlson score) was higher than in the RA group (7.0 (5.0–9.0) vs. 6.0 (4.0–7.0), p = 0.02). Discontinuation of meropenem was recommended in 83.3% of audits in the AA group vs. 62.2% in the RA group (OR 3.05 (1.03–8.99), p = 0.04). Ertapenem de-escalation resulted in a 100% greater rate of follow-up compared with the non-carbapenem option (100% vs. 51.9%, OR 1.50 (1.21–1.860), p = 0.001). Significant differences were observed in the AA group when cultures were taken before antibiotic prescription—98.5% vs. 83.3% (p = 0.01, OR 13.0 (1.45–116.86))—or when screening cultures were taken—45.5% vs. 19.2% (p = 0.03, OR 3.5 (1.06–11.52)). There were no differences between the groups in terms of overall mortality and 30-day mortality, length of stay, Clostridiodes difficile infection, 30-day readmission or hospitalization costs. In conclusion, meropenem ASP recommendations contributed to a decrease in meropenem prescription without worsening clinical and economic outcomes.
Oxidative Stress Related to Plasmalemmal and Mitochondrial Phosphate Transporters in Vascular Calcification
Authors: Nguyen Nhung Thi , Nguyen Tuyet Thi , Park Kyu-Sang
Published: March 2022

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is essential for maintaining cellular function but excess of Pi leads to serious complications, including vascular calcification. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenic progression of calcific changes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Pi-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and its detrimental consequences remain unclear. Type III Na+-dependent Pi cotransporter, PiT-1/-2, play a significant role in Pi uptake of vascular smooth muscle cells. Pi influx via PiT-1/-2 increases the abundance of PiT-1/-2 and depolarization-activated Ca2+ entry due to its electrogenic properties, which may lead to Ca2+ and Pi overload and oxidative stress. At least four mitochondrial Pi transporters are suggested, among which the phosphate carrier (PiC) is known to be mainly involved in mitochondrial Pi uptake. Pi transport via PiC may induce hyperpolarization and superoxide generation, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with generation of cytosolic ROS. Increase in net influx of Ca2+ and Pi and their accumulation in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix synergistically increases oxidative stress and osteogenic differentiation, which could be prevented by suppressing either Ca2+ or Pi overload. Therapeutic strategies targeting plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Pi transports can protect against Pi-induced oxidative stress and vascular calcification.
Practical Application of Nanotechnology Solutions in Pavement Engineering: Identifying, Resolving and Preventing the Cause and Mechanism of Observed Distress Encountered in Practice during Construction Using Marginal Materials Stabilised with New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME)
Authors: Jordaan Gerrit J. , Steyn Wynand J. vdM.
Published: March 2022

New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) for stabilising marginal materials used in the upper-pavement layers of roads have been proven in laboratories, through accelerated pavement tests (APT) in the field as well as in practice. In addition, materials design methods have been developed based on the scientific analysis of granular material mineralogy and the chemical interaction with the binder to design a material-compatible anionic NME stabilising agent for naturally available (often marginal) materials. However, any new disruptive technology that is introduced into a traditionally well-established industry, such as the road construction industry, is usually associated with considerable resistance. This is especially relevant when the new technology enables the use of granular materials traditionally considered to be of an unacceptable quality in combination with relatively new concepts such as an anionic NME stabilising agent. In practice, few road construction projects are without problems. New technologies are obviously easy targets to blame for any non-related problems that may arise during construction. In this article, we aim to assist in pre-empting, recognising, preventing, and resolving material or non-material related construction problems by correctly identifying the cause of the problems and recommending the best, most cost-effective ways to correct any deficiencies on site.