bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Quadriceps Muscle Length on Maximum Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Evoked Contraction, Muscle Architecture, and Tendon-Aponeurosis Stiffness
Authors: Cavalcante Jonathan Galvão Tenório , Marqueti Rita de Cassia , Geremia Jeam Marcel , Sousa Neto Ivo Vieira de , Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Silbernagel Karin Gravare , Bottaro Martim , Babault Nicolas , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti
Published: March 2021

Muscle-tendon unit length plays a crucial role in quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) physiological adaptation, but the influence of hip and knee angles during QF neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is poorly investigated. We investigated the effect of muscle length on maximum electrically induced contraction (MEIC) and current efficiency. We secondarily assessed the architecture of all QF constituents and their tendon-aponeurosis complex (TAC) displacement to calculate a stiffness index. This study was a randomized, repeated measure, blinded design with a sample of twenty healthy men aged 24.0 ± 4.6. The MEIC was assessed in four different positions: supine with knee flexion of 60° (SUP60); seated with knee flexion of 60° (SIT60); supine with knee flexion of 20° (SUP20), and seated with knee flexion of 20° (SIT20). The current efficiency (MEIC/maximum tolerated current amplitude) was calculated. Ultrasonography of the QF was performed at rest and during NMES to measure pennation angle (θp) and fascicle length (Lf), and the TAC stiffness index. MEIC and current efficiency were greater for SUP60 and SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20. The vastus lateralis and medialis showed lower θp and higher Lf at SUP60 and SIT60, while for the rectus femoris, in SUP60 there were lower θp and higher Lf than in all positions. The vastus intermedius had a similar pattern to the other vastii, except for lack of difference in θp between SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20. The TAC stiffness index was greater for SUP60. We concluded that NMES generate greater torque and current efficiency at 60° of knee flexion, compared to 20°. For these knee angles, lengthening the QF at the hip did not promote significant change. Each QF constituent demonstrated muscle physiology patterns according to hip and/or knee angles, even though a greater Lf and lower θp were predominant in SUP60 and SIT60. QF TAC index stiffened in more elongated positions, which probably contributed to enhanced force transmission and slightly higher torque in SUP60. Our findings may help exercise physiologist better understand the impact of hip and knee angles on designing more rational NMES stimulation strategies.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03822221.
Mastery Imagery Ability Is Associated With Positive Anxiety and Performance During Psychological Stress
Authors: Williams Sarah E. , Quinton Mary L. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J. C. S. , Davies Jack , Möller Clara , Trotman Gavin P. , Ginty Annie T.
Published: March 2021

Mastery imagery (i.e., images of being in control and coping in difficult situations) is used to regulate anxiety. The ability to image this content is associated with trait confidence and anxiety, but research examining mastery imagery ability's association with confidence and anxiety in response to a stressful event is scant. The present study examined whether trait mastery imagery ability mediated the relationship between confidence and anxiety, and the subsequent associations on performance in response to an acute psychological stress. Participants (N= 130; 55% male;Mage= 19.94 years;SD= 1.07 years) completed assessments of mastery imagery ability and engaged in a standardized acute psychological stress task. Immediately prior to the task, confidence, cognitive and somatic anxiety intensity, and interpretation of anxiety symptoms regarding the task were assessed. Path analyses supported a model whereby mastery imagery ability mediated the relationship between confidence and cognitive and somatic anxiety interpretation. Greater mastery imagery ability and confidence were both directly associated with better performance on the stress task. Mastery imagery ability may help individuals experience more facilitative anxiety and perform better during stressful tasks. Improving mastery imagery ability by enhancing self-confidence may help individuals successfully cope with anxiety elicited during stressful situations.
The Relations Among Types of Parentification, School Achievement, and Quality of Life in Early Adolescence: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Borchet Judyta , Lewandowska-Walter Aleksandra , Połomski Piotr , Peplińska Aleksandra , Hooper Lisa M.
Published: March 2021

Children who experience parentification may have trouble performing developmental tasks due to being overwhelmed by their family caregiving roles and responsibilities. Past studies have found that parentification is negatively associated with academic achievement. However, most of these studies are limited in that they are retrospective and examine the association but not the mechanisms shaping them. The aim of the study was to explore to what extent diverse types of parentification relate to academic achievement and to what extent these relations are mediated by self-reported quality of life among adolescents. The study sample was composed of Polish early adolescents (N = 191; age: M = 14.61; SD = 1.26). Types of parentification were measured with the Parentification Questionnaire for Youth, and quality of life was assessed with KidScreen27. School achievement was measured based on mean semester grade. We explored the associations among study variables and performed six mediation models in the planned analyses. Overall, bivariate relations were significant in a theoretically expected way, although the effect sizes for these associations were rather small. In the mediation analyses, the results showed that four of the six models were not significant. Different from previous studies, instrumental parentification was positively related to school achievement. Additionally, this positive association was mediated by adolescents’ general quality of life. Taken together, the findings were similar and different from the empirical literature base on types of parentification and select outcomes.
Technology: Saving and Enriching Life During COVID-19
Authors: Sinha Shubhra , Verma Ankita , Tiwari Priyanka
Published: March 2021

The pandemic of COVID-19 has arrested the life of 7.8 million people living on this earth. However, some people are more vulnerable to the risk of this deadly virus. The frailty of senior citizens put them at the top of this list. The past 6 months have not only presented a threat to their physical health but to mental health also. Although lockdown was necessary to check the spread of the coronavirus it culminated in an exponential rise in the problems of loneliness, anxiety, fear, helplessness, and depression. The present paper reviews the role of social networking sites, apps, and other digital platforms in saving and enriching the lives of the elderly, especially those who spent the lockdown alone and were devoid of a regular support system due to unavailability of transport and administrative restrictions on the movement of people. It also analyzes the efficiency of the virtual world in reducing their anxiety of being alone by connecting them with others and also make them feel empowered. The review is based on the online data collected about the insurgence in the percentage of elderly people using such platforms, recent studies analyzing the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on senior citizens. Besides this personal telephonic discussions were conducted with some elderly people who spent their lockdown alone in their homes. The study was primarily focused on three objectives. Firstly it attempts to understand the ways in which senior citizens made use of social networking sites and various digital platforms for managing life better. Secondly, it analyses the process of adopting technology, and finally, it examined the width and depth of the impact technology created in their life and also the permanence of this change. The analysis clearly suggests an increase in the digital life of elderly people. The process moved in distinct stages from utter confusion to relative ease in using technology, thereby significantly reducing the loneliness, and bringing relatively stable change in the way they lead their life.
Physical Education Attitude of Adolescent Students in the Philippines: Importance of Curriculum and Teacher Sex and Behaviors
Authors: Cruz Angelita B. , Kim Minsung , Kim Hyun-Duck
Published: March 2021

The present study examined the attitudes of Filipino middle school students toward physical education (PE) and the associations between PE attitude and various personal and external correlates of PE. In total, 659 middle school students, aged between 12 and 19 years (M = 14.55; SD = 1.14), participated in the study. The Physical Education Attitude Scale (PEAS) was used to measure affective, cognitive, and motivational/behavioral attitudes of adolescent students toward PE. Results showed that middle school students had moderate general attitudes toward PE. Female students had more favorable attitudes toward PE when their teacher was male than female. When the teacher was female, male students were more satisfied with the PE curriculum than female students. When the teacher was male, female students were more comfortable with the PE curriculum than male students. Finally, students' PE attitude did not decrease as they got older, regardless of student sex. The findings provide a different perspective for the field and underscore the importance of not only the PE curriculum but also the student–teacher relationship. To prevent the decline in students' positive attitude and encourage positive behaviors toward PE and activities, teachers should be very considerate about their interactions with students of the same sex; school administrators (e.g., principal and PE department head), meanwhile, should focus at providing PE teachers with special training courses to enhance both their teaching and communication capabilities.
Health and Disease Are Dynamic Complex-Adaptive States Implications for Practice and Research
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P.
Published: March 2021

Interoception, the ability to convey one's overall physiological state, allows people to describe their health along an experiential continuum, from excellent, very good, good, fair to poor. Each health state reflects a distinct pattern of one's overall function. This assay provides a new frame of understanding health and disease as complex-adaptive system states of the person as-a-whole. It firstly describes how complex patterns can emerge from simple equations. It then discusses how clinical medicine in certain domains has started to explore the pattern characteristics resulting in the heterogeneity of disease, and how this better understanding has improved patient management. The experiential state of health can be surprising to the observer—some are in good health with disabling disease, others are in poor health without the evidence of any. The main part of the assay describes the underlying complexity principles that contribute to health, and synthesizes available evidence from various research perspectives to support the philosophic/theoretical proposition of the complex-adaptive nature of health. It shows how health states arise from complex-adaptive system dynamics amongst the variables of a hierarchically layered system comprising the domains of a person's macro-level external environment to his nano-level biological blueprint. The final part suggests that the frame of health as a dynamic complex-adaptive state defines a new paradigm, and outlines ways of translating these expanded understandings to clinical practice, future research, and health system design.
A Follow-Up Study of Boys With Gender Identity Disorder
Authors: Singh Devita , Bradley Susan J. , Zucker Kenneth J.
Published: March 2021

This study reports follow-up data on the largest sample to date of boys clinic-referred for gender dysphoria (n= 139) with regard to gender identity and sexual orientation. In childhood, the boys were assessed at a mean age of 7.49 years (range, 3.33–12.99) at a mean year of 1989 and followed-up at a mean age of 20.58 years (range, 13.07–39.15) at a mean year of 2002. In childhood, 88 (63.3%) of the boys met the DSM-III, III-R, or IV criteria for gender identity disorder; the remaining 51 (36.7%) boys were subthreshold for the criteria. At follow-up, gender identity/dysphoria was assessed via multiple methods and the participants were classified as either persisters or desisters. Sexual orientation was ascertained for both fantasy and behavior and then dichotomized as either biphilic/androphilic or gynephilic. Of the 139 participants, 17 (12.2%) were classified as persisters and the remaining 122 (87.8%) were classified as desisters. Data on sexual orientation in fantasy were available for 129 participants: 82 (63.6%) were classified as biphilic/androphilic, 43 (33.3%) were classified as gynephilic, and 4 (3.1%) reported no sexual fantasies. For sexual orientation in behavior, data were available for 108 participants: 51 (47.2%) were classified as biphilic/androphilic, 29 (26.9%) were classified as gynephilic, and 28 (25.9%) reported no sexual behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of outcome for the biphilic/androphilic persisters and the gynephilic desisters, with the biphilic/androphilic desisters as the reference group. Compared to the reference group, the biphilic/androphilic persisters tended to be older at the time of the assessment in childhood, were from a lower social class background, and, on a dimensional composite of sex-typed behavior in childhood were more gender-variant. The biphilic/androphilic desisters were more gender-variant compared to the gynephilic desisters. Boys clinic-referred for gender identity concerns in childhood had a high rate of desistance and a high rate of a biphilic/androphilic sexual orientation. The implications of the data for current models of care for the treatment of gender dysphoria in children are discussed.
Examining the Post-operative Well-Being of Women Who Underwent Mammoplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ranieri Jessica , Fiasca Fabiana , Guerra Federica , Perilli Enrico , Mattei Antonella , Di Giacomo Dina
Published: March 2021

Background: Mammoplasty is the most common surgery used for breast augmentation (aesthetic plastic) and breast reconstruction (disease-related plastic) in women who have been diagnosed with and surgically treated for regional breast cancer with modified radical mastectomy. This study aims to examine the long-term effects of mammoplasty on the psychological well-being of women.

Methods: Participants were 44 women aged 30–50 years (mean = 40.4 ± 5.9). They were divided into two groups based on the purpose of the breast surgery they underwent [augmentation surgery (AS) vs. reconstruction surgery (RS)] and the time that had elapsed since their surgery (≤3 vs. >3 years).

Results: Our findings suggest that women who underwent AS reported a decline in their psychological well-being over time. The women who had undergone AS ≤3 and >3 years did not show any differences in emotional functioning, with the exception of the BREAST-Q scores on the satisfaction with breasts subscale. We examined the impact of mammoplasty on the satisfaction levels and well-being of women who had undergone RS (after MRM). They were less satisfied with their breasts than those who belonged to the AS group, confirming our hypothesis. However, this was true only among those who had undergone surgery ≤3 years earlier.

Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings underscore the need to provide psychological support to those who have undergone breast AS and RS. Additionally, this study implies the need for personalized psychological interventions to improve the emotional adaptation process and enhance women's mental well-being.
Indigenous Peoples' Data During COVID-19: From External to Internal
Authors: Carroll Stephanie Russo , Akee Randall , Chung Pyrou , Cormack Donna , Kukutai Tahu , Lovett Raymond , Suina Michele , Rowe Robyn K.
Published: March 2021

Global disease trackers quantifying the size, spread, and distribution of COVID-19 illustrate the power of data during the pandemic. Data are required for decision-making, planning, mitigation, surveillance, and monitoring the equity of responses. There are dual concerns about the availability and suppression of COVID-19 data; due to historic and ongoing racism and exclusion, publicly available data can be both beneficial and harmful. Systemic policies related to genocide and racism, and historic and ongoing marginalization, have led to limitations in quality, quantity, access, and use of Indigenous Peoples' COVID-19 data. Governments, non-profits, researchers, and other institutions must collaborate with Indigenous Peopleson their own termsto improve access to and use of data for effective public health responses to COVID-19.
Search for (sub)stellar Companions of Exoplanet Hosts by Exploring the Second ESA-Gaia Data Release
Authors: Michel K.-U. , Mugrauer M.
Published: March 2021

We present the latest results of an ongoing multiplicity survey of exoplanet hosts, which was initiated at the Astrophysical Institute and University Observatory Jena, using data from the second data release of the ESA-Gaia mission. In this study the multiplicity of 289 targets was investigated, all located within a distance of about 500 pc from the Sun. In total, 41 binary, and five hierarchical triple star systems with exoplanets were detected in the course of this project, yielding a multiplicity rate of the exoplanet hosts of about 16%. A total of 61 companions (47 stars, a white dwarf, and 13 brown dwarfs) were detected around the targets, whose equidistance and common proper motion with the exoplanet hosts were proven with their precise Gaia DR2 astrometry, which also agrees with the gravitational stability of most of these systems. The detected companions exhibit masses from about 0.016 up to 1.66 M⊙ and projected separations in the range between about 52 and 9,555 au.
Robo-AO and SOAR High-Resolution Surveys of Exoplanet Hosting Stars
Authors: Ziegler Carl , Law Nicholas , Baranec Christoph , Riddle Reed , Tokovinin Andrei
Published: March 2021

In the past decade, space-based transit surveys have delivered thousands of potential planet-hosting systems. Each of these needs to be vetted and characterized using follow-up high-resolution imaging. We perform comprehensive imaging surveys of the candidate exoplanets detected by the Kepler and TESS missions using the fully autonomous Robo-AO system and the largely autonomous SOAR speckle imaging system. The surveys yielded hundreds of previously unknown close binary systems hosting exoplanets and resulted in verification of hundreds of exoplanet systems. Evidence of the interaction between binary stars and planetary systems was also detected, including a deep deficit of planets in close binary systems.
Impacts of Surface Ozone Pollution on Global Crop Yields: Comparing Different Ozone Exposure Metrics and Incorporating Co-effects of CO2
Authors: Tai Amos P. K. , Sadiq Mehliyar , Pang Jacky Y. S. , Yung David H. Y. , Feng Zhaozhong
Published: March 2021

Surface ozone (O3) pollution poses significant threats to crop production and food security worldwide, but an assessment of present-day and future crop yield losses due to exposure to O3 still abides with great uncertainties, mostly due: (1) to the large spatiotemporal variability and uncertain future projections of O3 concentration itself; (2) different methodological approaches to quantify O3 exposure and impacts; (3) difficulty in accounting for co-varying factors such as CO2 concentration and climatic conditions. In this paper, we explore these issues using a common framework: a consistent set of simulated present-day O3 fields from one chemical transport model, coupled with a terrestrial ecosystem-crop model to derive various O3 exposure metrics and impacts on relative crop yields worldwide, and examine the potential effects of elevated CO2 on O3-induced crop yield losses. Throughout, we review and explain the differences in formulation and parameterization in the various approaches, including the concentration-based metrics, flux-based metrics, and mechanistic biophysical crop modeling. We find that while the spatial pattern of yield losses for a given crop is generally consistent across metrics, the magnitudes can differ substantially. Pooling the concentration-based and flux-based metrics together, we estimate the present-day globally aggregated yield losses to be: 3.6 ± 1.1% for maize, 2.6 ± 0.8% for rice, 6.7 ± 4.1% for soybean, and 7.2 ± 7.3% for wheat; these estimates are generally consistent with previous studies but on the lower end of the uncertainty range covered. We attribute the large combined uncertainty mostly to the differences among methodological approaches, and secondarily to differences in O3 and meteorological inputs. Based on a biophysical crop model that mechanistically simulates photosynthetic and yield responses of crops to stomatal O3 uptake, we further estimate that increasing CO2 concentration from 390 to 600 ppm reduces the globally aggregated O3-induced yield loss by 21–52% for maize and by 27–38% for soybean, reflecting a CO2-induced reduction in stomatal conductance that in turn alleviates stomatal O3 uptake and thus crop damage. Rising CO2 may therefore render the currently used exposure-yield relationships less applicable in a future atmosphere, and we suggest approaches to address such issues.
A Systematic Review on Commercially Available and Validated Sensor Technologies for Welfare Assessment of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Stygar Anna H. , Gómez Yaneth , Berteselli Greta V. , Dalla Costa Emanuela , Canali Elisabetta , Niemi Jarkko K. , Llonch Pol , Pastell Matti
Published: March 2021

In order to base welfare assessment of dairy cattle on real-time measurement, integration of valid and reliable precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies is needed. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic overview of externally validated and commercially available PLF technologies, which could be used for sensor-based welfare assessment in dairy cattle. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify externally validated sensor technologies. Out of 1,111 publications initially extracted from databases, only 42 studies describing 30 tools (including prototypes) met requirements for external validation. Moreover, through market search, 129 different retailed technologies with application for animal-based welfare assessment were identified. In total, only 18 currently retailed sensors have been externally validated (14%). The highest validation rate was found for systems based on accelerometers (30% of tools available on the market have validation records), while the lower rates were obtained for cameras (10%), load cells (8%), miscellaneous milk sensors (8%), and boluses (7%). Validated traits concerned animal activity, feeding and drinking behavior, physical condition, and health of animals. The majority of tools were validated on adult cows. Non-active behavior (lying and standing) and rumination were the most often validated for the high performance. Regarding active behavior (e.g., walking), lower performance of tools was reported. Also, tools used for physical condition (e.g., body condition scoring) and health evaluation (e.g., mastitis detection) were classified in lower performance group. The precision and accuracy of feeding and drinking assessment varied depending on measured trait and used sensor. Regarding relevance for animal-based welfare assessment, several validated technologies had application for good health (e.g., milk quality sensors) and good feeding (e.g., load cells, accelerometers). Accelerometers-based systems have also practical relevance to assess good housing. However, currently available PLF technologies have low potential to assess appropriate behavior of dairy cows. To increase actors' trust toward the PLF technology and prompt sensor-based welfare assessment, validation studies, especially in commercial herds, are needed. Future research should concentrate on developing and validating PLF technologies dedicated to the assessment of appropriate behavior and tools dedicated to monitoring the health and welfare in calves and heifers.
Novel Genotypes of Nidicolous Argas Ticks and Their Associated Microorganisms From Spain
Authors: Palomar Ana M. , Veiga Jesús , Portillo Aránzazu , Santibáñez Sonia , Václav Radovan , Santibáñez Paula , Oteo José A. , Valera Francisco
Published: March 2021

The knowledge of the distribution, richness and epidemiological importance of soft ticks of the genus Argas is incomplete. In Spain, five Argas species have been recorded, including three ornitophilic nidicolous ticks, but their associated microorganisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate ticks from bird nests and their microorganisms. Ticks were collected extensively from natural cavities and nest-boxes used by European rollers (Coracias garrulus) and little owls (Athene noctua) in Southeastern and Central Spain. Ticks were morphologically and genetically identified and corresponding DNA/RNA tick extracts were analyzed [individually (n = 150) or pooled (n = 43)] using specific PCR assays for bacteria (Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, Coxiella/Rickettsiella, and Rickettsia spp.), viruses (Flaviviruses, Orthonairoviruses, and Phenuiviruses), and protozoa (Babesia/Theileria spp.). Six Argas genotypes were identified, of which only those of Argas reflexus (n = 8) were identified to the species level. Two other genotypes were closely related to each other and to Argas vulgaris (n = 83) and Argas polonicus (n = 33), respectively. These two species have not been previously reported from Western Europe. Two additional genotypes (n = 4) clustered with Argas persicus, previously reported in Spain. The remaining genotype (n = 22) showed low sequence identity with any Argas species, being most similar to the African Argas africolumbae. The microbiological screening revealed infection with a rickettsial strain belonging to Rickettsia fournieri and Candidatus Rickettsia vini group in 74.7% of ticks, mainly comprising ticks genetically related to A. vulgaris and A. polonicus. Other tick endosymbionts belonging to Coxiella, Francisella and Rickettsiella species were detected in ten, one and one tick pools, respectively. In addition, one Babesia genotype, closely related to avian Babesia species, was found in one tick pool. Lastly, Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, and viruses were not detected. In conclusion, five novel Argas genotypes and their associated microorganisms with unproven pathogenicity are reported for Spain. The re-use of nests between and within years by different bird species appears to be ideal for the transmission of tick-borne microorganisms in cavity-nesting birds of semiarid areas. Further work should be performed to clarify the taxonomy and the potential role of soft Argas ticks and their microorganisms in the epidemiology of zoonoses.
Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index: An Application to Rio de Janeiro-Brazil
Authors: Malta Fernanda Siqueira , Marques da Costa Eduarda
Published: March 2021

Objectives:The concept of vulnerability has been used more frequently in several studies, in an attempt to better understand the specificities and needs of different population groups, both in environmental and socio-economical terms. The aim of this study is to identify, characterize and analyze populations in situations of socio-environmental vulnerability in the city of Rio de Janeiro, based on social, economic, environmental and public health indicators organized into a summary index – the Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index.

Methods:The methodology integrated 15 indicators in a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis into a Geographic Information System.

Results:According to our results, socio-environmental vulnerability in Rio de Janeiro is aggravated by at-risk situations and environmental degradation. These aspects are jeopardized by the population density in slum areas, where the most disadvantaged groups live in a process of environmental and urban exclusion.

Conclusion:The study concludes about the importance of these tools in guiding resource allocation and their contribution to formulating and implementing more effective public policies.
LncRNA MALAT1 Regulating Lung Carcinoma Progression via the miR-491-5p/UBE2C Axis
Authors: Dai Juanjuan , Zhou Ning , Wu Rui , Du Jing , Miao Shuang , Gong Kaikai , Yang Lijuan , Chen Weiwei , Li Xuelin , Li Chen , Wu Yan
Published: March 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the development of lung carcinoma. The mechanism of MALAT1 in lung carcinoma development is not understood very well. This study aimed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in lung carcinoma progression and the mechanism underlying the role of miR-491-5p in the MALAT1 mediated regulation of UBE2C expression. The results indicated that the expression of MALAT1 was often augmented in lung carcinoma cells. Suppression of MALAT1 blocked the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of cancer cells and inhibited the expression of UBE2C. UBE2C restoration attenuated the MALAT1 knockdown-induced anti-cancer effects. Moreover, UBE2C and MALAT1 were indicated as targets of miR-491-5p and inhibition of miR-491-5p restored the MALAT1 knockdown-induced inhibition of the progression of lung carcinoma. Furthermore, MALAT1 sponged miR-491-5p to upregulate UBE2C expression, causing it to act as a competing endogenous RNA. Collectively, MALAT1 downregulation suppressed lung carcinoma progression by regulating the miR-491-5p/UBE2C axis. These results indicate that MALAT1 could be a molecular target for lung carcinoma treatment and prognosis.
Psicoterapia postracionalista de la descompensación psicótica de tipo esquizofrénico: tres casos clínicos
Authors: Maxia Giovanna , Villegas Torras Laia
Published: March 2021

En el siguiente texto se exponen tres casos clínicos en los que nos expone el procedimiento de secuenciación para tratar la descompensación psicótica de tipo esquizofrénico.
El problema del otro en el postracionalismo
Authors: Miró María Teresa
Published: March 2021

En este texto se argumenta que la concepción racionalista del otro como otro yo conduce a una convivencia especular, en la que se intenta en vano salir de la soledad por medio del razonamiento por analogía. Por tanto para ir más allá del racionalismo, es necesario partir de una concepción solidaria de la conciencia, en la que ésta emerge como la articulación de los mundos que designamos con los pronombres nosotros, tú y yo. Al hilo de la argumentación, se revisan las aportaciones de varios autores postracionalistas como Ortega, Laín y Zambrano.
Apego y conocimiento: entre el trastorno de personalidad obsesivo-compulsivo y el síndrome obsesivo
Authors: Lorenzini Roberto , Sassaroli Sandra , Villegas Torras Laia
Published: March 2021

Los autores subrayan los aspectos de aumento del conocimiento dependientes, entre otros, de las relaciones de apego. En consecuencia establecen la hipótesis de una conexión entre apego inseguro ambivalente y el desarrollo de un estilo de conocimiento caracterizado por la evitación típica de los trastornos de personalidad pertenecientes al “grupo ansioso” y entre éstos y el trastorno de personalidad obsesivo-compulsivo, del que emana la sintomatología obsesivo-compulsiva propiamente dicha. Este tipo de sintomatología se sostiene sobre la idea ilusoria de la posibilidad de “la certeza absoluta” en las áreas del self protegidas por el síntoma, como medio para resolver el problema de la inseguridad y amenaza a la propia amabilidad.
Psicopatologías de la libertad: la obsesión o la constricción de la espontaneidad
Authors: Villegas Besora Manuel
Published: March 2021

En este artículo se considera el trastorno obsesivo desde el punto de vista del desarrollo cognitivo y moral. Desde esta perspectiva la desconfianza en los propios criterios epistemológicos tanto cognitivos como morales dan origen a la duda y a la culpa. Esta culpabilidad constituye una amenaza para todo el sistema epistemológico, introduciendo la duda sobre la fiabilidad de las propias tendencias y reacciones emocionales. A partir del momento en que ni siquiera las propias emociones y sensaciones constituyen un criterio fiable para la acción, la duda se generaliza, afectando a otros instrumentos de conocimiento incluida la propia capacidad de razonamiento. Caso de no conseguir neutralizar la amenaza, el sistema tiende a reforzar la adhesión a los criterios externos, en sustitución de los internos. De este modo el pensamiento mágico toma el lugar del racional, la acción compulsiva la de la acción voluntaria, la rumiación la de la capacidad reflexiva o de abstracción.
Trastorno obsesivo compulsivo: la duda, ¿aliada o enemiga?
Authors: Corbella Sergi , Botella Lluís
Published: March 2021

A lo largo de los años las personas han aprendido a convivir con la duda, pero en algunos casos la duda lleva al sujeto al bloqueo y a cierta disfuncionalidad. Analizando nuestro contexto cultural y social ganamos perspectiva para aumentar el conocimiento de uno de los aspectos fundamentales del trastorno obsesivo compulsivo: la duda. En este articulo pretendemos acercarnos a la fenomenología del trastorno obsesivo compulsivo y presentamos un marco explicativo que nos puede ayudar en nuestras intervenciones clínicas.
“Historias con niños y niños con historias”: una propuesta narrativa con niños institucionalizados.
Authors: Cuadrado Nicoli Sandra , Herranz Castillo Teodoro
Published: March 2021

La concepción del niño como constructor activo de su identidad nos ha llevado en psicoterapia infantil a legitimar y prestar mayor atención a la experiencia vivida y expresada por el propio sujeto en sus propios términos. De esto se deriva el énfasis en los procesos narrativos de reconstrucción de la propia experiencia y el consecuente uso de técnicas constructivas y narrativas para su estudio. En este artículo revisaremos distintos enfoques que han prestado especial interés en el uso de historias en terapia con niños, y presentaremos un caso en el que las historias de una niña institucionalizada en un centro de acogida, nos ayudaron a comprender mejor su experiencia y abrir una puerta al cambio y a nuevos horizontes relacionales.
Estados mentales, déficits metacognitivos y ciclos interpersonales en el trastorno de personalidad por dependencia
Authors: Carcione Antonio , Laura  , Dimaggio Giancarlo , Nicoló Giuseppe , Semerari Antonio , Villegas Torras Laia
Published: March 2021

Pese a que el Trastorno de Personalidad por Dependencia representa uno de los trastornos más frecuentes de los descritos en el DSM, a veces se pasa por alto su dimensión clínica. El carácter poco específico de los síntomas y la escasez de problemáticas en el ámbito de la relación terapéutica, por lo menos en las fases iniciales, dificultan a veces el diagnóstico diferencial y muchas de sus características psicopatológicas se atribuyen a éste o aquel trastorno codiagnosticado, en lugar de estimular una comprensión más unitaria de la complejidad del cuadro. Los autores presentan un modelo psicopatológico que describe el funcionamiento mental poniendo de manifiesto los estados mentales característicos de los sujetos que padecen Trastorno de Personalidad por Dependencia, su variación en las relaciones interpersonales, las disfunciones metacognitivas que se considera que están en su base, que conllevan una dificultad en la regulación de elecciones autónomas, y los ciclos interpersonales que se perpetúan determinando la estabilización del cuadro psicopatológico. Las descripciones van acompañadas de ejemplos clínicos extraídos de sesiones grabadas en magnetofón para ilustrar cuanto expuesto.
La resistencia al cambio o la paradoja neurótica
Authors: Mancini Francesco
Published: March 2021

El problema de la resistencia se plantea a partir de las actitudes que no cambian a pesar de que las informaciones de que dispone la persona, sus instrumentos cognitivos y sus motivaciones hagan posible y adecuado un cambio. En este artículo se utilizan los datos y los modelos de la psicología básica para enfocar un problema de explicación crucial para cualquier teórica clínica. Se trata del problema conocido como “paradoja neurótica” o resistencia al cambio: ¿cómo es posible que una persona persista en una conducta que le es nociva y causa de infelicidad? ¿Qué es lo que determina esta persistencia inadaptable e irracional? ¿Qué es lo que resiste al cambio?
La resistencia al cambio de las estructuras cognitivas: reflexiones relativas al proceso psicoterapéutico
Authors: Liotti Giovanni , Villegas Torras Manuel
Published: March 2021

La perspectiva cognitiva en psicología y psicoterapia sugiere considerar tanto los obstáculos al cambio terapéutico como la oposición del paciente a los procedimientos terapéuticos como aspectos de la resistencia al cambio de las estructuras cognitivas. Dicha resistencia remite a las características del proceso de asimilación, a la organización jerárquica del conocimiento de sí mismo y del mundo, y a las modalidades egocéntricas del funcionamiento cognitivo. Una vez detectada la resistencia particular al cambio de una estructura cognitiva, se convierte en la pista para una investigación: 1) del origen de tal estructura en la historia del desarrollo de la persona; 2) del papel central que ejerce en la organización global del conocimiento de sí mismo y del mundo del paciente. El deseado cambio terapéutico de dicha estructura se considera dependiente del mencionado examen crítico de sus orígenes y función, más que como producto de una brusca, y por otra parte teóricamente imposible, sustitución por otra estructura totalmente nueva.
El caballo de troya o las trompetas de jericó: el proceso del cambio en psicoterapia
Authors: Villegas Besora Manuel
Published: March 2021

El proceso de cambio en psicoterapia se compara en este artículo al proceso de asedio, destrucción y reconstrucción de una ciudad tomando como referentes metafóricos las epopeyas clásica y bíblica de la conquista de Troya y Jericó, respectivamente, por parte de los sitiadores griegos y hebreos varios siglos antes de Cristo. La estrategia del caballo de Troya se plantea como metáfora del cambio sin resistencia, mientras que la toma de Jericó mediante el abatimiento de sus murallas a causa del estruendo de las trompetas de los sacerdotes del pueblo de Israel se convierte en la metáfora de los enfoques terapéuticos capaces de generar resistencia. El sentido y la aplicación de tales estrategias al quehacer terapéutico se ilustra con abundantes ejemplos.
Duelo y significado
Authors: Neimeyer Robert A. , Prigerson Holly G. , Davies Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, USA , Villegas Torras Ariadna
Published: March 2021

Desde un punto de vista amplio, el fenómeno del duelo y la pérdida de un ser querido requieren un análisis en términos sociológicos, psicológicos y psiquiátricos. En este artículo se arguye que una cuestión común es la del significado de la pérdida, expresado como un intento de adaptación tanto individual como colectivo.
“No lo entiendo”: la búsqueda de sentido emocional y coherencia personal ante una pérdida traumática durante la infancia
Authors: Angus Lynne , Bouffard Beverley , Bas Baslé Teresa
Published: March 2021

La organización narrativa de emociones y estados perturbadores facilita un procesamiento reflexivo de recuerdos emotivos que permite llevar a cabo una exploración de los mismos desde diversos puntos de vista o perspectivas relacionales. Cabe destacar que los cambios del modo interno (diferenciación emocional) al externo (construcción de significado) parecen ser claves a la hora de hacer emerger nuevas formas más satisfactorias y coherentes de entender viejas historias. Greenberg (2002) sostiene que un terapeuta que trabaja con el Proceso Experiencial opera como un entrenador de emociones de su cliente. Basándonos en el presente estudio, se puede decir que las intervenciones de la terapeuta dirigidas tanto hacia la diferenciación emocional (interno) como hacia la construcción reflexiva de significado son esenciales para que la terapia sea productiva.
Intervenciones sobre problemas relacionados con el duelo en situaciones de catástrofe, guerra o violencia política
Authors: Fernández Liria Alberto , Rodríguez Vega Beatriz
Published: March 2021

Desde la perspectiva del construccionismo social la comprensión y el tratamiento del duelo se entienden, como una proceso de adaptación a las consecuencias sociales y psicológicas producidas por las situaciones de guerra, violencia o catástrofes en relación a los presupuestos culturales de cada sociedad.
Psicoterapia con clientes traumatizados y en duelo: un marco constructivista para el amor y la curación
Authors: Sewell Keneth W. , Villegas Torras Ariadna
Published: March 2021

En este artículo se sostiene que el ingrediente activo de toda psicoterapia, tanto si es reconocido por el terapeuta y el cliente como si no, es el amor. Pretende, igualmente, responder, al menos hasta cierto punto, a las siguientes preguntas: ¿A qué se refiere la palabra “amor” en este contexto? ¿Por qué es eficaz el amor en la mejora de los efectos negativos del trauma? ¿Por qué con frecuencia el amor de una persona no terapeuta (por ejemplo, un miembro de la familia, un amigo) no facilita la curación deseada en medida suficiente? ¿Cómo se relacionan estos conceptos con las “técnicas” usadas habitualmente en el tratamiento del estrés postraumático y del duelo complicado?
“Quiero ser libre de mí mismo”: un caso de trastorno obsesivo de la personalidad
Authors: Tapia Melendo Sonia
Published: March 2021

Este artículo recoge un caso de patología obsesivo-compulsiva, contemplada desde una óptica fenomenológico-existencial. Esta perspectiva permite comprender el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo como el resultado de un pérdida de la espontaneidad y plantear la terapia como un trabajo orientado a una recuperación de la libertad personal.
¿Dónde vas con mantón de manila?. “el proceso de convertirse en persona...” Autónoma
Authors: Villegas Besora Manuel , Ana
Published: March 2021

Siguiendo la concepción de Carl Rogers este artículo está orientado a describir la psicoterapia como un proceso de convertirse en persona. Todo el énfasis va dirigido a facilitar el crecimiento hacia la autonomía. Para la redacción del artículo se ha preferido utilizar, siempre que ha sido posible, las propias palabras de la paciente en preferencia a las del autor.
El lenguaje simbólico como mediador en la relación y proceso terapéuticos: del símbolo a la relación
Authors: Ventosa Villagrá María
Published: March 2021

En este texto se considera la terapia como un proceso interpersonal focalizado en el intercambio y co-construcción de singificados entre paciente y terapeuta. Resulta particularmente determinante para el caso aquí presentado el recurso espontáneo al relato de sueños que permitieron elaborar experiencias y analizar contenidos internos que de otro modo babrían resultado inacesibles al trabajo terapéutico.
Arc-Completion of 2-Colored Best Match Graphs to Binary-Explainable Best Match Graphs
Authors: Schaller David , Geiß Manuela , Hellmuth Marc , Stadler Peter F.
Published: March 2021

Best match graphs (BMGs) are vertex-colored digraphs that naturally arise in mathematical phylogenetics to formalize the notion of evolutionary closest genes w.r.t. an a priori unknown phylogenetic tree. BMGs are explained by unique least resolved trees. We prove that the property of a rooted, leaf-colored tree to be least resolved for some BMG is preserved by the contraction of inner edges. For the special case of two-colored BMGs, this leads to a characterization of the least resolved trees (LRTs) of binary-explainable trees and a simple, polynomial-time algorithm for the minimum cardinality completion of the arc set of a BMG to reach a BMG that can be explained by a binary tree.
Effects of Poultry Manure and Biochar on Acrisol Soil Properties and Yield of Common Bean. A Short-Term Field Experiment
Authors: Lima José Romualdo de Sousa , Goes Maria da Conceição Cavalcanti de , Hammecker Claude , Antonino Antonio Celso Dantas , Medeiros Érika Valente de , Sampaio Everardo Valadares de Sá Barretto , Leite Maria Camila de Barros Silva , Silva Vanilson Pedro da , de Souza Eduardo Soares , Souza Rodolfo
Published: March 2021

Common bean is usually cropped under rainfed conditions and in soils with low pH and water retention, in the sub-humid and semiarid regions of Brazil. To improve soil conditions, smallholder farmers commonly use cattle manure. However, manure is available in limited amounts, insufficient to fertilize all cropping areas. Thus, other amendments, such as poultry manure (PM) and biochar (BC), have been proposed to increase soil water retention and pH. We evaluated the effects of BC (10, 20, and 40 t ha−1; BC10, BC20, and BC40, respectively), PM (5 t ha−1; PM), the combination of both amendments (BC10 + PM, BC20 + PM, and BC40 + PM) and an absolute control (Control), with no amendment, on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, and on common bean water use efficiency (WUE) and yield. The treatments had no effects on total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, microbial biomass carbon, soil physical properties, and evapotranspiration. Treatment combination BC (10 t ha−1) + PM (5 t ha−1) significantly improved phosphorus concentration, enzymatic activities, WUE, and bean yield in this one-year experiment and it can be a viable management practice for smallholder farmers in the Brazilian sub-humid region. However, further investigations are required to study the long-term field effects of the best performing soil amendments.
Salinity Effect on Plant Physiological and Nutritional Parameters of New Huanglongbing Disease-Tolerant Citrus Rootstocks
Authors: Aparicio-Durán Lidia , Hervalejo Aurea , Calero-Velázquez Rocío , Arjona-López Juan M. , Arenas-Arenas Francisco J.
Published: March 2021

Salinity is a major agriculture problem for citrus in the Mediterranean basin, which is a major global producer region. Citrus crops are also threatened by emerging diseases such as Huanglongbing (HLB). The use of different rootstocks increases the variability of citrus plant material in orchards, thus preventing extensive damage caused by abiotic and/or biotic diseases. In this work, we have evaluated the salinity response of five citrus rootstocks (US942, US897, X639, Forner Alcaide No. 5 and Carrizo citrange) some of which have known tolerance to HLB, under Mediterranean conditions. Four treatments with different salt concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 75 mM of NaCl) were applied by watering the plants three times per week for eleven weeks. Chlorophyll index (SPAD), growth and plant symptom parameters were recorded on a biweekly basis. At the end of the trial, roots, stem and leaves biomass and plant mineral content were obtained. The increasing concentration of NaCl resulted in visible leave damage symptoms for all citrus rootstocks assayed, hindering plant growth in all citrus rootstocks assayed, except for X639. The highest concentration of toxic ions in leaves was detected in Carrizo citrange and US897 for Cl−, while the lowest concentration of Na+ was obtained in X639. These results provide growers with information about the sensitivity to salinity of different citrus rootstocks.