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Chickpea and lentils are one of the most important legumes not only as sources of food and nutrients but also for enrichment of soil as a nitrogen fixating crop. An early onset of higher temperatures and drought are affecting chickpea and lentil growth and flowering leading to reduction of yield. In search for a tolerant varieties presented study performed a large-scale screening of two legume varieties (chickpea and lentils) investigating phenotypical response to early onset of drought under heat stress. Under heat stress and two different irrigation conditions, 19 chickpea and 18 lentil accessions were examined. The evaluation focused on their growth, biomass production, and flowering rate in comparison to commercially available varieties. Six chickpea accessions showed tolerance to water stress while only two lentil accessions differed from the rest of tested accessions. Generally, lentils genotypes were less stressed by decreased water availability compared to chickpea. Large scale screening of legume accessions could be a valuable tool to identify new varieties that could show phenotypical traits more adaptable to climate related environmental stresses. To improve the reproductive efficiency in chickpeas and lentils under adverse conditions associated to climate change an extensive breeding effort should be focused on investigation of more tolerant genotypes and cultivation in crop systems.

HIV-positive pregnant women are more vulnerable to infection and persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HPV in a cohort of HIV-positive pregnant women during pregnancy and one year after delivery, analyzing risk factors for persistence. A prospective study was performed with pregnant women followed-up in the Integral Assistance Program for HIV-positive Pregnant Women of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, between 2009 and 2011. Demographic, clinical and laboratorial data were evaluated. Cervical samples were collected during pregnancy and one year after delivery. HPV DNA and p53 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and cloning. HPV direct PCR sequences were typed by submission to Blast Search tool at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. The prevalence of HPV during pregnancy was 84.3% (118/140), and 106 samples were genotyped. Thirty different HPV types were founded, of which 81.1% were high-risk type. The most prevalent types were: 16, 58, 35, and 53. Infection by multiple types occurred in 18.9%. Persistent infection was noted in 50%, being 30% type-specific and 20% reinfection cases. Persistence was correlated with a TCD4+ count ≤ 350 cells/mm³ (p = 0.05). No correlation was observed between p53 polymorphism and infection by HPV or persistence of HPV infection. In conclusion, there was a high rate of HPV prevalence in this cohort of HIV-positive pregnant women, with a predominance of oncogenic types and persistence of infection in half of the cases, which was correlated with immune suppression.

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the first therapeutic option for staghorn kidney stones. Objective: To characterize patients with complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of staghorn renal lithiasis. Method: A series of 191 patients, operated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy, was studied. Variables studied: type of staghorn lithiasis, position for the technique, stone-free condition after the operation, presence of complications, time, type and grade according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Absolute and relative frequencies were found and the chi-square test was used to determine the association between variables. Results: 86.9 % were less than 60 years old, 67,0 % were male, 61,7 % had comorbidities. The staghorn lithiasis was partial or total (30,3 % and 46,5 %, respectively). In 60,2 % it affected the left kidney; 58.1 % underwent supine surgery and 70,2 % were stone free with monotherapeutic percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Complications occurred in 19,9 %; 16,2 % were postoperative, 14,1 % infectious, 7,8 % Clavien-Dindo I, and 5,2 % IIIb. The type of lithiasis and the position of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy were not associated with complications (p> 0,05). The degree of complication was not related to the type of lithiasis (p> 0,05). Conclusions: The most frequent postoperative complications are those related to infection and bleeding; they slightly predominate in patients with partial and total staghorn stones and in those operated on in the supine position; the Clavien-Dindo grade of complications is only slightly higher in the more complex staghorn stones.

The histological diagnosis of sarcoma can be difficult as it sometimes requires the combination of morphological and immunophenotypic analyses with molecular tests. A total of 2705 tissue samples of sarcoma consecutively collected from 2006 until 2020 that had undergone molecular analysis were assessed to evaluate their diagnostic utility compared with histological assessments. A total of 3051 molecular analyses were performed, including 1484 gene fusions tested by c/qRT–PCR, 992 gene rearrangements analysed by FISH, 433 analyses of the gene status of MDM2, 126 mutational analyses and 16 NGS analysis. Of the samples analysed, 68% were from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and 32% were from frozen tissue. C/qRT–PCR and FISH analyses were conclusive on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue in 74% and 76% of samples, respectively, but the combination of the two methods gave us conclusive results in 96% and 89% of frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, respectively. We demonstrate the utility of c/qRT–PCR and FISH for sarcoma diagnosis and that each has advantages in specific contexts. We conclude that it is possible to accurately predict the sarcoma subtype using a panel of different subtype-specific FISH probes and c/qRT–PCR assays, thereby greatly facilitating the differential diagnosis of these tumours.

The collection and conservation of chickpea and lentil germplasm has great importance due to their role as a staple food for millions of people. Nowadays, the largest chickpea collection, 41.2% of the total accessions, is held by ICRISAT, while the main lentil collection is stored by ICARDA. The main fraction of both collections is constituted by Indian landraces. In recent decades, several efforts have been made to integrate all genebanks into a global conservation system of plant genetic resources. The release of informatics platforms allowed the creation of virtual genebanks, which are powerful tools routinely consulted by germplasm users. The information available for the chickpea and lentil accessions included in the Genesys and EURISCO platforms has been taken into consideration in this mini review. This review also presents and discusses the strengths and drawbacks of the worldwide collections of both species emerging from the analysis of data obtained by enquiring these two platforms. The availability of core collections is of great utility for germplasm users, while the lack of origin and biological status for a significant fraction of accessions are the main drawbacks. Moreover, this review highlights the necessity of sharing as much as possible of the non-omic and omic characterization data.

Environmental degradation and the decrease of ecosystem service provision are currently of major concern, with current agricultural systems being a major driver. To meet our future environmental and sustainability targets a transformation of the agro-food systems and current agricultural value chain are crucial. One approach to redesign farming systems is the concept of biodiversity-based agriculture (BBA) which relies on sustainable diversification of biological components and their natural interactions in farming systems to maximize fertility, productivity, and resilience to external perturbations. Despite minimizing anthropogenic inputs, BBA is not yet able to meet all beneficial environmental objectives. BBA applied in the Mediterranean basin requires urgent innovation in approaches, methodologies, and models for small-holder traditional farming systems to ensure a stable provision of ecosystem services and better resilience to environmental stresses linked to climate change. Legumes are the backbone of the Mediterranean agro-ecosystems from ancient times, but their unique and wide biodiversity was not sufficiently valorized, especially by North-African countries. Here, we present LEGU-MED, a three-year international project funded by PRIMA initiative 2019. An international consortium was established involving five universities, 5 research institutes, and one private company from 8 countries: Italy, Germany, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, and Croatia. The main objective of this project is to put forward an international and well-integrated plan to valorize the legume agrobiodiversity of the Mediterranean in biodiversity-based farming systems and consequently enhance agro-ecosystem functions and services in the Mediterranean basin. The successful completion of LEGU-MED will have the following impacts on Mediterranean legume-based farming systems: (1) improve water use efficiency, (2) reduce the use of anthropogenic inputs through the maintenance of soil fertility, (3) enhance pollination and improve ecological connectivity with flora and fauna, (4) protect close-by wildland ecosystems, (5) enhance other ecosystem services (e.g., pest, disease, and weed suppression), and (6) provide healthier and safer protein-rich food.

Archaeological remains and historical documents demonstrate that a single-flower vetch has been cultivated in Italy from the early stages of agriculture. Some Italian communities have perpetuated the custom to eat its seeds still to the present. This is the case of people living in some villages of the southern Apulia region. In consequence of the high resemblance of the single-flower vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.) seeds with those of lentils, the Apulian landrace is locally named “lenticchia nera di Soleto” (black lentil from Soleto). The evaluation of seed nutritional traits of this landrace revealed good macronutrient contents (proteins and starch, 28.4 and 42.4 g/100 g respectively), low trypsin inhibitor levels (4.08 TIU/mg), short cooking times after soaking (24–25 min) and a lack of broken seeds at the end of cooking. The coat content of total phenolic compounds (TPC) of the Apulian black lentil was comparable with that of the lentil cv. Beluga (68.23 vs. 66.14 mg GAE/g, respectively).

Chickpea and lentils are one of the most important legumes not only as sources of food and nutrients but also for enrichment of soil as a nitrogen fixating crop. An early onset of higher temperatures and drought are affecting chickpea and lentil growth and flowering leading to reduction of yield. In search for a tolerant varieties presented study performed a large-scale screening of two legume varieties (chickpea and lentils) investigating phenotypical response to early onset of drought under heat stress. Under heat stress and two different irrigation conditions, 19 chickpea and 18 lentil accessions were examined. The evaluation focused on their growth, biomass production, and flowering rate in comparison to commercially available varieties. Six chickpea accessions showed tolerance to water stress while only two lentil accessions differed from the rest of tested accessions. Generally, lentils genotypes were less stressed by decreased water availability compared to chickpea. Large scale screening of legume accessions could be a valuable tool to identify new varieties that could show phenotypical traits more adaptable to climate related environmental stresses. To improve the reproductive efficiency in chickpeas and lentils under adverse conditions associated to climate change an extensive breeding effort should be focused on investigation of more tolerant genotypes and cultivation in crop systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is an emerging oilseed crop that is attracting interest because of its high environmental adaptability and oil and protein quantity and quality. Seventeen camelina varieties of different geographical origins, sown in the same locality on two sowing dates, were compared for oil, protein, and antinutritional compounds in the meal. ANOVA showed that sowing time significantly affected the content of main fatty acids, whereas 1000-seed weight, glucosinolates (GLSs), trypsin inhibitor (TI), monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were related to the genotype. Among the varieties analyzed, Pearl and CCE26 proved to be the best source of healthy oil, with high n-3/n-6 ratio, whereas Luna and Przybrodzka, having a lower content of GLSs and TI, were suitable for animal feed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed to group the 17 varieties into three subgroups, and the largest variation was observed among the Canadian varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In biliary tract exploration it is common practice to use a T-tube, however, at present there is controversy between primary choledochorraphy and T-tube placement, having studies in which it is concluded that primary choledochorraphy is a feasible option with a lower presence of complications than in T-tube placement. The objective is to compare both techniques and their postoperative evolution in the German-Nicaraguan hospital in Managua. Material and Methods: The analysis was performed by means of a descriptive study, a total of 49 patients were included, who underwent scheduled biliary tract exploration, of which primary choledochorraphy was performed in 21 patients (42.9%) and a T-tube was placed in 28 (57.1%). Result: Most of the patients were female with 86%, 11 patients (22.4%) were already cholecystectomized. Primary choledochorraphy was performed in less time, the in-hospital stay was longer in those who underwent T-tube placement, being the latter the one that presented more complications. Conclusion: Primary choledochorraphy is a safe technique, with less surgical time and better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este estudio se enmarca en la investigación de la relación entre competencias investigativas y capacidad innovadora en el contexto específico de universidades públicas, explorando cómo estas dimensiones se interrelacionan en el ámbito académico. El objetivo se basa en analizar la relación entre el desarrollo de competencias investigativas y la capacidad innovadora en el contexto universitario público. La investigación empleó un enfoque cuantitativo, utilizando encuestas para medir las competencias investigativas y la capacidad innovadora en profesores, estudiantes y personal administrativo de universidades públicas. Este diseño metodológico proporcionó datos cuantificables para analizar la relación entre estas variables. Los hallazgos revelaron una conexión positiva entre competencias investigativas y capacidad innovadora en el entorno universitario público. Profesores exhibieron niveles más altos en ambas dimensiones, mientras que se identificaron oportunidades de mejora en estudiantes y personal administrativo. Las conclusiones destacan la importancia de fortalecer competencias investigativas para potenciar la capacidad innovadora en el ámbito universitario. Se recomienda el diseño de estrategias educativas personalizadas y la consideración de factores contextuales en futuras iniciativas.

The histological diagnosis of sarcoma can be difficult as it sometimes requires the combination of morphological and immunophenotypic analyses with molecular tests. A total of 2705 tissue samples of sarcoma consecutively collected from 2006 until 2020 that had undergone molecular analysis were assessed to evaluate their diagnostic utility compared with histological assessments. A total of 3051 molecular analyses were performed, including 1484 gene fusions tested by c/qRT–PCR, 992 gene rearrangements analysed by FISH, 433 analyses of the gene status of MDM2, 126 mutational analyses and 16 NGS analysis. Of the samples analysed, 68% were from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and 32% were from frozen tissue. C/qRT–PCR and FISH analyses were conclusive on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue in 74% and 76% of samples, respectively, but the combination of the two methods gave us conclusive results in 96% and 89% of frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, respectively. We demonstrate the utility of c/qRT–PCR and FISH for sarcoma diagnosis and that each has advantages in specific contexts. We conclude that it is possible to accurately predict the sarcoma subtype using a panel of different subtype-specific FISH probes and c/qRT–PCR assays, thereby greatly facilitating the differential diagnosis of these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This case series of 5 patients with severely necrotic mpox highlights the predominantly necrotic nature of lesions seen in cases of severe mpox as shown by skin and lung biopsy, as well as the extensive dissemination of the infection, as shown by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assessment in different body sites. Case presentations Patients were male, the median age was 37, all lived with HIV (2 previously undiagnosed), the median CD4+ cell count was 106 cells/mm3, and 2/5 were not receiving antiretroviral treatment. The most common complication was soft tissue infection. Skin and lung biopsies showed extensive areas of necrosis. Mpox PCR was positive in various sites, including skin, urine, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid. The initiation of antiretroviral treatment, worsened the disease, like that seen in immune reconstitution syndrome. Three patients died due to multiple organ failure, presumably associated with mpox since coinfections and opportunistic pathogens were ruled out. Conclusions Severely necrotic manifestations of mpox in people living with advanced and untreated HIV are related to adverse outcomes.

Abstract Background In its relation to eating disorders, pride is one of the self-conscious emotions least analyzed, and requires valid and reliable instruments for its measurement. This study aimed to examine the factor structure and the psychometric properties of the Pride in Eating Pathology Scale (PEP-S), in the Spanish general population, as well as between-sex differences in PEP-S scores. Methods Of the 1483 participants aged 18 to 34 (M = 21.99; SD = 3.09), 954 were women (65.2%) and the majority were university students (78.8%). Psychometric properties of the scale were tested in a cross-sectional design using cross-validation, i.e., exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and estimation of invariance (sex). Results The four-factor structure found was similar to the original scale with invariance across sex and internal consistency (ordinal alpha .99) and stability (.85). Evidence of convergent validity and differences between sexes were found. Specifically, women scored higher on all the factors, including the healthier sense of pride. Conclusions The PEP-S scale is an instrument with evidence of validity and reliability in the Spanish population. Although it still has to be tested in a clinical population, it constitutes a promising instrument for the evaluation of the self-conscious emotion, pride.

L’interazione tra teatro, sport e insegnamento può contribuire alla costruzione di una realtà scolastica in grado di coltivare talenti e formare cittadini del futuro consapevoli, emotivamente maturi e capaci di relazionarsi con ogni forma di diversità di cui è fatta l’esistenza. Il presente contributo nasce dall’intenzione di dare applicazione a questo complesso dialogo interdisciplinare. Oggetto della ricerca-azione messa in atto è il ruolo che il teatro può avere nel processo educativo, non solo come materia di studio, ma soprattutto come valido strumento didattico, capace di potenziare sia l’insegnamento sia l’apprendimento. Il teatro inoltre è “il luogo del non giudizio” per eccellenza: la rottura degli equilibri della vita portata in scena conduce ad una catarsi che spoglia di ogni pregiudizio. Si configura quindi come un ottimo mezzo inclusivo per acquisire consapevolezza di sé e di quelle diversità che non devono renderci distanti, ma vicini nella nostra unicità. L’analisi porta quindi alla definizione dello spettacolo teatrale motorio, pratica che coniuga l’attività espressiva con l’attività sportiva, in adempimento di ciò che l’antica saggezza latina tramanda nel proverbio «mens sana in corpore sano». Molta attenzione è riservata all’indicazione di attività teatrali/motorie che possono essere considerate come laboratori extrascolastici o possono essere inserite all’interno della quotidianità scolastica per renderla più ricca e stimolante.

Background : Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a prevalent multifactorial condition that impacts a significant portion of the global population. The objective of this study was to employ Fonseca's questionnaire for an initial assessment of TMDs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 250 undergraduates from the Dental School of the University of Perugia, Italy. The chi-square test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, was used to evaluate a statistically significant relationship between TMDs and several variables such as gender, age, employed/unemployed, and physically active or not. Results: The data obtained through the questionnaire indicated that a considerable percentage of students (78%) exhibited signs consistent with TMDs. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms included psychological stress (49.6%), dental clenching and grinding (34%), joint clicking (33.6%), frequent headaches (15.2%), and neck pain (23.2%). Notably, when considering moderate to severe symptoms of TMDs, females were more significantly affected than males. Furthermore, factors such as age, employment status, and physical activity did not appear to influence the prevalence of TMDs. Conclusions: The high prevalence of TMDs identified within this young population (university students), as measured by this questionnaire (albeit warranting validation through more rigorous methodologies) underscores the necessity for the implementation of new preventive strategies that specifically address this demographic.