bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroconvulsive therapy efficacy in adolescents with mental illness: A retrospective comparison
Authors: Si Qi , Zhang Xinyue , Lei Jiaxi , Chen Congxin , Ren Fangfang , Xu Guoxin , Li Yuan , Sui Yuxiu
Published: September 2022

Background

There is limited evidence on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents with mental illness. The present study reported outcomes of adolescents with mental illness treated with ECT aimed at providing evidence for large-scale feasibility.

Objectives

The primary objective of this trial was to examine the differences in demographic and clinical data between responders and non-responders. The secondary objective was to determine whether ECT produced differential readmission rates, the burden of oral medication, and social function in responders and non-responders in the long term.

Methods

Patients aged 14–18 years diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), or bipolar disorder (BD) who received ECT between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were compared, and both short-term and long-term outcomes were assessed: response on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale and readmission at follow-up. The independent-sample t–test was used to compare the continuous variables and the X2 test was used to compare the dichotomous variables with statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Four hundred ten adolescents (aged 14–18 years, 53.90% female) received ECT for SCZ, MDD, and BD. The response rate for SCZ, MDD, and BD were 65.61, 78.57, and 69.95%, respectively. Both SCZ (P = 0.008) and BD (P = 0.008) groups had a significant elder age in responders than in non-responders. Besides that MDD responders had a significantly larger number of ECT sessions than non-responders (P = 0.046), the study failed to find a significant difference in other ECT parameters. A significantly higher proportion of readmission was found in BD non-responders than in responders (P = 0.029), there was no difference in the rate of readmission in other diagnostic groups.

Conclusions

These data suggested that ECT is an effective treatment for adolescents with severe mental illness, and the rate of readmission was low in the long term. The present study supports that large-scale systematic studies are warranted for further investigation of the response rate of ECT for treating adolescents with mental illness.
The relationship between cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration: The role of social responsibility
Authors: Zhan Jun , Yang Yue , Lian Rong
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have found some influencing factors of cyberbullying. However, little is known about how cyberbullying victimization and social responsibility influence college students' cyberbullying perpetration or about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying these relationships. Social responsibility involves not only individuals' deep cognition and special emotional identification of social responsibility but also their firm attitude and responsible actions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between college students' cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration and whether this relationship is moderated by social responsibility. The study sample consisted of 1,016 Chinese college students (425 males) ranging in age from 19 to 25 (mean age 22). All participants completed questionnaires on cyberbullying victimization, cyberbullying perpetration and social responsibility. The results indicated that cyberbullying victimization is positively related to cyberbullying perpetration and that this relationship is mediated by social responsibility. This study highlights the harmful impact of cyberbullying victimization on college students, more notably, the underlying mechanisms between cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration are explored, revealing that social responsibility can reduce the promoting effect of cyberbullying victimization on cyberbullying perpetration.
Alcohol binge drinking in adolescence and psychological profile: Can the preclinical model crack the chicken-or-egg question?
Authors: Castelli Valentina , Plescia Fulvio , Maniaci Giuseppe , Lavanco Gianluca , Pizzolanti Giuseppe , Brancato Anna , Cannizzaro Carla
Published: September 2022

During adolescence, internal and external factors contribute to engaging with alcohol binge drinking (ABD), putting at risk the neurodevelopment of brain regions crucial for emotional control and stress coping. This research assessed the prevalence of ABD in late adolescent students of Southern Italy and characterized their psychological profile and drinking motives. Translational effects of alcohol binge drinking in the animal model were also studied. Seven hundred and fifty-nine high school students of both sexes (aged 18–20) were recruited. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised Short Form, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-Third Ed., State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Basic Self-Esteem Scale identified alcohol habits, drinking motives, and psychopathological profile. Eighty-five percentage of the students drank alcohol and 28% of them engaged in ABD; AUDIT-C correlated with enhancement, coping, and conformity motives. ABD was related to a greater likelihood of presenting clinical syndromes and personality disorders, as well as low resilience and self-esteem. Thereafter, in the pre-clinical model, adolescent male rats were exposed to alcohol (3.5 g/kg) in an intermittent binge-like paradigm and tested during prolonged abstinence. Rats were evaluated for anxiety-like behavior, motivated behaviors, resilience, and stress response following a psychosocial challenge. Binge-like alcohol-exposed adolescent rats displayed high integrated z-score for social- and novelty-induced anxiety, altered motivation-driven output, decreased resilience, and a blunted HPA axis response to psychosocial stress, with respect to respective controls. Our data confirm that ABD is the chosen pattern of drinking in a significant percentage of high school students in Southern Italy, and highlights AUDIT-C score as a relevant parameter able to predict the occurrence of affective disturbances. The evidence from the preclinical model shows that ABD produces detrimental consequences in the adolescent rat brain, resulting in negative affect, emotional dysregulation, and aberrant stress response, pointing to decreasing excessive alcohol drinking as a primary goal for the global act for brain health.
Personality dysfunction in opiate addicts on opioid substitution treatment and the risk of HCV infection
Authors: Skočibušić Siniša , Zivlak-Radulović Nera , Hasanović Mevludin , Awad Hassan , Karan-Križanac Dragana , Mehić-Basara Nermana , Rukavina Tomislav
Published: September 2022

Background

Impulsivity, affective instability, and neglect of oneself and other people's safety as symptoms of personality dysfunction are associated with risky behaviors regarding the transmission of infectious diseases either sexually or by intravenous drug abuse.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and personality dysfunction in opiate addicts on opioid substitution treatment.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, observational investigation of patients over 18 years of age who were actively participating in opioid substitution treatment at five centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The occurrence of HCV infection was the primary study outcome, and personality functioning, the main independent variable, was assessed using the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP−118) questionnaire. The association between scores of personality functioning domains items and HCV infection status was determined by binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Patients on opioid substitution therapy with HCV infection more frequently had personality disorders (OR 2.168, 95% CI 1.161–4.05) and were treated longer than patients without HCV infection (OR 1.076, 95% CI 1.015–1.14). HCV infection was associated with lower self-respect (OR 0.946, 95% CI 0.906–0.988), decreased capacity to have enduring relationships with other people (OR 0.878, 95% CI 0.797–0.966), and lower capability to cooperate with others (OR 0.933, 95%CI 0.888–0.98). On the other hand, except for self-respect, other elements of the Identity Integration domain (enjoyment, purposefulness, stable self-image, and self-reflexive functioning), when more functional, increased the risk of HCV infection.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that opiate addicts on opioid substitution treatment have a higher risk of HCV infection if their personality is dysfunctional, especially in the aspects of self-respect, enduring relationships, and cooperativity. The risk is even higher in addicts who have an established diagnosis of any kind of personality disorder.
Outcome evaluation of Active Herts: A community-based physical activity programme for inactive adults at risk of cardiovascular disease and/or low mental wellbeing
Authors: Chater Angel M. , Schulz Joerg , Jones Andy , Burke Amanda , Carr Shelby , Kukucska Dora , Troop Nick , Trivedi Daksha , Howlett Neil
Published: September 2022

Background

A high proportion of UK adults are inactive, which can lead to a range of physical and mental health concerns. Active Herts is a community-based physical activity programme for inactive adults at risk of cardiovascular disease and/or low mental wellbeing. This paper provides a pragmatic evaluation of this programme.

Method

This longitudinal study observed 717 adults (68% female, mean age = 56.9 years) from the “Active Herts” programme. Programme users were provided with a 45-min consultation with a “Get Active Specialist,” who talked them through an Active Herts self-help booklet and then signposted them to free or subsidized local exercise sessions. Programme users were followed up with a booster call 2 weeks later. The Get Active Specialist was a registered exercise professional (REPS Level 3), with additional training from the study team in motivational interviewing, health coaching, COM-B behavioral diagnosis and delivery of behavior change techniques (BCTs) in practice. The Active Herts booklet contained theoretically-driven and evidence-based BCTs to translate behavioral science into public health practice. Physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent Time [METs], measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), perceived health (EQ-5D-5L) and mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale: WEMWBS) were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

At the end of the 12-month programme, users showed sustained improvements in physical activity (by +1331 METS), exceeding weekly recommendations. Sitting (reducing by over an hour per day), sporting participation, and perceptions of health were also improved, with improvements in mental wellbeing in the first 3 months.

Conclusion

Designing and delivering a community-based physical activity programme that is theoretically-driven and evidence-based with frequent behavior change training and supervision can yield a significant increase in self-reported physical activity, reduction in sitting behavior and improvements to perceived health and mental wellbeing. Future research should extend this approach, utilizing a real-world, pragmatic evaluation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT number): NCT03153098.
Factors associated with anxiety symptoms among medical laboratory professionals in Khobar: Single institution study
Authors: Althumairi Arwa , Ayed AlOtaibi Noot Mishal , Alumran Arwa , Alrayes Saja , Owaidah Amani
Published: September 2022

Background

A clinical professional has a challenging role during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in providing timely and accurate results with limited resources and a rapid increase in the number of samples to be tested. However, during the ongoing pandemic, the anxiety level of Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLT) has not been studied in Saudi Arabia within the hospital environment.

Aim

To determine the associated factors related with anxiety level of MLT at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The study design was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Data were collected by administering a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed among MLT at KFHU. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first two sections were prepared by the researchers and included participant demographics and questions related to COVID-19. The third section used the Hamilton Anxiety Scale to assess anxiety levels.

Result

The study revealed that 70.4% of MLT showed no signs of anxiety, while 19.2% showed mild/moderate anxiety levels, and approximately 10.4% showed severe to extreme anxiety levels. In addition, a significant association between the anxiety level and difficulty breathing among MLT wearing personal protective equipment was observed. Moreover, a significant association between sex and anxiety level was identified. Females MLT had higher percentages of severe anxiety (12.8% vs. 5.1%) and mild/moderate anxiety (24.4 vs. 7.7%) than males.

Conclusions

Protecting the mental health status of MLT is an essential part of public health measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy lifestyle over the life course: Population trends and individual changes over 30 years of the Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Schermer Edith E. , Engelfriet Peter M. , Blokstra Anneke , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Picavet H. Susan J.
Published: September 2022

For five health-related lifestyle factors (physical activity, weight, smoking, sleep, and alcohol consumption) we describe both population trends and individual changes over a period of 30 years in the same adult population. Dichotomous indicators (healthy/unhealthy) of lifestyle were analyzed for 3,139 participants measured every 5 years in the Doetinchem Cohort Study (1987–2017). Population trends over 30 years in physical inactivity and “unhealthy” alcohol consumption were flat (i.e., stable); overweight and unhealthy sleep prevalence increased; smoking prevalence decreased. The proportion of the population being healthy on all five lifestyle factors declined from 17% in the round 1 to 10.8% in round 6. Underlying these trends a dynamic pattern of changes at the individual level was seen: sleep duration and physical activity level changed in almost half of the individuals; Body Mass Index (BMI) and alcohol consumption in one-third; smoking in one-fourth. Population trends don't give insight into change at the individual level. In order to be able to gauge the potential for change of health-related lifestyle, it is important to take changes at the individual level into account.
How can economics contribute to environmental and social sustainability? The significance of systems theory and the embedded economy
Authors: Skene Keith R.
Published: September 2022

Concerns relating to resource extraction, manufacturing, waste in our supply chains, along with increasing consumption and with their consequences for the planet, have, to a greater or lesser extent, begun to impact the ideological approach and the decision-making of governments, business and consumers alike on the material world we continue to create. Parallel concerns circle around social and environmental resilience, recovery and sustainability. This paper seeks to explore what a sustainable economy should look like in order to contribute to a resilient, diverse and thriving planet, while furthering resilient, diverse and thriving communities. It is argued that at the center of any sustainability theory, whether economic, environmental or social, lies the Earth system. The Earth system represents much more than the organisms sharing this planet with ourselves. Rather, it involves the fluxes of radiation, food energy, water, nutrients and heat. More essentially, it determines our niche space [the multidimensional space where tolerances and requirements interact to determine the habitable space within which an organism can practice its way of life]. Given that humans are some of the most vulnerable organisms on the planet in terms of the narrow range of conditions within which they can survive, the dynamic nature of the planet that determines this range of conditions must surely form the prime focus of our attentions. The Earth System, like all complex, far-from-equilibrium systems, is self-organizing, self-assembling, emergent, non-linear and governed by real-time feedback and sub-optimality at each level of its organization. The consequences of these properties for our economic activities and, indeed, for our own species, are discussed. It is further argued that we need an embedded economy. Fundamental to this exploration are the concept ofzusammenhang(literally, hanging together), as developed by Humboldt, and the concept of the Earth as a super-organism, as developed by Hutton. Natural economics within the Earth system is explored and key properties of this economy are highlighted. The embedded economy functions in a way that facilitates natural and social recovery, resilience and functionality, while in resonance with the key characteristics of the Earth system. Artificial intelligence, utilizing ecological intelligence rather than human intelligence, and the internet of things, are identified as potentially significant tools in the establishment of an embedded economy. The embedded economy is then compared and contrasted with current sustainable economics thinking, whose emphasis primarily focuses on resource cycling.
Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach with metastatic choriocarcinoma of the liver: A case report of a rare subtype of gastric cancer with a complex treatment course
Authors: Zhou Qiyang , Zhou Yudi , Ouyang Yiming , Chen Weichang , Zhou Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma and hepatic choriocarcinoma are rare diseases in clinical settings, and the case we report here is a combination of both. A 66-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of abdominal discomfort. The patient was examined using gastroscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan, and these revealed an irregular surface ulcer on the wall of the gastric antrum. A mass, 2.0 cm in diameter, was found in the liver in April 2020. The endoscopic biopsy findings were consistent with a diagnosis of moderately to poorly differentiated hepatoid adenocarcinoma. She was then referred to our hospital for further treatment. Initially, neoadjuvant therapy was initiated for the patient. The CT scan showed that the liver metastases had progressed; hence, surgery was performed. Postoperative pathology showed that the gastric lesions were mostly hepatoid adenocarcinoma with no choriocarcinoma, while the liver lesions comprised approximately 10% hepatoid adenocarcinoma and 90% choriocarcinoma. One month later, the patient developed tumor recurrence in the liver as observed on CT imaging. Subsequently, a variety of chemotherapy regimens were tried with no obvious results. The patient eventually developed multiple organ metastasis and died in July 2021. The overall survival was 16 months. Based on findings from this case report, it appears that initial neoadjuvant therapy was not effective and radical surgery may be the best treatment for patients with hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach.
Case report: Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma with elevated alpha-fetoprotein and a history of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Chen Jun , Huang Bifei , Wang Lihong
Published: September 2022

Background

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors have characteristic histological and immunohistochemical profiles. Epithelioid angiomyolipomas in the liver have particularly rare characteristics. These tumors are relatively small and lack clinical and imaging specificity. Thus, they can be easily misdiagnosed as other primary or metastatic tumors prior to surgery. Due to the significant epithelioid morphology and atypia of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (HEAML), intraoperative frozen section pathologic diagnosis might be challenging.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels after a regular checkup following breast cancer surgery. Initially, liver cancer was suspected based on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and color Doppler ultrasonography. Her serum AFP levels were 23.05 ng/ml. The patient underwent laparoscopic right hepatic tumor resection. Based on intraoperative cryopathology, hepatocellular carcinoma was considered a likely diagnosis. However, postoperative pathology confirmed a right HEAML. The patient underwent regular checkups for 23 months without exhibiting recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusion

HEAML can be easily misdiagnosed on preoperative imaging and intraoperative cryopathology. Medical professionals must be aware of this possibility and proceed with caution. Postoperative pathological examination with assessment of IHC markers was helpful in diagnosing HEAML. HEAML has low malignant potential. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, and most patients have a good prognosis.
Prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of African and Asian continents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Suresh Kuralayanapalya P. , Patil Sharanagouda S. , Nayak Akshata , Dhanze Himani , Rajamani Shinduja , Shivamallu Chandan , Cull Charley A. , Amachawadi Raghavendra G.
Published: September 2022

Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that mainly affects ruminants, but it may affect equines, canines, and felines. The disease is of utmost significance from an economic standpoint in countries where there is no national brucellosis prevention and eradication policy in operation. A systematic review was done to estimate disease burden, incidences, prevalence, and geographical distribution critical in planning appropriate intervention strategies for the control and prevention of Brucellosis. Research articles that were published during the period 2000–2020 were considered for this study after reinforced scrutiny by two independent authors. Meta-regression was used to examine heterogeneity, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were used to calculate residual heterogeneity and the pooled prevalence of Brucellosis in livestock. Confounders such as geography, a diagnostic test, and species had the greatest R2 values of 17.8, 8.8, and 2.3%, respectively, indicating the presence of heterogeneity and necessitating more research into sensitivity and subgroup analysis. The combined pooled prevalence of brucellosis in both Asia and African countries was 8% when compared to 12% in the Indian livestock population. The findings of our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that brucellosis continues to be an important animal and public health concern in developing countries of Asia and Africa, as evidenced by the prevalence rate of brucellosis in these regions. Our findings suggested that well-planned epidemiological surveillance studies in different geographic settings are needed to generate reliable data on disease burden including the economic loss in Asian and African countries.
Extradural anaesthesia-analgesia in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy: A single centre retrospective study
Authors: Sambugaro Beatrice , De Gennaro Chiara , Hattersley Rachel D. , Vettorato Enzo
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To assess the effects of extradural anaesthesia-analgesia (EAA) in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy between 2011 and 2019 were retrieved and allocated to two groups depending if analgesia was provided systemically (group SA) or extradurally (EAA). Preoperative data, intraoperative antinociceptive medications, postoperative analgesia, perioperative complications, and food intake were compared.

Results

Overall 41 medical records were included in the study: 19 and 22 dogs were allocated to groups SA and EAA, respectively. In group EAA, an extradural catheter was placed preoperatively in 8 dogs; in the remaining, it was placed postoperatively but an extradural injection was performed preoperatively. The extradural catheter tip was between the 4th lumbar and the 10th thoracic vertebrae. Intraoperatively, nociception was more likely to occur in group SA [OR 55.42 (2.97–1,035.06)]. During the first 24 and 48 h postoperatively, more dogs in group SA required methadone [OR 24 (2.81–268.4) and OR 11.56 (2.37–45.06), respectively] and additional analgesic drugs [OR 25 (3.47–281.9) and OR 35.29 (1.86–668.2), respectively] compared to group EAA. Voluntary postoperative food intake was also significantly higher in group EAA.

Clinical significance

Compared to systemic analgesia, the use of extradural anaesthesia-analgesia reduced perioperative analgesic requirement and promoted postoperative food intake in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy.
Marine Macroalgae in Rabbit Nutrition—A Valuable Feed in Sustainable Farming
Authors: Al-Soufi Sabela , García Javier , Muíños Antonio , López-Alonso Marta
Published: September 2022

The rabbit meat industry has faced critical challenges in the last few years, during which the ban on the prophylactic use of antibiotics in animal feed has added to the weakness of the production system and a decrease in consumption of rabbit meat. This review paper highlights the potential value of macroalgae in the rabbit farming sector as an alternative to the use of antibiotics to improve rabbit health. In line with sustainable agriculture programmes, the use of seaweed in rabbit nutrition may improve gut health according to the One Health approach, whereby consumers and the environment could receive tangible benefits. The inclusion of algae in animal feed has experimentally proven to help to reduce intestinal dysbiosis. However, further studies evaluating the prebiotic effects of algal components on gut health and also identifying the compounds directly responsible for the antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of algae are still needed. Furthermore, the inclusion of marine algae in rabbit food could potentially become a commercial marketing strategy that could attract new consumers who are concerned about environmental sustainability and who are looking for different, high-quality foods.
Differential Gene Expression Correlates with Behavioural Polymorphism during Collective Behaviour in Cockroaches
Authors: Planas-Sitjà Isaac , Deneubourg Jean-Louis , Lafontaine Denis L. J. , Wacheul Ludivine , Cronin Adam L.
Published: September 2022

Consistent inter-individual variation in the propensity to perform different tasks (animal personality) can contribute significantly to the success of group-living organisms. The distribution of different personalities in a group influences collective actions and therefore how these organisms interact with their environment. However, we have little understanding of the proximate mechanisms underlying animal personality in animal groups, and research on this theme has often been biased towards organisms with advanced social systems. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanistic basis for personality variation during collective behaviour in a species with rudimentary societies: the American cockroach. We thus use an approach which combines experimental classification of individuals into behavioural phenotypes (‘bold’ and ‘shy’ individuals) with comparative gene expression. Our analyses reveal differences in gene expression between behavioural phenotypes and suggest that social context may modulate gene expression related to bold/shy characteristics. We also discuss how cockroaches could be a valuable model for the study of genetic mechanisms underlying the early steps in the evolution of social behaviour and social complexity. This study provides a first step towards a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with differences in boldness and behavioural plasticity in these organisms.
Multifactorial Evaluation of Regrouping Effects on Performance and Welfare in Two Italian Dual-Purpose Chicken Breeds: Bianca di Saluzzo and Bionda Piemontese
Authors: Dabbou Sihem , Mugnai Cecilia , Soglia Dominga , Tarantola Martina , Macchi Elisabetta , Sartore Stefano , Bergagna Stefania , Pagliasso Giulia , Schiavone Achille
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of two Italian slow-growing poultry breeds (namely, Bionda Piemontese, BP, and Bianca di Saluzzo, BS) to cope with a stressful event, such as collective grouping, using a multifactorial approach. A total of 120 hens of BP and BS breeds were homogenously distributed, according to breed, in 12 pens (10 hens/pen; 6 pens/breed), from 18 to 49 weeks of age. At 50 weeks of age, hens were regrouped (Stressful Farm Practice, SFP), by removing separators, both in indoor and outdoor areas. At 49 weeks of age, 24 hens/breed were randomly selected for the evaluation of welfare (ethological and physiological) parameters, at different time points: T0: 1-week pre-SPF; T1: 1-week post-SFP; T2: 3-week post-SFP; T3: 5-week post-SFP. Egg production was recorded from 38 to 56 weeks of age. Grouping produced a social stress in both BS and BP-laying hens, which was expressed in terms of productive traits (reduction of oviposition), behavioral modification (worsening of plumage condition due to feather peaking and extension of the duration of the tonic immobility test) and physiological modification (increased heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone metabolites in droppings). Both breeds reacted in a similar way; in fact, no differences were attributed to the breed. At the end of the observation period, the egg rate fully recovered, while the behavioral and physiological parameters partially recovered but failed to recover to those recorded prior to the stressful event.
Role of HLA-I Structural Variants and the Polyreactive Antibodies They Generate in Immune Homeostasis
Authors: Ravindranath Mepur H. , El Hilali Fatiha , Amato-Menker Carly J. , El Hilali Hajar , Selvan Senthamil R. , Filippone Edward J.
Published: September 2022

Cell-surface HLA-I molecules consisting of β2-microglobulin (β2m) associated heavy chains (HCs), referred to as Face-1, primarily present peptides to CD8+ T-cells. HCs consist of three α-domains, with selected amino acid sequences shared by all alleles of all six isoforms. The cell-surface HLA undergoes changes upon activation by pathological conditions with the expression of β2m-free HCs (Face-2) resulting in exposure of β2m-masked sequences shared by almost all alleles and the generation of HLA-polyreactive antibodies (Abs) against them. Face-2 may homodimerize or heterodimerize with the same (Face-3) or different alleles (Face-4) preventing exposure of shared epitopes. Non-allo immunized males naturally carry HLA-polyreactive Abs. The therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) purified from plasma of thousands of donors contains HLA-polyreactive Abs, admixed with non-HLA Abs. Purified HLA-polyreactive monoclonal Abs (TFL-006/007) generated in mice after immunizing with Face-2 are documented to be immunoregulatory by suppressing or activating different human lymphocytes, much better than IVIg. Our objectives are (a) to elucidate the complexity of the HLA-I structural variants, and their Abs that bind to both shared and uncommon epitopes on different variants, and (b) to examine the roles of those Abs against HLA-variants in maintaining immune homeostasis. These may enable the development of personalized therapeutic strategies for various pathological conditions.
Determination of Sulphonamides and Tetracycline Residues in Liver Tissues of Broiler Chicken Sold in Kinondoni and Ilala Municipalities, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Ulomi Winstone J. , Mgaya Fauster X. , Kimera Zuhura , Matee Mecky I.
Published: September 2022

In Tanzania, the increased demand for animal-derived foods, particularly eggs, meat, and milk, has resulted in the intensification of farming systems with the use of antimicrobials, particularly sulphonamides and tetracyclines. According to the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius commission, concentrations of antimicrobial residues in food exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and maximum residual limit (MRL) pose a health risk to consumers. This cross-sectional study determined the concentrations of sulphonamide and tetracycline residues in the liver tissues of commercial broiler chicken sold in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to find out whether the amounts of residues were within the legally permitted and acceptable limits in food. We conveniently sampled eighty-four liver tissue samples from broiler chicken sold in two out of six large markets in Dar es Salaam. The amounts of tetracycline and sulphonamide residues were determined using an ELISA kit (Shenzhen Lvshiyuan Biotechnology Company, Shenzhen, China). The results showed that all 100% (n = 84) samples contained tetracycline residues and 21.4% (n = 18) samples contained sulphonamide residues, while 21.4% (n = 18) contained both sulphonamide and tetracycline residues. The concentrations of sulphonamide residues were within the maximum residual limit (MRL). However, 90.5% (n = 76) of the samples had tetracycline levels that exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) range 0–3 µg/kg and 13.1% (n = 11) of the samples had tetracycline levels that exceeded the maximum residue limit of 300 µg/kg. The observed presence of antibiotic residues in the poultry tissues poses a health risk to consumers, and may lead to antimicrobial resistance micro-organisms, which may spread to humans and animals via the environment. Vigorous surveillance and observation of the withdrawal periods should be advocated to ensure that the food from animals is safe with regard to the residues of veterinary medicines.
Evaluation of Catechin Synergistic and Antibacterial Efficacy on Biofilm Formation and acrA Gene Expression of Uropathogenic E. coli Clinical Isolates
Authors: Jubair Najwan , R. Mogana , Fatima Ayesha , Mahdi Yasir K. , Abdullah Nor Hayati
Published: September 2022

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli has a propensity to build biofilms to resist host defense and antimicrobials. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming E. coli is a significant public health problem. Consequently, searching for alternative medications has become essential. This study was undertaken to investigate the antibacterial, synergistic, and antibiofilm activities of catechin isolated from Canarium patentinervium Miq. against three E. coli ATCC reference strains (ATCC 25922, ATCC 8739, and ATCC 43895) and fifteen clinical isolates collected from UTI patients in Baghdad, Iraq. In addition, the expression of the biofilm-related gene, acrA, was evaluated with and without catechin treatment. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding mode between catechin and the target protein using Autodock Vina 1.2.0 software. Catechin demonstrated significant bactericidal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 1–2 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) range of 2–4 mg/mL and strong synergy when combined with tetracycline at the MBC value. In addition, catechin substantially reduced E. coli biofilm by downregulating the acrA gene with a reduction percent ≥ 60%. In silico analysis revealed that catechin bound with high affinity (∆G = −8.2 kcal/mol) to AcrB protein (PDB-ID: 5ENT), one of the key AcrAB-TolC efflux pump proteins suggesting that catechin might inhibit the acrA gene indirectly by docking at the active site of AcrB protein.
Training of an Extreme Learning Machine Autoencoder Based on an Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Vásquez-Coronel José A. , Mora Marco , Vilches Karina
Published: September 2022

Orthogonal transformations, proper decomposition, and the Moore–Penrose inverse are traditional methods of obtaining the output layer weights for an extreme learning machine autoencoder. However, an increase in the number of hidden neurons causes higher convergence times and computational complexity, whereas the generalization capability is low when the number of neurons is small. One way to address this issue is to use the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) to minimize the output weights of the extreme learning machine. In this work, we aim to improve the convergence speed of FISTA by using two fast algorithms of the shrinkage-thresholding class, called greedy FISTA (G-FISTA) and linearly convergent FISTA (LC-FISTA). Our method is an exciting proposal for decision-making involving the resolution of many application problems, especially those requiring longer computational times. In our experiments, we adopt six public datasets that are frequently used in machine learning: MNIST, NORB, CIFAR10, UMist, Caltech256, and Stanford Cars. We apply several metrics to evaluate the performance of our method, and the object of comparison is the FISTA algorithm due to its popularity for neural network training. The experimental results show that G-FISTA and LC-FISTA achieve higher convergence speeds in the autoencoder training process; for example, in the Stanford Cars dataset, G-FISTA and LC-FISTA are faster than FISTA by 48.42% and 47.32%, respectively. Overall, all three algorithms maintain good values of the performance metrics on all databases.
A Theoretical Method for Removal of Gravity-Induced Effects in Silicon Wafer Geometry Measurements
Authors: Trujillo-Sevilla Juan M. , Gaudestad Jan , Rodríguez-Ramos José M.
Published: September 2022

In the current study, an improved method to obtain measurements of geometry of silicon wafers capable of removing the effect induced by gravity and the contact of supports is presented. The classical method only requires two measurements, while the proposed method requires several images. Nevertheless, the classical method relies on the perfect placement and alignment of the wafer over the supports, while the proposed method is strongly immune against misplacing and misaligning the wafer from one measurement to another. The mathematical basis for the new method is presented together with results of a simulation that compares the performance of the classical and the proposed method. It is also shown that, for placement errors as small as 100 nm, the proposed method has better results than the classical method.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Risk Derived from Exposure to Pesticides in Corn Producers in Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: Rivera Antonio , Cedillo Ramírez Lilia , Parraguirre Lezama Conrado , Baez Simon Alfredo , Laug Garcia Beatriz , Romero-Arenas Omar
Published: September 2022

Corn cultivation represents the largest type of agricultural production in Mexico, with great economic, social, and cultural importance. The health of corn producers could be compromised by the extensive and accumulated use of pesticides. The effects of pesticides in terms of their cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in two groups of peasant maize producers in Tlaxcala, Mexico, were considered here. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay was used as an indicator of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, along with nuclear abnormalities present in farmers who had used pesticides in the last thirty years. In total, 21 commercial products used in corn production were identified, mainly herbicides belonging to the chlorophenoxy, triazine, and organophosphate compounds; in addition, it was observed that a small group of farmers use the active ingredient carbofuran, as well as insecticides and fungicides. The results show that farmers with higher pesticide use present higher rates of cytotoxic and genotoxic damage compared to the group of producers with higher incidence rates of agroecological practices and lower rates of pesticide use, as revealed by the micronucleus assay, as well as by nuclear abnormalities present in the epithelial cells of the buccal mucosa. The agroecological farmer group used only herbicides, with the 2,4-D (Hierbamina) being the greatest use in maize cultivation.
Vibration Response Analysis of Overhead System Regarding Train-Track-Bridge Dynamic Interaction
Authors: Fan Xiangyan , Liu Laijun , Wang Xiaodan , Cao Jincheng , Cheng Wenjie
Published: September 2022

Based on the paucity of studies on the analysis of the coupled vibration response of the train-track-overhead System, in this article, finite element software ABAQUS was integrated with multi-body dynamics software, Universal Mechanism (UM), to construct a joint simulation model of the train-track overhead system under a railway line, with the focus on the investigation of the influence of different track irregularity levels, speeds and damping coefficients on the coupled vibration response of the vehicle-track-overhead system. The findings demonstrate that the response of the train body is sensitive to track irregularity, which primarily impacts the safety index of train operation. The results also suggest that the level of track irregularity should be rigorously regulated above AAR5 during construction. The train-track-overhead system functions well and satisfies the overhead system’s design requirements when the train travels through the reinforced line at a speed of no more than 60 km/h. When the train speed is 100 km/h, the vertical acceleration exceeds the limit for the “I” overhead system. There is a possibility of excessive lateral acceleration of the train body and excessive lateral force of the wheel and rail when the train speed is greater than 60 km/h, which endangers the safety of the driver. While it has little effect on the mid-span and vertical displacements, the damping factor of the bridge has a substantial impact on the vertical acceleration and mid-span acceleration of the vertical and horizontal beams. The study’s findings provide useful guidance.
The Effect of “Directness” of the Distance Metric to Produce Compact and Accurate Associative Classification Models
Authors: Mattiev Jamolbek , Meza Christopher , Kavsek Branko
Published: September 2022

Machine learning techniques are ever prevalent as datasets continue to grow daily. Associative classification (AC), which combines classification and association rule mining algorithms, plays an important role in understanding big datasets that generate a large number of rules. Clustering, on the other hand, can contribute by reducing the rule space to produce compact models. The above-mentioned facts were the main motivation for this research work. We propose a new distance (similarity) metric based on “direct” and “indirect” measures and explain the overall importance of this method, which can produce compact and accurate models. Specifically, we aim to employ agglomerative hierarchical clustering to develop new associative classification models that contain a lower number of rules. Furthermore, a new strategy (based on the cluster center) is presented to extract the representative rule for each cluster. Twelve real-world datasets were evaluated experimentally for accuracy and compactness, and the results were compared to those of previously established associative classifiers. The results show that our method outperformed the other algorithms in terms of classifier size on most of the datasets, while still being as accurate in classification.
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity in Composite Porous Media
Authors: Rojas Jhan Piero , Ruge Juan Carlos , Carrillo Gustavo Adolfo
Published: September 2022

Determining the constitutive properties that describe the incipient hydraulic behavior of the materials, including the matrix domains and the distribution of macro and micropores, is crucial to analyzing the preferential water flow in saturated soils, ks, and unsaturated, ku. This study focused on determining the hydraulic conductivity in porous media under total and partial saturation conditions. The infiltration characteristics of three reconstituted soils were evaluated using five suction ranges employing conventional permeameters, an automated dual system, and mini-disk infiltrometers. The experimental cycles were carried out in granular soils with mixtures of diatomaceous soils, iron oxide (Fe2O3), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in 5–40% proportions. The differences between the granular microstructures of each material and the different hydraulic interaction mechanisms (suctione levels) significantly affected the values of ks and ku and the coupling between the pore domains and the defined water regime. Additionally, a lower impact was observed in the data set exposed to higher percentages of Fe2O3 and CaCO3 in different suction ranges, mainly due to a tension effect (meniscus) generated by suction in the granular skeleton. Since both parameters are mutually correlated and have a similar impact between methods and soil cores, ks and ku must be optimized simultaneously in each mechanism analyzed. The main findings of this work result in the confirmation that the unsaturated permeability decreases as suction is imposed on the sample. As well as the addition of different materials with Particle Size Distribution finer than the base sample, it also reveals a reduction in hydraulic conductivity, both saturated and unsaturated.
A Framework of Wearable Sensor-System Development for Urban 3D Modeling
Authors: Choi Kanghyeok , Kim Changjae
Published: September 2022

Recently, with the expansion of the smart city and autonomous driving-related technologies within complex urban structures, there has been an increase in the demand for precise 3D modeling technology. Wearable sensor systems can contribute to the construction of seamless 3D models for complex urban environments, as they can be utilized in various environments that are difficult to access using other sensor systems. Consequently, various studies have developed and utilized wearable sensor systems suitable for different target sites and purposes. However, studies have not yet suggested an overall framework for building a wearable system, including a system design method and an optimal calibration process. Therefore, this study aims to propose a framework for wearable system development, by presenting guidelines for wearable sensor system design and a calibration framework optimized for wearable sensor systems. Furthermore, calibration based on point–plane correspondences is proposed. A wearable sensor system was developed based on the proposed guidelines and it efficiently acquired data; the system calibration and data fusion results for the proposed framework showed improved performance in a comparative evaluation.
Towards the Integration and Automation of the Design Process for Domestic Drinking-Water and Sewerage Systems with BIM
Authors: Atencio Edison , Araya Pablo , Oyarce Francisco , Herrera Rodrigo F. , Muñoz-La Rivera Felipe , Lozano-Galant Fidel
Published: September 2022

The use of building information modelling (BIM) in construction projects is expanding, and its usability throughout building lifecycles, from planning and construction to operation and maintenance, is gaining increasing proof. In the design of domestic drinking-water and sewerage systems (DDWSSs), BIM focuses on coordinating disciplines and their design. Despite studies promoting BIM environments for DDWSSs that take into account the regulatory frameworks of corresponding countries, these efforts do not include the use of parametric tools that enhance the efficiency of the design process. Therefore, engineers still use conventional 2D design, which requires many rounds of iteration, and manual work is also generally still used. In this research, we developed and validated an intuitive methodology for solving a specific DDWSS problem, using a design science research method (DSRM) as an applied science approach. This was addressed by developing an artefact and validating it through two case studies. The obtained solution combines BIM models and parametric tools to automate the manual activities of the traditional design method. This article aims to bring abstract BIM concepts into practice and encourage researchers and engineers to adopt BIM for DDWSSs.