bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dual-Pathway Perspective on Food Choices in Adolescents: The Role of Loss of Control Over Eating
Authors: Van Malderen Eva , Kemps Eva , Claes Laurence , Verbeken Sandra , Goossens Lien
Published: March 2021

Introduction

One in three adolescents frequently consume unhealthy snacks, which is associated with negative developmental outcomes. To date, it remains unclear how intrapersonal factors account for food choices in adolescents. Guided by the dual-pathway model, the current study aimed to: (1) examine the joint contribution of inhibitory control and attentional bias in predicting unhealthy food choices in adolescents, and (2) determine whether this mechanism is more pronounced in adolescents who experience loss of control over eating (LOC).

Materials and Methods

A community sample of 80 adolescents (65% female; 10–17 years old,Mage= 13.28,SD= 1.94) was recruited. Based on a self-report questionnaire, 28.7% of this sample reported at least one episode of LOC over the past month. Food choice was assessed using a computerized food choice task. Both inhibitory control and attentional bias were measured with behavioral tasks (go/no-go and dot probe task, respectively). Binary logistic regressions were conducted to address the research questions.

Results

Inhibitory control and attentional bias did not significantly interact to predict unhealthy food choices. However, there was a significant three-way interaction between inhibitory control, attentional bias and LOC. For adolescents without LOC, the combination of poor inhibitory control and low attentional bias was significantly associated with unhealthy food choice. Surprisingly, for adolescents with LOC, there was no significant association between unhealthy food choice and inhibitory control or attentional bias.

Discussion

Dual-pathway processes do not seem to add to the explanation of food choice behavior for adolescents with LOC. For adolescents who do not experience LOC, those with poor inhibitory control combined with low attentional bias might be at particular risk for making unhealthy food choices.
Not All in the Same Boat. Socioeconomic Differences in Marital Stress and Satisfaction During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Turliuc Maria Nicoleta , Candel Octav Sorin
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global threat that affects a large part of the population, but the risks associated with it are higher for some people compared with others. Previous studies show that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with more chronic stress and less marital satisfaction. Thus, the uncertainty caused by the pandemic might greatly affect those who were already vulnerable. This longitudinal study explores the extent to which stress originated outside (external) and inside (internal) the relationship is associated with marital satisfaction during the Covid-19 pandemic and whether the associations are different based on the socioeconomic status of the participants. The study was conducted at two points in time (first, immediately after the national lockdown was instituted; second, after the lockdown ended) with a sample of 144 married Romanian couples. We used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model with Mediation and multi-group SEM analysis. Higher levels of external stress were associated with subsequent lower marital satisfaction for women with higher SES. For the couples with lower SES, men's level of internal stress during the first assessment mediated the relationship between their higher level of external stress at the first time point and their partner's lower marital satisfaction during the second assessment. Our results show that men and women respond differently during a crisis and that couples with lower SES are more prone to greater stress and lower levels of marital satisfaction. We finally suggest that the therapists, health professionals, policy makers, and researchers should take into account the existing vulnerabilities of a couple when offering psychological and health services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gender Differences in Digital Learning During COVID-19: Competence Beliefs, Intrinsic Value, Learning Engagement, and Perceived Teacher Support
Authors: Korlat Selma , Kollmayer Marlene , Holzer Julia , Lüftenegger Marko , Pelikan Elisabeth Rosa , Schober Barbara , Spiel Christiane
Published: March 2021

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic quickly necessitated digital learning, which bore challenges for all pupils but especially for groups disadvantaged in a virtual classroom. As some studies indicate persistent differences between boys and girls in use of technologies and related skills, the aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in the digital learning environment students faced in spring 2020. Previous studies investigating gender differences in digital learning largely used biological sex as the only indicator of gender. This study includes both biological sex and gender role self-concept in order to investigate the role of gender in different components of this stereotyped domain in a more differentiated way. A total of 19,190 Austrian secondary school students (61.9% girls, Mage = 14.55, SDage = 2.49, age range 10–21) participated in an online study in April 2020 and answered questions regarding their competence beliefs, intrinsic value, engagement, and perceived teacher support in digital learning during the pandemic-induced school closures. Results showed higher perceived teacher support, intrinsic value, and learning engagement among girls than boys, while no significant sex differences were found in competence beliefs regarding digital learning. Furthermore, our results indicated clear benefits of an androgynous gender role self-concept for all studied components of digital learning. Implications of the findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Compromised Conscience: A Scoping Review of Moral Injury Among Firefighters, Paramedics, and Police Officers
Authors: Lentz Liana M. , Smith-MacDonald Lorraine , Malloy David , Carleton R. Nicholas , Brémault-Phillips Suzette
Published: March 2021

Background

Public Safety Personnel (e.g., firefighters, paramedics, and police officers) are routinely exposed to human suffering and need to make quick, morally challenging decisions. Such decisions can affect their psychological wellbeing. Participating in or observing an event or situation that conflicts with personal values can potentially lead to the development of moral injury. Common stressors associated with moral injury include betrayal, inability to prevent death or harm, and ethical dilemmas. Potentially psychologically traumatic event exposures and post-traumatic stress disorder can be comorbid with moral injury; however, moral injury extends beyond fear to include spiritual, cognitive, emotional or existential struggles, which can produce feelings of severe shame, guilt, and anger.

Objective

This scoping review was designed to identify the extant empirical research regarding the construct of moral injury, its associated constructs, and how it relates to moral distress in firefighters, paramedics, and police officers.

Methods

A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed research was conducted using databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsychInfo, CINHAL PLUS, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Included studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria before being manually extracted and independently screened by two reviewers.

Results

The initial database search returned 777 articles, 506 of which remained after removal of duplicates. Following review of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 32 studies were included in the current review. Participants in the articles were primarily police officers, with fewer articles focusing on paramedics and firefighters. There were two studies that included mixed populations (i.e., one study with police officers, firefighters, and other emergency service workers; one study with paramedic and firefighter incident commanders). Most studies were qualitative and focused on four topics: values, ethical decision-making, organizational betrayal, and spirituality.

Conclusion

Public safety organizations appear to recognize the experience of moral distress or moral injury among public safety personnel that results from disconnects between personal core values, formal and informal organizational values, vocational duties, and expectations. Further research is needed to better understand moral distress or moral injury specific to public safety personnel and inform training and treatment in support of public safety personnel mental health.
A Scientometric Systematic Review of Entrepreneurial Wellbeing Knowledge Production
Authors: Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Espinosa-Cristia Juan Felipe , Salazar-Sepulveda Guido , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Ariza-Montes Antonio
Published: March 2021

This article presents a scientometric study regarding entrepreneurship and its relationship with wellbeing. The study presents a systematic review and measures impact and relational character to identify the relevance of countries, research organizations, and authors in the field of entrepreneurial wellbeing. The study poses the following research questions: What is the nature of the evolution of scientific knowledge in the entrepreneurial wellbeing field? What is the nature of the concentration in terms of geographical distribution and co-authorship level of knowledge production in the entrepreneurial wellbeing field? What are the knowledge trends in knowledge production for entrepreneurial wellbeing literature? The contribution of this research is two-fold. First, in terms of methodology, it contributes study into the use of a more robust approach to search for the scientometric trends about entrepreneurship wellbeing in addition to the PRISMA review tools and the PICOS eligibility criteria. Secondly, the study presents research updates in the search for results for the last 2 years of knowledge production. This upgrade is particularly important in a research field that presents exponential growth, where 2019 and 2020 presented almost double the amount of knowledge production compared to 2017 and 2018.
Correlates of Psychological Distress Among Pakistani Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Parallel and Serial Mediation Analyses
Authors: Ashraf Farzana , Zareen Gull , Nusrat Aasia , Arif Amna , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2021

Objective: The global outbreak of COVID-19 has greatly affected individual's lives around the world and resulted in various negative psychological consequences. During the pandemic, reflection on and attention to COVID-19 may help in dealing with its symptomology but frequent and persistent thoughts about the situation can be unhealthy. The present study examined the direct and indirect associations between obsession concerning COVID-19, psychological distress, life satisfaction, and meaning in life.

Design: This mediation study presents a primary analysis of normative data collected after the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Parametric bootstrapping was used to test the mediation models of subjective well-being, the extent of the effect, and meaning in life as parallel and serial mediators concerning the associations between COVID-19 obsession and psychological distress measures.

Setting: A sample of 1,002 adults (45% men and 55% women) were recruited utilizing an online survey between April to May 2020. They were aged between 19 and 45 years (M = 24.30, SD = 7.29) and normalized on population characteristics.

Results: Two out of three mediators in parallel mediation fully mediated the relationship between obsession and psychological distress (total effect = 0.443, SE = 0.050, p < 0.0001) illustrating that high-level obsessions were associated with low levels of satisfaction with life and presence of meaning in life and search for meaning in life. Psychological distress is likely to decrease in the presence of a high level of satisfaction with life and meaning. Moreover, satisfaction with life and search for meaning in life significantly mediated the association between COVID-19 obsession (z=-3.507, p < 0.0001 and z = −2.632, p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: The present study showed that life satisfaction and search for meaning in life may play a significant role in decreasing psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Clinician-Scientist Development in Child Psychiatry: A Four-Domain Model for Individual or Programmatic Self-Reflection
Authors: Calhoun Amanda , Herrington Olivia D. , Leckman James F. , Martin Andrés
Published: March 2021

Background: The Albert J. Solnit Integrated Training Program (AJSP) is a novel educational initiative designed to prepare physician-scientists for independent careers in the investigation and treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to explore the impact and active components of the AJSP through hour-long individual interviews of its enrollees and graduates. We were specifically interested in identifying individual or programmatic traits for success that could be replicated elsewhere. As components of our theoretical framework, we used sources on Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) Analysis as applied to healthcare, and on mentorship and career development as pertaining to child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP).

Results: Thirty-four individuals matriculated into the AJSP between 2004 and 2020, 33 (97%) of whom participated. Through iterative thematic analysis, we developed a model consisting of quadrants resulting from the intersection of a developmental perspective (spanning professional or personal spheres) and a reflective direction (with outward- or inward-facing vantage points). The model can be of practical utility through putative questions that trainees/program leaders could ask themselves by using the four domains as points of departure: (I) Individual: “Is becoming a clinician-scientist right for me?”/“What traits are we looking for in prospective applicants?”; (II) Program: “Is this the right program for me?”/“What is the right balance between structure and freedom for trainees to thrive in?”; (III) Mentorship: “What is the right number and constellation of mentors for me?”/“How can we optimize our experience and backgrounds toward the benefit of our trainees?”; and (IV) Charting Course: “Who do I want to become?”/“How can we help our charges embrace, find, or reconnect with their true vocation?”

Conclusion: Our analytic approach can help identify, refine, and replicate programs that are urgently needed to increase the workforce of clinician-scientists dedicated to improving the well-being and mental health of children and families. The model we describe can be fruitfully applied to the self-reflection by individuals or program leaders. Although based on a single program with very specific goals, the model could also be applied to other training initiatives within psychiatry—and beyond.
Utilization of Mycophenolic Acid, Azathioprine, Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin, Sirolimus, and Everolimus: Multinational Study
Authors: Sahman Majda , Mugosa Snezana , Rancic Nemanja
Published: March 2021

Background: Organ transplantations are difficult, complicated and very expensive interventions. In order to preserve the transplanted organs, it is necessary to provide medical care to the patients in terms of immunosuppression. According to the guidelines, the first-line therapy choices for achieving immunosuppression after transplantation are tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolic acid, azathioprine, sirolimus, everolimus„ and corticosteroids. The aim of our study was to examine the utilization of this drugs in Montenegro and to compare the results with the ones from Finland, Croatia, and Serbia.

Methods: In our investigation we used Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) methodology. Prices per DDD of drugs are presented in euros (€).

Results: In all observed countries, there is a positive trend in the consumption of all 6 drugs during the analyzed period. The prices per DDD of these drugs generally show a negative trend. Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid in Montenegro recorded the largest reduction in the price per DDD. Price per one DDD of tacrolimus decreased from €13.28 in 2009 to €5.11 in 2019, thus by about 260%, and as regards mycophenolic acid, the price per one DDD decreased from €9.59 in 2009 to € 3.36 in 2019, thus by almost 300%.

Conclusion: Despite the reduction in the price per DDD, drugs that are used as immunosuppressants are showing increasing costs from year to year. Since these drugs are expensive, they participate in a significant percentage in the budget for medicines in each country.
Development and Grasp Stability Estimation of Sensorized Soft Robotic Hand
Authors: Khin P. M. , Low Jin H. , Ang Marcelo H. , Yeow Chen H.
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces the development of an anthropomorphic soft robotic hand integrated with multiple flexible force sensors in the fingers. By leveraging on the integrated force sensing mechanism, grip state estimation networks have been developed. The robotic hand was tasked to hold the given object on the table for 1.5 s and lift it up within 1 s. The object manipulation experiment of grasping and lifting the given objects were conducted with various pneumatic pressure (50, 80, and 120 kPa). Learning networks were developed to estimate occurrence of object instability and slippage due to acceleration of the robot or insufficient grasp strength. Hence the grip state estimation network can potentially feedback object stability status to the pneumatic control system. This would allow the pneumatic system to use suitable pneumatic pressure to efficiently handle different objects, i.e., lower pneumatic pressure (50 kPa) for lightweight objects which do not require high grasping strength. The learning process of the soft hand is made challenging by curating a diverse selection of daily objects, some of which displays dynamic change in shape upon grasping. To address the cost of collecting extensive training datasets, we adopted one-shot learning (OSL) technique with a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network. OSL aims to allow the networks to learn based on limited training data. It also promotes the scalability of the network to accommodate more grasping objects in the future. Three types of LSTM-based networks have been developed and their performance has been evaluated in this study. Among the three LSTM networks, triplet network achieved overall stability estimation accuracy at 89.96%, followed by LSTM network with 88.00% and Siamese LSTM network with 85.16%.
Immunomodulating Profile of Dental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Paganelli Alessia , Trubiani Oriana , Diomede Francesca , Pisciotta Alessandra , Paganelli Roberto
Published: March 2021

Dental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells present in dental tissues, characterized by plastic adherence in culture and specific surface markers (CD105, CD73, CD90, STRO-1, CD106, and CD146), common to all other MSC subtypes. Dental pulp, periodontal ligament, apical papilla, human exfoliated deciduous teeth, alveolar bone, dental follicle, tooth germ, and gingiva are all different sources for isolation and expansion of MSCs. Dental MSCs have regenerative and immunomodulatory properties; they are scarcely immunogenic but actively modulate T cell reactivity.in vitrostudies and animal models of autoimmune diseases have provided evidence for the suppressive effects of dental MSCs on peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation, clearance of apoptotic cells, and promotion of a shift in the Treg/Th17 cell ratio. Appropriately stimulated MSCs produce anti-inflammatory mediators, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), prostaglandin E2, and interleukin (IL)-10. A particular mechanism through which MSCs exert their immunomodulatory action isviathe production of extracellular vesicles containing such anti-inflammatory mediators. Recent studies demonstrated MSC-mediated inhibitory effects both on monocytes and activated macrophages, promoting their polarization to an anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype. A growing number of trials focusing on MSCs to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are ongoing, but very few use dental tissue as a cellular source. Recent results suggest that dental MSCs are a promising therapeutic tool for immune-mediated disorders. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for dental MSC-mediated immunosuppression remain to be clarified, and impairment of dental MSCs immunosuppressive function in inflammatory conditions and aging must be assessed before considering autologous MSCs or their secreted vesicles for therapeutic purposes.
A Critical Overview of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Medicine Over the Last Decade
Authors: Camargo Garbin Livia , Lopez Catalina , Carmona Jorge U.
Published: March 2021

In the 1990s, the role of platelets in inflammation and tissue healing was finally recognized. Since then, the clinical use of platelet-derived products (hemocomponents), such as, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), markedly increased. The promise of a more economical option of a disease-modifying treatment led to the intensive and continuous research of PRP products and to its widespread clinical use. A number of protocols and commercial kits have been developed with the intention of creating a more practical and reliable option for clinical use in equine patients. Still, the direct comparison between studies is particularly challenging due to the lack of standardization on the preparation methods and product composition. The incomplete reports on PRP cellular concentration and the poorly designed in vivo studies are additional matters that contest the clinical efficiency of this biomaterial. To overcome such challenges, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been proposed. Specifically, experiments have greatly focused in protocol optimization and its effect in different tissues. Additionally, in vivo studies have proposed different biological products envisioning the upgrade of the anti-inflammatory cytokines trusting to increase its anti-inflammatory effect. The individual variability and health status of the animal, type of tissue and condition treated, and protocol implemented are known to influence on the product's cell and cytokine composition. Such variability is a main clinical concern once it can potentially influence on PRP's therapeutic effects. Thus, lack of qualitative and quantitative evidence-based data supporting PRP's clinical use persists, despite of the numerous studies intended to accomplish this purpose. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the main research published in the past decade and how it can potentially impact the clinical use of PRP.
The Mechanics of Social Interactions Between Cats and Their Owners
Authors: Turner Dennis C.
Published: March 2021

This is a mini review that summarizes what is known from quantitative observational studies of social interactions between domestic cats and humans in both laboratory colonies and the home setting. Only results from data that have been statistically analyzed are included; hypotheses still to be tested will be declared as such. In some cases, the observational data have been combined with independently collected subjective assessments by the owners of the animals' character and owner personality traits to help interpret the data. Further some relevant experimental studies are also included. All social interactions between cats and humans that are discussed below assume that the animals were socialized to people as kittens, the first topic of this review. Such socialized cats show what might be called “friendliness to humans,” which in turn affects human attachment to the cat. The visual and acoustic behavioral elements used to communicate and interact with other cats can be perceived by people and are also employed by the cats when interacting with them. The initiation, and the initiator of social interactions between cats and humans have been shown to influence both the duration of the interaction bout and total interaction time in the relationship. Compliance with the interactional “wishes” of the partner is positively correlated between the cats and the humans over all human-cat dyads examined. Cats do not spontaneously prefer one gender or age cohort of people, but the humans in those cohorts behave differently to the cats causing the latter to react differentially. The dyadic interaction structure has also been shown to differ between women and men and between older and younger adults. Nevertheless, cats—merely their presence but of course their behavior—can affect human moods and human mood differences have been shown to affect the behavior of the cats. Finally, differences have been found between interactions with purebred and non-purebred cats and between younger and older cats.
Loneliness Among Older Adults in Latin America, China, and India: Prevalence, Correlates and Association With Mortality
Authors: Gao Qian , Prina A. Matthew , Prince Martin , Acosta Daisy , Luisa Sosa Ana , Guerra Mariella , Huang Yueqin , Jimenez-Velazquez Ivonne Z. , Llibre Rodriguez Juan J. , Salas Aquiles , Williams Joseph D. , Liu Zhaorui , Acosta Castillo Isaac , Mayston Rosie
Published: March 2021

Objectives: This study was designed to explore prevalence and correlates of self-reported loneliness and to investigate whether loneliness predicts mortality among older adults (aged 65 or above) in Latin America, China and India.

Methods: The study investigated population-based cross-sectional (2003–2007) and longitudinal surveys (follow-up 2007–2010) from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group project. Poisson regression and Cox regression analyses were conducted to analyse correlates of loneliness and its association with mortality.

Results: The standardised prevalence of loneliness varied between 25.3 and 32.4% in Latin America and was 18.3% in India. China showed a low prevalence of loneliness (3.8%). In pooled meta-analyses, there was robust evidence to support an association between loneliness and mortality across Latin American countries (HR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26, I2 = 10.1%) and China (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.03–2.41), but there were no associations in India.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest potential cultural variances may exist in the concept of loneliness in older age. The effect of loneliness upon mortality is consistent across different cultural settings excluding India. Loneliness should therefore be considered as a potential dimension of public health among older populations.
Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Cerebellum Cortex Fractional Anisotropy in Pre-Adolescents
Authors: Assari Shervin , Boyce Shanika
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Cerebellum cortex fractional anisotropy is a proxy of the integrity of the cerebellum cortex. However, less is known about how it is shaped by race and socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as parental education and household income. Purpose: In a national sample of American pre-adolescents, this study had two aims: to test the effects of two SES indicators, namely parental education and household income, on cerebellum cortex fractional anisotropy, and to explore racial differences in these effects. Methods: Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, we analyzed the diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) data of 9565, 9–10-year-old pre-adolescents. The main outcomes were cerebellum cortex fractional anisotropy separately calculated for right and left hemispheres using dMRI. The independent variables were parental education and household income; both treated as categorical variables. Age, sex, ethnicity, and family marital status were the covariates. Race was the moderator. To analyze the data, we used mixed-effects regression models without and with interaction terms. We controlled for propensity score and MRI device. Results: High parental education and household income were associated with lower right and left cerebellum cortex fractional anisotropy. In the pooled sample, we found significant interactions between race and parental education and household income, suggesting that the effects of parental education and household income on the right and left cerebellum cortex fractional anisotropy are all significantly larger for White than for Black pre-adolescents. Conclusions: The effects of SES indicators, namely parental education and household income, on pre-adolescents’ cerebellum cortex microstructure and integrity are weaker in Black than in White families. This finding is in line with the Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs), defined as weaker effects of SES indicators for Blacks and other racial and minority groups than for Whites.
Polymorphisms at Myostatin Gene (MSTN) and the Associations with Sport Performances in Anglo-Arabian Racehorses
Authors: Pira Emanuela , Vacca Giuseppe Massimo , Dettori Maria Luisa , Piras Gianpiera , Moro Massimiliano , Paschino Pietro , Pazzola Michele
Published: March 2021

One hundred and eighty Anglo-Arabian horses running 1239 races were sampled for the present study. DNA was extracted from the blood and myostatin gene, MSTN, was genotyped. Moreover, prizes won and places were achieved for the 1239 races to perform association analyses between the different genotypes and sport traits. Two SNPs already reported in previous studies regarding the Thoroughbred breed, rs69472472 and rs397152648, were revealed as polymorphic. The linkage disequilibrium analysis investigating the haplotype structure of MSTN did not evidence any association block. Polymorphism at SNP rs397152648, previously known as g.66493737 T>C, significantly influenced sport traits, with heterozygous horses TC showing better results than homozygotes TT. The portion of variance due to the random effect of the individual animal, and the other phenotypic effects of sex, percentage of Arabian blood and race distance, computed together with the genotype at MSTN in the statistical models, exerted a significant influence. Hence, this information is useful to improve knowledge of the genetic profile of Anglo-Arabian horses and a possible selection for better sport performance.
S. aureus Biofilm Protein Expression Linked to Antimicrobial Resistance: A Proteomic Study
Authors: Piras Cristian , Di Ciccio Pierluigi Aldo , Soggiu Alessio , Greco Viviana , Tilocca Bruno , Costanzo Nicola , Ceniti Carlotta , Urbani Andrea , Bonizzi Luigi , Ianieri Adriana , Roncada Paola
Published: March 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most critical challenges that humanity will face in the following years. In this context, a “One Health” approach with an integrated multidisciplinary effort involving humans, animals and their surrounding environment is needed to tackle the spread of AMR. One of the most common ways for bacteria to live is to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can form biofilm on most surfaces and in a wide heterogeneity of environmental conditions. The biofilm guarantees the survival of the S. aureus in harsh environmental conditions and represents an issue for the food industry and animal production. The identification and characterization of biofilm-related proteins may provide interesting insights into biofilm formation mechanisms in S. aureus. In this regard, the aims of this study were: (i) to use proteomics to compare proteomes of S. aureus growing in planktonic and biofilm forms in order to investigate the common features of biofilm formation properties of different strains; (ii) to identify specific biofilm mechanisms that may be involved in AMR. The proteomic analysis showed 14 differentially expressed proteins among biofilm and planktonic forms of S. aureus. Moreover, three proteins, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, were only differentially expressed in strains classified as high biofilm producers. Differentially regulated catabolites metabolisms and the switch to lower oxygen-related metabolisms were related to the sessile conformation analyzed.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Isolated from Broiler Farms at the Tolima Region—Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Roy , Bernal Johan F. , Cifuentes Jimmy F. , Fandiño Luz Clemencia , Herrera-Sánchez María P. , Rondón-Barragán Iang , Verjan Garcia Noel
Published: March 2021

Salmonella is an important animal and human pathogen responsible for Salmonellosis, and it is frequently associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry products. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella in the poultry farms and to determine the genetic relationship. A total of 135 samples collected from fifteen broiler farms, including cloacal, feed, water, environmental and farm operator faeces samples were subjected to microbiological isolation. Molecular confirmation of Salmonella isolates was carried out by amplification of the invA gene, discrimination of d-tartrate-fermenting Salmonella isolates using multiplex PCR, and subsequently analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). A survey questionnaire was conducted to identify potential risk factors for Salmonella presence in broiler farms. The prevalence of Salmonella at the farm level was 26.67%, and Salmonella isolates were serotyped as S. Paratyphi B and all isolates were d-tartrate-fermenting (dT+). PFGE showed three highly similar clusters and one significantly different Salmonella isolate. S. Paratyphi B continued to be present in different links of the poultry chain in the Tolima region, and identification of its main source is necessary to control its dissemination.
Mechanistic Study of the Kinetic Phenomena Influencing the Bacteriostatic Action of Silver Ions in Agar Bioassays
Authors: Cornette de Saint Cyr Louis , Ramadier Guillaume , Ruiz Valencia Azariel , Méricq Jean-Pierre , Soussan Laurence
Published: March 2021

Bacteriostatic action of a biocidal agent results from the cumulative impact of different kinetics, including those of bacterial growth, mass transfer of the agent and its antibacterial action against the targeted bacteria. Current studies on bacteriostatic effects always directly consider the combination of these kinetics at given times, without discrimination between each other. This work introduces a novel approach, consisting of first studying independently, by the experiment and the model, the different kinetics involved, and then in coupling these kinetics to obtain a model that will be confronted with experimental data. An agar diffusion test with silver ions against Escherichia coli bacteria was implemented herein to assess the relevance of this approach. This work achieved to characterize the different kinetics and to propose a dynamic model combining them, which fits the experimental data with a silver diffusivity in the biofilm fixed to 7.0 ± 0.1 × 10−12 m2 s−1. This study also proves that the diffusive phenomenon was limiting the bacteriostatic action of silver ions over the test duration.
Design of External Rotor Ferrite-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor for High Power Density
Authors: Islam Md. Zakirul , Choi Seungdeog , Elbuluk Malik E. , Bonthu Sai Sudheer Reddy , Arafat Akm , Baek Jeihoon
Published: March 2021

The rare-earth (RE) permanent magnets (PM) have been increasingly adopted in traction motor application. However, the RE PM is expensive, less abundant, and has cost uncertainties due to limited market suppliers. This paper presents a new design of a RE-free five-phase ferrite permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor (Fe-PMaSynRM) with the external rotor architecture with a high saliency ratio. In such architecture, the low magnetic coercivity and demagnetization risk of the ferrite PM is the challenge. This limits the number of flux barriers, saliency ratio, and reluctance torque. A precise analytical design procedure of rotor and stator configuration is presented with differential evolution numerical optimizations by utilizing a lumped parameter model. A 3.7 kW prototype is fabricated to validate the proposed idea.
Reduction of the VLF Signal Phase Noise Before Earthquakes
Authors: Nina Aleksandra , Biagi Pier Francesco , Mitrović Srđan T. , Pulinets Sergey , Nico Giovanni , Radovanović Milan , Popović Luka Č.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we analyse temporal variations of the phase of a very low frequency (VLF) signal, used for the lower ionosphere monitoring, in periods around four earthquakes (EQs) with magnitude greater than 4. We provide two analyses in time and frequency domains. First, we analyse time evolution of the phase noise. And second, we examine variations of the frequency spectrum using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in order to detect hydrodynamic wave excitations and attenuations. This study follows a previous investigation which indicated the noise amplitude reduction, and excitations and attenuations of the hydrodynamic waves less than one hour before the considered EQ events as a new potential ionospheric precursors of earthquakes. We analyse the phase of the ICV VLF transmitter signal emitted in Italy recorded in Serbia in time periods around four earthquakes occurred on 3, 4 and 9 November 2010 which are the most intensive earthquakes analysed in the previous study. The obtained results indicate very similar changes in the noise of phase and amplitude, and show an agreement in recorded acoustic wave excitations. However, properties in the obtained wave attenuation characteristics are different for these two signal parameters.
Fractional Newton–Raphson Method Accelerated with Aitken’s Method
Authors: Torres-Hernandez A. , Brambila-Paz F. , Iturrarán-Viveros U. , Caballero-Cruz R.
Published: March 2021

In the following paper, we present a way to accelerate the speed of convergence of the fractional Newton–Raphson (F N–R) method, which seems to have an order of convergence at least linearly for the case in which the order α of the derivative is different from one. A simplified way of constructing the Riemann–Liouville (R–L) fractional operators, fractional integral and fractional derivative is presented along with examples of its application on different functions. Furthermore, an introduction to Aitken’s method is made and it is explained why it has the ability to accelerate the convergence of the iterative methods, in order to finally present the results that were obtained when implementing Aitken’s method in the F N–R method, where it is shown that F N–R with Aitken’s method converges faster than the simple F N–R.
Efficiency Assessment of Seaport Terminal Operators Using DEA Malmquist and Epsilon-Based Measure Models
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Ngoc-Ai-Thy , Fu Hsin-Pin , Hsu Hsien-Pin , Dang Thanh-Tuan
Published: March 2021

Today, over 80% of global trade is seaborne. In a world of global supply chains and complex industrial development processes, seaports and port operators play an integral role of utmost importance and act as an incentive to the development of the marine economy and particularly, the national economy in general. Most importantly, the supply chain and demand shocks of Covid-19 on container ports and the container shipping industry have intensified competition among terminal operators. Thus, it is imperative that managers evaluate competitiveness by measuring their past and current performance efficiency indexes. In so doing, we present a hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that combines the DEA Malmquist method and the epsilon-based measure (EBM) for the first time to address the issue of performance evaluation of seaport terminal operators. The applicability of the proposed hybrid approach is illustrated with a case study of the top 14 seaport companies in Vietnam. First, the Malmquist model is used to assess the total productivity growth rates of the companies, and its decomposition into technical efficiency change (catch-up) and technological investment (frontier-shift). Second, the EBM model is used to calculate the efficiency and inefficiency score of each company. Besides indicating the best-performing companies from certain aspects during the research period (2015–2020), the results reflect that the gap of applying the EBM method in the field of the maritime industry was successfully addressed, and together with the Malmquist model, the integrated framework can be an effective and equitable evaluation model for any area. Furthermore, the managerial implication provides a useful guideline for practitioners in the maritime sector in improving their operational efficacy and helps customers in selecting the best seaport companies in the outsourcing strategy.
Screening Methods for Diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
Authors: Izsák Vera Dóra , Soós Alexandra , Szakács Zsolt , Hegyi Péter , Juhász Márk Félix , Varannai Orsolya , Martonosi Ágnes Rita , Földi Mária , Kozma Alexandra , Vajda Zsolt , Shaw James AM , Párniczky Andrea
Published: March 2021

Background: Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) has become more common due to higher life expectancy with cystic fibrosis. Early recognition and prompt treatment of CFRD leads to improved outcomes. Methods: We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) in order to identify the most valuable diagnostic metrics for diagnosing CFRD out of available screening tools (index test), using the oral glucose tolerance test as a reference standard. Pooled sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and superiority indices were calculated and used to rank the index tests. Results: A total of 31 articles with 25 index tests were eligible for inclusion. Two-day, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) ranked the highest (Se: 86% Sp: 76%), followed by glucose measurement from blood capillary samples (Se: 70%, Sp: 82%) and three-day CGM (Se: 96%, Sp: 56%). When we compared the CGM of different durations, two-day CGM performed best (Se: 88%, Sp: 80%), followed by three-day (Se: 96%, Sp: 59%) and six-day CGM (Se: 66%, Sp: 79%). Conclusions: Considering its overall performance ranking, as well as the high sensitivity, two-day CGM appears to be a promising screening test for CFRD.
Expression and Functional Analysis of the Argonaute Protein of Thermus thermophilus (TtAgo) in E. coli BL21(DE3)
Authors: Xing Jiani , Ma Lixia , Cheng Xinzhen , Ma Jinrong , Wang Ruyu , Xu Kun , Mymryk Joe S. , Zhang Zhiying
Published: March 2021

The prokaryotic Argonaute proteins (pAgos) have been reported to cleave or interfere with DNA targets in a guide-dependent or independent manner. It is often difficult to characterize pAgos in vivo due to the extreme environments favored by their hosts. In the present study, we expressed functional Thermus thermophilus pAgo (TtAgo) in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells at 37 °C. Initial attempts to express TtAgo in BL21(DE3) cells at 37 °C failed. This was not because of TtAgo mediated general toxicity to the host cells, but instead because of TtAgo-induced loss of its expression plasmid. We employed this discovery to establish a screening system for isolating loss-of-function mutants of TtAgo. The E. colifabI gene was used to help select for full-length TtAgo loss of function mutants, as overexpression of fabI renders the cell to be resistant to the triclosan. We isolated and characterized eight mutations in TtAgo that abrogated function. The ability of TtAgo to induce loss of its expression vector in vivo at 37 °C is an unreported function that is mechanistically different from its reported in vitro activity. These results shed light on the mechanisms by which TtAgo functions as a defense against foreign DNA invasion.
Assessing Age-Related Gray Matter Differences in Young Adults with Voxel-Based Morphometry: The Effect of Field Strengths
Authors: Su Feng-Yi , Chen Jyun-Ru , Chen Chun-Ming , Huang Yen-Chih , Peng Shin-Lei
Published: March 2021

Knowing the patterns of brain differences with age in the young population could lead to a better understanding of the causes of certain psychiatric disorders; however, relevant information is insufficient. Here, a pattern of regional gray matter (GM) that changed with age in a young cohort aged 20–30 years was provided. Extending from previous age studies, all participants were imaged at both 1.5 T and 3 T to address the question of how far the field strength influences results. Fifty-nine young participants aged 20–30 years were scanned at both 1.5 T and 3 T. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to estimate the GM volume. Some brain regions showed a significant field strength-dependent difference in GM volume. VBM uncovered a significantly age-related increase in the GM volume in the left visual-associated area at 3 T, which was not detected at 1.5 T. In addition, voxels at 1.5 T that revealed a significant age-related reduction in the GM volume were found in the right cerebellum. In conclusion, age-related differences in human brain morphology could even be detected in a young cohort aged 20–30 years; however, the results varied across field strengths. Thus, field strength should be considered an important factor when comparing age-specific brain differences across studies.
Could Primary Chemoradiotherapy in T2 Glottic Cancers Yield Results Comparable to Primary Radiotherapy in T1? Considerations from 531 German Early Stage Patients
Authors: Dyckhoff Gerhard , Warta Rolf , Herold-Mende Christel , Rudolph Elisabeth , Plinkert Peter K. , Ramroth Heribert
Published: March 2021

T1 glottic cancer is a highly treatable disease with local control (LC) rates over 90% by either primary radiotherapy (pRT) or transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). LC of T2 glottic cancers is 15 percent points poorer on average. However, salvage after pRT entails more than 50% total laryngectomy. Therefore, there is a need for enhanced LC. Altered fractionation regimens improved LC in T1 but not in T2. For this reason, for T2, alternative strategies must be considered. In a large observational cohort study including 531 early-stage laryngeal cancers, a small number of patients were treated with primary chemoradiotherapy (pCRT). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with significantly poorer outcomes included age, comorbidities, supraglottic localization, and T category. While there was a significant difference between pRT and surgery (HR 1.79; 95%-CI: 1.15–2.79), there was none between pCRT and surgery (HR 0.70; 95%-CI: 0.33–1.51). There is evidence from the literature that pCRT in early glottic cancers could yield results that surpass the limits so far experienced in radiotherapy alone with acceptable toxicity. Thus, prospective randomized studies with larger numbers of patients are warranted.
Introduction of a Variant Classification System for Analysis of Genotype-Phenotype Relationships in Heritable Retinoblastoma
Authors: Hülsenbeck Isabel , Frank Mirjam , Biewald Eva , Kanber Deniz , Lohmann Dietmar R. , Ketteler Petra
Published: March 2021

Constitutional haploinsufficiency of the RB1 gene causes heritable retinoblastoma, a tumor predisposition syndrome. Patients with heritable retinoblastoma develop multiple retinoblastomas early in childhood and other extraocular tumors later in life. Constitutional pathogenic variants in RB1 are heterogeneous, and a few genotype-phenotype correlations have been described. To identify further genotype-phenotype relationships, we developed the retinoblastoma variant effect classification (REC), which considers each variant’s predicted effects on the common causal mediator, RB1 protein pRB. For validation, the RB1 variants of 287 patients were grouped according to REC. Multiple aspects of phenotypic expression were analyzed, known genotype-phenotype associations were revised, and new relationships were explored. Phenotypic expression of patients with REC-I, -II, and -III was distinct. Remarkably, the phenotype of patients with variants causing residual amounts of truncated pRB (REC-I) was more severe than patients with complete loss of RB1 (REC-II). The age of diagnosis of REC-I variants appeared to be distinct depending on truncation’s localization relative to pRB structure domains. REC classes identify genotype-phenotype relationships and, therefore, this classification framework may serve as a tool to develop tailored tumor screening programs depending on the type of RB1 variant.