bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Political Marketing on the Electoral Behavior of Greek Voters
Authors: Sophocleous Harry , Anastasiadou Sofia , Masouras Andreas , Apostolopoulos Sotiris
Published: May 2024

The current paper is positioned primarily on the statement that the voter is influenced by political communication and political marketing, produced by the political system and the political markets in particular, and which is partly shaped by the political issues of society. Accordingly, the specific study is established on the fact that electoral behaviour is a practice of consumer behaviour and consequently, the voter is the prospective consumer of the political marketing mix, produced by the political system. In this respect, the paper gives a relevant theoretical background regarding voters’ behaviour and political marketing. More specifically, research involved a survey through the use of a structured questionnaire with closed questions and the use of a 5-point Linkert Scale, which allows the measuring of the impact of the factors that are forming the marketing mix of the Greek political market. The survey occurred electronically, with the use of a convenient sample, with 605 Greek citizens with electoral right. The answers were given between the 27th of June and the 11th of July 2023, just after the two subsequent electoral contests. The particular timing was preferred, in order to obtain the reflection of a clear electoral output and therefore, to attain the monitoring of a transparent impact of the political marketing. Beyond the favorable timing, another reason for which the Greek case was preferred, is the fact that there is a favorable ground for the particular field, and the specific research is likely to contribute to the existing research gap by focusing on the impact of political marketing produced by the Greek political market. In conclusion, the research demonstrates and measures the electorate impact of the various elements of the political marketing mix.
Factors Affecting Pay TV Consumption: An Exploratory Study in Greece
Authors: Striligkas Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of socio-demographic factors that influence the use of Pay TV usage in Greece. We try to understand the impact of the continuous innovations in the media, information, and communication technology (ICT) industries, such as Over the Top services (OTT) which have allowed consumers to access video content anytime and anywhere through various devices. The research aims to highlight the unique challenges that Greek television companies face, including socio-economic characteristics and technological factors. Through quantitative research, the influence of various socio-demographic factors on the likelihood of being an OTT TV user are examined. Panel data analysis and cluster analysis are conducted to identify which factors affect pay TV usage. Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority analyzed for the period 2016 up to 2022, that refer to the usage of information and communication technologies by households and individuals. Results suggest that age, income, education level and urbanization degree are positive predictors of OTT pay tv consumption. New directions for television businesses’ models concerning new trends in TV consumption and the rise of broadband services are suggested.
Online Marketing Strategies Used in the Promotion of Dietary Supplements in Romania
Authors: Briciu Arabela , Briciu Victor-Alexandru , Cogean Claudiu Vasile , Gulpe Ana-Maria
Published: May 2024

The sale of dietary supplements in Romania has become increasingly important, competition is high and the online environment is an important channel for communication, promotion and sales. With the growth of online sales of dietary supplements, the increase in the number of users on social media platforms and mobile applications, there has been a significant increase in the number of companies that have chosen to promote their products online. Apart from that, there are other reasons for intensive online promotion: low cost, control and sorting of the target audience, analysis of the results, but also the lack of Romanian regulated legislation controlling online advertising of dietary supplements and especially on social media platforms. In this paper, we aim to identify the online marketing strategies used in the promotion of dietary supplements by five leading Romanian companies according to a study conducted in 2020 by the publication “Ziarul Financiar”, conducting a content analysis of how these companies promote themselves online and what strategies they use for this purpose. The data obtained from the analysis reveals that the online marketing tactics and strategies adopted are designed to increase the market visibility of dietary supplement companies, and that companies that develop strategies such as affiliate marketing, association with a virtual community or discussion group, etc., stand to gain. This approach and the results obtained can be helpful and relevant to specialists in the field.
Reaching Organization Productivity and Innovation Through Customer Satisfaction: The Case Study of Greek Mobile Market
Authors: Kargas Antonios , Gkika Eleni C. , Komisopoulos Faidon , Ntanos Stamatios , Drosos Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

The telecommunication industry has been for decades one of the most innovative business sectors, not only in terms of technologies but moreover in terms of organizational changes and services provided. Especially mobile market has been the field of implementation for new strategies regarding customer satisfaction and business productivity. This research aims to enlight the relationship between customer satisfaction and business productivity in the Greek mobile market. A quantitative methodology and actual data about mobile services usage were adopted to evaluate customers’ satisfaction. Moreover, a series of productivity and customers’ satisfaction indexes were used to confirm research hypotheses. Results indicate that market penetration plays crucial role, by providing interconnection with other users through the same mobile network. Proposed research provides evidence about why, in the current digital era, social media as a means of interconnection between end—users seem to constantly play more and more significant role in their daily communication.
The Contribution of Education to the Creation of Tax Awareness and Compliance
Authors: Gonidakis Fragiskos K. , Asonitou Sofia , Kottara Chara , Kavalieraki-Foka Dimitra , Gkotsina Efstathia
Published: May 2024

Global effort takes place by governments to tackle low levels of tax awareness, compliance and ethics and a big number of researchers examine the relationship among tax education, tax compliance and tax ethos. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between education, tax awareness among young people and students’ perceptions of tax education. Tax compliance is a critical aspect of a well-ordered and developed society and tax ethos plays an important role in the creation of individuals’ tax behavior. The study highlights the role of tax education and its influence on tax compliance and tax ethics. The authors conducted a pilot quantitative study involving 52 students from Greek Universities that is part of a bigger research. Results showed lack of effective tax education and is presented the need for targeted interventions to improve tax education, awareness and compliance of young people in Greece. This study provides valuable insights for the relationship between education and tax awareness that may benefit the government to understand the importance and effectiveness of tax education, for citizens at Greece to acquire tax awareness and compliance.
Netnographic Study on the Adoption of Inbound Marketing by E-Commerce Platforms in Algeria
Authors: Meslem Hanane , Abbaci Ayoub
Published: May 2024

This research studies the adoption of inbound marketing by E-commerce platforms in Algeria. The analysis is based on an observational and a Netnographic study which was done by the authors and supported by traffic statistics from Similar Web. An observation of the combination of inbound marketing techniques was carried out on a couple of Algerian platforms, with a view to extracting a set of guideline principles to leverage the incoming approach. These techniques were chosen based on what we deemed most suitable for our cases in the literature review. The results generated several key recommendations aiming to improve the effectiveness of the inbound approach, particularly within e-commerce platforms in Algeria.
Characteristics of Romanian Online Recruitment Websites and Students’ Use
Authors: Mardache Andreea Claudia , Balasescu Melisa Florina
Published: May 2024

Technology has increasingly changed the way human resource (HR) function achieves its goals. Organizations seek agile employees who can cope with continuous changes in a complex and uncertain environment. Effective recruitment is closely related to talent management, as organizations are interested in attracting talented people who can give a competitive advantage for the organization. The use of technology and artificial intelligence in recruitment will increasingly enable the creation of profiles that help organizations attract the best candidates for vacancies. In this context, due to its multiple advantages both for organizations and candidates, online recruitment is increasingly being used. However, it is important to be aware of the various problems associated with online recruitment and to find solutions in solving them. In this study, we conducted a content analysis of ten of the most popular recruitment websites in Romania, according to a wide range of criteria concerning the jobs on offer, but also the features of the sites. Moreover, we also conducted an exploratory survey (with a sample of 200 students) in order to identify the perception and use of these recruitment websites by students and recent university graduates. Recruitment websites are more and more complex and offer diverse and useful tools for users. Some of them already use artificial intelligence to help users identify the most compatible job. Students and recent university graduates predominantly use such websites when they are looking for a job.
Sustainability Through Local Gastronomy: The Case of Wild Rabbit’s Consumption in Lemnos Island, Greece
Authors: Vasios Georgios K. , Gialeli Maria , Antoniadis Ioannis , Troumbis Andreas Y.
Published: May 2024

For more than two decades in Lemnos island an overpopulation of the European Wild Rabbit (WR) (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is recorded despite its sustainable presence from ancient times. This disruption of ecological balance is causing significant economic loss in farmers and social conflicts among local stakeholders. Various actions to reduce WR population failed, resulting a yearly compensation for farmers’ production loss, a policy that manages the impact but not the problem itself. This study aims to re-evaluate the WR issue in Lemnos by studying the socio-economic and ecological dynamics of re-introducing WR meat as a commodity of the local gastronomy. Data from agricultural and hunting associations and local restaurants were collected and a purposive sample of thirteen stakeholders was chosen for semi-structured interviews. Results showed (a) increasing numbers of WR in the island, (b) declining interest in hunting them by hunters, (c) institutional restrictions on processing and selling their meat, and (d) reluctance to introduce them to restaurant menus by their owners, with only two restaurants offering traditional recipes of WR. In contrast to negative existing situation, most of the stakeholders could understand the potential of utilizing the WR meat in various modern ways, with and beyond its traditional use as rabbit stew (stifado), even though they were reluctant to take action until now. Implementing sustainability is a complex task demanding participatory processes and holistic understanding of the system involved. The WR problem in Lemnos has all the potential to be solved through local gastronomy, but to implement it will take a little bit longer.
Corruption Is a Management Issue
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter argues that corruption is as much a management issue as it is a political one, before looking at various management systems that can be explored. It then emphasises the importance of language, as well as context.
Deciding What Actions to Take
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter explains how to decide on concrete actions, drawing on the broad framing and detailed measures outlined in Chaps. 6 and 7. It introduces the SFRA Matrix to provide guidance on selecting options and offers a range of different ‘lenses’ that can help determine the most feasible choices.
Last Words
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter provides brief final thoughts, emphasising the role of leadership and the importance of building integrity into the DNA of an organisation.
A collinear perspective on the Regge limit
Authors: Gao Anjie , Moult Ian , Raman Sanjay , Ridgway Gregory , Stewart Iain W.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The high energy (Regge) limit provides a playground for understanding all loop structures of scattering amplitudes, and plays an important role in the description of many phenomenologically relevant cross-sections. While well understood in the planar limit, the structure of non-planar corrections introduces many fascinating complexities, for which a general organizing principle is still lacking. We study the structure of multi-reggeon exchanges in the context of the effective field theory for forward scattering, and derive their factorization into collinear operators (impact factors) and soft operators. We derive the structure of the renormalization group consistency equations in the effective theory, showing how the anomalous dimensions of the soft operators are related to those of the collinear operators, allowing us to derive renormalization group equations in the Regge limit purely from a collinear perspective. The rigidity of the consistency equations provides considerable insight into the all orders organization of Regge amplitudes in the effective theory, as well as its relation to other approaches. Along the way we derive a number of technical results that improve the understanding of the effective theory. We illustrate this collinear perspective by re-deriving all the standard BFKL equations for two-Glauber exchange from purely collinear calculations, and we show that this perspective provides a number of conceptual and computational advantages as compared to the standard view from soft or Glauber physics. We anticipate that this formulation in terms of collinear operators will enable a better understanding of the relation between BFKL and DGLAP in gauge theories, and facilitate the analysis of renormalization group evolution equations describing Reggeization beyond next-to-leading order.
Temporal trends in inpatient care use for adult mental disorders in Czechia: a nationwide register-based study from 1994 to 2015
Authors: Potočár Libor , Winkler Petr , Mohr Pavel , Formánek Tomáš
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To describe temporal trends in inpatient care use for adult mental disorders in Czechia from 1994 until 2015.

Methods

Data from the nationwide register of inpatient care use and yearly census data were used to calculate (a) yearly admissions rates, (b) median length of stay, and (c) standardized inpatient-years for adult mental disorders (ICD-10 codes F0-F6] or G30). Segmented regressions were used to analyze age- and sex-specific temporal trends.

Results

Admission rates were increasing in adults (average annual percent change = 0.51; 95% confidence interval = 0.16 to 0.86 for females and 1.01; 0.63 to 1.40 for males) and adolescents and emerging adults (3.27; 2.57 to 3.97 for females and 2.98; 2.08 to 3.88 for males), whereas in seniors, the trend was stable (1.22; -0.31 to 2.73 for females and 1.35; -0.30 to 2.98 for males). The median length of stay for studied mental disorders decreased across all age and sex strata except for a stable trend in male adolescents and emerging adults (-0.96; -2.02 to 0.10). Standardized inpatient-years were decreasing in adults of both sexes (-0.85; -1.42 to -0.28 for females and -0.87; -1.19 to -0.56 for males), increasing in female adolescents and emerging adults (0.95; 0.42 to 1.47), and stable in the remaining strata.

Conclusion

Psychiatric hospital admissions were increasing or stable coupled with considerable reductions in median length of stay, suggesting that inpatient episodes for adult mental disorders have become more frequent and shorter over time. The overall psychiatric inpatient care use was decreasing or stable in adults and seniors, potentially implying a gradual shift away from hospital-based care.
Controlling the uncontrollable: the public discourse on artificial intelligence between the positions of social and technological determinism
Authors: Winkel Marek
Published: May 2024

Since the publication of ChatGPT and Dall-E, there has been heavy discussions on the possible dangers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for society. These discussions question the extent to which the development of AI can be regulated by politics, law, and civic actors. An important arena for discourse on AI is the news media. The news media discursively construct AI as a technology that is more or less possible to regulate. There are various reasons for an assumed regulatability. Some voices highlight the predominant capitalism of modern society as an ideology that enforces an uncontrolled development of AI. Others call on the rationality of civic society, which will push AI toward a development that serves humankind. Summarized, the discourse on AI floats between positions of technological and social determinism. The article conducts a discourse analysis on 113 articles from the German newspapers Süddeutsche Zeitung and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The analysis shows how these center-left and center-right media frame the AI development in terms of social and technological determinism. As these newspapers reach out to a large audience, the article shows the kinds of perspectives on AI that confront civic society in Germany every day. News media can motivate or impede social action, as they frame the potential necessity of society and its members to intervene against certain developments. The article shows how the newspapers promote an understanding of AI, by which citizens will feel motivated to insist on a regulation of AI by politics and law.
Validation of the Arabic Linguistic Version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Al-Kharabsheh Ahlam M. , Abufraijeh Seham M. , Al-Nawaiseh Nedal
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), significantly impacting women's quality of life, are often underdiscussed owing to misconceptions and limited understanding of treatment options. This study is aimed at validating an Arabic version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) to assess knowledge of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) among Arabic-speaking women, addressing knowledge gaps in these areas.

Methods

The study obtained ethical approval and followed a two-stage process, including a pilot study for preliminary validation and a larger study involving 300 participants. The PIKQ, a self-administered tool with two scales focusing on UI and POP, was translated into Arabic with cultural and linguistic adaptations. The study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Arabic PIKQ, employing Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman’s rho for reliability assessments, as well as factor analysis for construct validity.

Results

The Arabic PIKQ demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8) and test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.79) for both the UI and the POP scales. The questionnaire also showed significant construct validity. Among the 300 participants, knowledge gaps were evident, influenced by educational and professional backgrounds. Notably, 22% reported UI and 14.7% reported pelvic organ prolapse, with less than half seeking treatment.

Conclusions

The Arabic PIKQ has been validated as a reliable tool for improving knowledge and addressing misconceptions regarding PFDs among Arabic-speaking women. The study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive educational tools in enhancing awareness and facilitating access to medical care for pelvic floor disorders.
Increased Brucella abortus asRNA_0067 expression under intraphagocytic stressors is associated with enhanced virB2 transcription
Authors: Muñoz-Bucio Adrian , Arellano-Reynoso Beatriz , Sangari Félix J. , Sieira Rodrigo , Thébault Patricia , Espitia Clara , García Lobo Juan M. , Seoane Asunción , Suárez-Güemes Francisco
Published: May 2024

Intracellular pathogens like Brucella face challenges during the intraphagocytic adaptation phase, where the modulation of gene expression plays an essential role in taking advantage of stressors to persist inside the host cell. This study aims to explore the expression of antisense virB2 RNA strand and related genes under intracellular simulation media. Sense and antisense virB2 RNA strands increased expression when nutrient deprivation and acidification were higher, being starvation more determinative. Meanwhile, bspB, one of the T4SS effector genes, exhibited the highest expression during the exposition to pH 4.5 and nutrient abundance. Based on RNA-seq analysis and RACE data, we constructed a regional map depicting the 5' and 3' ends of virB2 and the cis-encoded asRNA_0067. Without affecting the CDS or a possible autonomous RBS, we generate the deletion mutant ΔasRNA_0067, significantly reducing virB2 mRNA expression and survival rate. These results suggest that the antisense asRNA_0067 expression is promoted under exposure to the intraphagocytic adaptation phase stressors, and its deletion is associated with a lower transcription of the virB2 gene. Our findings illuminate the significance of these RNA strands in modulating the survival strategy of Brucella within the host and emphasize the role of nutrient deprivation in gene expression.
The inhibitory effect of a recent distractor: singleton vs. multiple distractors
Authors: Smith Eleanor S. , Crawford Trevor J.
Published: May 2024

In the complex interplay between sensory and cognitive processes, the brain must sift through a flood of sensory data to pinpoint relevant signals. This selective mechanism is crucial for the effective control of behaviour, by allowing organisms to focus on important tasks and blocking out distractions. The Inhibition of a Recent Distractor (IRD) Task examines this selection process by exploring how inhibiting distractors influences subsequent eye movements towards an object in the visual environment. In a series of experiments, research by Crawford et al. (2005a) demonstrated a delayed response to a target appearing at the location that was previously occupied by a distractor, demonstrating a legacy inhibition exerted by the distractor on the spatial location of the upcoming target. This study aimed to replicate this effect and to investigate any potential constraints when multiple distractors are presented. Exploring whether the effect is observed in more ecologically relevant scenarios with multiple distractors is crucial for assessing the extent to which it can be applied to a broader range of environments. Experiment 1 successfully replicated the effect, showing a significant IRD effect only with a single distractor. Experiments 2–5 explored a number of possible explanations for this phenomenon.
Haptic and visuo-haptic impairments for object recognition in children with autism spectrum disorder: focus on the sensory and multisensory processing dysfunctions
Authors: Purpura G. , Petri S. , Tancredi R. , Tinelli F. , Calderoni S.
Published: May 2024

Dysfunctions in sensory processing are widely described in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although little is known about the developmental course and the impact of these difficulties on the learning processes during the preschool and school ages of ASD children. Specifically, as regards the interplay between visual and haptic information in ASD during developmental age, knowledge is very scarce and controversial. In this study, we investigated unimodal (visual and haptic) and cross-modal (visuo-haptic) processing skills aimed at object recognition through a behavioural paradigm already used in children with typical development (TD), with cerebral palsy and with peripheral visual impairments. Thirty-five children with ASD (age range: 5–11 years) and thirty-five age-matched and gender-matched typically developing peers were recruited. The procedure required participants to perform an object-recognition task relying on only the visual modality (black-and-white photographs), only the haptic modality (manipulation of real objects) and visuo-haptic transfer of these two types of information. Results are consistent with the idea that visuo-haptic transfer may be significantly worse in ASD children than in TD peers, leading to significant impairment in multisensory interactions for object recognition facilitation. Furthermore, ASD children tended to show a specific deficit in haptic information processing, while a similar trend of maturation of visual modality between the two groups is reported. This study adds to the current literature by suggesting that ASD differences in multisensory processes also regard visuo-haptic abilities necessary to identify and recognise objects of daily life.
Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles by double emulsion and pH-driven: encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products for combating Escherichia coli infections
Authors: de Almeida Campos Luís André , de Souza Jaqueline Barbosa , de Queiroz Macêdo Hanne Lazla Rafael , Borges Joyce Cordeiro , de Oliveira David Nattan , Cavalcanti Isabella Macário Ferro
Published: May 2024

The design, development, and obtaining of nanostructured materials, such as polymeric nanoparticles, have garnered interest due to loading therapeutic agents and its broad applicability. Polymeric nanoparticle synthesis employs advanced techniques such as the double emulsion approach and the pH-driven method, allowing the efficient incorporation of active compounds into these matrices. These loading methods ensure compound stability within the polymeric structure and enable control of the release of therapeutic agents. The ability of loaded polymeric nanoparticles to transport and release therapeutic agents on target manner represents a significant advancement in the quest for effective therapeutic solutions. Amid escalating concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, interventions using polymeric nanostructures stand out for the possibility of carrying antimicrobial agents and enhancing antibacterial action against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making a new therapeutic approach or complement to conventional treatments. In this sense, the capability of these polymeric nanoparticles to act against Escherichia coli underscores their relevance in controlling bacterial infections. This mini-review provides a comprehensive synthesis of promising techniques for loading therapeutic agents into polymeric nanoparticles highlighting methodologies and their implications, addressing prospects of combating bacterial infections caused by E. coli.

Key points

• The double emulsion method provides control over size and release of bioactives.

• The pH-driven method improves the solubility, stability, and release of active.

• The methods increase the antibacterial action of those encapsulated in PNPs.

Graphical abstract
Enzymes for production of whey protein hydrolysates and other value-added products
Authors: Irazoqui José Matías , Santiago Gonzalo Manuel , Mainez María Esperanza , Amadio Ariel Fernando , Eberhardt María Florencia
Published: May 2024

Whey is a byproduct of dairy industries, the aqueous portion which separates from cheese during the coagulation of milk. It represents approximately 85–95% of milk’s volume and retains much of its nutrients, including functional proteins and peptides, lipids, lactose, minerals, and vitamins. Due to its composition, mainly proteins and lactose, it can be considered a raw material for value-added products. Whey-derived products are often used to supplement food, as they have shown several physiological effects on the body. Whey protein hydrolysates are reported to have different activities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antithrombotic, opioid, antimicrobial, cytomodulatory, and immuno-modulatory. On the other hand, galactooligosaccharides obtained from lactose can be used as prebiotic for beneficial microorganisms for the human gastrointestinal tract. All these compounds can be obtained through physicochemical, microbial, or enzymatic treatments. Particularly, enzymatic processes have the advantage of being highly selective, more stable than chemical transformations, and less polluting, making that the global enzyme market grow at accelerated rates. The sources and different products associated with the most used enzymes are particularly highlighted in this review. Moreover, we discuss metagenomics as a tool to identify novel proteolytic enzymes, from both cultivable and uncultivable microorganisms, which are expected to have new interesting activities. Finally enzymes for the transformation of whey sugar are reviewed. In this sense, carbozymes with ß-galactosidase activity are capable of lactose hydrolysis, to obtain free monomers, and transgalactosylation for prebiotics production.

Key points

• Whey can be used to obtain value-added products efficiently through enzymatic treatments

• Proteases transform whey proteins into biopeptides with physiological activities

• Lactose can be transformed into prebiotic compounds using ß-galactosidases
Mixotrophic culture enhances fucoxanthin production in the haptophyte Pavlova gyrans
Authors: Yoshida Erina , Kato Yuichi , Kanamoto Akihiko , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa
Published: May 2024

Fucoxanthin is a versatile substance in the food and pharmaceutical industries owing to its excellent antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Several microalgae, including the haptophyte Pavlova spp., can produce fucoxanthin and are potential industrial fucoxanthin producers, as they lack rigid cell walls, which facilitates fucoxanthin extraction. However, the commercial application of Pavlova spp. is limited owing to insufficient biomass production. In this study, we aimed to develop a mixotrophic cultivation method to increase biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans OPMS 30543X. The effects of culturing OPMS 30543X with different organic carbon sources, glycerol concentrations, mixed-nutrient conditions, and light intensities on the consumption of organic carbon sources, biomass production, and fucoxanthin accumulation were analyzed. Several organic carbon sources, such as glycerol, glucose, sucrose, and acetate, were examined, revealing that glycerol was well-consumed by the microalgae. Biomass and fucoxanthin production by OPMS 30543X increased in the presence of 10 mM glycerol compared to that observed without glycerol. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher levels of the metabolites related to the glycolytic, Calvin–Benson–Bassham, and tricarboxylic acid cycles under mixotrophic conditions than under autotrophic conditions. Cultures grown under mixotrophic conditions with a light intensity of 100 µmol photons m−2 s−1 produced more fucoxanthin than autotrophic cultures. Notably, the amount of fucoxanthin produced (18.9 mg/L) was the highest reported thus far for Pavlova species. In conclusion, the use of mixotrophic culture is a promising strategy for increasing fucoxanthin production in Pavlova species.

Key points

• Glycerol enhances biomass and fucoxanthin production in Pavlova gyrans

• Metabolite levels increase under mixotrophic conditions

• Mixotrophic conditions and medium-light intensity are appropriate for P. gyrans
Robotic-assisted patellofemoral arthroplasty provides excellent implant survivorship and high patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Pacchiarotti Giacomo , Todesca Alessandro , Coppola Michele , Gumina Stefano
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Robotic adoption in knee surgery has yielded several benefits, but its application in patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) remains barely reported. The purpose of this study was to determine implant survival, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes after robotic-assisted PFA at an intermediate follow-up.

Methods

This prospective analysis targeted 18 knees of 16 consecutive patients who underwent robot-aided PFA with three-year minimum follow-up (range, 3 to 6 years). Each patient was evaluated collecting pre-operative and post-operative medical record data, including range of motion, radiographic images, and multiple scores, such as VAS, APKS, and OKS.

Results

At surgery, the mean age was 55.4 years ± 14.4 (range, 32 to 78 years), and the mean BMI was 26.8 kg/m² ±5.2 (range, 20 to 36). Etiologies of patellofemoral osteoarthritis included idiopathic degeneration (28%), post-traumatic (33%), and dysplasia (39%). Pre-implantation scores were VAS 7.9 ± 1.4, AKPS 34.6 ± 23.3, and OKS 17.3 ± 10.3. One implant was revised with primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis progression. Clinical and radiographic follow-up showed no signs of loosening or infection. The maximum flexion reached an average of 131.1°±10.5° (range, 110° to 145°), accompanied by significantly improved score results (P-value < 0.01): VAS 1.1 ± 1.4, AKPS 90.2 ± 8.6, and OKS 46.3 ± 1.8.

Conclusions

At 3 years after robotic assisted patellofemoral arthroplasty, excellent implant survival and patient satisfaction rates can be expected along with significantly improved functional and pain control outcomes. Although the limitations imposed by the restricted cohort, these findings indicate that robotic assistance in PFA is both safe and effective at intermediate follow-up.
Genicular Artery embolisation in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee (GENESIS) Using Permanent Microspheres: Long-Term Results
Authors: Little M. W. , O’Grady A. , Briggs J. , Gibson M. , Speirs A. , Al-Rekabi A. , Yoong P. , Ariyanayagam T. , Davies N. , Tayton E. , Tavares S. , MacGill S. , McLaren C. , Harrison R.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To report the 2-year follow-up of patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) treated with genicular artery embolisation (GAE) as part of the GENESIS study.

Materials and methods

Forty-six patients, median age = 60 (45–83) underwent GAE using permanent microspheres (100–300 μm). Technical success was defined as embolisation of the targeted genicular arteries. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (0–100 mm) were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 1, 2 years. Contrast-enhanced MRI knee scans were acquired at baseline and 1 year, and evaluated with the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Functional MRI brain imaging and psychometric assessments were undertaken to investigate correlation between neuropsychological phenotypes and clinical outcome. Adverse events were recorded prospectively.

Results

Technical success was achieved in forty patients (87%). Mean VAS improved from 58.63 (SD = 20.57, 95% CI 52.7–65.5) at baselines to 37.7 at 2-years (SD = 26.3, 95% CI 27.0–47.5). Whole and subgroup KOOS were significantly improved at each timepoint with associated reductions in analgesia usage. WORMS analysis demonstrated significant reduction in synovitis (p < 0.05) with no cases of osteonecrosis. Self-limiting skin discolouration occurred in four patients. A self-limiting groin haematoma and single case of deep-vein thrombosis due to immobilisation were also recorded. Nine patients subsequently underwent knee arthroplasty with no additional operational complexities identified. Neuropsychometric assessment elucidated a correlation between baseline catastrophising and greater reduction in pain post GAE.

Conclusion

GAE is a safe intervention for mild-moderate knee osteoarthritis, with sustained efficacy at 2 years. These results are promising and justify ongoing controlled trials.

Graphical Abstract
The first ensemble of kilometer-scale simulations of a hydrological year over the third pole
Authors: Collier Emily , Ban Nikolina , Richter Niklas , Ahrens Bodo , Chen Deliang , Chen Xingchao , Lai Hui-Wen , Leung Ruby , Li Lu , Medvedova Alzbeta , Ou Tinghai , Pothapakula Praveen Kumar , Potter Emily , Prein Andreas F. , Sakaguchi Koichi , Schroeder Marie , Singh Prashant , Sobolowski Stefan , Sugimoto Shiori , Tang Jianping , Yu Hongyong , Ziska Catharina
Published: May 2024

An accurate understanding of the current and future water cycle over the Third Pole is of great societal importance, given the role this region plays as a water tower for densely populated areas downstream. An emerging and promising approach for skillful climate assessments over regions of complex terrain is kilometer-scale climate modeling. As a foundational step towards such simulations over the Third Pole, we present a multi-model and multi-physics ensemble of kilometer-scale regional simulations for the hydrological year of October 2019 to September 2020. The ensemble consists of 13 simulations performed by an international consortium of 10 research groups, configured with a horizontal grid spacing ranging from 2.2 to 4 km covering all of the Third Pole region. These simulations are driven by ERA5 and are part of a Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling EXperiment Flagship Pilot Study on Convection-Permitting Third Pole. The simulations are compared against available gridded and in-situ observations and remote-sensing data, to assess the performance and spread of the model ensemble compared to the driving reanalysis during the cold and warm seasons. Although ensemble evaluation is hindered by large differences between the gridded precipitation datasets used as a reference over this region, we show that the ensemble improves on many warm-season precipitation metrics compared with ERA5, including most wet-day and hour statistics, and also adds value in the representation of wet spells in both seasons. As such, the ensemble will provide an invaluable resource for future improvements in the process understanding of the hydroclimate of this remote but important region.
The most common skin symptoms in young adults and adults related to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection
Authors: Zaborska Monika , Chruszcz Maksymilan , Sadowski Jakub , Klaudel Tomasz , Pelczarski Michał , Sztangreciak-Lehun Anna , Bułdak Rafał Jakub
Published: May 2024

Scientists from various areas of the world indicate in their studies that skin lesions occur in the course of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This article is a review of the most frequently described cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the potential pathophysiology of their development, as well as information on abnormalities in histopathological tests. The article describes the impact of some factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases. This work was constructed on the basis of 142 research studies, reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on the methods and materials used in individual works as well as the results and conclusions resulting from them. Some skin lesions may be a potential prognostic marker of the course of the disease and may also be a prodromal symptom or the only symptom of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate some chronic dermatological diseases. A correlation was observed between the type of skin lesions and the patient’s age. The occurrence of skin diseases may also be influenced by drugs used to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. A relationship was observed between the patient’s ethnic origin and skin lesions occurring in the course of COVID-19. There is a need to further diagnose the cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to learn the detailed pathomechanism of their occurrence in order to better understand the essence of the disease and find an appropriate treatment method.
Motor and non-motor outcome in tremor dominant Parkinson’s disease after MR-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy
Authors: Purrer Veronika , Pohl Emily , Borger Valeri , Weiland Hannah , Boecker Henning , Schmeel Frederic Carsten , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: May 2024

Background and objectives

Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging technique for the treatment of severe, medication-refractory tremor syndromes. We here report motor and non-motor outcomes 6 and 12 months after unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy in tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease (tdPD).

Methods

25 patients with tdPD underwent neuropsychological evaluation including standardized questionnaires of disability, quality of life (QoL), mood, anxiety, apathy, sleep disturbances, and cognition at baseline, 6 and 12 months after MRgFUS. Motor outcome was evaluated using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) and Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). In addition, side effects and QoL of family caregivers were assessed.

Results

12 months after MRgFUS significant improvements were evident in the tremor subscores. Patients with concomitant rest and postural tremor showed better tremor outcomes compared to patients with predominant rest tremor. There were no differences in the non-motor assessments. No cognitive decline was observed. Side effects were mostly transient (54%) and classified as mild (62%). No changes in the caregivers' QoL could be observed.

Conclusion

We found no changes in mood, anxiety, apathy, sleep, cognition or persistent worsening of gait disturbances after unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy in tdPD. Concomitant postural tremors responded better to treatment than predominant rest tremors.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS): prevalence and characteristics in adults with migraine
Authors: Fitzek Mira P. , Mecklenburg Jasper , Overeem Lucas H. , Lange Kristin S. , Siebert Anke , Triller Paul , Neeb Lars , Dreier Jens P. , Kondziella Daniel , Reuter Uwe , Raffaelli Bianca
Published: May 2024

Objective

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is a sensory disorder characterized by a distorted somatosensory and/or visual perception. Additionally, distortion of time perception and symptoms of derealization/depersonalization may occur. AIWS is frequently associated with migraine. However, its prevalence, and clinical characteristics remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the prevalence and features of AIWS in individuals with migraine. We hypothesized AIWS is more frequent in migraine patients with aura than in those without aura.

Methods

This was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study, conducted at a tertiary headache center. Participants with migraine filled out questionnaires, providing details on demographics, headache, AIWS characteristics and the occurrence of transient visual phenomena such as fragmented vision.

Results

Of 808 migraine patients, 133 individuals (16.5%, mean age 44.4 ± 13.3 years, 87% women) reported AIWS symptoms throughout their lives. Micro- and/or telopsia (72.9%) were most frequent, followed by micro- and/or macrosomatognosia (49.6%), and macro- and/or pelopsia (38.3%), lasting on average half an hour. AIWS symptoms occurred in association with headache in 65.1% of individuals, and 53.7% had their first AIWS episode at the age of 18 years or earlier. Migraine patients with aura were more likely to report AIWS symptoms than those without aura (19.5% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.04). Participants with AIWS reported a higher incidence of 17 out of the 22 investigated visual phenomena.

Conclusion

AIWS symptoms appear to be a common lifetime phenomenon in migraine patients. The correlation and clinical parallels between AIWS and migraine aura could indicate shared underlying pathomechanisms.
Central and peripheral haemodynamics at exercise onset: the role of central command
Authors: Giuriato Gaia , Ives Stephen J. , Tarperi Cantor , Bortolan Lorenzo , Ruzzante Federico , Cevese Antonio , Schena Federico , Venturelli Massimo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The involvement of central command in central hemodynamic regulation during exercise is relatively well-known, although its contribution to peripheral hemodynamics at the onset of low-intensity contractions is debated. This study sought to examine central and peripheral hemodynamics during electrically-evoked muscle contractions (without central command) and voluntary muscle activity (with central command).

Methods

Cyclic quadriceps isometric contractions (1 every second), either electrically-evoked (ES; 200 ms trains composed of 20 square waves) or performed voluntarily (VC), were executed by 10 healthy males (26 ± 3 years). In both trials, matched for force output, peripheral and central hemodynamics were analysed.

Results

At exercise onset, both ES and VC exhibited equal peaks of femoral blood flow (1276 ± 849 vs. 1117 ± 632 ml/min, p > 0.05) and vascular conductance (15 ± 11 vs. 13 ± 7 ml/min/mmHg, p > 0.05), respectively. Similar peaks of heart rate (86 ± 16 bpm vs. 85 ± 16 bpm), stroke volume (100 ± 20 vs. 99 ± 27 ml), cardiac output (8.2 ± 2.5 vs. 8.5 ± 2.1 L/min), and mean arterial pressure (113 ± 13 vs. 113 ± 3 mmHg), were recorded (all, p > 0.05). After ~ 50 s, all the variables drifted to lower values. Collectively, the hemodynamics showed equal responses.

Conclusion

These results suggest a similar pathway for the initial (first 40 s) increase in central and peripheral hemodynamics. The parallel responses may suggest an initial minimal central command involvement during the onset of low-intensity contractions, likely associated with a neural drive activation delay or threshold.