bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational programmes for frail older people, their families, carers and healthcare professionals
Authors: Viggars Rachel J. , Finney Andrew , Panayiotou Barnabas
Published: July 2021

Background

More people are living with frailty and requiring additional health and support services. To improve their management, the “Frailty: Core Capability Framework” in the United Kingdom recommends frailty education for older individuals, their families, carers and health professionals. We performed a systematic review of specific educational programmes for these groups.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched using dedicated search terms and inclusion criteria. To improve accuracy, two reviewers carried out the screening and selection of research papers. Information from included studies was collected using a tailored data extraction template, and quality appraisal tools were used to assess the rigour of the studies. The findings were analysed to identify key themes.

Results

A total of 11 studies met the criteria and were included in the review. The study populations ranged from 12 to 603 and the research designs were heterogeneous (6 qualitative; 2 randomised controlled trials; 1 quasi-experimental; 1 mixed methods; 1 cross-sectional study). Whilst some methodological shortcomings were identified, all studies contributed valuable information. The results underwent narrative synthesis, which elucidated four thematic domains: (1) accessibility of educational programmes, (2) empowerment, (3) self-care, and (4) health promotion (especially exercise and nutrition).

Conclusion

Educational programmes for older people, their carers and health professionals are important for effective frailty prevention and management. To be maximally beneficial, they should be easily accessible to all target populations and include empowerment, self-care and health promotion. Further research should explore the formulation of widely applicable, user-friendly programmes and delivery formats that can be tailored to different client groups.
Existence, uniqueness and regularity of the projection onto differentiable manifolds
Authors: Leobacher Gunther , Steinicke Alexander
Published: July 2021

We investigate the maximal open domain $${\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

E
(
M
)

on which the orthogonal projection map p onto a subset $$M\subseteq {{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

M
⊆

R

d

can be defined and study essential properties of p. We prove that if M is a $$C^1$$

C
1

submanifold of $${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

satisfying a Lipschitz condition on the tangent spaces, then $${\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

E
(
M
)

can be described by a lower semi-continuous function, named frontier function. We show that this frontier function is continuous if M is $$C^2$$

C
2

or if the topological skeleton of $$M^c$$

M
c

is closed and we provide an example showing that the frontier function need not be continuous in general. We demonstrate that, for a $$C^k$$

C
k

-submanifold M with $$k\ge 2$$

k
≥
2

, the projection map is $$C^{k-1}$$

C

k
-
1

on $${\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

E
(
M
)

, and we obtain a differentiation formula for the projection map which is used to discuss boundedness of its higher order differentials on tubular neighborhoods. A sufficient condition for the inclusion $$M\subseteq {\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

M
⊆
E
(
M
)

is that M is a $$C^1$$

C
1

submanifold whose tangent spaces satisfy a local Lipschitz condition. We prove in a new way that this condition is also necessary. More precisely, if M is a topological submanifold with $$M\subseteq {\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

M
⊆
E
(
M
)

, then M must be $$C^1$$

C
1

and its tangent spaces satisfy the same local Lipschitz condition. A final section is devoted to highlighting some relations between $${\mathscr {E}}(M)$$

E
(
M
)

and the topological skeleton of $$M^c$$

M
c

.
Blockchain technology’s impact on supply chain integration and sustainable supply chain performance: evidence from the automotive industry
Authors: Kamble Sachin S. , Gunasekaran Angappa , Subramanian Nachiappan , Ghadge Abhijeet , Belhadi Amine , Venkatesh Mani
Published: July 2021

The study investigates the relationship between the information and communication-enabled supply chain integration (SCI) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there is no empirical evidence on the impact of blockchain technologies (BT) on the SSCP. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to assess the relationship between BT and SSCP. More specifically, the study was conducted to examine the direct influence of BT on SCI and SSCP and the interactive effect of BT and SCI on SSCP. Based on the dynamic capability theoretical lens, the present study conceptualizes the use of BT as a specific IT resource to collaborate and reconfigure the ties with the upstream and downstream supply chain members to achieve SSCP. The results of the study support the hypothesis stating that BT positively influences the SSCP. The results recognize the role of SCI as a significant mediating variable between the BT and SSCP. The result indicates the strong influence of SCI with full mediation effect on the relationship between the BT and SSCP.
Cyclic engagement of hysteretic steel dampers in braced buildings: a parametric investigation
Authors: Gandelli Emanuele , De Domenico Dario , Quaglini Virginio
Published: July 2021

Hysteretic steel dampers have been effectively used to improve the seismic performance of framed buildings by confining the dissipation of seismic energy into sacrifical, replaceable devices which are not part of the gravity framing system. The number of cycles sustained by the dampers during the earthquake is a primary design parameter, since it can be associated to low-cycle fatigue, with ensuing degradation of the mechanical properties and potential failure of the system. Current standards, like e.g. the European code EN 15129, indeed prescribe, for the initial qualification and the production control of hysteretic steel dampers, cyclic tests in which the devices are assessed over ten cycles with amplitude equal to the seismic design displacement dbd. This paper presents a parametric study focused on the number of effective cycles of the damper during a design earthquake in order to assess the reliability of the testing procedure proposed by the standards. The study considers typical applications of hysteretic steel dampers in low and medium-rise steel and reinforced concrete framed buildings and different ductility requirements. The results point out that the cyclic engagement of the damper is primarily affected by the fundamental period of the braced building and the design spectrum, and that, depending on these parameters, the actual number of cycles can be substantially smaller or larger that recommended by the standards. A more refined criterion for establishing the number of cycles to be implemented in testing protocols is eventually formulated.
Erosive tooth wear inhibition by hybrid coatings with encapsulated fluoride and stannous ions
Authors: Bezerra Sávio José Cardoso , Viana Ítallo Emídio Lira , Aoki Idalina Vieira , Sobral Maria Angela Pita , Borges Alessandra Buhler , Hara Anderson T. , Scaramucci Taís
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to formulate a hybrid coating material (HC) and to modify this HC with fluoride (NaF) and stannous (SnCl2) ions, directly or encapsulated in nano containers, testing the effects of these materials against dental erosion and erosion–abrasion. Enamel and dentin specimens were treated with the HCs, and then tested in erosion or erosion–abrasion cycling models of 5 days (n = 10 for each substrate, for each model). Deionized water was the negative control, and a fluoride varnish, the positive control. Surface loss (SL, in µm) was evaluated with an optical profilometer, and data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). For enamel, in erosion, the positive control and HC without additives showed significantly lower SL than the negative control (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001). In erosion–abrasion, none of the groups differed from the negative control (p > 0.05). For dentin, in erosion, the positive control, HC without additives, HC with non-encapsulated F, and HC with encapsulated F + Sn showed lower SL than the negative control (p < 0.05). In erosion–abrasion, none of the groups differed significantly from the negative control (p < 0.05). HC without additives showed a promising potential for protecting the teeth against dental erosion (with upward trend for improved protection on dentin), but not against erosion–abrasion. The presence of additives did not improve the protective effect of the HC, on both substrates.
Species-Specific Induction of Plant Volatiles by Two Aphid Species in Apple: Real Time Measurement of Plant Emission and Attraction of Lacewings in the Wind Tunnel
Authors: Badra Zaid , Larsson Herrera Sebastian , Cappellin Luca , Biasioli Franco , Dekker Teun , Angeli Sergio , Tasin Marco
Published: July 2021

Upon damage by herbivores, plants release herbivory-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). To find their prey, the pest’s natural enemies need to be fine-tuned to the composition of these volatiles. Whereas standard methods can be used in the identification and quantitation of HIPVs, more recently introduced techniques such as PTR-ToF–MS provide temporal patterns of the volatile release and detect additional compounds. In this study, we compared the volatile profile of apple trees infested with two aphid species, the green apple aphid Aphis pomi, and the rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea, by CLSA-GC–MS complemented by PTR-ToF–MS. Compounds commonly released in conjunction with both species include nonanal, decanal, methyl salicylate, geranyl acetone, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl butanoate, (Z)-3-hexenyl 2-methyl-butanoate, (E)-β-caryophyllene, β-bourbonene and (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate. In addition, benzaldehyde and (E)-β-farnesene were exclusively associated with A. pomi, whereas linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene were exclusively associated with D. plantaginea. PTR-ToF–MS additionally detected acetic acid (AA) and 2-phenylethanol (PET) in the blends of both trees attacked by aphid species. In the wind tunnel, the aphid predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), responded strongly to a blend of AA and PET, much stronger than to AA or PET alone. The addition of common and species-specific HIPVs did not increase the response to the binary blend of AA and PET. In our setup, two host-associated volatiles AA + PET appeared sufficient in the attraction of C. carnea. Our results also show the importance of combining complementary methods to decipher the odor profile associated with plants under pest attack and identify behaviourally active components for predators.
Using landscape metrics to characterize towns along an urban-rural gradient
Authors: Kaminski Abigail , Bauer Dana Marie , Bell Kathleen P. , Loftin Cynthia S. , Nelson Erik J.
Published: July 2021

Context

Urban-rural gradients are useful tools when examining the influence of human disturbances on ecological, social and coupled systems, yet the most commonly used gradient definitions are based on single broad measures such as housing density or percent forest cover that fail to capture landscape patterns important for conservation.

Objectives

We present an approach to defining urban–rural gradients that integrates multiple landscape pattern metrics related to ecosystem processes important for natural resources and wildlife sustainability.

Methods

We develop a set of land cover composition and configuration metrics and then use them as inputs to a cluster analysis process that, in addition to grouping towns with similar attributes, identifies exemplar towns for each group. We compare the outcome of the cluster-based urban-rural gradient typology to outcomes for four commonly-used rule-based typologies and discuss implications for resource management and conservation.

Results

The resulting cluster-based typology defines five town types (urban, suburban, exurban, rural, and agricultural) and notably identifies a bifurcation along the gradient distinguishing among rural forested and agricultural towns. Landscape patterns (e.g., core and islet forests) influence where individual towns fall along the gradient. Designations of town type differ substantially among the five different typologies, particularly along the middle of the gradient.

Conclusions

Understanding where a town occurs along the urban-rural gradient could aid local decision-makers in prioritizing and balancing between development and conservation scenarios. Variations in outcomes among the different urban-rural gradient typologies raise concerns that broad-measure classifications do not adequately account for important landscape patterns. We suggest future urban-rural gradient studies utilize more robust classification approaches.
High-Order Data-Driven Spatial Simulation of Categorical Variables
Authors: Minniakhmetov Ilnur , Dimitrakopoulos Roussos
Published: July 2021

Modern approaches for the spatial simulation of categorical variables are largely based on multi-point statistical methods, where a training image is used to derive complex spatial relationships using relevant patterns. In these approaches, simulated realizations are driven by the training image utilized, while the spatial statistics of the actual sample data are ignored. This paper presents a data-driven, high-order simulation approach based on the approximation of high-order spatial indicator moments. The high-order spatial statistics are expressed as functions of spatial distances that are similar to variogram models for two-point methods, while higher-order statistics are connected with lower-orders via boundary conditions. Using an advanced recursive B-spline approximation algorithm, the high-order statistics are reconstructed from the available data and are subsequently used for the construction of conditional distributions using Bayes’ rule. Random values are subsequently simulated for all unsampled grid nodes. The main advantages of the proposed technique are its ability to (a) simulate without a training image to reproduce the high-order statistics of the data, and (b) adapt the model’s complexity to the information available in the data. The practical intricacies and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated through applications at two copper deposits.
Empathy in patient care: from ‘Clinical Empathy’ to ‘Empathic Concern’
Authors: Guidi Clarissa , Traversa Chiara
Published: July 2021

As empathy gains importance within academia, we propose this review as an attempt to bring clarity upon the diverse and widely debated definitions and conceptions of empathy within the medical field. In this paper, we first evaluate the limits of the Western mainstream medical culture and discuss the origins of phenomena such asdehumanizationanddetached concernas well as their impacts on patient care. We then pass on to a structured overview of the debate surrounding the notion of clinical empathy and its taxonomy in the medical setting. In particular, we present the dichotomous conception of clinical empathy that is articulated in the debate aroundcognitive empathyandaffective empathy. We thus consider the negative impacts that this categorization brings about. Finally, we advocate for a more encompassing, holistic conception of clinical empathy; one that gives value to a genuine interest in welcoming, acknowledging and responding to the emotions of those suffering. Following this line of reasoning, we advance the notion of ‘empathic concern’, a re-conceptualization of clinical empathy that finds its source in Halpern in Med Health Care Philos (2014) 17:301–311engaged curiosity. We ultimately advance Narrative Medicine as an approach to introduce, teach and promote such an attitude among medical trainees and practitioners.
Order continuity from a topological perspective
Authors: Hauser T. , Kalauch A.
Published: July 2021

We study three types of order convergence and related concepts of order continuous maps in partially ordered sets, partially ordered abelian groups, and partially ordered vector spaces, respectively. An order topology is introduced such that in the latter two settings under mild conditions order continuity is a topological property. We present a generalisation of the Ogasawara theorem on the structure of the set of order continuous operators.
Human Capital Disparities and Earnings Inequality in The Portuguese Private Labour Market
Authors: Almeida Derick R. C. , Andrade João A. S. , Duarte Adelaide , Simões Marta
Published: July 2021

This paper examines human capital inequality and how it relates to earnings inequality in Portugal using data from Quadros de Pessoal for the period 1986–2017. The objective is threefold: (i) show how the distribution of human capital has evolved over time; (ii) investigate the association between human capital inequality and earnings inequality; and (iii) analyse the role of returns to schooling, together with human capital inequality, in the explanation of earnings inequality. Our findings suggest that human capital inequality, computed based on the distribution of average years of schooling of employees working in the Portuguese private labour market, records a positive trend until 2007 and decreases from this year onwards, suggesting the existence of a Kuznets curve of education relating educational attainment levels and education inequality. Based on the decomposition of a Generalized Entropy index (Theil N) for earnings inequality, we observe that inequality in the distribution of human capital plays an important role in the explanation of earnings inequality, although this role has become less important over the last decade. Using Mincerian earnings regressions to estimate the returns to schooling together with the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition of real hourly earnings we confirm that there are two important forces associated with the observed decrease in earnings inequality: a reduction in education inequality and compressed returns to schooling, mainly in tertiary education.
Aluminum environmental pollution: the silent killer
Authors: Alasfar Reema H. , Isaifan Rima J.
Published: July 2021

The concern about aluminum (Al) toxicity has been proven in various cases. Some cases are associated with the fact that Al is a neurotoxic substance that has been found in high levels in the brain tissues of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), epilepsy, and autism patients. Other cases are related to infants, especially premature infants and ones with renal failure, who are at the risk of developing the central nervous system (CNS) and bone toxicity. This risk is a result of infants’ exposure to Al from milk formulas, intravenous-feeding solutions, and possibly from aluminum-containing vaccinations. Furthermore, most antiperspirants contain  aluminum compounds that raise human exposure to toxic Al. This review paper is intended to discuss in detail the above concerns associated with aluminum, and hence urges the need for more studies exploring the effects of overexposure to Al and recommending mitigation actions.
The combined use of SEM-EDX, Raman, ATR-FTIR and visible reflectance techniques for the characterisation of Roman wall painting pigments from Monte d’Oro area (Rome): an insight into red, yellow and pink shades
Authors: Guglielmi Vittoria , Andreoli Martina , Comite Valeria , Baroni Anna , Fermo Paola
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work has been the identification of the painter’s materials employed in the wall decoration of some destroyed buildings dating approximately between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. This research originates from a previously started joined archaeological and analytical investigation concerning a varied group of findings that resulted from a rescue excavation performed by Soprintendenza Archeologica in the area of Monte d’Oro in Rome. The focus of this study progression has been directed to a numerous selection of monochrome red, pink and yellow-pigmented fragments. The analyses were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) combined with Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies; visible reflectance measurements have also been carried out and the relevance of this technique in such a kind of archaeological studies has been highlighted. Most attention has been given to the assessment of the performances of non-destructive techniques achieved by portable Raman, and visible reflectance instrumentation to test their diagnostic capabilities. In addition to the expected and well-known pigments such as cinnabar, red ochre, hematite for the reds and yellow ochre for the yellows, the study highlighted a diffuse use of mixed colours and in some cases the possible presence of overlapped painted layers and confirmed the presence of gildings. Among the mixtures of pigments, the most singular outcome concerns the pink fragments revealing the possible application of bone white, which seems to be rather uncommon as a pigment in Roman wall decorations.
Muscle and tendon adaptations to moderate load eccentric vs. concentric resistance exercise in young and older males
Authors: Quinlan Jonathan Iain , Franchi Martino Vladimiro , Gharahdaghi Nima , Badiali Francesca , Francis Susan , Hale Andrew , Phillips Bethan Eileen , Szewczyk Nathaniel , Greenhaff Paul Leonard , Smith Kenneth , Maganaris Constantinos , Atherton Phillip James , Narici Marco Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

Resistance exercise training (RET) is well-known to counteract negative age-related changes in both muscle and tendon tissue. Traditional RET consists of both concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions; nevertheless, isolated ECC contractions are metabolically less demanding and, thus, may be more suitable for older populations. However, whether submaximal (60% 1RM) CON or ECC contractions differ in their effectiveness is relatively unknown. Further, whether the time course of muscle and tendon adaptations differs to the above is also unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the time course of muscle and tendon adaptations to submaximal CON and ECC RET. Twenty healthy young (24.5 ± 5.1 years) and 17 older males (68.1 ± 2.4 years) were randomly allocated to either isolated CON or ECC RET which took place 3/week for 8 weeks. Tendon biomechanical properties, muscle architecture and maximal voluntary contraction were assessed every 2 weeks and quadriceps muscle volume every 4 weeks. Positive changes in tendon Young’s modulus were observed after 4 weeks in all groups after which adaptations in young males plateaued but continued to increase in older males, suggesting a dampened rate of adaptation with age. However, both CON and ECC resulted in similar overall changes in tendon Young’s modulus, in all groups. Muscle hypertrophy and strength increases were similar between CON and ECC in all groups. However, pennation angle increases were greater in CON, and fascicle length changes were greater in ECC. Notably, muscle and tendon adaptations appeared to occur in synergy, presumably to maintain the efficacy of the muscle–tendon unit.
A network approach to expertise retrieval based on path similarity and credit allocation
Authors: Li Xiancheng , Verginer Luca , Riccaboni Massimo , Panzarasa P.
Published: July 2021

With the increasing availability of online scholarly databases, publication records can be easily extracted and analysed. Researchers can promptly keep abreast of others’ scientific production and, in principle, can select new collaborators and build new research teams. A critical factor one should consider when contemplating new potential collaborations is the possibility of unambiguously defining the expertise of other researchers. While some organisations have established database systems to enable their members to manually produce a profile, maintaining such systems is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in retrieving expertise through automated approaches. Indeed, the identification of researchers’ expertise is of great value in many applications, such as identifying qualified experts to supervise new researchers, assigning manuscripts to reviewers, and forming a qualified team. Here, we propose a network-based approach to the construction of authors’ expertise profiles. Using the MEDLINE corpus as an example, we show that our method can be applied to a number of widely used data sets and outperforms other methods traditionally used for expertise identification.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the selection of chest imaging modalities and reporting systems: a survey of Italian radiologists
Authors: Borghesi Andrea , Sverzellati Nicola , Polverosi Roberta , Balbi Maurizio , Baratella Elisa , Busso Marco , Calandriello Lucio , Cortese Giancarlo , Farchione Alessandra , Iezzi Roberto , Palmucci Stefano , Pulzato Ilaria , Rampinelli Cristiano , Romei Chiara , Valentini Adele , Grassi Roberto , Larici Anna Rita
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Chest imaging modalities play a key role for the management of patient with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the optimal chest imaging approach in the evaluation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, and radiology departments tend to use different approaches. Thus, the main objective of this survey was to assess how chest imaging modalities have been used during the different phases of the first COVID-19 wave in Italy, and which diagnostic technique and reporting system would have been preferred based on the experience gained during the pandemic.

Material and Methods

The questionnaire of the survey consisted of 26 questions. The link to participate in the survey was sent to all members of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM).

Results

The survey gathered responses from 716 SIRM members. The most notable result was that the most used and preferred chest imaging modality to assess/exclude/monitor COVID-19 pneumonia during the different phases of the first COVID-19 wave was computed tomography (51.8% to 77.1% of participants). Additionally, while the narrative report was the most used reporting system (55.6% of respondents), one-third of participants would have preferred to utilize structured reporting systems.

Conclusion

This survey shows that the participants’ responses did not properly align with the imaging guidelines for managing COVID-19 that have been made by several scientific, including SIRM. Therefore, there is a need for continuing education to keep radiologists up to date and aware of the advantages and limitations of the chest imaging modalities and reporting systems.
Imaging of inner ear malformations: a primer for radiologists
Authors: Feraco Paola , Piccinini Silvia , Gagliardo Cesare
Published: July 2021

In the multidisciplinary management of patients with inner ear malformations (IEMs), the correct diagnosis makes the differences in terms of clinical and surgical treatment. The complex anatomical landscape of the inner ear, comprising several small structures, makes imaging of this region particularly challenging for general radiologists. Imaging techniques are important for identifying the presence and defining the type of IEM and the cochlear nerve condition. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are the mainstay imaging techniques in this area. Dedicated MRI and HRCT protocols play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with inner ear disease. The most suitable technique should be selected depending on the clinical setting. However, in cases of congenital malformation of the inner ear, these techniques should be considered complementary. Since prompt intervention has a positive impact on the treatment outcomes, early diagnosis of IEMs is very important in the management of deaf patients. This article reviews the key concepts of IEMs for clinical radiologists by focusing on recent literature updates, discusses the principal imaging findings and clinical implications for every IEM subgroup, thus providing a practical diagnostic approach.
Big Data in der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention
Authors: Spranger Julia , Niederberger Marlen
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Die Nutzung großer und vielfältiger Datenmengen (Big Data) kann zur Gewinnung gesundheitsbezogener Erkenntnisse führen. Die Relevanz untermauern aktuelle Erfordernisse, bspw. in Zusammenhang mit der Digitalisierung, der Gesundheitsversorgung in Ausnahmesituationen und der zunehmenden Bedeutung von Personalisierungsprozessen in der Gesundheitsforschung. Das Potenzial von Big Data zur Erforschung vulnerabler Gruppen ist strittig, jedoch vor dem Hintergrund relativ stabiler sozialbedingter gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit besonders relevant.

Ziel der Arbeit

In der Studie wird untersucht, wie Expert*innen im Bereich der Analyse von Gesundheitsdaten das Potenzial von Big Data in der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention, insbesondere zur Erforschung vulnerabler Gruppen, einschätzen.

Material und Methode

In einer Delphi-Studie wurden Expert*innen in zwei Runden mit einem Onlinefragebogen befragt, um Konsens und Dissens über das Potenzial von Big Data zu identifizieren.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Aus Sicht der Expert*innen birgt Big Data ein Potenzial für die Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention, insbesondere im klinischen Setting und durch die Personalisierung gesundheitsbezogener Maßnahmen. Vor allem Menschen mit seltenen Erkrankungen und ältere Personen könnten durch Big-Data-Analysen profitieren, bspw. durch beschleunigte Diagnoseprozesse oder personalisierte digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen. Uneinig sind sich die Expert*innen über den Umfang, in welchem es Forschungseinrichtungen, Krankenversicherungen oder Unternehmen, erlaubt sein soll, derartige Daten zu nutzen oder zu teilen.
Medienethik: Vier populäre Irrtümer
Authors: Eggers Daniel
Published: July 2021

Obwohl die Bedeutung medienethischer Reflexion und der Status der Medienethik als einer angewandten und damit normativen Ethik weithin anerkannt sind, bleiben die vorliegenden Beiträge oft unbefriedigend: Sie liefern kaum Antworten auf konkrete moralische Probleme, enthalten aber auch nur selten Theorieangebote, die das Potenzial hätten, derartige Antworten zu generieren. Ziel des Aufsatzes ist es, anhand von vier Beispielen theoretische Engführungen und Fehlstellungen der gegenwärtigen Debatte zu beschreiben, die einer fruchtbaren multidisziplinären Diskussion medienethischer Fragestellungen und einer genuin normativen Medienethik im Wege stehen.
Changes in biomarkers after 180 days of tobacco heating product use: a randomised trial
Authors: Gale Nathan , McEwan Michael , Camacho Oscar M. , Hardie George , Proctor Christopher J. , Murphy James
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate whether biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and potential harm (BoPH) are modified when smokers switch from smoking cigarettes to exclusive use of a tobacco heating product (THP) in an ambulatory setting. Participants in this randomised, controlled study were healthy volunteer smokers assigned either to continue smoking or switch to a THP, and a control group of smokers who abstained from cigarette smoking. Various BoE and BoPH related to oxidative stress, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and cancer were assessed at baseline and up to 180 days. In continuing smokers, BoE and BoPH remained stable between baseline and day 180, while THP users’ levels of most BoE reduced significantly, becoming similar to those in controls abstaining from cigarette smoking. Also at 180 days, significant changes in numerous BoPH, including total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α type III, fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide and white blood cell count, were directionally consistent with lessened health impact. Our findings support the notion that the deleterious health impacts of cigarette smoking may be reduced in smokers who completely switch to using THPs.
Analysis of X-rays in bone remodelling around Active and Replace dental implants
Authors: Trochim Brygida , Borowska Marta , Szarmach Janusz
Published: July 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to examine on the basis of radiographic images of bone tissue, whether there are differences in the rate of bone remodelling using different shapes of implants in the mandible and maxilla. Moreover, the study also compares texture features obtained on the basis of these images for healthy bone tissue, bone directly after implantation and after a 12-month period of prosthetic loading. Materials and Methods: The subject of the analysis was radiovisiogram images obtained from the Medical University of Bialystok from the Department of Dental Surgery. They are radiovisiogram photographs of 146 people aged 18–74, treated implantally due to missing teeth. The whole group of patients received two types of implants (Active and Replace) of the same company, made of titanium, intraosseous, screw-in. Results: It has been shown that both in the upper jaw and the mandible, the values of texture parameters obtained for bone images made after one year of prosthetic loading are closer to healthy tissue than immediately after implantation. These values for the mandible were relatively closer to those obtained on the basis of healthy tissue than those for the upper jaw. The bone around the implant with a single threading achieved better results in the mandible than the one with a double threading. Conclusion: The type of bone tissue and the shape of the implant have an impact on the achieved osseointegration. With the passage of time and the process of bone remodelling, the damaged tissue returns to its normal structure.
Current Status of Catheter-based Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Rawish Elias , Schmidt Tobias , Eitel Ingo , Frerker Christian
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has been developed to address the need for an alternative therapeutic option to surgery in patients suffering from severe mitral regurgitation who are at high surgical risk. The present review illustrated the state-of-the-art of catheter-based mitral valve replacement evaluating technical characteristics and early clinical experience of different devices to outline prospects and challenges of TMVR.

Recent findings

Several devices are currently under clinical assessment. Early experience has demonstrated high procedural success of TMVR. However, TMVR faces several possible hurdles such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) after prosthesis deployment, access site complications, and thrombotic risk requiring anticoagulatory therapy.

Future studies should assess long-term prosthesis stability, optimal anticoagulation regime, and occurrence of paravalvular leakage. The development of smaller TMVR prostheses suitable for transseptal implantation could overcome bleeding complications. In perspective, TMVR may emerge to a clinically relevant therapeutic approach for patients with severe MR at high surgical risk.
Molecular Imaging Using Cardiac PET/CT: Opportunities to Harmonize Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Thackeray James T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Current therapeutic strategies to mitigate heart failure progression after myocardial infarction involve support of endogenous repair through molecular targets. The capacity for repair varies greatly between individuals. In this review, we will assess how cardiac PET/CT enables precise characterization of early pathogenetic processes which govern ventricle remodeling and progression to heart failure.

Recent Findings

Inflammation in the first days after myocardial infarction predicts subsequent functional decline and can influence therapy decisions. The expansion of anti-inflammatory approaches to improve outcomes after myocardial infarction may benefit from noninvasive characterization using imaging. Novel probes also allow visualization of fibroblast transdifferentiation and activation, as a precursor to ventricle remodeling.

The expanding arsenal of molecular imaging agents in parallel with new treatment options provides opportunity to harmonize diagnostic imaging with precision therapy.
PET Imaging of Post-infarct Myocardial Inflammation
Authors: Ćorović Andrej , Nus Meritxell , Mallat Ziad , Rudd James H. F. , Tarkin Jason M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

To examine the use of positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging post-infarct myocardial inflammation and repair.

Recent Findings

Dysregulated immune responses after myocardial infarction are associated with adverse cardiac remodelling and an increased likelihood of ischaemic heart failure. PET imaging utilising novel tracers can be applied to visualise different components of the post-infarction inflammatory and repair processes. This approach could offer unique pathophysiological insights that could prove useful for the identification and risk-stratification of individuals who would ultimately benefit most from emerging immune-modulating therapies. PET imaging could also bridge the clinical translational gap as a surrogate measure of drug efficacy in early-stage clinical trials in patients with myocardial infarction. The use of hybrid PET/MR imaging, in particular, offers the additional advantage of simultaneous in vivo molecular imaging and detailed assessment of myocardial function, viability and tissue characterisation.

Further research is needed to realise the true clinical translational value of PET imaging after myocardial infarction.
Review of ERCP Techniques in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients: Highlight on the Novel EUS-Directed Transgastric ERCP (EGDE) Technique
Authors: Khara Harshit S. , Parvataneni Swetha , Park Steven , Choi Jihye , Kothari Truptesh H. , Kothari Shivangi T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Hepatobiliary complications are common in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. Despite development of multiple surgical and endoscopic access techniques over the years, ERCP using standard duodenoscope remains challenging in these patients due to the altered anatomy.

Recent Findings

Limited success with enteroscope-assisted and laparoscope-assisted ERCP led to the evolution of the novel EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) procedure, with variations of this technique termed as Gastric Access Temporary for Endoscopy (GATE), EUS-guided TransGastric ERCP (EUS-TG-ERCP), EUS-guided GastroGastrostomy-assisted ERCP (EUS-GG-ERCP), and EUS-directed transgastric intervention (EDGI). EDGE has high technical (100%) and clinical success rates (60–100%), lower adverse event rate (1.5–7.6%), and up to 20% access stent migration rate; without any significant weight changes. EDGE has significantly shorter procedure time (73vs184min), post-procedural hospital stays (0.8vs2.65 days) and is more cost effective compared to other modalities.

EDGE technique addresses the challenges of RYGB anatomy as a minimally invasive, clinically successful, fully endoscopic, and cost-effective option. We present a literature review of the EDGE technique from its inception to current, in addition to reviewing other access techniques, their advantages, disadvantages and outcomes.
Peri-threshold Trigeminal Stimulation with Capsaicin Increases Taste Sensitivity in Humans
Authors: Han Pengfei , Müller Lea , Hummel Thomas
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Taste perception is affected by trigeminal stimuli, i.e., capsaicin. This has been studied at suprathreshold concentrations. However, little is known about taste perception at threshold level in the presence of low concentration of capsaicin. The aim of the study was to explore whether taste sensitivity for sweet, sour, salt, bitter, and umami is modulated by the presence of capsaicin in the peri-threshold range.

Methods

Fifty-seven adults (age range 19–85 years; 32 women) with functional gustation participated in the study. Based on their perception of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), the group was stratified into non-tasters (n = 20) and tasters (n = 37). Threshold for sweet (sucrose), sour (citric acid), salty (sodium chloride), bitter (quinine-hydrochloride), and umami (sodium-glutamate) tastes was estimated using a single-staircase paradigm (3-alternative forced choice; volume per trial 0.1 ml) with or without 0.9-µM capsaicin added. This capsaicin concentration had been determined in pilot studies to be in the range of oral perception thresholds.

Results

The addition of capsaicin produced lower taste thresholds for sweet, sour, salty, and bitter but not for umami. In contrast, neither PTC taster status nor sex affected these results.

Conclusion

The current results indicate that a low concentration of capsaicin increases gustatory sensitivity.

Implications

The current findings provide evidence supporting different effects of capsaicin on taste perception at threshold level. It has implications for boosting taste sensitivity or flavor enjoyment with low concentration of capsaicin.
Classifying the Diversity of Urban Diversities: an Inductive Analysis of European Cities
Authors: Pisarevskaya Asya , Scholten Peter , Kaşlı Zeynep
Published: July 2021

This paper provides an empirical classification of migration-related diversities in 166 European cities. The local turn in migration studies has shown that migration-related diversity may take varied forms in different cities. Our understanding of how and why cities differ is lagging behind the wealth of existing conceptualisations. This is partly because most studies look only at one kind of city, in particular, superdiverse global cities. This paper takes a systematic inductive approach to map the diversity of migration-related diversities in urban setting and understand the reasons behind such variations. Applying quantitative classification methods to European cities in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, we search for a new meaningful classification of the urban diversity configurations based on measures of volume, variety and spread of migration-related diversity. Five empirical clusters of cities of migration are found: superdiverse cities, migrant minority cities, new diversity cities, low-migration cities and non-diverse cities. Subsequently, we develop a better qualitative understanding of these clusters by examining typical cities, their economic positioning, migration history, their policy and political structures, as well as their social and geographical position. A thorough classification, we argue, is necessary to have a more differentiated view of the existing urban diversities and go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions for urban governance of migration-related diversity.
Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Blueberry Fruit Waste and Evaluation of Their In Vitro Biological Activity in Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT)
Authors: Piechowiak Tomasz , Skóra Bartosz , Grzelak-Błaszczyk Katarzyna , Sójka Michał
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological properties of an extract obtained from the waste of blueberry fruit. The study covered the optimization of extraction of antioxidants from blueberry pomace and the determination of antioxidant properties of the extract using HaCaT as the model organism. Research showed that the yield of antioxidants extraction from blueberry waste was dependent on the applied extraction conditions. Based on the mathematical models, the optimal conditions of extraction process in which the maximum quantity of antioxidant compounds is achieved from the waste mass unit, i.e., the relation of the waste mass to the volume of ethanol equal to 1:17.36, and process time equal to 1000 s. The obtained extract was characterized by high antioxidant activity, which was shaped by high content of polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins. Moreover, the extract showed a high ability to protect HaCaT cells from the occurrence of oxidative stress induced by H2O2. Cells treated with the extract and H2O2 generated a lower amount of ROS than cells treated with H2O2 only. The obtained results will be base of further studies on applying the extract in production of diet supplements and functional foods with increased antioxidant activity. Moreover, the main research material is blueberry pomace which is a troublesome waste material for juice producers. Consequently, according to a sustainable development idea, the study results will provide an opportunity to increase interest in the problem of rational use of the waste material to a certain extent.
Habitat Attributes Dictate the Roles of Dispersal and Environmental Filtering on Metacommunity Assembly at Coastal Soft-Bottom Ecosystems
Authors: Brustolin Marco C. , Fonseca Gustavo , Gallucci Fabiane
Published: July 2021

Tracking the effects of habitat attributes on species distribution is pivotal to the understanding of community assembly across space and time. We used the elements of metacommunity (EMS), which evaluates coherence, turnover, and boundary clumping of species, to access the spatial patterns of nematodes from three coastal habitats with increasing degree to wave exposure, namely, mangroves, estuarine unvegetated tidal flats, and sandy beaches. Each habitat was sampled in four locations, hundreds of kilometers apart from each other. We hypothesized that (1) coastal habitats act as metacommunity boundaries and drive positive turnover and clumped distribution of species and (2) metacommunity structure within coastal habitats depends on the habitats’ degree to wave exposure since wave energy generally decreases sediment heterogeneity and favors connectivity among locations. Habitats were the main drivers of species turnover, with tidal flats harboring a transitional assemblage between mangrove and sandy beach. Metacommunities from the different habitats showed distinct patterns of organization among locations. Mangroves were characterized by species loss, with smaller areas of mangroves harboring a subset of the species pool present on larger areas of mangroves. Tidal flats showed positive species turnover among the different estuaries, with co-occurring species responding as a group to environmental variations. Both patterns indicate environmental filtering as the main driver at these less wave-exposed habitats. At sandy beaches, in contrast, metacommunity displayed a random pattern, suggesting high connectivity among locations. Our study confirmed that habitat attributes may induce distinct mechanisms of metacommunity assembly at coastal soft-bottom ecosystems.
Sexbots as Synthetic Companions: Comparing Attitudes of Official Sex Offenders and Non-Offenders
Authors: Zara Georgia , Veggi Sara , Farrington David P.
Published: July 2021

This is the first Italian study to examine views on sexbots of adult male sex offenders and non-offenders, and their perceptions of sexbots as sexual partners, and sexbots as a means to prevent sexual violence. In order to explore these aspects 344 adult males were involved in the study. The study carried out two types of comparisons. 100 male sex offenders were compared with 244 male non-offenders. Also, sex offenders were divided into child molesters and rapists. Preliminary findings suggest that sex offenders were less open than non-offenders to sexbots, showed a lower acceptance of them, and were more likely to dismiss the possibility of having an intimate and sexual relationship with a sexbot. Sex offenders were also less likely than non-offenders to believe that the risk of sexual violence against people could be reduced if a sexbot was used in the treatment of sex offenders. No differences were found between child molesters and rapists. Though no definitive conclusion can be drawn about what role sexbots might play in the prevention and treatment of sex offending, this study emphasizes the importance of both exploring how sexbots are both perceived and understood. Sex offenders in this study showed a high dynamic sexual risk and, paradoxically, despite, or because of, their sexual deviance (e.g. deficits in sexual self-regulation), they were more inclined to see sexbots as just machines and were reluctant to imagine them as social agents, i.e. as intimate or sexual arousal partners. How sex offenders differ in their dynamic risk and criminal careers can inform experts about the mechanisms that take place and can challenge their engagement in treatment and intervention.