bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-yield BMP2 expression in rice cells via CRISPR and endogenous αAmy3 promoter
Authors: Nguyen Thi Mai , Wu Pei-Yi , Chang Chih-Hung , Huang Li-Fen
Published: February 2024

Plant cells serve as versatile platforms for the production of high-value recombinant proteins. This study explored the efficacy of utilizing an endogenous αAmy3 promoter for the expression of a bioactive pharmaceutical protein, specifically the mature region of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2m). Utilizing a refined CRISPR/Cas9-mediated intron-targeting insertion technique, which incorporates an artificial 3’ splicing site upstream of the target gene, we achieved a transformation efficiency of 13.5% in rice calli that carried the rice-codon optimized mature region of hBMP2 cDNA (rhBMP2m) in the αAmy3 intron 1. Both homozygous and heterozygous rhBMP2m knock-in rice suspension cell lines were generated. These lines demonstrated the endogenous αAmy3 promoter regulated rhBMP2m mRNA and rhBMP2m recombinant protein expression, with strongly upregulation in respond to sugar depletion. The homozygous rhBMP2m knock-in cell line yielded an impressive 21.5 μg/mL of rhBMP2m recombinant protein, accounting for 1.03% of the total soluble protein. The high-yield expression was stably maintained across two generations, indicating the genetic stability of rhBMP2m gene knock-in at the αAmy3 intron 1 locus. Additionally, the rice cell-derived rhBMP2m proteins were found to be glycosylated, capable of dimer formation, and bioactive. Our results indicate that the endogenous rice αAmy3 promoter–signal peptide-based expression system is an effective strategy for producing bioactive pharmaceutical proteins.

Key points

• The endogenous αAmy3 promoter-based expression system enhanced the yield of BMP2

• The increased yield of BMP2 accounted for 1.03% of the total rice-soluble proteins

• The rice-produced BMP2 showed glycosylation modifications, dimer formation, and bioactivity
Thermodynamic characteristics of extreme heat waves over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Liu Wencai , Shi Ning , Wang Huijun , Huang Qilei
Published: February 2024

In August 2022, an exceptionally long-lasting heat wave (HW) affected the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. This study uses the JRA55 daily reanalysis datasets to elucidate the thermodynamic characteristics of the daily evolution of historical extreme HWs in this region via the heat budget equation. HWs are generally characterized by the occurrence of anticyclonic circulation anomaly throughout the troposphere and positive air temperature anomaly with the maximum amplitude in the boundary layer. The anticyclonic anomaly can induce compression heating in the entire troposphere and warm zonal advection in the boundary layer. Meanwhile, due to the reduced cloud cover, more shortwave radiation reaches the ground surface, and the sensible heat flux becomes an important source of diabatic heating before the onset of HWs. The accumulated excessive heat in the HWs is primarily damped through the emission of longwave radiation and meridional thermal advection. For the HW in August 2022, its extreme persistence is mainly caused by prolonged adiabatic heating, enhanced diabatic heating during the developing stage and weakened diabatic cooling during the decay stage. The upper-level portion of the anticyclonic circulation anomalies is linked to the strengthened South Asia High. After applying the state-of-the-art dynamic metric, i.e., local finite wave activity, we reveal that the formation of the anomalous South Asia High in August 2022 is associated with the Stokes drift flux rather than the dispersion of Rossby wave energy. This characteristic sets it apart from other extreme HWs.
Valve unit instead of intensive or intermediate care unit admission following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is safe and reduces postprocedural complications
Authors: Gröger Matthias , Felbel Dominik , Paukovitsch Michael , Schneider Leonhard Moritz , Markovic Sinisa , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Keßler Mirjam
Published: February 2024

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) is often performed in general anesthesia, and postprocedural monitoring is usually warranted on an intensive or intermediate care unit (ICU/IMC). We evaluated the implications of a dedicated valve unit (VU) instead of an ICU/IMC for monitoring after M-TEER.

Methods and results

In total, 624 patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 312 patients were primarily transferred to either ICU or IMC following M-TEER, and 312 patients were scheduled for the VU in the absence of indications for ICU/IMC treatment. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in VU patients (median 6.0 days (interquartile range (IQR) 5.0 – 8.0) vs. 7.0 days (IQR 6.0 – 10.0), p < 0.001) and their risk for infections (2.9 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.008) and delirium (0.6 vs. 2.6%, p = 0.056) was substantially lower compared to ICU/IMC patients. In-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (0.6% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.41).

Fifty patients (16.0%) in the VU group had to cross over to unplanned ICU/IMC admission. The most frequent indication was prolonged need for catecholamines (52.0%). Patients with ICU/IMC crossover had more advanced stages of heart failure (LV-EF < 30% in 36.0 vs. 16.0%, p = 0.001; severe concomitant tricuspid regurgitation in 48.0 vs. 27.8%, p = 0.005) and an LV-EF < 30% was independently associated with unplanned ICU/IMC admission.

Conclusions

Following M-TEER postprocedural monitoring on a VU instead of an ICU/IMC is safe, reduces complications, and spares ICU capacities. Patients with advanced heart failure have a higher risk for unplanned ICU/IMC treatment after M-TEER.

Graphical abstract

Valve unit instead of intensive or intermediate care unit admission following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is safe and reduces postprocedural complications.
Sex-related differences in patients presenting with heart failure–related cardiogenic shock
Authors: Sundermeyer Jonas , Kellner Caroline , Beer Benedikt N. , Besch Lisa , Dettling Angela , Bertoldi Letizia Fausta , Blankenberg Stefan , Dauw Jeroen , Dindane Zouhir , Eckner Dennis , Eitel Ingo , Graf Tobias , Horn Patrick , Jozwiak-Nozdrzykowska Joanna , Kirchhof Paulus , Kluge Stefan , Linke Axel , Landmesser Ulf , Luedike Peter , Lüsebrink Enzo , Majunke Nicolas , Mangner Norman , Maniuc Octavian , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Nordbeck Peter , Orban Martin , Pappalardo Federico , Pauschinger Matthias , Pazdernik Michal , Proudfoot Alastair , Kelham Matthew , Rassaf Tienush , Scherer Clemens , Schulze Paul Christian , Schwinger Robert H. G. , Skurk Carsten , Sramko Marek , Tavazzi Guido , Thiele Holger , Villanova Luca , Morici Nuccia , Winzer Ephraim B. , Westermann Dirk , Schrage Benedikt
Published: February 2024

Background

Heart failure–related cardiogenic shock (HF-CS) accounts for a significant proportion of all CS cases. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence on sex-related differences in HF-CS, especially regarding use of treatment and mortality risk in women vs. men. This study aimed to investigate potential differences in clinical presentation, use of treatments, and mortality between women and men with HF-CS.

Methods

In this international observational study, patients with HF-CS (without acute myocardial infarction) from 16 tertiary-care centers in five countries were enrolled between 2010 and 2021. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to assess differences in clinical presentation, use of treatments, and 30-day mortality in women vs. men with HF-CS.

Results

N = 1030 patients with HF-CS were analyzed, of whom 290 (28.2%) were women. Compared to men, women were more likely to be older, less likely to have a known history of heart failure or cardiovascular risk factors, and lower rates of highly depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and renal dysfunction. Nevertheless, CS severity as well as use of treatments were comparable, and female sex was not independently associated with 30-day mortality (53.0% vs. 50.8%; adjusted HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.75–1.19).

Conclusions

In this large HF-CS registry, sex disparities in risk factors and clinical presentation were observed. Despite these differences, the use of treatments was comparable, and both sexes exhibited similarly high mortality rates. Further research is necessary to evaluate if sex-tailored treatment, accounting for the differences in cardiovascular risk factors and clinical presentation, might improve outcomes in HF-CS.

Graphical abstract

Sex-related differences in clinical characteristics, shock severity, and mortality in patients with heart failure–related cardiogenic shock. Summary for the main study findings. AMI, acute myocardial infarction; CI, confidence interval; HF-CS, heart failure–related cardiogenic shock; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; MCS, mechanical circulatory support; SCAI, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions.
Cochlear implant therapy improves the quality of life and social participation in the elderly: a prospective long-term evaluation
Authors: Issing Christian , Loth Andreas G. , Sakmen Kenan D. , Guchlerner Leon , Helbig Silke , Baumann Uwe , Pantel Johannes , Stöver Timo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the number of elderly cochlear implant (CI) candidates is continuously rising. In addition to the audiological improvement, other positive effects of CI treatment can also be observed in clinical routine. The “quality of life” as a parameter of success directly experienced by the patient is increasingly becoming the focus of clinical research. Although there are already clear indications of a rapid and significant improvement in quality of life, there is still a lack of systematic, prospectively collected longitudinal long-term data in patients over the age of 65.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal observational study included 31 patients between the age of 71 and 92 years who had first been treated unilaterally with a CI 6 years ago. In addition to free-field monosyllable recognition, quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-old (WHOQL-OLD). The results were compared with the data from our previous study, in which we focused on the short- and medium-term effects on quality of life. In both studies, the same patient population was examined. In addition, these study data were compared with an age-matched average population.

Results

In speech recognition, there was no significant change from the control 6 months postoperatively compared with the results 6 years postoperatively. No significant changes occurred in the total quality of life score or any of the other six facets of quality of life when comparing the results 6 months postoperatively with the results 6 years postoperatively. In “Social participation”, the CI patients even exceed the values of the age-matched average population 6 years after treatment.

Conclusion

Improvement in the quality of life and especially in social participation appears stable over many years in elderly patients after hearing rehabilitation with a CI.
Posterior fixation of gastric tube with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a promising method to prevent revision surgeries
Authors: Kizilkaya Mehmet Celal , Gokay Ridvan , Mutlu Arda Ulaş , Sonmez Suleyman , Yilmaz Serhan , Kocatas Ali , Saracoglu Can , Aytac Erman
Published: February 2024

Background

We aim to assess the effects of gastric posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in aspects of 12th-month body mass index and gastric volume.

Methods

The patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 2019 and February 2021 were divided into two groups preoperatively. The first 75 patients were appointed to the posterior fixation group, and the second 75 were to the control group. Changes in gastric volume and body mass index were assessed in the postoperative 12th month.

Results

There were 110 patients in the final analysis. Fifty-four patients had posterior fixation, and 56 had only laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The posterior fixation group was superior in terms of total weight loss rate (39.1% vs. 34.5%, p<0.001) and less gastric volume increase rate (39.8% vs. 164.7%, p<0.001) in the postoperative 12th month.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a promising method for preventing weight regain and creating a need for revision surgery.
Analyzing the dynamical relationships between meteorological and hydrological drought of Wadi Mina basin, Algeria using a novel multiscale framework
Authors: Achite Mohammed , Simsek Oguz , Sankaran Adarsh , Katipoğlu Okan Mert , Caloiero Tommaso
Published: February 2024

Understanding the relationship between hydrological and meteorological drought in drought-prone regions is critical for proper reservoir management. This study presents a novel multiscale framework for investigating the associations between hydrological and meteorological drought based on the Time-Dependent Intrinsic Correlation (TDIC) method. Firstly, the characteristics of short, medium and long term standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized runoff index (SRI) of the Wadi Mina basin (Algeria) have been analyzed based on data from 6 rainfall and hydrometric stations. Then an Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) method is used to decompose the most correlated SPI and SRI series to different scales. A stronger association between the two types of droughts is evident in the low-frequency trend component regardless of the station, but their evolution pattern does not remain the same. Subsequently, a TDIC based running correlation analysis is performed between the modes to examine the SPI–SRI associations over the time domain and across the time scales. TDIC analysis has proven the dynamic behavior in the SPI–SRI associations bearing frequent alterations in nature and strength across the process scales and along the time domain. In general, at the intra-annual scales the SPI–SRI correlations are mostly weak positive with localized alterations to negative along the time domain, whereas the relationship is dominantly strong positive and long range at inter-annual scales up to 4 years. This dynamic behavior in the SPI–SRI association and the evolution pattern of trend decipher that the rainfall processes are not directly transferred to streamflow drought, but it also gets controlled by many other local meteorological processes.
Development of a novel clinimetric tool: PAtient Reported Disease Activity Index in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PARDAI-RA) by PANLAR, for the assessment of patients living with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fernández-Ávila Daniel G. , Patiño-Hernández Daniela , Moreno-Luna Socorro , Brance Lorena , Arbeláez Álvaro , Vilar Antonio Cachafeiro , Lozada Carlos , Ríos Carlos , Toro Carlos , Ramírez Claudia , Pons-Estel Guillermo , Ugarte-Gil Manuel , Narváez María , Albanese Miguel , Roa Orlando , Ruiz Oscar , Burgos Paula , Xavier Ricardo , Fuentes Yurilis , Soriano Enrique
Published: February 2024

Background

Clinical experience has shown that a single measure is not sufficient to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various clinimetric tools are necessary to address the many clinical situations that can arise.

Methods

In order to develop a comprehensive measurement tool, the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology searched for the most frequent measures of disease activity applied in RA by means of a semi-systematic review of the available literature.

Results

We found that the most frequently reported measures of disease activity were the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, C-reactive protein, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, followed by patient-reported measures of pain and stiffness and many other composite indices and patient-reported outcome measures. The most frequent physician-reported sign of disease was the swollen joint count, and the most frequently self-reported feature was the increase in disease activity or flares.

Conclusion

In this article, we present a new clinimetric tool developed based on expert consensus and on data retrieved from our search. Disease activity can be better assessed by combining various data sources, such as clinical, laboratory, and self-reported outcomes. These variables were included in our novel clinimetric tool.

Key Points• The goal of treatment of RA is to achieve the best possible control of inflammation, or even remission; therefore, disease management should include systematic and regular evaluation of inflammation and health status.• Clinimetric tools evaluate a series of variables (e.g., symptoms, functional capacity, disease severity, quality of life, disease progression) and can reveal substantial prognostic and therapeutic differences between patients.• Our clinimetric tool, which is based on a combination of data (e.g., clinical variables, laboratory results, PROMs), can play a relevant role in patient assessment and care.
Objective clinical registration of tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity during awake stereotactic neurosurgery: a scoping review
Authors: Smid Annemarie , Dominguez-Vega Zeus T. , van Laar Teus , Oterdoom D. L. Marinus , Absalom Anthony R. , van Egmond Martje E. , Drost Gea , van Dijk J. Marc C.
Published: February 2024

Tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity are incapacitating motor symptoms that can be suppressed with stereotactic neurosurgical treatment like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and ablative surgery (e.g., thalamotomy, pallidotomy). Traditionally, clinicians rely on clinical rating scales for intraoperative evaluation of these motor symptoms during awake stereotactic neurosurgery. However, these clinical scales have a relatively high inter-rater variability and rely on experienced raters. Therefore, objective registration (e.g., using movement sensors) is a reasonable extension for intraoperative assessment of tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The main goal of this scoping review is to provide an overview of electronic motor measurements during awake stereotactic neurosurgery. The protocol was based on the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. After a systematic database search (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science), articles were screened for relevance. Hundred-and-three articles were subject to detailed screening. Key clinical and technical information was extracted. The inclusion criteria encompassed use of electronic motor measurements during stereotactic neurosurgery performed under local anesthesia. Twenty-three articles were included. These studies had various objectives, including correlating sensor-based outcome measures to clinical scores, identifying optimal DBS electrode positions, and translating clinical assessments to objective assessments. The studies were highly heterogeneous in device choice, sensor location, measurement protocol, design, outcome measures, and data analysis. This review shows that intraoperative quantification of motor symptoms is still limited by variable signal analysis techniques and lacking standardized measurement protocols. However, electronic motor measurements can complement visual evaluations and provide objective confirmation of correct placement of the DBS electrode and/or lesioning. On the long term, this might benefit patient outcomes and provide reliable outcome measures in scientific research.
Don’t Rock the Boat: The Social-symbolic Work to Confront Ethnic Discrimination in Branches of Professional Service Firms
Authors: Aliberti Daniela , Bissola Rita , Imperatori Barbara
Published: February 2024

In Western societies and organizations, episodes of discrimination based on individual demographic and social characteristics still occur. Relevant questions, such as why ethnic discrimination is perpetuated and how people confront it in the workplace, remain open. In this study, we adopt a social-symbolic work perspective to explore how individuals confront workplace ethnic discrimination by both upholding and challenging it. In doing so, we incorporate the perspectives of those directly experiencing, observing and neglecting discrimination. Specifically, we focus on the Italian branches of North American professional service firms (PSFs), performing a qualitative investigation of the worlds of concern among professionals regarding the topic of ethnic discrimination to explore how different backgrounds motivate social-symbolic work. We find that different forms of work are enacted to support the status quo, shape the boundaries of existing organizational practices, and balance professional identities, emotions, and careers to silence episodes of ethnic discrimination. We also highlight cases of ‘soft,’ yet increasing, work that contests the status quo. Finally, we discuss our results in light of neo-institutional and critical management research to ultimately inspire our focal firms and societies to find alternatives to the rhetoric in the established approaches to inequality.
Speeding up Explorative BPM with Lightweight IT: the Case of Machine Learning
Authors: Bojer Casper Solheim , Bygstad Bendik , Øvrelid Egil
Published: February 2024

In the modern digital age, companies need to be able to quickly explore the process innovation affordances of digital technologies. This includes exploration of Machine Learning (ML), which when embedded in processes can augment or automate decisions. BPM research suggests using lightweight IT (Bygstad, Journal of Information Technology, 32(2), 180–193 2017) for digital process innovation, but existing research provides conflicting views on whether ML is lightweight or heavyweight. We therefore address the research question “How can Lightweight IT contribute to explorative BPM for embedded ML?” by analyzing four action cases from a large Danish manufacturer. We contribute to explorative BPM by showing that lightweight ML considerably speeds up opportunity assessment and technical implementation in the exploration process thus reducing process innovation latency. We furthermore show that succesful lightweight ML requires the presence of two enabling factors: 1) loose coupling of the IT infrastructure, and 2) extensive use of building blocks to reduce custom development.
New Approaches to the Bipolar Flaking Technique: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Kinematic Perspectives
Authors: Yeşilova Görkem Cenk , Arroyo Adrián , Vergès Josep Maria , Ollé Andreu
Published: February 2024

The bipolar technique is a flaking strategy that has been identified from 3.3 Ma until the twentieth century, with no geographical or chronological homogeneous distribution. It is represented by the intentional contact of an active percussive element against a core rested on an anvil. This tool composite has been described by some researchers as a sign of low-skill of hominins, unable to perform successfully free-hand flaking or for flaking low-quality raw materials. Based on this premise, our research focused on the following question: Are there any quantitative and qualitative differences in terms of both kinematic parameters and technical skills between knappers with different levels of expertise when flaking using the bipolar technique? To get an answer, we developed a systematic experimental program with 12 volunteer participants with different levels of expertise. Then, to assess potential quantifiable differences and to understand the mechanics of bipolar technology, we did a video motion analysis based on kinematic parameters (including position, velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy of the hammerstone). In addition, we performed a technological analysis of the experimental lithic assemblages to assess the technological differences between knappers based on their levels of expertise. In kinematic parameters, both statistical analysis and observations from the experiment clearly show that there are differences between the levels of expertise in this technique. Intermediate knappers have been observed to apply more velocity and kinetic energy than experts and novices. Also, differences were observed in the flaking strategies. Expert knappers show a longer reduction sequence, while intermediates show shorter one. Moreover, some of the novice knappers did not even obtain a single flake. The results of our experiment stress the complexity of bipolar flaking and that previous assumptions about it might be reconsidered, especially in terms of reconsidering the negative connotations attributed to this flaking technique.
Item Retention as a Feature Selection Task: Developing Abbreviated Measures Using Shapley Values
Authors: Droncheff Brian , Liu Kevin , Warren Stacie L.
Published: February 2024

Creating abbreviated measures from lengthy questionnaires is important for reducing respondent burden while improving response quality. Though factor analytic strategies have been used to guide item retention for abbreviated questionnaires, item retention can be conceptualized as a feature selection task amenable to machine learning approaches. The present study tested a machine learning-guided approach to item retention, specifically item-level importance as measured by Shapley values for the prediction of total score, to create abbreviated versions of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) in a sample of 3,906 secondary school students. Results showed that Shapley values were a useful measure for determining item retention in creating abbreviated versions of the PSWQ, demonstrating concordance with the full PSWQ. As item-level importance varied based on the proportion of the worry distribution predicted (e.g., high versus low PSWQ scores), item retention is dependent on the intended purpose of the abbreviated measure. Illustrative examples are presented.
Where’s the BIPOC Blueprint for Healthy Youth Development? The Role of Scientific Omissions in Our Struggle for Science Translation and Racial Equity in the United States
Authors: Shapiro Valerie B. , Eldeeb Nehal , McCoy Henrika , Trujillo Miguel , Jones Tiffany M.
Published: February 2024

Prevention Science seeks to advance the prevention research and to translate scientific advances into the promotion of healthy development for all youth. Despite tremendous progress creating a robust evidence-base and set of translational tools, elaborations and expansions for equity are required. Our collective errors of omission as prevention researchers have left prevention practitioners and policy-makers without sufficient information to identify strategies that have been demonstrated to prevent behavioral health problems in young people who identify as Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color (BIPOC). We first describe the current shortcomings of available evidence, and then we call for individual and collective action to conceptualize equity-enhancing prevention, sample more inclusively, and improve analytic approaches such that we can truly promote the healthy development of all youth.
Tunneling effect between radial electric wells in a homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Morin Léo
Published: February 2024

We establish a tunneling formula for a Schrödinger operator with symmetric double-well potential and homogeneous magnetic field, in dimension two. Each well is assumed to be radially symmetric and compactly supported. We obtain an asymptotic formula for the difference between the two first eigenvalues of this operator, that is exponentially small in the semiclassical limit.
Decidability of Well Quasi-Order and Atomicity for Equivalence Relations Under Embedding Orderings
Authors: Ironmonger V. , Ruškuc N.
Published: February 2024

We consider the posets of equivalence relations on finite sets under the standard embedding ordering and under the consecutive embedding ordering. In the latter case, the relations are also assumed to have an underlying linear order, which governs consecutive embeddings. For each poset we ask the well quasi-order and atomicity decidability questions: Given finitely many equivalence relations $$\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k$$

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

, is the downward closed set $${{\,\textrm{Av}\,}}(\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k)$$

Av

(

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

)

consisting of all equivalence relations which do not contain any of $$\rho _1,\dots ,\rho _k$$

ρ
1

,
⋯
,

ρ
k

: (a) well-quasi-ordered, meaning that it contains no infinite antichains? and (b) atomic, meaning that it is not a union of two proper downward closed subsets, or, equivalently, that it satisfies the joint embedding property?
The return of non-probability sample: the electoral polls at the time of internet and social media
Authors: Di Franco Giovanni
Published: February 2024

For the past 80 years survey researchers have used a probability sampling framework. Probability samples have a well-defined set of quality criteria that have been organized around the concept of Total Survey Error (TSE). Non-probability samples do not fit within this framework very well and some possible alternatives to TSE are explored. In recent years, electoral polls have undergone changes as a result of the dispersion of public opinion due mostly, but not only, to the development of the web and social media. From a methodological point of view, the main changes concerned sampling and data collection techniques. The aim of the article is to provide a critical contribution to the methodological debate on electoral polls with particular attention to the samples used which appear to be more similar to non-probability samples than to the traditional probability samples used for many decades in electoral polls. We will explore several new approaches that attempt to make inference possible even when a survey sample does not match the classic probability sample. We will also discuss a set of post hoc adjustments that have been suggested as ways to reduce the bias in estimates from non-probability samples; these adjustments use auxiliary data in an effort to deal with selection and other biases. Propensity score adjustment is the most well know of these techniques. The empirical section of the article analyzes a database of 1793 electoral polls conducted in Italy from January 2017 to July 2023.
The role of blockchain technology in the tourism industry: analyzing the factors affecting its adoption
Authors: Sarnacchiaro Pasquale , Luongo Simone , Sepe Fabiana , Corte Valentina Della
Published: February 2024

Blockchain technology (BT) has attracted increasing attention in various research domains in recent years, particularly in the tourism industry where investments in blockchain-based solutions have witnessed remarkable growth. Scholars recognize BT as a disruptive innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the management of tourism processes and enhance traveler experiences. However, despite this growing interest, the literature on BT's application in the tourism sector is still in its early stages compared to other internet-related technologies. This research paper addresses the gap in understanding the challenges and opportunities of implementing and accepting BT within tourism. Specifically, it focuses on the critical aspects of security and trust, as they play pivotal roles in influencing tourists' behavioral intentions towards BT adoption. The study extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, incorporating security and trust as relevant antecedents, to comprehensively examine the dynamics driving BT adoption within the tourism context. The proposed model and findings contribute to filling the gaps in existing literature and offer valuable information for tourism players and policymakers to formulate strategies promoting BT acceptance in the tourism sector. By advancing understanding of BT adoption factors and end users' perspectives, this research facilitates the industry's transition towards integrated and seamless experiences for travelers, thus shaping the future of tourism through blockchain technology.
Wastewater irrigation and Trichoderma colonization in tomato plants: effects on plant traits, antioxidant activity, and performance of the insect pest Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Trotta Vincenzo , Russo Daniela , Rivelli Anna Rita , Battaglia Donatella , Bufo Sabino Aurelio , Caccavo Vittoria , Forlano Pierluigi , Lelario Filomena , Milella Luigi , Montinaro Lorenzo , Scrano Laura , Brienza Monica
Published: February 2024

The scarcity of freshwater for agriculture in many regions has led to the application of sewage and saline water for irrigation. Irrigation with non-conventional water sources could become a non-harmful process for plant cultivation, and the effects of their use on crops should be monitored in order to develop optimal management strategies. One possibility to overcome potential barriers is to use biostimulants such asTrichodermaspp. fungi. Tomato is a crop of great economic importance in the world. This study investigated the joint effects ofTrichoderma afroharzianumT-22 on tomato plants irrigated with simulated unconventional waters. The experiment consisted of a control and three water treatments. In the control, the plants were watered with distilled water. The three water treatments were obtained by using an irrigation water added with nitrogen, a wastewater effluent, and a mixed groundwater-wastewater effluents. Potted tomato plants (variety Bobcat) were grown in a controlled growth chamber. Antioxidant activity, susceptibility to the aphidsMacrosiphum euphorbiae, and tomato plant growth parameters were estimated.Trichoderma afroharzianumT-22 had a positive effect on plant growth and antioxidant defenses when plants were irrigated with distilled water. Instead, no significant morphological effects induced byT. afroharzianumT-22 on plants were observed when unconventional water was used for irrigation. However, inoculation withT. afroharzianumT-22 activated a stress response that made the colonized plants more susceptible to aphid development and increased their fecundity and longevity. Thanks to this study, it may be possible for the first time to open a new discussion on the practical possibility of using reclaimed wastewater for crop irrigation with the addition of a growth-promoting fungal symbiont.
The target sign: a significant CT sign for predicting small-bowel ischemia and necrosis
Authors: Li Bo , Wu Zhifeng , Wang Jinjun
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the correlation between changes in the thickness and density of diseased small-bowel wall and small-bowel ischemia and necrosis (SBN) on CT imaging when small-bowel obstruction (SBO) occurs.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 186 patients with SBO in our hospital from March 2020 to June 2023. The patients were divided into simple SBO (control group) and SBN (case group) groups. We used logistic regression analysis, the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test to analyze the correlation between the changes in the thickness and density of the diseased intestinal wall and the SBN. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the accuracy of the multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the 186 patients with SBO, 98 (52.7%) had simple SBO, 88 (47.3%) had SBN, and the rate of SBN was 47.3% (88/186). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that six CT findings were significantly correlated with SBN (p < 0.05), namely, thickening of the diseased intestinal wall with the target sign (OR = 21.615), thinning of the diseased intestinal wall (OR = 48.106), increase in the diseased intestinal wall density (OR = 13.696), mesenteric effusion (OR = 21.635), decrease in the diseased intestinal wall enhancement on enhanced scanning (OR = 41.662), and increase in the diseased intestinal wall enhancement on enhanced scanning (OR = 15.488). The AUC of the multivariate analysis reached 0.987 (95% CI 0.974–0.999). Specifically, the target sign was easily recognizable on CT images and was a significant CT finding for predicting SBN.

Conclusion

We identified 6 CT findings that were significantly associated with SBN, and may be helpful for clinical treatment.
Diagnostic approach with Z-score mapping to reduce artifacts caused by cerebral atrophy in regional CBF assessment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease by [99mTc]-ECD and SPECT
Authors: Odano Ikuo , Maeyatsu Fumio , Hosoya Tetsuo , Asari Mami , Oba Kentaro , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach that enhanced diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease (AD) using cerebral perfusion SPECT by minimizing artifacts caused by cerebral atrophy.

Materials and methods

[99mTc]-ECD and SPECT studies were performed on 15 cognitively normal patients, 40 patients with MCI, and 16 patients with AD. SPECT images were compared using SPM. The atrophy correction method was incorporated to reduce artifacts through the MRI masking procedure. Regional Z-score, percent extent, and atrophy correction rate were obtained and compared. The Z-score mapping program was structured as a single package that ran semi-automatically.

Results

The method significantly reduced regional Z-score in most regions, leading to improved estimates. The mean atrophy correction rate ranged from 10.4 to 12.0%. In MCI and AD, the convexities of the frontal and parietal lobes and the posterior medial cerebrum were particularly sensitive to cerebral atrophy, and the Z-scores were overestimated, whereas the posterior cingulate cortex and the cerebellum were less sensitive. The diagnostic accuracy for MCI increased from 67 to 69% and for AD from 78 to 82%.

Conclusion

The proposed approach provided more precise Z-scores with less over- or underestimation, artifacts, and improved diagnostic accuracy, being recommended for clinical studies.
A bibliometric analysis of metaverse technologies in healthcare services
Authors: Damar Seckin , Koksalmis Gulsah Hancerliogullari
Published: February 2024

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine healthcare metaverse research using 3721 Web of Science publications covering the period 1994–2022. Using bibliometric and bibliographic link network analyses, this study aimed to uncover emerging trends, country and university contributions, author collaborations, and common metaverse themes. Contrary to expectations, inconsistent correlations between publication volume and citation impact emerged. This pioneering research evaluated empirical bibliometric laws, identified influential entities, and provided a structured thematic categorization for metaverse studies. Serving as the first comprehensive investigation of the healthcare metaverse, this study lays a solid foundation for subsequent research efforts and guides further scholarly research.
Ethical Challenges in Oral Healthcare Services Provided by Non-Governmental Organizations for Refugees in Germany
Authors: Kozman R. , Mussie K. M. , Elger B. , Wienand I. , Jotterand F.
Published: February 2024

Oral healthcare is attracting much attention after decades of neglect from policymakers. Recent studies have shown a strong association between oral and overall health, which can lead to serious health problems. Availability of oral healthcare services is an essential part of ensuring universal healthcare coverage. More importantly, current gaps in its accessibility by minority or marginalized population groups are crucial public health as well as ethical concerns. One notable effort to address this issue comes from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which offer oral healthcare services for non-insured refugees. However, the challenge remains that these care services are not comprehensive, which has implications for the refugees’ oral and general health. In this article, we discuss this complex issue in the German healthcare context by including ethical reflections. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss the ethical challenges related to oral healthcare services provided by NGOs for refugees in Germany. First, we will introduce the general oral healthcare context worldwide and in Germany. Second, we will provide a general description of the oral healthcare services provided by NGOs for refugees in Germany, as well as an overview of existing gaps. This will provide us with the context for our third and most important task—discussing the ethical implications of the gaps. In doing so, and since the ethical implications can be several, we demarcate the scope of our analysis by focusing on the specific ethical issues of justice, harm, and autonomy. Finally, we offer some recommendations for how to move forward.
Alloparental Support and Infant Psychomotor Developmental Delay
Authors: Waynforth David
Published: February 2024

Receiving social support from community and extended family has been typical for mothers with infants in human societies past and present. In non-industrialised contexts, infants of mothers with extended family support often have better health and higher survival through the vulnerable infant period, and hence shared infant care has a clear fitness benefit. However, there is scant evidence that these benefits continue in industrialised contexts. Better infant health and development with allocare support would indicate continued evolutionary selection for allocare. The research reported here used multiple logistic regression analysis to test whether a lack of family and other social support for mothers was associated with an increased risk of developmental delay in 9-month-old infants in the UK Millennium Cohort (analysis sample size, 15,696 infants). Extended family-based childcare during work hours and more maternal time spent with friends were the most influential kin and social support variables: infants of mothers with kin-based childcare versus all other childcare arrangements had a lower risk of developmental delay (OR = 0.61, 95% CIs: 0.46–0.82). Infants of mothers who spent no time with friends when compared with those who saw friends every day had double the odds of delay. Greater paternal involvement in infant care was associated with a lower odds of developmental delay. In conclusion, shared care of infants and social support for mothers may influence fitness-related traits in industrialised societies rather than being factors that influenced selection only in the past and in societies which retain close kin networks and a strong local community focus.
Incorporating uncertainty in Indigenous sea Country monitoring with Bayesian statistics: Towards more informed decision-making
Authors: Cure Katherine , Barneche Diego R. , Depczynski Martial , Fisher Rebecca , Warne David J. , McGree James , Underwood Jim , Weisenberger Frank , Evans-Illidge Elizabeth , Ford Brendan , Oades Daniel , Howard Azton , McCarthy Phillip , Pyke Damon , Edgar Zac , Maher Rodney , Sampi Trevor , Dougal Kevin , Bardi Jawi Traditional Owners
Published: February 2024

Partnerships in marine monitoring combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science are developing globally to improve our understanding of temporal changes in ecological communities that better inform coastal management practices. A fuller communication between scientists and Indigenous partners about the limitations of monitoring results to identify change is essential to the impact of monitoring datasets on decision-making. Here we present a 5-year co-developed case study from a fish monitoring partnership in northwest Australia showing how uncertainty estimated by Bayesian models can be incorporated into monitoring management indicators. Our simulation approach revealed there was high uncertainty in detecting immediate change over the following monitoring year when translated to health performance indicators. Incorporating credibility estimates into health assessments added substantial information to monitoring trends, provided a deeper understanding of monitoring limitations and highlighted the importance of carefully selecting the way we evaluate management performance indicators.
Clinical evidence and rationale of mesoglycan to treat chronic venous disease and hemorrhoidal disease: a narrative review
Authors: Gallo Gaetano , Picciariello Arcangelo , Tufano Antonella , Camporese Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Chronic venous disease (CVD) and hemorrhoidal disease (HD) are among the most common vascular diseases in the world, with CVD affecting 22–41% of the population in Europe and HD having a point prevalence of 11–39%. The burden is substantial in terms of the effect of symptoms on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and direct/indirect medical costs. Treatment begins with lifestyle changes, compression in CVD and topical therapies in HD, and escalates as needed through oral therapies first and eventually to surgery for severe disease. CVD and HD share etiological features and pathological changes affecting the structure and function of the tissue extracellular matrix. Mesoglycan, a natural glycosaminoglycan (GAG) preparation composed primarily of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate, has been demonstrated to positively impact the underlying causes of CVD and HD, regenerating the glycocalyx and restoring endothelial function, in addition to having antithrombotic, profibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiedema and wound-healing effects. In clinical trials, oral mesoglycan reduced the severity of CVD signs and symptoms, improved HRQoL, and accelerated ulcer healing. In patients with HD, mesoglycan significantly reduced the severity of signs and symptoms and the risk of rectal bleeding. In patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy, adding mesoglycan to standard postoperative care reduced pain, improved HRQoL, reduced incidence of thrombosis, and facilitated an earlier return to normal activities/work, compared with standard postoperative care alone. The clinical effects of mesoglycan in patients with CVD or HD are consistent with the agent’s known mechanisms of action.
Effects of queen excluders on the colony dynamics of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) under biodynamic management
Authors: Bundschuh Jana , Rappel Herbert , Bock Andreas , Balleisen Ute , Daiser Markus , Friedmann Günter , König Werner , Miltenberger Tobias , Müller Manuela , Müller Robert , Poeplau Norbert , Roosen Alix , Schlotter Alexander , Sedlmair Christian , Weiler Michael , Thewes Christoph , Brock Christopher
Published: February 2024

The evaluation of beekeeping management practices (BMPs) is important for beekeepers worldwide because their choice affects health and survival of managed honeybee (A. mellifera L.) colonies and touches ethical and economic questions. This study focusses on queen excluders, a common hive addition in contemporary beekeeping. Its impacts are controversially discussed but have not been studied scientifically yet. Within a 4-year participatory on-farm experiment, we assessed the effects on colony dynamics in 64 hives in 8 apiaries during one season in Germany using the Liebefeld estimation method. We found no significant deviation for parameters of colony dynamics between hives managed with and without queen excluders. A qualitative decision-making tool (Pugh decision matrix) facilitated concept selection only for specific beekeepers.
Fatigue behaviour of automatically HFMI-treated welds
Authors: Wendler Lea , Löschner Daniel , Engelhardt Imke
Published: February 2024

Due to notches, welds are most critical regarding fatigue failure within cyclic loaded constructions. Therefore, various post-weld-treatment techniques like post-weld treatment by high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment have been invented to improve the fatigue strength of welded details. The benefit, resulting from HFMI treatment, has already been proven by numerous studies. Since a manual HFMI treatment must be performed by a skilled and trained person to ensure an acceptable treatment quality, an automated application of HFMI treatment is supposed to result in a more reliable and consistent treatment result, which does not depend on the operator. Furthermore, a robotic application of HFMI treatment enables an economic implementation of HFMI treatment of automated welded constructions like offshore wind energy converters and various mechanical components, as these parts do not have to be taken out of the production chain to manually perform HFMI treatment. This paper focuses on the experimental investigation of the fatigue behaviour of automated HFMI-treated welds, using a developed robotic application of the HiFIT device (specific HFMI tool).