bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting disease severity in multiple sclerosis using multimodal data and machine learning
Authors: Andorra Magi , Freire Ana , Zubizarreta Irati , de Rosbo Nicole Kerlero , Bos Steffan D. , Rinas Melanie , Høgestøl Einar A. , de Rodez Benavent Sigrid A. , Berge Tone , Brune-Ingebretse Synne , Ivaldi Federico , Cellerino Maria , Pardini Matteo , Vila Gemma , Pulido-Valdeolivas Irene , Martinez-Lapiscina Elena H. , Llufriu Sara , Saiz Albert , Blanco Yolanda , Martinez-Heras Eloy , Solana Elisabeth , Bäcker-Koduah Priscilla , Behrens Janina , Kuchling Joseph , Asseyer Susanna , Scheel Michael , Chien Claudia , Zimmermann Hanna , Motamedi Seyedamirhosein , Kauer-Bonin Josef , Brandt Alex , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Paul Friedemann , Harbo Hanne F. , Shams Hengameh , Oksenberg Jorge , Uccelli Antonio , Baeza-Yates Ricardo , Villoslada Pablo
Published: December 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis patients would benefit from machine learning algorithms that integrates clinical, imaging and multimodal biomarkers to define the risk of disease activity.

Methods

We have analysed a prospective multi-centric cohort of 322 MS patients and 98 healthy controls from four MS centres, collecting disability scales at baseline and 2 years later. Imaging data included brain MRI and optical coherence tomography, and omics included genotyping, cytomics and phosphoproteomic data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Predictors of clinical outcomes were searched using Random Forest algorithms. Assessment of the algorithm performance was conducted in an independent prospective cohort of 271 MS patients from a single centre.

Results

We found algorithms for predicting confirmed disability accumulation for the different scales, no evidence of disease activity (NEDA), onset of immunotherapy and the escalation from low- to high-efficacy therapy with intermediate to high-accuracy. This accuracy was achieved for most of the predictors using clinical data alone or in combination with imaging data. Still, in some cases, the addition of omics data slightly increased algorithm performance. Accuracies were comparable in both cohorts.

Conclusion

Combining clinical, imaging and omics data with machine learning helps identify MS patients at risk of disability worsening.
Macular choroidal thickness, volume, and vascularity index in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Pieklarz Barbara , Gińdzieńska-Sieśkiewicz Ewa , Zawadzka Izabela , Bagrowska Magdalena , Daniluk Joanna , Palewski Marcin , Zonenberg Agnieszka , Kowal-Bielecka Otylia , Konopińska Joanna , Dmuchowska Diana Anna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate choroidal parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT) and to determine their relationships with clinical variables and ocular features.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with SSc and 40 controls were enrolled. The groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, and axial length. The mean choroidal thickness and volume were obtained in each conventional Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid subfield. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI), which provides a quantitative analysis of vasculature by calculating the proportion of the luminal area (LA) to the total choroidal area (TCA), was determined.

Results

Lower choroidal thickness and volume were observed in the SSc group. The CVI was significantly higher in SSc patients, whereas the TCA, LA, and stromal area were significantly lower in the SSc group; however, the significant difference of the stromal component was more pronounced than that of the luminal component. Regression analyses did not identify any clinical factors associated with the CVI (except Ca-blocker use), central macular thickness, or volume. No significant differences in choroidal parameters were found within the SSc subtypes (diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) vs. limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc)), or between eyes stratified according to SSc pattern (early, active, or late) using nailfold capillaroscopy (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Our results, with notably higher CVI values, may shed new light on choroidal impairment in patients with SSc. Stromal involvement appeared to dominate the vascular component.
Association of cardiorespiratory fitness level with vascular function and subclinical atherosclerosis in the elderly
Authors: Größer Vincent , Weyh Christopher , Böttrich Tim , Frech Torsten , Nolte Svenja , Sommer Natascha , Huber Magdalena , Eder Klaus , Dörr Oliver , Hoelscher Sophie , Weber Rebecca , Akdogan Ebru , Nef Holger , Most Astrid , Hamm Christian W. , Krüger Karsten , Bauer Pascal
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Physical exercise is crucial for healthy aging and plays a decisive role in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). A higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the elderly is associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. This study investigated the association of CRF level with vascular function and cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly.

Methods

We examined 79 apparently healthy and physically active subjects aged > 55 years (64 ± 4 years). Cardiovascular functional parameters assessed included brachial and central blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (Aix), and ankle-brachial index. Sonography of the common carotid artery was performed. CRF level was determined by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, and everyday activity was quantified with an accelerometer.

Results

All participants had a higher CRF level than the reported age-specific normative values. Twenty-nine subjects had subclinical atherosclerosis of the common carotid artery. Compared with participants without atherosclerosis, they were older (p = 0.007), displayed higher brachial systolic BP (p = 0.006), and higher central systolic BP (p = 0.014). Lower brachial (p = 0.036) and central (p = 0.003) systolic BP, lower PWV (p = 0.004), lower Aix (p < 0.001), lower body fat percentage (< 0.001), and lower LDL cholesterol (p = 0.005) were associated with a higher CRF level.

Conclusions

In this cohort of healthy and physically active individuals, subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis displayed higher systolic brachial and central BP. A higher CRF level was associated with enhanced vascular function, consistent with an influence of CRF on both BP and vascular function in the elderly.
Physiological mechanisms associated with the use of a passive heat intervention: positive implications for soccer substitutes
Authors: Cowper Gavin , Goodall Stuart , Hicks Kirsty M. , Burnie Louise , Fox Kai T. , Keenan Ashleigh , De Martino Enrico , Briggs Marc A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Soccer substitutes are exposed to periods of limited activity before entering match-play, likely negating benefits of active warm-ups. This study aimed to determine the effects of using a passive heat intervention following a pre-match, and half-time warm-up, on muscle and core temperature in soccer players during ambient (18 °C) and cold (2 °C) conditions.

Methods

On four occasions, 8 male players, completed a pre-match warm-up, followed by 45 min of rest. Following this, participants completed a half-time re-warm-up followed by an additional 45 min of rest, simulating a full match for an unplaying substitute. During periods of rest, participants wore either standardised tracksuit bottoms (CON), or heated trousers (HEAT), over typical soccer attire.

Results

Vastus lateralis temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st half in 2 °C (Δ − 4.39 ± 0.81 vs. − 6.21 ± 1.32 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ − 2.48 ± 0.71 vs. − 3.54 ± 0.88 °C, P = 0.003). These findings were also observed in the 2nd half for the 2 °C (Δ − 4.36 ± 1.03 vs. − 6.26 ± 1.04 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ − 2.85 ± 0.57 vs. − 4.06 ± 1 °C, P = 0.018) conditions. In addition, core temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st (Δ − 0.41 ± 0.25 vs. − 0.84 ± 0.41 °C, P = 0.037) and 2nd (Δ − 0.25 ± 0.33 vs. − 0.64 ± 0.34 °C, P = 0.028) halves of passive rest in 2 °C, with no differences in the 18 °C condition. Perceptual data confirmed that participants were more comfortable in HEAT vs. CON in 2 °C (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Following active warm-ups, heated trousers attenuate the decline in muscle temperature in ambient and cold environments.
Validation of the DIGEST-FEES as a Global Outcome Measure for Pharyngeal Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Lapa Sriramya , Muhle Paul , Suntrup-Krueger Sonja , Claus Inga , Gandor Florin , Ahring Sigrid , Oelenberg Stephan , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias
Published: December 2023

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is one of two diagnostic gold standards for pharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson's disease (PD), however, validated global outcome measures at the patient level are widely lacking. The Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (DIGEST-FEES) represents such an outcome measure but has been validated primarily for head and neck cancer collectives. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the validity of the DIGEST-FEES in patients with PD. Content validity was evaluated with a modified Delphi expert survey. Subsequently, 66 FEES videos in PD patients were scored with the DIGEST-FEES. Criterion validity was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient between the DIGEST-FEES and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), the Yale-Residue-Rating-Scale, the Functional-Oral-Intake-Scale (FOIS), and the swallowing-related Unified-Parkinson-Disease-Rating-Scale (UPDRS) items. Inter-rater reliability was determined using 10 randomly selected FEES-videos examined by a second rater. As a result, the overall DIGEST-FEES-rating exhibited significant correlations with the Yale-Valleculae-Residue-Scale (r = 0.84; p < 0.001), the Yale-Pyriform-Sinus-Residue-Scale (r = 0.70; p < 0.001), the FOIS (r =  − 0.55, p < 0.001), and the UPDRS-Swallowing-Item-Score (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Further, the DIGEST-FEES-safety subscore correlated with the PAS (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability was high for the overall DIGEST-FEES rating (quadratic weighted kappa of 0.82). Therefore, DIGEST-FEES is a valid and reliable score to evaluate overall pharyngeal dysphagia severity in PD. Nevertheless, the modified Delphi survey identified domains where DIGEST-FEES may need to be specifically adapted to PD or neurological collectives in the future.
Total edge irregularity strength for special types of square snake graphs
Authors: Salama F. , Rafat H. , Attiya H.
Published: December 2023

One of the extremely useful branches in graph theory is the labeling of a graph. Graph labeling plays a vital role in many fields such as database management, astronomy, coding theory, X-ray crystallography, communication network addressing and radar. A labeling of a connected simple graph $$G\left( {V,E} \right)$$

G

V
,
E

is a map that assign each element in $$G$$
G
with a positive integer number. An edge irregular total $$\lambda^{\!\!\!\!\!-}$$

λ

-

-labeling is a map $$\beta :V\left( G \right) \cup E\left( G \right) \to \left\{ 1,2,3, \ldots ,\lambda^{\!\!\!\!\!-} \right\}$$

β
:
V

G

∪
E

G

→

1
,
2
,
3
,
…
,

λ

-

such that $$W_\beta \left( h \right) \ne W_\beta \left( z \right)$$

W
β

h

≠

W
β

z

where $$W_\beta \left( h \right)$$

W
β

h

and $$W_\beta \left( z \right)$$

W
β

z

are weights for any two distinct edges. In this case, $$G$$
G
has total edge irregularity strength (TEIS) if $$\lambda^{\!\!\!\!\!-}$$

λ

-

is minimum. In this paper, a new family of graphs called square snake graphs is defined and denoted by $$C_{4,n}$$

C

4
,
n

. Moreover, we define some related graphs of square snake graphs named double square snake graph $$D\left( {C_{4,n} } \right)$$

D

C

4
,
n

, triple square snake graph $$T\left( {C_{4,n} } \right)$$

T

C

4
,
n

and $$m$$
m
-multiple square snake graph $$M_m \left( {C_{4,n} } \right)$$

M
m

C

4
,
n

. Finally, we determine TEIS for square snake graphs, double square snake graph, triple square snake graph and $$m$$
m
-multiple square snake graph, which have many applications in coding theory and physics.
Geochemistry and geochronology of the Neyshabur meta-volcanic rocks, Binalood mountains, NE Iran: witnesses of Paleo-Tethys rifting and closure
Authors: Karimi Hadi , Topuz Gültekin , Ratschbacher Lothar , Shen Chuanbo , Li Jianhua
Published: December 2023

Geochemical and geochronologic data are presented for meta-mafic to meta-felsic rocks along the Paleo-Tethys Suture in the Binalood Mountains east of Neyshabur, NE Iran. The rocks have a late Cambrian age (U–Pb zircon, ~ 490 Ma) and were metamorphosed in the Early Jurassic (40Ar/39Ar amphibole and plagioclase, 199–192 Ma). The rocks of this suite are alkaline and sub-alkaline (tholeiitic). The alkaline rocks are enriched in light relative to heavy rare earth elements, and do not show depletion of high-field strength elements on primitive mantle-normalized multi-element diagrams; they are similar to ocean island basalts (OIB). The tholeiitic rocks are depleted in Nb and Ta and have higher MgO and lower TiO2 than the alkaline rocks. Both types have similar, high and variable 87Sr/86Sr(i) isotopic compositions of 0.7044 to 0.7082 and 143Nd/144Nd(i) values of 0.5118 to 0.5122. The alkaline rocks are lower-degree partial melts than the tholeiitic rocks and were generated at greater depths; they likely originated from a garnet pyroxenite-rich source. The spatial, temporal, and geochemical relationships of early Paleozoic meta-mafic to felsic rocks along the Paleo-Tethys Suture (e.g., Shahrud, Jajarm, Binalood, Torbat-e-Jam) substantiate the role of a mantle plume in continental breakup along the northern margin of Gondwana and a late Cambrian-Ordovician onset of rifting that resulted in the opening of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The Early Jurassic metamorphism post-dates its closure.

Graphical abstract
Children’s Responses to a Challenging Picturebook with a Contrapuntal Relationship Between Historical Facts and Humorous Fiction
Authors: Stranden Tone Louise , Ommundsen Åse Marie
Published: December 2023

In this article, the authors explore how Norwegian second-graders respond to the challenging picturebook, Min bestemor strøk kongens skjorter (My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts) (Kove 2000). The cognitive challenges for the young readers lie in the picturebook’s humorous iconotext with a contrapuntal interplay between historical facts and fiction about World War II. In this classroom-based study, a reading event was designed to give the children an aesthetic experience with the picturebook and the possibility to explore it further. Each reading event included an opening in which the peritexts were discussed, a read-aloud (where two groups read the images on a Smart Board screen and two groups read the images in the physical book), an explorative dialogue, a creative workshop, and an ending. The analyzing process drew on Lawrence K. Sipe’s (Storytime: young children’s literary understanding in the classroom, Teachers College Press, New York, 2008) model of young children’s literary understanding and included an inductive analysis of the pupil’s responses that was inspired by a collective qualitative method (Eggebø in Norsk Sosiol Tidsskrift 4:106–122, 2020). On this basis, the authors present a model of children’s overlapping responses to a challenging picturebook. The pupils’ responses were embodied, creative, playful, analytical, personal and intertextual. Findings indicate that the reading event created a pleasurable aesthetic experience in which the children might develop tolerance for the complex fact-fiction relationship. The mediator’s facilitation and openness for a variety of responses and literary meaning-making during the reading event allowed the pupils to use their entire selves and express meaning-making in different ways. Findings indicate slightly more embodied responses and social interaction when the children read the pictures in the physical book rather than on the Smart Board screen.
Examining the relationship between regional economic resilience and epidemiologic spread of COVID-19: evidence from Greece
Authors: Tsiotas Dimitrios , Dialesiotis Stefanos , Christopoulou Olga
Published: December 2023

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenge worldwide for reconsidering the complex relationship between epidemiological vulnerability (EV) and regional economic resilience (RER). Building on statistical and empirical analysis, this paper detects that epidemiological vulnerability is positively related to geographical size, urbanization, economic size, and production capacity. The analysis distinguishes between the importance of the contribution of non-land transportation to epidemiological spread at the early stage of the pandemic, and of land transportation at later stages of the pandemic. It detects distinct spatiotemporal patterns in the distribution of epidemiological waves in Greek regions, illustrating a saturated temporal pattern and a “major” geographical configuration following the S-type dynamics of spatial development in Greece. Further, this paper highlights the importance of economies of scale and transportation connectivity in the configuration of the RER-EV nexus, emphasizing the significance of land transport connectivity for the control of neighborhood-scale socioeconomic activities once the pandemic is imported into a region. Finally, the analysis distinguishes land transport connectivity and urbanization degree as determinants related the most to long-term effects in the configuration of the RER-EV nexus and provides insights into the effectiveness of stringent policy measures implemented at the early stage of the pandemic. Overall, beyond its empirical case study, this paper provides a methodological framework to shed more light on a research field growing on the intersection of regional economics and public health and motivate more evidence-based policymaking enhancing the resilience of places in the face of future health crises.
Isotopic Evidence for Mobility in the Copper and Bronze Age Cemetery of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid): a Diachronic Approach Using Biological and Archaeological Variables
Authors: Cintas-Peña Marta , Garrido Pena Rafael , Herrero-Corral Ana M. , Flores Fernández Raúl , Waterman Anna J. , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , Díaz-del-Río Pedro , Peate David W.
Published: December 2023

Over the last several decades, the application of aDNA and strontium isotope analyses on archaeologically recovered human remains has provided new avenues for the investigation of mobility in past societies. Data on human mobility can be valuable in the reconstruction of prehistoric residential patterns and kinship systems, which are at the center of human social organization and vary across time and space. In this paper, we aim to contribute to our understanding of mobility, residence, and kinship patterns in late Prehistoric Iberia (c. 3300–1400BC) by providing new strontium data on 44 individuals from the site of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid). The study presented here is multi-proxy and looks at these new data by interweaving biological, chronological, and archaeological information. This analysis found that 7/44 individuals buried at Humanejos could be identified as non-local to the necropolis. Although more men (n = 5) than women (n = 2) were found in the non-local category, and more non-local individuals were identified in the pre-Bell Beaker (n = 5) than in Bell Beaker (n = 1) or Bronze Age (n = 1), we find no statistically significant differences concerning sex or time period. This contrasts with other archaeological datasets for late prehistoric Europe which suggest higher female mobility, female exogamy, and male-centered residential patterns were common. At Humanejos, we have also identified one non-local female whose exceptional Beaker grave goods suggest she was an individual of special status, leading to additional questions about the relationships between gender, mobility, and social position in this region and time period.
Ethnic Minority Contact and the Similarities between Adolescent-Reported Parental and Self-Reported Far Right-Wing Attitudes
Authors: Haselbach Solveig , Beckmann Laura , Kliem Sören , Krieg Yvonne
Published: December 2023

Recent developments in society, together with an increase in the number of far-right motivated crimes in Germany, suggest that far right-wing attitudes are becoming increasingly popular within public opinion. Since political attitudes are shaped within the family and peer setting during the adolescent stage, assessing the potential interplay of family and peer relationships with regard to such attitudes appears essential. The present study aims to explore (1) the relationship between perceived parental far right-wing attitudes, as reported by adolescents, and adolescents’ self-reported far right-wing attitudes, as well as (2) the unique and moderating effects of variables related to the contact hypothesis (ethnic minority friends and exposure to ethnic minority group members in the social environment). Using data from a representative school survey of seventh and ninth grade German adolescents, multilevel linear regression models indicated a statistically significant positive association between adolescent-reported parental far right-wing attitudes and adolescents’ far right-wing attitudes. Furthermore, the analyses demonstrated a small but statistically significant moderating effect of friendship with individuals of an ethnic minority: the relationship between parental and adolescent far right-wing attitudes was weaker for adolescents who had more ethnic minority friends. Thus, adolescents who were friends with individuals of an ethnic minority appeared to be less congruent with their parents’ far right-wing attitudes, compared to adolescents without any ethnic minority friends. In contrast, the overall level of exposure to ethnic minority group members in the social environment did not affect the strength of the relationship between perceived parental and adolescent far right-wing attitudes.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Infection in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Cinicola Bianca Laura , Ottaviano Giorgio , Hashim Ilie Fadzilah , Zainudeen Zarina Thasneem , Hamid Intan Juliana Abd , Elfeky Reem
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here, we aimed to review and analyze current literature on incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of NTM infection after allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature regarding NTM infection in children and adults receiving allogeneic HSCT.

Results

We identified 56 articles eligible for the analysis. Among 15 studies, describing 15,798 allogeneic HSCT, we estimated a prevalence of 1.26% (95% CI 0.72, 1.93) of NTM after transplant. Analysis of 175 patients with NTM infection showed a median time of diagnosis of 318 days after HSCT, an increased prevalence in adults (82.9%), and a most frequent pulmonary involvement (44%). Comparison between children and adults revealed an earlier post-transplant disease onset (median 130 days vs 287 days) and most frequent non-pulmonary presentation in children. A vast heterogeneity of therapeutic approach reflected the lack of universal recommendations regarding drug combination and duration of therapy. Overall, NTM-related mortality accounted for 33% in this systematic review.

Conclusion

Although rare, NTM infections can complicate post-transplant course with a high mortality rate in children and adults. The lack of prospective studies and guidelines prevents identification of risk factors and therapeutic recommendations.
logicDT: a procedure for identifying response-associated interactions between binary predictors
Authors: Lau Michael , Schikowski Tamara , Schwender Holger
Published: December 2023

Interactions between predictors play an important role in many applications. Popular and successful tree-based supervised learning methods such as random forests or logic regression can incorporate interactions associated with the considered outcome without specifying which variables might interact. Nonetheless, these algorithms suffer from certain drawbacks such as limited interpretability of model predictions and difficulties with negligible marginal effects in the case of random forests or not being able to incorporate interactions with continuous variables, being restricted to additive structures between Boolean terms, and not directly considering conjunctions that reveal the interactions in the case of logic regression. We, therefore, propose a novel method called logic decision trees (logicDT) that is specifically tailored to binary input data and helps to overcome the drawbacks of existing methods. The main idea consists of considering sets of Boolean conjunctions, using these terms as input variables for decision trees, and searching for the best performing model. logicDT is also accompanied by a framework for estimating the importance of identified terms, i.e., input variables and interactions between input variables. This new method is compared to other popular statistical learning algorithms in simulations and real data applications. As these evaluations show, logicDT is able to yield high prediction performances while maintaining interpretability.
Mapping the flood hazard potential of small watercourses in a mountain river basin
Authors: Solín Ľubomír , Sládeková Madajová Michala , Michaleje Lukáš
Published: December 2023

This study presents a methodological approach for the mapping of the flood hazard potential of small watercourses, based on their hydromorphological attributes, on the example of a mountain river basin in Slovakia. The flood hazard of a watercourse is understood more comprehensively, providing a set of influencing variables and their attributes that affect the flood hazard. The proposed procedure consists of several steps ranging from the selection of stream variables influencing the flood hazard potential to the evaluation of the attributes of the variables in terms of their impacts on the flood hazard and the determination of a flood hazard index. The mapping divides the watercourse into reaches that differ by their level of flood hazard potential. This enables us to identify those river reaches that are critical in terms of flood hazard and that require management interventions. The results are interpreted in the context of cadastral areas through which the watercourses flow, which is particularly important for local authorities.
Socio-demographic determinants of earthquake risk perception: the case of the Corinthiakos Gulf, in Greece
Authors: Niforatos Stavros , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Delladetsimas Pavlos-Marinos
Published: December 2023

Risk perception has been widely recognized as an essential factor in shaping attitudes and behaviors of individuals and communities proactively, during and after the experience of extreme catastrophic events. Its importance derives out mostly due to its intrinsic relationship with socioeconomic parameters and capacity building of communities affected by such events. The aim of this paper was to elaborate on the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of earthquake risk perception of populations living in an extremely earthquake-prone environment. For this purpose, a population sample of municipalities in the Corinthiakos Gulf in Central West Greece was examined. The sample (230 men and 276 women) was randomly selected from three coastal municipalities of the Gulf: Aigialeia, Nafpaktia and Corinthos. Multi-adjusted linear regression analysis was performed to reveal the determinants of the participants’ perceptions regarding earthquake risk. Findings revealed that mean earthquake risk perception score was moderate in both men and women and notably lower for the participants living in the municipality of Nafpaktia, as compared to the participants of the other two study areas. Earthquake risk perception varied significantly according to age, sex, income and building construction period (of assets resided or used by the participants). Younger strata, especially young men, and households of lower-income status tend to correlate to lower earthquake risk perception. Moreover, individuals living in newly constructed buildings presented lower earthquake risk perception levels. Also, increased individuals’ earthquake safety information provided by state agencies and local civil protection authorities was associated with increased risk perception. Issues like education, household structure, building earthquake insurance, savings and trust in civil protection authorities were not associated with risk perception. From a policy design point of view, such findings provide noteworthy insights for local communities and civil protection authorities allowing to identify vulnerable population groups and to provide noteworthy insights to design targeted measures and policies in the making of a safe and resilient environment.
Dynamic inconsistency under ambiguity: An experiment
Authors: Caferra Rocco , Hey John D. , Morone Andrea , Santorsola Marco
Published: December 2023

This paper experimentally investigates the potential existence of dynamically inconsistent individuals in a situation of ambiguity. The experiment involves participants making two sequential decisions concerning the allocation of a sum of money, with an ambiguous move by Nature occurring after first decision, and again after the second. We conducted two between-subject sessions: one incentivised and one unincentivised. By analysing the resulting data, we are able to classify participants into four distinct decision-making types: Myopic, Resolute, Sophisticated and Expected Utility (EU). Our results suggest that a significant proportion of the participants do not exhibit dynamic inconsistency being either Resolute, Sophisticated or EU. We discuss how monetary incentives can change the dynamic consistency of decision-makers and the salience of the Ambiguity. Differently from the incentivised treatment, we detect a slight increase of the proportion of Myopic behaviour in the hypothetical case, suspecting that incentives might affect dynamic consistency. A noteworthy observation is that, in the majority of cases, ambiguity tends to simplify to risk in the absence of monetary incentives. These findings have implications for economic decision-making and policymaking. By identifying the different types of decision-makers and understanding how they make choices, we can develop more effective strategies to promote desirable outcomes.
Assessment of PCR Inhibitor Removal Methods to Monitor Viruses in Environmental Water Samples: DAX-8 Outperforms Competitors
Authors: Hamza Ibrahim Ahmed , Leifels Mats
Published: December 2023

Complex water matrices or viral elution buffers can interfere with the qPCR leading to an underestimation of the potential public health hazards of waterborne viral pathogens. Here, we assessed different approaches to mitigate inhibitory impact of complex water samples during RT-qPCR of murine norovirus (MNV), as an inhibition control. The dilution of extracted samples, the use of qPCR additives, a commercial PCR inhibitor removal kit, and polymeric adsorbents such as Supelite DAX-8 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were all investigated in this context. Data indicated that the maximum amplification of MNV by RT-qPCR could be obtained by pre-dilution of samples. However, the dilution factor may depend on inhibitors concentration, primer length, probe sequence, and binding capacity. Interestingly, PCR inhibitor removal kits do not seem to be adequate for removing all PCR inhibitors. In comparison to other approaches studied here, the application of 5% DAX-8 led to an increase in MNV qPCR concentrations. DAX-8 can permanently eliminate humic acids from the extracted nucleic acids from the environmental water samples, and it has the potential to considerably improve the accuracy of the obtained non-detects and measured concentrations by qPCR. Further research is required to understand the performance of polymeric adsorbents with enveloped viruses.
The effects of electrochemical pretreatment and curing environment on strength and leaching of stabilized/solidified contaminated sediment
Authors: Norén Anna , Strömvall Ann-Margret , Rauch Sebastien , Andersson-Sköld Yvonne , Modin Oskar , Karlfeldt Fedje Karin
Published: December 2023

Stabilization and solidification (S/S) is known to improve the structural properties of sediment and reduce contaminant mobility, enabling the utilization of dredged contaminated sediment. Further reduction of contaminants (e.g., tributyltin (TBT) and metals) can be done using electrochemical treatment prior to S/S and could potentially minimize contaminant leaching. This is the first study on how electrochemical pretreatment affects the strength and leaching properties of stabilized sediments. It also investigates how salinity and organic carbon in the curing liquid affect the stabilized sediment.

The results showed that the electrolysis reduced the content of TBT by 22% and zinc by 44% in the sediment. The electrolyzed stabilized samples met the requirements for compression strength and had a reduced surface leaching of zinc. Curing in saline water was beneficial for strength development and reduced the leaching of TBT compared to curing in fresh water. The results indicate that pretreatment prior to stabilization could be beneficial in reducing contaminant leaching and recovering metals from the sediment. The conclusion is that a better understanding of the changes in the sediment caused by electrochemical treatment and how these changes interact with stabilization reactions is needed. In addition, it is recommended to investigate the strength and leaching behavior in environments similar to the intended in situ conditions.
A Preliminary Assessment of Short-Term Social and Substance Use-Related Outcomes Among Clients of Integrated Safer Opioid Supply Pilot Programs in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Nafeh Frishta , Mbichila Tinkhani , Bouck Zachary , Scheim Ayden , Mitra Sanjana , Bonn Matthew , Morris Franky , Atkinson Kate , Mason Kate , Eeuwes Jolene , Strike Carol , Gomes Tara , Werb Dan , Karamouzian Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Canada is experiencing an ongoing overdose crisis, driven by a toxic unregulated drug supply. Integrated safer supply pilot programs offer pharmaceutical alternatives, coupled with comprehensive support services, to individuals using unregulated drug supply who are at high risk of overdose. We collected data from December 2020 to January 2023 on clients receiving safer opioid supply from five frontline service providers in Toronto, Canada, using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We assessed the incidence rate ratio of self-reported overdose comparing pre- and post-enrolment in the programs and examined changes in the prevalence of social and substance use outcomes post-enrolment. Forty-one participants were recruited, of whom 26 were followed up for a median of eight months (interquartile range, 5.0–11.7). The incidence rate ratio of overdose comparing post-enrolment to pre-enrolment was 0.20 (95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.43). Participants reported several positive social and substance use outcomes at follow-up, including a reduction in reliance on the unregulated supply and reduced criminal activity. Future implementation of integrated safer opioid supply pilot programs with larger sample sizes and rigorous epidemiological designs could help further illustrate the potential impacts of these programs in reducing overdose rates in Canada.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Positive-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of ShuganJieyu Capsule and St. John’s Wort for Major Depressive Disorder with Somatic Complaints
Authors: Xiang Yajie , Wang Lihua , Gu Ping , Wang Chunxue , Tian Yuling , Shi Wanying , Deng Fang , Zhang Yongbo , Gao Li , Wang Kai , Wang Yi , He Jincai , Zhao Wenfeng , Bi Xiaoying , Hu Jian , Zhong Lianmei , Guo Yi , Zhou Xinyu , Wang Hongxing , Xie Peng ,   On behalf of the Society of Neuropsychological, Affective Disorders, Chinese Neurology Association, Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have found the effect of ShuganJieyu capsule and St. John’s wort on the treatment of depression and explored their potential benefits for somatic symptoms, while the evidence of comparison of them for depression with somatic complaints is lacking. In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 198 major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with somatic complaints were randomly allocated, 92 in the ShuganJieyu capsule group, and 91 in the St. John’s wort group completed 8 weeks treatment. Primary outcome was the change score of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) at week 8. Secondary outcomes included other indices of depression, somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, quality of life, and adverse events. The change scores of HDRS-17 were not significantly difference between the two groups, but the reduction in HDRS-17 was significantly improved in both the ShuganJieyu capsule (HDRS-17Δ =  − 11.35 ± 5.38, p < 0.001) and St. John’s wort (HDRS-17Δ =  − 11.20 ± 5.71, p < 0.001) groups. The other outcomes showed similar results. Compared with St. John’s wort, the ShuganJieyu capsule induced significantly greater HDRS-17 reductions in male (SMD, − 0.55; 95% CI, − 1.08 to − 0.02) but not in female. Overall, The ShuganJieyu capsule was comparable to St. John’s wort as a complementary and alternative intervention for MDD patients with somatic complaints in the acute treatment, especially for male patients.
[18F]FDG PET/CT can trigger relevant oncological management changes leading to favorable outcome in iodine-negative thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Zhi Yingjun , Higuchi Takahiro , Hackenberg Stephan , Hagen Rudolf , Stöth Manuel , Scherzad Agmal , Buck Andreas K. , Werner Rudolf A. , Serfling Sebastian E.
Published: December 2023

Background

In patients with iodine-negative thyroid cancer (TC), current guidelines endorse an [18F]FDG PET/CT to identify dedifferentiated sites of disease. We aimed to determine the rate of oncological management changes triggered by such a molecular imaging approach, along with the impact on outcome.

Methods

42 consecutive patients with negative findings on [131I] whole body scan were scheduled for [18F]FDG PET/CT and treatment based on PET results were initiated. To determine the impact on oncological management, we compared the therapeutic plan prior to and after molecular imaging. Based on imaging follow-up, the rate of controlled disease (CD, defined as stable disease, complete or partial response) was also recorded, thereby allowing to assess whether [18F]FDG-triggered management changes can also lead to favorable outcome.

Results

We observed no alterations of the treatment plan in 9/42 (21.4%) subjects (active surveillance in 9/9 [100%]). Oncological management was changed in the remaining 33/42 (78.6%; systemic treatment in 9/33 [27.3%] and non-systemic treatment in 24/33 [72.7%]). Among patients receiving non-systemic therapy, the following changes were noted: surgery in 20/24 (83.3%) and radiation therapy in 4/24 (16.7%). In the systemic group, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) was prescribed in 8/9 (88.9%), while radioiodine therapy based on a TKI-mediated redifferentiation approach was conducted in 1/9 (11.1%). In 26 subjects with available follow-up, rate of CD was 22/26 (84.6%) and among those, 15/22 (68.1%) had experienced previous management changes based on PET/CT findings.

Conclusions

In subjects with iodine-negative TC, [18F]FDG PET/CT triggered relevant management changes along with disease control in the vast majority of patients. As such, in dedifferentiated TC, [18F]FDG PET/CT may serve as a relevant management tool and therapeutic decision-aid in the clinic.
Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish healthcare workers: a systematic review of prevalence and wave-based patterns
Authors: Jaén Irene , Ausín Carolina , Castilla Diana
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of the entire population, and especially of the healthcare, due to their close contact with the virus and the health emergency. However, the diversity of studies makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of mental health problems in Spanish healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the studies carried out during COVID-19 with the Spanish healthcare population to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and burnout symptomatology. A systematic search of the articles in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed following PRISMA criteria. Pooled prevalence was obtained for all the mental health symptomatology from moderate to severe, as well as divided by wave. Our data revealed that 50.54% of healthcare workers reported stress, 41.02% burnout, 35.25% anxiety, 29.76% depression, and 25.82% PTSD symptomatology. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and burnout symptomatology diminished in the second and/or the third waves but increased in the following waves. However, stress showed the maximum prevalence during the second wave. Our study highlights a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during health crises, and emphasizes the immediate need for mental health support for healthcare workers during and after pandemics. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout symptomatology exhibit a “valley” effect, initially decreasing but increasing with prolonged exposure to the COVID-19 health crisis. This underscores the necessity to implement prevention strategies to enhance stress management, emotional regulation skills, and coping abilities.
Robot Feedback Design for Response Delay
Authors: Kang Dahyun , Nam Changjoo , Kwak Sonya S.
Published: December 2023

We investigated an effective human-robot interaction design to alleviate the user’s negative experience caused by the response delay of a robot. The feedback regarding a robot’s delayed response was designed using human-like and machine-like approaches. The first experiment was conducted in task-based interaction to explore the effects of the feedback type (human-like or machine-like feedback versus a baseline robot) and task type (a high-cognitive-demand task versus a low-cognitive-demand task) on the understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation of the robot (N= 36). The robot with machine-like feedback was rated the most positive in terms of understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation. The perceived waiting time mediated the effect of feedback type on service evaluation. There were significant effects between the feedback types and the task types on understandability, perceived waiting time, and service evaluation. In a low-cognitive-demand task, machine-like feedback was evaluated more positively than human-like feedback, while in a high-cognitive-demand task, there was no significant difference between human-like feedback and machine-like feedback. In addition, the second experiment was conducted in social interaction between humans and robots to explore the effect of the two feedback types on the understandability, perceived waiting time, sociability, and service evaluation of the robot (N= 36). The robots providing feedback were evaluated more positively than the baseline robot, which did not provide any feedback, and sociability mediated the effect of feedback type on service evaluation.
Morphologic Differentiation of the Exotic Parasitoid Eupelmus pulchriceps (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago
Authors: Camargo-Martinez Nicolas David , Camacho-Erazo Mariana , Amarillo-Suárez Angela R. , Herrera Henri W. , Sarmiento Carlos E.
Published: December 2023

The historical and geographical properties of the archipelagos allow a detailed study of species diversification, and phenotypic traits can indicate the extent of such processes.Eupelmus pulchriceps(Cameron, 1904) is an exotic species to the Galapagos archipelago, and generalist parasitoid that attacks a beetle species that consumes the seeds of the invasive shrubLeucaena leucocephala(Lam.) de Wit.Despite extensive sampling, the wasp is recorded only in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Thus, using 112 female wasps, we compare body size, proportion, and allometric differentiations within and between the two islands. There were no body size differences between islands. A PerMANOVA indicates differences between the islands and a single differentiation between two localities of one island. Allometric differences between islands were not the same for all structures. These results are consistent with the greater distance between islands than between localities and suggest a differentiation process. The variables with allometric differentiation are associated with wings and ovipositor, possibly responding to different ecological pressures. It is interesting that this parasitoid, recently arrived at the archipelago, is already showing differentiation. Also, it is essential to monitor the behavior of these wasps in the archipelago, given their potential to access other species affecting the trophic interactions of the local biota.
Behavioral Modification of Leucauge mariana Induced by an Ichneumonid Spider-Parasitoid, Hymenoepimecis castilloi, in the Colombian Andes
Authors: Velasco-Cárdenas Andrés F. , Jacome-García Jesús C. , Pádua Diego G. , Kloss Thiago G.
Published: December 2023

Hymenoepimecis is a genus of Darwin wasps in the Polysphincta group of genera (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) known as ectoparasitoids of a broad spectrum of spiders. The parasitoid induces production of a web known as cocoon web, which provides shelter and support for the wasp pupa. In this study, we describe for the first time the interaction between Hymenoepimecis castilloi Pádua & Sääksjärvi (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and its host spider Leucauge mariana (Taczanowski) (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) in the Colombian Andes, provide new records of wasp genus distribution, and described the behavioral modifications induced in the spider. Web modifications occurred in the webs of both solitary and aggregated individuals. Adhesive spirals were lacking, and webs were connected to vegetation by multiple threads in all cocoon webs, which was not seen attached to webs of non-parasitized spiders. All parasitoid cocoons were observed hanging on a vertical line in the hub of the cocoon web. As previously described for other species, we believe that this modified web design results in increased web strength and favors parasitoid development during the pupal stage.