bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of Google Trends index and encompassing tests on forecast combinations in tourism
Authors: Hu Yi-Chung , Wu Geng 
Published: June 2022

PurposeGiven that the use of Google Trends data is helpful to improve forecasting performance, this study aims to investigate whether the precision of forecast combination can benefit from the use of Google Trends Web search index along with the encompassing set.Design/methodology/approachGrey prediction models generate single-model forecasts, while Google Trends index serves as an explanatory variable for multivariate models. Then, three combination sets, including sets of univariate models (CUGM), all constituents (CAGM) and constituents that survive the forecast encompassing tests (CSET), are generated. Finally, commonly used combination methods combine the individual forecasts for each combination set.FindingsThe tourism volumes of four frequently searched-for cities in Taiwan are used to evaluate the accuracy of three combination sets. The encompassing tests show that multivariate grey models play a role to be reckoned with in forecast combinations. Furthermore, the empirical results indicate the usefulness of Google Trends index and encompassing tests for linear combination methods because linear combination methods coupled with CSET outperformed that coupled with CAGM and CUGM.Practical implicationsWith Google Trends Web search index, the tourism sector may benefit from the use of linear combinations of constituents that survive encompassing tests to formulate business strategies for tourist destinations. A good forecasting practice by estimating ex ante forecasts post-COVID-19 can be further provided by scenario forecasting.Originality/valueTo improve the accuracy of combination forecasting, this research verifies the correlation between Google Trends index and combined forecasts in tourism along with encompassing tests.
Natural selection favours drought escape and an acquisitive resource‐use strategy in semi‐arid Mediterranean shrubs
Authors: Blanco‐Sánchez Mario , Ramos‐Muñoz Marina , Pías Beatriz , Ramírez‐Valiente José Alberto , Díaz‐Guerra Laura , Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNatural selection is the major force driving adaptive evolution in natural populations, varying in strength, direction, and form through space and time, especially in highly variable environments such as Mediterranean ecosystems. Although a conservative resource‐use strategy has been hypothesized to be adaptive in Mediterranean taxa, patterns of selection at the intraspecific level, that is, the suite of traits determining individual fitness, are largely unknown.Using a phenotypic selection experiment in natural semi‐arid conditions, we measured direct and indirect selection acting through two different fitness components (survival and reproduction), to assess the adaptive value of 20 ecophysiological traits on individuals of two gypsum endemic species,Centaurea hyssopifoliaandHelianthemum squamatum, dwelling in environments with contrasting abiotic conditions (south‐ and north‐facing slopes) during two climatically contrasting years (dry and mesic). This allowed quantifying the magnitude and direction of natural selection at different spatiotemporal scales.Our results revealed that different abiotic conditions did not alter selection patterns, being the magnitude of selection more strongly affected by temporal environmental variation. Selection through reproduction indicated consistent selection for early phenology, low water use efficiency, high specific leaf area, low leaf dry matter content, and high leaf N across slopes and years in both species. In contrast, phenotypic trait variation was not linked to survival in either species. Furthermore, while individual reproductive output was higher or similar in environments with higher abiotic stress in both species and years, survival was similar across environmental conditions, and it was neither affected by plant size nor reproductive output.Contrary to our expectations, natural selection via reproductive fitness consistently favoured a drought‐escape, acquisitive resource‐use strategy in Mediterranean semi‐arid plants, rather than a conservative resource‐use strategy, even under conditions of higher abiotic stress (i.e. south slopes and dry year). Such acquisitive strategy could allow rapid development by maximizing resource assimilation and reproduction before the most limiting climatic conditions of mid‐late summer. Our results shed light on adaptive functional strategies of Mediterranean taxa at the intraspecific level, providing insight on future responses to environmental change, and highlight remarkable differences in selection acting through different fitness components.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Epigallocatechin gallate for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sergi Consolato M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the last couple of decades, we have experienced increased use of nutraceuticals worldwide with a demand for organic foods, which has been elevated to an extent probably unmatched with other periods of our civilization. One of the nutraceuticals that gained attention is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in green tea. It has been suggested that diseases of the central nervous system can benefit from consuming some antioxidants, despite current results showing little evidence for their use in preventing and treating these diseases. ECGC may be beneficial in delaying the neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra regardless of the origin of Parkinson's disease (PD). This review covers the effect of EGCG on vitro and animal models of PD, the potential mechanisms of neuroprotection involved and summaries recent clinical trials in human PD. This review also aims to provide an investigative analysis of the current knowledge in this field and to identify putative crucial issues. Environmental factors such as dietary habits, drug use and social interaction are all factors that influence the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the use of nutraceuticals requires further investigation.
Low molecular weightNGFmimeticGK‐2 normalizes the parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and exhibits a hepatoprotective effect on a prediabetes model in obese Wistar rats
Authors: Ivanov Sergei V. , Ostrovskaya Rita U. , Koliasnikova Ksenia N. , Alchinova Irina B. , Demorzhi Marina S. , Gudasheva Tatiana A. , Seredenin Sergei B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSigns of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes preceding type 2 diabetes are modelled in an experiment using a high‐fat diet (HFD). The aim of this work was to study the effect of a low molecular weight systemically active nerve growth factor mimetic, compound GK‐2 (hexamethylenediamide bis[N‐monosuccinyl‐L‐glutamyl‐L‐lysine]), on indicators of abdominal obesity, basal blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels, as well as the morphological structure of the liver in maleWistarrats fed a HFD. Rats were divided into three groups: one of them received standard food (control) and two others were fed a HFD containing 45% fat, 35% carbohydrates and 20% protein, with a total caloric value of 516 kcal/100 g, over 12 weeks. Starting from the ninth week, for the next 4 weeks, one of the HFD groups was treated orally with saline whilst the other group was treated orally with GK‐2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. GK‐2 was found to reduce the basal glycaemia level and improve glucose tolerance, as well as to reduce the blood level of cholesterol by 30% and that of triglycerides by 28% in comparison with the saline‐treated HFD animals. GK‐2 reduced the degree of abdominal obesity to the level of the healthy animals and eliminated morphological abnormalities in the liver caused by the HFD. The results of the study determine the feasibility of further GK‐2 research as a potential agent for prediabetes treatment.
Expression of ethical principles in Australia's disaster plans
Authors: Cocco Annelise , Patel Bhavik , Jansen Melanie , Ranse Jamie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis qualitative study explores whether Australian mass casualty and disaster plans explicitly acknowledge or implicitly draw upon ethical principles.MethodsFederal, state and territory governmental websites were searched to identify mass casualty incident and/or disaster plans. The authors examined the documents to identify whether ethical principles were overtly stated or implied, and what those values or principles were.ResultsTen governmental documents were identified – two federal and one for each of the eight States and Territories. One of the documents had an explicit statement of the ethical values that informed the mass casualty and disaster planning decisions which were present. Utilitarianism was the dominant ethical principle informing the document in another seven documents.ConclusionIn Australian government documents for mass casualty and disaster management, although ethics is definitely considered, the ethical principles on which decisions are made are rarely explicit. Mass casualty and disaster decision‐making could be improved by making the ethical basis for decision‐making clear, transparent and comprehensively reasoned.
The perception of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis in Turkey
Authors: Dogan Ibrahim , Ucar Emel , Oruc Aysegul , Ates Kenan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the perceptions of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Turkey.Materials and MethodsAn anonymous survey was conducted to a total of 150 nephrologists. Demographic data, perceptions, PD indications, contraindications, and possible reasons for low preference of PD were questioned.ResultsIn decision making, 93.4% of all stated that patients prioritized the doctor's opinion and 80.7% considered PD is the best initial dialysis option. The presence of many HD facilities (70.7%), inadequate knowledge, and education of patients (70%), physicians' reluctance to practice PD (70%), unwillingness of patients (68.7%), negative effect of other patients (67.3%), inadequate experience of PD staff (58.7%), and nonencouragement of PD by the state (58.7%) were the leading reasons of low prevalence.ConclusionImplementation of comprehensive predialysis education programs for patients, informing government and hospital officials about PD advantages, and reinforcing PD principles to the nephrologists could improve the low prevalence of PD in Turkey.
Living Labs as an Approach to Strengthen Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems
Authors: Potters Jorieke , Collins Kevin , Schoorlemmer Herman , Stræte Egil Petter , Kilis Emils , Lane Andy , Leloup Heloise 
Published: June 2022

SummaryClimate and ecosystem changes, economic and policy imperatives, food system pressures, and multiple societal expectations pose complex challenges for sustainable farming. A key problem is determining an effective and efficient approach to enable innovation in complex, multi‐stakeholder settings. One approach currently receiving much policy attention and investment in the EU is ‘Living Labs’ which bring together public and private stakeholders to co‐create, validate, and test new services, business ideas, markets and technologies. However, the analysis, monitoring and evaluation of Living Labs and their effectiveness and policy value in different contexts is limited. The AgriLink Living Labs were undertaken between 2018 and 2021 in Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Spain to co‐create innovation support for improving agricultural sustainability. Our evaluation suggests that four inter‐related critical conditions are needed for the success of Living Labs. These relate to the complexity of the challenge, the enabling environment, the proficient facilitation and the energy to move. These conditions influence the functioning of the Living Lab and we discuss the implications for policymakers and practitioners for the deployment of Living Labs in agricultural settings.
New Entrants Need Tailored Farm Advice
Authors: Žabko Oksana , Tisenkopfs Talis 
Published: June 2022

SummarySupporting new entrants in farming is an increasingly important political and practical issue in European agriculture. This article looks at a specific group of new entrants – career changers – who move into agriculture from other occupational and educational backgrounds. As they bridge several worlds, they are often important innovators. One of the main challenges encountered by this group is the lack of tailored advice and insufficient capacity of the existing agricultural advisory services to respond to their specific innovation needs. The article examines how career changers use the knowledge from their background and access new knowledge on agriculture. The research is based on biographical interviews with individuals who have changed their careers and in‐depth interviews with advisors in Latvia. The results suggest that the gap between knowledge needs and knowledge services is being filled through the creation of professional networks by new entrants with each other and with industry experts and customers and to a lesser degree with formal advisory services. We discuss how in this situation various actors in the EU’s agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) may better help the career changers to professionalise in farming and undertake sustainability‐oriented innovations.
Investigating the prevalence of nutritional abnormalities in patients prior to and following bariatric surgery
Authors: Zarshenas Nazy , Tapsell Linda Clare , Batterham Marijka , Neale Elizabeth Phillipa , Talbot Michael Leonard 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsBariatric surgery remains an effective treatment for the condition of obesity. However it predisposes patients to nutritional deficiencies and related complications. The aim of this study was to identify nutritional abnormalities, weight loss, adherence to supplements, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in a cohort of bariatric surgical patients.MethodsAn analysis of the electronic medical records of patients attending a multidisciplinary private clinic in Sydney, Australia from August 2020 to August 2021 was conducted. Data on anthropometric measures, nutritional indices, adherence to supplements and gastrointestinal symptoms preoperatively and then at ≤6 months, 1 and 2 years or more postoperatively were collected.ResultsA total of 231 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were female (76.2%), with a sleeve gastrectomy (78.8%). Average preoperative BMI was 43.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2. Weight loss ≥2 years postsurgery was 33.5 ± 12.4 kg. The most common abnormalities preoperatively were: C‐reactive protein (47.7%), vitamin D (39%), B12 (31%), parathyroid hormone (27.6%) and ferritin (12.7%). Vitamin B12 (23.2%), parathyroid hormone (23%), vitamin D (17.7%) and ferritin (15.9%) remained common abnormalities postoperatively.Adherence to multivitamins was 90% in the first year following surgery, declining to 77% at ≥2 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly present in the initial stages following surgery, manifesting thiamin deficiency in 6.5% of patients.ConclusionsDespite achieving durable weight loss, nutritional and related abnormalities remain an ongoing challenge for bariatric surgery. Adherence to nutrient supplements, gastrointestinal symptoms and related complications are important considerations in addressing the problem.
Switzerland: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: STADELMANN‐STEFFEN ISABELLE , RIHM MANUELA 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn 2021, as in the previous year, political dynamics in Switzerland were strongly influenced by the Covid‐19 pandemic. Institutionally, the ‘special situation’ according to the Federal Law of Epidemics affected the power distribution between federal government and the subnational units. Moreover, compared with the first pandemic year, 2021 was marked by strong polarization of society and the political parties on several pandemic‐related issues. One consequence of this were two referendums held on the Covid‐19 law, which served as a legal basis for the Federal Council to mitigate the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on society and the economy. While voters supported the federal government in both cases, the rich direct‐democratic year in Switzerland was otherwise dominated by a rejection of the other main governmental proposition, namely the revised CO2 law.
Long‐term cognitive and functional status in Danish ICU patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Weihe Sarah , Mortensen Camilla B. , Haase Nicolai , Andersen Lars P. K. , Mohr Thomas , Siegel Hanna , Ibsen Michael , Jørgensen Vibeke R. L. , Buck David L. , Pedersen Helle B. S. , Pedersen Henrik P. , Iversen Susanne , Ribergaard Niels , Rasmussen Bodil S. , Winding Robert , Espelund Ulrick S. , Bundgaard Helle , Sølling Christoffer G. , Christensen Steffen , Garcia Ricardo S. , Brøchner Anne C. , Michelsen Jens , Michagin George , Kirkegaard Lynge , Perner Anders , Mathiesen Ole , Poulsen Lone M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundICU admission due to COVID‐19 may result in cognitive and physical impairment. We investigated the long‐term cognitive and physical status of Danish ICU patients with COVID‐19.MethodsWe included all patients with COVID‐19 admitted to Danish ICUs between March 10 and May 19, 2020. Patients were the contacted prospectively at 6 and 12 months for follow‐up. Our primary outcomes were cognitive function and frailty at 6 and 12 months after ICU admission, estimated by the Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Clinical Frailty Scale. Secondary outcomes were 6‐ and 12‐month mortality, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by EQ‐5D‐5L, functional status (Barthel activities of daily living and Lawton–Brody instrumental activities of daily living), and fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale). The study had no information on pre‐ICU admission status for the participants.ResultsA total of 326 patients were included. The 6‐ and 12‐month mortality was 37% and 38%, respectively. Among the 204 six‐month survivors, 105 (51%) participated in the 6‐month follow‐up; among the 202 twelve‐month survivors, 95 (47%) participated in the 12‐month follow‐up. At 6 months, cognitive scores indicated impairment for 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4–12.4) and at 12 months for 17% (95% CI, 12.0–12.8) of participants. Frailty was indicated in 20% (95% CI, 3.4–3.9) at 6 months, and for 18% (95% CI, 3.3–3.8) at 12 months. Fatigue was reported by 52% at 6 months, and by 47% at 12 months. For HRQoL, moderate, severe, or extreme health problems were reported by 28% at 6 months, and by 25% at 12 months.ConclusionLong‐term cognitive, functional impairment was found in up to one in four of patients surviving intensive care for COVID‐19. Fatigue was present in nearly half the survivors at both 6 and 12 months. However, pre‐ICU admission status of the patients was unknown.
Waterbirths were associated with low pain relief during delivery, high breastfeeding success and healthy newborn infants
Authors: Hautala Maiju , Smeds Marika , Taittonen Leena 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimOur aim was to compare the outcomes of waterbirths and conventional births in a Finnish hospital setting for the first time.MethodsThis retrospective study compared waterbirths with conventional low‐risk deliveries from September 2018 to March 2021 at a level‐two hospital in Finland. Cases and controls were collected from the patient records database.ResultsThe study comprised 78 waterbirths and 1623 matched conventional births. Mothers in the waterbirth group only required a quarter of the amount of pain medication required by those in the control group. Babies born in water had slightly lower birth temperatures than those born conventionally (36.6 versus 36.8°C). Umbilical cord artery and vein pH were slightly higher in the waterbirth group than in the control group (artery 7.31 versus 7.28 and vein 7.38 versus 7.35). The Apgar scores did not differ. Hospital stays were shorter in the waterbirth group than in the conventional birth group (1.90 versus 2.33 days). Babies in the waterbirth group were significantly less likely to require formula than those in the conventional birth group during their hospital stay.ConclusionWaterbirth decreased the requirement for maternal pain medication and favoured greater breastfeeding and earlier discharge. Prospective studies must confirm these findings.
Editorial: optimising hepatitis B vaccine response in inflammatory bowel disease—time to get some skin in the game
Authors: Gill Madeleine , Majumdar Avik 
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Ko et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16970 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17069
Editorial: intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab—switch without glitch! Authors' reply
Authors: Bergqvist Viktoria , Holmgren Johanna , Klintman Daniel , Marsal Jan 
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Bergqvist et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16927 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16989
Nivalenol affects Cyclin B1 level and activates SAC for cell cycle progression in mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Lu Ping‐Shuang , Wang Yue , Jiao Le , Sun Shao‐Chen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesNivalenol (NIV) is a secondary metabolite of type B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium genera, which is widely found in contaminated food and crops such as corn, wheat and peanuts. NIV is reported to have hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Previous studies indicate that NIV disturbs mammalian oocyte maturation. Here, we reported that delayed cell cycle progression might be the reason for oocyte maturation defect caused by NIV exposure.Methods and ResultsWe set up a NIV exposure model and showed that NIV did not affect G2/M transition for meiosis resumption, but disrupted the polar body extrusion of oocytes. Further analysis revealed that oocytes were arrested at metaphase I, which might be due to the lower expression of Cyclin B1 after NIV exposure. After cold treatment, the microtubules were disassembled in the NIV‐exposed oocytes, indicating that NIV disrupted microtubule stability. Moreover, NIV affected the attachment between kinetochore and microtubules, which further induced the activation of MAD2/BUBR1 at the kinetochores, suggesting that spindle assemble checkpoint (SAC) was continuously activated during oocyte meiotic maturation.ConclusionsTaken together, our study demonstrated that exposure to NIV affected Cyclin B1 expression and activated microtubule stability‐dependent SAC to ultimately disturb cell cycle progression in mouse oocyte meiosis.