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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING POLLEN COLLECTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONEY BEE COLONIES AND ANALYSIS OF POLLINATION NETWORKS IN ECOSYSTEMS IN NORTHWESTERN SARDINIA
No full textThis thesis investigates how environmental factors, such as habitat diversity and type, influence pollen availability, diversity, and plant-pollinator network structures.
Following a general introduction on the importance of pollination and the causes behind pollinator decline (Chapter 1), Chapter 2 examines how landscape features affect pollen availability and honey bee colony performance in a Mediterranean agro-sylvo-pastoral region (Sardinia, Italy). Pollen was collected over one year from colonies in four sites along a landscape heterogeneity gradient. Colony development was assessed periodically. Results showed a positive correlation between pollen quantity and semi-natural habitat cover, while landscape diversity enhanced pollen richness and diversity. Colony growth was strongly linked to pollen richness, diversity, and quantity, emphasizing the critical role of diverse diets supported by semi-natural habitats.
Chapter 3 provides the first comprehensive survey of wild bees and plant-bee interactions in Sardinia. Four sites were studied: two in natural habitats (Asinara) and two in agroecosystems (Nurra). A total of 1,491 wild bees from 123 species were collected, with higher species richness and diversity in Nurra. Plant-bee networks showed high complementarity, modularity, and low connectivity, indicating vulnerability. Differences in network structure across sites were influenced by habitat heterogeneity.
Chapter 4 evaluates two bee sampling methods—colored pan traps and transect walks—on Asinara island. Transects recorded greater species richness and diversity but fewer individuals, while pan traps were more effective during low floral abundance. Eighteen species were captured exclusively by pan traps, particularly from July to October, highlighting the value of alternating methods seasonally for a comprehensive and efficient survey of bee communities.This thesis investigates how environmental factors, such as habitat diversity and type, influence pollen availability, diversity, and plant-pollinator network structures.
Following a general introduction on the importance of pollination and the causes behind pollinator decline (Chapter 1), Chapter 2 examines how landscape features affect pollen availability and honey bee colony performance in a Mediterranean agro-sylvo-pastoral region (Sardinia, Italy). Pollen was collected over one year from colonies in four sites along a landscape heterogeneity gradient. Colony development was assessed periodically. Results showed a positive correlation between pollen quantity and semi-natural habitat cover, while landscape diversity enhanced pollen richness and diversity. Colony growth was strongly linked to pollen richness, diversity, and quantity, emphasizing the critical role of diverse diets supported by semi-natural habitats.
Chapter 3 provides the first comprehensive survey of wild bees and plant-bee interactions in Sardinia. Four sites were studied: two in natural habitats (Asinara) and two in agroecosystems (Nurra). A total of 1,491 wild bees from 123 species were collected, with higher species richness and diversity in Nurra. Plant-bee networks showed high complementarity, modularity, and low connectivity, indicating vulnerability. Differences in network structure across sites were influenced by habitat heterogeneity.
Chapter 4 evaluates two bee sampling methods—colored pan traps and transect walks—on Asinara island. Transects recorded greater species richness and diversity but fewer individuals, while pan traps were more effective during low floral abundance. Eighteen species were captured exclusively by pan traps, particularly from July to October, highlighting the value of alternating methods seasonally for a comprehensive and efficient survey of bee communities
Evaluating AI-Generated informed consent documents in oral surgery: A comparative study of ChatGPT-4, Bard gemini advanced, and human-written consents
No full textThis study evaluates the quality and readability of informed consent documents generated by AI platforms ChatGPT-4 and Bard Gemini Advanced compared to those written by a first-year oral surgery resident for common oral surgery procedures. The evaluation, conducted by 18 experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, assessed consents for accuracy, completeness, readability, and overall quality. ChatGPT-4 consistently outperformed both Bard and human-written consents. ChatGPT-4 consents had a median accuracy score of 4 [IQR 4-4], compared to Bard's 3 [IQR 3–4] and human's 4 [IQR 3–4]. Completeness scores were higher for ChatGPT-4 (4 [IQR 4–5]) than Bard (3 [IQR 3–4]) and human (4 [IQR 3–4]). Readability was also superior for ChatGPT-4, with a median score of 4 [IQR 4–5] compared to Bard and human consents, both at 4 [IQR 4-4] and 4 [IQR 3–4], respectively. The Gunning Fog Index for ChatGPT-4 was 17.2 [IQR 16.5–18.2], better than Bard's 23.1 [IQR 20.5–24.7] and the human consents' 20 [IQR 19.2–20.9]. Overall, ChatGPT-4's consents received the highest quality ratings, underscoring AI's potential in enhancing patient communication and the informed consent process. The study suggests AI can reduce misinformation risks and improve patient understanding, but continuous evaluation, oversight, and patient feedback integration are crucial to ensure the effectiveness and appropriateness of AI-generated content in clinical practice
Vaccination, Public Health and Health Communication: A Network of Connections to Tackle Global Challenges
No full textEfficacy of Ceftazidime-avibactam in treating Gram-negative infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction: Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) has emerged as a promising treatment option for Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by CAZ-Non-Susceptible (NS) pathogens. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy and safety of CAZ-AVI in these challenging infections. Methods: We systematically queried EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PubMed/Medline for studies published until September 15, 2024. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) evaluating CAZ-AVI against Gram-negative infections were included. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) for both clinical and microbiological success. Results: A total of 146 studies were identified through database searches, leading to the inclusion of 17 studies. Among the efficacy studies for Gram-negative pathogens, there was no significant difference in clinical success rates for CAZ-AVI compared to comparators (pooled OR: 0.90, p = 0.22), and a non-significant increase in microbiological success was observed (pooled OR: 1.20, p = 0.41). In contrast, for CAZ-NS pathogens, six studies reported no significant difference in clinical cure rates (pooled OR: 0.77, p = 0.24), while four studies indicated a non-significant increase in microbiological cure rates (pooled OR: 1.83, p < 0.02). Conclusions: This study suggests that CAZ-AVI is a viable option for treating Gram-negative infections, including CAZ-NS pathogens. While it has shown promising activity against these resistant pathogens, its clinical and microbiological success rates are comparable to other antibiotics in the overall analysis. However, CAZ-AVI may offer an advantage in managing resistant infections. These findings underscore the need to consider CAZ-AVI in treatment guidelines and emphasize the importance of antibiotic stewardship programs to optimize its use and prevent resistance. Ongoing monitoring of resistance patterns and patient outcomes is essential to ensure its long-term efficacy
Safety and efficacy of a light antithrombotic regimen after left atrial appendage occlusion: Insights from the LOGIC (left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with gastrointestinal or IntraCranial bleeding) international multicenter registry
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Influence of Body Condition Score on Reproductive Recovery in Spring and on Some Hematochemical Parameters in Sarda Breed Sheep
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and reproductive recovery in Sarda dairy breed ewes, as well as its association with some hematochemical parameters, focusing on the male effect as a method to induce out-of-season ovulation. The male effect is commonly used in sheep farming as an alternative to hormonal treatments, but its success can be influenced by factors such as BCS. In this experiment, 200 healthy lactating ewes (aged 3–5 years) were divided into four groups based on BCS (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5). BCS was measured on a 1–5 scale by touching the amounts of muscling and fat deposition in the loin region. On 15 May, 10 rams of proven fertility were introduced, and removed 50 days later. Blood samples were collected at days 15, 30, and 50 for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin analysis, along with BCS evaluations. Lambing dates, fertility rates, litter size, and the time from ram introduction to lambing were recorded. The results showed that ewes with a higher BCS (3.0 and 3.5) had improved fertility rates, earlier lambing, and a better overall reproductive performance compared to ewes with a lower BCS (2.0 and 2.5). Higher BCS groups also exhibited higher levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study concluded that a BCS of 3.0 is optimal for reproductive efficiency in Sarda ewes during the male effect in spring, promoting better reproductive outcomes and animal welfare without the need for hormonal treatments