bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wernicke Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review of Contributing Factors—Can Malpractice Dynamics Be Identified?
Authors: Mangione Donatella , Vassiliadis Alessandra , Gullo Giuseppe , Gullo Cetty , Cucinella Gaspare , Venezia Renato , Zaami Simona
Published: January 2024

Wernicke Encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological acute syndrome related to vitamin B1 deficiency and is relatively common in patients with chronic alcoholism. In the case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, thiamine body stores become unable to meet the increased demand, resulting in acute deficiency. WE is associated with typical clinical and radiological findings. Treatment pathways rely on thiamine replacement. The case herein reported is centered around a 33-year-old diabetic patient at 12 weeks of gestation, with WE due to hyperemesis gravidarum. The disease manifested itself with weakness, mental confusion, headache, and impaired vision. The diagnosis was established after the detection of typical findings by MRI. Thirty days after therapy was started, most of the patient’s neurological disorders were resolved. The patient was discharged 40 days later with instructions to continue daily thiamine supplementation. The pregnancy outcome was good. Unfortunately, mild ataxia persisted in 2-year follow-up as a long-term consequence. When diagnosed and treated, WE has a favorable prognosis. However, roughly 80% of patients experience memory loss, which may continue for a long time, while gait disorders reportedly affect about 35% of patients. Mild ataxia and dysmetria may persist, too. We reviewed the scientific literature on WE in women with HG until February 2023. Hardly any authors report data on long-term sequelae. Our report emphasizes how important it is to take into consideration this complication in clinical practice, referring to published guidelines and recommendations. Neurological maternal sequelae can demonstrably persist despite early diagnosis and appropriate management. For this reason, a long-term follow-up is recommended. Wernicke syndrome management cannot yet rely on well-established conclusive guidelines; hence, a cautionary approach ought to be prioritized in order to ensure medicolegal soundness.
Risk Factors for Corneal Endothelial Decompensation after Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Hung-Chi , Lee Chia-Yi , Chang Yu-Ling , Huang Jing-Yang , Yang Shun-Fa , Chang Chao-Kai
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Endothelial decompensation is a common complication after penetrating keratopathy (PK), while the risk factors for endothelial decompensation after PK have not been fully elucidated. Consequently, we aim to investigate the possible risk factors for endothelial decompensation after PK. (2) Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. The main outcome was the development of endothelial decompensation after PK surgery. The effects of potential risk factors were compared between the patients with endothelial decompensation and the patients without endothelial decompensation via Cox proportional hazard regression, which produced the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). (3) Results: Overall, 54 patients developed endothelial decompensation after PK surgery, with a ratio of 16.12 percent. The pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (aHR: 1.924, 95% CI: 1.257–2.533, p = 0.0095) and history of cataract surgery (aHR: 1.687, 95% CI: 1.328–2.440, p = 0.0026) were correlated with the development of endothelial decompensation. In the subgroup analysis, the correlation between a history of cataract surgery and post-PK endothelial decompensation was more prominent in patients older than 60 years compared to their younger counterparts (p = 0.0038). (4) Conclusions: Pre-existing T2DM and a history of cataract surgery are associated with a higher incidence of post-PK endothelial decompensation.
To Be Frail or Not to Be Frail: This Is the Question—A Critical Narrative Review of Frailty
Authors: Sciacchitano Salvatore , Carola Valeria , Nicolais Giampaolo , Sciacchitano Simona , Napoli Christian , Mancini Rita , Rocco Monica , Coluzzi Flaminia
Published: January 2024

Many factors have contributed to rendering frailty an emerging, relevant, and very popular concept. First, many pandemics that have affected humanity in history, including COVID-19, most recently, have had more severe effects on frail people compared to non-frail ones. Second, the increase in human life expectancy observed in many developed countries, including Italy has led to a rise in the percentage of the older population that is more likely to be frail, which is why frailty is much a more common concern among geriatricians compared to other the various health-care professionals. Third, the stratification of people according to the occurrence and the degree of frailty allows healthcare decision makers to adequately plan for the allocation of available human professional and economic resources. Since frailty is considered to be fully preventable, there are relevant consequences in terms of potential benefits both in terms of the clinical outcome and healthcare costs. Frailty is becoming a popular, pervasive, and almost omnipresent concept in many different contexts, including clinical medicine, physical health, lifestyle behavior, mental health, health policy, and socio-economic planning sciences. The emergence of the new “science of frailty” has been recently acknowledged. However, there is still debate on the exact definition of frailty, the pathogenic mechanisms involved, the most appropriate method to assess frailty, and consequently, who should be considered frail. This narrative review aims to analyze frailty from many different aspects and points of view, with a special focus on the proposed pathogenic mechanisms, the various factors that have been considered in the assessment of frailty, and the emerging role of biomarkers in the early recognition of frailty, particularly on the role of mitochondria. According to the extensive literature on this topic, it is clear that frailty is a very complex syndrome, involving many different domains and affecting multiple physiological systems. Therefore, its management should be directed towards a comprehensive and multifaceted holistic approach and a personalized intervention strategy to slow down its progression or even to completely reverse the course of this condition.
Assessment of Pulmonary Circulation of Critically Ill Patients Based on Critical Care Ultrasound
Authors: Gong Shiyi , Ding Xin , Wang Xiaoting
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary circulation is crucial in the human circulatory system, facilitating the oxygenation of blood as it moves from the right heart to the lungs and then to the left heart. However, during critical illness, pulmonary microcirculation can be vulnerable to both intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary injuries. To assess these potential injuries in critically ill patients, critical point-of-care ultrasound can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, lung, pulmonary vein, and left atrium along the direction of blood flow. This assessment is particularly valuable for common ICU diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. It has significant potential for diagnosing and treating these conditions in critical care medicine.
Antibodies against Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier Activating Enzyme May Be a Protective Factor from Rapid Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients Bearing Antibodies against Melanoma Differentiation Associated Gene 5
Authors: Tsai Hung-Cheng , Chen Wei-Sheng , Sun Yi-Syuan , Lai Chien-Chih , Yang Ying-Ying , Chou Wen-Ru , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Tsai Chang-Youh , Chou Chung-Tei
Published: January 2024

Background: Anti-MDA5 antibody-bearing (anti-MDA5+)-dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis (PM) is notorious for causing rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) and/or cancers with high mortality rate. However, anti-MDA5 antibodies (Abs) are also found in other connective tissue diseases and their link with RPILD, especially with regard to the mortality rate, are unknown. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 71 patients bearing anti-MDA5-Abs in serum, stratified them in terms of a presence or absence of RPILD, and evaluated their clinical features, laboratory findings, associated myositis antibodies, concurrent connective tissue disease (CTD) as well as newly developed malignancies. Results: In total, 39 (55%) patients presented with DM/PM, but 32 (45%) did not. In total, 22 of the former and 11 of the latter developed RPILD eventually, accounting for a total of 46% of all MDA-5 bearing patients. On the other hand, 15 of all 71 (21.1%) patients had cancers. Among the 32 patients who did not have DM/PM, 27 (38.0% of all 71) had other CTDs, indicating that only 5 (7.0% of 71) patients did not have CTDs. Senility (odds ratio (OR) = 1.816, p = 0.032), presence of anti-Ro-52 antibody (OR = 1.676, p = 0.018), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP, OR = 4.354, p < 0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, OR = 2.625, p = 0.005) posed risks for RPILD. High lactose dehydrogenase (LDH, p = 0.009), CRP (p = 0.001) and CEA (p = 0.001), ferritin (p ≤ 0.001) and low albumin (p ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Anti-SAE antibodies were negatively correlated with RPILD as analyzed by univariate (OR = 0.245, p = 0.017) and multivariate (OR = 0.058, p = 0.036) regressions, indicating that they may be a protective factor in relation to RPILD (OR = 0.543, p = 0.008) or fatality (OR = 0.707, p = 0.012), which was also demonstrated in subgroup analyses. Conclusions: In contrast to various risk factors for RPILD or mortality, anti-SAE antibodies might conversely be a protective factor in anti-MDA5+ patients.
Factors Associated with Surgical Outcomes after Bilateral Lateral Rectus Recession in Children with Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Yang Seung-Ahn , Choi Hee-Young , Kim Su-Jin , Han Kwang-Eon , Lee Ji-Eun
Published: January 2024

Backgroud: To analyze the factors associated with surgical outcomes after bilateral rectus recession (BLR) in children with intermittent exotropia (IXT). Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 125 patients who had all received preoperative patch treatment with a ≥1 year follow-up. The surgical outcomes were grouped as success (esodeviation ≤5 PD to exodeviation ≤10 PD) or failure (esodeviation >5 PD or exodeviation >10 PD) according to the angle of deviation at 1 year postoperatively. The patients’ magnitude of exodeviation, near and distant stereoacuity, and 3-mo patch responses were assessed. The factors associated with the surgical outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of the 125 patients, 102 (81.6%) and 23 (18.4%) were assigned to the success and failure groups, respectively. According to the univariate analysis, the absence of anisometropia, a smaller preoperative near exodeviation, a better near stereopsis, a smaller magnitude of deviation on day 1 postoperatively, and response to patching were significantly associated with surgical success for IXT after 1 year. In the multivariate analysis, distant esotropic deviation on day 1 postoperatively and response to patching were the factors affecting successful surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Esotropic distant deviation on day 1 postoperatively is a prognostic factor for favorable surgical outcomes. Preoperative patching could be a factor influencing surgical success in children with IXT.
Surface-Mediated Modulation of Different Biological Responses on Anatase-Coated Titanium
Authors: Mohammadnejad Leila , Theurer Antonia , Alber Julia , Illing Barbara , Kimmerle-Mueller Evi , Schultheiss Jacob , Krajewski Stefanie , Rupp Frank
Published: January 2024

Various surface modification strategies are being developed to endow dental titanium implant surfaces with micro- and nano-structures to improve their biocompatibility, and first of all their osseointegration. These modifications have the potential to address clinical concerns by stimulating different biological processes. This study aims to evaluate the biological responses of ananatase-modified blasted/etched titanium (SLA-anatase) surfaces compared to blasted/acid etched (SLA) and machined titanium surfaces. Using unipolar pulsed direct current (DC) sputtering, a nanocrystalline anatase layer was fabricated. In vitro experiments have shown that SLA-anatase discs can effectively promote osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, which are regarded as important features of a successful dental implant with bone contact. Furthermore, anatase surface modification has been shown to partially enhance osteoblast mineralization in vitro, while not significantly affecting bacterial colonization. Consequently, the recently created anatase coating holds significant potential as a promising candidate for future advancements in dental implant surface modification for improving the initial stages of osseointegration.
Effect of Silicon Carbide Fiber Length on the Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus of Short Silicon Carbide Fiber-Reinforced Resin
Authors: Taka Norimasa , Aoyagi Yujin , Miida Keito , Kanatani Mitsugu , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Silicon carbide fibers have superior flexural properties and chemical stability compared to glass fibers. We investigated the flexural strength and modulus of an experimental, short silicon carbide fiber-reinforced resin. Short silicon carbide fibers with lengths of ~0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mm were prepared and silanized. Urethane dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate were mixed at a 70:30 wt% ratio and used as the matrix resins. Each length of short silicon carbide fibers and the matrix resin were combined using a mixing machine and then used for specimen preparation. The three-point bending test conditions were in accordance with ISO 4049:2009. The fracture surfaces of the specimens after the three-point bending test were observed using secondary electron images. The data were statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s HSD test (α = 0.05). The flexural strength and modulus of the specimens containing 2 mm or 3 mm silicon carbide fibers were significantly higher than the other specimens. The river pattern was observed more clearly in specimens containing shorter silicon carbide fibers, although this pattern was observed in all specimens.
Exploring Actual and Presumed Links between Accurately Inferring Contents of Other People’s Minds and Prosocial Outcomes
Authors: Hodges Sara D. , Kezer Murat , Hall Judith A. , Vorauer Jacquie D.
Published: January 2024

The term “empathic accuracy” has been applied to people’s ability to infer the contents of other people’s minds—that is, other people’s varying feelings and/or thoughts over the course of a social interaction. However, despite the ease of intuitively linking this skill to competence in helping professions such as counseling, the “empathic” prefix in its name may have contributed to overestimating its association with prosocial traits and behaviors. Accuracy in reading others’ thoughts and feelings, like many other skills, can be used toward prosocial—but also malevolent or morally neutral—ends. Prosocial intentions can direct attention towards other people’s thoughts and feelings, which may, in turn, increase accuracy in inferring those thoughts and feelings, but attention to others’ thoughts and feelings does not necessarily heighten prosocial intentions, let alone outcomes.
Validation and Application of the Accu-Waves Operational Platform for Wave Forecasts at Ports
Authors: Makris Christos , Papadimitriou Andreas , Baltikas Vasilis , Spiliopoulos Giannis , Kontos Yiannis , Metallinos Anastasios , Androulidakis Yannis , Chondros Michalis , Klonaris Georgios , Malliouri Dimitra , Nagkoulis Nikolaos , Zissis Dimitris , Tsoukala Vasiliki , Karambas Theophanis , Memos Constantine
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a recently developed Operational Forecast Platform (OFP) for prevailing sea conditions at very important ports worldwide (Accu-Waves). The OFP produces reliable high-resolution predictions of wave characteristics in and around ocean ports. Its goal is to support safer navigation, predict possible port downtime, assist vessel approaching, enhance management of towing services, and bolster secure ship maneuvering in busy ports around the globe. Accu-Waves OFP is based on integrated, high-resolution wave modelling over the continental shelf and in coastal areas that incorporates data from global- and regional-scale, open-sea wave and ocean circulation forecasts as boundary conditions. The coupling, nesting, calibration, and implementation of the models are reported and discussed in this paper, concerning 50 selected areas near and inside significant port basins. The detailed setup of the Accu-Waves OFP and its sub-system services is also provided regarding three-day forecasts at three-hourly intervals. The validation of the wave forecast system against in situ observations from wave buoys in coastal areas of the USA, Belgium, and Spain, as well as other model predictions by established OFPs, seems very promising, with performance skill scores ranging from adequate to very good. An exceptional case of stormy seas under severe marine weather conditions with very high wave maxima (>10 m) in the port of Algeciras is further discussed, confirming the good performance of the Accu-Waves OFP.
Dense Water Formation in the North–Central Aegean Sea during Winter 2021–2022
Authors: Potiris Manos , Mamoutos Ioannis G. , Tragou Elina , Zervakis Vassilis , Kassis Dimitris , Ballas Dionysios
Published: January 2024

The evolution and drivers of dense water formation (DWF) in the North–Central Aegean Sea (NCAeg) during winter 2021–2022 are studied using observations from two Argo floats and the output of an operational data-assimilating model. Dense water with σθ>29.1 kgm−3 was produced over most of the NCAeg, except for the northeastern part covered by Black Sea water (BSW), where the maximum surface density was <29 kgm−3. The highest density waters were produced over the central and southern parts of the Lemnos Plateau and in the shallow coastal areas between Chios Island and the Edremit Gulf. Atmospherically driven transformation to the east of Lesvos Island resulted in the production of waters with anomalously high density and salinity, which flowed inside Skiros Basin, thus partly explaining its historically higher density and salinity compared to the rest of the NCAeg subbasins. The Skiros and Athos Basins were ventilated down to σθ∼29.35 kgm−3 horizons. The 29.1 kgm−3 isopycnal rose by ∼200 m, and the 29.25 kgm−3 isopycnal overflowed above the ∼400 m sill depth filling the southern depressions of the NCAeg. Combining data from Argo floats, vessel casts, gliders, and a fixed-point observatory, the dense water produced in the NCAeg was observed spreading in the deep layer of the Central Cretan Sea for at least one and a half years after the formation. The cyclonic circulation of the newly formed water in the NCAeg has been observed directly for the first time using deep-drifting floats. The Eastern Mediterranean warming and salinification signal has propagated below the NCAeg sill depth. The winter average buoyancy loss was comparable to that of the peak of the Eastern Mediterranean transient (EMT) and other known years of DWF in the NCAeg; however, the high temperature of the upper layers due to long-term warming prevented the widespread formation of denser water.
Evaluation of the Implementation of the Dimensions of the Blue Economy in Spanish Ports
Authors: Vaca Cabrero Javier , Gómez Garach César Pablo , Camarero Orive Alberto , González-Cancelas Nicoletta
Published: January 2024

The Blue Economy is a relatively new concept. In 2010, Günter Pauli coined this term to refer to an economic development where a waste is raw material for a process, using the cycles of the natural world as an example. Currently, the Blue Economy is a much more broad and transversal concept and is strongly related to maritime economic sectors, from maritime transport to off-shore renewable energies through port operations. In short, the Blue Economy encompasses classic sectors such as shipbuilding together with more innovative concepts in the ports, such as digitalization, innovation, or energy transition. In this research, a new tool is developed which, as its main objective, can obtain a degree of implementation of the dimensions of the Blue Economy in Spanish ports through the evaluation of each of the economic sectors that constitute the B.E. in the 28 Spanish port authorities. To this end, a Delphi panel has been used to determine the importance of each economic dimension, a database has also been generated to determine the state of development of these dimensions in each port, and some equations have been developed to determine in base 100 how developed each port is. The results obtained show a notable development in the average of Spanish ports, highlighting Las Palmas as the port that has most developed the Blue Economy.
Collaborative Path Planning of Multiple AUVs Based on Adaptive Multi-Population PSO
Authors: Zhi Liwei , Zuo Yi
Published: January 2024

Collaborative operations of multiple AUVs have been becoming increasingly popular and efficient in underwater tasks of marine applications. Autonomous navigation capability and cooperative control stability of multiple AUVs are crucial and challenging issues in underwater environments. To address the collaborative problem of path planning for multiple AUVs, this paper proposes an adaptive multi-population particle swarm optimization (AMP-PSO). In AMP-PSO, we design a grouping strategy of multi-population and an exchanging mechanism of particles between groups. We separate particles into one leader population and various follower populations according to their fitness. Firstly, in the grouping strategy, particles within the leader population are updated by both the leader population and follower populations so as to keep global optimization, while particles within the follower population are updated by their own group so as to keep local priority. Secondly, in the exchanging mechanism, particles are exchanged between the leader population and follower populations so as to improve multi-population diversity. To accommodate multi-population characteristics, an adaptive parameter configuration is also included to enhance the global search capability, convergence speed, and complex environment adaptability of AMP-PSO. In numerical experiments, we simulate various scenarios of collaborative path planning of multiple AUVs in an underwater environment. The simulation results convincingly demonstrate that AMP-PSO can obtain feasible and optimal path solutions compared to classic PSO and other improved PSO, which enable multiple AUVs to effectively achieve objectives under the conditions of collision avoidance and navigation constraint.
Micromechanical Analysis of Lateral Pipe–Soil Interaction Instability on Sloping Sandy Seabeds
Authors: Peng Yu , Qu Liming
Published: January 2024

The micromechanical mechanism of pipe instability under lateral force actions on sloping sandy seabeds is unclear. This study investigated the effects of slope angle and instability direction (upslope or downslope) on pipe–soil interaction instability for freely laid and anti-rolling pipes using coupled discrete element method and finite element method (DEM–FEM) simulations. The numerical results were analyzed at both macro- and microscales and compared with the experimental results. The findings revealed that the ultimate drag force on anti-rolling pipes increased with slope angle and was significantly larger than that on freely laid pipes for both downslope and upslope instabilities. Additionally, the rotation-induced upward traction force was proved to be the essential reason for the smaller soil deformation around freely laid pipes. Moreover, the shape differences in the motion trajectories of pipes were successfully explained by variations in the soil supporting force distributions under different slope conditions. Additionally, synchronous movement between the pipe and adjacent particles was identified as the underlying mechanism for the reduced particle collision and shear wear on pipe surfaces under a high interface coefficient. Furthermore, an investigation of particle-scale behaviors revealed conclusive mechanistic patterns of pipe–soil interaction instability under different slope conditions. This study could be useful for the design of pipelines in marine pipeline engineering.
High-Order Spectral Irregular Wave Generation Procedure in Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics Numerical Wave Tanks, with Application in a Physical Wave Tank and in Open-Source Field Operation and Manipulation
Authors: Kim Young Jun , Canard Maxime , Bouscasse Benjamin , Ducrozet Guillaume , Le Touzé David , Choi Young-Myung
Published: January 2024

The accurate generation of a target sea state in numerical or experimental wave tanks is a fundamental line of research for the ocean engineering community. It guarantees the quality and relevance of wave–structure interaction tests. This study presents a reproducible irregular wave generation and qualification procedure, accounting for the nonlinear aspects of wave propagation. It can be used for both numerical simulation and experiments. The presented numerical and experimental results are obtained from the OpenFOAM solver and the Ecole Centrale Nantes wave tank facilities, respectively. The procedure comprises two steps: First, the wavemaker motion is calibrated numerically to generate the target wave spectrum at the position of interest. This is achieved with a wavemaker-equipped nonlinear potential flow solver. The open-source HOS-NWT solver, based on the high-order spectral method, was employed in this study. Then, the corrected wavemaker motion is used directly in the experimental wave tank. OpenFOAM simulations were performed to generate waves with the relaxation method, using wave elevation and velocity field data from HOS-NWT. The procedure was finally tested for mild and extreme breaking sea states. The waves generated by the HOS-NWT solver, the experiment, and the OpenFOAM simulation were compared from both stochastic and deterministic perspectives.
Genome Sequencing and Analysis of Nigrospora oryzae, a Rice Leaf Disease Fungus
Authors: Zhao Qian , Zhang Liyan , Wu Jianzhong
Published: January 2024

Nigrospora oryzae is one of several fungal pathogens known to cause brown streaks, leaf spots, and latent infections in rice. In this study, the entire 42.09-Mb genome of N. oryzae was sequenced at a depth of 169× using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The draft genome sequence was comprised of 26 scaffolds, possessed an average GC content of 58.83%, and contained a total of 10,688 protein-coding genes. Analysis of the complete genome sequence revealed that CAZyme-encoding genes account for 6.11% of all identified genes and that numerous transcription factors (TFs) associated with diverse biological processes belong predominantly to Zn-clus (22.20%) and C2H2 (10.59%) fungal TF classes. In addition, genes encoding 126 transport proteins and 3307 pathogen–host interaction proteins were identified. Comparative analysis of the previously reported N. oryzae reference strain GZL1 genome and the genome of a representative strain ZQ1 obtained here revealed 9722 colinear genes. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights into N. oryzae genetic mechanisms and phenotypic characteristics.
Identification of the chaA and fwA Spore Color Genes of Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Oakley C. Elizabeth , Barton Thomas S. , Oakley Berl R.
Published: January 2024

Wild-type Aspergillus nidulans asexual spores (conidia) are green due to a pigment that protects the spores against ultraviolet light. The pigment is produced by a biosynthetic pathway, the genes of which are dispersed in the genome. The backbone molecule of the pigment is a polyketide synthesized by a polyketide synthase encoded by the wA gene. If wA is not functional, the conidia are white. The polyketide is modified by a laccase encoded by the yA gene and inactivation of yA in an otherwise wild-type background results in yellow spores. Additional spore color mutations have been isolated and mapped to a locus genetically, but the genes that correspond to these loci have not been determined. Spore color markers have been useful historically, and they remain valuable in the molecular genetics era. One can determine if a transforming fragment has been successfully integrated at the wA or yA locus by simply looking at the color of transformant conidia. The genes of the potentially useful color loci chaA (chartreuse conidia) and fwA (fawn conidia) have not been identified previously. We chose a set of candidate genes for each locus by comparing the assembled genome with the genetic map. By systematically deleting these candidate genes, we identified a cytochrome P450 gene (AN10028) corresponding to chaA. Deletions of this gene result in chartreuse conidia and chartreuse mutations can be complemented in trans by a functional copy of this gene. With fwA, we found that the existing fawn mutation, fwA1, is a deletion of 2241 base pairs that inactivates three genes. By deleting each of these genes, we determined that fwA is AN1088, an EthD domain protein. Deletion of AN1088 results in fawn conidia as expected. Neither deletion of chaA nor fwA restricts growth and both should be valuable target loci for transformations. Combinations of deletions have allowed us to investigate the epistasis relationships of wA, yA, chaA and fwA.
Ergosterol Is Critical for Sporogenesis in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Matha Amber R. , Xie Xiaofeng , Lin Xiaorong
Published: January 2024

Microbes, both bacteria and fungi, produce spores to survive stressful conditions. Spores produced by the environmental fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans serve as both surviving and infectious propagules. Because of their importance in disease transmission and pathogenesis, factors necessary for cryptococcal spore germination are being actively investigated. However, little is known about nutrients critical for sporogenesis in this pathogen. Here, we found that ergosterol, the main sterol in fungal membranes, is enriched in spores relative to yeasts and hyphae. In C. neoformans, the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway (EBP) is upregulated by the transcription factor Sre1 in response to conditions that demand elevated ergosterol biosynthesis. Although the deletion of SRE1 enhances the production of mating hyphae, the sre1Δ strain is deficient at producing spores even when crossed with a wild-type partner. We found that the defect of the sre1Δ strain is specific to sporogenesis, not meiosis or basidium maturation preceding sporulation. Consistent with the idea that sporulation demands heightened ergosterol biosynthesis, EBP mutants are also defective in sporulation. We discovered that the overexpression of some EBP genes can largely rescue the sporulation defect of the sre1Δ strain. Collectively, we demonstrate that ergosterol is a critical component in cryptococcal preparation for sporulation.
Management of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Patients with Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A 2-Year Study of a Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Torre Alessandro , Schiuma Marco , Civati Aurora , Casalini Giacomo , Gori Andrea , Antinori Spinello , Gervasoni Cristina
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary aspergillosis mainly affects elderly patients, patients with pulmonary complications, patients with hematological malignancies, organ transplant recipients, or critically ill patients. Co-morbidities may result in a high rate of polypharmacy and a high risk of potential drug–drug interaction (pDDI)-related antifungal azoles, which are perpetrators of several pharmacokinetic- and pharmacodynamic-driven pDDIs. Here, we report the results of the first 2-year study of an outpatient clinic focusing on the management of therapies in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis. All patients who underwent an outpatient visit from May 2021 to May 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. A total of 34 patients who were given an azole as an antifungal treatment (53% voriconazole, 41% isavuconazole, and 6% itraconazole) were included. Overall, 172 pDDIs were identified and classified as red- (8%), orange- (74%), or yellow-flag (18%) combinations. We suggested handling polypharmacy in those patients using specific diagnostic and pharmacologic interventions. As expected, red-flag pDDIs involved mainly voriconazole as a perpetrator (71%). However, nearly 30% of red-flag pDDIs were not related to antifungal therapy. These findings highlight the importance of conducting an overall assessment of the pharmacologic burden and the key role played by a multidisciplinary team for the optimization of therapies in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis.
The Safety and Efficacy of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Patients with Sarcopenia or Frailty: Double Edged Sword?
Authors: Naito Ayami , Nagatomo Yuji , Kawai Akane , Yukino-Iwashita Midori , Nakazawa Ryota , Taruoka Akira , Takefuji Asako , Yasuda Risako , Toya Takumi , Ikegami Yukinori , Masaki Nobuyuki , Ido Yasuo , Adachi Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) show cardiovascular protective effects, regardless of the patient’s history of diabetes mellitus (DM). SGLT2is suppressed cardiovascular adverse events in patients with type 2 DM, and furthermore, SGLT-2is reduced the risk of worsening heart failure (HF) events or cardiovascular death in patients with HF. Along with these research findings, SGLT-2is are recommended for patients with HF in the latest guidelines. Despite these benefits, the concern surrounding the increasing risk of body weight loss and other adverse events has not yet been resolved, especially for patients with sarcopenia or frailty. The DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials consistently showed the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i for HF patients with frailty. However, the Rockwood frailty index that derived from a cumulative deficit model was employed for frailty assessment in these trials, which might not be suitable for the evaluation of physical frailty or sarcopenia alone. There is no fixed consensus on which evaluation tool to use or its cutoff value for the diagnosis and assessment of frailty in HF patients, or which patients can receive SGLT-2i safely. In this review, we summarize the methodology of frailty assessment and discuss the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i for HF patients with sarcopenia or frailty.
Regulatory Implications of the Supervision and Management of Liquidity Risk: An Analysis of Recent Developments in Spanish Financial Institutions
Authors: Mariscal-Cáceres Juan , Cristófol-Rodríguez Carmen , Cerdá-Suárez Luis Manuel
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to analyze the evolution of bank liquidity regulations, considering the global regulatory framework applicable to financial institutions, from the beginning of the banking and liquidity crisis in 2007–2008 to the present. The new liquidity requirements under Basel III regulations are defined. An analysis is made of the recent evolution of credit institutions in Spain from different banking prisms to determine how the new banking regulation and supervision, following the start of supervisory powers by the European Central Bank at the end of 2014, has affected them. The methodology applied has been firstly the literature review, followed by a compilation and analysis of the financial and statistical evidence available on the main Spanish financial institutions, from the European Central Bank and the Bank of Spain, as well as information published by other agencies and the financial institutions themselves. It concludes with a reflection and analysis of the outlook for the sector once the most recent impacts, derived from COVID-19, and the supply crisis with the rise in global inflation and the increase in interest rates have been overcome. It can be stated that credit institutions in Spain have significantly improved their liquidity position over the last 15 years.
The Joint Forces of How to Live: Does Intellectual Capital Matter between Innovation and Financial Vulnerability?
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Qiu Huan , Zhao Yiwei
Published: January 2024

Using a hand-collected sample of non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) over the period of 2011–2021, we examine the joint effect of intellectual capital and innovation on the financial vulnerability of a firm, which is an important risk factor that a firm may face in its operation. We first use the static fixed-effect panel model as our baseline regression model and find that the level of intellectual capital of a firm strengthens the positive effect of the adoption of product and market innovation on reducing the financial vulnerability of the firm. We also conduct additional analyses using alternative measures of financial vulnerability, as well as various regression models, and confirm that the results are robust under different scenarios. Overall, the results highlight the positive role of the intellectual capital, as well as the joint effect of intellectual capital and innovation, in mitigating the financial vulnerability faced by a firm and thus have academic and practical implications to academic researchers and practitioners.
Corporate Governance and FinTech Innovation: Evidence from Saudi Banks
Authors: Almubarak Ayth I. , Aljughaiman Abdullah A.
Published: January 2024

The rising adoption of FinTech is changing the financial sector. However, the determinants of FinTech have not been examined thoroughly. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether corporate governance is related to FinTech products in the banking sector, given that governance may influence the quantity and quality of innovation. Specifically, we investigate the association between the size of the board of directors, the percentage of independent directors on the board and FinTech services. Furthermore, we show how the composition of the board can influence the association between FinTech services and a bank’s performance. Using a sample of 12 Saudi banks for the period 2014–2019, we find that board size is significantly and negatively associated with a bank’s FinTech score. We further show that independent members on the board contribute to performance by bringing more FinTech services (innovation development) to the banks. As the first study examining the determinants of FinTech in the Saudi banking sector, this paper may help regulators to better understand the drivers of FinTech and its quality in the banking sector.
Does a Female Director in the Boardroom Affect Sustainability Reporting in the U.S. Healthcare Industry?
Authors: Alkayed Hani , Shehadeh Esam , Yousef Ibrahim , Hussainey Khaled
Published: January 2024

In this in-depth study, we explored the nuanced dynamics of boardroom gender diversity and its consequential impact on sustainability reporting within the U.S. Healthcare sector. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset from Refinitiv Eikon, our analysis spanned a spectrum of 646 observations across 57 healthcare entities listed in the S&P 500, covering the period from 2010 to 2021. Our methodology combined various empirical techniques to dissect correlations, unravel heterogeneity, and account for potentially omitted variables. Central to our findings is the discovery that various metrics of board gender diversity, such as the proportion of female directors and the Blau and Shannon diversity indices, exhibit a robust and positive correlation with the intensity and quality of sustainability reporting. This correlation persists even when controlling for a multitude of factors, including elements of corporate governance (such as board size, independence, and meeting attendance), as well as intrinsic firm characteristics (such as size, profitability, growth potential, and leverage). The presence of female directors appears to not only bolster the breadth and depth of sustainability reporting but also align with a broader perspective that their inclusion in boardrooms significantly influences corporate reporting practices. These insights extend beyond academic discourse by offering tangible and actionable intelligence for policymakers and corporate decision-makers. By elucidating the intrinsic value of gender diversity in governance, our study contributes a compelling argument for bolstering female representation in leadership roles as a catalyst for enhanced corporate responsibility and stakeholder engagement.
Relationship between Carbon Sequestration and Soil Physicochemical Parameters in Northern Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Chan-Keb Carlos A. , Agraz-Hernández Claudia M. , Pérez-Balan Román A. , Mas-Qui Oscar O. , Osti-Sáenz Juan , Reyes-Castellanos Jordán E.
Published: January 2024

For decades, mangroves have been exposed to various pressures, resulting in the loss of large swathes around the world. For this reason, ecological restoration actions are presented as alternatives to recover mangroves that can restore their ecosystem services while helping to mitigate climate change’s effects. Mangroves are crucial, as they capture and sequester carbon in biomass and soil, highlighting their importance in environmental conservation and in the fight against climate change. In this research, the amount of carbon sequestered in a mangrove area restored eight years ago and its relationship with soil physicochemical parameters were evaluated and compared to those of a reference forest. Soil cores were collected at a depth of 30 cm from both sites, and in situ measurements of physical chemistry were made at different depths. In addition, soil salinity, bulk density, and carbon concentration were determined. The results revealed a similar amount of carbon sequestered both in the reference forest (BR) (470.17 ± 67.14 Mg C/ha) and in the restoration area (RA) (444.53 ± 86.11 Mg C/ha) (p > 0.05). A direct relationship was observed between carbon sequestration and soil depth. In the case of the RA, a direct relationship was found between carbon sequestration and soil salinity. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the behavior of carbon sequestration in soil is determined by the physicochemical conditions in both the BR and the RA, as well as by the presence or absence of vegetation.
Assessment of the Erosion and Outflow Intensity in the Rif Region under Different Land Use and Land Cover Scenarios
Authors: Ouallali Abdessalam , Kader Shuraik , Bammou Youssef , Aqnouy Mourad , Courba Said , Beroho Mohamed , Briak Hamza , Spalevic Velibor , Kuriqi Alban , Hysa Artan
Published: January 2024

The port of Tangier Med is essential due to its strategic location, as it is an important trading center linking Europe, North America, and Africa. However, the increased rates of downstream sediment transportation put pressure on the sustainable future of the port. Thus, assessing the existing erosion rates and future improvement scenarios is imperative for planning sustainable management at the catchment level. We utilize the Erosion Potential Model (EPM) combined with the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) algorithm to assess the erosion and outflow intensity and to distinguish the sediment-producing areas in the R’mel watershed. The port’s proximity at the bottom of the slope opposite the R’mel Dam is relevant in this context. Initial results show an average erosion rate of 13 t/ha/year. Quarry operations were identified as the primary sediment source, as indicated by the factors contributing to erosion. The qualitative PAP/RAC (Priority Actions Program/Regional Activity Center) model was used to assess the development trends in the watershed, confirming a clear tendency toward irreversible degradation in the quarry areas. Considering that the mined carbonate lithology represents 23.77% of the total area of the catchment, the situation in the region could deteriorate if quarry operations continue. The simulation of quarry rehabilitation scenarios through land use and land cover change (LULC) with IntErO shows that reforestation of quarries can significantly reduce erosion rates (4.78 t/ha/year) compared to their conversion to agricultural land. This study underlines the effectiveness of IntErO, based on the EPM model, in quickly and effectively mapping and quantifying water erosion.
The Effects of Vegetation Structure and Timber Harvesting on Ground Beetle (Col.: Carabidae) and Arachnid Communities (Arach.: Araneae, Opiliones) in Short-Rotation Coppices
Authors: Konrad Jessika , Platen Ralph , Glemnitz Michael
Published: January 2024

Landscape complexity is a crucial factor for insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. Short-rotation coppices (SRCs) are characterised by high habitat heterogeneity. The impact of vegetation structure on the composition and diversity of ground beetle and arachnid communities was therefore investigated in four SRCs and six reference plots. The study site was located in Hesse, Germany. The invertebrates were surveyed from 2011 to 2014 using pitfall traps, and the vegetation structure was quantified by estimating the percentage cover of 10 structural variables. The impact of the selected structural variables on community composition was analysed during grove growth as well as after a timber harvest. We found correlations between the cover percentages of structural variables and the quantitative and qualitative species composition in both animal groups (p ≤ 0.05). The share of individuals of forest species increased with rising shading and litter cover, while those of open land decreased. The opposite trends were found the year after the timber harvest. The SRCs showed a higher structural diversity compared to the reference biotopes (p ≤ 0.05). This was positively correlated (p ≤ 0.001) with species diversity and the variety of habitat preference groups in both animal groups. The high diversity within the habitat preference groups indicated a functional redundancy among species for both animal groups and, consequently, a high level of resilience within these communities. Little is known about the functional aspects of ground beetles and spiders in ecosystems, and detailed studies are urgently needed. We conclude that SRCs can contribute to the diversification of agricultural landscapes as an alternative to traditional crop cultivation.
Attractiveness Assessment Model for Evaluating an Area for a Potential Geopark—Case Study: Hațeg UNESCO Global Geopark (Romania)
Authors: Nyulas Judith , Dezsi Ștefan , Haidu Ionel , Magyari-Sáska Zsolt , Niță Adrian
Published: January 2024

Many studies have developed methods for assessing attractiveness, but the question is which one should be used to evaluate geopark designated areas? Therefore, the aim of this study is to find suitable criteria for assessing the attractiveness of a natural area such as a geopark in order to find the best quantifiable method as a methodological guide to evaluate attractiveness. The principle of the methodology takes into account three facts: the use of available attractiveness methods elaborated over time, the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) geopark requirements, and a certified geopark (Haţeg UNESCO Global Geopark was chosen as etalon—benchmark), then matching these together. To this end, the following specific objectives have been set: (i) an inventory of factors used to estimate attractiveness; (ii) through analysis, identifying the appropriate evaluation criteria for the field (a set for criteria’s SMART parameter, which can be clearly expressed, quantitatively measurable, and achievable); and (iii) developing a methodological guideline for geopark attractiveness assessment. The methodology is based on an analytical thinking approach, builds on the experience of existing methods, and stands out by the attributes matched to the UGGp’s evaluation criteria using the certified geopark as a benchmark. The result itself presents a method for assessing the attractiveness of geoparks. The outcome offers the attractiveness suitability for new geopark-designated areas as well as for existing geoparks aspiring to UNESCO certification.