bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of Rare Earth Elements in Fluvial Sediments of the Lesser Zab River Basin, Northeastern Iraq: Implications for Tectonic Setting and Provenance
Authors: Al-Saady Younus I. , Othman Arsalan Ahmed , Mohammad Yousif O. , Ali Salahalddin S. , Ali Sarmad A. , Liesenberg Veraldo , Hasan Syed E.
Published: December 2023

During the past few decades, rare earth elements (REEs) have gained enormous attention in geochemical studies worldwide as a result of their important role in the manufacturing of high-tech equipment. REEs in river sediment have been widely used for provenance determination and in geochemical studies of continental crust, rock and sediment environments, and anthropogenic pollution. This study aims to elucidate the origin and tectonic setting of Little Zab River Basin (LZRB) sediments by examining 23 fluvial sediment samples of rare earth elements (REEs) collected from both the primary river and the inter-sub-basin regions during the rainy or high-flow season. The ICP-MS method was employed to analyze all samples to identify and assess the compositions of REEs. A fraction of the river sediments, smaller than 2 mm, which is more representative and more homogeneous, was used to carry out geochemical analysis. REE concentrations in the Little Zab River (LZR) and the upper parts of the LZRB were generally higher than those in the lower parts. The concentration of REEs in nearly all samples was lower than that of the North American Shale Composite (NASC), and the Upper Continental Crust (UCC), except for the sub-basin sediment Sbs2, which was higher than these references; also, the sediment sample Zrs4 was slightly higher than NASC. Light rare earth elements (LREEs) display enrichment relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) with a range between 7.15 μg/g and 12.37 μg/g for LZR samples and between 5.95 μg/g and 13.03 μg/g for the sub-basin samples. The REE discrimination diagrams, along with the chondrodite-normalized pattern of the studied sediments, confirm that the sediment is predominantly sourced from the alkaline basaltic unit of the late Cretaceous Walsh group of an arc tectonic affinity.
Questionable Validity of Creatinine-Based eGFR in Elderly Patients but Cystatin C Is Helpful in First-Line Diagnostics
Authors: Geißer Dario , Hetzel Lina , Westenfeld Ralf , Boege Fritz
Published: December 2023

Background: The recommended chronic kidney disease (CKD) first-line diagnostic test is based on the creatinine-derived (estimated) glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cystatin C use may provide a better assessment. Methods: We compared creatinine- and cystatin C-derived eGFR determination as the first-line diagnostic test for 112 hospital patients aged > 60 years (median = 76 years). The patients were judged to not have CKD (no-CKD group) according to the first-line diagnostic recommendations (n = 61, eGFR (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, total urine protein < 150 mg/g creatinine, urinary red/white blood cells not increased) or classified to be at risk for kidney insufficiency due to aortic valve dysfunction (at-risk group; n = 51). The accuracy of the eGFR values was evaluated retrospectively with the final case diagnoses. Results: The eGFR (Caucasian, Asian, pediatric, and adult formula (CAPA)) was found to be linearly correlated to the eGFR (CKD-EPI) (R2 = 0.5, slope = 0.69, p < 0.0001). In 93/112 (>80%) cases, the eGFR (CAPA) yielded lower values (on average ≈−20%). In 55/112 (49%) cases, the cystatin C-derived CKD stage was lower. CKD reclassification from no-CKD to a kidney-insufficient state (i.e., CKD1/2 to CKD3a/b or 4) or reclassification to a more severe kidney insufficiency (i.e., CKD3a → 3b/4 or 3b → 4) was found in 41/112 (37%) cases. A worse CKD classification (no-CKD → kidney-insufficient) based on the eGFR (CAPA) was plausible in 30% of cases in light of the final case diagnoses. Conclusion: In elderly patients (>60 years), renal function appears to be systematically overestimated by the creatinine-based eGFR (CKD-EPI), indicating that, for this group, the cystatin C-based eGFR (CAPA) should be used as the first-line diagnostic test.
Humoral and Cell-Mediated Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in a Cohort of Immunodeficient Patients
Authors: Plano Federica , Shekarkar Azgomi Mojtaba , Corsale Anna Maria , Spoto Corinne , Caccamo Nadia , Meraviglia Serena , Dieli Francesco , D’Angelo Paolo , Trizzino Antonino , Siragusa Sergio
Published: December 2023

This study delves into the intricate landscape of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in immunodeficient patients, focusing on the dynamics of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. The cohort includes patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI), agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and combined immunodeficiency (CI). The findings reveal varying degrees of antibody production, with XLA patients exhibiting no measurable response but displaying a robust T-cell-mediated response. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both arms of the immune system in assessing vaccine immunogenicity, particularly in the context of immunodeficiency. The results challenge conventional measures of vaccine efficacy only based on antibody titers, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the immune response in this vulnerable population. This research contributes valuable insights to guide clinical decisions regarding vaccination strategies, booster doses, and overall protection in immunodeficient individuals.
The Status of Didactic Models for Heritage Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valencia Arnica Yenifer Karina , Ccasani Rodriguez Jackeline Lorena , Rucano Paucar Fabian Hugo , Talavera-Mendoza Fabiola
Published: December 2023

Heritage education is very important because it implies a holistic and transdisciplinary approach, where teachers must use resources and educational proposals that promote the conservation, appreciation, and care of heritage. The objective of this study is to analyze heritage education from a global perspective to identify didactic models, areas of educational action, categories, and typologies used in teaching and learning processes. A systematic review of the literature is proposed using the PRISMA methodology in three multidisciplinary databases by carrying out an exhaustive search with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results highlight that teachers develop learning experiences focused on didactic models with pedagogical intervention in the classroom with formal action, focusing mainly on intangible heritage related to festive acts and rituals; so, they only achieve identity levels and do not reach the heritage levels necessary to create a legacy and promote the appreciation of cultural heritage. The use of digital educational strategies and resources is required to integrate real and simulated spaces with new educational and didactic approaches using virtual technologies. Consequently, this study implies that teachers need to develop digital skills to achieve more effective and meaningful heritage education.
Physiological and Productive Responses of Two Vitis vinifera L. Cultivars across Three Sites in Central-South Italy
Authors: Ferlito Filippo , Nicolosi Elisabetta , Sicilia Angelo , Villano Clizia , Aversano Riccardo , Lo Piero Angela Roberta
Published: December 2023

Grapevine adaptation to drought involves morphological, anatomical, and physiological modifications that could be viewed as a measure of drought avoidance. The main vine responses to drought consist of the regulation of carbon assimilation as a consequence of limited stomatal conductance, which is reflected in changes in plant water status. In this factorial study (2020–2021 growing seasons), two red cultivars, the local ‘Aglianico’, widely grown in Central-South Italy, and the international ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, were used to evaluate how their interaction in three different environments can modify physiological adaptations and how yields and their qualitative traits can be modified. The lowest leaf water potential (−0.68 Mpa) for the two cultivars was registered in Molise, while the most stressed vine was found in Sicily for Aglianico (−1.86 MPa). At least in two of three locations, Molise and Campania, the detected stomatal conductance and the leaf water potential have shown that Cabernet Sauvignon can be classified as a near-isohydric cultivar, whereas Aglianico can be categorized as a near-anisohydric cultivar. The interactions between genotype x environment highlight different levels of adaptability between the two cultivars in different sites during each season. The data presented here contribute to a better understanding of the effects of genotype and environment interactions in progressive dry cultivation and how these interactions can modify the qualitative traits of grapes.
Factor Sufficiency in Asset Pricing: An Application for the Brazilian Market
Authors: dos Santos Rocha Rafaela Dezidério , Laurini Márcio
Published: December 2023

The multifactor asset pricing model derived from the Fama–French approach is extensively used in asset risk premium estimation procedures. Even including a considerable number of factors, it is still possible that omitted factors affect the estimation of this model. In this work, we compare estimators robust to the presence of omitted factors in estimating the risk premium in the Brazilian market. Initially, we analyze the panel of asset returns using the mean group and common correlated effect estimators to detect the presence of omitted factors. We then compare the results with those obtained by a estimator robust to omitted variables, which uses a principal components approach to correct the estimation in the case of the omission of latent factors. We conclude that there is evidence of omitted factors, and the best predictor for the expect returns is the common correlated effects estimator.
A Motion-Based Conceptual Space Model to Support 3D Evacuation Simulation in Indoor Environments
Authors: Xie Ruihang , Zlatanova Sisi , Lee Jinwoo (Brian) , Aleksandrov Mitko
Published: December 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) indoor models are a crucial component to simulate pedestrian evacuations realistically in indoor environments. However, existing 3D indoor models cannot fully represent realistic indoor environments to enable the simulation of 3D pedestrian motions in evacuations because spaces above/below some physical components (e.g., desks, chairs) have been largely overlooked. Thus, this paper introduces a conceptual space model to advance a space identification and classification scheme that can fully capture 3D pedestrian motions. This paper first proposes the definition and parameterisation of different 3D pedestrian motions. Then, the definition and specifications of three categories of space components are elaborated on based on the motions. Finally, a voxel-based approach is introduced to identify and classify the space components, which are demonstrated by an illustrative example. This work contributes to advancing 3D indoor modelling to enable a more realistic simulation of 3D pedestrian motions.
Copolymers and Blends Based on 3-Hydroxybutyrate and 3-Hydroxyvalerate Units
Authors: Jin Anyi , del Valle Luis J. , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: December 2023

This review presents a comprehensive update of the biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), emphasizing its production, properties, and applications. The overall biosynthesis pathway of PHBV is explored in detail, highlighting recent advances in production techniques. The inherent physicochemical properties of PHBV, along with its degradation behavior, are discussed in detail. This review also explores various blends and composites of PHBV, demonstrating their potential for a range of applications. Finally, the versatility of PHBV-based materials in multiple sectors is examined, emphasizing their increasing importance in the field of biodegradable polymers.
Newborn Genetic Screening—Still a Role for Sanger Sequencing in the Era of NGS
Authors: Hogner Silje , Lundman Emma , Strand Janne , Ytre-Arne Mari Eknes , Tangeraas Trine , Stray-Pedersen Asbjørg
Published: December 2023

In the Norwegian newborn screening (NBS) program, genetic testing has been implemented as a second or third tier method for the majority of NBS disorders, significantly increasing positive predictive value (PPV). DNA is extracted from dried blood spot (DBS) filter cards. For monogenic disorders caused by variants in one single gene or a few genes only, Sanger sequencing has been shown to be the most time- and cost-efficient method to use. Here, we present the Sanger sequencing method, including primer sequences and the genetic test algorithms, currently used in the Norwegian newborn screening program.
Security Evaluation and Improvement of the Extended Protocol EIBsec for KNX/EIB
Authors: Feng Tao , Zhang Bugang
Published: December 2023

The European Installation Bus(EIB) protocol, also known as KNX/EIB, is widely used in building and home automation. An extension of the KNX/EIB protocol, EIBsec, is primarily designed to meet the requirements for data transmission security in distributed building automation systems. However, this protocol has some security issues in the request, key distribution, and identity authentication processes. This paper employs a formal analysis method that combines Colored Petri Net (CPN) theory with the Dolev-Yao attack model to evaluate and enhance the EIBsec protocol. It utilizes the CPN Tools to conduct CPN modeling analysis on the protocol and introduces a security assessment model to carry out intrusion detection and security assessment. Through this analysis, vulnerabilities in the protocol, such as tampering and replay attacks, are identified. To address these security concerns, we introduce hash verification and timestamp judgment methods into the original protocol to enhance its security. Subsequently, based on the improved protocol, we conduct CPN modeling and verify the security of the new scheme. Finally, through a comparison and analysis of the performance and security between the original protocol and the improved scheme, it is found that the improved scheme has higher security.
Unraveling Microblog Sentiment Dynamics: A Twitter Public Attitudes Analysis towards COVID-19 Cases and Deaths
Authors: Koukaras Paraskevas , Rousidis Dimitrios , Tjortjis Christos
Published: December 2023

The identification and analysis of sentiment polarity in microblog data has drawn increased attention. Researchers and practitioners attempt to extract knowledge by evaluating public sentiment in response to global events. This study aimed to evaluate public attitudes towards the spread of COVID-19 by performing sentiment analysis on over 2.1 million tweets in English. The implications included the generation of insights for timely disease outbreak prediction and assertions regarding worldwide events, which can help policymakers take suitable actions. We investigated whether there was a correlation between public sentiment and the number of cases and deaths attributed to COVID-19. The research design integrated text preprocessing (regular expression operations, (de)tokenization, stopwords), sentiment polarization analysis via TextBlob, hypothesis formulation (null hypothesis testing), and statistical analysis (Pearson coefficient and p-value) to produce the results. The key findings highlight a correlation between sentiment polarity and deaths, starting at 41 days before and expanding up to 3 days after counting. Twitter users reacted to increased numbers of COVID-19-related deaths after four days by posting tweets with fading sentiment polarization. We also detected a strong correlation between COVID-19 Twitter conversation polarity and reported cases and a weak correlation between polarity and reported deaths.
Damage Identification of Turnout Rail through a Covariance-Based Condition Index and Quantitative Pattern Analysis
Authors: Wang Jun-Fang , Lin Jian-Fu , Xie Yan-Long
Published: December 2023

Subjected to complex loadings from the wheel–rail interaction, turnout rail is prone to crack damage. This paper aims to develop a condition evaluation method for crack-alike damage detection of in-service turnout rail. A covariance-based structural condition index (CI) is firstly constructed by fusing the time-frequency components of responses, generating a series of patterns governed by the interrelationships between column members in the CI matrix. The damage-sensitive interrelationships latent in CI are then modeled using Bayesian regression and historical data, and baseline patterns are built with predictions of the models and new inputs. The deviations between the baseline patterns and the actual patterns of the newly observed CI members are quantitatively assessed. To synthetically consider the individual assessment results, a technique is developed to combine the individual assessment results into one synthetic result by designing a group of suitable weights taking into consideration both probabilistic confidence and reference model error. If the deviations are within a tolerable range, no damage is flagged; otherwise, damage existence and severity are reported. A case study is conducted, in which monitoring data from the database of a railway turnout are applied to build the CI matrix and examine the damage identification performance of this method. Good agreement between actual conditions and assessment results is found in different testing scenarios in the case study, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Morphological Description and Potential Geographic Distribution of the Genus Dolichopus Latreille (Diptera, Dolichopodidae, Dolichopodinae) in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Qian Xingyang , Ding Xiaolong , Yang Ding , Wang Ning
Published: December 2023

Eight species of Dolichopus Latreille were previously recorded in Inner Mongolia. However, there have been only a few studies on their potential distribution. Here, three newly discovered species from Inner Mongolia are described, namely Dolichopus (Dolichopus) apicimaculatus sp. nov., Dolichopus (Dolichopus) jiufengensis sp. nov., and Dolichopus (Dolichopus) luae sp. nov. There were also twelve known Dolichopus species that were newly recorded in Inner Mongolia, including the newly recorded subgenus Hygroceleuthus. A key to the Dolichopus species from Inner Mongolia and the potential geographic distribution of Dolichopus in Inner Mongolia were provided. Potential geographic distribution of the genus in Inner Mongolia were determined as well.
Aphid Resistance Evaluation and Constitutive Resistance Analysis of Eighteen Lilies
Authors: Shi Huajin , Zhong Jian , Liang Yilin , Zhang Peng , Guo Liuyu , Wang Chen , Tang Yuchao , Lu Yufan , Sun Ming
Published: December 2023

Lilies (Lilium spp.) are famous bulb flowers worldwide, with high ornamental value. Aphid damage has seriously constrained the development of the lily industry. In this study, the aphid resistance of 16 lily cultivars and 2 wild lily species was characterized in the field and greenhouse. Leaf color parameters, stomatal density and size, thickness of leaf layers, leaf waxy content, and leaf water content were determined to explore the constitutive resistance of lilies. The results show that there was a significant positive correlation between the number of aphids in the field and in the greenhouse (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.47). This indicated that the level of aphid infestation in both the field and the greenhouse is generally consistent across different types of lily plants. Among these 18 lilies, ‘Palazzo’, ‘Nymph’, ‘Cameleon’ and L. lancifolium were resistant to A. gossypii, while ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Magnefique’ had poor resistance. The correlation analysis results showed that the number of aphids was negatively correlated with leaf abaxial surface a*, stomatal size, water content, and thickness of leaf palisade tissue and positively correlated with leaf distal axial surface b*, C*, and waxy content. Among them, the correlation between the number of aphids and the thickness of leaf palisade tissue reached a significant level (p ≤ 0.05, r = −0.521). This indicated that the thickness of the palisade tissue of lily leaves might be an important factor influencing the proliferation of aphids. This study not only screened out aphid-resistant lilies but also established a crucial research foundation for the targeted breeding and molecular breeding of lilies with aphid resistance.
Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccine Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Horton’s Arteritis: A Single-Center Assessment of Clinical, Serological, Genetic, and Ultrasonographic Biomarkers
Authors: Bandinelli Francesca , Pagano Mario , Vallecoccia Maria Sole
Published: December 2023

The potential role of the COVID-19 vaccine and infection to induce autoimmunity is currently underestimated despite the literature emphasizing arthralgia as a common adverse event. We aimed to study the impact of rheumatological complications post-COVID-19 (PC) and post-COVID-19 vaccine (PCV), comparing undifferentiated arthritis (UA) to Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Horton’s Arteritis (PMR-HA) and isolated arthritis to UA with “connective-like” accompanying symptoms. We retrospectively included 109 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up, analyzing serum biomarkers, joint ultrasound (US), lung HRCT, DLCO, and HLA haplotypes. There were 87 UA patients showing increased gastrointestinal and lung involvement (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012), higher anti-spike protein IgG levels (p = 0.003), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity (p = 0.003). Among them, 66 cases progressed to ACR-EULAR 2010 early arthritis after 3 months, whereas PMR-HA patients were more commonly PCV (81.8%, p = 0.008), demonstrating higher CRP (p = 0.007) and ESR (p = 0.006) levels, a lower rate of ANA positivity (p = 0.005), and a higher remission rate after six months (p = 0.050). In UA patients, the prevalent HLA was DRB1*11 and C*07 (36.8% and 42.1%). Serum calprotectin, interleukin-6, and C*07 (p = 0.021, 0.041, 0.018) seemed more specific for isolated UA. Conversely, “connective-like” arthritis showed poorer DLCO (p = 0.041) and more frequent US synovitis (p = 0.041). In conclusion, UA is a frequent common PC and PCV complication and may persist over time when compared to PMR-HA.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Treatment in Premature Infants Reveals the Effect of Maternal Racial Identity on Efficacy
Authors: Marks Jeremy D. , Schreiber Michael D.
Published: December 2023

Respiratory distress syndrome increases the risk of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) may reduce these risks. Recent meta-analyses have suggested that iNO is effective only at doses higher than 5 ppm and in infants born to Black mothers. In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, infants born before 32 0/7 weeks gestation, weighing <1500 g, and requiring respiratory support were assigned to receive iNO for either seven days (short iNO), or until 33 0/7 weeks PMA (long iNO). The primary outcome was death or BPD. A total of 273 patients were enrolled, of whom 83 receiving long iNO (61.5%) experienced the primary outcome, compared with 65 (47.1%) receiving short iNO (relative risk (RR) 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–1.79; p = 0.017). This increase was due solely to increased BPD in infants weighing 750–999 g (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.66, p = 0.009). However, there was no difference in the numbers of infants requiring supplemental oxygen at 40 weeks PMA. Among infants < 750 g, long-iNO-treated infants had a lower cumulative probability of death (χ2 5.12, p = 0.02). Long iNO increased the primary outcome in non-Black infants (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.20–3.24) but not in Black infants. Understanding how maternal racial identity determines responses of premature infants to iNO may help narrow the gap in health outcomes between Black and non-Black infants.
LECOM (Lead Extraction COMplexity): A New Scoring System for Predicting a Difficult Procedure
Authors: Jacheć Wojciech , Nowosielecka Dorota , Ziaja Bettina , Polewczyk Anna , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) can become far more complex when unanticipated difficulties arise. The aim was to develop a simple scoring system that allows for the prediction of the difficulty and complexity of this significant procedure. (2) Methods: Based on analysis of 3741 TLE procedures with and without complicating factors (extended fluoroscopy time, need for second-line instruments, and advanced techniques and instruments), a five-point Complex Indicator of Difficulty of (TLE) Procedure (CID-TLEP) scale was developed. Two or more points on the CID-TLEP scale indicate a higher level of procedure complexity. (3) Results: Patient age below 51 years at first CIED implantation, number of abandoned leads, number of previous procedures, passive fixation and multiple leads to be extracted, and a ratio of dwell time of oldest lead to patient age during TLE of >0.13 are significant predictors of higher levels of lead extraction complexity. The ROC analysis demonstrates that a point total (being the sum of the odds ratios of the above variables) of >9.697 indicates a 21.83% higher probability of complex TLE (sensitivity 74.08%, specificity 74.46%). Finally, a logistic function was calculated, and we constructed a simple equation for lead extraction complexity that can predict the probability of a difficult procedure. The risk of complex extraction (as a percentage) is calculated as [1/(1 + 55.34 · 0.754X)] · 100 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: The LECOM score can effectively predict the risk of a difficult transvenous lead extraction procedure, and predicting the probability of a more complex procedure may help clinicians in planning lead removal and improving patient management.
Leaving behind the Mucosa: Advances and Future Directions of Intestinal Ultrasound in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Barchi Alberto , Dal Buono Arianna , D’Amico Ferdinando , Furfaro Federica , Zilli Alessandra , Fiorino Gionata , Parigi Tommaso Lorenzo , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio , Allocca Mariangela
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), mainly Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD), are disorders characterized by chronic inflammation with severe morbidity and long-term disabling quality of life outcomes. UC mainly affects the mucosal and sub-mucosal layers of the colon, without embracing the peri-intestinal structures. Considering the predominant mucosal location of UC inflammation, the implementation of transmural evaluation by cross-sectional imaging techniques, mainly Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS), has been left behind for ages, especially if compared to CD. Nevertheless, studies analyzing intestinal ultrasound parameters accuracy in disease activity detection reported a good-to-optimal correlation of IUS markers with colonic inflammation, suggesting comparable feasibility of IUS monitoring in UC as in CD. The easy-to-use, costless and point-of-care available status of IUS is therefore crucial in order to improve the diagnostic process and, according to the recent literature, to monitor the response to treatment leading to speeding up decision making and therapy adjustments. Recent studies have demonstrated the correlation between transmural healing in UC with favorable outcomes even in the long term. An evidence gap still exists in the assessment of the rectum, with trans-perineal ultrasound (TPUS) a potential answer to reach a more precise evaluation of rectal inflammation. Eventually, IUS is also increasingly showing promises in emergent or post-surgical UC settings, considering various efforts put in line to demonstrate its feasibility in predicting response to salvage therapy for surgery avoidance and in studying inflammation relapse after procto-colectomy with ileo-pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) creation.
Living on Oral Anticoagulants: Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale Results
Authors: Mameli Antonella , Sestu Alessandro , Marongiu Francesco , Barcellona Doris
Published: December 2023

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used in patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. The lack of the need for laboratory monitoring and a better safety than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has probably changed the quality of life of patients on these oral anticoagulants. This was a real-life prospective observational cohort study. The aim was to evaluate if a long-term treatment with DOACs could offer a better quality of life than VKAs. Moreover, age, gender, education level, time in therapeutic range for VKAs, taking medication once or twice a day for DOACs, the total daily number of medications and thrombotic and bleeding complications were considered as variables probably associated with the quality of life of these patients. Methods: Between January and December 2021, the Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale (DASS) 25-items was administered as an interview to patients on either VKAs or DOACs therapy. During the follow-up period, all of the patients were closely monitored to evaluate possible bleeding and thrombotic events. Results: The analysis included 300 outpatients treated with VKAs and 254 treated with DOACs. In general, the quality of life was better in patients taking DOACs (DASS total score: DOACs = 44.7, 42.9–46.5 vs. VKAs = 51, 49.2–52.8, p < 0.0001) as the daily-life limitations, hassles and burdens and the psychological impact were less important than in patients on VKAs therapy. Conclusions: VKAs negatively influence the daily-life of the patients in terms of both less satisfaction and time-consuming tasks. DOACs confer a better quality of life even if some concerns emerge from not knowing how their therapy is working.
The “Near”-Narrowed Internal Auditory Canal Syndrome in Adults: Clinical Aspects, Audio-Vestibular Findings, and Radiological Criteria for Diagnosis
Authors: Ionescu Eugen C. , Reynard Pierre , Idriss Samar A. , Ltaief-Boudriga Aicha , Joly Charles-Alexandre , Thai-Van Hung
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Vestibular Paroxysmia (VP) refers to short attacks of vertigo, spontaneous or triggered by head movements, and implies the presence of a compressive vascular loop in contact with the cochleovestibular nerve (CVN). Classically, a narrowed internal auditory canal (IAC) corresponds to a diameter of less than 2 mm on CT, usually associated with a hypoplastic CVN on MRI. The aim of this study was to discuss a distinct clinical entity mimicking VP in relation to a “near”-narrowed IAC (NNIAC) and to propose radiological criteria for its diagnosis. Methods: Radiological measurements of the IAC were compared between three groups: the study group (SG, subjects with a clinical presentation suggestive of VP, but whose MRI of the inner ear and pontocerebellar angle excluded a compressive vascular loop) and two control groups (adult and children) with normal vestibular evaluations and no history of vertigo. Results: 59 subjects (18 M and 41 F) were included in the SG. The main symptoms of NNIAC were positional vertigo, exercise- or rapid head movements-induced vertigo, and dizziness. The statistical analysis in the study group showed that the threshold values for diagnosis were 3.3 mm (in tomodensitometry) and 2.9 mm (in MRI) in coronal sections of IAC. Although a significantly lower mean value for axial IAC diameter was found in SG compared with controls, the statistics did not reveal a threshold due to the large inter-individual variations in IAC measurements in normal subjects. There was no significant difference in IAC diameter between the adult and pediatric controls. Conclusions: In the present study, we report a new anatomopathological condition that appears to be responsible for a clinical picture very similar—but not identical—to VP in association with the presence of an NNIAC. The diagnosis requires a careful analysis of the IAC’s shape and diameters in both axial and coronal planes.
Hearing Loss and Risk Factors in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Frezza Simonetta , Tiberi Eloisa , Corsello Mirta , Priolo Francesca , Cota Francesco , Catenazzi Piero , Conti Guido , Costa Simonetta , Vento Giovanni
Published: December 2023

The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is still high in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The purpose of our study was to provide the prevalence rates of SNHL and to analyze the risk factors of hearing impairment and changes in hearing thresholds in a cohort of VLBW infants. A retrospective observational study was conducted in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 2012 to 2016. All VLBW infants included were screened by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR). In total, we enrolled 316 infants and SNHL was diagnosed in 68, leading to an early incidence of 21.5% as 36 infants out of 68 improved. Finally, SNHL was confirmed in 20 patients (6.3%) who needed hearing aids. They were significantly smaller, sicker, had longer hospitalizations, and received more ototoxic therapies. Logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age (GA) influenced the association between drugs and SNHL. The results underlined how the total exposure to antibiotics is significantly associated with SNHL, even after GA correction. In conclusion, GA, birth weight and, above all, the length and complexity of NICU stay quantify the risk of SNHL and should be considered at the individual level for parent counseling.
Diagnostic Accuracy of PET with Different Radiotracers versus Bone Scintigraphy for Detecting Bone Metastases of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zamanian Maryam , Treglia Giorgio , Abedi Iraj
Published: December 2023

Due to the importance of correct and timely diagnosis of bone metastases in advanced breast cancer (BrC), we performed a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FDG, or Na[18F]F PET, PET(/CT), and (/MRI) versus [99mTc]Tc-diphosphonates bone scintigraphy (BS). The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Scholar electronic databases were searched. The results of the selected studies were analyzed using pooled sensitivity and specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive–negative likelihood ratio (LR+–LR−), and summary receiver–operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Eleven studies including 753 BrC patients were included in the meta-analysis. The patient-based pooled values of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the SROC curve (AUC) for BS (with 95% confidence interval values) were 90% (86–93), 91% (87–94), and 0.93, respectively. These indices for [18F]FDG PET(/CT) were 92% (88–95), 99% (96–100), and 0.99, respectively, and for Na[18F]F PET(/CT) were 96% (90–99), 81% (72–88), and 0.99, respectively. BS has good diagnostic performance in detecting BrC bone metastases. However, due to the higher and balanced sensitivity and specificity of [18F]FDG PET(/CT) compared to BS and Na[18F]F PET(/CT), and its advantage in evaluating extra-skeletal lesions, [18F]FDG PET(/CT) should be the preferred multimodal imaging method for evaluating bone metastases of BrC, if available.
Correction: Varello et al. Behavioural Responses to Ultrasound Antifouling Systems by Adult Solitary Ascidians. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11, 1115
Authors: Varello Roberta , Asnicar Davide , Boaga Jacopo , Cima Francesca
Published: December 2023

In the original publication [...]
Fungal Infections in the Caribbean: A Review of the Literature to Date
Authors: Gousy Nicole , Adithya Sateesh Bharadwaj , Denning David , Latchman Krystal , Mansoor Edmond , Joseph Jillwin , Honnavar Prasanna
Published: December 2023

The most common fungal infections reported from the Caribbean include dermatophytosis, candidiasis, pneumocystis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis. The Caribbean is hyperendemic for histoplasmosis, with high population exposures. Fungal infections are a significant public health problem in the Caribbean, with rates varying depending on the specific country or region. In Trinidad and Tobago, the fungal burden accounts for 3.3% of the 1.4 million population, while in Jamaica, with a population of 2.9 million, over 57,600 people suffer from fungal infections each year. A study in the Dominican Republic estimated that approximately 221,027 (2%) of over 10 million people have a serious fungal infection. Fungal infections accounts for 21.9% of all skin infections in Haiti. The diagnosis of fungal infections in the Caribbean can be challenging, as access to laboratory testing and specialized medical services is limited in many areas. Access to antifungal medications can also be a challenge in some areas, and antifungal resistance has been reported.
A Comprehensive Guide to Textile Process Laboratories: Risks, Hazards, Preservation Care, and Safety Protocol
Authors: de Oliveira Carlos Rafael Silva , de Aguiar Catia Rosana Lange , Missner Maria Elisa Philippsen , Aragão Franciely Velozo , da Silva Júnior Afonso Henrique , Mapossa António Benjamim
Published: December 2023

Textile chemistry and textile processing laboratories are essential environments for textile product research and development, but they also pose hazards that require rigorous precautions. Among the most common risks is handling chemicals used in the textile industry, such as dyes, solvents, and finishing chemicals, which can be contaminants, corrosive, and flammable, presenting risks of poisoning and fire. Textile processing laboratories also require proper ventilation, as a lack of appropriate ventilation in these environments can accumulate toxic vapors in the air. The most relevant risks and hazards of using textile chemistry laboratories include using equipment such as dyeing autoclaves under pressure and high temperature; drying ovens like furnaces/lab stenters; cylinders of squeezing, calenders, and others, capable of causing severe accidents. These laboratories also generate or handle solid waste and effluents containing, heavy metals to pathogens (e.g., from industrial sludge). It is essential to adopt rigorous safety measures in textile chemistry laboratories, including using personal protective equipment (PPE), proper training of workers, effective ventilation systems, and safe waste disposal protocols. Good laboratory work practices not only reduce risk but also promote better research; more accurate results; and better data. Therefore, this study aimed to map the risks and hazards of textile processing laboratories with a view to accident prevention and formalizing a protocol for good practices.
Ten-Year Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Organic Matter Quantity and Quality in Semi-Arid Vineyards
Authors: Jiménez-González Marco Antonio , López-Romano Hugo , Carral Pilar , Álvarez-González Ana María , Herranz-Luque Juan-Emilio , Sastre-Rodríguez Blanca Esther , García-Díaz Andrés , Muñoz-Organero Gregorio , Marques María José
Published: December 2023

Soil organic matter depletion is a significant concern in agricultural soils, impacting crucial aspects of ecosystem health, especially soil properties such as fertility and soil moisture retention. Adopting sustainable soil management practices, such as cover crops, can mitigate this issue. In this study, we analyzed the soil organic carbon (SOC) content and quality in vineyards using two distinct management methods: permanent spontaneous cover crops and conventional tillage. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was quantified and chemically characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy. Our results showed an increase of 4.7 Mg C/ha in the carbon stock (50 cm depth) after 10 years of implementing vegetation covers compared with tilled soil. Additionally, cover crop management increased less humified soluble carbon in surface soil layers, while tillage transformed the solubilized carbon. This finding is important because tilled soil becomes more accessible to microbial degradation and leaching, which, in the long term, leads to a SOM content decrease. In conclusion, an increase in carbon stock was observed when using cover crops due to the incorporation of fresh organic matter, whereas tilled soils showed a depletion of carbon stock, including the mobilization of more stable carbon.
Vocative Intonation in Language Contact: The Case of Bulgarian Judeo-Spanish
Authors: Grünke Jonas , Andreeva Bistra , Gabriel Christoph , Sabev Mitko
Published: December 2023

The present study investigates the prosodic realization of calling contours by bilingual speakers of Bulgarian and (Bulgarian) Judeo-Spanish and monolingual speakers of Bulgarian in a discourse completion task across three pragmatic contexts: (i) neutral (routine) context—calling a child from afar to come in for dinner; (ii) positive context—calling a child from afar to get a present; and (iii) negative (or urgent) context—calling a child from afar for a chastising. Through quantitative analyses of the F0 span between tonal landmarks, alignment of pitch peaks, intensity, and durational and prominence patterns, we systematically account for the phonetic characteristics of the contours and determine their tonal composition and meaning, thereby situating them within the intonation systems of Bulgarian Judeo-Spanish and Bulgarian. It is shown that both languages use the same inventory of contours: (1) L+H* !H-% (the so-called “vocative chant”), (2) L+H* H-L%, and (3) L+H* L-%. However, their distribution differs across contexts and varieties. Monolingual and bilingual speakers of Bulgarian, on the one hand, predominantly use (1) and (2) in neutral and positive contexts and clearly prefer (3) in negative contexts. In Bulgarian Judeo-Spanish, the bilinguals also more often recur to (3) in neutral and positive contexts and generally show more variation.
Effects of Low-Dye Tape on Arch Height and Its Impact on the Medial Gastrocnemius Electromyographic Activity in Structurally Differentiable Foot Types: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Martínez-Sebastián Carlos , Ramos-Petersen Laura , Gámez-Guijarro María , Alabau-Dasi Raquel , Banwell George , Núñez-Fernández Almudena , Sánchez-Gómez Rubén , Gómez-Carrión Álvaro
Published: December 2023

Background: Low-Dye tape (LDT) is a short-term treatment for plantar fasciitis, where external stabilization by means of the tape improves kinetics, kinematics, pain level, and electromyography (EMG). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and changes in arch height (AH) based on the type of foot. Methods: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study; they walked on a treadmill barefoot and when taped, where the average activity and changes in AH were measured over a 30 s period. The statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test for reliability was calculated, and the Wilcoxon test was determined for measures of EMG and AH. Results: The reliability of the values of EMG was almost perfect. The data show that there was an increase in height in the comparison of the moment pre-baseline walking and post-taped walking on neutral feet (5.61 ± 0.46 vs. 5.77 ± 0.39 cm, p < 0.05), on pronated feet (5.67 ± 0.57 vs. 6.01 ± 0.53 cm, p < 0.001) and on supinated feet (5.97 ± 0.36 vs. 6.28 ± 0.27 cm, p < 0.05). In the MG, EMG activity decreased significantly in the taped condition compared to the baseline condition in neutral subjects (0.0081 ± 0.016 vs. 0.076 ± 0.016 mV, p < 0.05) and in pronated subjects (0.081 ± 0.022 vs. 0.068 ± 0.025 mV, p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was demonstrated that with the use of LDT, there was an improvement in the average activity in the MG in pronated and neutral feet. All foot types improved in arch height with the use of tape.
From Dormant Collections to Repositories for the Study of Habitat Changes: The Importance of Herbaria in Modern Life Sciences
Authors: Mandrioli Mauro
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, the advent of new technologies for massive and automatized digitization, together with the availability of new methods for DNA sequencing, strongly increased the interest and relevance of herbarium collections for the study of plant biodiversity and evolution. These new approaches prompted new projects aimed at the creation of a large dataset of molecular and phenological data. This review discusses new challenges and opportunities for herbaria in the context of the numerous national projects that are currently ongoing, prompting the study of herbarium specimens for the understanding of biodiversity loss and habitat shifts as a consequence of climate changes and habitat destruction due to human activities. With regard to this, the National Biodiversity Future Center (active in Italy since 2022) started a large-scale digitization project of the Herbarium Centrale Italicum in Florence (Italy), which is the most important Italian botanical collection, consisting of more than 4 million samples at present.
Sustainable Supplier Selection through Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Approach: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Khulud Khoiron , Masudin Ilyas , Zulfikarijah Fien , Restuputri Dian Palupi , Haris Abdul
Published: December 2023

Background: The primary objective of this study was to examine the advancements in sustainable supplier selection through multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) from the years 2013 to 2022. In the recent past, researchers have carried out a significant amount of research in this field over the course of several years; Methods: a total of 121 scientific publications sourced from the Scopus database were chosen for analysis, employing the bibliometric method and graphical visualization of the VOS viewer application to visually analyze and map research networks and collaboration patterns, aiding in the evaluation of scientific impact and knowledge dissemination; Results: the findings of this study indicate that the research trend in sustainable supplier selection through MCDM witnessed its most significant growth in the year 2019. Researchers predominantly disseminated their scientific findings through articles, accounting for 81% of the publications, followed by conference papers at 14%, and book chapters at 2.5%; Conclusions: the primary area of focus in these studies pertains to decision-making processes involved in sustainable supplier selection. The implications and theoretical contributions derived from this research, coupled with the latest advancements, serve as a foundation for further exploration and development of sustainable supplier selection research through MCDM.
Static and Dynamic Performances of Novel Aerostatic Bearings with Primary and Secondary Orifice Restrictors
Authors: Yu Puliang , Zuo Te , Lu Jiong , Zhong Min , Zhang Liping
Published: December 2023

Aerostatic bearings are crucial support components in ultra−precision manufacturing equipment. However, improvements in the load−carrying capability (LCC) of aerostatic bearings often lead to higher intensity nano−vibrations. This paper introduces a novel primary and secondary orifice restrictor (PSOR) designed to simultaneously enhance the LCC and mitigate nano−vibrations in aerostatic bearings. The static performance of complex turbulent flows occurring within the chamber of aerostatic bearings with PSORs was investigated. The dynamic performance of the turbulent flows was analyzed through 3D transient numerical simulation using the large eddy simulation method. The LCC and nano−vibration acceleration were measured experimentally, and the results indicated that the design of the secondary orifice diameter could enhance LCC and mitigate nano−vibrations, consistent with theoretical predictions. The accuracy of the proposed model was validated, confirming the effectiveness of PSOR. In the experiments, an aerostatic bearing with a secondary orifice diameter of 0.1 mm exhibited the lowest LCC and largest nano−vibration. Conversely, an aerostatic bearing with a secondary orifice diameter of 0.26 mm exhibited the highest LCC and weakest nano−vibration. This study provides insights into the formation mechanism of turbulent vortex and interaction mechanism among the primary orifice and secondary orifices in aerostatic bearings with a PSOR.