bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of vitamin D predicts impaired long-term immune response to COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: di Filippo Luigi , Frara Stefano , Terenzi Umberto , Nannipieri Fabrizio , Locatelli Massimo , Ciceri Fabio , Giustina Andrea 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Low vitamin D levels were reported to negatively influence the outcome of acute COVID-19, as well as to be linked to Long-COVID. However, few studies have investigated, so far, its effects on humoral-response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, reporting conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline 25(OH)vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels on humoral-response to a two-dose cycle of Pfizer-BioNTech-vaccine up to 9–10 months after immunization.

Methods
We retrospectively included 119 consecutive healthcare-workers (median age 53 years) without a previous history of acute COVID-19 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins presence immunized with two doses of Comirnaty-vaccine from January to February 2021. 25(OH)D was measured at time of first-immunization. Immune response was evaluated at: time 0 (T0), before the first-dose; T1, time of second-dose (21 days after T0); T2, T3, T4 at 1, 5 and 9 months after T1, respectively.

Results
Median 25(OH)D levels were 25.6 ng/mL, and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) was observed in 29 subjects (24.8%). In those with vitamin D deficiency, we found a non-significant trend towards lower antibody-titers at T3, and significantly lower titers at T4 as compared to those not vitamin D-deficient, also observing a more pronounced antibody-titers negative drop from peak-T2 and T4 in those with vitamin D deficiency. A positive correlation between 25(OH)D levels and antibody-titers at T4 (p = 0.043) was found. In multiple linear-regression analysis, 25(OH)D deficiency and older-age resulted as negative independent factors associated with antibody titer at T4 (p = 0.026, p = 0.004; respectively).

Conclusion
In our relatively young cohort presenting low prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, the long-term humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was negatively influenced by low baseline 25(OH)D. Vitamin D supplementation could be tested as a strategy to optimize the vaccination campaigns to prevent severe COVID-19.
Appropriate and mindful measurement of serum calcitonin in patients with thyroid nodules. A white paper
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Valderrabano Pablo , Pitoia Fabian , Piccardo Arnoldo , Bojunga Jörg 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMedullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an infrequent thyroid malignancy that is often diagnosed at advanced stage with consequent poor prognosis. Thus, the earlier the diagnosis of MTC, the better the prognosis. Unfortunately, the preoperative detection of MTC remains challenging in clinical practice. In fact, while ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology have suboptimal performance in this context, measuring serum calcitonin (Ctn), fully recognized as the most reliable test to detect MTC, is not universally accepted as routine test in all patients with thyroid nodule(s). The authors of this paper reappraise critically the matter of Ctn measurement in view of the recent advancements in the literature to point out the essential information to be known, and then to prepare an easy-to-use guide for clinicians to appropriately consider the measurement of serum Ctn during clinical practice.
A taxonomic synopsis of unifoliolate continental African Vepris (Rutaceae)
Authors: Cheek Martin , Luke W. R. Quentin 
Published: August 2023

SummaryDescriptions and illustrations are presented for three new species to science, Vepris udzungwa Cheek, V. lukei Cheek (both Udzungwa Mts, Tanzania), and V. robertsoniae Q.Luke & Cheek (SE Kenyan kaya forests), in the context of a synoptic taxonomic revision and with an identification key to all the known unifoliolate taxa of Vepris in continental Africa. The new species are described and illustrated, while the remaining 10 taxa are given skeletal taxonomic treatments (lacking descriptions). One widespread species in montane eastern Africa is renamed as V. simplex Cheek because its previous name, V. simplicifolia (Engl.) Mziray, is predated by V. simplicifolia Endl. (basionym of Sarcomelicope simplicifolia (Endl.) T.G.Hartley, a widespread species of Australia, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, and of New Caledonia). The new combination Vepris hanangensis var. unifoliolata (Kokwaro) Cheek is made. Full or provisional conservation assessments are presented for all species using the IUCN 2012 standard. Of the 13 taxa, nine are considered threatened or near threatened, of which one is Near Threatened, three are Vulnerable, two Endangered, and three Critically Endangered, with two of the latter, both of the Uluguru Mts of Tanzania, possibly extinct globally, although not yet assessed on the IUCN Red List.
The effect of local anaesthetics on apoptosis and NETosis of human neutrophils in vitro: comparison between lidocaine and ropivacaine
Authors: Kulińska Karolina Iwona , Szałkowska Sandra , Andrusiewicz Mirosław , Kotwicka Małgorzata , Billert Hanna 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThere are immunological consequences to the method by which neutrophils undergo cell death. Neutrophil apoptosis, called silent death, leads to the resolution of inflammation, while NETosis deepens and prolongs the inflammatory response and is associated with a worse prognosis of severe infections, e.g., sepsis. Besides nociceptive inhibition, local anaesthetics modulate leukocyte functions, even at low, clinically relevant concentrations. There is currently no data on ropivacaine NETosis, and this study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical concentrations of ropivacaine (0.0007, 0.007 and 1.4 mmol/L) and lidocaine (0.002, 0.02 and 4 mmol/L) on apoptosis and NETosis of adult peripheral blood neutrophils after 2 h of incubation. Neutrophil identification, apoptosis and NETosis were evaluated by flow cytometry using forward and side scatter characteristics and fluorescent labelling: CD15 for neutrophils identification; Annexin V and propidium iodide for apoptosis and citrullinated histone H3 and myeloperoxidase for NETosis. Lidocaine (4 mmol/L) and ropivacaine (1.4 mmol/L) induced early apoptosis in resting but not in stimulated neutrophils. Low doses of ropivacaine (0.0007 and 0.007 mmol/L) decreased the number of late apoptotic neutrophils, and the lowest dose slightly increased their viability. None of the drugs induced NETosis in resting neutrophils but decreased NETosis at clinical concentrations compared to PMA-stimulated 4 mM lidocaine, PMA-stimulated control, and 1.4 mM ropivacaine. The effect of lidocaine and ropivacaine on apoptosis and NETosis depended on neutrophil stimulation and drug concentrations. Ropivacaine tends to be cytoprotective at concentrations observed in plasma under local anaesthesia. Lidocaine enhanced NETosis at high concentration only in stimulated neutrophils. Thus, both drugs have the ability to change the course of inflammation.
On the periodic motions of a one-degree-of-freedom oscillator
Authors: Kooij Robert , Zegeling André 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe present a mechanical model for an oscillator with one degree of freedom under the influence of a flowing medium. Under fairly general conditions we show that the ensuing differential equation has at most two limit cycles and we give examples where exactly two limit cycles will occur. The implications of this result are that it is possible for a system of this kind to exhibit galloping even when the so-called Den Hartog criterion of local instability is not satisfied.
Multi-modal mutation cooperatively coevolving algorithm for resource allocation of large-scale D2D communication system
Authors: An Qing , Wu Shisong , Yu Jun , Gao Cuifen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWith the rapid growth in cellular user quantity and quality of service demand, the resource allocation in device-to-device communication system significantly affects the overall efficiency and user experience. In this study, the resource allocation for large-scale device-to-device communication system is modelled as a constrained optimization problem with thousands of dimensionalities. Then, the variable-coupling relationship of the developed model is analysed and the mathematical proof is firstly provided, and a novel algorithm namely multi-modal mutation cooperatively coevolving particle swarm optimization is developed to optimize the ultra-high dimensional model. Finally, efficacy of the developed method is verified by a comprehensive set of case studies, some famous algorithms for the specialized literature are also employed for comparison. Experimental results shown that the developed algorithm can obtain accurate and robust optimization performance for different system scales. In addition, when the system scale increases to 1000 cellular users and 300 D2D-pair users, the developed method can still outperform the compared algorithms and output accurate resource allocation solution.
Proof of concept of a self-tightening needle-less suture using a NiTi shape memory alloy
Authors: Nespoli Adelaide , Ninarello Davide , Bassani Enrico , Dallolio Villiam 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAmong surgical procedures, suturing is considered simple. However, in some situations, suturing is not easy or feasible. Here, we present proof of concept of a new self-tightening needle-less suture made of a NiTi alloy. The new device is designed to overcome two demanding steps of traditional suturing: needle introduction and manual knotting. Our novel suture is composed only of a short NiTi wire that is able to change shape by exploiting a thermoelastic phase transition. This shape change is achieved by increasing the temperature from that of the operating room (e.g., 20–22 °C) to 32 °C using warm water. Suturing consists of two steps: suture introduction, in which the suture is in an open configuration, and shape recovery (i.e., closed configuration). The closed configuration is maintained at human body temperature thanks to peculiar pseudoelastic properties of the NiTi material. Finally, thermal and functional characterization verified the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed device.
Graphic abstract
Designing a Sustainable, Circular Culinary System
Authors: Grèzes-Bürcher Sandra , Grèzes Vincent 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable, culinary system based on the principles of circular economy and systemic design integrating restaurants and hotels of a rural tourism region. The overall research question is: How can the current fruit and vegetable food system be transformed into a sustainable and circular culinary system creating benefits for all stakeholders? As the main aim of this exploratory study is to understand the challenges and experiences of the different actors involved in the current food network rather than measuring flows, the researchers adopt a qualitative approach based on the principles of systemic design. The authors conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with different actors along the value chain in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The results show that among the factors needed to create a sustainable, circular local food network are a centralized distribution system, efficient transport, better food waste management, sensitization/education of different actors, and better promotion of regional food. The resulting model for a sustainable and circular culinary system includes a regional hub that coordinates the different material and relational flows, the transportation system, and promotional activities including a central marketplace platform. The results are of particular interest for policy strategies focusing on the promotion of regional food networks. In terms of practical applications, the study suggests different solutions to transform current food systems into circular, re-localized food networks that help valorize local food in rural tourism regions.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: A comprehensive clinicopathologic study and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Li Mingzhu , Zhang Guo , Shen Danhua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimsNeuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) is a rare variant of cervical cancer. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of NECC.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on twenty-one patients diagnosed with NECC between May 2008 and September 2021 ​at Peking University People's Hospital. The study involved histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, ThinPrep cytology test (TCT), and high-risk HPV hybrid capture 2 (HC2) assay. Follow-up was conducted through telephone interviews and medical records for a range of 3–160 months, with an average follow-up period of 49.8 months.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 48.6 years (range: 33–69 years). Seventeen patients were diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma through biopsy. Nine cases underwent TCT and HC2 tests before biopsy, and TCT results of four cases showed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). High-risk HPV(HR-HPV) positive was detected in seven cases. The cancer cells exhibited consistent morphological features, including sparse cytoplasm, intensely stained nuclei, and extensive neoplastic necrosis. Thirteen cases were classified as pure NECC (61.9%), while eight cases were mixed types (38.1%). Three cases were associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and five cases were associated with adenocarcinoma. Prognosis varied significantly among these subtypes (p ​< ​0.05). The overall survival rate in the follow-up period was 66.7% (12/18).ConclusionsNECC is an extremely rare and highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis, particularly in cases of mixed histology. It is strongly associated with HPV infection. TCT and HPV testing significantly enhance the detection rate before the biopsy. The diagnosis of NECC relies on histological and immunohistochemical examinations. This study provides valuable clinical observations on NECC and emphasizes the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis for improved patient outcomes.
Characterizing infection prevention programs and urinary tract infection prevention practices in nursing homes: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Jones Karen M. , Krein Sarah L. , Mantey Julia , Harrod Molly , Mody Lona 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjective:US policies require robust nursing home (NH) infection prevention and control (IPC) programs to ensure safe care. We assessed IPC resources and practices related to catheter and non–catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI and UTI) prevention among NHs.Methods:We conducted a mixed-methods study from April 2018 through November 2019. Quantitative surveys assessed NH IPC program resources, practices, and communication during resident transfer. Semistructured qualitative interviews focused on IPC programs, CAUTI and UTI prevention practices, and resident transfer processes. Using a matrix as an analytic tool, findings from the quantitative survey data were combined with the qualitative data in the form of a joint display.Results:Representatives from 51 NHs completed surveys; interviews were conducted with 13 participants from 7 NHs. Infection preventionists (IPs) had limited experience and/or additional roles, and in 36.7% of NHs, IPs had no specific IPC training. IP turnover was often mentioned during interviews. Most facilities were aware of their CAUTI and UTI rates and reported using prevention practices, such as hydration (85.7%) or nurse-initiated catheter discontinuation (65.3%). Qualitative interviewees confirmed use of these practices and expressed additional concerns about overuse of urine testing and antibiotics. Although transfer sheets were used by 84% to communicate about infections, the information received was described as suboptimal.Conclusions:NHs identified IP challenges related to turnover, limited education, and serving multiple roles. However, most NHs reported awareness of their CAUTI and UTI rates as well as their use of prevention practices. Importantly, we identified opportunities to enhance communication between NHs and hospitals to improve resident care and safety.
Association between dam and calf measurements with overall and fetopelvic dystocia in Holstein heifers
Authors: Tsaousioti Angeliki , Praxitelous Anastasia , Kok Akke , Kiossis Evangelos , Boscos Constantinos , Tsousis Georgios 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between dam's pelvic and calf's dimensions with dystocia due to fetopelvic disproportion in the Holstein breed and estimated risk factors and dystocia probability. For this purpose, external pelvic measurements were performed in 402 heifers 15 ± 11 (1–38) days ante-partum and specific conformation measurements were obtained from their calves 1.7 ± 1.2 post-partum. Dystocia was defined as the inability of the heifer to complete parturition spontaneously within 120 min after the appearance of the amnion with normal presentation, position and posture or as having definite obstetrical obstacles within 60 min. Overall and fetopelvic disproportion dystocia incidence was 10.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Heifer measurements mainly influenced overall dystocia, whereas calf conformation was related solely with fetopelvic dystocia. Specifically, heifers with a small pelvis (hip width <49.95 cm, pelvic inlet area <333.2 cm2, pelvic volume <7799.2 cm3) had 2.8 to 3.5 times greater incidence of overall dystocia (19.0–20.8%) compared to heifers with a larger pelvis (incidence of 7.0–7.6%). Regarding calf factors, sex (male calves), body weight, chest circumference and fetlock joint circumference significantly increased the odds of experiencing dystocia due to fetopelvic disproportion compared with female, lighter or smaller calves. In a backward elimination model with independent variables treated as continuous, an area under the ROC curve of 0.66 regarding the prediction of overall dystocia based on heifer pelvic length, and of 0.64 for the prediction of fetopelvic dystocia based on fetlock joint circumference was found. The combination of the two variables in one model improved the ROC area to 0.71 regarding dystocia due to fetopelvic disproportion, reaching acceptable level of discrimination. Our findings indicate that dystocia due to fetopelvic disproportion in heifers is mainly influenced by the fetal side. Additionally, the estimation of pelvic dimensions of the dam before parturition and specific conformation characteristics of the calf during parturition, especially fetlock joint circumference, could aid obstetricians and herdsmen regarding dystocia probability and parturition surveillance.
Contact force regulation in physical human-machine interaction based on model predictive control
Authors: Pacheco Quiñones Daniel , Paterna Maria , De Benedictis Carlo , Maffiodo Daniela , Franco Walter , Ferraresi Carlo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWith increasing attention to physical human-machine interaction (pHMI), new control methods involving contact force regulation in collaborative and coexistence scenarios have spread in recent years. Thanks to its internal robustness, high dynamic performance, and capabilities to avoid constraint violations, a Model Predictive Control (MPC) action can pose a viable solution to manage the uncertainties involved in those applications. This paper uses an MPC-driven control method that aims to apply a well-defined and tunable force impulse on a human subject. After describing a general control design suitable to achieve this goal, a practical implementation of such a logic, based on an MPC controller, is shown. In particular, the physical interaction considered is the one occurring between the body of a patient and an external perturbation device in a dynamic posturography trial. The device prototype is presented in both its hardware architecture and software design. The MPC-based main control parameters are thus tuned inside hardware-in-the-loop and human-in-the-loop environments to get optimal behaviors. Finally, the device performance is analyzed to assess the MPC algorithm’s accuracy, repeatability, flexibility, and robustness concerning the several uncertainties due to the specific pHMI environment considered.
Trajectories, comorbidity, and risk factors for adolescent disordered eating and borderline personality disorder features
Authors: Lee Kirsty S. , Vaillancourt Tracy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurpose:Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders are highly comorbid, but the shared course of symptoms and associated risks remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine joint symptom trajectories, temporal precedence, risk factors, and population attributable fractions (PAFs) in a community sample of adolescents, using a developmental psychopathology and psychosocial framework.Methods:Across five years (age 14–18 years), adolescents (n = 544, 56% girls) reported on BPD features and disordered eating behavior. Sociodemographic, interpersonal, and clinical risks were assessed in childhood (age 10–13 years). We used a person-centered approach to examine latent class growth analyses, joint trajectory models, and calculated PAFs.Results:Three-class solutions were found for both disordered eating and BPD features (low, moderate, high), creating nine joint trajectories. High levels of disordered eating were a stronger indicator of high levels of BPD features than was the reverse. Girls and LGBTQ+ youth were most likely to be in a high symptom trajectory. Bullying perpetration and clinical hyperactivity were unique risks for BPD features. Bullying victimization contributed the largest PAF to disordered eating and BPD features.Conclusion:We identified several novel and clinically relevant findings related to temporality, risks, screening, and the treatment of adolescent eating problems and BPD.
Heterogeneity‐Driven Localization and Weakening in Scaly Clays From a Fossil Accretionary Prism
Authors: Aretusini S. , Mittempergher S. , Remitti F. , Arletti R. , Polisi M. , De Paola N. , Tesei T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn accretionary prisms, scaly clays structure might be the result of strain localization and weakening or strain delocalization and hardening. Therefore, it is not clear how they influence the mechanical behavior of the accretionary prism. Here, we investigate the effect of rock fabric on the mechanical properties of scaly clays sampled from a fossil accretionary prism in a range of pressure‐temperature conditions typical of burial within accretionary prisms. We performed triaxial experiments using a direct shear configuration on samples in which the natural scaly clay fabric and natural lithological boundaries were preserved, at confining pressures of 10–120 MPa and temperatures of 25–150°C. Samples with homogeneous composition and natural scaly fabrics display strain hardening behavior at all tested conditions. Shearing at high P‐T displays lower strength with respect to shearing at low P‐T. The samples containing a lithological contact display strain hardening at low P‐T and weakening at high P‐T conditions. After the experiments, the homogeneous samples show a distributed foliation and short, discontinuous shear surfaces at the contacts with the sample holder, while the samples including a contact developed a through‐going shear zone composed of a series of en‐echelon shear surfaces. A reduced smectite and water content is observed in the post‐deformation samples, suggesting that weakening may correlate with water release during dehydration reactions of clay minerals at 150°C. This shows how both dehydration reactions at high P‐T conditions and strain localization along lithological boundaries promote brittle behavior within scaly clays in subduction zones accretionary prisms.