The diagnostic usefulness of the combined COMPASS 31 questionnaire and electrochemical skin conductance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy.

The study investigated the diagnostic performance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) of the combined use of composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS) 31, validated questionnaire for autonomic symptoms of CAN, and electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), proposed for detecting DPN and CAN. One-hundred and two participants with diabetes (age 57 ± 14 years, duration 17 ± 13 years) completed the COMPASS 31 before assessing cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs), neuropathic symptoms, signs, vibratory perception threshold (VPT), thermal thresholds (TT), and ESC using Sudoscan. Two patterns were evaluated: (a) the combined abnormalities in both tests (COMPASS 31+ESC), and (b) the abnormality in COMPASS 31 and/or ESC (COMPASS 31 and/or ESC). CAN (≥1 abnormal CART) and confirmed CAN (≥2 abnormal CARTs) were present in 28.1% and 12.5%, DPN (two abnormalities among symptoms, signs, VPT, and TT) in 52%, abnormal COMPASS 31 (total weighted score >16.44) in 48% and abnormal ESC (hands ESC <50 μS and/or feet ESC <70 μS) in 47.4%. Both the patterns—COMPASS 31+ESC and COMPASS 31 and/or ESC—were associated with CAN and DPN (P < .01). COMPASS 31 and ESC reached a sensitivity of 75% and 83% for confirmed CAN, and a specificity of 65% and 67% for DPN. When combining the tests, the sensitivity for CAN rose by up to 100% for CAN and the specificity up to 89% for DPN. The combination of the tests can allow a stepwise screening strategy for CAN, by suggesting CAN absence with combined normality, and prompting to CARTs with combined abnormality

The harmonised geological map of Italy 1:100,000 scale

The INSPIRE Directive establishes a European infrastructure for spatial information to support the environmental policies of the European Union. Thirty-four different themes representing various environmental information have been identified. Geology theme is modelled conforming specific data structure that is Geology, Geophysic, Hydrogeology, which is further divided into three subthemes. Geology is in "priority dataset" list as it provides fundamental knowledge about the physical properties and composition of rocks and sediments, their structure, and their age, as depicted in geological maps, including geomorphological features and it represents the base map for geological phenomenon monitoring. In the INSPIRE data model, specific codelists have been reused in the different field types to satisfy the compliance to the geological information content. Some of the codelists fully comply with the features contained in the 1:100,000 geological map database are integrated in the semantic harmonization process. In 2021-22, the dataset was further harmonized in accordance with the INSPIRE and GeoSciML data models. The Geological Map of Italy at a scale of 1:100,000 is currently the most comprehensive and detailed geological map available for Italy. It consists of a compilation of 277 sheets and was created over a period exceeding 100 years, with certain sheets having two editions. In the late 1990s, the map was converted into a vector database through the digitization of raster format data. The dataset underwent revision, integration, and correction by the Geological Survey of Italy between 2005 and 2009. The dataset is served through a specific online resource allows the visualization of the Geologic Map of Italy 1:100,000 scale, in a digital format. The geology has been grouped based on the lower age of the geological units. Additionally, the service allows for the visualization of tectonic features. The map has been harmonized in the framework of the activity of the Geological Survey of Italy - ISPRA with a support by the Joint Research Unit - EPOS Italia (2020-2022)

Analysis of inefficiencies in customer service

En toda compañía es fundamental brindar un buen servicio de calidad a sus clientes, debido a que eso la mantendrá posesionada en los primeros lugares dentro de su sector, también es muy importante resolver todas las peticiones, quejas y reclamos de los usuarios para poder satisfacer sus necesidades, pero cuando se incrementan las quejas y reclamos por un deficiente servicio se hace necesario intervenirlas. Por ello se realizó este estudio, el cual se desarrolló en una empresa donde se tienen unos estándares de atención a usuarios de 8 minutos cada uno. Con base al análisis del diagrama de Ishikawa, se puede notar que las causas de mayor incidencia tienen en la deficiente atención que se les presta a algunos usuarios, son la falta de entrenamiento y las pocas personas en los puestos asignados Mediante las herramientas de calidad se realizó un proceso de recolección de datos y estudio de posibles causas, con la ayuda del diagrama de causa y efecto se identificó que la causa con más incidencia es la ausencia del personal y falta de capacitación, con las Cartas de Control (por variables o por atributos) se evidenció que se cumplen los estándares de calidad establecidos en el tiempo de espera pero el proceso no se encuentra estable y posteriormente con la Capacidad de Proceso se evidenció que la empresa no cumple con las especificaciones establecidas.Providing a quality service to its clients in every company is essential to provide a quality service to its clients, it is very important to resolve all the requests, complaints and claims of the users to satisfy their needs and manage to remain possessed in the market. But due to the increase in complaints from users to meet all their needs, but due to the increase in complaints and complaints about the poor service in that area a detailed study of the problem was carried out. The quality tools carried out a process of data collection and study of possible causes, with the help of the cause and effect diagram it was identified that the cause with the most incidence is the absence of staff and lack of training, with the Letters of Control (by variables or by attributes) it was shown that the quality standards established in the waiting time are met but the process is not stable and subsequently with the Process Capacity was shown that the company does not meet the established specifications

Magneto-optical probe for investigation of multiphase fe oxide nanosystems

In iron oxide nanoparticles the transformation of the metastable magnetite phase to maghemite, through the oxidation of iron, often represents a major drawback for correct interpretation of their physical properties and their effective use in several applicative areas. To solve this issue we propose an innovative method for identifying the chemical composition of complex ferrite nanostructures based on magneto-optical (MO) spectroscopy. Spherical iron oxide nanoparticles with increasing size are investigated by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) in the nUV-vis-nIR range (350-1000 nm). Particular attention is dedicated to the time evolution of the MO response, which is ascribable to the oxidation process of the nanomaterial. The measured MCD spectra show a complex line shape due to the overlap of several MO transitions. Deconvolution analysis of MCD hysteresis loops allows the interpretation of this complex response as the combination of two distinct contributions, originating from magnetite and maghemite domains in the nanoparticles. We consider this method a viable complement to conventional techniques for the discrimination of the two magnetic phases in nanostructured materials

Efecto de la adición de carragenina, goma guar y metilcelulosa en los parámetros de calidad de un helado con licor

The ice cream market is constantly expanding and diversifying. An essential segment for which various ice cream options are being designed is adults. For instance, ice cream with liquor is making its way as an exciting option. However, the addition of liquor negatively affects some quality parameters of the ice cream. In this investigation, seeking to maintain the quality parameters expected by consumers, the effect of emulsifier-stabilizers addition on sensory and physicochemical quality of ice cream with ethyl alcohol was evaluated using a simplex-centroid Mixture design. Seven formulations of ice cream were made in triplicate. According to Mixture design, methylcellulose, guar gum, and/or carrageenan were combined. Approximately one-liter ice cream batches were made. The °Brix, density, color, pH, and freezing point of the ice cream mix matured for 24 h were measured. Texture, the melting percentage, the Fall time of the first drop, and the overrun of the final ice cream were also evaluated. Finally, sensory evaluation was performed using acceptance and preference tests with a panel of 141 consumers. The effect of stabilizers on the physicochemical properties was evaluated through contour charts, and the optimal formulation was determined based on quality parameters and sensory analysis. The optimal formulation is composed of: 12.32 % methylcellulose, 71.84 % guar gum, and 15.83 % carrageenan, to form the gel network that maintains ethyl alcohol within the matrix, avoiding unwanted separations and maintaining the physicochemical properties, functions, and sensors, within the established and expected parameters by the consumer.El mercado de helados está en constante expansión y diversificación. Una muestra de ello es que se están diseñando diversas opciones de helados para el segmento de adultos, entre las cuales el helado con licor se abre camino como una opción interesante. Sin embargo, la adición de este ingrediente afecta negativamente algunos parámetros de calidad del helado. En esta investigación, buscando mantener los parámetros de calidad esperados por los consumidores, se evaluó el efecto de la adición de emulsionantes-estabilizantes en la calidad sensorial y fisicoquímica de un helado con licor utilizando un diseño de mezcla simplex-centroide, en el cual se prepararon siete formulaciones de helado por triplicado. De acuerdo con el diseño de mezclas, se combinaron metilcelulosa, goma guar y/o carragenina en lotes de helado de aproximadamente un litro. Se midieron los °Brix, la densidad, el color, el pH y el punto de congelación de la mezcla de helado madurada durante 24 horas. También se evaluaron la textura, el porcentaje de fusión, el tiempo de caída de la primera gota y el overrun del helado final. Finalmente, se realizó la evaluación sensorial utilizando pruebas de aceptación y preferencia con un panel de 141 consumidores. El efecto de los estabilizantes sobre las propiedades fisicoquímicas se analizó mediante gráficos de contorno y la formulación óptima se determinó con base en parámetros de calidad y análisis sensorial. Se concluye que la formulación óptima está compuesta por 12,32 % de metilcelulosa, 71,84 % de goma guar y 15,83 % de carragenina, para formar la red de gel que mantendrá al alcohol etílico dentro de la matriz, evitando separaciones no deseadas y manteniendo las propiedades fisicoquímicas, funcionales y sensoriales dentro los parámetros establecidos y esperados por el consumidor

Use of magnetic port finder for metallic foreign body extraction in hand

Foreign bodies are defined as any foreign object that enters the human body due to various circumstances. FBs are a common reason for emergency department visits. The hand's complex vascular and nervous structures make aggressive exploration dangerous. FBs can be composed of various materials, making their detection with a single imaging study difficult. We propose using a magnetic tissue expander locator for intraoperative FB localization, presenting the case of a 50-year-old female patient who, after falling from her height, presented with a foreign body in her right hand. Due to the complexity of locating the FB, we used the magnetic finder, successfully extracting it without damaging any underlying structures. Use of magnetic tissue expander locators are effective, practical, and safe alternative to help for locating magnetic foreign bodies

Application of a dual mechanistic approach to support bilastine dose selection for older adults

The objective of this study was to evaluate bilastine dosing recommendations in older adults and overcome the limitation of insufficient data from phase I studies in this underrepresented population. This was achieved by integrating bilastine physicochemical, in vitro and in vivo data in young adults and the effect of aging in the pharmacology by means of two alternative approaches: a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and a semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic (Senescence) model. Intestinal apical efflux and basolateral influx transporters were needed in the PBPK model to capture the observations from young adults after single i.v. (10 mg) and p.o. (20 mg) doses, supporting the hypothesis of involvement of gut transporters on secretion. The model was then used to extrapolate the pharmacokinetics (PKs) to elderly subjects considering their specific physiology. Additionally, the Senescence model was develop starting from a published population PK) model, previously applied for pediatrics, and incorporating declining functions on different physiological systems and changes in body composition with aging. Both models were qualified using observed data in a small group of young elderlies (N = 16, mean age = 68.69 years). The PBPK model was further used to evaluate the dose in older subjects (mean age = 80 years) via simulation. The PBPK model supported the hypothesis that basolateral influx and apical efflux transporters are involved in bilastine PK. Both, PBPK and Senescence models indicated that a 20 mg q.d. dose is safe and effective for geriatrics of any age. This approach provides an alternative to generate supplementary data to inform dosing recommendations in under-represented groups in clinical trials.The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from grant 00102201/INNO- 20f171110 from the INNOGLOBAL program of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy Industry and Competitiveness

Pre-clinical Development of a Lentiviral Vector Expressing the Anti-sickling \u3b2AS3 Globin for Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation (E6V) in the hemoglobin (Hb) \u3b2-chain that induces polymerization of Hb tetramers, red blood cell deformation, ischemia, anemia, and multiple organ damage. Gene therapy is a potential alternative to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, available to a minority of patients. We developed a lentiviral vector expressing a \u3b2-globin carrying three anti-sickling mutations (T87Q, G16D, and E22A) inhibiting axial and lateral contacts in the HbS polymer, under the control of the \u3b2-globin promoter and a reduced version of the \u3b2-globin locus-control region. The vector (GLOBE-AS3) transduced 60%\u201380% of mobilized CD34+ hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells (HSPCs) and drove \u3b2AS3-globin expression at potentially therapeutic levels in erythrocytes differentiated from transduced HSPCs from SCD patients. Transduced HSPCs were transplanted in NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG)-immunodeficient mice to analyze biodistribution, chimerism, and transduction efficiency in bone marrow (BM), spleen, thymus, and peripheral blood 12\u201314 weeks after transplantation. Vector integration site analysis, performed in pre-transplant HSPCs and post-transplant BM cells from individual mice, showed a normal lentiviral integration pattern and no evidence of clonal dominance. An in vitro immortalization (IVIM) assay showed the low genotoxic potential of GLOBE-AS3. This study enables a phase I/II clinical trial aimed at correcting the SCD phenotype in juvenile patients by transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transduced by GLOBE-AS3

Análisis de causas de ineficiencias en servicio al cliente

Providing a quality service to its clients in every company is essential to provide a quality service to its clients, it is very important to resolve all the requests, complaints and claims of the users to satisfy their needs and manage to remain possessed in the market. But due to the increase in complaints from users to meet all their needs, but due to the increase in complaints and complaints about the poor service in that area a detailed study of the problem was carried out. The quality tools carried out a process of data collection and study of possible causes, with the help of the cause and effect diagram it was identified that the cause with the most incidence is the absence of staff and lack of training, with the Letters of Control (by variables or by attributes) it was shown that the quality standards established in the waiting time are met but the process is not stable and subsequently with the Process Capacity was shown that the company does not meet the established specifications.En toda compañía es fundamental brindar un buen servicio de calidad a sus clientes, debido a que eso la mantendrá posesionada en los primeros lugares dentro de su sector, también es muy importante resolver todas las peticiones, quejas y reclamos de los usuarios para poder satisfacer sus necesidades, pero cuando se incrementan las quejas y reclamos por un deficiente servicio se hace necesario intervenirlas. Por ello se realizó este estudio, el cual se desarrolló en una empresa donde se tienen unos estándares de atención a usuarios de 8 minutos cada uno Con base al análisis del diagrama de Ishikawa, se puede notar que las causas de mayor incidencia tienen en la deficiente atención que se les presta a algunos usuarios, son la falta de entrenamiento y las pocas personas en los puestos asignados Mediante las herramientas de calidad se realizó un proceso de recolección de datos y estudio de posibles causas, con la ayuda del diagrama de causa y efecto se identificó que la causa con más incidencia es la ausencia del personal y falta de capacitación, con las Cartas de Control (por variables o por atributos) se evidenció que se cumplen los estándares de calidad establecidos en el tiempo de espera pero el proceso no se encuentra estable y posteriormente con la Capacidad de Proceso se evidenció que la empresa no cumple con las especificaciones establecidas

Aplicación de la espectroscopía de reflectancia como evaluación de variabilidad ambiental entre huertos de peras CV. Packham’s Triumph con daño por sol

47 p.Durante la última década, por rapidez, facilidad de uso y por ser no destructivo, la espectroscopia de reflectancia ha tomado gran relevancia, permitiendo caracterizar los efectos de condiciones bióticas y abióticas sobre las plantas; en general modelamiento para la estimación de algún carácter de la planta o fruto. Con el objeto de evaluar la habilidad de la técnica en la identificación de diferencias medioambientales en peras Packham s Triumph, de cada huerto (Totoral, Javierana y Refugio; Rengo, Regi n de O Higgins, Chile) y nivel de daño estudiado (sano, leve, moderado y severo), durante la temporada 2017/18 se seleccionaron 40 frutos por condición. Una vez cosechada y segregada, la fruta se almacenó en frío convencional (0°C y 90% HR) por diecisiete semanas. Semanalmente y durante cuatro meses, a la fruta se les realizaron mediciones de colorimetría y espectroscopia Vis/NIR (490-950 nm). Tanto los resultados de colorimetría como de la firma espectral demuestran que existen diferencias evidentes en el origen de la fruta (localidad). Al estudiar las reflectancias, es posible identificar que aquellas sin daño o control no presentó diferencias significativas entre huertos, pero si la dañada. Al analizar la longitud de onda 720 nm, es posible afirmar que el comportamiento de Javierana y Refugio son similares pero diferentes de Totoral. Estos resultados demuestran la factibilidad en el uso de esta técnica para seleccionar aquellos frutos que pudieran tener una evolución en postcosecha distinta que obligará a reconsiderar su guarda o capacidad de viaje