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Magnetostrictive alloys hold great promise for Energy Harvesting applications due to their inherent durability. However, their implementation often results in usable voltage ranges that fall significantly below common electronic standards like 1.6, 3.3, and 5 volts. Consequently, the utilization of electronic circuits becomes essential to amplify the voltage and enhance energy conversion efficiency. Over the past few decades, numerous conversion techniques have been devised for other intelligent materials, such as piezoelectrics, some of which have even made their way into commercial products. Surprisingly, there is a dearth of specialized techniques, if not a complete absence, tailored to magnetostrictive devices. Among potential solutions, a suitable AC–DC Boost converter stands out as a highly promising candidate for addressing this challenge, but this solution has never been fully characterized. Then, this paper presents thorough experimental validations of such a converter, driven by a real-time Arduino board equipped to measure source time periods and operate under various conditions. We present several cases demonstrating the circuit’s substantial potential for enhancing energy harvesting from magnetostrictive materials.

Abstract The Scattering and Neutrino Detector at the LHC (SND@LHC) started taking data at the beginning of Run 3 of the LHC. The experiment is designed to perform measurements with neutrinos produced in proton-proton collisions at the LHC in an energy range between 100 GeV and 1 TeV. It covers a previously unexplored pseudo-rapidity range of $$7.2

Background:Self-reported adherence scales are widely used in research and practice because they are low in cost and easy to apply. A free version in Brazilian-Portuguese of the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) can be a useful alternative for determining the adherent behavior of hypertensive patients.Purpose:To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the SMAQ therapeutic adherence scale for patients with arterial hypertension.Patients and methods:A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in five outpatient units in Maceió-AL and Aracaju-SE between January and July 2019. A total of 117 patients aged over 18 years using antihypertensive drugs were recruited. The cross-cultural adaptation followed international methodological recommendations. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was tested as a reliability parameter. Criterion and construct validity were verified by concurrent validation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and validation by known groups.Results:The participants had a mean age of 56.6 years (SD = 10.7 years); most were female (72.6%). The mean number of antihypertensives prescribed per patient was 1.87 (SD = 0.87). There were 79.5% (n = 86) of patients considered non-adherent. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.63). A satisfactory correlation coefficient was verified with the Morisky–Green–Levine test as an external criterion (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). The scale’s sensitivity measured through known group validity was 75.3%, specificity 29.5%, positive predictive value 63.9%, and negative predictive value 41.9%. We identified two factors of the instrument’s construct from EFA: specific medication-taking behaviors and barriers to adherence. The initial KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.691, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 118.342, p < 0.001).Conclusion:The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the SMAQ scale proved valid and reliable for determining adherence to the pharmacotherapy in hypertensive patients. It showed more ability to detect non-adherent patients but with low specificity, possibly influenced by high social desirability.

O artigo, atravessado pela discussão da interseccionalidade, busca deline­ar uma breve contextualização quanto ao surgimento do samba e a sua indissociabilidade da voz feminina negra, aqui representada pela figura de Dona Ivone Lara. Neste cenário, de um lado, temos um Brasil que se quer moderno e que anseia por um elo que conecte o país; do outro, temos os Oito Batutas levando o samba a Paris. É o inevitável: o samba como ele­mento essencial para pensar o Brasil nacional e internacionalmente. No centro de uma narrativa hegemônica, urge o eu vocalizado pelo sujeito negro; urge o “eu vim de lá, eu vim de lá, pequeninha” (Lara, 1981, faixa 03) corroborando o rompimento da história única.

Il contesto pandemico ha innescato in Italia una narrazione diversa rispetto a quella usuale legata all’immaginario delle Aree interne. Non più intese solo come problema o spazi della mancanza, le aree interne sono divenute opportunità per un nuovo approccio allo sviluppo sostenibile, capace di superare la polarizzazione socio-territoriale tra centri urbani e realtà periferiche (Fenu, 2020). Tuttavia, il ritorno alle campagne, alimentato da proposte generiche sul ripopolamento immediato e indistinto delle aree rurali europee e da un immaginario idealizzato che contrappone l’amenità della vita bucolica al caos della città, ma anche la nostalgia del passato alla modernità urbana, appare semplicistico. Le crisi contemporanee mostrano infatti con evidenza – la recente pandemia è solo l’esempio ultimo – le relazioni socio-ecologiche che le innescano, consentendo di riconoscere il carattere strutturale, complesso ed epocale dei fenomeni, al di là di interpretazioni che li inquadrano come congiunturali fornendo risposte inadeguate (Moralli, Allegrini, 2020). Tali relazioni, rimandando dal globale al locale, permettono di inquadrare le sperimentazioni locali come uniche soluzioni possibili contro quelle globali e generiche. Più in generale, aprono spazi per una ri-significazione dell’immaginario (Carmagnola, Matera, 2008), e in particolare per una riflessione sullo stesso antropocentrismo dell’antropocene; offrendo la possibilità di re-inserire l’azione umana all’interno di una catena di agency che vede coinvolte molteplici ed eterogenee specie, umane e non umane (Latour, 2020). Partendo da un’introduzione teorica su immaginario, aree interne e nuove pratiche narrative, l’articolo presenterà poi alcuni esempi concreti di progettazione territoriale dal basso avvenuta all’interno del Festival del turismo responsabile IT.A.CÀ, capaci di fornire significati simbolici e comunicativi alternativi sui paesaggi "ai margini" e "interni" italiani. Questi esempi dimostreranno come le aree interne possono dunque divenire una reale opportunità per progettare infrastrutture sociali più solide e inclusive anche a partire dal linguaggio attraverso cui il territorio viene descritto e codificato. In primo luogo, decostruendo framework mediatici e politici incoerenti, ma anche innescando fiducia nei processi innovativi di rigenerazione dal basso e svincolando l’abitare dalla condizione di permanenza per legarlo piuttosto ai concetti di cura e di interazione tra corpi e specie abitanti (Barbera et al., 2020).

Erysiphe corylacearum has recently been reported in northern Italy (Piedmont) and other European countries as the causal agent of a new emerging powdery mildew on hazelnut. This disease is much more dangerous than the common hazelnut powdery mildew caused by Phyllactinia guttata as it significantly reduces yield and quality of hazelnuts. This study aimed to perform morphological and molecular characterization of the fungal isolates from powdery mildew-infected plants in the Piedmont Italian region. Additionally, genetic diversity studies and pathogenicity tests were conducted. Thirty-six fungal isolates originating from symptomatic hazelnut plants exhibiting specific powdery mildew symptoms on the superior leaf side were identified morphologically as E. corylacearum. Single- and multilocus sequence typing of five loci (ITS, rpb2, CaM, GAPDH and GS) assigned all isolates as E. corylacearum. Multilocus and GAPDH phylogenetic studies resulted in the most efficient characterization of E. corylacearum. Studied fungal isolates were able to cause new emerging powdery mildew disease by fulfilling Koch's postulates. The emergence of powdery mildew disease in Italy revealed the E. corylacearum subgrouping, population expansion, and high nucleotide similarity with other recently identified E. corylacearum hazelnut isolates. To contain this harmful disease and inhibit the fungus spread into new geographical zones, it will be necessary to implement more rigorous monitoring in neighboring hazelnut plantations near infected hazelnuts, use sustainable fungicides and search for new biocontrol agents.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of oral health-related quality of life with prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis condition in residents of Brazilian long-term care facilities. Methods: The oral health-related quality of life of older adults (n = 194; mean [standard deviation] age = 78.93 [9.10]) was assessed by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index and the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaires. Prosthetic rehabilitation status was recorded according to the absence of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Dental prosthesis condition was considered good or poor based on stability, retention, occlusion, vertical dimension, and defects. Poisson regression models were plotted to analyze the data (α = 0.05). Results:Lower Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scores were associated with edentulism with denture use only on one jaw (B = -0.05) and poor dental prosthesis stability (B = -0.04). Similarly, edentulous participants with denture only on one jaw (B = 0.59) and those wearing dental prostheses with poor stability (B = 0.36) are more likely to achieve higher Oral Health Impact Profile scores. Also, lower Oral Health Impact Profile scores were associated with denture defects (B = -0.34). Conclusion:In summary, the oral health-related quality of life of older adults living in long-term care facilities is negatively impacted by edentulism with denture only on one jaw and use of dental prostheses with poor stability. Therefore, long-term care facilities should provide oral health training to caregivers, include dental professionals in the staff, and articulate demands with oral health teams in the primary care system.

Abstract The study of nanomaterials is an active area of research for technological applications as well as fundamental science. A common method for studying properties of isolated nanoparticles is by an in-vacuum particle beam produced via an aerodynamic lens. Despite being common practice, characterization of such beams has proven difficult as light scattering detection techniques fail for particles with sizes beyond the diffraction limit. Here we present a new technique for characterizing such nanoparticle beams using strong field ionization. By focusing an ultrafast, mJ-level laser into the particle beam, a nanoparticle within the laser focus is ionized and easily detected by its ejected electrons. This method grants direct access to the nanoparticle density at the location of the focus, and by scanning the focus through the transverse and longitudinal profiles of the particle beam we attain the 3-dimensional particle density distribution for a cylindrically symmetric beam. Further, we show that strong field ionization is effective in detecting spherical nanoparticles as small as 10 nm in diameter. Additionally, this technique is an effective tool in optimizing the particle beam for specific applications. As an example we show that the particle beam density and width can be manipulated by restricting the gas flow into the aerodynamic lens.

Objective: To investigate the association between mortality and masticatory function in older adults living in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), controlling for demographic and health covariates. Background: Poor oral health has been associated with mortality; however, no previous study investigated whether objective and self‐reported poor masticatory function is a predictor of early mortality in LTCFs. Materials and Methods: Baseline characteristics of 295 participants were collected, including age, sex, polypharmacy, mobility, activities of daily living, frailty, nutritional status, and objective (masticatory performance – chewing gum) and self‐reported masticatory function. The participants were followed‐up with for 4 years to record the mortality data. Cox regression models were run to analyse the data (α =.05). Results: During the 4‐year follow‐up, 124 (42.0%) participants died. Older adults with poor masticatory performance (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.07–2.36) and those who self‐reported masticatory dysfunction (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.01–2.16) were at higher risk of early death than those with good mastication. However, in a multivariate model including both objective and self‐reported masticatory function, only the objective measurement remained associated with early death (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.02–2.27). Conclusion: Poor masticatory performance seems to be associated with early death in older adults living in LTCFs, but they may have shared risk factors accumulated throughout life that were not covered by the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most important crops worldwide, with a production of ≈190 million tons, but it is constantly threatened by several viral diseases. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), identified in 2014 on tomato plants and subsequently reported in many countries, represents one of the major threats to tomato crops, due to production losses, different transmission modes and its rapid spread. This work aimed to evaluate 37 local Sicilian tomato ecotypes against ToBRFV infection. After a preliminary screening by molecular analyses for tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), and ToBRFV detection, tomato plants were grown in a greenhouse for their morphological characterization and for evaluating resistance and tolerance to ToBRFV. Resistance and tolerance levels were estimated by mechanical inoculation with ToB SIC01/19 ToBRFV isolate in ten plants per ecotype and evaluating virus accumulation by RT-qPCR and visual observation of symptoms. All ecotypes were infected with ToBRFV, showing several symptoms with different disease severity. No tomato ecotype showed a high level of resistance, but two ecotypes, Pop27 and Pop35, showed very moderate symptoms and therefore a high tolerance. These Sicilian tomato ecotypes could be used in genetic breeding programs as parental ones to obtain cultivars tolerant to ToBRFV.

Massive Open Online Courses, universally labelled as MOOCs, become more and more relevant in the era of digitalization of higher education. The availability of free education resources without access restrictions for a plenty of potential users has changed the learning market in a way unthinkable only few decades ago. This form of web-based education allows to track all the actions of the students, thus providing an information base to understand how students' behaviour can influence their performance. The paper proposes a structural equation model in the framework of the component-based approach to measure which are the main factors affecting students' performance (Partial Least Squares Path Modelling). The novelty of the approach is the simultaneous analysis of more than one factor that exerts an impact on the performance. The analysis is carried out on the log data of a course available on the edX MOOCs platform named FedericaX.

Abstract The Embrapa Cerrados pitaya breeding program developed five superior genotypes of different species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield capacity of these five pitaya genotypes under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Federal District. The experiment was carried out at the Embrapa Cerrados in Planaltina, DF. The five selected pitaya genotypes were evaluated, as well as a parent genotype used in the breeding program. Length (CF), diameter (DF) and mass (MF) of all fruits were evaluated, as well as the length/diameter ratio (CF.DF-1), number of fruits per plant (NF.PL-1), production per plant (kg.PL-1) and estimated productivity (t.ha-1). BRS Luz do Cerrado and BRS Lua do Cerrado presented larger and heavier fruits, while BRS Minipitaya do Cerrado presented the smallest fruits. CPAC Roxa and BRS Granada do Cerrado presented more rounded fruits. BRS Granada do Cerrado had the highest yield capacity in the two evaluated crops. The results obtained prove the importance of genetic breeding and the selection of superior genotypes more adapted to the region of cultivation, in order to guarantee greater profitability and products of better quality to rural producers and consumers.

“Epistemic injustice” refers to how people from marginalized groups are denied opportunities to create knowledge and derive meaning from their experiences. In the mental health field, epistemic injustice occurs in both research and service delivery systems and particularly impacts people from racialized communities. Lived experience involvement and leadership are often proposed as methods of combatting epistemic injustice, a tool for ensuring the views of people at the center of an issue are heard and can inform decision-making. However, this approach is not without challenges. In this paper, we draw on our work as intermediary organizations that center lived experience perspectives to challenge epistemic injustice. We highlight two problems we have identified in working in the mental health research field: “elite capture” and “epistemic exploitation”. We believe that these problems are barriers to the radical and structural change required for epistemic justice to occur. We propose a pragmatic approach to addressing these issues. Based on our work we suggest three considerations for researchers and our own organizations to consider when involving people with lived experience. These include reflecting on the purpose of creating knowledge, with a focus on impact. Embedding lived experience roles, with appropriate employment, support and remuneration, and acknowledging that it may be necessary to work alongside existing systems as a “critical friend” while developing new spaces and structures for alternative forms of knowledge. Finally, the mental health research system needs to change. We believe these three considerations will help us better move toward epistemic justice in mental health research.

Abstract A successful strategy for improving the safety issues of new‐generation lithium‐ion batteries is to replace liquid electrolytes with solid or quasi‐solid membranes, a procedure that ensures adequate ionic conductions and are mechanical strengths.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), that is, hips classified as Graf type-IIc or higher, among a sample of the population of newborns aged from 0 to 3 days of life, and to correlate the findings with the main risk factors described in the literature. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, prospective study on a sample of newborns at a Maternity Hospital School in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, to assess the prevalence of DDH diagnosed by the Graf method and verify its correlation with the risk factors. Results A total of 678 newborns underwent hip ultrasound (1,356 hips). The prevalence of DDH was of 5.46%. The logistic regression analysis showed odds ratios (ORs) with statistical significance for the following parameters: white ethnicity (OR = 2.561; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.07 to 6.11); multiparity (OR = 3.50; 95%CI: 1.62 to 7.38), female gender (OR = 4.95; 95%CI: 1.86 to 13.13); and breech presentation (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1,01 to 4.11). Conclusion The prevalence of DDH in the sample was of 5.45% using ultrasound as a diagnostic method. This result is different from that of studies that assessed prevalence exclusively through physical examination (Ortolani maneuver). The main risk factors associated with a higher risk of developing DDH were newborns of the female gender, with breech presentation, firstborns, and of white ethnicity.

Introdução: A automedicação, prática rotineira vivenciada por grande parte da população, consiste no consumo de um determinado medicamento sem prescrição médica, para aliviar os sintomas e tratar doenças. Quando praticada corretamente, a automedicação pode também contribuir para aliviar financeiramente os sistemas de saúde pública. Porém, o uso indiscriminado dos medicamentos, pode acarretar resultados indesejáveis. A informação adquirida sobre o uso de medicamentos proporciona maior confiança para a prática entre os estudantes universitários, em especial, os da área da saúde. No Brasil, mais pesquisas e ações precisam ser realizadas, pois há deficiência de dados úteis para combater a automedicação irresponsável, estimulando o uso racional de medic amentos conforme recomendado pela OMS. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil de consumo de medicamentos por graduandos do curso de farmácia, além de esclarecer e conscientizar os futuros profissionais farmacêuticos sobre automedicação, pois serão os principais responsáveis por orientar a população sobre os riscos dessa prática. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal de caráter descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, com acadêmicos matriculados no 1o semestre de 2018 em todos os períodos do curso de farmácia de uma instituição de ensino superior, no município de Maceió-AL. Os dados foram coletados, após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP) divulgada através do Parecer Consubstanciado (número: 2.436.431), através da aplicação de um questionário semi-estruturado e assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE) pelos alunos concordaram em participar da pesquisa. Resultados: O estudo contou com amostra de 225 graduandos, sendo 74,2% do sexo feminino, prevalecendo a faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos e o estado civil solteiro. Apesar de 88,4% relatar ter conhecimento sobre a automedicação, os resultados indicaram a prática por parte dos discentes, pois 68,4% informou se automedicar, 58,2% adquirem medicamentos sem receita, 86,2% estocam medicamentos em casa, as principais classes consumidas são os analgésicos, na forma farmacêutica de comprimidos e o principal motivo foi para dores em geral, tanto para automedicação como de uso contínuo. Quanto à influência no uso de medicamentos, 56,0% consultam o farmacêutico, 32,9% receberam indicações por parte de familiares, amigos ou vizinhos e 53,3% as propagandas de medicamentos chamam atenção para compra, principalmente por TV/Rádio. Quando analisada a mudança de no perfil de consumo dos graduandos, notou-se que 72,30% mudou seu comportamento, e destes, 84,4% reduziram o consumo de medicamentos. Conclusão: Felizmente, foi verificado que existe uma mudança positiva no comportamento de consumo com redução em todos os períodos, provavelmente relacionada ao conhecimento adquirido durante a graduação, tendo consciência dos danos que a automedicação inconsciente pode causar à saúde.

Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares continuam sendo a principal causa de mortalidade no Brasil, um terço desses óbitos acometem adultos na faixa etária de 35 a 64 anos e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) faz parte desse quadro de morbimortalidade e com envelhecimento do indivíduo há o aumento do consumo de medicamentos. A polifarmácia é definida como o uso de cinco ou mais medicamentos e apesar de não ser um problema atual, aumentou de modo significativo nos últimos anos. Os pacientes da Unidade Básica de Saúde da Família (UBSF) Dídimo Otto Kummer, localizado no VI distrito sanitário da periferia da capital Maceió/AL, pertencem à comunidade Carminha que é bastante carente, e observa-se condições precárias de saúde,segurança, educação e lazer. Objetivo: Evidenciar a polifarmácia em prescrições para hipertensos, relatando que pode existir a possibilidade de interferir na adesão do tratamento da hipertensão. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal através de amostra de pacientes com idades compreendidas entre 35 e 75 anos, em sua grande maioria, residentes da comunidade, de acordo com o sistema de registro da UBSF. Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente pela equipe PRO/PET Saúde, a partir de 118 prescrições médicas dos meses de janeiro a março de 2014 e prontuários de acordo com as seguintes variáveis: diagnóstico, sexo, ingestão regular de bebidas alcoólicas e tabagismo, renda, escolaridade, e opinião sobre a inclusão no território de um aterro sanitário. Resultados: Da população de mais de 7,5 mil moradores da comunidade Carminha, 228 foram diagnosticados com problemas hipertensivos, destes com 72,8% de mulheres e 18,8% fazem tratamento para diabetes e hipertensão. A partir das 118 prescrições médicas analisadas no período de janeiro a março desse ano, constatou-se que 47 são consideradas polifarmácia, e destas, 40 foram prescritas para pacientes do sexo feminino. Verificou-se que 26 são tratados com 5 medicamentos; 12 pacientes com 6; 6 pacientes com 7; e 3 pacientes com 8. Conclusão: A prescrição medicamentosa de diversas patologias concomitante ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo, com maioria de pacientes idosos, necessita de uma avaliação terapêutica mais rigorosa frente as possíveis interações medicamento-medicamento/medicamento-alimento e fatores de riscos podem afetar consideravelmente a adesão ao tratamento dos hipertensos.

Introduction In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services developed a national quality bundle for the management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock (SEP-1). Despite performance improvement measures, compliance remains low. This needs assessment is the first stage of a quality improvement initiative to improve SEP-1 compliance. Using a conceptual outcomes framework, this needs assessment analyses SEP-1 compliance data, knowledge, and competence to identify gaps in care and educational opportunities.Methods The needs assessment began with a review of national and statewide SEP-1 compliance data to identify a need for improvement. The needs assessment proceeded with a retrospective chart review to evaluate process measures and identify which providers would most likely benefit from educational interventions. A focus group provided perspective on the chart review findings.Results During the period of 1 April 2017–31 March 2018, national SEP-1 compliance was 51% and compliance at the studied institution was 19%. The chart review included 51 patients (66.7% severe sepsis, 33.3% septic shock). Frequently missed SEP-1 measures included administration of intravenous fluids (0% severe sepsis, 58.8% septic shock), repeat lactate levels (52.6% severe sepsis, 60% septic shock), documentation of volume and tissue perfusion assessment (58.8%), vasopressor administration (73.3%) and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (76.5%, severe sepsis). Focus group perceptions identified themes related to gaps in declarative and dispositional knowledge.Conclusions This educational needs assessment highlights gaps in SEP-1 clinician performance, competence and knowledge. A multifaceted education programme is the next step for this performance improvement project. Education should include a series of meetings, activities, and workshops that include declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge and dispositional knowledge. Simulation activities can provide an opportunity for providers to demonstrate competence. Point-of-care prompts and performance measurement and feedback of patient care data can support clinician performance. This needs assessment underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to clinician education and performance to improve SEP-1 compliance.

Neste artigo partimos do roteiro (guión) como pivô central para refletir sobre as obras audiovisuais. Nos últimos vinte anos, a tendência à revalorização do roteiro é um fato que pode ser comprovado pela crescente demanda por profissionais qualificados, pela difusão (em diversos países) do número de cursos, publicações, pelo surgimento e movimentações políticas de classes de roteiristas e o reconhecimento da necessidade de desenvolvimento de competências diante da multiplicidade de telas, desdobramento das tecnologias de produção e difusão da comunicação audiovisual. Faremos, para isso, uma revisão histórica do cinema nacional, levando em conta as “historias dos roteiristas” que falam por eles mesmo, ou seja, contam sua versão da história; levando em conta a proposta de uma construção histórica contemporânea sobre os roteiristas que estão atuando nesta fase, em que um novo paradigma sobre a importância do roteiro e deste profissional é desenhada.

Neonatal sepsis is a bacterial bloodstream infection leading to severe clinical manifestations frequently associated with death or irreversible long-term deficits. Antibiotics are the drug of choice to treat sepsis, regardless of age. In neonates, the lack of reliable criteria for a definite diagnosis and the supposition that an early antibiotic administration could reduce sepsis development in children at risk have led to a relevant antibiotic overuse for both prevention and therapy. The availability of biomarkers of neonatal sepsis that could alert the physician to an early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis could improve the short and long-term outcomes of true sepsis cases and reduce the indiscriminate and deleterious use of preventive antibiotics. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main results in this regard and to detail the accuracy of currently used biomarkers for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Literature analysis showed that, despite intense research, the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and the conduct of antibiotic therapy cannot be at present decided on the basis of a single biomarker. Given the importance of the problem and the need to reduce the abuse of antibiotics, further studies are urgently required. However, instead of looking for new biomarkers, it seems easier and more productive to test combinations of two or more of the presently available biomarkers. Moreover, studies based on omics technologies should be strongly boosted. However, while waiting for new information, the use of the clinical scores prepared by some scientific institutions could be suggested. Based on maternal risk factors and infant clinical indicators, sepsis risk can be calculated, and a significant reduction in antibiotic consumption can be obtained.

Olive trees (Olea europea L.) are constantly threatened by many viruses, such as the olive leaf yellowing-associated virus (OLYaV), that belong to the Olivavirus genus, family Closteroviridae. In this work, the OLYaV incidence in different regions of Italy and Spain, which represent the two most important European areas for olive production, was evaluated through the development of a real-time reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for reliable and sensitive OLYaV detection. The specificity and accuracy of the developed real-time RT-LAMP assay were determined; the assay showed that potential cross-reactivity with other viruses belonging to the Closteroviridae family was excluded. The LAMP assay detected OLYaV with a higher sensitivity than conventional end-point RT-PCR, detecting a total of 1.34 × 10−2 genome copies. A total of 80 and 120 plants of different olive cultivars from Spain (Comunitat Valenciana, Andalusia) and Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Apulia, Lazio, and Umbria) regions were tested, respectively. The percentage of infected plants was 46.25% and 30% for Spain and Italy, respectively, while the most susceptible cultivars were “Serrana Espadán” and “Villalonga” from Comunitat Valenciana and Andalusia regions (Spain) and “Ogliarola barese” from Apulia region (Italy). In addition, the survey demonstrated that the real-time RT-LAMP showed good sensitivity for OLYaV-positive sample detection, especially on asymptomatic olive trees. For this reason, the developed assay could be very suitable for phytopathological laboratories as a reliable and efficient method for a rapid and sensitive routine test on olive samples.