bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAM17 knockdown mitigates while ADAM17 overexpression aggravates cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction via regulating ACE2 shedding and myofibroblast transformation
Authors: Cheng Jing , Xue Fei , Cheng Cheng , Sui Wenhai , Zhang Meng , Qiao Lei , Ma Jing , Ji Xiaoping , Chen Wenqiang , Yu Xiao , Xi Bo , Xu Feng , Su Guohai , Zhao Yuxia , Hao Panpan , Zhang Yun , Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2022

A disintegrin and metalloprotease domain family protein 17 (ADAM17) is a new member of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) but its role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is obscure. To test the hypothesis that ADAM17 knockdown mitigates while ADAM17 overexpression aggravates cardiac fibrosis via regulating ACE2 shedding and myofibroblast transformation in diabetic mice, ADAM17 gene was knocked down and overexpressed by means of adenovirus-mediated short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) and adenovirus vector carrying ADAM17 cDNA, respectively, in a mouse model of DCM. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed in all mice and in vitro experiments conducted in primary cardiofibroblasts. The results showed that ADAM17 knockdown ameliorated while ADAM17 overexpression worsened cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice. In addition, ADAM17 knockdown increased ACE2 while reduced AT1R expression in diabetic hearts. Mechanistically, ADAM17 knockdown decreased while ADAM17 overexpression increased cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation through regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, ADAM17 knockdown attenuates while ADAM17 overexpression aggravates cardiac fibrosis via regulating ACE2 shedding and myofibroblast transformation through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in diabetic mice. Targeting ADAM17 may provide a promising approach to the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis in DCM.
Perturbation analysis of the rank-size rule for municipalities squeezed in a prefecture: Effects of the archipelagoes, rapidly increasing rural depopulation, ethnic minority issues, and future sea-level rise due to global warming
Authors: Hayata Kazuya
Published: October 2022

Perturbation analysis of the rank-size rule is made for municipalities that are squeezed in a prefecture. Specifically, attention is focused on Japanese prefectures, for which effects of the archipelagoes, municipal consolidations, and coastal inundations due to the future sea-level rise are examined. In each prefecture, typically tens of municipalities are closely packed with a unique configuration that has been arranged according to a self-organized process. With a mind to sustainable development goals, analysis is made from three points of view. First, comparisons between the results of the mainland and those of the entire prefecture with territorial islands suggest that historical interactions over a long period become a key factor to enhance the statistical rule. Next, to cope with rapidly increasing rural depopulation, simulations are made on the basis of three consolidatory schemes. Of prefectures with extremely depopulated areas, particular emphasis is laid on Fukushima Prefecture, the east coast of which was damaged by the nuclear disaster on 11 March 2011. Lastly, analysis is made implying perturbations due to global warming. Among three parameters that characterize the rank-size relation, stabilities are confirmed for the scaling exponent.
Stomata at the crossroad of molecular interaction between biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants
Authors: Peng Pengshuai , Li Rui , Chen Zhong-Hua , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Increasing global food production is threatened by harsh environmental conditions along with biotic stresses, requiring massive new research into integrated stress resistance in plants. Stomata play a pivotal role in response to many biotic and abiotic stresses, but their orchestrated interactions at the molecular, physiological, and biochemical levels were less investigated. Here, we reviewed the influence of drought, pathogen, and insect herbivory on stomata to provide a comprehensive overview in the context of stomatal regulation. We also summarized the molecular mechanisms of stomatal response triggered by these stresses. To further investigate the effect of stomata–herbivore interaction at a transcriptional level, integrated transcriptome studies from different plant species attacked by different pests revealed evidence of the crosstalk between abiotic and biotic stress. Comprehensive understanding of the involvement of stomata in some plant–herbivore interactions may be an essential step towards herbivores’ manipulation of plants, which provides insights for the development of integrated pest management strategies. Moreover, we proposed that stomata can function as important modulators of plant response to stress combination, representing an exciting frontier of plant science with a broad and precise view of plant biotic interactions.
Born between war and peace: Situating peacekeeper-fathered children in research on children born of war
Authors: Wagner Kirstin , Tasker Heather , Vahedi Luissa , Bartels Susan A. , Lee Sabine
Published: October 2022

In the last two decades, academic research has made significant progress exploring the life courses of so-called “children born of war” (CBOW). Similarly, the unintended consequences of peacekeeping operations, including the experiences of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, and children born of these interactions, have received preliminary academic attention. This paper compares peacekeeper-fathered children (PKFC) to other CBOW to determine how these two groups relate to one another. We draw on research conducted in two peacekeeping contexts where personnel have been accused of fathering and abandoning children (Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo) to empirically situate PKFC within the category of CBOW. We introduce 5,388 micro-narratives from Haitian and Congolese community members (Haiti n = 2,541, DRC = 2,858) and 113 qualitative interviews with mothers/grandmothers of PKFC (Haiti n = 18, DRC n = 60) and PKFC (DRC n = 35) to investigate how PKFC fit in the CBOW paradigm. Our findings demonstrate that many of the multi-level adversities faced by PKFC resemble those of the broader reference group. Given their shared developmental needs and experiences of exclusion, we conclude that PKFC constitute CBOW and ought to be included in conceptualisations pertaining to them. Acknowledging PKFC as CBOW offers new opportunities for policy development to (a) enhance protection and support of all CBOW and (b) remind states of their commitments to uphold the rights of all children.
Desire for self-control and task performance: A plan is a key
Authors: Uziel Liad , Price Mindi , Alquist Jessica L.
Published: October 2022

This research reports two studies testing whether implementation intentions can improve performance for people high in Desire for Self-Control (DSC). DSC reflects a wish to have more self-control and was previously found to be associated with impaired self-control performance. We hypothesized that implementation intentions could reverse the effect by providing clear guidance on how to handle self-control challenges. Two experiments (Ns = 175, 302) tested this hypothesis using different self-control tasks and manipulated and measured DSC. Results from both studies showed that DSC interacts with implementation intentions, such that among individuals high in DSC (but not among individuals low in DSC), implementation intentions were helpful in improving self-control performance. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
The effects of applying an augmented reality English teaching system on students’ STEAM learning perceptions and technology acceptance
Authors: Su Yu-Sheng , Lai Chieh-Chun , Wu Ting-Kai , Lai Chin-Feng
Published: October 2022

With the inherently interdisciplinary and hands-on nature of the STEAM system, this study changes the way the English language is taught, no longer confining it to monotonous tests and dull textbooks. Teaching via Augmented Reality (AR) technology tends to pique students’ interest, making them more willing to participate in learning. This study used AR technology in conjunction with gaming, where the participants were split into pairs, which promoted friendly competition among themselves, and, in turn, drove them to learn more. Moreover, the ability to track their own performance was added to the system, as well as an in-depth explanation for every question. The teacher used our teaching aids system in the lessons to make the teaching process more interesting and enjoyable. There were two English course experiments, each lasting for 4 weeks. The goal of the first experiment was to gain a general understanding of how students felt about the lessons and how well they could operate the system. After analyzing the results, some improvements for problems that arose were made in the second experiment. The goal of the second experiment was to find out how students felt about the lesson content and teaching aids and to compare the results of the two experiments. To help us find potential oversights and check how participants felt about this approach, surveys regarding STEAM learning and overall ease of use were administered. The results showed that AR English learning was widely considered helpful by the students, and also, our system was easy to operate, and competing with peers really motivated them to do better.
Relationship between social support and parenting sense of competence in puerperal women: Multiple mediators of resilience and postpartum depression
Authors: Shang Xingchen , Li Lin , Niu Changmin , Liao Yuexia , Gao Shuang
Published: October 2022

Background

Maternal role competence is an important marker of achievement in the role of the mother, but parenting sense of competence (PSOC) among puerperal women is not high. Psychosocial factors, particularly social support, postnatal depression and resilience, have been identified as significant predictors of maternal role competence. However, information is limited regarding the mechanisms through which these psychosocial factors affect maternal role competence.

Objective

To evaluate the multiple mediators of resilience and postpartum depression (PPD) in the relationship between social support and PSOC in puerperal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary general hospital in Yangzhou, China. A total of 234 puerperal women at 6–8 weeks after birth completed the socio-demographic questionnaires, Social Support Rating Scale, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and PSOC Scale.

Results

Resilience and PPD mediated the relationship between social support and PSOC. The mediation effect of resilience and PPD and the total mediation effect were significant, individually accounting for 22.96, 21.70, and 44.65%, respectively, of the total effect. Moreover, pairwise contrast between the two indirect effects was not significant. The difference between the two pathways suggests that resilience and PPD play different roles in the relationship between social support and PSOC.

Conclusions

This study showed that social support may exert its effects on PSOC in puerperal women with multiple mediators of resilience and PPD. This therefore highlights potential intervention targets to improve PSOC.
Acceptability of prepayment, social solidarity and cross-subsidies in national health insurance: A mixed methods study in Western Kenya
Authors: Maritim Beryl , Koon Adam D. , Kimaina Allan , Goudge Jane
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Many low- and middle-income countries are attempting to finance healthcare through voluntary membership of insurance schemes. This study examined willingness to prepay for health care, social solidarity as well as the acceptability of subsidies for the poor as factors that determine enrolment in western Kenya.

Methods

This study employed a sequential mixed method design. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey (n = 1,746), in-depth household interviews (n = 36), 6 FGDs with community stakeholders and key informant interviews (n = 11) with policy makers and implementers in a single county in western Kenya. Social solidarity was defined by willingness to make contributions that would benefit people who were sicker (“risk cross-subsidization”) and poorer (“income cross-subsidization”). We also explored participants' preferences related to contribution cost structure – e.g., flat, proportional, progressive, and exemptions for the poor.

Results

Our study found high willingness to prepay for healthcare among those without insurance (87.1%) with competing priorities, low incomes, poor access, and quality of health services, lack of awareness of flexible payment options cited as barriers to enrolment. More than half of respondents expressed willingness to tolerate risk and income cross-subsidization suggesting strong social solidarity, which increased with socio-economic status (SES). Higher SES was also associated with preference for a proportional payment while lower SES with a progressive payment. Few participants, even the poor themselves, felt the poor should be exempt from any payment, due to stigma (being accused of laziness) and fear of losing power in the process of receiving care (having the right to demand care).

Conclusion

Although there was a high willingness to prepay for healthcare, numerous barriers hindered voluntary health insurance enrolment in Kenya. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering and leveraging existing social solidarity to move away from flat rate contributions to allow for fairer risk and income cross-subsidization. Finally, governments should invest in robust strategies to effectively identify subsidy beneficiaries.
Built environment approaches: Extension personnel's preferences, barriers, and facilitators
Authors: Balis Laura E. , Grocke-Dewey Michelle
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Interventions that modify the built environment can increase population physical activity levels and prevent chronic disease. The national Cooperative Extension System is poised to implement built environment approaches (i.e., pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure and enhanced access to physical activity spaces), but implementation strategies (i.e., methods or techniques to move research to practice) are needed to improve uptake. Effective implementation strategies address relevant barriers and capitalize on facilitators. The purpose of this study was to understand 1) barriers and facilitators to implementing built environment approaches in two state Extension systems, 2) preferences for built environment approaches, and 3) preferences for implementation strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was used to understand Extension personnel's preferences for and barriers and facilitators to built environment approaches through a mixed-methods study design. This work was informed by anthropological inquiry as the overall research philosophy, and by the Health Impact Pyramid, Leeman et al.'s classification of implementation strategies, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as the theoretical frameworks. The survey was distributed to eligible Extension personnel (n = 42) in two states. Quantitative data analysis consisted of numbers/proportions and Friedman tests. Qualitative analysis was completed through a rapid deductive approach to quickly produce actionable results.

Results

Fourteen respondents (33%) completed the survey. Most had not implemented physical activity interventions in their communities or had implemented only individual-level interventions, though were interested in implementing built environment approaches. Benches, playground improvements, and crosswalks were the most desired approaches, while facilitation, assessing community strengths and needs, and technical assistance were desired implementation strategies. The most common barriers were relative priority and available resources; facilitators were external policy and incentives and implementation climate.

Discussion

Extension personnel are receptive to built environment approaches and engaged with community coalitions. Yet, invested parties prefer individual-level interventions, and agents perceive a lack of resources for implementation. Implementation strategies that build capacity in both the Extension system and community coalitions may address these barriers through increasing relative priority and sharing existing resources. This work is a first step toward compiling implementation strategies to address relevant barriers to built environment approaches in community settings.
Influence of job environment on the online teaching anxiety of college teachers in the online teaching context: The mediating role of subjective well-being
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Suqi , Wang Shuwen , Xu Jinlei
Published: October 2022

Background

Online education has been conducted widely in higher education in recent years. While online teaching brings many opportunities, it also poses numerous challenges and issues. This is especially true for college teachers, for whom teaching is considered to be a profession with a high level of burnout and anxiety. The large-scale application of online teaching methods has put teachers in an even more challenging context, which may lead to teaching anxiety affecting their mental health. In online teaching contexts, the question of what factors affect college teachers' online teaching anxiety is worth exploring to help reduce their online teaching anxiety so as to promote their work performance. In this study, therefore, we conducted a survey of college teachers to develop a model of job environment (job demands and job resources), subjective well-being, and online teaching anxiety, and to explore the influences of job environment and subjective well-being on their online teaching anxiety, as well as the mediating effects of subjective well-being between job environments and online teaching anxiety.

Method

Of the 1,060 college teachers who participated, 524 were male (49.4%) and 536 were female (50.6%). An online questionnaire was sent to the teachers in January, 2022. Online teaching anxiety, subjective well-being, and job environment scales were adapted and developed. Descriptive analysis, reliability and validity analysis, and structural equation modelling were used to analyse the collected data.

Results

The study model showed an adequate fit (χ2 = 440.983, RMSEA = 0.070, GFI = 0.942, AGFI = 0.914, NFI = 0.949, and CFI = 0.956), confirming the relationships of job demands and online teaching anxiety (β = 0.310, p < 0.001), job resources and online teaching anxiety (β = – 0.086, p < 0.01), job demands and subjective well-being (β = – 0.411, p < 0.001), job resources and subjective well-being (β = 0.204, p < 0.001), and subjective well-being and online teaching anxiety (β = – 0.435, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the results also proved the effects of the mediating role of subjective well-being between job demands (95% CI = [– 0.138, – 0.225]), job resources (95% CI = [– 0.119, – 0.064]), and online teaching anxiety. The model accounted for 33.8% (f2 = 0.401) of online teaching anxiety.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that it is important to reduce job demands and increase job resources to alleviate college teachers' online teaching anxiety to maintain good mental health; while maintaining a high level of college teachers' subjective well-being is also helpful for promoting their work performance. Furthermore, the indirect effects of job demands and job resources on online teaching anxiety mediated by college teachers' subjective well-being were also significant.
Effects of information sources on public preventive behaviors in health emergencies: Evidence from a digital epidemiologic study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Xue Benli , Wu Yibo , Zheng Xiao , Xue Yaqing , Dong Fang , Xiao Shujuan , Yin Mei , Wang Mingxu , Liu Yuxi , Zhang Chichen
Published: October 2022

Introduction

It has been approved that information sources would affect public behaviors. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, this influence was enhanced and showed a distinctive pattern among different populations, which has been less noticed before. We aimed to investigate the potential roles of different information sources in COVID-19 preventive behaviors of different publics.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey with 11,190 participants from 33 province-level regions in China was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, and information sources for COVID-19-related information were assessed. A mixed linear model was used to analyze risk factors of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The effects of different information sources on COVID-19 prevention behaviors of different publics were analyzed.

Results

Generally, the Chinese public had good COVID-19 preventive behaviors, and the top three COVID-19 preventive behaviors with the higher action rate were avoiding eat bushmeat (76.1%), a healthy diet (74.8%), and avoiding contact with people with symptoms of respiratory diseases (73.0%). About information sources, 12320 telephone (National Public Health Hotline) (−0.62, 95% CI: −0.94 to −0.31) and acquaintances consulting (−1.00, 95% CI: −1.31 to −0.69) were negatively associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors, while internet resources, family doctors, hospitals, and community health centers were positively associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors (1.00 vs. 0.47 vs. 0.46 vs. 0.33, P < 0.05). For older adults, accessing to COVID-19-related information through family doctors and community health centers were positively associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors. For the non-educated, family doctors and community health centers had positive effects on their COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Family doctors and internet resources were positively associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among those earning 5,000 yuans and above. The effects of family doctors, hospitals, and internet resources were higher for COVID-19 preventive behaviors of urban publics than for rural publics. Finally, the effect of internet resources on COVID-19 preventive behaviors of females was lower than males.

Conclusions

Obtaining COVID-19-related information through internet resources had the most significant effect on COVID-19 preventive behaviors, but was not significant among publics with old age, low education, low income, and living in rural area.
Decision-making in relation to health and environment: Toward sustainability economics
Authors: Söderbaum Peter
Published: October 2022

The challenge of sustainable development suggests that economics is defined as “multidimensional management of resources in a democratic society. A “sustainability economics” is needed which differs from mainstream neoclassical theory and method. Individuals are understood as “political economic persons” and organizations as “political economic organizations” guided by an “ideological orientation” or “mission.” Markets are interpreted in network terms and decision making as a “matching” process. Positional Analysis is advocated as approach to investments at the societal level for example in roads and energy systems. It is argued that the proposed conceptual framework adds to our dialogue about policies for sustainability. In a democracy, radical institutional change need to be considered in attempts to make development of our political economic system sustainable rather than unsustainable.
Comparing measurements of head motion and centre of pressure for body sway induced by optic flow on a head-mounted display
Authors: Ashida Hiroshi , Fujimoto Kanon
Published: October 2022

We compared two measures of visually induced body sway—head motion and centre of pressure (CoP)—that were simultaneously measured while observing optic flow on a head-mounted display (HMD). Head motion can be conveniently tracked with HMDs, but may have some features different from those of conventional CoP measurements, because of the complex joint structures of the human body. In this analysis, the responses were very similar (except for response gain), and we did not find any significant differences in time or frequency domains. Our results support the use of head motion as a potential predictor of variability in body sway, at least in studies of visually guided postural control.
Reflexive Green Nationalism (RGN): A sociological antidote to the climate crisis?
Authors: Posocco Lorenzo , Watson Iarfhlaith
Published: October 2022

What can theories of nationalism and the nation-state tell us about climate change? Much of the available literature, including works by prominent thinkers Ulrich Beck and Bruno Latour, identify it as a collective global challenge rather than a local and national one. But is it really so? This article develops an original theoretical framework integrating the theory of “reflexive modernity”, theories of nationalism, and case studies of green nation-states. The goal is to change the observation point and search for original solutions to the climate crisis. Building on this theoretical framework, this study puts forward the following claims: (1) climate change is undeniably a global phenomenon, but its causes are national. It can be traced back to a small number of top polluting nation-states (the US, China, Russia, India, Japan and EU28) whose historical share of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the main cause for global warming, surpasses 74%; (2) Most of these nation-states are entrenched in Resource Nationalism (RN), a form of nationalism that sees the environment as a resource to exploit; (3) there exist forms of sustainable nationalism, which this study conceptualizes as Reflexive Green Nationalism (RGN); (4) the solution to climate change is local rather than global. It depends on top polluters' capacity to re-modernize and develop RGN; and (5) according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, if emissions are not reduced by 43% by 2030, the world is likely to cross the tipping point into a global climate catastrophe. Therefore, updating these nation-states and their ideology to more sustainable forms is humanity's best shot at halting the climate crisis.
The Impact of a New Arterial Intravascular Pump on Aorta Hemodynamic Surrounding: A Numerical Study
Authors: Li Yuan , Xi Yifeng , Wang Hongyu , Sun Anqiang , Deng Xiaoyan , Chen Zengsheng , Fan Yubo
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a new arterial intravascular pump on the hemodynamic surroundings within the aorta. Methods: A new arterial intravascular pump was placed in the descending aorta, and the effects of three positions within the aorta, as well as the number (n = 1 to 3) of pumps, on arterial flow features, organ perfusion, and blood trauma were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Results: It was found that as the pump position was moved backward, the perfusion in the three bifurcated vessels of the aorta arch increased and the pump suction flow decreased, resulting in a reduced high shear stress and decreased residence time in the three branches of the aortic arch. The further posterior the location of the pump, the better the blood flow perfusion to the kidneys, while the perfusion at the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta was reduced, due to the pump suction effect. Compared to the condition with single pump support, the multi-pump assist model can significantly reduce the pump rotating speed, while keeping the same flow patterns, leading to a decreased volume of high shear stress and flow loss. When increasing the number of pumps, the perfusion to the three branches of the aortic arch increased, accompanied by a diminished residence time, and the perfusion to the other aortic branches was decreased. However, the perfusion to the other aortic branches, especially for the renal arteries and even under a three-pump condition, was close to that without pump assistance. Conclusion: The placement of an intravascular pump near the beginning of the suprarenal abdominal aorta was considered the optimal location, in order to improve the hemodynamic surroundings. Increasing the number of pumps can significantly reduce the rotational speed, while maintaining the same flowrate, with a decreased fluid energy loss and a reduced high shear stress. This arterial intravascular pump can effectively improve renal blood flow.
The Tumour Suppressor Fhit Protein Activates C-Raf Ubiquitination and Degradation in Human Melanoma Cells by Interacting with Hsp90
Authors: Paduano Francesco , Gaudio Eugenio , Trapasso Francesco
Published: October 2022

Fhit protein expression is reduced in the majority of human tumors; moreover, its restoration both triggers apoptosis of cancer cells and suppresses tumor formation in a large number of preclinical models of cancers. In the following study, we observed that Fhit expression is significantly reduced in human melanoma cells, and their in vivo growth is blocked by a recombinant adenovirus carrying the FHIT gene. Importantly, we found here that Fhit physically interacts with Hsp90. Since Hsp90 is a chaperone with a crucial function in the conformational maturation and stabilization of C-Raf, we also investigated whether Fhit could interfere with the Hsp90/C-Raf protein complex in melanoma. Interestingly, the administration of the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG, in combination with Fhit protein overexpression in melanoma cells, reacts synergistically to increase C-Raf ubiquitination and degradation. These data reveal Hsp90 as a novel interactor of Fhit and suggest that FHIT activity restoration could represent a helpful strategy for suppressing the oncogenic C-Raf pathway in the therapy of human melanoma.
Determinants of Six-Minute Walk Distance in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis
Authors: Sato Naofumi , Iwanami Yuji , Ebihara Kento , Nakao Keiko , Miyagi Midori , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Kishi Kazuma , Homma Sakae , Ebihara Satoru
Published: October 2022

Background: In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) is an independent factor for mortality. Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare disease with physical features such as emaciation, but the relationship between IPPFE and 6MWD is unclear. In this study, we investigated the factors that cause a decrease in the percent of the predicted value of a 6-minute walk distance (%6MWD), including the disease entities, IPF and IPPFE. Methods: This study included 100 patients (IPF: 75 patients, IPPFE: 25 patients, age: 73.5 ± 7.2 years, sex: 73 males) who visited the rehabilitation department. Patients with a %6MWD ≥ 80% were assigned to the normal group (n = 54), and patients with a %6MWD < 80% were assigned to the decreased group (n = 46). The items showing a significant difference between groups were used as independent variables, after the consideration of multicollinearity, for a logistic analysis where %6MWD < 80% was used as the dependent variable. Results: The 6MWD results show that there was no significant difference between IPF and IPPFE in the absolute value of 6MWD and in the number of people with 6MWD ≥ 250 m, but when 6MWD was compared with %6MWD, the IPPFE group showed a significantly lower value than the IPF group (p = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that only BMI (p = 0.032), GAP index (p = 0.043), and mMRC (p = 0.026) were factors that caused a decrease in %6MWD in 100 patients. Conclusion: The results suggest that leanness, shortness of breath and severity of illness are the most important factors that determine exercise tolerance, regardless of disease entity in IPF and IPPFE.
Exogenous Antioxidants in Remyelination and Skeletal Muscle Recovery
Authors: Cabezas Perez Ricardo Julián , Ávila Rodríguez Marco Fidel , Rosero Salazar Doris Haydee
Published: October 2022

Inflammatory, oxidative, and autoimmune responses cause severe damage to the nervous system inducing loss of myelin layers or demyelination. Even though demyelination is not considered a direct cause of skeletal muscle disease there is extensive damage in skeletal muscles following demyelination and impaired innervation. In vitro and in vivo evidence using exogenous antioxidants in models of demyelination is showing improvements in myelin formation alongside skeletal muscle recovery. For instance, exogenous antioxidants such as EGCG stimulate nerve structure maintenance, activation of glial cells, and reduction of oxidative stress. Consequently, this evidence is also showing structural and functional recovery of impaired skeletal muscles due to demyelination. Exogenous antioxidants mostly target inflammatory pathways and stimulate remyelinating mechanisms that seem to induce skeletal muscle regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe recent evidence related to the molecular mechanisms in nerve and skeletal muscle regeneration induced by exogenous antioxidants. This will be relevant to identifying further targets to improve treatments of neuromuscular demyelinating diseases.
Integrated Neuroregenerative Techniques for Plasticity of the Injured Spinal Cord
Authors: Leemhuis Erik , Favieri Francesca , Forte Giuseppe , Pazzaglia Mariella
Published: October 2022

On the slow path to improving the life expectancy and quality of life of patients post spinal cord injury (SCI), recovery remains controversial. The potential role of the regenerative capacity of the nervous system has led to numerous attempts to stimulate the SCI to re-establish the interrupted sensorimotor loop and to understand its potential in the recovery process. Numerous resources are now available, from pharmacological to biomolecular approaches and from neuromodulation to sensorimotor rehabilitation interventions based on the use of various neural interfaces, exoskeletons, and virtual reality applications. The integration of existing resources seems to be a promising field of research, especially from the perspective of improving living conditions in the short to medium term. Goals such as reducing chronic forms of neuropathic pain, regaining control over certain physiological activities, and enhancing residual abilities are often more urgent than complete functional recovery. In this perspective article, we provide an overview of the latest interventions for the treatment of SCI through broad phases of injury rehabilitation. The underlying intention of this work is to introduce a spinal cord neuroplasticity-based multimodal approach to promote functional recovery and improve quality of life after SCI. Nonetheless, when used separately, biomolecular therapeutic approaches have been shown to have modest outcomes.
Ultra-Hypofractionation for Whole-Breast Irradiation in Early Breast Cancer: Interim Analysis of a Prospective Study
Authors: Sigaudi Valeria , Zannetti Micol , Ferrara Eleonora , Manfredda Irene , Mones Eleonora , Loi Gianfranco , Krengli Marco , Franco Pierfrancesco
Published: October 2022

We report on the early clinical outcomes of a prospective series of early breast cancer (EBC) patients treated with ultra-hypofractionated post-operative whole-breast irradiation (WBI) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and axillary management. Primary endpoints were patient’s compliance and acute toxicity. Secondary endpoints included physician-rated cosmesis and ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR). Acute toxicity was evaluated at the end of WBI, 3 weeks and 6 months thereafter, according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v. 5.0). Patients were treated between September 2021 and May 2022. The treatment schedule for WBI consisted of either 26 Gy in 5 fractions over one week (standard approach) or 28.5 Gy in 5 fractions over 5 weeks (reserved to elders). Inverse planned intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was used employing a static technique. A total of 70 patients were treated. Fifty-nine were treated with the 26 Gy/5 fr/1 w and 11 with the 28.5 Gy/5 fr/5 ws schedule. Median age was 67 and 70 in the two groups. Most of the patients had left-sided tumours (53.2%) in the 26 Gy/5 fr/1 w or right-sided lesions (63.6%) in the 28.5 Gy/5 fr/5 ws group. Most of the patients had a clinical T1N0 disease and a pathological pT1pN0(sn) after surgery. Ductal invasive carcinoma was the most frequent histology. Luminal A intrinsic subtyping was most frequent. Most of the patients underwent BCS and sentinel lymph node biopsy and adjuvant endocrine therapy. All patients completed the treatment program as planned. Maximum detected acute skin toxicities were grade 2 erythema (6.7%), grade 2 induration (4.4%), and grade 2 skin colour changes. No early IBTR was observed. Ultra-hypofractionated WBI provides favourable compliance and early clinical outcomes in EBC after BCS in a real-world setting.
A Gigantic Congenital Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm in an Infant: Ten-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Belegrinos Antonios , Giannakopoulou Aikaterini , Nikolakea Melina , Karanasios Evaggelos , Mavrogeni Sophie , Markousis-Mavrogenis George
Published: October 2022

A gigantic right atrial appendage aneurysm (RAAA) is a rare condition usually discovered during the third decade of life after being symptomatic. We present an asymptomatic RAAA discovered early during the basic screening of an infant and its natural history, and a ten-year follow-up due to its parents being against operation.
UNESCO Historic Centre (Chorá) of Patmos Island: Conservation and Reconstruction of a Collapsed Urban House
Authors: Papatzani Styliani , Michail Georgios , Tzamalis Georgios , Skitsas Georgios
Published: October 2022

Historic monuments in Greece represent part of the nation’s identity and, as such, they form a crucial part of local communities, not only culturally but also socially and economically. In the current paper, the design process of reconstructing a masonry two-story urban house from the late 19th century located in the historic center (Chorá) of a distant island in the Aegean Sea, Patmos, is discussed through related theories and actual design considerations. Chorá is protected as a UNESCO site; therefore, strict rules for the conservation of any structure enclosed within its boundaries apply. Analysis of the excavation findings and architectural drawings showing the current condition and the conservation proposal, together with the pathology of the building, as well as a structural analysis of the reconstructed structure, are thoroughly discussed in the present paper. These latter can serve as a record for the specific typology of the building and the processes engineers and architects must follow in order to obtain official permission to restore and even reconstruct collapsed parts of such traditional houses, while catering for climate change issues. The maintenance of the originality of the structure is of major importance and is thoroughly discussed, together with the detailed presentation of architectural and structural solutions serving this goal.
A Vulnerability Centric System of Systems Analysis on the Maritime Transportation Sector Most Valuable Assets: Recommendations for Port Facilities and Ships
Authors: Kapalidis Chronis , Karamperidis Stavros , Watson Tim , Koligiannis Georgios
Published: October 2022

The maritime sector is a vital component of the global economy. Its international nature supersedes state boundaries and any disruption in its operations could have consequent and collateral global effects, affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of regions, states and peoples. The increasing adoption of digitalisation in the sector, primarily increases efficiency, minimize cost and maximise benefit, while improving safety, simultaneously introduces a new cyber threat landscape. The attack surface has broadened further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as recent, high-profile cyber attacks to shipping companies have indicated. Cybersecurity is not limited to technology but involves people and business processes. Hence, to mitigate the security risk introduced by cyber threat actors, the industry, like any other, should initially focus on identifying its most critical assets and then adopt risk mitigation measures, spreading from legislative initiatives to company-specific technology solutions. Industry-led initiatives should promote the adoption of cyber-related policies and mechanisms that focus on business continuity. It should be the role of international bodies, classification societies and national authorities to ensure compliance and full implementation of these measures. This paper adopts a System of Systems Analysis to carry out a vulnerability assessment of port and ship ecosystem, while providing insights on the role of the aforementioned entities. Our analysis decomposes the industry’s major assets; ports and ships, to specific subcomponents which are used as the basis of the vulnerability assessment. According to our findings, this approach highlights that the majority of these subcomponents; ports and ships, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Graph Theory Approach to COVID-19 Transmission by Municipalities and Age Groups
Authors: Machado Pedro , Pinheiro Sofia J. , Afreixo Vera , Silva Cristiana J. , Leitão Rui
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global problem that affects the health of millions of people and the world economy. Identifying how the movement of people between regions of the world, countries, and municipalities and how the close contact between individuals of different age groups promotes the spread of infectious diseases is a pressing concern for society, during epidemic outbreaks and pandemics, such as COVID-19. Networks and Graph Theory provide adequate and powerful tools to study the spread of communicable diseases. In this work, we use Graph Theory to analyze COVID-19 transmission dynamics between municipalities of Aveiro district, in Portugal, and between different age groups, considering data from 2020 and 2021, in order to better understand the spread of this disease, as well as preparing actions for possible future pandemics. We used a digraph structure that models the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus between Aveiro’s municipalities and between age groups. To understand how a node fits over the contact digraphs, we studied centrality measures, namely eigencentrality, closeness, degree, and betweenness. Transmission ratios were also considered to determine whether there were certain age groups or municipals that were more responsible for the virus’s spread. According to the results of this research, transmissions mostly occur within the same social groupings, that is, within the same municipalities and age groups. However, the study of centrality measures, eliminating loops, reveals that municipalities such as Aveiro, Estarreja and Ovar are relevant nodes in the transmission network of municipalities as well as the age group of 40–49 in the transmission network of age groups. Furthermore, we conclude that vaccination is effective in reducing the virus.
Impact of Microbial Uptake on the Nutrient Plume around Marine Organic Particles: High-Resolution Numerical Analysis
Authors: Kapellos George E. , Eberl Hermann J. , Kalogerakis Nicolas , Doyle Patrick S. , Paraskeva Christakis A.
Published: October 2022

The interactions between marine bacteria and particulate matter play a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and associated inorganic elements in the oceans. Eutrophic plumes typically form around nutrient-releasing particles and host intense bacterial activities. However, the potential of bacteria to reshape the nutrient plumes remains largely unexplored. We present a high-resolution numerical analysis for the impacts of nutrient uptake by free-living bacteria on the pattern of dissolution around slow-moving particles. At the single-particle level, the nutrient field is parameterized by the Péclet and Damköhler numbers (0 < Pe < 1000, 0 < Da < 10) that quantify the relative contribution of advection, diffusion and uptake to nutrient transport. In spite of reducing the extent of the nutrient plume in the wake of the particle, bacterial uptake enhances the rates of particle dissolution and nutrient depletion. These effects are amplified when the uptake timescale is shorter than the plume lifetime (Pe/Da < 100, Da > 0.0001), while otherwise they are suppressed by advection or diffusion. Our analysis suggests that the quenching of eutrophic plumes is significant for individual phytoplankton cells, as well as marine aggregates with sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 10 mm and sinking velocities up to 40 m per day. This microscale process has a large potential impact on microbial growth dynamics and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems.
Effects of Variety, Plant Location, and Season on the Phyllosphere Bacterial Community Structure of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Mingzhu , Peng Chao , Sun Wentao , Dong Rui , Hao Jun
Published: October 2022

Plant phyllosphere bacteria are vital for plant health and productivity and are affected by both abiotic and biotic factors. In this study, we surveyed the structure of the phyllosphere bacterial community associated with alfalfa. For two varieties of alfalfa, forty-eight samples of phyllosphere communities were collected at two locations over four seasons in 2020. Proteobacteria and actinobacteria were associated with the dominating phylum in the bacterial communities of the alfalfa phyllosphere. Sphingomonas was the most abundant genus-level bacteria, followed by Methylobacterium, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, and Pseudomonas. Sampling time had a greater affect than site and variety on alfalfa surface microorganisms. The variation in phyllosphere bacterial community assembly was mostly explained by the season–site interaction (43%), season–variety interaction (35%), and season (28%). Variety, site–variety interaction, and season–site–variety interactions did not have a meaningful effect on phyllosphere bacterial diversity and community structure. The bacterial community in the phyllosphere of alfalfa showed seasonal changes over time. The environmental factors that contributed most to the phyllosphere bacterial community of alfalfa were temperature and sunshine duration, which were significantly positively correlated with most of the dominant bacterial genera in the alfalfa phyllosphere.
Relevance as the Moving Ground of Semiosis
Authors: Strassheim Jan
Published: October 2022

All levels of semiosis, from the materiality of signs to their contents and the contexts of their application, are structured by a selectivity in human experience and action that foregrounds only a fraction of the situation here and now. Before Sperber and Wilson, concepts of “relevance” were proposed in both semiotics and phenomenology to analyze this selectivity. Building critically on Alfred Schutz’s phenomenology, I suggest that a productive way to capture the fundamental role of relevance in processes of meaning-making is to see relevance as the outcome of an interplay between two antagonistic tendencies. On the one hand, socially stabilized and individually sedimented “types” guide our experience and action along established patterns. On the other hand, we are actively open to new and unexpected aspects; we are ready to deviate from types and to change typical patterns. Only both tendencies taken together account for our semiotic behavior in context. Spatial metaphors such as “ground” illuminate only a part of this interplay. Due to the double movement in what becomes relevant to us, the typical ground on which we produce and interpret signs is constantly being shifted and re-grounded, which keeps driving on an endless process of semiosis.