bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of erythroblast enucleation efficiency on the severity of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: An Chao , Xue Fumin , Sun Ling , Han Haiyan , Zhang Yali , Hu Yibo
Published: November 2023

Anemia is the most common manifestation in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, but the cause of ineffective hematopoiesis is not fully understood. Enucleation is an important event in the maturation process of erythroblasts. According to a series of morphological phenotypes of the pathological development of MDS erythroblasts, we speculate that there may be enucleation disorders. To verify this hypothesis, we cultured MDS bone marrow CD34+ cells in vitro and induced erythroblast development. The results showed that erythroblast enucleation in MDS was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and the rate of enucleation was positively correlated with hemoglobin concentration. Risk stratification of MDS was performed to further analyze the differences in enucleation among the normal group, low-middle risk group and high-risk group. The results showed that the enucleation rate of the high risk group was higher than that of the low-middle risk group but still lower than that of the normal group. Moreover, the expression of pERK and pAKT in MDS erythroblasts in the high risk group was higher than that in the normal group, while the expression of pERK and pAKT in the low-middle risk group was lower than that in the normal group. Furthermore, the enucleation of MDS was positively correlated with the phosphorylation degree of ERK and AKT. In conclusion, this study reveals that the enucleation of erythroblasts is one of the possible causes of anemia in MDS.
Cascade training for scaling up care for perinatal depression in primary care in Nigeria
Authors: Oladeji Bibilola D. , Ayinde Olatunde O. , Bello Toyin , Kola Lola , Faregh Neda , Abdulmalik Jibril , Zelkowitz Phyllis , Seedat Soraya , Gureje Oye
Published: November 2023

Background

Task-shared care is a demonstrated approach for integrating mental health into maternal and child healthcare (MCH) services. Training and continued support for frontline providers is key to the success of task sharing initiatives. In most settings this is provided by mental health specialists. However, in resource constrained settings where specialists are in short supply, there is a need to explore alternative models for providing training and supportive supervision to frontline maternal care providers. This paper reports on the impact of a cascade training (train-the-trainers) approach in improving the knowledge and attitudes of primary healthcare workers (PHCW) to perinatal depression.

Methods

Senior primary health care providers selected from across participating local government areas were trained to provide training to other PHCWs. The training sessions facilitated by these trainers were observed and rated for fidelity by specialist trainers, while the trainees provided their impression of and satisfaction with the training sessions using predesigned assessment forms. Training outcomes assessed included knowledge of depression (using mhGAP training questions and knowledge of depression questionnaire) and attitude towards providing care for depression (revised depression attitude questionnaire (R-DAQ)) measured pre and post training as well as six months after training.

Results

Trainees were 198 PHCWs (94.4% female), who routinely provide MCH services in 28 selected primary care clinics and had between 6- and 34-years’ experience. Training was provided by 11 trained trainers who were general physicians or senior nurses. Training sessions were rated high in fidelity and on training style. Sessions were rated excellent by 77.8% of the trainees with the trainers described as knowledgeable, effective and engaging. Knowledge of depression mean score improved from a pre-training level of 12.3 ± 3.5 to 15.4 ± 3.7, immediately post-training and 14.7 ± 3.2, six months post-training (both comparisons: p < 0.001). The proportion of PHCW workers endorsing statements indicative of positive attitudes on the professional confidence and the generalist perspective modules of the R-DAQ also increased with training.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that cascade training can be an effective model for rapidly providing training and upskilling frontline PHCWs to deliver care for women with perinatal depression in resource limited settings.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered 03 December 2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN 94,230,307.
The alternative renin–angiotensin system in critically ill patients: pathophysiology and therapeutic implications
Authors: Garcia Bruno , Zarbock Alexander , Bellomo Rinaldo , Legrand Matthieu
Published: November 2023

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and the cardio-renal system. The classical RAS, mainly mediated by angiotensin I, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin II, has been reported to be altered in critically ill patients, such as those in vasodilatory shock. However, recent research has highlighted the role of some components of the counterregulatory axis of the classical RAS, termed the alternative RAS, such as angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin-(1–7), or peptidases which can modulate the RAS like dipeptidyl-peptidase 3, in many critical situations. In cases of shock, dipeptidyl-peptidase 3, an enzyme involved in the degradation of angiotensin and opioid peptides, has been associated with acute kidney injury and mortality and preclinical studies have tested its neutralization. Angiotensin-(1–7) has been shown to prevent septic shock development and improve outcomes in experimental models of sepsis. In the context of experimental acute lung injury, ACE2 activity has demonstrated a protective role, and its inactivation has been associated with worsened lung function, leading to the use of active recombinant human ACE2, in preclinical and human studies. Angiotensin-(1–7) has been tested in experimental models of acute lung injury and in a recent randomized controlled trial for patients with COVID-19 related hypoxemia. Overall, the alternative RAS appears to have a role in the pathogenesis of disease in critically ill patients, and modulation of the alternative RAS may improve outcomes. Here, we review the available evidence regarding the methods of analysis of the RAS, pathophysiological disturbances of this system, and discuss how therapeutic manipulation may improve outcomes in the critically ill.
Harnessing redox proteomics to study metabolic regulation and stress response in lignin-fed Rhodococci
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Gluth Austin , Feng Song , Qian Wei-Jun , Yang Bin
Published: November 2023

Background

Rhodococci are studied for their bacterial ligninolytic capabilities and proclivity to accumulate lipids. Lignin utilization is a resource intensive process requiring a variety of redox active enzymes and cofactors for degradation as well as defense against the resulting toxic byproducts and oxidative conditions. Studying enzyme expression and regulation between carbon sources will help decode the metabolic rewiring that stymies lignin to lipid conversion in these bacteria. Herein, a redox proteomics approach was applied to investigate a fundamental driver of carbon catabolism and lipid anabolism: redox balance.

Results

A consortium of Rhodococcus strains was employed in this study given its higher capacity for lignin degradation compared to monocultures. This consortium was grown on glucose vs. lignin under nitrogen limitation to study the importance of redox balance as it relates to nutrient availability. A modified bottom–up proteomics workflow was harnessed to acquire a general relationship between protein abundance and protein redox states. Global proteomics results affirm differential expression of enzymes involved in sugar metabolism vs. those involved in lignin degradation and aromatics metabolism. As reported previously, several enzymes in the lipid biosynthetic pathways were downregulated, whereas many involved in β-oxidation were upregulated. Interestingly, proteins involved in oxidative stress response were also upregulated perhaps in response to lignin degradation and aromatics catabolism, which require oxygen and reactive oxygen species and generate toxic byproducts. Enzymes displaying little-to-no change in abundance but differences in redox state were observed in various pathways for carbon utilization (e.g., β‑ketoadipate pathway), lipid metabolism, as well as nitrogen metabolism (e.g., purine scavenging/synthesis), suggesting potential mechanisms of redox-dependent regulation of metabolism.

Conclusions

Efficient lipid production requires a steady carbon and energy flux while balancing fundamental requirements for enzyme production and cell maintenance. For lignin, we theorize that this balance is difficult to establish due to resource expenditure for enzyme production and stress response. This is supported by significant changes to protein abundances and protein cysteine oxidation in various metabolic pathways and redox processes.
Mountain agropastoralism: traditional practices, institutions and pressures in the Indian Trans-Himalaya of Ladakh
Authors: Ladon Padma , Nüsser Marcus , Garkoti Satish Chandra
Published: November 2023

Animal husbandry of agropastoral communities in the mountainous region of Leh, Ladakh, has been transformed in response to socio-economic and geo-political changes. This study investigates the current state of agropastoralism in the Trans-Himalaya of Leh, Ladakh, focusing on two objectives: understanding grazing management practices and examining socio-environmental factors affecting traditional pastoral livelihoods. Through a mixed-methods approach, including interviews and focus group discussions, this study explores resource utilisation patterns and decision-making processes within local communities and institutions based on a comparative approach in three pastoral areas of Ladakh. The resource utilisation pattern differs from village to village as a response to meet seasonal fodder demands; accordingly, high-altitude pastures are assessed in winter and/or summer seasons. Key stresses to the perpetuation of traditional pastoral knowledge include livelihood diversification, increasing dependence upon exogenous food production system and diminishing significance of traditional livelihood practices with improved connectivity, higher education aspirations and development of tourism and military services. Broadly, changes could be perceived from the abandonment of regular seasonal migration to pasturelands, in livestock composition and size and the decreasing number of households practising animal herding. Apart from socio-economic and developmental pressures, pastoral practices are simultaneously threatened by wild predators as well as by global warming-induced occurrence of extreme climatic events and pest attacks. While pastoral practices are carried on by a limited number of households in the three detailed study sites, knowledge pertaining to resource management, pastureland system and grazing pattern is still intact considering the resource seasonality and range of social and environmental pressures the region experiences. Ladakh’s agropastoral practices, rooted in local ecological knowledge, face challenges from socio-economic changes, risking climate resilience, ecosystem degradation, cultural loss and food security for agropastoral communities and broader societal contexts. Thus, it becomes vital to safeguard these indigenous livelihood practices and to promote a participatory approach to enhance capacity building for the continuation of the practice, which could contribute to local economies in areas with similar socio-environmental settings.
A comprehensive review of the family of very-long-chain fatty acid elongases: structure, function, and implications in physiology and pathology
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Yu Hao , Gao Rong , Liu Ming , Xie Wenli
Published: November 2023

Background

The very-long-chain fatty acid elongase (ELOVL) family plays essential roles in lipid metabolism and cellular functions. This comprehensive review explores the structural characteristics, functional properties, and physiological significance of individual ELOVL isoforms, providing insights into lipid biosynthesis, cell membrane dynamics, and signaling pathways.

Aim of review

This review aims to highlight the significance of the ELOVL family in normal physiology and disease development. By synthesizing current knowledge, we underscore the relevance of ELOVLs as potential therapeutic targets.

Key scientific concepts of review

We emphasize the association between dysregulated ELOVL expression and diseases, including metabolic disorders, skin diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. The intricate involvement of ELOVLs in cancer biology, from tumor initiation to metastasis, highlights their potential as targets for anticancer therapies. Additionally, we discuss the prospects of using isoform-specific inhibitors and activators for metabolic disorders and cancer treatment. The identification of ELOVL-based biomarkers may advance diagnostics and personalized medicine.

Conclusion

The ELOVL family's multifaceted roles in lipid metabolism and cellular physiology underscore its importance in health and disease. Understanding their functions offers potential therapeutic avenues and personalized treatments.
Epidemiological characteristics of Plasmodium malariae malaria in China: a malaria that should not be neglected post elimination
Authors: Zhang Li , Yi Bo-Yu , Zhou Shui-Sen , Xia Zhi-Gui , Yin Jian-Hai
Published: November 2023

Background

Plasmodium malariae was always neglected compared with P. falciparum and P. vivax. In the present study, we aimed to describe the epidemiology of reported cases infected with P. malariae in the past decade to raise awareness of the potential threat of this malaria parasite in China.

Methods

Individual data of malaria cases infected with P. malariae reported in China in the past decade were collected via the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and Parasitic Diseases Information Reporting Management System, to explore their epidemiological characteristics. Pearson Chi-square tests or Fisher’s Exact Test was used in the statistical analysis.

Results

From 2013 to 2022, a total of 581 P. malariae cases were reported in China, and mainly concentrated in 20–59 years old group (P < 0.001), and there was no significant trend in the number of cases reported per month. Moreover, four kinds of P. malariae cases were classified, including 567 imported cases from 41 countries in 8 regions and distributed in 27 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China, six indigenous cases in a small outbreak in Hainan, seven recurrent cases in Guangdong and Shanghai, and one induced case in Shanghai, respectively. In addition, only 379 cases (65.2%) were diagnosed as malaria on the first visit (P < 0.001), and 413 cases (71.1%) were further confirmed as P. malariae cases (P = 0.002). Meanwhile, most cases sought healthcare first in the health facilities at the county and prefectural levels, but only 76.7% (161/210) and 73.7% (146/198) cases were diagnosed as malaria, and the accuracy of confirmed diagnosis as malaria cases infected with P. malariae was only 77.2% (156/202) and 69.9% (167/239) in these health facilities respectively.

Conclusions

Even though malaria cases infected with P. malariae didn’t account for a high proportion of reported malaria cases nationwide, the threat posed by widely distributed imported cases, a small number of indigenous cases, recurrent cases and induced case cannot be ignored in China. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness and improve the surveillance and response to the non-falciparum species such as P. malariae, and prevent the reestablishment of malaria transmission after elimination.

Graphical Abstract
Association between the starting age of non-parental Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), and psycho-social problems in adolescence in West and East Germany – a natural experiment using data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wengler Annelene , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The study aimed to investigate the association between the start age of non-parental Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and psycho-social problems in adolescence. The similarities and differences between West and East Germany were also investigated in a natural experiment.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 1022 children (621 from West Germany, 401 from East Germany) aged 3–4 years at wave 2003–2006 that were followed up to wave 2014–2017 as adolescents (mean ± SD age = 14.4 ± 0.03 years) in the KiGGS study. The psycho-social problems were measured by the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at wave 2014–2017. Linear regression was used to explore the relationship between ECEC-start-age and psycho-social problems in adolescence in Germany, and stratified by West and East Germany.

Results

Those who started ECEC between 2 and 3 years old (reference) had the lowest scores of psycho-social problems in the whole Germany and in West Germany in adolescence. In comparison, those who started ECEC older than 3 years old had higher scores of internalizing psycho-social problems in both West Germany (with statistically significant results) and East Germany (with a relatively larger effect size but insignificant results). Those who started ECEC younger than 1 year old had statistically significant higher scores for externalizing psycho-social problems in West Germany, even though less children started ECEC younger than 1 in West Germany compared to East Germany. This significant association was not found in East Germany. Those who started ECEC between 1 and 2 years old tended to have higher scores of externalizing psycho-social problems in both West and East Germany.

Conclusion

The results suggest that if children start ECEC older than 3 years or younger than 2 years, more attention needs to be given to internalizing or externalizing psycho-social problems respectively. The regional differences for children younger than 1 year old may suggest a selection effect in West Germany where only fewer parents bring babies to ECEC, while the regional similarities for children over 3 years old indicate the importance of providing access to ECEC for children over 3 years old.
The relation between the surface composition anomaly and distribution of the exosphere of Mercury
Authors: Suzuki Yudai , Yoshioka Kazuo , Murakami Go , Yoshikawa Ichiro
Published: November 2023

In celestial bodies with tenuous collisionless atmospheres, such as Mercury, the spatial distribution of the exosphere is expected to reflect the surface composition. In this study, we discuss whether the distributions of Mg, Ca, and Na, the primary exospheric components of Mercury, have a local exosphere–surface correlation by analyzing the observation data of the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS) and X-ray spectrometer (XRS) onboard the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. It was found that Mg has a strong local exosphere–surface correlation and Ca has a weak correlation. The Monte Carlo simulations of trajectories in the exosphere show that the weak correlation of Ca is due to the relatively large solar radiation acceleration. In addition, Na production rate in high-temperature regions is longitudinally dependent. This can be explained by considering that the weakly physisorbed Na layer on the surface is depleted under high temperature and that the distribution of strongly chemisorbed Na atoms is reflected in the exosphere. Based on these results, the conditions for components with a correlation in celestial bodies with thin atmospheres may include low volatility and low solar radiation acceleration.

Graphical Abstract
A case of esophageal cancer in a diverticulum treated by surgical resection: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Momoko , Aoyama Toru , Yukawa Norio , Ju Mihwa , Kano Kazuki , Ishiguro Tetsushi , Kazama Keisuke , Sawazaki Sho , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Ikeda Ryosuke , Kaneko Hiroaki , Maeda Shin , Saito Aya , Rino Yasushi
Published: November 2023

Background

An esophageal diverticulum is a relatively rare disease, with reports of treatment for esophageal cancer in the diverticulum even rarer.

Case presentation

The case involved a 72-year-old male with a chief complaint of dysphagia. He was diagnosed with an esophageal diverticulum (Zenker’s diverticulum) measuring 10 cm in diameter. Five years later, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an iodine-unstained 0–IIb lesion of 20 mm in diameter with type B1 vessels in the diverticulum. An endoscopic biopsy and CT revealed it to be squamous cell carcinoma, cT1a-EP/LPM N0 M0, cStage 0. Because the lesion was in the diverticulum and endoscopic resection was difficult with the risk of perforation, surgical resection was set as the course of treatment. Diverticulectomy was performed via a cervical approach, using a stapler, and the patient was discharged on the 16th day without any complications. The pathological diagnosis was pTis-EP, ly0, v0, R0.

Conclusions

We think this case is very rare and diverticulectomy of early esophageal cancer in the diverticulum is available and safe.
Complex-valued adaptive-coefficient finite-difference frequency-domain method for wavefield modeling based on the diffusive-viscous wave equation
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Wang Shaoru , Xu Wenhao , Gao Jinghuai
Published: November 2023

The diffusive-viscous wave (DVW) equation is an effective model for analyzing seismic low-frequency anomalies and attenuation in porous media. To effectively simulate DVW wavefields, the finite-difference or finite-element method in the time domain is favored, but the time-domain approach proves less efficient with multiple shots or a few frequency components. The finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method featuring optimal or adaptive coefficients is favored in seismic simulations due to its high efficiency. Initially, we develop a real-valued adaptive-coefficient (RVAC) FDFD method for the DVW equation, which ignores the numerical attenuation error and is a generalization of the acoustic adaptive-coefficient FDFD method. To reduce the numerical attenuation error of the RVAC FDFD method, we introduce a complex-valued adaptive-coefficient (CVAC) FDFD method for the DVW equation. The CVAC FDFD method is constructed by incorporating correction terms into the conventional second-order FDFD method. The adaptive coefficients are related to the spatial sampling ratio, number of spatial grid points per wavelength, and diffusive and viscous attenuation coefficients in the DVW equation. Numerical dispersion and attenuation analysis confirm that, with a maximum dispersion error of 1% and a maximum attenuation error of 10%, the CVAC FDFD method only necessitates 2.5 spatial grid points per wavelength. Compared with the RVAC FDFD method, the CVAC FDFD method exhibits enhanced capability in suppressing the numerical attenuation during anelastic wavefield modeling. To validate the accuracy of our method, we develop an analytical solution for the DVW equation in a homogeneous medium. Three numerical examples substantiate the high accuracy of the CVAC FDFD method when using a small number of spatial grid points per wavelength, and this method demands computational time and computer memory similar to those required by the conventional second-order FDFD method. A fluid-saturated model featuring various layer thicknesses is used to characterize the propagation characteristics of DVW.
GRD-1/PTR-11, the C. elegans hedgehog/patched-like morphogen-receptor pair, modulates developmental rate
Authors: Emans Sinclair W. , Yerevanian Armen , Ahsan Fasih M. , Rotti Jen F. , Zhou Yifei , Cedillo Lucydalila , Soukas Alexander A.
Published: November 2023

Both hedgehog (Hh) and target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) are central, evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that regulate development and metabolism. In C. elegans, loss of the essential TORC2 component RICTOR (rict-1) causes delayed development, shortened lifespan, reduced brood, small size and increased fat. Here, we report that knockdown of both the hedgehog-related morphogen grd-1 and its patched-related receptor ptr-11 rescues delayed development in TORC2 loss-of-function mutants, and grd-1 and ptr-11 overexpression delays wild-type development to a similar level to that in TORC2 loss-of-function animals. These findings potentially indicate an unexpected role for grd-1 and ptr-11 in slowing developmental rate downstream of a nutrient-sensing pathway. Furthermore, we implicate the chronic stress transcription factor pqm-1 as a key transcriptional effector in this slowing of whole-organism growth by grd-1 and ptr-11. We propose that TORC2, grd-1 and ptr-11 may act linearly or converge on pqm-1 to delay organismal development.
Από τη «Σιωπηλή άνοιξη» στους «17 Στόχους για την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη». Αποτυπώνοντας τη διαχρονική διαδρομή της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία
Authors: Δημητρίου Αναστασία
Published: November 2023

Στην εργασία αυτή παρουσιάζεται  η διαχρονική εξέλιξη της Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης/Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία (ΠΕ/ΕΠΑ) στη διάρκεια των διαδοχικών δεκαετιών από τη θεσμοθέτησή της. Με αφετηρία το βιβλίο της «Σιωπηλής άνοιξης» της Rachel Carson έως και τη διαμόρφωση των 17 Στόχων για την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη (ΣAA) επιχειρούμε την παρουσίαση της πορείας της ΠΕ/ΕΠΑ. Ειδικότερα, συζητούνται οι σημαντικότεροι σταθμοί που συνέβαλαν στη διαμόρφωση του περιβαλλοντικού και παιδαγωγικού πλαισίου της, του σκοπού, των στόχων, των αρχών και των στρατηγικών υλοποίησής της. Η παρουσίαση οργανώνεται ανά δεκαετία, από το 1960 έως σήμερα, και επικεντρώνεται στις σχετικές διεθνείς συναντήσεις, την ανάλυση των διακηρύξεων τους και τον αντίκτυπό τους στην θεσμοθέτηση και εξέλιξη της ΠΕ. Η συζήτηση της ιστορικής της πορείας γίνεται με την παράλληλη αναφορά ζητημάτων και αποφάσεων που σχετίζονται με την ποιότητα του περιβάλλοντος και άλλων συναφών προβλημάτων, καθώς και των στρατηγικών και πολιτικών που προτείνονταν για την αντιμετώπισή τους σε διεθνές επίπεδο.
Θαλάσσιος Γραμματισμός: Γένεση, εξάπλωση και εξειδίκευσή του στη Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα
Authors: Μόγιας Αθανάσιος
Published: November 2023

Ο παγκόσμιος ωκεανός αποτελεί ίσως το πιο συναρπαστικό και σίγουρα το σημαντικότερο χαρακτηριστικό του πλανήτη μας, καθώς φιλοξενεί τη μεγαλύτερη ποικιλομορφία ζωής και οικοσυστημάτων και συνιστά αναπόσπαστη πτυχή της πολιτιστικής ταυτότητας του ανθρώπου. Η συμβολή του είναι τεράστια, καθώς ρυθμίζει τον καιρό και το κλίμα, αποτελεί σημαντική πηγή τροφής, ενώ πολυάριθμες είναι οι χώρες που η οικονομία τους βασίζεται σ’ αυτόν. Ως εκ τούτου, η κατανόηση της δομής και λειτουργίας του αναδεικνύεται σε άμεση προτεραιότητα για την εξασφάλιση της αειφορίας του πλανήτη. Ωστόσο, παρά την εξέλιξη της επιστήμης και της τεχνολογίας, έχουμε καταφέρει μέχρι σήμερα να γνωρίσουμε μόνο ένα μικρό μέρος του, στοιχείο που εν πολλοίς μπορεί να αιτιολογήσει την περιορισμένη μας γνώση και ενδιαφέρον γι’ αυτό το μοναδικό περιβάλλον. Απαραίτητη κρίνεται λοιπόν η εισαγωγή ενός εξειδικευμένου πεδίου στο πλαίσιο του Περιβαλλοντικού Γραμματισμού που να εστιάζει σε σχετικά ζητήματα. Ο «Θαλάσσιος Γραμματισμός» αποτελεί την απάντηση σε αυτήν την πρόκληση και με τις βασικές αρχές που συγκροτούν το πλαίσιό του αναλαμβάνει τον ρόλο ενός κατευθυντήριου οδικού χάρτη που μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε εγγράμματους πολίτες. Η επιτυχής διάδοση αυτού του πλαισίου ενέπνευσε τη δημιουργία αντίστοιχου οδηγού εστιασμένου στις ιδιαιτερότητες της Μεσογείου, του «Γραμματισμού ως προς τη Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα». Το παρόν πόνημα περιγράφει τη γένεση και εξάπλωση του Θαλάσσιου Γραμματισμού, καθώς και την εξειδίκευσή του στη Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα και ολοκληρώνεται με συζήτηση για αξιοποίησή του στον χώρο της τυπικής εκπαίδευσης.
Δημιουργικότητα και εκπαίδευση για το περιβάλλον και την αειφορία: μια γόνιμη και εξελισσόμενη σχέση
Authors: Καλαφάτη Μαριάνθη
Published: November 2023

Τα τελευταία χρόνια η παγκόσμια κοινότητα έχει έρθει αντιμέτωπη με κρίσιμα ζητήματα που απειλούν την ευημερία της. Ο άνθρωπος καλείται να ανταπεξέλθει στις σύγχρονες προκλήσεις, επιστρατεύοντας τις γνώσεις και τις δεξιότητες που απαιτούνται ώστε να βρεθούν βιώσιμες λύσεις σε σύνθετα, δυσεπίλυτα προβλήματα, όπως είναι και τα περιβαλλοντικά. Σε αυτή τη δύσκολη εξίσωση, η δημιουργικότητα αναδεικνύεται ως καίριας σημασίας ικανότητα που μπορεί να ξεκλειδώσει το ανθρώπινο δυναμικό και να συμβάλλει στην ανάδυση νέων και πρωτοποριακών προτάσεων δράσης για μια ισορροπημένη διαβίωση του ανθρώπου στον πλανήτη. Στο παρόν άρθρο η δημιουργικότητα αναδεικνύεται ως σημαντική ποιότητα που επιτρέπει στον άνθρωπο να ανταποκρίνεται στις αυξανόμενες απαιτήσεις ενός ταχέως μεταβαλλόμενου κόσμου. Παράλληλα, υπογραμμίζεται η προστιθέμενη αξία της δημιουργικής σκέψης ως ικανότητα-κλειδί για την αντιμετώπιση των σύνθετων ζητημάτων περιβάλλοντος και αειφορίας. Αρχικά, παρατίθεται η βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση των βασικών θεωρητικών διαστάσεων της δημιουργικότητας. Στη συνέχεια, στοιχειοθετείται η εξέχουσα σημασία της ικανότητας για την εκπαίδευση, με αφετηρία τις απόψεις πρωτοπόρων θεωρητικών της μάθησης ως τις μέρες μας, όπου η δημιουργικότητα συγκαταλέγεται ανάμεσα στις βασικές δεξιότητες μάθησης για τον 21ο αιώνα. Στη συνέχεια, προσεγγίζεται η γόνιμη και αλληλεπιδραστική σχέση ανάμεσα στη δημιουργικότητα και την αειφορία, η οποία επιτρέπει στον άνθρωπο να οραματίζεται και να διαπραγματεύεται νέες ιδέες για την επίτευξη ενός βιώσιμου μέλλοντος. Το άρθρο ολοκληρώνεται με την παρουσίαση των βασικών διαστάσεων της έρευνας σε διεθνές και τοπικό επίπεδο για την εξέταση της δημιουργικότητας στο εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο, εστιάζοντας στην εκπαίδευση για το περιβάλλον και την αειφορία.
Κριτική Σκέψη και Εκπαίδευση για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία: Μια άρρηκτη σχέση
Authors: Παπανικολάου Αναστάσιος
Published: November 2023

Η παρούσα θεωρητική εργασία μελετά τη σχέση της Κριτικής Σκέψης και της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία (ΕΠΑ), με έμφαση στον ρόλο της δεύτερης στην ανάπτυξη της πρώτης. Συγκεκριμένα αναλύονται η έννοια της Κριτικής Σκέψης, η σημασία της για την αειφορία και την ΕΠΑ και τέλος οι τρόποι με τους οποίους η ΕΠΑ μπορεί να προωθήσει την Κριτική Σκέψη.
Η συμβολή των βιωματικών εργαστηρίων «Παρεμβαίνουσας μη Κατευθυντικότητας» (NDI) στην ανάπτυξη αξιών και ικανοτήτων της αειφορίας
Authors: Γεωργόπουλος Αλέξανδρος
Published: November 2023

Ο δρόμος της αειφορίας απαιτεί ριζικές αλλαγές σε όλες τις όψεις του πολιτισμού μας, μάλιστα στην εκπαίδευση, η οποία ίσως προκαλεί παρά θεραπεύει τα δεινά των ποικίλων κρίσεων που έχουν ξεσπάσει κατά τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες. Υιοθετήσαμε τη βιωματική/μετασχηματιστική/βαθιά εκπαίδευση και την ενσωματώσαμε στο πλαίσιο σπουδών ενός μεταπτυχιακού προγράμματος μέσα σε ένα κατάλληλα διαμορφωμένο χωρόχρονο. Η εμψύχωση της ομάδας με τη μέθοδο της «παρεμβαίνουσας μη κατευθυντικότητας» (NDI), φαίνεται να καταλύει αλλαγές στα μέλη της ομάδας, οι οποίες συμπλέουν με τις απαιτήσεις της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία: Αποδέχονται την προοπτική της αλλαγής της προσωπικής τους εκπαιδευτικής  θεωρίας και πρακτικής. Αναπτύσσουν κριτική σκέψη ανακαλύπτοντας την προοπτική του Άλλου και φτάνοντας να τον «νιώσουν» ενσυναισθητικά. Συγκινούνται και εκφράζουν τα συναισθήματά τους. Προβληματίζονται μέσα από αυτογνωσιακές διαδρομές πάνω στη βαθιά μοναξιά και αποξένωση του σημερινού ανθρώπου από τους συνανθρώπους και τη φύση. Οδηγούνται στην αναθεώρηση όψεων της επιστημολογίας της γνώσης. Ανανεώνουν τη σχέση τους με την ελευθερία «ερευνώντας» τα συστατικά της αυτοθέσμισης και ενδυναμωνόμενες μέσα από δημοκρατικές διαδικασίες. Μεταφέρουν, τέλος, στοιχεία από τα βιώματα που έζησαν εντός της ομάδας στο οικογενειακό, φιλικό και επαγγελματικό τους περιβάλλον. Πρόκειται για μια βαθιά ανθρωπολογική μετάβαση σε μια  Γη της Επαγγελίας κατοικημένη από ελεύθερους ανθρώπους.
Το αειφόρο σχολείο ως όραμα και προοπτική για τη σύγχρονη εκπαίδευση
Authors: Κάτσενου Χριστίνα
Published: November 2023

Το Αειφόρο Σχολείο παραπέμπει σε έναν δυναμικό σχολικό οργανισμό, ο οποίος εργάζεται συνολικά προκειμένου να διερευνήσει την κουλτούρα του και να βελτιώσει τις καθημερινές δομές και λειτουργίες του σύμφωνα με το όραμα και τη φιλοσοφία της έννοιας της αειφορίας. Τι ακριβώς, όμως, προτείνει το αειφόρο σχολείο; Ποιες είναι οι βασικές του αρχές; Ποια είναι τα κυριότερα χαρακτηριστικά που αποτυπώνουν τη φιλοσοφία του; Πώς αποτυπώνεται η φιλοσοφία του αειφόρου σχολείου στην καθημερινή εκπαιδευτική πράξη; Διαφέρει το αειφόρο σχολείο από το οικολογικό και το πράσινο σχολείο και σε τι συνίσταται η διαφορά τους; Πώς αξιολογούμε τη δράση και τη συμμετοχή των μαθητών σε ένα τέτοιο πλαίσιο και πώς γίνεται αντιληπτός ο ρόλος των εκπαιδευτικών; Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος όλων των εμπλεκομένων στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία μιας σχολικής κοινότητας και ποια είναι η σχέση που διαμορφώνεται με την τοπική κοινωνία; Πώς το αειφόρο σχολείο ενθαρρύνει τη λειτουργία κοινοτήτων μάθησης και πρακτικής και πώς ένας εκπαιδευτικός οργανισμός μετασχηματίζεται από γραφειοκρατικό ίδρυμα μετάδοσης γνώσεων σε δια βίου οργανισμό μάθησης;
Small-scale fishery catch composition in Rhodes (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: KONDYLATOS GERASIMOS , PERDIKARIS KONSTANTINOS , KAOUKIS IOANNIS , PATATOUKOS IOANNIS , CORSINI-FOKA MARIA , CONIDES ALEXIS , KLAOUDATOS DIMITRIS
Published: November 2023

Trammel net and boat-seine experimental fishing samplings were carried out seasonally, over a rocky-sandy and a Posidonia oceanica habitat respectively, in the coastal waters of Rhodes, south-eastern Aegean Sea, Greece, between 2019 and 2020. Fish catch composition, abundance and biomass were investigated as a contribution to the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the fish assemblages in the artisanal fishery in this Greek marine region most affected by biological invasion. A total of 56 native and 11 alien fish species were captured. Five invasive species Fistularia commersonii, Pterois miles, Siganus rivulatus, Siganus luridus and Lagocephalus sceleratus were recorded using both fishing gear. In trammel nets, the alien to native fish species ratio was 1:2.87 with eight allochthonous species composing 43% of the total abundance and greatly exceeding native species biomass with the most dominant being F. commersonii, P. miles, S. rivulatus and S. luridus. Boat seine samples were dominated by Spicara smaris and Boops boops, which accounted for 84% and 56% of total abundance and biomass, respectively, while the alien to native fish species ratio was 1:5.1. The 10 Lessepsian fish, i.e., fish that have entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, identified on a Posidonia seabed represented a small proportion of the total abundance (3.4%), while their biomass reached 17% of the total catch, with a prevalence of F. commersonii. Among alien fish on P. oceanica, S. rivulatus exhibited the greatest abundance, followed by F. commersonii, Parupeneus forsskali and S. luridus, with small but not negligible densities of Pteragogus trispilus and Torquigener flavimaculosus. The abundance of Pterois miles over the rocky-sandy habitat was remarkable. Results indicate a transitional shift in fish catch composition with introduced species competing with natives for food and space (i.e. between introduced siganids and Sparisoma cretense, Sarpa salpa, between the recently introduced P. forsskali and mullids, and between introduced P. miles and scorpaenids), further influenced synergistically by environmental and anthropogenic factors. The Total-Standard length and Total weight-Total length relationships and their applications in fisheries data for the allochthonous fish are briefly discussed.
Construction and validation of a scale of sexual self-concept for the elderly Chilean population
Authors: Ramirez-Perez Mauricio , Ferrer-Urbina Rodrigo , Flores Angela , Garcia Valerie , Llancabure Michelle
Published: November 2023

Background: Sexual self-concept has a central role in the life of the elderly population. Indeed, their sexual self-concept has significant and positive relationships with their satisfaction with life, pleasure, and willingness to interact with others. However, social-cultural prejudice means that the elderly are considered asexual individuals, harming their sexual self-concept. This prejudice is prominent in Chile, where the elderly do not have access to clear information about their sexuality. However, research on the Chilean elderly population is still in its infancy and requires more attention. Hence, this research aims to construct and validate a scale of sexual self-concept for the elderly Chilean population to cover this identified gap in the literature. Methods: Sixty items were integrated into the first version of the scale. Ten external judges were asked to assess the content validity. Twenty-eight items were maintained. Subsequently, an instrumental and cross-sectional design was implemented with a non-probabilistic sampling (N = 188). Items were refined with corrected homogeneity indices and conditional estimates of Cronbach’s alpha and Omega coefficient. Results: A final scale of nine items equally distributed in three dimensions was obtained: Sexual self-efficacy (ω = 0.867), Sexual assertiveness (ω = 0.764), and Sexual self-esteem (ω = 0.803). The confirmatory factor analysis reflects that the theoretical model has an adequate fit (CFI = .989; TLI = .984; RMSEA = .086). Conclusions: The data analyses confirmed that the scale has adequate psychometric properties. This scale can be used for multidimensional measurements of sexual self-concept in the elderly in Chile. Further research can confirm its psychometric properties in different settings within the Spanish language population.
Burden of disease in Colombian Orinoquia Region, 2017
Authors: Gutiérrez-Lesmes Oscar , Grisales-Romero Hugo
Published: November 2023

Background Population health diagnoses are a fundamental tool to guide health policies and programs, and consequently, public health requirements. In this perspective, the burden of disease in inhabitants of Colombian Orinoquia is quantified for the first time. Methods A descriptive population-based study that was based on secondary sources was carried out, which aimed at measuring the burden of the disease in the Colombian region of Orinoquia, using the simplified synthetic indicator of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of the global health estimation methodology. We used mortality records from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) and service provision records from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, both records from the year 2017, available on the Integrated Social Protection Information System. Results 288,740.2 DALYs occurred (95% UI 210,714.6-382,948.8), with higher reports for men (59%); group of non-communicable diseases accounted for 62.3% of DALYs (179,993.6, 95% UI, 115,030.2-268,405.0), followed by external cause injuries group which contributed 24.6% (71,000.0, 95% UI, 25,638.1-134,013.1), and group of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional disorders which contributed 13.1% (37,746.0, 95% UI, 28,048.0-50,239.7). Interpersonal violence was the primary cause specific of DALYs with 9.8% of the burden, (28,290.0, 95% UI, 7,365.1-64,208.1). Conclusions Most DALYs in Orinoquia are produced by non-communicable diseases (NCD), largely caused by neoplasms and cardiovascular disease, which increased with age. However, when considered by specific cause of illness or injury, interpersonal violence is indicated as the main cause of DALYs, affecting mainly young men, possibly as an expression of social inequality, substance use, criminality, and insecurity. It is important to highlight that this region has been recognized as an area of armed conflict, drug trafficking, and poverty.
Return to work rate of individuals after cardiac rehabilitation and the demographic and impairment factors that influence return to work in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Ganie Zakeera , Soeker Shaheed , Rhoda Anthea
Published: November 2023

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) commonly affects individuals within the working age group, often resulting in unemployment, particularly in low- to middle-income countries. The purpose of the study was to determine the return to work (RTW) rate of individuals with CVD after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and the impact of impairment and socio-demographics on the individual’s ability to (RTW). Methods A cross-sectional survey, namely the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) was used to gather the information. The IBM SPSS software (version 25) was used to manage the statistical analysis. Individuals who completed a CR program between the ages of 18 and 64 years made up a sample of 63 research participants. Results The RTW rate reported that only 30 (47.6%) of the participants successfully RTW after CR and 33 (52.4%) of participants did not RTW. The results also indicated that the older the individual and the higher the degree of impairment experienced, the less likely RTW would occur. Conclusion Factors such as the age and level of functional impairment of the individual with CVD must be addressed more aggressively in CR programs, particularly if the goal of the individual with CVD is to RTW.
Comparative evaulation of condylar guidance obtained by digital panoramic radiographic images with that of obtained during jaw relation and try-in using two different interocclusal record material in completely edentulous patients: an in vivo study
Authors: Doshi Khushbu , Sathe Seema
Published: November 2023

Background: In completely edentulous patients, maintaining the patient's TMJ health and intraoral components is very important. This can be achieved by an accurate interocclusal record, which can we taken by various materials and also at various stages. Simulation of the temparomandibular joint anatomy and mandibular movements is possible on a semi adjustable articulator which is use widely in prosthodontics. Transferring the record on articulator is a critical step in fabrication of complete dentures so it should be done precisely to reduce chair side time and also to avoid complications for patients. This study examines which material is more accurate and also records which stage gives more precision, by comparing the Condylar guidance on radiographs. This is because it has consistent bony landmarks and is comparable to clinical methods in terms of standardisation. The objective will be to determine the inter occlusal records created during Jaw Relation stage and Try-in using reinforced wax and Polyvinyl siloxane and compare these values to the condylar guidance obtained by OPG. Methods: Recording the Condylar Guidance value on OPG, obtained with tracing Glenoid fossa, Articular eminence and the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane. Followed with conventional steps in making complete dentures, at jaw relation and try-in stage. we will record values of condylar guidance with the two different Interocclusal record materials. Expected result: It will help the clinicians to get knowledge about obtaining precise condylar inclination angle by using right interocclusal record materials. Conclusions: This study will help us to obtain condylar inclination which inturn helps the patients satisfaction as it maintains the patient's TMJ health and intraoral components.
Case Report: Challenges in the etiology of left ventricular aneurysm
Authors: Channan El Mehdi , Pintea Bentea Georgiana , Berdaoui Brahim , Damry Nasroolla , Morissens Marielle , Castro Rodriguez José
Published: November 2023

Left ventricular aneurysms are outpouchings delineated by a thin myocardial wall, more frequently encountered at the apex of the left ventricle, which is seldom dyskinetic or akinetic. Apart from coronary artery disease, the etiology can be challenging. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with an    isolated apical left ventricular aneurysm associated with prominent trabeculations on echocardiography.
Blood pressure and 10-year all-cause mortality: Findings from the PERU MIGRANT Study
Authors: Hidalgo-Benites Aida , Senosain-Leon Valeria , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Ruiz-Alejos Andrea , Gilman Robert H. , Smeeth Liam , Miranda J. Jaime , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: November 2023

Background The long-term impact of elevated blood pressure on mortality outcomes has been recently revisited due to proposed changes in cut-offs for hypertension. This study aimed at assessing the association between high blood pressure levels and 10-year mortality using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) and the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 blood pressure guidelines. Methods Data analysis of the PERU MIGRANT Study, a prospective ongoing cohort, was used. The outcome of interest was 10-year all-cause mortality, and exposures were blood pressure categories according to the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines. Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess the associations of interest controlling for confounders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Results A total of 976 records, mean age of 60.4 (SD: 11.4), 513 (52.6%) women, were analyzed. Hypertension prevalence at baseline almost doubled from 16.0% (95% CI 13.7%–18.4%) to 31.3% (95% CI 28.4%–34.3%), using the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 definitions, respectively. Sixty-three (6.4%) participants died during the 10-year follow-up, equating to a mortality rate of 3.6 (95% CI 2.4–4.7) per 1000 person-years. Using JNC-7, and compared to those with normal blood pressure, those with pre-hypertension and hypertension had 2.1-fold and 5.1-fold increased risk of death, respectively. Similar mortality effect sizes were estimated using ACC/AHA 2017 for stage-1 and stage-2 hypertension. Conclusions Blood pressure levels under two different definitions increased the risk of 10-year all-cause mortality. Hypertension prevalence doubled using ACC/AHA 2017 compared to JNC-7. The choice of blood pressure cut-offs to classify hypertension categories need to be balanced against the patients benefit and the capacities of the health system to adequately handle a large proportion of new patients.
Protocol for a web survey experiment studying the feasibility of asking respondents to capture and submit photos of the books they have at home and the resulting data quality
Authors: Iglesias Patricia A. , Revilla Melanie , Heppt Birgit , Volodina Anna , Lechner Clemens
Published: November 2023

This document presents the protocol of a study conducted as a part of the WEB DATA OPP project, which is funded by the H2020 program. The study aimed to investigate different aspects of the collection of images through web surveys. To do this, we implemented a mobile web survey in an opt-in online panel in Spain. The survey had various questions, some of which were about the books that the participants have at their main residence. The questions related to books were asked in three different ways: regular survey questions showing visual examples of how different numbers of books fit in a 74 centimetre wide shelf depending on their thickness, regular survey questions without the visual examples, and questions where participants were asked to send photos of the books at their home. This report explains how the study was designed and conducted. It covers important aspects such as the experimental design, the questionnaire used, the characteristics of the participants, ethical considerations, and plans for disseminating the results.