bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PATHWEIGH, pragmatic weight management in adult patients in primary care in Colorado, USA: study protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Suresh Krithika , Holtrop Jodi Summers , Dickinson L. Miriam , Willems Emileigh , Smith Peter C. , Gritz R. Mark , Perreault Leigh
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the overwhelming prevalence and health implications of obesity, it is rarely adequately addressed in a health care setting. PATHWEIGH is a pragmatic approach to weight management that uses tools built into the electronic medical record to overcome barriers and guide care. Implementation strategies are employed to facilitate adoption and use of the PATHWEIGH tools and processes. The current study will compare the effectiveness of PATHWEIGH versus standard of care (SOC) on patient weight loss in primary care and explore factors for its successful implementation.

Methods

A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design will be used within an effectiveness-implementation hybrid study. Adult patient weight loss and weight loss maintenance will be compared in PATHWEIGH versus SOC in 57 family and internal medicine clinics in a large health system in Colorado, USA. Effectiveness will be evaluated using generalized linear mixed models to determine statistical differences in weight loss and weight loss maintenance at 6, 12, and 18 months. Patient-, provider-, and clinic-level predictors will be identified using mediator and moderator analyses. Conceptually guided by the Practical, Robust, Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM), a mixed methods approach including quantitative (practice surveys, use tracking) and qualitative (interviews, observations) data collection will be used to determine factors impeding and facilitating adoption, implementation, and maintenance of PATHWEIGH and evaluate specified implementation strategies. A cost analysis of the practice and system costs and resources required by PATHWEIGH relative to the reimbursement collected will be performed.

Discussion

The effectiveness and implementation of PATHWEIGH, and their interrelatedness, for patient weight loss are collectively the focus of the current trial. Findings from this study are expected to serve as a blueprint for available and effective weight management in primary care medical practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04678752. Registered on December 21, 2020.
Ecological and environmental factors affecting transmission of sylvatic yellow fever in the 2017–2019 outbreak in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Abreu Filipe Vieira Santos de , de Andreazzi Cecilia Siliansky , Neves Maycon Sebastião Alberto Santos , Meneguete Patrícia Soares , Ribeiro Mário Sérgio , Dias Cristina Maria Giordano , de Albuquerque Motta Monique , Barcellos Christovam , Romão Anselmo Rocha , Magalhães Mônica de Avelar Figueiredo Mafra , Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Background

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is an arbovirus that, despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, continues to cause outbreaks of varying dimensions in the Americas and Africa. Between 2017 and 2019, Brazil registered un unprecedented sylvatic YFV outbreak whose severity was the result of its spread into zones of the Atlantic Forest with no signals of viral circulation for nearly 80 years.

Methods

To investigate the influence of climatic, environmental, and ecological factors governing the dispersion and force of infection of YFV in a naïve area such as the landscape mosaic of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), we combined the analyses of a large set of data including entomological sampling performed before and during the 2017–2019 outbreak, with the geolocation of human and nonhuman primates (NHP) and mosquito infections.

Results

A greater abundance of Haemagogus mosquitoes combined with lower richness and diversity of mosquito fauna increased the probability of finding a YFV-infected mosquito. Furthermore, the analysis of functional traits showed that certain functional groups, composed mainly of Aedini mosquitoes which includes Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, are also more representative in areas where infected mosquitoes were found. Human and NHP infections were more common in two types of landscapes: large and continuous forest, capable of harboring many YFV hosts, and patches of small forest fragments, where environmental imbalance can lead to a greater density of the primary vectors and high human exposure. In both, we show that most human infections (~ 62%) occurred within an 11-km radius of the finding of an infected NHP, which is in line with the flight range of the primary vectors.

Conclusions

Together, our data suggest that entomological data and landscape composition analyses may help to predict areas permissive to yellow fever outbreaks, allowing protective measures to be taken to avoid human cases.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of lung ultrasound on clinical-decision making across departments: a systematic review
Authors: Heldeweg Micah L. A. , Vermue Lian , Kant Max , Brouwer Michelle , Girbes Armand R. J. , Haaksma Mark E. , Heunks Leo M. A. , Mousa Amne , Smit Jasper M. , Smits Thomas W. , Paulus Frederique , Ket Johannes C. F. , Schultz Marcus J. , Tuinman Pieter Roel
Published: January 2022

Background

Lung ultrasound has established itself as an accurate diagnostic tool in different clinical settings. However, its effects on clinical-decision making are insufficiently described. This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of lung ultrasound, exclusively or as part of an integrated thoracic ultrasound examination, on clinical-decision making in different departments, especially the emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), and general ward (GW).

Methods

This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021242977). PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for original studies reporting changes in clinical-decision making (e.g. diagnosis, management, or therapy) after using lung ultrasound. Inclusion criteria were a recorded change of management (in percentage of cases) and with a clinical presentation to the ED, ICU, or GW. Studies were excluded if examinations were beyond the scope of thoracic ultrasound or to guide procedures. Mean changes with range (%) in clinical-decision making were reported. Methodological data on lung ultrasound were also collected. Study quality was scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included: five studies on the ED (546 patients), five studies on the ICU (504 patients), two studies on the GW (1150 patients), and one study across all three wards (41 patients). Lung ultrasound changed the diagnosis in mean 33% (15–44%) and 44% (34–58%) of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound changed the management in mean 48% (20–80%), 42% (30–68%) and 48% (48–48%) of patients in the ED, in the ICU and in the GW, respectively. Changes in management were non-invasive in 92% and 51% of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound methodology was heterogeneous across studies. Risk of bias was moderate to high in all studies.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound, exclusively or as a part of thoracic ultrasound, has substantial impact on clinical-decision making by changing diagnosis and management in the EDs, ICUs, and GWs. The current evidence level and methodological heterogeneity underline the necessity for well-designed trials and standardization of methodology.
Attitude and communication skills of German medical students
Authors: Groene Oana R. , Ehrhardt Maren , Bergelt Corinna
Published: January 2022

Objective

While the development of communication competencies in medical schools plays a pivotal role in the curriculum, studies show that students’ communication skills and patient-centred attitudes may vary based on gender and ethnicity. The goal of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors that influence medical students’ communication abilities and, more specifically, to what extent their attitude toward communication skills learning and patient orientation associate with communication abilities. Our population included medical students admitted in 2017. Used tools included a communication score, the patient-provider orientation and communication skills attitudes scales.

Results

Three hundred and sixty-five students participated in the study (56.4% female, 85.2% German native speakers, mean age 24.2 ± 3.5 years). Female and German native speaking students had a better communication skills OSCE performance, were more patient-oriented and had more positive attitudes toward communication skills learning than male and non-native speaking students. There was a significant association between gender, native tongue, attitudes towards communication skills learning and communication skills OSCE performance. In conclusion, to support medical students to improve their communication proficiency and attitudes towards the importance of clear communication and patient-oriented care, medical educators should consider teaching and assessment strategies that address socio-cultural aspects of communication.
Functional tissue-engineered microtissue formed by self-aggregation of cells for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Chaochao , Meng Fanqi , Guan Yanjun , Zhang Tieyuan , Yang Boyao , Ren Zhiqi , Liu Xiuzhi , Li Dongdong , Zhao Jinjuan , Zhao Jie , Wang Yu , Peng Jiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is one of the essential causes of physical disability with a high incidence rate. The traditional tissue engineering strategy, Top-Down strategy, has some limitations. A new tissue-engineered strategy, Bottom-Up strategy (tissue-engineered microtissue strategy), has emerged and made significant research progress in recent years. However, to the best of our knowledge, microtissues are rarely used in neural tissue engineering; thus, we intended to use microtissues to repair PNI.

Methods

We used a low-adhesion cell culture plate to construct adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) into microtissues in vitro, explored the physicochemical properties and microtissues components, compared the expression of cytokines related to nerve regeneration between microtissues and the same amount of two-dimension (2D)-cultured cells, co-cultured directly microtissues with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) or Schwann cells (SCs) to observe the interaction between them using immunocytochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We used grafts constructed by microtissues and polycaprolactone (PCL) nerve conduit to repair sciatic nerve defects in rats.

Results

The present study results indicated that compared with the same number of 2D-cultured cells, microtissue could secrete more nerve regeneration related cytokines to promote SCs proliferation and axons growth. Moreover, in the direct co-culture system of microtissue and DRG or SCs, axons of DRG grown in the direction of microtissue, and there seems to be a cytoplasmic exchange between SCs and ASCs around microtissue. Furthermore, microtissues could repair sciatic nerve defects in rat models more effectively than traditional 2D-cultured ASCs.

Conclusion

Tissue-engineered microtissue is an effective strategy for stem cell culture and therapy in nerve tissue engineering.
Nonwoven-based gelatin/polycaprolactone membrane loaded with ERK inhibitor U0126 for treatment of tendon defects
Authors: Hou Yonghui , Zhou Bingyu , Ni Ming , Wang Min , Ding Lingli , Li Ying , Liu Yamei , Zhang Wencai , Li Gang , Wang Jiali , Xu Liangliang
Published: January 2022

Background

Tendon is a major component of musculoskeletal system connecting the muscles to the bone. Tendon injuries are very common orthopedics problems leading to impeded motion. Up to now, there still lacks effective treatments for tendon diseases.

Methods

Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) were isolated from the patellar tendons of SD rats. The expression levels of genes were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to confirm the presence of tendon markers in tendon tissues. Bioinformatics analysis of data acquired by RNA-seq was used to find out the differentially expressed genes. Rat patellar tendon injury model was used to evaluate the effect of U0126 on tendon injury healing. Biomechanical testing was applied to evaluate the mechanical properties of newly formed tendon tissues.

Results

In this study, we have shown that ERK inhibitor U0126 rather PD98059 could effectively increase the expression of tendon-related genes and promote the tenogenesis of TSPCs in vitro. To explore the underlying mechanisms, RNA sequencing was performed to identify the molecular difference between U0126-treated and control TSPCs. The result showed that GDF6 was significantly increased by U0126, which is an important factor of the TGFβ superfamily regulating tendon development and tenogenesis. In addition, NBM (nonwoven-based gelatin/polycaprolactone membrane) which mimics the native microenvironment of the tendon tissue was used as an acellular scaffold to carry U0126. The results demonstrated that when NBM was used in combination with U0126, tendon healing was significantly promoted with better histological staining outcomes and mechanical properties.

Conclusion

Taken together, we have found U0126 promoted tenogenesis in TSPCs through activating GDF6, and NBM loaded with U0126 significantly promoted tendon defect healing, which provides a new treatment for tendon injury.
Applications of the amniotic membrane in tissue engineering and regeneration: the hundred-year challenge
Authors: Elkhenany Hoda , El-Derby Azza , Abd Elkodous Mohamed , Salah Radwa A. , Lotfy Ahmed , El-Badri Nagwa
Published: January 2022

The amniotic membrane (Amnio-M) has various applications in regenerative medicine. It acts as a highly biocompatible natural scaffold and as a source of several types of stem cells and potent growth factors. It also serves as an effective nano-reservoir for drug delivery, thanks to its high entrapment properties. Over the past century, the use of the Amnio-M in the clinic has evolved from a simple sheet for topical applications for skin and corneal repair into more advanced forms, such as micronized dehydrated membrane, amniotic cytokine extract, and solubilized powder injections to regenerate muscles, cartilage, and tendons. This review highlights the development of the Amnio-M over the years and the implication of new and emerging nanotechnology to support expanding its use for tissue engineering and clinical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy for cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Xiang Xiao-Na , Zhu Si-Yi , He Hong-Chen , Yu Xi , Xu Yang , He Cheng-Qi
Published: January 2022

Osteoarthritis, as a degenerative disease, is a common problem and results in high socioeconomic costs and rates of disability. The most commonly affected joint is the knee and characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, loss of extracellular matrix, and progressive inflammation. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy has been explored as a new regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis in recent years. However, the detailed functions of MSC-based therapy and related mechanism, especially of cartilage regeneration, have not been explained. Hence, this review summarized how to choose, authenticate, and culture different origins of MSCs and derived exosomes. Moreover, clinical application and the latest mechanistical findings of MSC-based therapy in cartilage regeneration were also demonstrated.
Healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Szajek Katarzyna , Fleisch Felix , Hutter Sandra , Risch Martin , Bechmann Theresa , Luyckx Valerie A. , Güsewell Sabine , Hirzel Cédric , Cusini Alexia , Group AMICO Study ,   AMICO Study Group, Eronat Vedat , Eichweber Luwina , von Fellenberg Theodor , Albertini Mauro , Flury Gian , Brüggen Marie-Charlotte , Schneeberger Andres , Koch Thomas , Genoni Michele , Kistler Walter , Egger Patrick
Published: January 2022

Background

Health care workers (HCW) are heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from the beginning of the pandemic. We aimed to analyze risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCW with a special emphasis on the respective healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks.

Methods

We recruited HCW from 13 health care institutions (HCI) with different mask policies (type IIR surgical face masks vs. FFP-2 masks) in Southeastern Switzerland (canton of Grisons). Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 6 months apart, after the first and during the second pandemic wave using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics). We captured risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection by using an online questionnaire at both time points. The effects of individual COVID-19 exposure, regional incidence and FFP-2 mask policy on the probability of seroconversion were evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 99 of 2794 (3.5%) HCW at baseline and in 376 of 2315 (16.2%) participants 6 months later. In multivariable analyses the strongest association for seroconversion was exposure to a household member with known COVID-19 (aOR: 19.82, 95% CI 8.11–48.43, p < 0.001 at baseline and aOR: 8.68, 95% CI 6.13–12.29, p < 0.001 at follow-up). Significant occupational risk factors at baseline included exposure to COVID-19 patients (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI 1.28–6.09, p = 0.010) and to SARS-CoV-2 infected co-workers (aOR: 2.50, 95% CI 1.52–4.12, p < 0.001). At follow up 6 months later, non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI 1.66–3.89 p < 0.001) and the local COVID-19 incidence of the corresponding HCI (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.30–3.02, p = 0.001) were associated with seroconversion. The healthcare institutions’ mask policy (surgical masks during usual exposure vs. general use of FFP-2 masks) did not affect seroconversion rates of HCW during the first and the second pandemic wave.

Conclusion

Contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected household members was the most important risk factor for seroconversion among HCW. The strongest occupational risk factor was exposure to COVID-19 patients. During this pandemic, with heavy non-occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the mask policy of HCIs did not affect the seroconversion rate of HCWs.
Multifocality and opportunity structure: towards a mixed embeddedness model for transnational migrant entrepreneurship
Authors: Solano Giacomo , Schutjens Veronique , Rath Jan
Published: January 2022

This article addresses transnational migrant entrepreneurship, which refers to migrants involved in cross-border entrepreneurial activities. Previous models and concepts in migrant entrepreneurship studies have not fully succeeded in recognising the role played by differential groups and places in the pursuit of opportunities by transnational migrant entrepreneurs. This is due to a tendency to focus on the country of residence as well as on the inclination to view migrant entrepreneurs as members of a coherent ethnic or national group. To help fill this gap, we propose a new model combining the concept of multifocality, covering the simultaneous involvement of migrant entrepreneurs in both multiple places and multiple groups, with group modes of behaviour as an additional dimension influencing the opportunity structure. The case of Moroccan transnational entrepreneurs in Amsterdam shows that the role of multifocality in place, in combination with group modes of behaviour, is critical when it comes to pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
Volumetric comparative analysis of anatomy through far-lateral approach: surgical space and exposed tissues
Authors: Tang Ke , Feng Xu , XiaodongYuan  , Li Yang , XinyueChen
Published: January 2022

Background

The three-dimensional (3D) visualization model has ability to quantify the surgical anatomy of far-lateral approach. This study was designed to disclose the relationship between surgical space and exposed tissues in the far-lateral approach by the volumetric analysis of 3D model.

Methods

The 3D skull base models were constructed using MRI and CT data of 15 patients (30 sides) with trigeminal neuralgia. Surgical corridors of the far-lateral approach were simulated by triangular pyramids to represent two surgical spaces exposing bony and neurovascular tissues. Volumetric comparison of surgical anatomy was performed using pair t test.

Results

The morphometric results were almost the same in the two surgical spaces except the vagus nerve (CN X) exposed only in one corridor, whereas the volumetric comparison represented the statistical significant differences of surgical space and bony and neurovascular tissues involved in the two corridors (P<0.001). The differences of bony and neurovascular tissues failed to equal the difference of surgical space.

Conclusions

For far-lateral approach, the increase of exposure for the bony and neurovascular tissues is not necessarily matched with the increase of surgical space. The volumetric comparative analysis is helpful to provide more detailed anatomical information in the surgical design.
Patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events and quality-of-life linear analogue self-assessment in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy: single-institution prospective registry
Authors: Thorpe C. S. , DeWees T. A. , Golafshar M. A. , Bhangoo R. S. , Vern-Gross T. Z. , McGee L. A. , Wong W. W. , Halyard M. Y. , Keole S. R. , Vargas C. E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose/objectives

We sought to investigate the impact of patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE) on overall quality-of-life (QOL) employing linear analogue self-assessment (LASA) in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT).

Materials/methods

All patients treated with RT for BC with curative intent from 2015 to 2019 at our institution were included. Breast specific PRO-CTCAE and overall QOL LASA questionnaires were administered at baseline, end-of-treatment, 3, 6, 12 months, and then annually. Minimal clinically important difference in overall QOL was a 10-point change in LASA. Hypofractionation was any treatment > 2 Gy per fraction. Mixed models for repeated measures were used to determine the association of PRO-CTCAE and overall QOL LASA.

Results

Three hundred thirty-one (331) patients with a median follow-up of 3.1 years (range 0.4–4.9) were included. Average overall QOL LASA scores were 78.5 at baseline, 79.8 at end-of-treatment, 79.8 at 3 months, 77.1 at 6 months, 79.4 at 12 months, and 79.7 at 24 months. On univariate analysis, patients reporting a grade ≥ 3 PRO-CTCAE had, on average, a 10.4-point reduction in overall LASA QOL (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, not being treated with hypofractionation and higher BMI were predictive for worse overall LASA QOL with a 10-point reduction in LASA for patients reporting a grade ≥ 3 PRO-CTCAE (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients reporting a grade ≥ 3 PRO-CTCAE experienced statistically significant and clinically meaningful deterioration in overall QOL LASA. Hypofractionation improved QOL while higher BMI predicted for worse QOL. PRO-CTCAE should be integrated into future clinical trials.
In silico profiling of histone deacetylase inhibitory activity of compounds isolated from Cajanus cajan
Authors: Adewole Kayode , Ishola Adebayo , Olaoye Ige
Published: January 2022

Background

Cancer is responsible for high morbidity and mortality globally. Because the overexpression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is one of the molecular mechanisms associated with the development and progression of some diseases such as cancer, studies are now considering inhibition of HDAC as a strategy for the treatment of cancer. In this study, a receptor-based in silico screening was exploited to identify potential HDAC inhibitors among the compounds isolated fromCajanus cajan, since reports have earlier confirmed the antiproliferative properties of compounds isolated from this plant.

Results

Cajanus cajan-derived phytochemicals were docked with selected HDACs, with givinostat as the reference HDAC inhibitor, using AutodockVina and Discovery Studio Visualizer, BIOVIA, 2020. Furthermore, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) drug-likeness analysis was done using the Swiss online ADME web tool. From the results obtained, 4 compounds; betulinic acid, genistin, orientin and vitexin, were identified as potential inhibitors of the selected HDACs, while only 3 compounds (betulinic acid, genistin and vitexin) passed the filter of drug-likeness. The molecular dynamic result revealed the best level of flexibility on HDAC1 and HDAC3 compared to the wild-type HDACs and moderate flexibility of HDAC7 and HDAC8.

Conclusions

The results of molecular docking, pharmacokinetics and molecular dynamics revealed that betulinic acid might be a suitable HDAC inhibitor worthy of further investigation in order to be used for regulating conditions associated with overexpression of HDACs. This knowledge can be used to guide experimental investigation onCajanus cajan-derived compounds as potential HDAC inhibitors.
Evaluation of seaweed sulfated polysaccharides as natural antagonists targeting Salmonella typhi OmpF: molecular docking and pharmacokinetic profiling
Authors: Arunkumar Malaisamy , Mahalakshmi Murugan , Ashokkumar Vairamuthu , Aravind Manikka Kubendran , Gunaseelan Sathaiah , Mohankumar Verma , Ashokkumar Balasubramaniem , Varalakshmi Perumal
Published: January 2022

Background

Salmonella belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, a gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile, and pathogenic bacteria that transmit through unhygienic conditions. It is estimated that 21 million new infections arise every year, resulting in approximately 200,000 deaths. It is more prevalent among children, the old aged, and immunocompromised individuals. The frequent usage of classical antimicrobials has begun the increasing emergence of various drug-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains. Hence, this study was intended to evaluate the bioactive seaweed sulfated polysaccharides (SSPs) against the ompF (outer membrane porin F) protein target of Salmonella typhi. SSP is the sulfated compound with a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-microbial, anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral.

Results

In this study, eleven compounds were targeted against S. typhi OmpF by the molecular docking approach and were compared with two commercially available typhoid medications. The SSP showed good binding affinity compared to commercial drugs, particularly carrageenan/MIV-150, carrageenan lambda, fucoidan, and 3-phenyllactate, ranked as top antagonists against OmpF. Further, pharmacokinetics and toxicology (ADMET) studies corroborated that SSP possessed drug-likeness and highly progressed in all parameters.

Conclusions

AutoDockTools and Schrodinger's QikProp module results suggest that SSP could be a promising drug for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S. typhi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on in silico analysis of SSP against S. typhi OmpF, thus implying the capabilities of SSPs especially compounds like carrageenans, as a potential anti-microbial agent against Salmonella typhi infections. Eventually, advanced studies could corroborate SSPs to the next level of application in the crisis of XDR microbial diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Thermoelectric performance of MoSi2As4monolayer
Authors: Huang Yuhong , Zhong Xuanhong , Yuan Hongkuan , Chen Hong
Published: January 2022

Thermoelectric performance of MoSi2As4 monolayer is investigated using density functional theory combined with Boltzmann transport theory. The maximal power factors of n- and p-type by the PBE (HSE06) functional are 7.73 (48.31) and 32.84

at the temperature of 1200 K, respectively. The lattice thermal conductivity is less than

above 800 K. The thermoelectric figure of merit can reach 0.33 (0.58) and 0.90 (0.81) using the PBE (HSE06) functional for n- and p-type under appropriate carrier concentration at 1200 K, respectively. Thus, the p-type MoSi2As4 monolayer is predicted to be a potential candidate for high-temperature thermoelectric applications.
TMEM8C-mediated fusion is regionalized and regulated by NOTCH signalling during foetal myogenesis
Authors: Esteves de Lima Joana , Blavet Cédrine , Bonnin Marie-Ange , Hirsinger Estelle , Havis Emmanuelle , Relaix Frédéric , Duprez Delphine
Published: January 2022

The location and regulation of fusion events within skeletal muscles during development remain unknown. Using the fusion marker myomaker (Mymk), named TMEM8C in chicken, as a readout of fusion, we identified a co-segregation of TMEM8C-positive cells and MYOG-positive cells in single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of limbs from chicken embryos. We found that TMEM8C transcripts, MYOG transcripts and the fusion-competent MYOG-positive cells were preferentially regionalized in central regions of foetal muscles. We also identified a similar regionalization for the gene encoding the NOTCH ligand JAG2 along with an absence of NOTCH activity in TMEM8C+ fusion-competent myocytes. NOTCH function in myoblast fusion had not been addressed so far. We analysed the consequences of NOTCH inhibition for TMEM8C expression and myoblast fusion during foetal myogenesis in chicken embryos. NOTCH inhibition increased myoblast fusion and TMEM8C expression and released the transcriptional repressor HEYL from the TMEM8C regulatory regions. These results identify a regionalization of TMEM8C-dependent fusion and a molecular mechanism underlying the fusion-inhibiting effect of NOTCH in foetal myogenesis. The modulation of NOTCH activity in the fusion zone could regulate the flux of fusion events.
SENTIDOS DO TRABALHO: ANÁLISE DA PRODUÇÃO ACADÊMICA NA ÁREA DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO E PROPOSIÇÃO DE AGENDA DE PESQUISA
Authors: Costa Silas Dias Mendes
Published: January 2022

O tema “sentidos do trabalho” tem ganhado espaço nas pesquisas, contemplando diferentes contextos, grupos de trabalhadores e temáticas associadas. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de analisar a produção acadêmica sobre o tema, baseando-se em artigos publicados em eventos da ANPAD. Para tanto, utilizou-se, como método de pesquisa, a análise bibliométrica. Os resultados indicam que a maior parte dos artigos foi publicada no ANPAD, envolvendo contextos de pesquisas bem diversos já que 48 pesquisadores são autores/coautores das publicações. Quanto ao número de autores, duas instituições se destacaram: UFMG e IMED. A rede de coautoria dos artigos indica maior densidade de relações entre autores de uma mesma instituição. A maior parte das pesquisas foi de natureza empírica, abordagem qualitativa, com entrevistas ou análise de conteúdo. Conclui-se que, apesar do crescimento em quantidade, alguns estudos não apresentam clareza teórica sobre o tema. Com base nos resultados, foi proposta uma agenda de pesquisa.
PRÁTICAS DE INVESTIMENTO E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA NO CONTEXTO DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR
Authors: Zaiac Alessandra Maria Stepka , Atamanczuk Mauricio João , Hocayen-da-Silva Antônio João
Published: January 2022

A pesquisa teve como objetivo geral identificar as estratégias de investimentos e geração de renda dos agricultores familiares no município de Irati-PR. Os objetivos específicos foram: caracterizar o perfil do agricultor familiar e de sua propriedade, elencar as estratégias de geração de renda dos agricultores familiares e descrever as escolhas de investimentos dos agricultores familiares. Realizou-se um survey com aplicação de 50 questionários fechados para produtores rurais. Os resultados demonstram que a forma de obtenção de renda das propriedades de agricultura familiar concentra-se na produção do tabaco, sendo esta uma das três fontes principais para 74% dos respondentes. Além disso, a produção de soja, milho e feijão são recorrentes. Os produtores rurais realizaram investimentos nos últimos 10 anos principalmente voltados à aquisição de maquinários agrícolas, aquisição de terras e construção de edificações para depósitos. Os produtores utilizam, sobretudo, recursos do PRONAF, este considerado a fonte mais importante de financiamento.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UMA PLATAFORMA E-COMMERCE PARA VENDA DE LANCHES SAUDÁVEIS A ESCOLAS EM PORTUGAL
Authors: Queiroga João C. , Silva Susana C.
Published: January 2022

O presente estudo visa ao desenvolvimento de um novo serviço – lanches saudáveis em escolas – por parte de um retalhista alimentar online. Considerando as tendências de consumo da alimentação infantil, a resposta à oportunidade identificada diz respeito à oferta de lanches saudáveis, escolhidos pelos pais, mas também ao gosto dos filhos, e entregues pelo retalhista na escola. Trata-se de um novo modelo de negócio de distribuição de lanches escolares. Para o desenvolvimento da proposta, a metodologia action research foi empregada mediante a vivência em um dos maiores players de retalho alimentar em Portugal. Por meio de simulações, desenvolveu-se uma proposta de plataforma online, considerando o modelo B2B2C, com o cardápio estabelecido e uma proposta de go to market, com lançamento e abordagem comercial. O lançamento previsto foi, todavia, adiado, em vista do impacto da pandemia no ambiente escolar.
Παρασκευή και μελέτη οπτοηλεκτρονικών ιδιοτήτων οργανικών ημιαγωγών κατάλληλων για φωτοηλεκτρικές εφαρμογές
Authors: Βαγενάς Νικόλαος
Published: January 2022

Ο σκοπός της διατριβής ήταν η μελέτη των οπτοηλεκτρονικών ιδιοτήτων λεπτών υμενίων πολυκρυσταλλικού οργανικού ημιαγωγού πεντακενίου και σύγκρισή τους με αυτές μονοκρύσταλλου οργανικού ημιαγωγού ρουμπρενίου με τη φασματοσκοπία διαμορφωμένου φωτορεύματος. Επιπλέον σκοπός της διατριβής ήταν να κατασκευαστούν και να μελετηθούν με τη βοήθεια της χωρικής φασματοσκοπίας διαμορφωμένου φωτορεύματος οργανικά τρανζίστορ λεπτών υμενίων πεντακενίου επάνω σε οξείδιο του πυριτίου που αναπτύχθηκε θερμικά επάνω σε κρυσταλλικό πυρίτιο. Στο χαρακτηρισμό των δειγμάτων χρησιμοποιήθηκε η φασματοσκοπία του διαμορφωμένου φωτορεύματος (MPC) με την οποία φωτίζουμε το δείγμα με ημιτονοειδές διαμορφωμένο φωτισμό με κυκλική συχνότητα διαμόρφωσης ω. Επιπλέον χρησιμοποιήσαμε έναν συνεχή και σταθερό φωτισμό (bias light) έντασης τουλάχιστον τρεις φορές μεγαλύτερης από αυτή του διαμορφωμένου φωτισμού. Με αυτή την τεχνική μελετήθηκαν η αλληλεπίδραση των φορέων πλειονότητας με τις παγίδες και εξάχθηκαν συμπεράσματα για σημαντικές παραμέτρους για τα οργανικά υλικά όπως: του μηχανισμού αγωγιμότητας, της συγκέντρωσης των ευκίνητων φορέων αγωγιμότητας και της ευκινησίας των, της πυκνότητας και της κατανομής των ατελειών στο ενεργειακό χάσμα, ο συντελεστής παγίδευσης, η συχνότητα διαφυγής και η κβαντική απόδοση στη δημιουργία φωτοφορέων. Βρέθηκε ότι η ευκινησία των φορέων φιλμ πεντακενίου μειώνεται σημαντικά με της εφαρμογή επιπλέον σταθερού φωτισμού, λόγω εμφάνισης φραγμών δυναμικού στα όρια των μικροκρυστάλλων εξαιτίας παγίδευσης φορέων αγωγιμότητας. Αντίθετα, στους μονοκρυστάλλους ρουμπρενίου όπου δεν υπάρχουν όρια μικροκρυστάλλων, η ευκινησία των φορέων αγωγιμότητας βρέθηκε ανεξάρτητη του επιπλέον φωτισμού.Στο δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής κατασκευάστηκαν οργανικά τρανζίστορ σε μορφή λεπτών υμενίων πεντακενίου με τη μέθοδο μοριακής δέσμης μέσω θερμικής εξάχνωσης. Τα τρανζίστορ αυτά μελετήθηκαν με τη φασματοσκοπία χωρικής διαμορφωμένης φωτοαγωγιμότητας. Μελετήθηκε η μεταβολή της χωρικής κατανομής των φορέων αγωγιμότητας στο κανάλι αγωγιμότητας μεταξύ της πηγής και του συλλέκτη σε διάφορες καταστάσεις λειτουργίας του τρανζίστορ. Oι μεταβολές της χωρικής κατανομής των φορέων στο κανάλι αγωγιμότητας του τρανζίστορ βρέθηκαν να σχετίζονται πολύ καλά με τις αντίστοιχες χαρακτηριστικές ρεύματος-τάσης.
Review of: Dimitris Dimitropoulos, Christos Loukos and Panagiotis Michailaris (eds.),ΌΨΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ 1821: ΠΡΑΚΤΙΚΑ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟΥ,ΑθΗΝΑ 12 ΚΑΙ 13 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 2015 [Facets of the 1821 Revolution: Conference Proceedings, Athens, 12–13 June 2015], Athens: Society for the Study of Modern Hellenism–Mnimon, 2018, 404 pages.
Authors: Sarafis Vangelis
Published: January 2022

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The study of modern Hellenism as an academic challenge
Authors: Kitromilides Paschalis M.
Published: January 2022

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Review of: Samuel K. Cohn, Jr., EPIDEMICS: HATE AND COMPASSION FROM THE PLAGUE OF ATHENS TO AIDS, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018, 656 pages.
Authors: Konstantinidou Katerina
Published: January 2022

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Review of: Elli Lemonidou (ed.), CENT ANS APRÈS: LA MÉMOIRE DE LA PREMIÈRE GUERRE MONDIALE.ONE HUNDRED YEARS AFTER: THE MEMORY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR,Athens: École française d’Athènes, 2018, 234 pages.
Authors: Rizas Sotiris
Published: January 2022

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The notion of the “foreigner” in contemporary Greek drama: “We” through the faces of the “others”
Authors: Grigoriou Rea
Published: January 2022

This article explores the dramaturgy of modern Greek playwrights, among others Vassilis Katsikonouris, Giannis Tsiros, Michalis Reppas, Thanasis Papathanasiou and Lena Kitsopoulou. It looks at how these dramatists approach the theme of “alterity” when in their dramatic productions it acquires the meaning of a different ethnic, religious, social and cultural element. It mainly reflects on the roles of the dramatic characters within the multiculturalist environment as it manifested in Greek society in the 1990s and at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The notion of “different” is also examined by drawing on political views of racist and nationalistic ideologies that emerge in the dramatic situations. The dramaturgical analysis is also comparatively combined with the way theatre reviewers and the audiences have received the productions, since the plays’ various interpretations by contemporary directors is considered of the utmost importance.
Mental Healthcare in Postwar Greece, c. 1950–1970
Authors: Kritsotaki Despo
Published: January 2022

While mental health experts and government officials all over Europe andNorth America were concerned about the increase in mental troubles and hospitalised patients after World War II, in Greece the mental health system entered a phase of development: between 1950 and 1970 traditional intramural institutions expanded, and alternative extramural services and prevention and aftercare programmes were introduced.This article analyses the sum of these mental healthcare strategies, at the central, local, public and private levels, highlighting the growing public and private demands for mental healthcare, the interplay between the public and private sector, and the inadequacy of these policies in meeting the needs of the population in quality services for the care and cure of the mentally ill.
An Optical Revolution and an “Unfortunate” Exhibition: “Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution,” Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
Authors: Drakopoulou Eugenia
Published: January 2022

Review of: “Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution,” Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
Olga Katsiardi-Hering (ed.), Βενετικοί χάρτες της Πελοποννήσου, τέλη 17ου–αρχές 18ου αιώνα: Από τη συλλογή του Πολεμικού Αρχείου της Αυστρίας [Venetian maps of the Peloponnese, late 17th–early 18th centuries: From the Austrian War Archive collection]
Authors: Festas Michael
Published: January 2022

Review of: Olga Katsiardi-Hering (ed.), Βενετικοί χάρτες της Πελοποννήσου, τέλη 17ου–αρχές 18ου αιώνα: Από τη συλλογή του Πολεμικού Αρχείου της Αυστρίας [Venetian maps of the Peloponnese, late 17th–early 18th centuries: From the Austrian War Archive collection]
From Frontier to Border: The 1845 Health Code and the Structuring of Greece’s Quarantine System
Authors: Barlagiannis Athanasios
Published: January 2022

How did health technologies influence border construction, identityformation and political developments in nineteenth-century Greece? The study focuses on the 1845 Health Code, which instituted a comprehensive system of coastal and inland lazarettos and health offices. It presents the development of the health border system prior to the enactment of the code and explains the timing of the enactment of that legislation.Compared to other important health legislation, the code had a long gestation as a result of the combined and often conflicting influences of five interrelated factors: commercial relations with the Ottoman Empire; the health preoccupations of Western European states; the significance of the plague; the cultural orientation of the Greek state towards “Western civilisation”; and the capacity of the Greek administration to exercise control over its territory. The code, a step towards the geographical and cultural reorientation of a former Ottoman province as a sovereign state, defines the slow passage from the empire’s frontiers to the state border system.
Foreword to C. Th. Dimaras Annual Lecture, 2019
Authors: Siniossoglou Niketas
Published: January 2022

Foreword to C. Th. Dimaras Annual Lecture, 2019
STRUCTURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME AND NON-ALCOHOLIC FAT LIVER DISEASE
Authors: Moskalenko O. L. , Smirnova O. V. , Kasparov E. V. , Kasparova I. E.
Published: January 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the psychological characteristics of the behavior of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The manifestations of NAFLD are a powerful frustrating factor for patients, negatively affect the quality of life, hinder psychosocial adaptation and serve as the basis for the formation of chronic stress from the disease, which blocks the actual needs of the individual. Psychological factors are an important component in the clinical assessment of patients in connection with the individualization of the treatment process and secondary psychoprophylaxis, including methods of somato-centered and personality-centered psychotherapy.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Educational Programs in the Field of HR Management: Challenges and New Aspects
Authors: Konovalova Valeriya , Fedotova M.
Published: January 2022

The authors of the article, analyzing the experience of the implementation of educational programs for bachelor's, master's and programs of additional professional education in the field of personnel management, focus on the assessment of learning processes and its new aspects, the emergence of which is associated both with the development of learning formats and technologies, and with changes in regulatory and legal requirements for the content and conditions for the implementation of educational programs. The study made it possible to determine the main contours of the assessment of educational programs in the field of personnel management, including indicators and criteria of efficiency, subjects of assessment, the possibility of increasing the level of innovation, as well as to highlight a number of areas for further development and refinement of assessment elements, including the integration of formats and assessment results the effectiveness of educational programs conducted by various subjects and having a different nature of the obligation (state accreditation, independent professional and public accreditation), reflected in the criteria and procedures for assessing the increase in the use of new educational technologies, taking into account delayed learning outcomes.
Business Models and Their Role in the Integration of International Quality Management Standards in the Activities of the Organization
Authors: Smetanina T. , Kuznecov A. , Perfil'eva M.
Published: January 2022

All organizations involved in creating added value can be described using business models that represent their activities in an aggregated form. The business model answers an important business question about its value and effectiveness. The relationship of the business model with the quality management system (QMS) of the organization expands its ability to create a competitive business unit. If the organization's quality management system complies with international standards (ISO), then the level of competitiveness of a given business unit can be defined as international. Integration processes taking place in socio-economic relations provide for a significant role of standards in the activities of organizations that meet world standards. By creating a chain of interconnection of business models with the QMS, it is possible to increase the international and global level of sustainability of business units, as well as the territories in which they are located. The consequence of these processes is the increase in the efficiency of the implementation of development strategies and the reduction of risks caused by the loss of economic security.
Wyniki badań nieinwazyjnych na zamkach krzyżackich w Starogrodzie, Unisławiu, Zamku Bierzgłowskim i Lipienku
Authors: Misiewicz Krzysztof , Bogacki Miron , Małkowski Wiesław , Wiewióra Marcin , Cisło Radosław
Published: January 2022

W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki badań nieinwazyjnych, realizowanych w ramach projektu naukowego pt. „Castra Terrae Culmensis – na rubieży chrześcijańskiego świata”. Obejmowały one szerokopłaszczyznowe rozpoznanie za pomocą pomiarów magnetometrycznych i geofizycznych oraz naziemny skaning laserowy, które stanowiły podstawą do badań archeologicznych, prowadzonych w 2017 i 2018 roku.
Corporate Diversification and Risk: Portfolio Effects and Resource Redeployability
Authors: Sakhartov Arkadiy V.
Published: January 2022

By analogy with portfolio diversification by stock market investors, managers and researchers have often expected that firms that spread operations across product or geographic markets reduce risk. However, numerous exploratory studies in corporate strategy and in international business have not been able to robustly confirm this expectation. This study develops a formal model to scrutinize implications of corporate diversification for corporate risk. The model incorporates the key distinction of corporate diversification, economies of scope, that qualifies the analogy between corporate and portfolio diversification. The presence of a particular type of economies of scope, resource redeployability, not only inherently increases risk but it can also raise risk over the level in undiversified firms. The model uses determinants of resource redeployability from previous research to derive conditions with which corporate diversification enhances risk. The developed elaborate operationalization of corporate risk should facilitate future research and help corporate managers.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2021.0154 .
Safeguarding in the dental practice
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: January 2022

Priya Sharma outlines the types of abuse and the responsibilities of dental professionals
Tipping point
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: January 2022

With the amount of changes brought about in the sector recently, it is timely in the first month of 2022 to look back even further at the changes the workforce has been through before, which sparks a sense of déjà vu during the current circumstances.
A whole lot of holes
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: January 2022

The first book that comes to mind when thinking about ‘books with holes’ is the classic picture book by Eric Carle, starring a certain hungry caterpillar, but there are many more featured here, along with activities to inspire communication and language skills.
Here be dragons!
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: January 2022

National Storytelling Week is 30th January – 6th February. Here we stimulate children's natural affinity for storytelling with a range of dragon-themed ideas. These powerful creatures have fired our collective imaginations since time immemorial. A dragon story promises an epic, thrilling and magical adventure into the land of myths and dreams.