Crosstalk between Mu-Opioid receptors and neuroinflammation: Consequences for drug addiction and pain

2022

Mu-Opioid Receptors (MORs) are well-known for participating in analgesia, sedation, drug addiction, and other physiological functions. Although MORs have been related to neuroinflammation their biological mechanism remains unclear. It is suggested that MORs work alongside Toll-Like Receptors to enhance the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines during pathological conditions. Some cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, have been postulated to regulate MORs levels by both avoiding MOR recycling and enhancing its production. In addition, Neurokinin-1 Receptor, also affected during neuroinflammation, could be regulating MOR trafficking. Therefore, inflammation in the central …

Capelli identities on algebras with involution or graded involution

2022

We present recent results about Capelli polynomials with involution or graded involution and their asymptotics. In the associative case, the asymptotic equality between the codimensions of the T -ideal generated by the Capelli polynomial of rank k2 + 1 and the codimensions of the matrix algebra Mk(F) was proved. This result was extended to superalgebras. Recently, similar results have been determined by the authors in the case of algebras with involution and superalgebras with graded involution.

Biocultural conflicts: understanding complex interconnections between a traditional ceremony and threatened carnivores in north Kenya

2022

Abstract Biological and cultural diversity are inextricably linked and rapidly eroding worldwide. As a response, many conservation efforts foster synergies between cultural and biological diversity agendas through biocultural approaches. However, such approaches do not always address biocultural conflicts, where certain cultural practices can lead to biodiversity loss and, in turn, threaten the continuance of such practices. In this study, we examined a biocultural conflict in the Dimi ceremony, the most important rite of passage of the Daasanach agro-pastoralists of north Kenya, in which skins from threatened carnivore species are used extensively as traditional ornaments. We quantified th…

Language, (em)power(ment) and affective capitalism : the case of an entrepreneurship workshop for refugees in Germany

2022

Abstract This paper seeks to advance research on the nexus of language, work-related training and affective capitalism by focusing on an entrepreneurship workshop organized for newly arrived refugees in Germany. Despite the occupational orientation, the primary objective of the workshop was not establishing a business but “empowering” the participants by guiding them to adopt “an entrepreneurial mindset”. To delve deeper into this ‘will to empower’, the study brings together the perspectives of governmentality studies, ethnography, discourse studies and affect studies. To investigate in more detail the evocation of the ‘entrepreneurial mindset’, the study draws on ethnographic data collecte…

Patrimonio storico e accessibilità dei centri minori del Parco delle Madonie in Sicilia

2022

Il massiccio montuoso appenninico delle Madonie, sito nella costa settentrionale siciliana tra i fiumi Imera e Pollina, accoglie nei suoi 39.679 ettari ben 21 centri storici minori sparsi, custodi di un patrimonio di tradizioni e valori che costituiscono l’identità dei luoghi, ormai affidata esclusivamente alla memoria collettiva di una popolazione sempre più anziana e inattiva. Posizionati tra l’altitudine minima del paese di Alimena di 218m s.l.m. e la massima di Geraci Siculo di 1.077m s.l.m., i piccoli e grandi borghi si dispongono da costa a monte, distanti dai grandi centri di agglomerazione urbana e di servizio. Caratterizzati da un patrimonio edilizio fortemente legato alle tradizio…

Can the Combination of Rehabilitation and Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms at All Ages?

2022

Several studies have indicated a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and widespread chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia. During this study, the effect of supplementation with vitamin D in association with physical exercise in patients with fibromyalgia was evaluated, in terms of improvement of pain, functional capacity and quality of life, also evaluating the presence of any differences in age. A single-center, observational, comparative study was conducted in 80 fibromyalgia patients. They are randomized into 2 groups: Group A, consisting of patients ≤50 years; and group B, consisting of patients >50 years. Both received weekly supplementation with 50,000 IU cholecalcifero…

Proteus: Adverbial multi-word expressions in Italian and their cognate counterparts in -mente

2022

Abstract: This contribution focuses on Italian adverbs ending in -mente (e.g. lussuosamente ‘luxuriously’) with an analytic counterpart (a multi-word expression, MWE) which is etymologically related and it is capable of equally performing the adverbial function (e.g. di lusso). Two sentences diverging only in this regard have the same truth values and they entail each other. Morphologically, such adverbial MWEs are formed by a preposition which is followed by a noun/adjective sharing the content morpheme of the -mente adverb. However, in some contexts the cognate –mente adverb cannot replace its MWE. For instance, only adjectival MWEs can be used as predicates in copular constructions (La f…

The Indicator Role of Algae in Assessing the Organic Pollution in the Lena River Delta, the Russian Arctic

2022

The Lena River forms a delta, one of the largest in the world. The entire territory of the delta is part of the Ust-Lensky State Natural Reserve. The delta is located beyond the Arctic Circle in a continuous permafrost zone. The delta is crossed by numerous channels and has lakes, streams, hollows, and swamps. In the Russian Arctic sector, ambitious plans for the development of the oil industries are being implemented. This study goal was to determine the species composition of algae in the Lena River delta and to use their properties as indicators of organic water pollution as evidence of water ecosystem stress. The results of the study revealed 700 species from 10 phyla. Statistical analy…

Studying close entity encounters of the psychedelic kind: Insights from the cognitive evolutionary science of religion

2022

This article calls for a more robust mutual engagement between the science of psychedelic experiences (SPE) and the cognitive evolutionary science of religion (CESR). Greater collaboration between researchers in these disciplines could open up opportunities for producing new knowledge not only about the human brain and the therapeutic effects of psychedelics, but also about the evolution of our species and our prospects for creatively enjoying our minds and peacefully living in pluralistic groups in a rapidly changing global environment. However, there are at least three major challenges facing the recently renewed field of SPE: 1) articulating adequate theoretical grounding for its researc…

Investigating young Finnish CLIL pupils’ perceptions of foreign language use through visual narratives

2022

Abstract This article explores how pupils in early CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) education perceive language skills and use. The participants were 25 French-medium and 16 English-medium CLIL pupils in Grade 2 (aged 8 years). They had received CLIL education since the 1st Grade. The data were visual narratives drawn by the pupils and some associated open-ended questions they answered in writing. The data were analyzed using visual and content analysis. The results show that the pupils’ perceptions of language were a combination of traditional and modern views of language. The pupils compartmentalized the different languages as separate entities. They mostly saw language bei…

The Idea Machine: LLM-based Expansion, Rewriting, Combination, and Suggestion of Ideas

2022

We introduce the Idea Machine, a creativity support tool that leverages large language models (LLMs) to empower people engaged in idea generation tasks. The tool includes a number of affordances that can be used to enable various levels of automation and intelligent support. Each idea entered into the system can be expanded, rewritten, or combined with other ideas or concepts. An idea suggestion mode can also be enabled to make the system proactively suggest ideas.

A Comprehensive Model for Hydraulic Analysis and Wetting Patterns Simulation under Subsurface Drip Laterals

2022

In the absence of suitable specialized models to simulate the soil wetting patterns in subsurface drip irrigation systems considering the hydraulic conditions along the laterals, a new model was developed and named a “comprehensive model” in this study. This model couples the subsurface drip irrigation lateral characteristics with the soil hydraulic properties and utilizes the Hydrus-3D software as a complementary section of the model to simulate the wetting front beneath the lateral. To evaluate the model, three 16 mm drip-line pipes of 62 m length with 20, 40, and 50 cm spacing emitters and 2 to 5 L/h discharge were buried at 0.2 m depth in a soil box containing clay loamy soil. Then, the…

Fractional Calculus as a New Perspective in the Viscoelastic Behaviour of the Intervertebral Disc

2022

The spinal column is the load-bearing structure of the human being along with its components, which together build a strong, resistant, and stable structure, but there are a few different pathologies from which it can suffer, such as herniated discs. The intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber and ensures the spine’s great capacity to support high loads and different states of stress, thanks to its viscoelastic properties. Some studies have attempted to describe the viscoelastic behaviour of the intervertebral disc using classical rheological models, such as the Kelvin-Voigt, or multi-parameter models. Even if these models partially describe the viscoelastic response of disc, all visco…

Effect of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Concentration on Polymeric Scaffolds Based on Blends of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and PHA Prepared via Thermally…

2022

Hybrid porous scaffolds composed of both natural and synthetic biopolymers have demonstrated significant improvements in the tissue engineering field. This study investigates for the first time the fabrication route and characterization of poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds blended with polyhydroxyalkanoate up to 30 wt%. The hybrid scaffolds were prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method starting from ternary solutions. The microstructure of the hybrid porous structures was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and related to the blend composition. The porosity and the wettability of the scaffolds were evaluated through gravimetric and water contact angle measurements, respective…

The King’s Lace Bug Recaredus rex Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae): Systematic Position, First Palaearctic and Afrotropical Rec…

2022

The systematic position and actual distribution of Recaredus rex, for a long time one of the most enigmatic lace bug genus and species, is very obscure because only the type specimen and three other individuals from India are known to date. In the present paper, we report the first records of R. rex from the Palaearctic region (Iran) and tropical Africa (Ghana). Based on the occurrence localities and climatic variables, we predict potentially useful ecological niches for this species using Maxent software. The areas with the best environmental conditions for R. rex indicated in our studies suggest its possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we regard these results as a good starting…

Effects of density, species interactions, and environmental stochasticity on the dynamics of British bird communities

2022

Our knowledge of the factors affecting species abundances is mainly based on time-series analyses of a few well-studied species at single or few localities, but we know little about whether results from such analyses can be extrapolated to the community level. We apply a joint species distribution model to long-term time-series data on British bird communities to examine the relative contribution of intra- and interspecific density dependence at different spatial scales, as well as the influence of environmental stochasticity, to spatiotemporal interspecific variation in abundance. Intraspecific density dependence has the major structuring effect on these bird communities. In addition, envi…

Table-Grape Cultivation in Soil-Less Systems: A Review

2022

Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is considered to be one of the most popular fruit crops in the world. Italy is the leading table-grape producer in the EU and is the main European exporting country. However, to stay competitive, new solutions and perspectives, including varietal renovation, are now needed in addition to the already well-established Italian table-grape production lines consisting of conventional open-field cultivation and greenhouse cultivation. One of these new perspectives is represented by the development of table-grape soil-less cultivation systems (TGSC) under greenhouse. In fact, TGSC systems are alleged to offer many advantages in terms of the advancement of berry matu…

Revisiting the Duration Dependence in the US Stock Market Cycles

2022

There is a big controversy among both investment professionals and academics regarding how the termination probability of a market state depends on its age. Using more than two centuries of data on the broad US stock market index, we revisit the duration dependence in bull and bear markets. Our results suggest that the duration dependence for both bull and bear markets is a nonlinear function of the state age. It appears that the duration dependence in bear markets is strictly positive. For 93% of the bull markets, the duration dependence is also positive. Only about 7% of the bull markets, those with the longest durations, do not exhibit positive duration dependence. We also compare a few …

Assessment of the moisturizing potential of a two-phase topical care product containing vegetable oils, glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate -…

2022

The presence of moisturizing substances and lipid substances determines the integrity of the epidermis cells and their barrier functions because it protects the interior of the body against environmental changes: temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and the effects of detergents. In this study, we performed a non-invasive, preliminary evaluation of the effects of a biphasic facial skin care product containing plant oils, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol on skin hydration levels and transepidermal water loss compared to a control group using only shea butter. The topical care product formed as a two-phase emulsion was tested. The research was carried out with the …

Prevalence and Prognostic Role of IDH Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results of the GIMEMA AML1516 Protocol

2022

Simple Summary IDH1/2 mutations are a common event in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and represent a therapeutic target. We designed the GIMEMA AML1516 observational protocol to examine the prevalence of IDH1/2 mutations and the associations between IDH mutations and clinico-biological parameters in a cohort of Italian patients affected by AML. By analyzing 284 consecutive adult AML patients, we confirmed that IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are frequently detected-14% and 18%, respectively-at diagnosis. IDH1/2 mutations were significantly associated with an inferior performance status and non-complex karyotype when compared to IDH1/2-WT. With regards to the outcome, in the subset of IDH1/2-mutated p…

Comparative evaluation of incorporation calcium silicate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles on biomimetic dentin remineralization and bioactivity in…

2022

This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization potential and bioactivity of adhesives, containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and calcium silicate (CS) nanoparticles (NPs).In this study, dentin slices (n=60) were prepared and etched with phosphoric acid. Next, they were divided into two groups: pre- and post-immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for three weeks. The two groups were also divided into five subgroups (n=6 per subgroup), including the control (0 wt.% NPs); adhesives containing 1 wt.% and 2.5 wt.% (CS) nanoparticles; and adhesives containing 1 wt.% and 2.5 wt.% ACP nanoparticles. The remineralization potential and bioactivity of the adhesives were evaluated. The she…

Validity and feasibility of remote measurement systems for functional movement and posture assessments in people with axial spondylarthritis

2022

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the criterion validity of functional movement and posture measurement using remote technology systems in people with and without Axial spondylarthritis (axSpA). Methods: Validity and agreement of the remote-technology measurement of functional movement and posture were tested cross-sectionally and compared to a standard clinical measurement by a physiotherapist. The feasibility of remote implementation was tested in a home environment. There were two cohorts of participants: people with axSpA and people without longstanding back pain. In addition, a cost-consequence analysis was performed. Results: Sixty-two participants (31 with axSPA, 53% female,…

Uniformity Dressed as Diversity? Reorienting female associate professors

2022

The Norwegian Research Council has, via the research programme Balanse Programmet, funded research as well as practice-oriented initiatives for increasing the representation of women in research leadership positions (Lund, 2020). In this chapter we explore the experience of female associate professors with practice-oriented equality promoting initiatives, specifically that of preliminary evaluations, at one Norwegian higher education institution. We investigate whether, how and with what consequences preliminary evaluations speed up female associate professors’ processes of becoming full professors. To make sense of the effects of this initiative, we use Sara Ahmed’s (2004, 2006) affective …

Children’s beliefs concerning their school performance at the end of the first grade in Finland

2022

This study examines primary-school children’s beliefs about their school performance at the end of their first school year in Finland and feedback that they have received, and furthermore possible gender differences between these beliefs. Children from Grade 1 (N = 544), approximately 7 years old, were interviewed. The data were assessed using problem-driven content analyzis and inductive reasoning. The analyzis revealed ten categories of children’s beliefs regarding their school success and failure. The results showed that more than one-third of the children believed that they were succeeding well at school. More boys than girls mentioned that they succeeded in mathematics, and more girls …

An Endemic Plant of the Mediterranean Area: Phytochemical Characterization of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits Extracts at Different Ripenin…

2022

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compoun…

The infinite dihedral group

2022

We describe the infinite dihedral group as automaton group. We collect basic results and give full proofs in details for all statements.

Changes in Funding and the Intensification of Gender Inequalities in Research and Innovation

2022

publishedVersion Peer reviewed

Actitudes de los docentes hacia la educación inclusiva. Análisis de las variables que influyen en su configuración

2022

El propósito de este trabajo fue analizar las actitudes de los docentes hacia la educación inclusiva en educación infantil y primaria, y determinar algunos de los factores que infuyen en la confguración de estas actitudes. Ciento veintiocho docentes de diferentesescuelas de la Comunidad Valenciana (España) completaron un cuestionario que evalúa las actitudes del profesorado hacia la inclusión. Se analizó mediante un ANOVA la infuencia del puesto de trabajo (maestro/a generalista o especialista de educación especial) y del modelo inclusivo de centro educativo donde desarrollaban su trabajo. Asimismo, se realizaron correlaciones entre las actitudes hacia la inclusión, y dos variables sobre la…

Phenotypic and Immunometabolic Aspects on Stem Cell Memory and Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells

2022

The immune system, smartly and surprisingly, saves the exposure of a particular pathogen in its memory and reacts to the pathogen very rapidly, preventing serious diseases.Immunologists have long been fascinated by understanding the ability to recall and respond faster and more vigorously to a pathogen, known as “memory”.T-cell populations can be better described by using more sophisticated techniques to define phenotype, transcriptional and epigenetic signatures and metabolic pathways (single-cell resolution), which uncovered the heterogeneity of the memory T-compartment. Phenotype, effector functions, maintenance, and metabolic pathways help identify these different subsets. Here, we exam…

Assessment of Physical Fitness and Risk Factors for the Occurrence of the Frailty Syndrome among Social Welfare Homes’ Residents over 60 Years of Age…

2022

The study aimed at assessing physical fitness and occurrence of the frailty syndrome among social welfare homes’ residents as well as defining factors which determine the level of frailty and its occurrence. The examination included 198 residents (115 females and 83 males of average age 75.5 ± 10.21) and was carried out with the use of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test with the following cut-off points: 0–6—frail, 7–9—pre-frail, 10–12—non-frail. The research additionally collected data regarding age, gender, number of chronic diseases, education level, type of prior work and current physical activity. In addition, the height …

Crypto-assets and crypto-assets’ subcategories under MiCA Regulation

2022

Computational methods and theory for ion channel research

2022

Ion channels are fundamental biological devices that act as gates in order to ensure selective ion transport across cellular membranes; their operation constitutes the molecular mechanism through which basic biological functions, such as nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction, are carried out. Here, we review recent results in the field of computational research on ion channels, covering theoretical advances, state-of-the-art simulation approaches, and frontline modeling techniques. We also report on few selected applications of continuum and atomistic methods to characterize the mechanisms of permeation, selectivity, and gating in biological and model channels.

Tutkimuksia ammatillisesta koulutuksesta ja inhimillisestä pääomasta yli elinkaaren

2022

Progressive right ventricular dysfunction and exercise impairment in patients with heart failure and diabetes mellitus: insights from the T.O.S.CA. R…

2022

Abstract Background Findings from the T.O.S.CA. Registry recently reported that patients with concomitant chronic heart failure (CHF) and impairment of insulin axis (either insulin resistance—IR or diabetes mellitus—T2D) display increased morbidity and mortality. However, little information is available on the relative impact of IR and T2D on cardiac structure and function, cardiopulmonary performance, and their longitudinal changes in CHF. Methods Patients enrolled in the T.O.S.CA. Registry performed echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test at baseline and at a patient-average follow-up of 36 months. Patients were divided into three groups based on the degree of insulin impairmen…

Validation of a questionnaire for young women to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards cervical screening and vaccination against HPV: su…

2022

Normal 0 14 false false false IT X-NONE X-NONE Background: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire in young women ≥18 years as tool to examine knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards screening and vaccination against HPV and reliable source of information. Methods: Reliability analysis was tested and content validity was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha to check internal consistency with the intention to obtain no misunderstanding results. The questionnaire - composed by n. 3 section for a total of n. 69 items- was administered to 30 girls. The study was conducted in 4 Italian cities: Ferrara, Rome, Cassino and Palermo and data were col…

The Circularity of MSW in Urban Landscapes: An Evaluation Method for a Sustainable System Implementation

2022

The debate on the sustainable perspective of a circular economy and MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) management is no longer focused on the resolution of an emergency and on the pure technicality of creating efficient services. New light has been shed on the operational phase, as often unresolvable technical-environmental issues during service management lead to a state of decay, affecting urban vulnerability and users’ involvement. The research aims to develop an auxiliary tool for public administrations in planning a zero-waste future whilst enhancing the urban landscape. This study considers the perspective of virtuous management of the resource flow cycle along with evaluating implementable …