Search

The term “España Vaciada” has recently been coined to define the long-term trend of depopulation in Spain´s inland areas. It has gained traction as it spilled over from a local issue to the national agenda. At the same time, the European Union has made steps to give greater prevalence to the topic of demographic decline. This article maps out and provides a narrative of the failed attempts of territorial mobilisation around this issue since 2016. It examines a number of territorial actors as they try to are shape both Spain´s Demographic strategy against demographic decline as well as their rent-seeking efforts towards EU Cohesion Policy post 2020 by way of maps and a novel definition. They try to address the same territorial challenge, the growing depopulation of vast areas of inland Spain, but are unable to coalesce around common solutions due to their different priorities and approaches.

This article aims to provide an analysis of the European Union's response to the coronavirus crisis, particularly in relation to multilevel relations with Member States. The mainly financial response to the crisis and the political and legal readings of it are examined. The Coronavirus is conceived as an accelerator of the integration process. The possible need for expansion of competencies and the performance of institutions are considered. The Next Generation EU recovery plan is examined and specifically the post-COVID-19 structural reforms. Finally, the validity of multilevel constitutionalism in the times of coronavirus is examined under the Weiss judgment of the German constitutional court.

Abstract The present study aims to investigate the low-energy consumption and high-efficiency removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions. The designed adsorbent Fe/TBC was synthesized by impregnating iron on torrefaction henequen fibers. Isothermal adsorption experiments indicated maximum adsorption capacities of 7.30 mg/g and 8.98 mg/g for arsenic(V) at 25.0 °C and 40.0 °C, respectively. The interference testing showed that elevated levels of pH, HCO3 − concentration, and humic acid content in the solution could inhibit the adsorption of arsenic by Fe/TBC. Characterization of the adsorbent before and after adsorption using FTIR and SEM–EDS techniques confirmed arsenic adsorption mechanisms, including pore filling, electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, and H-bond adhesion. Column experiments were conducted to treat arsenic-spiked water and natural groundwater, with effective treatment volumes of 550 mL and 8792 mL, respectively. Lastly, the life cycle assessment (LCA) using OpenLCA 2.0.3 software was performed to treat 1 m3 of natural groundwater as the functional unit. The results indicated relatively significant environmental impacts during the Fe/TBC synthesis stage. The global warming potential resulting from the entire life cycle process was determined to be 0.8 kg CO2-eq. The results from batch and column experiments, regeneration studies, and LCA analysis indicate that Fe/TBC could be a promising adsorbent for arsenic(V).

Abstract The adhesion receptor vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin transduces an array of signals that modulate crucial lymphatic cell behaviors including permeability and cytoskeletal remodeling. Consequently, VE-cadherin must interact with a multitude of intracellular proteins to exert these functions. Yet, the full protein interactome of VE-cadherin in endothelial cells remains a mystery. Here, we use proximity proteomics to illuminate how the VE-cadherin interactome changes during junctional reorganization from dis-continuous to continuous junctions, triggered by the lymphangiogenic factor adrenomedullin. These analyses identified interactors that reveal roles for ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and the exocyst complex in VE-cadherin trafficking and recycling. We also identify a requisite role for VE-cadherin in the in vitro and in vivo control of secretion of reelin—a lymphangiocrine glycoprotein with recently appreciated roles in governing heart development and injury repair. This VE-cadherin protein interactome shines light on mechanisms that control adherens junction remodeling and secretion from lymphatic endothelial cells.

ABSTRACT Purpose We assessed the prognostic impact of the 2012 Briganti nomogram on prostate cancer (PCa) progression in intermediate-risk (IR) patients presenting with PSA

Abstract The presented work discusses issues related to the use of modern multiphase topologies of Dual Active Bridge (DAB)‐type converters. Converters of this type are widely used in most DC microgrid applications. The introduction emphasizes a comparative analysis between single‐phase and multi‐phase DAB topologies within high‐power DC microgrids, delving into their respective advantages, drawbacks, design procedures, and considerations based on the latest knowledge. The publication explores the comparison and selection of viable topologies for deployment in high‐power and high‐efficiency DC microgrids. The unified method of controlling 1‐phase and multi‐phase DAB converters was proposed in this design, simplifying the issues of DC microgrid control. All topologies were tested on the same controller concept. The study performs laboratory investigation of DAB 1‐phase and 3‐phase: Star–Star, and Star–Delta topologies. Attention was paid to maintaining uniform operating conditions of the system, contrary to studies known from the literature, all tests were carried out on the same laboratory stand and the same magnetic components in different configurations. Analytical and laboratory analyses of the Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) region were performed, accounting for non‐linear phenomena. Based on these findings, an assessment of the system's performance in soft switching was carried out. The presented results were implemented in a simulation model and subsequently validated through tests on a constructed laboratory setup to ensure the proper operation of the system. This work meticulously presents and discusses variations in efficiency, dynamic response, phase current harmonic distribution, phase shift distribution, ZVS switching region, and more among the examined topologies. To ensure a fair comparison, the converter configuration for both simulation and laboratory models utilized identical components across all configurations.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the horse still yield suboptimal results in terms of pregnancy rates. One of the reasons for this is the lack of optimal conditions for the sperm capacitation in vitro. This study assesses the use of synthetic human tubal fluid (HTF) supplemented with D-penicillamine (HTF + PEN) for the in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa by examining capacitation-related events over 180 min of incubation. Besides these events, we explored the in vitro capacity of the spermatozoa to migrate by thermotaxis and give rise to a population of high-quality spermatozoa. We found that HTF induced higher levels of hyperactive-like motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) compared to the use of a medium commonly used in this species (Whitten’s). Also, HTF + PEN was able to maintain this hyperactive-like motility, otherwise lost in the absence of PEN, for 180 min, and also allowed for sperm selection by thermotaxis in vitro. Remarkably, the selected fraction was enriched in spermatozoa showing PTP along the whole flagellum and lower levels of DNA fragmentation when compared to the unselected fraction (38% ± 11% vs 4.4% ± 1.1% and 4.2% ± 0.4% vs 11% ± 2% respectively, t-test p < 0.003, n = 6). This procedure of in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa in HTF + PEN followed by in vitro sperm selection by thermotaxis represents a promising sperm preparation strategy for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in this species.

Problem statementGoal orientations, which influence learning and motivation, are categorized into task orientation (focused on skill development and personal mastery) and ego orientation (focused on outperforming others and gaining recognition). This study aims to explore how different demographics perceive success in martial arts.Approach and purposeThe research questions focused on identifying correlations between perceptions of success and demographic factors: (1) sex, (2) age, (3) type of martial art practiced, and (4) nationality. These factors were examined to understand their impact on success perceptions among martial arts practitioners.Materials and methodsThe study utilized the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) to gather data from 268 participants—142 from Poland and 126 from Ukraine—selected through voluntary participation. Statistical analyses included standard deviation, coefficient of variability, Spearman’s rank correlation, and ANOVA for multifactor analysis.ResultsThe study revealed a weak correlation between the type of martial art practiced and perception of success (rs = 0.38), indicating that the style of martial art has limited influence on success perception. There was a weak correlation between nationality and perception of success (rs = 0.20), suggesting cultural factors do not play a role. A strong correlation was found between age and perception of success (rs = 0.80), highlighting how perceptions evolve with age. A significant correlation was also found between sex and perception of success (rs = 0.90), which may reflect broader cultural patterns influenced by globalization.ConclusionWhile the study identifies important demographic correlations affecting perceptions of success in martial arts, the findings are constrained by the sample size and demographic distribution, which limits the generalizability of the results. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is recommended to deepen understanding.

IntroductionThe identification of baseline prognostic factors in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma could help in tailoring a risk-based approach as the therapeutic landscape expands. Currently, the International Prognostic Score (IPS) represents the most used prediction tool in clinical practice, but other potential baseline risk predictors have been identified.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis in a cohort of 274 patients treated with 18FDG-PET/CT-guided ABVD to assess the prognostic significance of the IPS risk factors, and to validate the impact of the peripheral blood lymphocyte to monocyte (LMR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) ratios on prognosis definition.ResultsAmong the considered risk factors, stage IV disease (HR 1.83), leukocytosis (HR 2.28), anemia (HR 3.23) and low LMR (HR 2.01) significantly predicted PFS, whereas male sex (HR 2.93), stage IV disease (HR 3.00) and lymphopenia (HR 7.84) significantly predicted OS. A 4 variable and a 3 variable prognostic system was subsequently proposed for PFS and OS, respectively. In both cases, a stark decrease in the survival probability was documented as the score increased. Moreover, by selecting only the significant IPS items and considering a more recently proposed prognostic factor (LMR) we were able to better identify patients at higher risk of relapsing after PET/CT-guided ABVD.DiscussionAlthough the IPS was still able to identify a subgroup of high-risk patients within our cohort of individuals treated with PET/CT-guided ABVD, not all the risk factors that it considers were found to have an impact on survival times. Moreover, by selecting only the significant IPS items and considering a more recently proposed prognostic factor (LMR) we were able to better identify patients at higher risk of relapse, in an effort to contribute to the building of a modern risk prediction tool that can help guide treatment choices.

Introduction: A part of the admissions to the intensive care unit are made up of adults in middle age (between 40 and 59 years old). Objectives: Characterize the mature adult admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, in the intensive care unit with a series of 1214 patients. The following were studied: age, sex, type of admission, APACHE II upon admission, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, mortality and direct cause of death. Statistical methods: Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, chi-square tests and Student's t test; 5 % significance level was stated. Results: The mean age was 50.9 ± 5.3 years. The age group 50-59 years (61.9 %) and the male sex (60.0 %) predominated. 55.3 % were discharged alive. There was a significant difference between the mean ages between those who died and those who were discharged alive (p< 0.0001). Clinical admission was awarded the highest number of admissions (65.0 %). The mean APACHE II value was 14.5 ± 7.6; in the deceased it was higher (20.0 vs. 10.0). 58.5 % of patients did not receive mechanical ventilation. The average stay was 6.6 days, longer in those who died (7.8 vs. 5.6). The main cause of death was severe cerebral edema (22.6 %). Conclusions: The age group 50-59 years predominates, the male sex, the cause of admission was clinical, the APACHE II value = 15 points, the stay = 7 days, requiring MV and being discharged alive; the direct cause of death is intense cerebral edema.

Research on deep learning-powered voice conversion (VC) in speech-to-speech scenarios are gaining increasing popularity. Although many of the works in the field of voice conversion share a common global pipeline, there is considerable diversity in the underlying structures, methods, and neural sub-blocks used across research efforts. Thus, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the choice of the different methods included when training voice conversion models can be challenging, and the actual hurdles in the proposed solutions are often unclear. To shed light on these aspects, this paper presents a scoping review that explores the use of deep learning in speech analysis, synthesis, and disentangled speech representation learning within modern voice conversion systems. We screened 628 publications from more than 38 venues between 2017 and 2023, followed by an in-depth review of a final database of 130 eligible studies. Based on the review, we summarise the most frequently used approaches to voice conversion based on deep learning and highlight common pitfalls. We condense the knowledge gathered to identify main challenges, supply solutions grounded in the analysis and provide recommendations for future research directions.

Purpose: We describe the case of an 80-year-old man with bilateral minocycline-induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) hyperpigmentation, which initially masqueraded as AMD. Secondarily, using multimodal imaging features, we propose a mechanism for the development of minocycline-induced RPE hyperpigmentation. Observations: The patient was referred with concern for AMD given the presence of macular drusenoid deposits on optical coherence tomography. However, funduscopic evaluation showed dense granular parafoveal hyperpigmentation, with a diffuse slate-colored hyperpigmentation throughout the peripheral fundus. Short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence of the macula disclosed no irregularities (as would be expected with drusen) while on near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging, numerous hyperreflective foci were noted corresponding to the hyperpigmented granules observed clinically (as would instead be seen with melanin deposits). Clinical examination was notable for blue-gray hyperpigmentation of the lower and upper extremities, as well as of the face, periorbital skin, and sclera. Upon further questioning, the patient disclosed daily oral minocycline use for 15 years for acne rosacea, confirming a diagnosis of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation of the RPE. Conclusions: Multimodal imaging can be useful for differentiating minocycline-induced RPE hyperpigmentation from similar masquerade entities. Timely diagnosis can prevent progressive vision loss.

In times when the humanities at large have suffered reductions in enrollments, the ability to build student communities has been seminal to the survival of many departments. Building student communities for language departments in particular includes planning conversation hours, movie nights, and cultural events aimed at attracting students and raising retention rates. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has forced departments across the country to modify not only their course formats but also the events offered outside of the regular teaching schedule. In this article, we discuss the shift that the Italian Language Program at Indiana University Bloomington decided to apply to our community-building activities during and after the transition from in-person to an online mode of instruction. To translate several events planned for the rest of the spring 2020 semester into an online environment, we had to resort to the extensive use of social media, such as Instagram and Facebook. Moreover, it was necessary to find creative ways to completely rethink our outreach efforts while still being relevant. Through a tight collaboration among language instructors, we invented and implemented a series of new activities (such as online bingo and cooking lessons) as well as translated those that were crucial for our program to exist and thrive into an online environment. A karaoke project that was originally intended to be the highlight of the academic year presented the greatest challenge in organization and modification; and yet, with creativity and an open-minded attitude, we managed to successfully finish the project with high student participation.

Background: Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (GI-NENs) represent a diverse group of tumors, with surgical resection being the gold standard for treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 63 patients (32 women, 31 men) who underwent surgery for GI-NENs at the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery from January 2013 to June 2023. Tumors were classified by stage (localized, regionally advanced, metastatic). Results: Clinical symptoms were reported by 42 (66.7%) patients, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom, affecting 28 (44.4%) patients. The majority of tumors (44, 69.8%) originated in the midgut. The most frequently performed surgery was right hemicolectomy, carried out on 33 (52.4%) patients. Radical tumor resection was performed in 35 (55.6%) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 (19%) patients, with male gender identified as an independent predictive factor for complications (p = 0.04). Non-functioning tumors were more common (33, 52.4%), and most tumors were classified as grade 1 histopathologically (49, 77.8%). Distant metastases were present in 29 (46%) patients. The overall two-year survival rate was 94.9%, with a five-year survival rate also estimated at 94.9%. Conclusions: GI-NENs are often diagnosed at advanced stages, frequently with distant or lymph node metastases, and predominantly arise in the midgut. Despite low postoperative morbidity and mortality, male gender may be a predictor of postoperative complications. Overall, the prognosis for GI-NENs is favorable, reflected in high overall survival rates.

Electro technical kits have many positive effects in school education, suitably supplement as well as support it, and are also one of its subject matters. Considering the fast, global development information technology is experiencing, there is a growing need to combine computer systems and electro technical kits in education. This assists in the process of digitization, too, which asserts itself in the conditions set for educating children as early as in nursery schools. The constructivist concept of education is based on the activities of students which lead to the development of their cognitive skills, thinking, and creativity; the issues of motivation, activity, independence, creativity, and humanizing education are appreciated; respect is given to the notion that students interpret new facts on the basis of understanding what they learned previously; of their existing knowledge and experiences. These mental structures constitute patterns which serve as a foundation for new, constructed knowledge. When a teacher assumes the constructivist approach to education, they assess and diagnose the students' dispositions and attitudes to the expected content and to the manner of its processing. Subsequently, the teacher adapts their approach to these results. It is the teacher's responsibility to establish suitable conditions and materials for education to take place, to make it easier for students to construct new knowledge as a part of their education, to respect their individual traits and pace, ensure that the students are active, and combine their knowledge with activities and skills -- all of this can be ideally combined by using of electro technical kits. The paper presents the results of past research surveys which were conducted in relation to incorporating electrical engineering into education, and of the effectiveness of the implemented education in the practical reality of teaching which includes using electro technical kits as one of the basic didactic training tools in this sphere of technics. One subject of discussion also includes the condition/the current state of implementing education in the primary school environment.

This article examines an academically oriented peer-mentoring program at St. John's University. The program targeted at-risk first-year students who were having difficulty making the transition to college and matched them with trained student mentors within their major discipline. In addition to meeting with one another bi-weekly, all of the students came together for a series of organized events over the course of the academic year. The goals of the program were that mentees would (1) feel an increased sense of belonging at the university, (2) raise their GPAs, and (3) show improved retention to the second year. After examining how successful the program was relative to these goals, the authors recommend some best practices for peer-mentoring programs. These recommendations are based on both features of the program in the study that contributed to its success and areas where the program could have been improved based on the results.

Psoriasis induces systemic atherosclerosis, but its impact on cerebrovascular function remains unclear. However, stroke prevention must be considered in psoriasis, as it is commonly comorbid with classic cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess cerebral microvasculature function and its confounders in patients with psoriasis. The study protocol included cerebral autoregulation assessment with measurements of vasomotor reactivity reserve (VMRr) on the middle cerebral arteries with the use of a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) in 50 patients with psoriasis without cerebrovascular events (46; 21–74 years) and 26 healthy controls (41; 29–58 years). Analyses of VMRr relationships with the psoriasis course, comorbidities, inflammatory markers and intima–media thickness (IMT) were performed. The study showed that VMRr was lower (64% vs. 76%, p = 0.001), and the IMT was higher (0.65 vs. 0.52 mm, p = 0.001) in patients compared to controls. The patients were also characterized by a higher body mass index (BMI) and a higher level of Il-6 than the controls (29.14 vs. 25.76 kg/m2, p = 0.004 and 585 vs. 204 pg/mL, p < 0.001, respectively), but only BMI was independently impacting VMRr reduction (p = 0.02). In conclusion, early cerebral microvasculature dysfunction may occur in patients with psoriasis, and its extent is associated with an increase in BMI. Thus, body mass reduction should be strongly recommended for stroke prophylaxis in patients with psoriasis.

Background: Peripheral aneurysms, although known about for centuries, are challenging to monitor due to their asymptomatic nature. Advanced imaging has improved detection, which is crucial for preventing emergent complications. This five-year retrospective study from a single center aimed to evaluate the location, presentation, diagnosis, and management of 110 patients with aneurysms of the femoral and popliteal arteries of the lower limb. Materials and methods: The study included 71 true aneurysms and 39 pseudoaneurysms patients treated between 2018–2023. Treatment methods were based on aneurysm size, atherosclerosis severity, and operation risk. The study assessed patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative complications, and aneurysm characteristics. Results: Acute limb ischemia was more prevalent in true aneurysms (25.4% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.02). Aneurysmectomy was performed more frequently in pseudoaneurysms (87.2% vs. 54.9%; p < 0.001), while endovascular treatment and surgical bypass were more common in true aneurysms (Endovascular: 22.5% vs. 2.6%; p = 0.01; bypass: 21.1% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). Early postoperative complications occurred in 22.7% of patients. The 12-month freedom from reoperations (73.7% vs. 87%; p = 0.07), amputations (97.7% vs. 93.8%; p = 0.2), and graft stenosis (78.7% vs. 86.87%; p = 0.06) showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: Lower limb aneurysms often present with non-specific symptoms, leading to late diagnosis and life-threatening complications. Both open and endovascular treatments are feasible, though more research is needed for pseudoaneurysms. Vigilant follow-up is crucial due to potential adverse events, though overall mortality and morbidity remain low.