Search

This essay aims to advance the debate on the conceptualization of interdisciplinarity in mathematics education by presenting the idea of the border as a dynamic semiotic cross-cultural space. We refer to three theories, that originate in different research fields and use specific languages: De Luca Picione and Valsiner's idea of the border as a metaphor, Lotman's idea of the semiosphere, and Habermas's construct of rationality. An interdisciplinary activity with high school students based on Ceva's theorem is analysed to show how the complementarity of these theories can provide a key to characterize interdisciplinarity in mathematics education as semiotic mediation among different cultures and as a comparison among rationalities. We conclude with possible developments to shed light on the educational potential of interdisciplinary activities in emerging fields.

Background: The reduction in long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is less pronounced than that of in-hospital mortality among patients with AMI complicated by heart failure (HF) and/or in those with a high residual thrombotic risk (HTR). Aim: To investigate the relative prognostic significance of HTR and HF in AMI survivors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients admitted for AMI in 2014–2015 in all Italian hospitals. HTR was defined as at least one of the following conditions: previous AMI, ischemic stroke or other vascular disease, type 2 diabetes, renal failure. Patients were classified into four categories: uncomplicated AMI; AMI with HTR; AMI with HF and AMI with both HTR and HF (HTR + HF). Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the impact of HTR, HF and HTR + HF on the 5-year prognosis. A time-varying coefficient analysis was performed to estimate the 5-year trend of HR for major averse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results: a total of 174.869 AMI events were identified. The adjusted 5-year HR for MACCE was 1.74 (p

Abstract Human hemoglobin (Hb) is the preferred iron source of Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogenic bacterium exploits a sophisticated protein machinery called Iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system to bind Hb, extract and internalize heme, and finally degrade it to complete iron acquisition. IsdB, the surface exposed Hb receptor, is a proven virulence factor of S. aureus and the inhibition of its interaction with Hb can be pursued as a strategy to develop new classes of antimicrobials. To identify small molecules able to disrupt IsdB:Hb protein–protein interactions (PPIs), we carried out a structure-based virtual screening campaign and developed an ad hoc immunoassay to screen the retrieved set of commercially available compounds. Saturation-transfer difference (STD) NMR was applied to verify specific interactions of a sub-set of molecules, chosen based on their efficacy in reducing the amount of Hb bound to IsdB. Among molecules for which direct binding was verified, the best hit was submitted to ITC analysis to measure the binding affinity to Hb, which was found to be in the low micromolar range. The results demonstrate the viability of the proposed in silico/in vitro experimental pipeline to discover and test IsdB:Hb PPI inhibitors. The identified lead compound will be the starting point for future SAR and molecule optimization campaigns.

Abstract Chromosomal structural rearrangements consist of anomalies in genomic architecture that may or may not be associated with genetic material gain and loss. Evaluating the precise breakpoint is crucial from a diagnostic point of view, highlighting possible gene disruption and addressing to appropriate genotype–phenotype association. Structural rearrangements can either occur randomly within the genome or present with a recurrence, mainly due to peculiar genomic features of the surrounding regions. We report about three non-related individuals, harboring chromosomal structural rearrangements interrupting SETBP1, leading to gene haploinsufficiency. Two out of them resulted negative to Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA), being the rearrangement balanced at a microarray resolution. The third one, presenting with a complex three-chromosome rearrangement, had been previously diagnosed with SETBP1 haploinsufficiency due to a partial gene deletion at one of the chromosomal breakpoints. We thoroughly characterized the rearrangements by means of Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), providing details about the involved sequences and the underlying mechanisms. We propose structural variants as a recurrent event in SETBP1 haploinsufficiency, which may be overlooked by laboratory routine genomic analyses (CMA and Whole Exome Sequencing) or only partially determined when associated with genomic losses at breakpoints. We finally introduce a possible role of SETBP1 in a Noonan-like phenotype.

European governments are addressing plastic pollution by implementing the Directive EU 2019/904 that bans single‐use items like cutlery, plates, straws, and beverage stirrers. One strategy proposed by several industries to continue their production is the conversion of single‐use items into multiuse items. Herein, the focus is on the production of polystyrene reusable plates and the suitability of this product for microwave and dishwasher use is assessed: in proper conditions, the structure is preserved without cuts or visible deformations, and the chemical stability is guaranteed. To get a full picture of the benefits and impacts of this new product, a life cycle assessment methodology is applied to compare the performances of one reusable plate with 20 single‐use plates. Results indicate that proper use is crucial: a reusable plate disposed after one use is more impactful than a single‐use plate. In contrast, the reuse of plates for 20 times allows to reduce carbon footprint and acidification potential. Eutrophication and ozone layer depletion, on the other hand, increase due to the washing phase. The solutions that can mitigate these issues and enhance the sustainability of the reusable plates include the improvement of the detergent compositions and the use of electricity from renewable sources.

IntroductionMyocardial calcifications (MC) represent a relatively rare pathological process, which may accompany different cardiovascular conditions and can be broadly categorized as dystrophic or metastatic. Myocardial infarction (MI) has been traditionally regarded as the main cause of MC overall; however, no updated comprehensive data on the relative incidence of different forms of MC is available. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to analyze the currently available evidence on MC in terms of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical presentation.Methods and resultsA total of 241 studies including a total of 368 patients affected by extensive MC were included in the final review. The majority of patients (69.8%) presented with dystrophic MC. Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) represents the single most common etiology of MC (24.2%), while sepsis/acute systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS) and chronic kidney disease were identified as the second and third most common causes respectively. The relative incidence of etiologies also varies across the years, with MI being more represented before 1990, and sepsis/SIRS becoming the single most common cause of MC after 1990. Multimodality imaging was used in the work-up of MC in 42.7% of cases. The most commonly employed imaging modality overall was echocardiography (51.9%), while after 1990 computed tomography scan became the most widely used tool (70.1%).ConclusionThe present systematic review provides new insights into the pathophysiology of MC. Previously thought to be mainly a consequence of ischemic heart disease, our data indicate that other diseases, namely EMF and sepsis/SIRS, are indeed the main conditions associated with MC. The importance of multimodality imaging in the work-up of MC is also highlighted.

PurposeThis paper examines the effectiveness of culture-based activities in improving health-related outcomes among middle-aged and older adults. Based on the biopsychosocial model, this review aims to explore the impact of cultural engagement on health and well-being.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review based on peer-reviewed articles retrieved from various electronic databases. In total, 11 studies were included in this review. Our study population consisted of healthy adults aged over 40 years.ResultsThe results provide evidence of positive association between cultural participation and better mental health (e.g., cognitive decline, depression, anxiety), frailty, resilience, well-being and social relations.ConclusionThis review suggests that cultural engagement serves as an effective means for individuals to maintain and enhance their health and well-being. The field is mostly limited by the heterogeneity of the studies and poor conceptualization of cultural activities. Thus, it is recommended that future research consider the effects of different cultural interventions in developing effective strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing quality of life in later stages of life.