The importance of sports education in the primary school: An experimental pedagogical project

The educational role of sport in the various socio-relational contexts is now an internationally consolidated reality; however, in the Italian school context, especially at primary level, sports activity still does not have the possibility to express all its pedagogical potential. In this regard, this research work aims at proving the ability to develop indispensable skills for a complete growth of children, through a pedagogical experimental project in the field of motor-sports education at school level. This research work involves a heterogeneous class of a primary school, and was carried out within a limited period of time during school hours. Its outcomes confirm the basic hypothesis, and are proposed as a solid basis for future studies in experimental pedagogy applied to the field of motor and sports sciences

Experimental evaluation of the school well-being improvement for primary school students through a water polo sports laboratory

The concept of well-being can be now extended to all social environments that provide a relational system between the various individuals, and among these environments, one of the most important is certainly school. The purpose of this contribution is to show the concept of school well-being and then analyze if an experimental proposal of a sports laboratory could be an effective pedagogical strategy, capable of improving the level of well-being for students. In this regard, at primary school level, a laboratory activity on water polo was provided, and through the QBS-B questionnaire, the change in the level of school well-being perceived by the students, from the "pre" Laboratory period to the "post" one, was assessed

A relocatable ocean modelling platform for downscaling to shelf-coastal areas to support disaster risk reduction

High-impact ocean weather events and climate extremes can have devastating effects on coastal zones and small islands. Marine Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to such events, through which the risk of disaster can be identified, assessed and reduced. This can be done by improving ocean and atmosphere prediction models, data assimilation for better initial conditions and developing an efficient and sustainable impact forecasting methodology for Early Warnings Systems. A common user request during disaster remediation actions is for high-resolution information, which can be derived from easily deployable numerical models nested into operational larger-scale ocean models. The Structured and Unstructured Relocatable Ocean Model for Forecasting (SURF) enables users to rapidly deploy a nested high-resolution numerical model into larger-scale ocean forecasts. Rapidly downscaling the currents, sea level, temperature, and salinity fields is critical in supporting emergency responses to extreme events and natural hazards in the world’s oceans. The most important requirement in a relocatable model is to ensure that the interpolation of low-resolution ocean model fields (analyses and reanalyses) and atmospheric forcing is tested for different model domains. The provision of continuous ocean circulation forecasts through the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) enables this testing. High-resolution SURF ocean circulation forecasts can be provided to specific application models such as oil spill fate and transport models, search and rescue trajectory models, and ship routing models requiring knowledge of meteooceanographic conditions. SURF was used to downscale CMEMS circulation analyses in four world ocean regions, and the high-resolution currents it can simulate for specific applications are examined. The SURF downscaled circulation fields show that the marine current resolutions affect the quality of the application models to be used for assessing disaster risks, particularly near coastal areas where the coastline geometry must be resolved through a numerical grid, and high-frequency coastal currents must be accurately simulated

Prep1 Controls Insulin Glucoregulatory Function in Liver by Transcriptional Targeting of SHP1 Tyrosine Phosphatase

AbstractObjective. We have investigated the function of the Prep1 gene in insulin-dependent glucose homeostasis in liver. Research design and methods. Prep1 action on insulin glucoregulatory function has been analyzed in liver of Prep1-hypomorphic mice (Prep1(i/i)), which express 2 to 3% of Prep1 mRNA. Results. Based on euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp studies, pyruvate tolerance tests and measurement of glycogen content, livers from Prep1(i/i) mice feature increased sensitivity to insulin. Tyrosine phosphorylation of both insulin receptor (IR) and IRS1/2 was significantly enhanced in Prep1(i/i) livers accompanied by a specific down-regulation of the SYP and SHP1 tyrosine phosphatases. Prep1 overexpression in HepG2 liver cells upregulated SYP and SHP1 and inhibited insulin-induced IR and IRS1/2 phosphorylation and was accompanied by reduced glycogen content. Consistently, overexpression of the Prep1 partner Pbx1 but not of p160MBP, mimicked Prep1 effects on tyrosine phosphorylations, glycogen content and on SYP and SHP1 expression. In Prep1 overexpressing cells, antisense silencing of SHP1, but not that of SYP, rescued insulin-dependent IR phosphorylation and glycogen accumulation. Both Prep1 and Pbx1 bind SHP1 promoter at a site located between nt -2113 and -1778. This fragment features enhancer activity and induces luciferase function by 7, 6 and 30-fold, respectively, in response to Prep1, Pbx1 or both. Conclusions. SHP1, a known silencer of insulin signal, is a transcriptional target of Prep1. In liver, transcriptional activation of SHP1 gene by Prep1 attenuates insulin signal transduction and reduces glucose storage

Phorbol Esters Induce Intracellular Accumulation of the Anti-apoptotic Protein PED/PEA-15 by Preventing Ubiquitinylation and Proteasomal Degradation

Phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes/phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes (PED/PEA)-15 is an anti-apoptotic protein whose expression is increased in several cancer cells and following experimental skin carcinogenesis. Exposure of untransfected C5N keratinocytes and transfected HEK293 cells to phorbol esters (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)) increased PED/PEA-15 cellular content and enhanced its phosphorylation at serine 116 in a time-dependent fashion. Ser-116 --> Gly (PED(S116G)) but not Ser-104 --> Gly (PED(S104G)) substitution almost completely abolished TPA regulation of PED/PEA-15 expression. TPA effect was also prevented by antisense inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC)-zeta and by the expression of a dominant-negative PKC-zeta mutant cDNA in HEK293 cells. Similar to long term TPA treatment, overexpression of wild-type PKC-zeta increased cellular content and phosphorylation of WT-PED/PEA-15 and PED(S104G) but not of PED(S116G). These events were accompanied by the activation of Ca2+-calmodulin kinase (CaMK) II and prevented by the CaMK blocker, KN-93. At variance, the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin mimicked TPA action on PED/PEA-15 intracellular accumulation and reverted the effects of PKC-zeta and CaMK inhibition. Moreover, we show that PED/PEA-15 bound ubiquitin in intact cells. PED/PEA-15 ubiquitinylation was reduced by TPA and PKC-zeta overexpression and increased by KN-93 and PKC-zeta block. Furthermore, in HEK293 cells expressing PED(S116G), TPA failed to prevent ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the protein. Accordingly, in the same cells, TPA-mediated protection from apoptosis was blunted. Taken together, our results indicate that TPA increases PED/PEA-15 expression at the post-translational level by inducing phosphorylation at serine 116 and preventing ubiquitinylation and proteosomal degradation

AKT participates in endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.

In hypertension, reduced nitric oxide production and blunted endothelial vasorelaxation are observed. It was recently reported that AKT phosphorylates and activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and that impaired kinase activity may be involved in endothelial dysfunction.To identify the physiological role of the kinase in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we used adenoviral vectors to transfer the human AKT1 gene selectively to the common carotid endothelium. In vitro, endothelial vasorelaxations to acetylcholine, isoproterenol, and insulin were blunted in control carotids from SHR compared with WKY rats, and human AKT1 overexpression corrected these responses. Similarly, blood flow assessed in vivo by Doppler ultrasound was reduced in SHR compared with WKY carotids and normalized after AKT1 gene transfer. In primary cultured endothelial cells, we evaluated AKT phosphorylation, activity, and compartmentalization and observed a mislocalization of the kinase in SHR.We conclude that AKT participates in the settings of endothelial dysfunction in SHR rats by impaired membrane localization. Our data suggest that AKT is involved in endothelium dysfunction in hypertension

Virtually Coupled Train Sets - A Comprehensive Analysis

In the X2Rail-3 project of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, a detailed virtual coupling concept is developed and analysed in an extensive theoretical framework. Based on the paradigm shift from absolute to relative braking distance, various operational scenarios and potential hazards are identified. According to these scenarios and the general functional architecture, the project provides a first definition of the system requirements, detailing both the virtual coupling components as well as the interfaces and interactions with external systems. The subsequent analysis shows that virtual coupling can enable multiple performance benefits for railway operation. Beside the significant increase in capacity through shorter headways and reduced coupling times, additional flexibility and robustness are gained with situationally appropriate, dynamic coupling manoeuvres with a free choice of vehicles. Moreover, virtual coupling can contribute to reducing costs and delays by replacing the mechanical coupler. Aiming for technology readiness level 3, the results of the project illustrate that the concept is feasible from a technological and operational point of view, highlighting the most critical implementation parts in sensors, control and communication. A two-stage implementation approach is proposed to facilitate the introduction of virtual coupling. This is based on a minimum-complexity first stage to introduce the core functionalities and a second stage with incremental implementation of additional virtual coupling functionalities to further improve the operation. This stepwise approach is also corroborated by the results of the impact analysis, which shows a reduced impact for the first stage. The impact analysis illustrates that the fundamental principle of the external systems remains untouched and a full rework is not required. This also implies that virtual coupling will not interfere with the progress of the European Train Control System (ETCS) development and deployment. Therefore, the X2Rail-3 virtual coupling concepts provides a feasible, non-disruptive solution for a more efficient railway transport

Chronic constipation diagnosis and treatment evaluation: The "CHRO.CO.DI.T.E." study

Background: According to Rome criteria, chronic constipation (CC) includes functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Some patients do not meet these criteria (No Rome Constipation, NRC). The aim of the study was is to evaluate the various clinical presentation and management of FC, IBS-C and NRC in Italy. Methods: During a 2-month period, 52 Italian gastroenterologists recorded clinical data of FC, IBS-C and NRC patients, using Bristol scale, PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL questionnaires. In addition, gastroenterologists were also asked to record whether the patients were clinically assessed for CC for the first time or were in follow up. Diagnostic tests and prescribed therapies were also recorded. Results: Eight hundred seventy-eight consecutive CC patients (706 F) were enrolled (FC 62.5%, IBS-C 31.3%, NRC 6.2%). PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL scores were higher in IBS-C than in FC and NRC. 49.5% were at their first gastroenterological evaluation for CC. In 48.5% CC duration was longer than 10 years. A specialist consultation was requested in 31.6%, more frequently in IBS-C than in NRC. Digital rectal examination was performed in only 56.4%. Diagnostic tests were prescribed to 80.0%. Faecal calprotectin, thyroid tests, celiac serology, breath tests were more frequently suggested in IBS-C and anorectal manometry in FC. More than 90% had at least one treatment suggested on chronic constipation, most frequently dietary changes, macrogol and fibers. Antispasmodics and psychotherapy were more frequently prescribed in IBS-C, prucalopride and pelvic floor rehabilitation in FC. Conclusions: Patients with IBS-C reported more severe symptoms and worse quality of life than FC and NRC. Digital rectal examination was often not performed but at least one diagnostic test was prescribed to most patients. Colonoscopy and blood tests were the "first line" diagnostic tools. Macrogol was the most prescribed laxative, and prucalopride and pelvic floor rehabilitation represented a "second line" approach. Diagnostic tests and prescribed therapies increased by increasing CC severity

Clinical Features, Cardiovascular Risk Profile, and Therapeutic Trajectories of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Candidate for Oral Semaglutide Therapy in the Italian Specialist Care

Introduction: This study aimed to address therapeutic inertia in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by investigating the potential of early treatment with oral semaglutide. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2021 and April 2022 among specialists treating individuals with T2D. A scientific committee designed a data collection form covering demographics, cardiovascular risk, glucose control metrics, ongoing therapies, and physician judgments on treatment appropriateness. Participants completed anonymous patient questionnaires reflecting routine clinical encounters. The preferred therapeutic regimen for each patient was also identified. Results: The analysis was conducted on 4449 patients initiating oral semaglutide. The population had a relatively short disease duration (42%  60% of patients, and more often than sitagliptin or empagliflozin. Conclusion: The study supports the potential of early implementation of oral semaglutide as a strategy to overcome therapeutic inertia and enhance T2D management

Copernicus Ocean State Report, issue 6

The 6th issue of the Copernicus OSR incorporates a large range of topics for the blue, white and green ocean for all European regional seas, and the global ocean over 1993–2020 with a special focus on 2020