bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The OUTREACH study: oncologists of German university hospitals in rotation on a palliative care unit—evaluation of attitude and competence in palliative care and hospice
Authors: Biersching T. , Schweda A. , Oechsle K. , Nauck F. , Rosenbruch J. , Schuler U. , Hense J. , Neukirchen M. , Weber M. , Junghanss C. , Kramer T. , Ostgathe C. , Thuss-Patience P. , Van Oorschot B. , Teufel M. , Schuler M. , Bausewein C. , Tewes M. ,   The OUTREACH Study Group, Ostgathe C. , Tewes M. , Gahr S. , Berendt J. , Oechsle K. , Nauck F. , Benze G. , Bausewein C. , Rosenbruch J. , Schuler U. , Hense J. , Neukirchen M. , Schwarz J. , Weber M. , Reinholz U. , Junghanss C. , Kramer T. , Thuss-Patience P. , van Oorschot B. , Roch C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The effect of the duration of an educational rotation presented at a palliative care unit on the palliative care knowledge gain and the increase of palliative care self-efficacy expectations are unclear.

Methods

This national prospective multicenter pre–post survey conducted at twelve German University Comprehensive Cancer Centers prospectively enrolled physicians who were assigned to training rotations in specialized palliative care units for three, six, or twelve months. Palliative care knowledge [in %] and palliative care self-efficacy expectations [max. 57 points] were evaluated before and after the rotation with a validated questionnaire.

Results

From March 2018 to October 2020, questionnaires of 43 physicians were analyzed. Physicians participated in a 3- (n = 3), 6- (n = 21), or 12-month (n = 19) palliative care rotation after a median of 8 (0–19) professional years. The training background of rotating physicians covered a diverse spectrum of specialties; most frequently represented were medical oncology (n = 15), and anesthesiology (n = 11). After the rotation, median palliative care knowledge increased from 81.1% to 86.5% (p < .001), and median palliative care self-efficacy expectations scores increased from 38 to 50 points (p < .001). The effect of the 12-month rotation was not significantly greater than that of the 6-month rotation.

Conclusion

An educational rotation presented in a specialized palliative care unit for at least six months significantly improves palliative care knowledge and palliative care self-efficacy expectations of physicians from various medical backgrounds.
XAF1 overexpression exacerbates diabetes by promoting pancreatic β-cell apoptosis
Authors: Nishimura Yuki , Iwashita Misaki , Hayashi Masato , Shinjo Takanori , Watanabe Yukari , Zeze Tatsuro , Yamashita Akiko , Fukuda Takao , Sanui Terukazu , Sano Tomomi , Asano Tomoichiro , Nishimura Fusanori
Published: July 2022

Aims

Pancreatic β-cell apoptosis may be involved in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus, although its mechanism remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that macrophage-derived interferon (IFN) β induced X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis–associated factor 1 (XAF1) expression in β-cells and accelerated β-cell apoptosis in vitro. Here, we explored the effects of XAF1 on β-cell function and progression of diabetes in vivo.

Methods

Pancreatic β-cell-selective XAF1 overexpressing (Xaf1 Tg) mice were generated. Xaf1 Tg mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were fed either a normal diet or a 40% or 60% high-fat diet (HFD). The effects of β-cell XAF1 on β-cell apoptosis and exacerbation of diabetes were investigated.

Results

Palmitic acid induced IFNβ expression in macrophages, and HFD intake promoted macrophage infiltration in pancreatic islets, both of which cooperatively upregulated XAF1 expression in mouse islets. Furthermore, HFD-fed Xaf1 Tg mice demonstrated increased β-cell apoptosis, lowered insulin expression, and impaired glucose tolerance compared with WT mice fed the same diet. These effects were more pronounced in the 60%HFD group than in the 40%HFD group.

Conclusions

Pancreatic β-cell XAF1 expression was enhanced via HFD-induced, macrophage-derived IFNβ, which promoted β-cell apoptosis and led to a reduction in insulin secretion and progression of diabetes. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate an association between pancreatic β-cell XAF1 overexpression and exacerbation of diabetes, thus providing insight into the mechanism of β-cell mass reduction in diabetes.
Investigation of the electrochemical behavior of cysteine by hyphenation of electrochemistry and mass spectrometry
Authors: Eidenschink Johannes , Bagherimetkazini Seyedehelahe , Matysik Frank-Michael
Published: July 2022

The identification of the reaction product species stands out as one of the main limitations of the classical electrochemical techniques. This can be overcome by the combination of electrochemistry (EC) to mass spectrometry (MS). Moreover, the method can be further enhanced by implementing a separation technique between EC and MS. In the present work, the oxidation behavior of cysteine with coupling EC directly to MS (real-time EC–MS) or by implementing capillary electrophoresis (CE), to separate the analytes before the injection into the mass spectrometer, is investigated. Electrochemical measurements and pre-treatment were applied on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) based on carbon. Direct EC–MS measurements were carried out with a modified flow cell, while online EC–CE–MS studies of cysteine oxidation were conducted with a custom-made setup. An electrochemical conversion yield for cysteine of up to 69% was found. Cystine, cysteic acid, and cysteine sulfinic acid were found as oxidation products. The identification of these product species was carried out according to their migration behavior in CE, and mass-to-charge ratios in addition to their isotopic patterns shown in the MS spectra.

Graphical abstract
N-Acetyl-L-cysteine in human rheumatoid arthritis and its effects on nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA): analytical and clinical considerations
Authors: Tsikas Dimitrios , Mikuteit Marie
Published: July 2022

N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is an endogenous cysteine metabolite. The drug is widely used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and as antidote in acetaminophen (paracetamol) intoxication. Currently, the utility of NAC is investigated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is generally considered associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Besides clinical laboratory parameters, the effects of NAC are evaluated by measuring in plasma or serum nitrite, nitrate or their sum (NOx) as measures of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and relatives such as 4-hydroxy-nonenal and 15(S)-8-iso-prostaglandin F2α serve as measures of oxidative stress, notably lipid peroxidation. In this work, we review recent clinico-pharmacological studies on NAC in rheumatoid arthritis. We discuss analytical, pre-analytical and clinical issues and their potential impact on the studies outcome. Major issues include analytical inaccuracy due to interfering endogenous substances and artefactual formation of MDA and relatives during storage in long-term studies. Differences in the placebo and NAC groups at baseline with respect to these biomarkers are also a serious concern. Modern applied sciences are based on data generated using commercially available instrumental physico-chemical and immunological technologies and assays. The publication process of scientific work rarely undergoes rigorous peer review of the analytical approaches used in the study in terms of accuracy/trueness. There is pressing need of considering previously reported reference concentration ranges and intervals as well as specific critical issues such as artefactual formation of particular biomarkers during sample storage. The latter especially applies to surrogate biomarkers of oxidative stress, notably MDA and relatives. Reported data on NO, MDA and clinical parameters, including C-reactive protein, interleukins and tumour necrosis factor α, are contradictory in the literature. Furthermore, reported studies do not allow any valid conclusion about utility of NAC in RA. Administration of NAC patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not recommended in current European and American guidelines.
Lebenslanges Lernen in der Notfallmedizin – „Continuous professional development“
Authors: Breckwoldt Jan , Gruber Hans
Published: July 2022

Dieser Beitrag stellt drei wesentliche Aspekte zum lebenslangen Lernen in der Medizin vor: (1) die Orientierung der Ausbildungsziele an beruflichen Kompetenzen (Kompetenzbasierung, unterstützt durch „entrustable professional activities“), (2) Befunde zur Entwicklung von beruflicher Expertise (Dreyfus-Modell und „dual process theory“) sowie (3) das CanMEDS(Canadian-Medical-Education-Directives-for-Specialists)-Rollenmodell zur Beschreibung der ärztlichen Handlungsfelder, das auch auf andere medizinische Berufe anwendbar ist. Alle drei Aspekte beeinflussen einander wechselseitig und müssen daher in einem gemeinsamen Kontext gesehen werden.
The influence of SES, cognitive, and non-cognitive abilities on grades: cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from two Swedish cohorts
Authors: Boman Björn
Published: July 2022

It is well established that socioeconomic status, cognitive ability, and non-cognitive abilities such as self-efficacy are substantially associated with academic achievement. However, the specific relationships of these variables remain a relatively unexplored topic in regard to more recent and representative samples. The current study examined such relations by taking advantage of two cohorts (total N = 12,315) of Swedish students at the elementary (Grade 6) and lower-secondary school levels (Grade 8) in the compulsory school. The regression models showed that all three variables explained a substantial portion of grade variance, with cognitive ability having the strongest relationship, followed by non-cognitive abilities, and SES. Longitudinal associations, which accounted for previous academic achievement, showed that the three variables did still explain a substantial amount of grade variance.
Sexual Practice Changes Post-HIV Diagnosis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Malekinejad Mohsen , Jimsheleishvili Sopiko , Barker Erin K. , Hutchinson Angela B. , Shrestha Ram K. , Volberding Paul , Kahn James G.
Published: July 2022

Men who have sex with men (MSM) often change sexual behaviors following HIV diagnosis. This systematic review examined such changes, including sero-adaptive behaviors (i.e., deliberate safer-sex practices to reduce transmission risk) to better understand the magnitude of their association with HIV diagnosis. We searched four databases (1996–2017) and reviewed references from other systematic reviews. We included studies conducted in the United States that compared sexual behavior among HIV-infected “aware” versus “unaware” MSM. We meta-analytically pooled RRs and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects models, and assessed risk of bias and evidence quality. Twenty studies reported k = 131 effect sizes on sexual practices outcomes, most of which reported changes in unprotected sex (k = 85), and on sex with at-risk partners (k = 76); 11 reported sero-adaptive behaviors. Unprotected anal intercourse with an HIV-uninfected/unknown-status partner was less likely among aware MSM (insertive position: k = 2, RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17, 0.41; receptive position: k = 2, RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37, 0.77). Risk of not always serosorting among aware MSM (k = 3) was RR = 0.92 (0.83, 1.02). Existing evidence, although low-quality, suggests that HIV-infected MSM tend to adopt safer sexual practices once aware of their diagnosis. Variation in reporting of outcomes limits their comparability. Sero-adaptive behavior data are sparse.
Enacted Sexual Minority Stigma, Psychological Distress, and Sexual and Drug Risk Behaviors Among Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Silvestri Francesca , Tilchin Carla , Wagner Jessica , Hamill Matthew M. , Rompalo Anne , Ghanem Khalil G. , Schumacher Christina , Ruhs Sebastian , Greenbaum Adena , Latkin Carl , Jennings Jacky M.
Published: July 2022

Urban Black men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV and syphilis in the U.S. Experiences of enacted sexual minority stigma and psychological distress among these men may be associated with HIV/STI sexual and drug risk behaviors. The objective was to determine the associations between enacted sexual minority stigma, psychological distress, and sexual and drug risk behaviors. In an urban prospective cohort study, survey measures assessed past 3-month exposure to enacted sexual minority stigma, psychological distress, and sexual and drug risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized for hypothesis testing. The Black MSM (N = 140) reported the following: 22.1% experiences of enacted sexual minority stigma, 39% high levels of psychological distress, 48.6% > 1 sex partner, 8.6% transactional sex, and 6% injection drug use (IDU). In models adjusted for age and education, enacted sexual minority stigma significantly increased the odds of reporting > 1 sex partner, transactional sex, and IDU. Adjusting additionally for homelessness, the association between enacted sexual minority stigma and transactional sex remained significant. Adding psychological distress to this model showed a significant association between psychological distress and transactional sex, while the association was no longer significant for transactional sex. These findings highlight some of the complex psycho-social relationships that may be associated with sexual and drug risk behaviors among Black MSM placing them at increased risk for HIV and syphilis.
nextMONARCH Phase 2 randomized clinical trial: overall survival analysis of abemaciclib monotherapy or in combination with tamoxifen in patients with endocrine-refractory HR + , HER2– metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Hamilton Erika , Cortes Javier , Ozyilkan Ozgur , Chen Shin-Cheh , Petrakova Katarina , Manikhas Aleksey , Jerusalem Guy , Hegg Roberto , Huober Jens , Zhang Wei , Chen Yanyun , Martin Miguel
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Resistance to endocrine therapy poses a major clinical challenge for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR +), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We present the preplanned 24-month final overall survival (OS) results, alongside updated progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) results.

Methods

nextMONARCH is an open-label, controlled, randomized, Phase 2 study of abemaciclib alone or in combination with tamoxifen in women with endocrine-refractory HR + , HER2– MBC previously treated with chemotherapy. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to: abemaciclib 150 mg and tamoxifen 20 mg (A + T), abemaciclib 150 mg (A-150), or abemaciclib 200 mg and prophylactic loperamide (A-200). OS was the main prespecified secondary endpoint. PFS, ORR, and safety at 24 months were compared to previously reported primary analysis results.

Results

Of the 234 patients enrolled, 12 were receiving study treatment at data cutoff (28Jun2019). Median follow-up was 27.2 months. Median OS was 24.2 months in the A + T arm, 20.8 months in A-150, and 17.0 months in A-200 (A + T versus A-200: HR 0.62; 95%CI [0.40, 0.97], P = 0.03 and A-150 versus A-200: HR 0.96; 95%CI [0.64, 1.44], P = 0.83). PFS and ORR results at 24 months were consistent with the primary analysis. The safety profile corresponded with previous reports.

Conclusion

The addition of tamoxifen to abemaciclib demonstrated greater OS benefit than monotherapy. This study confirmed the single-agent activity of abemaciclib in heavily pretreated women with endocrine-refractory HR + , HER2– MBC, as well as the previously reported primary PFS and ORR results, with no new safety signals observed.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02747004.
Conversion of Alcohols on Stoichiometric and Reduced Rutile TiO2 (110): Point Defects Meet Bifunctionality in Oxide (Photo-)Chemistry
Authors: Mohrhusen Lars , Al-Shamery Katharina
Published: July 2022

Oxidic (photo-)catalysts have the potential to play an important role to efficiently implement sustainable feedstocks and green energy sources into future energy technologies. They may be used not only for solar energy harvesting, but also for hydrogen production or being essential for the fabrication of fine chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a detailed understanding of how the atomistic environment of the catalyst can be designed in order to promote distinct reaction pathways to influence the final product distribution of chemical reactions. In this perspective article, we survey the surface (photo-)chemistry of methanol on rutile TiO2 surfaces and hybrid catalysts based thereon. Especially the role of the surface bifunctionality by Lewis acidic and basic sites combined with the strong impact of point defects such as reduced titanium sites (mainly Ti3+ interstitials) shall be illuminated. It is shown how the selective activation of either O–H, C–H or C–O bonds in the methanol molecule can be used to tune not only the overall conversion, but to switch between oxidative and reductive routes in favor of either deoxygenation, partial oxidation or C–C coupling reactions. Especially the latter ones are of particular interest to introduce methanol from green sources such as biomass as a sustainable feedstock into already existing petrochemical technologies.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence of Poor Mental Health Days and Adverse Childhood Experience Reporting in U.S. Adults Before and After COVID-19
Authors: Kapp Julie M. , Micheas Lada , Holmes Shannon , Stormont Melissa , Reinke Wendy M.
Published: July 2022

This is the first study of US adults to examine change in the prevalence of psychological burden (i.e., self-reported poor mental health days in the past 30 days, and ACEs recollections) before compared to after COVID-19 started. We analyzed the prevalence of self-reported poor mental health days, and ACEs recollections from 17 states using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Adjusted models identified an increase in prevalence from before compared to after COVID-19 onset in those married or partnered reporting 48% more poor mental health days in the past 30 days; persons of color reporting living with anyone with mental illness during childhood by 73% and reporting more ACEs by 35%; those employed or self-employed reporting childhood sexual abuse by 45%. This ecological-level analysis revealed population-level changes in psychological well-being reporting of U.S. adults from before compared to after the pandemic onset.
Remote video analysis of an unusual fish life-history combination: nest-building, paternal care, and protogyny in a seabream
Authors: Faure-Beaulieu Nina , Attwood Colin Graham
Published: July 2022

Seabreams from two genera, Spondyliosoma and Spicara, have a unique life-history that combines nesting, paternal care, and protogyny. Whereas protogyny is a common sexual system among seabreams, all, except Spondyliosoma and Spicara spp., are broadcast spawners. We describe the nesting behaviour of Spondyliosoma emarginatum as a basis for analysing this unusual life-history combination. We remotely filmed males on a nesting site with over 80 nests in South Africa. It has been postulated, based on morphometric data and general observations, that males invest heavily in nest-building, courtship, and egg-guarding, although these behaviours had never been documented. Energy intensive behaviours, including the clearing of invertebrate invaders (7 counts h−1) and fanning of nests (86 counts h−1), remained constant before and after the appearance of eggs. Males spent 79.2% of their time on the nest. The remainder was spent chasing other fish species and neighbouring males (12 counts h−1) and avoiding predation. Paired spawning events proceeded in batches. Nest take-overs and sneaker male attempts were recorded. The young leave the nest immediately after hatching. Males did not feed during the 67-day nesting period. Energetic costs of nest maintenance, starvation, and predation risk explain the condensed (relative to other seabreams) 51-day spawning season. S. emarginatum meets the requirements of the SAM as nest defence requires large male body size. Their short lifespan classifies Spondyliosoma spp. as opportunists, which may explain their success across a wide range of biogeographic zones from the cold temperate North Atlantic to the subtropical western Indian Ocean. These characteristics set Spondyliosoma spp. apart from the bulk of the seabreams, which are long-lived, broadcast-spawning, periodic strategists.
Facile preparation of glycine-based mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Wenhai , Tesio Alvaro Y. , Olivares-Marín Mara , Gómez Romero Pedro , Tonti Dino
Published: July 2022

A simple route has been developed for the preparation of mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles just using glycine as a nitrogen source, cobalt nitrate and distilled water. After heating the mixture to 300 °C under magnetic stirring, a dry solid product was obtained, which was then carbonized at 900 ºC under argon atmosphere. Changing the glycine/Co molar ratio allowed controlling the size of the cobalt particles and their dispersion in the carbon matrix, the porosity of the carbon and its graphitic character. The carbon–metal composites obtained were tested as oxygen cathodes in Li–O2 batteries. Cells assembled exhibited a full discharge capacity up to 2.19 mAh cm−2 at a current of 0.05 mA cm−2 and over 39 cycles at a cutoff capacity of 0.5 mAh cm−2. This work provides a green, feasible and simple way to prepare mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles without involving templates.

Graphical abstract
Room temperature deposition of freestanding BaTiO3 films: temperature-induced irreversible structural and chemical relaxation
Authors: Eckstein Udo , Khansur Neamul H. , Bergler Michael , Urushihara Daisuke , Asaka Toru , Kakimoto Ken-ichi , Sadl Matej , Dragomir Mirela , Uršič Hana , de Ligny Dominique , Webber Kyle G.
Published: July 2022

The room temperature aerosol deposition method is especially promising for the rapid deposition of ceramic thick films, making it interesting for functional components in energy, mobility, and telecommunications applications. Despite this, a number of challenges remain, such as an enhanced electrical conductivity and internal residual stresses in as-deposited films. In this work, a novel technique that integrates a sacrificial water-soluble buffer layer was used to fabricate freestanding ceramic thick films, which allows for direct observation of the film without influence of the substrate or prior thermal treatment. Here, the temperature-dependent chemical and structural relaxation phenomena in freestanding BaTiO3 films were directly investigated by characterizing the thermal expansion properties and temperature-dependent crystal structure as a function of oxygen partial pressure, where a clear nonlinear, hysteretic contraction was observed during heating, which is understood to be influenced by lattice defects. As such, aliovalent doping and atmosphere-dependent annealing experiments were used to demonstrate the influence of local chemical redistribution and oxygen vacancies on the thermal expansion, leading to insight into the origin of the high room temperature conductivity of as-deposited films as well as greater insight into the influence of the induced chemical, structural, and microstructural changes in room temperature deposited functional ceramic thick films.

Graphical abstract
Followers’ Motives as Moderators of the Effects of Transformational Leadership Behaviors on Follower Outcomes and Leaders’ Influence
Authors: Kehr Hugo M. , Graff Dorena , Bakaç Cafer
Published: July 2022

The present paper reports three studies that were based on the general proposition that the effectiveness of transformational leadership (TL) depends on whether the displayed TL behaviors match the followers’ motives. Specifically, inspirational motivation should be effective with followers high on the power motive, intellectual stimulation should be effective with followers high on the achievement motive, and individual consideration should be effective with followers high on the affiliation motive. In study 1, in order to confirm the hypothesized conceptual relationships between TL and motives, we systematically analyzed the TL literature (N = 139 papers) for motive content and found, as predicted, that descriptions of inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration were associated with power, achievement, and affiliation motive content, respectively. Study 2, a vignette study, confirmed that participants’ (N = 113) motives determined their preferences for the respective TL behaviors. In study 3 (N = 116), we manipulated TL behaviors with video clips and confirmed the predictions that followers’ affiliation [power] motive moderated the effects of individual consideration [inspirational motivation] on leaders’ influence and followers’ task performance. Mixed results were obtained regarding the expected moderating function of followers’ achievement motive on the effects of intellectual stimulation. Findings are discussed with respect to their importance in establishing TL as a motivation theory.
A Novel Homozygous Stop Mutation in IL23R Causes Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease
Authors: Staels Frederik , Lorenzetti Flaminia , De Keukeleere Kerstin , Willemsen Mathijs , Gerbaux Margaux , Neumann Julika , Tousseyn Thomas , Pasciuto Emanuela , De Munter Paul , Bossuyt Xavier , Gijsbers Rik , Liston Adrian , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Schrijvers Rik
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is caused by inborn errors of IFN-γ immunity. The most frequent genetic defects are found in IL12 or a subunit of its receptor. IL23R deficiency in MSMD has only been reported once, in two pediatric patients from the same kindred with isolated disseminated Bacille Calmette-Guérin disease. We evaluated the impact of a homozygous stop mutation in IL23R (R381X), identified by whole exome sequencing, in an adult patient with disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease.

Methods

We performed functional validation of the R381X mutation by evaluating IL23R expression and IL-23 signaling (STAT3 phosphorylation, IFN-γ production) in primary cells (PBMCs, EBV-B cells) and cell lines (HeLa) with or without back-complementation of wild-type IL23R.

Results

We report on a 48-year-old male with disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease. We identified and characterized a homozygous loss-of-function stop mutation underlying IL23R deficiency, resulting in near absent expression of membrane bound IL23R. IL23R deficiency was characterized by impaired IL-23-mediated IFN-γ secretion in CD4+, CD8+ T, and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and low frequencies of circulating Th17 (CD3+CD45RA−CCR4+CXCR3−RORγT+), Th1* (CD45RA−CCR4−CXCR3+RORγT+), and MAIT (CD3+CD8+Vα7.2+CD161+) cells. Although the patient did not have a history of recurrent fungal infections, impaired Th17 differentiation and blunted IL-23-mediated IL-17 secretion in PBMCs were observed.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that impaired IL-23 immunity caused by a homozygous R381X mutation in IL23R underlies MSMD, corroborating earlier findings with a homozygous p.C115Y IL23R mutation. Our report further supports a model of redundant contribution of IL-23- to IL-17-mediated anti-fungal immunity.1
The performance effects of corporate venture capital: a meta-analysis
Authors: Haslanger Patrick , Lehmann Erik E. , Seitz Nikolaus
Published: July 2022

The effect of corporate venture capital (CVC) investments is far from being conclusively discussed in literature. Although the expected benefits of CVCs for corporations and start-ups are undisputed, empirical evidence is mixed. We combine and analyze the results of 32 CVC studies, including 105,950 observations: Our results suggest that while CVC investments are positively linked to start-ups’ and investors’ as well as strategic performance, we find no significant relationship between CVC investments and financial outcomes. The effects are moderated by the timing of the investment, the country and industry-effects. For instance, CVC investments in North America and the ICT sector report significant positive effects, while we find no statistical evidence for the health care sector.
Towards a transregional history of secularism: Intellectual connectivity, social reform, and state-building in South and Southeast Asia, 1918–1960
Authors: Six Clemens
Published: July 2022

This article argues for a transregional historical approach to explain the career of political secularism, i.e. the ideas and practices that inform the modern state’s relationship to and administration of religion, in the 20th century. More specifically, it asks in how far we can understand secularism in South and Southeast Asia between the end of the First World War and decolonisation after 1945 as a result of transregional patterns that evolved within and beyond these regions. The argument is based on three brief case studies on Atatürk’s Turkey as a contested source of inspiration for state secularity and religious reform, regional women’s networks to foster secularism and social change in the 1930s, and secularism as a strategy of postcolonial state-building and territorial integration. Conceptually, the article suggests to use global intellectual history as a means to combine research on connectivity with historical comparison.
The punctuated equilibrium of scientific change: a Bayesian network model
Authors: Grim Patrick , Seidl Frank , McNamara Calum , Astor Isabell N. , Diaso Caroline
Published: July 2022

Our scientific theories, like our cognitive structures in general, consist of propositions linked by evidential, explanatory, probabilistic, and logical connections. Those theoretical webs ‘impinge on the world at their edges,’ subject to a continuing barrage of incoming evidence (Quine 1951, 1953). Our credences in the various elements of those structures change in response to that continuing barrage of evidence, as do the perceived connections between them. Here we model scientific theories as Bayesian nets, with credences at nodes and conditional links between them modelled as conditional probabilities. We update those networks, in terms of both credences at nodes and conditional probabilities at links, through a temporal barrage of random incoming evidence. Robust patterns of punctuated equilibrium, suggestive of ‘normal science’ alternating with ‘paradigm shifts,’ emerge prominently in that change dynamics. The suggestion is that at least some of the phenomena at the core of the Kuhnian tradition are predictable in the typical dynamics of scientific theory change captured as Bayesian nets under even a random evidence barrage.
Comparison of effects of a single dose of MHYOSPHERE® PCV ID with three commercial porcine vaccine associations against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) on piglet growth during the nursery period under field conditions
Authors: Puig Ainhoa , Bernal Ignacio , Sabaté David , Ballarà Isaac , Montané Jordi , Nodar Lorena , Angelats Daniel , Jordà Ramon
Published: July 2022

Pigs routinely undergo stressful vaccination procedures, which are often unavoidable given the unavailability of safer alternatives, challenging animal welfare. The available vaccines forMycoplasma hyopneumoniae(Mhyo) or Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are mostly administered intramuscularly in association to prevent Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). MHYOSPHERE® PCV ID is the first vaccine protecting from both agents by intradermal route. This randomized, blind-field trial aimed to compare the effects of MHYOSPHERE® PCV ID with those of three different intramuscular associations of commercially available vaccines. A total of 7072 21-day-old piglets from 12 consecutive batches in one farm were randomly vaccinated with MHYOSPHERE® PCV ID (G1) or Ingelvac CircoFLEX® + Hyogen® (G2), Porcilis® PCV + M + PAC® (G3), and Porcilis® PCV + Hyogen® (G4). Growth performance during the nursery period and adverse reactions (ARs) after vaccine administration were monitored. Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG) during the first 7 days post-weaning in G1 was 10.92, 3.03, and 20.08 g/day higher than in G2, G3, and G4, respectively, and 0.65, 4.06, and 9.58 g/day higher than in G2, G3, and G4 during the entire nursery period, respectively. G1 ADWG was significantly higher than G4 during both periods and significantly higher than G2 during the first 7 days post-weaning. Incidence of systemic ARs in G2 and G4 was 0.03% and 0.32%, respectively; none were recorded in G1 and G3. Replacing the usual intramuscular vaccination with MHYOSPHERE® PCV ID results in higher growth performance during the first weeks after weaning with no systemic ARs.
Radar Pulse Compression with Optimized Weighting Window for SAR Receivers
Authors: Hussein Khalid F. A. , Helmy Asmaa O. , Mohra Ashraf S.
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel design of a software-defined matched filter (MF) for digital receivers of synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The block diagram of the proposed receiver is described in detail. The purpose of this filter is to produce a SAR pulse with higher compression ratio (CR) and lower side lobe level (SLL) than that produced by the conventional MF. The proposed design is based on the idea of time windowing of the SAR pulse to construct the transfer function of the receiver filter. The shape of the proposed time-domain window is optimized to achieve the filter design goals including the minimization of the SLL and the realization of the target value of the CR. The transmitted SAR pulse is, first, subjected to linear frequency modulation and then subjected to the optimized window. The width (time duration) of the proposed window is divided into equal time intervals. The proposed time-domain window is constructed as a sequential continuous piecewise linear segments. The instantaneous value of the time-domain window at the start of each time interval is optimized so as to achieve the optimization goals. The width of the time-domain window is shown to be proportional to the width of the compressed pulse after optimization. The number of the time intervals into which the time duration of the window is divided is shown to have a significant effect on the optimization results. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is then applied to get the window shape that minimizes the SLL for a specific predetermined value of the pulse CR. It is shown that the iterations of the PSO are fastly convergent and that the applied algorithm is computationally efficient. Also, it is shown that the desired value of the pulse CR is achieved with accuracy of 100%. Moreover, the achieved SLLs are about − $$65\,\mathrm{dB}$$

65

dB

, $$- 90\,\mathrm{dB}$$

-
90

dB

, $$- 114\,\mathrm{dB}$$

-
114

dB

, and $$- 133\,\mathrm{dB}$$

-
133

dB

for pulse CR of 5, 3, 2, and 1.5, respectively. Finally, for practical implementation of the introduced SAR pulse processing technique, the proposed optimized window is placed as a building block in a software-defined receiver of the SAR system.
Behandlung von Sehnenrupturen mit Stammzellen: eine aktuelle Übersicht
Authors: Schmitz Christoph , Würfel Tobias , Alt Christopher , Alt Eckhard U.
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Orthobiologika gewinnen sowohl in der Grundlagenforschung als auch der klinischen Forschung zur konservativen Behandlung und zur Verbesserung der Ergebnisse operativer Behandlungen von Erkrankungen und Verletzungen von Schulter und Ellenbogen einen immer größeren Stellenwert.

Fragestellung

Der Stellenwert von Orthobiologika bei der konservativen Behandlung und zur Verbesserung der Ergebnisse operativer Behandlungen von Erkrankungen und Verletzungen von Schulter und Ellenbogen und die abgestufte Differenzierung der verschiedenen Gewebezubereitungen innerhalb der Orthobiologika bei diesen Behandlungen werden dargestellt.

Material und Methode

Metaanalysen werden ausgewertet und Grundlagenarbeiten und klinische Studien diskutiert.

Ergebnisse

Orthobiologika lassen sich funktionell in zwei Gruppen unterteilen: zellfreie Orthobiologika und solche aus allogenen Zellen müssen funktionell zusammen diskutiert werden und deren Wirkmechanismen denen der Orthobiologika auf Basis von autologen Zellen gegenübergestellt werden. Gemäß der aktuellen Literatur scheint nur die letztgenannte Gruppe für die konservative Behandlung und zur Verbesserung der Ergebnisse operativer Behandlungen von Erkrankungen und Verletzungen der Rotatorenmanschette geeignet. Innerhalb dieser Gruppe scheinen die nicht in der Zellkultur selektierten und vervielfältigten, nicht modifizierten und nicht stimulierten „adipose derived regenerative cells“ (autologe ADRCs) allen anderen Gewebezubereitungen in Bezug auf ihre Wirksamkeit überlegen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Autologe ADRCs stellen eine hochinteressante neue Behandlungsmethode für Erkrankungen und Verletzungen der Rotatorenmanschette (und allgemein des Stütz- und Bewegungsapparats) dar.
Structure inversion asymmetry enhanced electronic structure and electrical transport in 2D A3SnO (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) anti-perovskite monolayers
Authors: Alay-e-Abbas Syed Muhammad , Abbas Ghulam , Zulfiqar Waqas , Sajjad Muhammad , Singh Nirpendra , Larsson J. Andreas
Published: July 2022

Anti-perovskites A3SnO (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) are an important class of materials due to the emergence of Dirac cones and tiny mass gaps in their band structures originating from an intricate interplay of crystal symmetry, spin-orbit coupling, and band overlap. This provides an exciting playground for modulating their electronic properties in the two-dimensional (2D) limit. Herein, we employ first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations by combining dispersion-corrected SCAN + rVV10 and mBJ functionals for a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the structural, thermodynamic, dynamical, mechanical, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of bulk and monolayer (one unit cell thick) A3SnO anti-perovskites. Our results show that 2D monolayers derived from bulk A3SnO anti-perovskites are structurally and energetically stable. Moreover, Rashba-type splitting in the electronic structure of Ca3SnO and Sr3SnO monolayers is observed owing to strong spin-orbit coupling and inversion asymmetry. On the other hand, monolayer Ba3SnO exhibits Dirac cone at the high-symmetry Γ point due to the domination of band overlap. Based on the predicted electronic transport properties, it is shown that inversion asymmetry plays an essential character such that the monolayers Ca3SnO and Sr3SnO outperform thermoelectric performance of their bulk counterparts.
Hydrothermal Carbonization: A Pilot-Scale Reactor Design for Bio-waste and Sludge Pre-treatment
Authors: Zaccariello L. , Battaglia D. , Morrone B. , Mastellone M. L.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate the basis of the design of a pilot-scale reactor built to convert putrescent and high-water content biowaste into a stabilized product by using the Hydrothermal Carbonization process (HTC). The hydrothermal carbonization of selected biowaste has been previously studied in a bench-scale reactor to optimize the process parameters such as the temperature, reaction time, water-to-dry matter ratio and then scaled up at a scale 30 times larger. The new pilot-scale reactor has a volume of 0.1 m3 and has been designed and certified to be operated at 300 °C and 86 bar, allowing a wide range of operating conditions. The design has been structured in two steps: process design (a) and mechanical design (b). The main results of the process design step have been: the installed heat power, the method to provide and control the heating, the minimum reaction time necessary to reach a given yield. The mechanical design focused on the scalability of the reactor, the extraction of reaction products from the reactor at the end of process and increasing of reliability and safety. The designed reactor has been then built, commissioned, and operated in such a way to validate the design criteria and hypotheses. The comparison between the experimental results and the design input dataset confirmed the correctness of the design data input but highlighted that the thermal efficiency of the pilot scale plant was low so indicating the need to enhance it for the demonstrative plant.

Graphical Abstract
Priority queueing system with many types of requests and restricted processor sharing
Authors: D’Apice Ciro , Dudin Alexander , Dudin Sergey , Manzo Rosanna
Published: July 2022

A priority queueing model with many types of requests and restricted processor sharing is considered. A novel discipline of requests admission and service is proposed. This discipline assumes restriction of the bandwidth (capacity) of the server and the number of requests that can receive service in the system at the same time. This discipline is some kind of realistic hybrid of the traditional discipline of service in a multi-server system and the discipline of the limited processor sharing. The requests of the highest priority can push out from the service the low priority requests. Therefore, the important problem is fitting of the number of requests that can receive service at the same time to the bandwidth of the server. This problem is solved via construction and analysis of a multi-dimensional Markov chain describing operation of the system under any fixed set of the system parameters.
Co-expression of High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Lingzhao , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Xie Linsen , Dong Li , Liu Junqi , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

Esophageal cancer is a malignant type of cancer with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to determine co-expression patterns of High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in ESCC (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma) conditions and their prognostic role in cancer progression. The expression of HMGB1 and RAGE in ESCC tissues has been analyzed using qRT–PCR and Western blotting. Co-localized expression patterns of HMGB1 and RAGE in ESCC tissues were determined using immunohistochemistry and analyzed for clinical-pathological parameters. Overall survival was performed based on co-expression of HMGB1 and RAGE proteins. A higher expression pattern of HMGB1, and RAGE was observed at mRNA and protein level in the ESCC group compared to the adjacent tissue group. Expression of HMGB1 was significantly correlated with lymph node, metastasis, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion (p < 0.05). RAGE expression exhibited a significant correlation with venous invasion. Overall survival was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the patients with co-expression of HMGB1 and RAGE compared to the patients without co-expression. A significant difference in the overall survival was evident between the patients with co-expression of HMGB1 and RAGE and the patients without coexpression. HMGB1 and RAGE expression patterns were associated with aggressive metastatic characteristics of ESCC. The co-expression of HMGB1 and RAGE was correlated with shorter survival times. Results concluded the co-expression patterns of HMGB1 and RAGE exhibited a prognostic relevance in ESCC conditions.
Magnetic supported activated carbon obtained from walnut shells for bisphenol-a uptake from aqueous solution
Authors: Uzosike A. O. , Ofudje E. A. , Akiode O. K. , Ikenna C. V. , Adeogun A. I. , Akinyele J. O. , Idowu M. A.
Published: July 2022

This work investigated the usability of activated carbon walnut shell (ACWS) and magnetic activated carbon walnut shell (MACWS) for Bisphenol-A (BPA) elimination from aqueous solution. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the chemistry of the adsorbents. Batch sorption studies at different temperatures, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH and varied Bisphenol-A concentrations were performed, while pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics models were deployed to investigate the kinetic data. Equilibrium parameters were computed using the Dubinin–Radushkevich, Freundlich, Temkin and Langmuir isotherms, while Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the adsorption factors. FT-IR report showed the existence of O–H, C=O, C–O and C=C stretches in both adsorbents and Fe–O in MACWS, while XRD revealed an amorphous morphology. BPA removal by ACWS and MACWS with correlation coefficient (R2) > 0.9 showed that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was the most appropriate for explaining the kinetic data. Judging from the values of the maximum adsorption capacity (115.85 and 166.67 mg/g for ACWS and MACWS, respectively), it can be inferred that the Langmuir isotherm best describes the equilibrium results. Thermodynamic investigation showed the process of Bisphenol-A uptake to be spontaneous and endothermic with entropy change (∆So) values of 0.033 and 0.039 kJ/mol for ACWS and MACWS, respectively. The data obtained from the kinetics, isotherm and equilibrium studies revealed that ACWS and MACWS adsorbents were effective for the treatment of Bisphenol-A.
A highly sensitive wearable pressure sensor capsule based on PVA/Mxene composite gel
Authors: Kallingal Nithusha , Maurya Muni Raj , Sajna M. S. , Yalcin Huseyin Cagatay , Ouakad Hassen M. , Bahadur Issam , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: July 2022

Wearable sensors have drawn considerable interest in the recent research world. However, simultaneously realizing high sensitivity and wide detection limits under changing surrounding environment conditions remains challenging. In the present study, we report a wearable piezoresistive pressure sensor capsule that can detect pulse rate and human motion. The capsule includes a flexible silicon cover and is filled with different PVA/MXene (PVA-Mx) composites by varying the weight percentage of MXene in the polymer matrix. Different characterizations such as XRD, FTIR and TEM results confirm that the PVA-Mx silicon capsule was successfully fabricated. The PVA-Mx gel-based sensor capsule remarkably endows a low detection limit of 2 kPa, exhibited high sensitivity of 0.45 kPa−1 in the ranges of 2–10 kPa, and displayed a response time of ~ 500 ms, as well as good mechanical stability and non-attenuating durability over 500 cycles. The piezoresistive sensor capsule sensor apprehended great stability towards changes in humidity and temperature. These findings substantiate that the PVA/MXene sensor capsule is potentially suitable for wearable electronics and smart clothing.