bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited impact of chytridiomycosis on juvenile frogs in a recovered species
Authors: Hollanders Matthijs , Grogan Laura F. , McCallum Hamish I. , Brannelly Laura A. , Newell David A.
Published: June 2023

The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused catastrophic frog declines on several continents, but disease outcome is mediated by a number of factors. Host life stage is an important consideration and many studies have highlighted the vulnerability of recently metamorphosed or juvenile frogs compared to adults. The majority of these studies have taken place in a laboratory setting, and there is a general paucity of longitudinal field studies investigating the influence of life stage on disease outcome. In this study, we assessed the effect of endemic Bd on juvenile Mixophyes fleayi (Fleay’s barred frog) in subtropical eastern Australian rainforest. Using photographic mark-recapture, we made 386 captures of 116 individuals and investigated the effect of Bd infection intensity on the apparent mortality rates of frogs using a multievent model correcting for infection state misclassification. We found that neither Bd infection status nor infection intensity predicted mortality in juvenile frogs, counter to the expectation that early life stages are more vulnerable to disease, despite average high infection prevalence (0.35, 95% HDPI [0.14, 0.52]). Additionally, we found that observed infection prevalence and intensity were somewhat lower for juveniles than adults. Our results indicate that in this Bd-recovered species, the realized impacts of chytridiomycosis on juveniles were apparently low, likely resulting in high recruitment contributing to population stability. We highlight the importance of investigating factors relating to disease outcome in a field setting and make recommendations for future studies.
Psycho-oncologists’ knowledge of cancer-related fatigue and the targets for improving education and training: results from a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Milzer Marlena , Wagner Anna S. , Steindorf Karen , Kiermeier Senta , Schmidt Martina E. , Maatouk Imad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To explore psycho-oncologists’ knowledge of cancer-related fatigue and their self-efficacy to intervene for fatigue. We further aimed to examine the role of fatigue in psycho-oncological training and derive specific suggestions for improvements.

Methods

For this cross-sectional survey study, psycho-oncologists working in Germany were systematically recruited via an address directory or invited by training institutes or colleagues. The online survey encompassed questions on knowledge of fatigue guidelines and interventions, self-efficacy, counseling, and fatigue in professional training. Data were analyzed descriptively and using Mann-Whitney U tests. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables linked to fatigue guideline knowledge.

Results

Seventy two percent of the 144 surveyed psycho-oncologists stated not knowing any fatigue-specific guidelines. Those unaware of guidelines reported a lower self-efficacy to intervene for fatigue. However, despite low knowledge of the guidelines, more than 80% of the participants felt well informed about fatigue and reported high self-efficacy. Most participants were aware of the empirical evidence for psychotherapeutic interventions (95%); everyday physical activity, e.g., taking a walk (98%); yoga (82%); and mindfulness-based interventions (82%). Knowledge gaps existed concerning the evidence of resistance/endurance training for treating fatigue. Knowing that resistance/endurance training is an effective treatment was related to an increased frequency to recommend it to patients. Suggestions to improve training for psycho-oncologists included raising awareness earlier in the career path and offering multidisciplinary trainings for fatigue.

Conclusion

To improve fatigue-related guideline knowledge among psycho-oncologists and enhance implementation into clinical practice multidisciplinary trainings are needed. Psycho-oncologists should play an important role in fatigue management.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04921644. Registered in June 2021.
Medial migration of the helical blade with penetration into the acetabulum: a rare complication using the TFNA nail
Authors: Deichsel Adrian , Katthagen J. Christoph , Raschke Michael J. , Riesenbeck Oliver
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To determine the frequency and possible reasons of medial migration with penetration into the acetabulum (MMPA) of the helical blade when using the Trochanteric Fixation Nail Advanced (TFNA) is used for treatment of pertrochanteric fractures.

Methods

All patients with pertrochanteric femoral fracture, treated by intramedullary femoral nailing with the TFNA, were retrospectively reviewed for MMPA of the helical blade. Epidemiological parameters, additional procedures, distance of medial migration, time from primary operation to revision as well as type of revision were assessed.

Results

4 of 153 patients treated with the TFNA developed an MMPA of the helical blade (risk = 2.6%), with a mean medial migration of the blade of 11.6 mm (SD 8.8). The mean time from initial operation to revision surgery was 70 days (SD 30). All patients were revised by conversion to cemented total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion

MMPA of the helical blade is a rare but potentially hazardous complication of femoral nailing with the TFNA femoral nail, resulting in the necessity for revision surgery and total hip arthroplasty.
Spinal fusion for single-level SPECT/CT positive lumbar degenerative disc disease: the SPINUS I study
Authors: Kaiser Radek , Varga Michal , Lang Otto , Waldauf Petr , Vaněk Petr , Saur Karel , Beneš Vladimír , Netuka David
Published: June 2023

Introduction and purpose

With current imaging modalities and diagnostic tests, identifying pain generators in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is difficult. There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of SPECT/CT examination in diagnosing the source of pain in the spine. The study aims to investigate the effect of posterior interbody fusion on a single-level SPECT/CT positive lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Material and methods

This is a prospective study of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) operated on for a single-level SPECT/CT positive DDD. Primary outcomes were changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes were complications, return to work, satisfaction and willingness to re-undergo surgery.

Results

During a 3-year period, 38 patients underwent single-level fusion surgery. The mean preoperative VAS score of 8.4 (± 1.1) decreased to 3.2 (± 2.5, p < 0.001) and the mean preoperative ODI of 51.5 (± 7.3) improved to 20.7 (± 14.68, p < 0.001) at a 2-year follow-up. A minimum clinically important difference (30% reduction in VAS and ODI) was achieved in 84.2% of patients. Some 71% of patients were satisfied with the surgery results and 89.4% would undergo surgery again. There were four complications, and two patients underwent revision surgery. Some 82.9% of patients returned to work.

Conclusion

Fusion for one-level SPECT/CT positive lumbar DDD resulted in substantial clinical improvement and satisfaction with surgical treatment. Therefore, SPECT/CT imaging could be useful in assessing patients with CLBP, especially those with unclear MRI findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04876586.
Rainfall disparity at monthly scale on Catalonia (NE Spain): dependence on geographic coordinates, altitude and distance to the Mediterranean coast
Authors: Lana Xavier , Rodríguez-Solà Raúl , del Carmen Casas-Castillo María , Serra Carina , Kirchner Ricard , Martínez Maria Dolors
Published: June 2023

The rainfall regime in Catalonia, NE Spain, has a typical Mediterranean behaviour with irregular monthly amounts, sometimes the result of copious and intense torrential episodes for a few months, while for others precipitation is scarce. In addition, the varied topography of this region is related to significant rainfall differences between its different areas. The monthly precipitation from 97 stations spread throughout the territory, from 1950 to 2016, has allowed a detailed study of the spatial distribution of rainfall irregularity, based on the concept of disparity, D. The disparities have been calculated for every calendar month, to characterise the rainfall amount inter-annual oscillations, and also for all the consecutive months, to evaluate the rainfall disparity along the year. The spatial distribution of D has been obtained for all cases, showing a main general increase from North to South, and a secondary increase from West to East, in some months such as July. The winter months, especially January, have the highest values of D, which can reach the value of 2.0. The dependence of D on altitude and distance from the coast has also been analysed. The correlation is predominantly negative in both cases, although in some months, such as January, this correlation is not so clear. Additionally, the histograms of D show statistical characteristics, such as signs of a Gaussian distribution for some calendar months, as well as clear asymmetry in others. The obtained results could be interesting to detect the calendar months with the highest uncertainty on their expected rain amounts, contributing to a better knowledge of the complex structure of the rainfall Mediterranean regime.
Identity and purity of historical remains of inorganic pharmaceuticals from the eighteenth century
Authors: Nesměrák Karel , Janoušková Eva , Červený Václav , Hraníček Jakub , Šimonová Alice , Kunešová Jana , Němec Ivan
Published: June 2023

Sixteen specimens of historical remains of inorganic pharmaceuticals dating back to the eighteenth century were analyzed by a combination of spectroscopy (ICP–MS, atomic absorption/emission, UV–Vis, infrared and Raman), capillary zone electrophoresis, and chemical methods (titration and gravimetric analysis). The results obtained confirmed the identity of 14 of the specimens analyzed. With the exception of one, impurities were found in all specimens, often at relatively high concentrations. Based on these impurities, it was possible to confirm the origin of six substances as naturally occurring minerals. The other specimens were probably prepared by period apothecaries or artisans through chemical reactions. In two specimens, a recipe of the time, based on the ignition of metal with sulfur, could be confirmed. For anatron, a substance that originated as a by-product of glass melting, it was possible to determine its composition as a mixture of alkaline sulfates, carbonates, and chlorides (the first such analysis described in the literature). On the other hand, for two specimens, it was found that the substance was mistaken for a completely different compound than would be expected from the Latin inscription on the apothecary jar.

Graphical abstract
Women’s experiences of specialist perinatal mental health services: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Moran Emma , Noonan Maria , Mohamad Mas Mahady , O’Reilly Pauline
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Specialist perinatal mental health services identify and treat women experiencing mental health conditions during pregnancy and up to one year post birth. There is limited knowledge about women’s experiences of care from specialist services. Evaluation and optimisation of service delivery requires knowledge of women’s care experiences. This review aimed to systematically identify, appraise, and synthesise qualitative evidence exploring women’s experiences of specialist perinatal mental health services.

Methods

A systematic literature search of five databases: Medline (OVID), EMBASE (Elsevier), PsycINFO (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO) and Scopus (Elsevier), grey literature searching, and backward citation, identified a total of 1035 papers of which sixteen met inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool.

Results

Thematic synthesis identified three themes: connected relationships; new beginnings; and meaningful service delivery. Findings identified that relationships developed with clinicians were significant to women and their experience of care. Women valued continuity of care from dedicated non-judgemental clinicians. Peer support from other mothers was perceived as meaningful to women. Through service interventions women gained new insights into their infant’s needs and grew in confidence as a mother.

Conclusions

Women require provision of flexible and accessible specialist services with clinicians who are sensitive to their individual psychosocial needs and preferences. Examining discharge practices and continuing care needs is essential to ensure the best outcomes for women and their families.
Knowledge representation of the state of a cloud-native application
Authors: Kosińska Joanna , Brotoń Grzegorz , Tobiasz Maciej
Published: June 2023

Cloud Computing has revolutionized the way applications are developed, deployed, and maintained. Over the past decade, we have observed dynamically growing interest in Cloud Computing. The benefits of the cloud approach caused the increasing popularity of Cloud-native applications. Cloud-native is an approach to developing and deploying applications according to the concepts of DevOps, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), containers and microservices. The knowledge about Cloud Computing has become extensive and complex. Fortunately, before Cloud-native applications development, there was a great deal of effort to develop tools for effective knowledge representation. Ontologies are a convenient way to show the relations between domain-specific concepts. In this paper, we propose an ontology named CNOnt that describes the state-of-the-art of Cloud-native applications. CNOnt covers aspects from the clusterization perspective. First, this paper presents the engineering perspective of building the CNOnt ontology. Second, we demonstrate a use case of our ontology that proves the correctness of CNOnt development. This ontology is exhausted in CNOnt Broker. It is a system that applies the information in the OWL file into the Kubernetes cluster and in reverse. The knowledge representation makes Cloud-native applications understandable to third-party systems and increases interoperability between different microservices.
Nest visitors of Vespula wasps and their potential use for biological control in an invaded range
Authors: Stratford John E. , Stratford Francesca M. W. , Brown Robert L. , Oi Cintia Akemi
Published: June 2023

The common and the German wasp, Vespula vulgaris and V. germanica, have proved to be prolific invasive species capable of degrading local ecosystems and costing invaded countries millions of dollars annually. Despite clear incentive, control strategies are yet to have any significant deleterious impact on invasive populations. Several species of arthropods are known to inhabit Vespula nests and feed upon developing larvae as either parasitoids or predators. Recent control strategies propose the use of such parasitoids as agents of biocontrol against invasive wasps (Volucella inanis in particular). Despite a general understanding of parasitoid ecology, some aspects such as prevalence, distribution, and behaviour remain limited. Here, we surveyed natural enemy prevalence in wasp nests over the period of three years and we tested larvae prey preference of two Volucella species, V. inanis and V. zonaria towards Vespula wasps. We find V. inanis to be the most prevalent of four prominent candidates for Vespid biocontrol—V. inanis, V. zonaria, Sphecophaga vesparum, and Metoecus paradoxus. Using two-choice assays, we find larvae of V. inanis to have slight yet significant prey preference for V. vulgaris larvae over V. germanica larvae, whilst V. zonaria display no preference. Furthermore, V. inanis were not averse to still predating upon V. germanica, doing so in 41% of trials. Prior exposure has no effect on the prey-preference. Our work provides experimental evidence that V. inanis is a promising candidate for biocontrol of invasive Vespula wasps, as the larvae predate on both target species of Vespula and display no exclusive preference among them.
From theory to practice: optimisation of available information for landslide hazard assessment in Rome relying on official, fragmented data sources
Authors: Esposito C. , Mastrantoni G. , Marmoni G. M. , Antonielli B. , Caprari P. , Pica A. , Schilirò L. , Mazzanti P. , Bozzano F.
Published: June 2023

The definition of landslide hazard is a step-like procedure that encompasses the quantification of its spatial and temporal attributes, i.e., a reliable definition of landslide susceptibility and a detailed analysis of landslide recurrence. However, available information is often incomplete, fragmented and unsuitable for reliable quantitative analysis. Nevertheless, landslide hazard evaluation has a key role in the implementation of risk mitigation policies and an effort should be done to retrieve information and make it useful for this purpose. In this research, we go through this topic of optimising the information available in catalogues, starting from landslide inventory review and constitution of a boosted training dataset, propaedeutic for susceptibility analysis based on machine learning methods. The temporal recurrence of landslide events has been approached here either through the definitions of large-scale quantitative hazard descriptors or by analysis of historical rainfall (i.e., the main triggering factor for the considered shallow earth slope failures) databases through the definition of rainfall probability curves. Spatial and temporal attributes were integrated, selecting potential landslide source areas ranked in terms of hazard. Data integration was also pursued through persistent scatterer interferometry analysis which pointed out areas of interest within potential landslide source areas featured by ongoing ground movement. The consequential approach led to the definition of the first hazard product of the city of Rome at a local scale functional for advisory purposes or the statutory level, representing a thematic layer able to orient the risk managers and infrastructure stakeholders.
A strategy for improving the safety and strength of topologically optimized multi-material structures
Authors: Li Yu , Yuan Philip F. , Xie Yi Min
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a new strategy to distribute two different materials for multi-material topology optimization. Extended from the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method for a single material, the multi-material bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (MBESO) method has been developed, which can effectively handle the topology optimization problems involving two materials like steel and concrete. However, in some special cases, overloading of part of the compressed material occurs in the multi-material structures designed by using the MBESO method. Aimed to solve this critical problem, a simple but effective strategy is proposed in this paper. In steel-concrete composite structures, for instance, the overloaded compressed concrete elements with exceedingly high stress are replaced with steel material. The small amount of steel material added to the highly compressed region can effectively reduce the maximum compressive stress of the concrete material to a safe level. The comparison between the original MBESO method and the improved strategy based on a series of two-dimensional and three-dimensional examples clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in enhancing the structural safety and strength of the topologically optimized composite structures. This distinctly different material distribution strategy shows its potential and value in multi-material topology optimization research and applications.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Eulaelaps huzhuensis (Mesostigmata: Haemogamasidae)
Authors: Yang Hui-Juan , Yang Zhi-Hua , Ren Tian-Guang , Dong Wen-Ge
Published: June 2023

Some mites of the family Haemogamasidae can transmit a variety of zoonotic diseases and have important public health and safety implications. Currently, however, little attention has been paid to molecular data of Haemogamasidae species, limiting our understanding of their evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Eulaelaps huzhuensis was determined for the first time, and its genomic information was analyzed in detail. The mitochondrial genome of E. huzhuensis is 14,872 bp in length with 37 genes and two control regions. The base composition showed a distinct AT preference. Twelve protein-coding genes have a typical ATN as the start codon, and three protein-coding genes have incomplete stop codons. During the folding of tRNA genes, a total of 30 mismatches occurred, and three tRNA genes had an atypical cloverleaf secondary structure. The order of the E. huzhuensis mitochondrial genome arrangement is a new type of rearrangement in Mesostigmata. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the family Haemogamasidae is a monophyletic branch and does not belong to a subfamily of the Laelapidae. Our results lay the foundation for subsequent studies on the phylogeny and evolutionary history of the family Haemogamasidae.
Disentangling the effects of fishing and temperature to explain increasing fish species richness in the North Sea
Authors: Jones D. Ieuan , Miethe Tanja , Clarke Elizabeth D. , Marshall C. Tara
Published: June 2023

Climate change and fishing have impacted marine species richness (R) at global and local scales. It has previously been shown that R of the fish community in the North Sea has increased since the early 1980’s. Over the same period, ocean temperature has increased, and fishing mortality has decreased in the North Sea. Because these are confounded over time, either trend could plausibly explain the increase in R. Therefore, a logic-based approach was used to disentangle the effects of temperature and fishing on R, using spatio-temporal models fitted to survey data. To investigate the effect of temperature on R, fish species were subset by thermal affinity, as either Lusitanian (warm) or Boreal (cold) species. To investigate the effect of fishing mortality on R, species were subset by management category as either quota (assumed to be targeted) or non-quota species. Trends in these subsets were plotted separately to investigate which subsets of the fish community have contributed to the overall R increase. Over three decades, fish R increased by an average of 2.5 species per haul. These increases were predominantly of Lusitanian non-quota species (1.9). A small increase was observed in quota species (0.6); however, this increase was driven by quota-Lusitanian species (0.4). Our results suggest that temperature rather than fishing mortality was the driver of R increase in the North Sea since 1991 and highlight the importance of long-term monitoring in detecting ecological responses to climate change at the community level.
A Home-based Approach to Reduce Test Anxiety Using a Combination of Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Csirmaz Luca , Vikor Fanni , Szekely Anna , Kasos Krisztian
Published: June 2023

Increasing number of students struggle with test anxiety. Evidence based, online, affordable, and accessible solutions for test anxiety are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an online delivered, assisted intervention (REST-TA) in a randomized controlled trial.

Participants (N = 178) were recruited through a university course and were randomized into a treatment group and waitlist control group. The treatment group completed an 8-week program which consisted of relaxation, skill training and cognitive behavioral methods. Both treatment and control group filled out a battery of questionnaires (TAMC-SF, STAI, DASS, MBI-SS, Resilience) pre and post-treatment.

According to our results there was a significant reduction in test anxiety between pre and post intervention. We found a significant increase in trait anxiety, negative affectivity, and burnout in the control group, while no change or slight decrease in these scores in the treatment group. Our analyses also yielded a significant increase in resilience scores in the treatment group while resilience scores did not change for the control group.

We conclude that REST-TA was successful at reducing test anxiety. Moreover, it helped to maintain the subjective well-being of students, while increasing resilience. Online solutions are a scalable option for universities to implement, therefore programs such as REST-TA could be of great help to improve the mental health of university students.
Intrinsically modified self-extinguishing fire-retardant epoxy resin using boron-polyol complex
Authors: Mathews Lalson Daniel , Capricho Jaworski C. , Salim Nisa , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Moinuddin Khalid , Hameed Nishar
Published: June 2023

A novel fire-retardant epoxy thermoset, containing boron polyol complex, was prepared and characterised. The fire-retardant additive was a stoichiometric mixture of boric acid and glycerol. Flame retardancy of the epoxy resin was improved by the formation of stable char layer that protected the underlying epoxy from further burning. Phonon transport through the polymer matrix via hydrogen bonding was identified. The hydrogen bonding acted as a thermal bridge for intermolecular phonon transport to gain improved thermal conductivity resulting early char formation. The hydrogen bonding between the complex and the epoxy matrix was demonstrated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The phonon transport and a high degree of graphitization was confirmed using Raman Spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis was used for polymer decomposition to confirm a char yield of over 20%. Reaction to fire test revealed enhancement in fire retardancy and self-extinguishing properties of the blend compared to the neat epoxy. Cone calorimetry testing confirmed decreased peak heat release rate and total smoke production by the effect of boron compound in the epoxy matrix. Hydrogen bonding, formation of thick stable layer of char at the polymer surface, and a blowing out effect caused by pyrolytic gases escaping to the gaseous phase, were attributed to the improved fire retardancy. This research may find applications in thermal insulation material of electronic circuit boards, coating in aerospace materials, as well as building and construction industries.
The relations between working from home and travel behaviour: a panel analysis
Authors: Faber R. M. , Hamersma M. , Brimaire J. , Kroesen M. , Molin E. J.E.
Published: June 2023

Policies to increase the amount of time people spend working from home were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since research suggests that the resulting increase in working from home will outlast these policies themselves, policymakers want to understand the relations between working from home and travel behaviour. We apply longitudinal modelling techniques to estimate the relations between working from home and travel behaviour using panel data from the Netherlands Mobility Panel spanning the years 2017 through 2021. This allows us to separate between-persons and within-persons relations and effects and to see whether these effects changed during the pandemic. We find a negative effect of working from home on commute travel time both before and during the pandemic and a positive effect on leisure travel time only before the pandemic. The sizes of these effects remained roughly similar during the pandemic, although the extent to which working from home affected commute travel time increased during the pandemic. The net effect of working from home on travel time is negative, indicating that working from home policies could be used to reduce travel time. The results also show that some of the relationships between working from home and travel behaviour have changed during the pandemic. As a result, policymakers and transport operators should be careful when estimating future travel demand based on extrapolations of relationships found only before or during the pandemic.
Using Human-Centered Design Strategies to Identify Unmet Adolescent Sexual Health Wants and Needs
Authors: Leos Cristina , Chen Elizabeth , Jagannathan Vichi
Published: June 2023

This paper describes a human-centered design approach to investigate unmet adolescent sexual health wants and needs among youth of color in low-income and rural communities in Texas, North Carolina, and Connecticut (n = 149). The approach involved gathering qualitative data through in-depth interviews and other human-centered design activities between April 2016 and August 2016. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis after each round of data collection. Themes were triangulated across multiple data sources to identify key insights. Results highlighted several important unmet wants and needs. Participants shared that schools were not the preferred place to learn about sexual health and healthy relationships, due to uncomfortable and sometimes even hostile environments. When discussing the potential to use internet- and technology-based sexual health resources, participants expressed concerns over privacy, safety, and credibility of information available. Similarly, participants preferred mobile apps over websites due to the privacy of the experience. Most importantly, key emotions impacting adolescents’ access to and use of sexual health resources were identified. Results indicated a preference for consuming story-based information in a text message format that described diverse experiences related to sexual health topics. Together, these findings led to the development of an innovative, mobile health intervention for adolescents, the Real Talk mobile app. This human-centered approach can support researchers and practitioners in strengthening intervention development efforts to improve the reach, adoption, and implementation of sexual health interventions.
Sex-based comparison of trunk flexors and extensors functional and contractile characteristics in young gymnasts
Authors: Deodato Manuela , Saponaro Serena , Šimunič Boštjan , Martini Miriam , Galmonte Alessandra , Murena Luigi , Buoite Stella Alex
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Gymnastics is a sport characterized by acrobatic and postural strength exercises that require great trunk muscles activation and control. Males and females can be characterized by different morphological and neuromuscular characteristics of such muscles, and this might be of importance for training and injury prevention. The aim of this study was to measure different aspects of trunk flexors and extensors characteristics in a sample of young female and male gymnasts.

Methods

Twenty-eight sub-elite adolescent female (n = 14, 16 y, 14–17) and male (n = 14, 17 y, 14–18) gymnasts participated in this cross-sectional study. Tensiomyography was used to assess muscle contractile properties of the rectus abdominis (m.RA) and erector spinae (m.ES), while muscle thickness was assessed for abdominal muscles and lumbar multifidus (m.LM) with ultrasound. Flexors, extensors, and lateral endurance tests were performed.

Results

Females presented smaller m.ES radial displacement (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.535), smaller internal oblique thickness (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.543), and shorter lateral endurance (p = 0.002, pη2 = 0.302). A significant side × sex interaction was found for the external oblique thickness (p = 0.004, pη2 = 0.276).

Conclusion

Present findings report sex-based differences in abdominal and lumbar muscles characteristics and support the development of different sex-based training and rehabilitation protocols in adolescent gymnasts.
Studienbewertung in systematischen Reviews der Bildungsforschung – Planungsschritte und Kriterien zur Prüfung der internen Validität von Interventionsstudien
Authors: Höfler Martha , Vasylyeva Tetyana
Published: June 2023

Systematische Reviews, die in der evidenzbasierten Medizin heute fest etabliert sind, werden auch in der Bildungsforschung zunehmend umgesetzt. Mithilfe solcher Übersichtsstudien lassen sich Wirkungsbefunde zu pädagogischen Maßnahmen umfänglich zusammentragen und evaluieren. Da hierfür eine Einschätzung der Qualität der empirischen Datenlage notwendig ist, stellt die Qualitätsbewertung von Studien eine zentrale Aufgabe im Review-Prozess dar. Sofern die Durchführung eines Reviews nicht über externe Review-Organisationen erfolgt, muss die Studienbewertung selbstständig konzipiert werden. Dies birgt jedoch Herausforderungen angesichts der vielfältigen Forschungsdesigns von pädagogischen Interventionsstudien und möglichen Bewertungskriterien, die passend zum Evidenzkonzept in der Bildung und zum jeweiligen Untersuchungsgegenstand definiert werden müssen. Der Beitrag beleuchtet die selbstständige Konzeptionierung der Studienbewertung in systematischen Reviews der Bildungsforschung und fokussiert dabei die Beurteilung der internen Validität von Interventionsstudien. Es werden relevante Planungsschritte zusammengefasst und reflektiert, die aus einer Recherche in theoretisch-konzeptionellen Arbeiten und Kriterien-Checklisten zur Qualitätsevaluation hervorgehen. Die Umsetzung dieser Schritte wird anhand der Studienbewertung eines systematischen Reviews zur Wirkung sprachsensibler Unterrichtsansätze exemplarisch illustriert. Dabei wird auch das Kriterienraster zur Beurteilung der internen Validität von pädagogischen Interventionsstudien vorgestellt, das in diesem Review als Ergebnis des Konzeptionsprozesses entstanden ist. Der Beitrag macht deutlich, dass die Studienbewertung gründliche Planungen und Richtungsentscheide voraussetzt. Das vorgestellte Kriterienraster kann zur Orientierung für die Qualitätsbewertung in anderen systematischen Reviews der Bildungsforschung dienen.
A link function specification test in the single functional index model
Authors: Chan Lax , Delsol Laurent , Goia Aldo
Published: June 2023

In this paper a test for specification in functional regression with scalar response that exploits semi-parametric principles is illustrated. Once the test statistics is defined, its asymptotic null distribution is derived under suitable conditions. The finite sample performances of the test are analyzed through a simulation study by using both the asymptotic p-value and some bootstrap approaches. To appreciate the potentialities of the method, an application to a spectrometric real dataset is performed.
Mathematics education for STEM as place
Authors: Nicol Cynthia , Thom Jennifer S. , Doolittle Edward , Glanfield Florence , Ghostkeeper Elmer
Published: June 2023

Positioned within Indigenous and ecological discourses, our paper reconsiders human-centered relationships with earth and activities such as STEM that view earth as commodity, resource, and platform. In doing so, we turn to the ways earth (e.g., rivers, forests, animals) teaches mathematics education for STEM as place and reveals intelligences that exceed those of humankind. Using examples of place and land, we illustrate how such a conception contrasts with current calls and goals for STEM and integrated STEM education. We contend that comprehending STEM as place renews potential for success to be defined “as the continuity of life”; that is, all that concerns the natural world, including human wellbeing in general, and in particular mathematics and mathematics education. To conclude, we propose research directions to study mathematical ways of being, mathematics, and mathematics education for STEM as place. We include possible implications and pathways for such work which prompts (re)visioning and (re)enacting mathematics education to be for STEM as place.
Spectroscopic Non-targeted Techniques in Combination with Linear Discriminant Analysis for Wine Vinegar Authentication
Authors: Grassi Silvia , Alamprese Cristina
Published: June 2023

This work aims at comparing different non-targeted spectroscopic techniques (i.e., UV–Vis, FT-IR, FT-NIR, and NIR spectroscopy) for the authentication of white wine vinegar. Five white wine vinegars were adulterated with two different spirit vinegars. Further twenty-five wine vinegars were analyzed to enlarge the authentic product dataset. All samples (i.e., 160) were analyzed in duplicate by UV–Vis, FT-NIR, and FT-IR spectroscopy; moreover, a handheld NIR device was tested on a subset of samples (i.e., 89). Principal component analysis revealed sample patterns related to vinegar acidity (6 or 7.1%) rather than adulteration levels. After variable selection (SELECT algorithm), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models were developed and tested by independent external sets. The LDA models gave very high weighted correct classification rates in calibration (95.5–100.0%), cross-validation (92.4–100.0%), and prediction (90.0–100.0%) for all the spectroscopic techniques. With the portable NIR instrument, 100% correct classifications in prediction were obtained, demonstrating its suitability in vinegar authentication.
Nano Iron Versus Bulk Iron Forms as Functional Feed Additives: Growth, Body Indices, Hematological Assay, Plasma Metabolites, Immune, Anti-oxidative Ability, and Intestinal Morphometric Measurements of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Mohammady Eman Y. , Elashry Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Mohamed S. , Elarian Mohamed , Salem Shimaa M. R. , El-Haroun Ehab R. , Hassaan Mohamed S.
Published: June 2023

The current study aimed to compare the utilization efficiency of iron (Fe) feed additives from either bulk or nano sources in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus diets on growth, haematological, immunity, anti-oxidative, and intestinal topography capacities. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were performed; the basal diet served as a control with no Fe added, whereas the experimental diets were shaped by adding bulk-Fe2O3 and nano-Fe2O3 to the basal diet to preserve Fe levels at 0.2 and 0.4 mg kg−1, respectively. Results indicated that superior growth performance was recorded in fish-fed diets supplemented with 0.4 nano-Fe2O3 mg kg−1 diet. In addition, the highest (P ≤ 0.05) survival rate, absorption area of villous (AAV), mucosal to serosal amplification ratio (MSR), and villi parameters (height and width) were noticed in fish fed diet enrichment with either bulk or nano-Fe2O3 source. However, the superiority observed in nano-Fe2O3 fish groups. Also, the highest values of plasma albumin, total protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), white blood cells (WBCs), and lymphocyte absolute count (LYM) (P ≤ 0.05) recorded in fish fed a diet supplemented with nano-Fe2O3 versus the basal diet. Moreover, the highest values of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and plasma lysozyme activity (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in fish fed 0.4 mg/kg−1 nano-Fe2O3, while the lowest value was recorded in fish fed the control diet. The best value of malondialdehyde activity (P ≤ 0.05) recorded in a fish-fed diet supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg−1 nano-Fe2O3. The current findings emphasize the importance of including Fe to improve fish growth, immunity, antioxidant capabilities, and intestinal structure, primarily with a nano-Fe source, which demonstrated a more effective function in satisfying Nile tilapia dietary Fe requirements and improving the aforementioned parameters.
Resolution of Cerebral Inflammation Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Patsouris Victor , Blecharz-Lang Kinga G. , Nieminen-Kelhä Melina , Schneider Ulf C. , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: June 2023

Background

Aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that, despite improvement through therapeutic interventions, remains a devastating cerebrovascular disorder that has a high mortality rate and causes long-term disability. Cerebral inflammation after SAH is promoted through microglial accumulation and phagocytosis. Furthermore, proinflammatory cytokine release and neuronal cell death play key roles in the development of brain injury. The termination of these inflammation processes and restoration of tissue homeostasis are of utmost importance regarding the possible chronicity of cerebral inflammation and the improvement of the clinical outcome for affected patients post SAH. Thus, we evaluated the inflammatory resolution phase post SAH and considered indications for potential tertiary brain damage in cases of incomplete resolution.

Methods

Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced through endovascular filament perforation in mice. Animals were killed 1, 7 and 14 days and 1, 2 and 3 months after SAH. Brain cryosections were immunolabeled for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 to detect microglia/macrophages. Neuronal nuclei and terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate-nick end labeling staining was used to visualize secondary cell death of neurons. The gene expression of various proinflammatory mediators in brain samples was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We observed restored tissue homeostasis due to decreased microglial/macrophage accumulation and neuronal cell death 1 month after insult. However, the messenger RNA expression levels of  interleukin 6  and  tumor necrosis factor α were still elevated at 1 and 2 months post SAH, respectively. The gene expression of interleukin 1β reached its maximum on day 1, whereas at later time points, no significant differences between the groups were detected.

Conclusions

By the herein presented molecular and histological data we provide an important indication for an incomplete resolution of inflammation within the brain parenchyma after SAH. Inflammatory resolution and the return to tissue homeostasis represent an important contribution to the disease’s pathology influencing the impact on brain damage and outcome after SAH. Therefore, we consider a novel complementary or even superior therapeutic approach that should be carefully rethought in the management of cerebral inflammation after SAH. An acceleration of the resolution phase at the cellular and molecular levels could be a potential aim in this context.
Kulturell-ästhetisches Engagement von Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Isenberg Tim , Thole Werner
Published: June 2023

Einrichtungen der Kinder- und Jugendarbeit bieten in Kooperation mit externen Künstler_innen und der Stadt Frankfurt a. M. kulturell-ästhetische Workshops äußerst niedrigschwellig an, um Heranwachsenden die Partizipation an außerschulischer kultureller Bildung zu ermöglichen. Erste Ergebnisse zeigen die Möglichkeit nachhaltiger Wirkungseffekte und eine Förderung der sozialen, personalen und technischen Fertigkeiten. Während die Beziehung zwischen Kindern bzw. Jugendlichen und den Kunstschaffenden als ein zentraler Erfolgsfaktor identifiziert wurde, kämpfen die Einrichtungen insbesondere mit der Bereitstellung von Geldern und Räumlichkeiten, um kulturell-ästhetische Bildungsangebote auch nachhaltig in der Sozialen Arbeit implementieren zu können.
Intimate Partner Violence Directed at Men: Experiences of Violence, Help-seeking, and Potential Gender Role Conflict Among Portuguese Men
Authors: Reis Eduardo , Moleiro Carla , Arriaga Patrícia
Published: June 2023

Recent research has shed light on how men in same-sex and different-sex relationships experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and how it may contribute to their Gender Role Conflict (GRC), through which men face a dissonance with their gender roles. However, knowledge on these topics is still lacking. We aim to better understand men’s experiences of violence in their same-sex or different-sex relationships by identifying their dynamics and the specific barriers and facilitators to seeking help. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adult men (Heterosexual, n = 6; Gay, n = 5; Bisexual, n = 2; Not disclosed, n = 1) who self-identified as having been targets of IPV. The interview protocol considered the literature on IPV and the feedback from stakeholders in victim support services. The results were analyzed following the principles of Content Analysis. Our findings suggest that men are negatively impacted by their abusive relationships, with physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence having been perpetrated by their same-sex or different-sex partners. Some men reported being further stigmatized in their help-seeking experiences. Gay and bisexual men indicated specific processes that played a significant role in their experiences. Some men revealed discomfort with the identity of “victim”, which may be linked to possible GRC processes. In sum, IPV impacts men in different-sex and same-sex relationships, and our findings provide new insights about how violence and help-seeking are experienced in the Portuguese cultural setting. Future efforts should focus on assessing possible GRC processes in this population and provide adequate information and tailored services to the specific needs of these men.
Schwerhörigkeit im Alter: Was steckt dahinter?
Authors: Köppl Christine , Klump Georg
Published: June 2023

Age-related hearing loss is of increasing concern in our ageing society. However, a causal understanding of the manifold degenerative processes in the cochlea and auditory brain, and their relation to specific hearing problems, is still in its infancy. Gerbils that are trained to perform auditory tasks show very similar auditory perception to humans, including in tests with speech-like signals. This offers a unique opportunity to experimentally probe age-related changes in perception and the underlying neural pathologies.
Engineering biopharmazeutischer Produkte in der Pflanzenbiotechnologie
Authors: Eidenberger Lukas , Steinkellner Herta
Published: June 2023

Plants can be used to recombinantly produce high-quality biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic proteins and vaccines, also known as plant molecular farming (PMF). Recent advances in engineering places PMF amongst the most innovative manufacturing technologies that reduce cost and shorten the production timeline. State-of-the-art PMF uses a dual-approach strategy to optimize the generation of products, namely engineering of expression vectors and production hosts. Here we describe the assembly of genetic circuits, engineered to enable the rapid expression of multimeric proteins in the commonly used expression host Nicotiana benthamiana.
Zugängliche KI-Algorithmen für bessere Zellmikroskopie
Authors: Mairhörmann Benedikt , Padovani Francesco , Schmoller Kurt M.
Published: June 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many fields, including bioimage analysis. Powerful AI-based tools enable the analysis of large image datasets with unprecedented accuracy. However, easy-to-use tools are needed to allow experimentalists without specialised technical knowledge to leverage AI to its full potential. Here, we discuss our efforts to develop an intuitive and open-source bioimage analysis software that enables scientists to easily access state-of-the-art AI models.
Should young athletes be screened for cardiomyopathies to reduce the burden of sudden cardiac death in athletes?
Authors: McColgan Grace , Villarroel Mauricio , Gehmlich Katja
Published: June 2023

In this correspondence, we highlight the
risk of sudden cardiac death associated with undiagnosed cardiomyopathies. Life-threatening arrhythmias, which underlie sudden cardiac death, can be triggered by high-intensity exercise. It raises the question whether, and if so, how athletes should be screened for cardiomyopathies. The example of practice from Italy is discussed. We also briefly discuss novel developments, such as wearable biosensors and machine learning, which could be applied to screening for cardiomyopathies in future.