bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicological effects assessment for wildlife in the 21st century: Review of current methods and recommendations for a path forward
Authors: Bean Thomas G. , Beasley Val R. , Berny Philippe , Eisenreich Karen M. , Elliott John E. , Eng Margaret L. , Fuchsman Phyllis C. , Johnson Mark S. , King Mason D. , Mateo Rafael , Meyer Carolyn B. , Salice Christopher J. , Rattner Barnett A.
Published: June 2023

Model species (e.g., granivorous gamebirds, waterfowl, passerines, domesticated rodents) have been used for decades in guideline laboratory tests to generate survival, growth, and reproductive data for prospective ecological risk assessments (ERAs) for birds and mammals, while officially adopted risk assessment schemes for amphibians and reptiles do not exist. There are recognized shortcomings of current in vivo methods as well as uncertainty around the extent to which species with different life histories (e.g., terrestrial amphibians, reptiles, bats) than these commonly used models are protected by existing ERA frameworks. Approaches other than validating additional animal models for testing are being developed, but the incorporation of such new approach methodologies (NAMs) into risk assessment frameworks will require robust validations against in vivo responses. This takes time, and the ability to extrapolate findings from nonanimal studies to organism- and population-level effects in terrestrial wildlife remains weak. Failure to adequately anticipate and predict hazards could have economic and potentially even legal consequences for regulators and product registrants. In order to be able to use fewer animals or replace them altogether in the long term, vertebrate use and whole organism data will be needed to provide data for NAM validation in the short term. Therefore, it is worth investing resources for potential updates to existing standard test guidelines used in the laboratory as well as addressing the need for clear guidance on the conduct of field studies. Herein, we review the potential for improving standard in vivo test methods and for advancing the use of field studies in wildlife risk assessment, as these tools will be needed in the foreseeable future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:699–724. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Development and internal validation of a multifactorial risk prediction model for gallbladder cancer in a high‐incidence country
Authors: Boekstegers Felix , Scherer Dominique , Barahona Ponce Carol , Marcelain Katherine , Gárate‐Calderón Valentina , Waldenberger Melanie , Morales Erik , Rojas Armando , Munoz César , Retamales Javier , de Toro Gonzalo , Barajas Olga , Rivera María Teresa , Cortés Analía , Loader Denisse , Saavedra Javiera , Gutiérrez Lorena , Ortega Alejandro , Bertrán Maria Enriqueta , Bartolotti Leonardo , Gabler Fernando , Campos Mónica , Alvarado Juan , Moisán Fabricio , Spencer Loreto , Nervi Bruno , Carvajal‐Hausdorf Daniel , Losada Héctor , Almau Mauricio , Fernández Plinio , Olloquequi Jordi , Fuentes‐Guajardo Macarena , Gonzalez‐Jose Rolando , Bortolini Maria Cátira , Acuña‐Alonzo Victor , Gallo Carla , Linares Andres Ruiz , Rothhammer Francisco , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo
Published: June 2023

Since 2006, Chile has been implementing a gallbladder cancer (GBC) prevention program based on prophylactic cholecystectomy for gallstone patients aged 35 to 49 years. The effectiveness of this prevention program has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. We conducted a retrospective study of 473 Chilean GBC patients and 2137 population‐based controls to develop and internally validate three GBC risk prediction models. The Baseline Model accounted for gallstones while adjusting for sex and birth year. Enhanced Model I also included the non‐genetic risk factors: body mass index, educational level, Mapuche surnames, number of children and family history of GBC. Enhanced Model II further included Mapuche ancestry and the genotype for rs17209837. Multiple Cox regression was applied to assess the predictive performance, quantified by the area under the precision‐recall curve (AUC‐PRC) and the number of cholecystectomies needed (NCN) to prevent one case of GBC at age 70 years. The AUC‐PRC for the Baseline Model (0.44%, 95%CI 0.42‐0.46) increased by 0.22 (95%CI 0.15‐0.29) when non‐genetic factors were included, and by 0.25 (95%CI 0.20‐0.30) when incorporating non‐genetic and genetic factors. The overall NCN for Chileans with gallstones (115, 95%CI 104‐131) decreased to 92 (95%CI 60‐128) for Chileans with a higher risk than the median according to Enhanced Model I, and to 80 (95%CI 59‐110) according to Enhanced Model II. In conclusion, age, sex and gallstones are strong risk factors for GBC, but consideration of other non‐genetic factors and individual genotype data improves risk prediction and may optimize allocation of financial resources and surgical capacity.
Il‐6 and UGT1A1 variations may related to furosemide resistance in heart failure patients
Authors: Koprululu Kucuk G. , Guney A. I. , Sunbul M. , Guctekin T. , Koç G. , Kirac D.
Published: June 2023

Furosemide is a diuretic and is used for the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). It has been found that in some HF patients, the drug does not treat patients efficiently. This condition is named as furosemide resistance. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the relationship between UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT1A1) and interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) variations with furosemide resistance in HF patients. Sixty HF patients using furosemide (patient group) and 30 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two subgroups as non‐responders (furosemide resistant) group (n = 30) and the responders (non‐resistant) group (n = 30) according to the presence of furosemide resistance (n = 30). Variations in the first exon of UGT1A1 and rs1800795 and rs1800796 variations in IL‐6 were analyzed by direct sequencing and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), respectively. The effects of newly detected mutations on 3‐D protein structure were analyzed by in silico analysis. At the end of the study, 11 variations were detected in UGT1A1, of which nine of them are novel and eight of them cause amino acid change. Also, rs1800795 and rs1800796 variations were detected in all the groups. When patient and control groups were compared with each other, rs1800796 mutation in IL‐6 was found statistically high in the patient group (p = 0.027). When the three groups were compared with each other, similarly, rs1800796 mutation in IL‐6 was found statistically high in the non‐responders group (p = 0.043). When allele distributions were compared between the patient and control groups, the C allele of rs1800795 mutation in IL‐6 was found statistically high in the patient group (p = 0.032). When allele distributions were compared between the three groups, 55T‐insertion in UGT1A1 was found statistically high in the non‐responders group (p = 0.017). According to in silico analysis results, two variations were found deleterious and six variations were detected as probably damaging to protein functions. Our study may contribute to the elucidation of pharmacogenetic features (drug response–gene relationship) and the development of individual‐specific treatment strategies in HF patients using furosemide.
Commensal Microbiota Effects on Craniofacial Skeletal Growth and Morphology
Authors: Gerasco Joy E. , Hathaway‐Schrader Jessica D. , Poulides Nicole A. , Carson Matthew D. , Okhura Naoto , Westwater Caroline , Hatch Nan E. , Novince Chad M.
Published: June 2023

Microbes colonize anatomical sites in health to form commensal microbial communities (e.g., commensal gut microbiota, commensal skin microbiota, commensal oral microbiota). Commensal microbiota has indirect effects on host growth and maturation through interactions with the host immune system. The commensal microbiota was recently introduced as a novel regulator of skeletal growth and morphology at noncraniofacial sites. Further, we and others have shown that commensal gut microbes, such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), contribute to noncraniofacial skeletal growth and maturation. However, commensal microbiota effects on craniofacial skeletal growth and morphology are unclear. To determine the commensal microbiota's role in craniofacial skeletal growth and morphology, we performed craniometric and bone mineral density analyses on skulls from 9‐week‐old female C57BL/6T germ‐free (GF) mice (no microbes), excluded‐flora (EF) specific‐pathogen‐free mice (commensal microbiota), and murine‐pathogen‐free (MPF) specific‐pathogen‐free mice (commensal microbiota with SFB). Investigations comparing EF and GF mice revealed that commensal microbiota impacted the size and shape of the craniofacial skeleton. EF versus GF mice exhibited an elongated gross skull length. Cranial bone length analyses normalized to skull length showed that EF versus GF mice had enhanced frontal bone length and reduced cranial base length. The shortened cranial base in EF mice was attributed to decreased presphenoid, basisphenoid, and basioccipital bone lengths. Investigations comparing MPF mice and EF mice demonstrated that commensal gut microbes played a role in craniofacial skeletal morphology. Cranial bone length analyses normalized to skull length showed that MPF versus EF mice had reduced frontal bone length and increased cranial base length. The elongated cranial base in MPF mice was due to enhanced presphenoid bone length. This work, which introduces the commensal microbiota as a contributor to craniofacial skeletal growth, underscores that noninvasive interventions in the gut microbiome could potentially be employed to modify craniofacial skeletal morphology. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Immune modulation through secretory autophagy
Authors: Weigert Andreas , Herhaus Lina
Published: June 2023

Autophagy is a central mechanism of cellular homeostasis through the degradation of a wide range of cellular constituents. However, recent evidence suggests that autophagy actively provides information to neighboring cells via a process called secretory autophagy. Secretory autophagy couples the autophagy machinery to the secretion of cellular content via extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs carry a variety of cargo, that reflect the pathophysiological state of the originating cells and have the potential to change the functional profile of recipient cells, to modulate cell biology. The immune system has evolved to maintain local and systemic homeostasis. It is able to sense a wide array of molecules signaling disturbed homeostasis, including EVs and their content. In this review, we explore the emerging concept of secretory autophagy as a means to communicate cellular, and in total tissue pathophysiological states to the immune system to initiate the restoration of tissue homeostasis. Understanding how autophagy mediates the secretion of immunogenic factors may hold great potential for therapeutic intervention.
Linear and circular single‐change covering designs revisited
Authors: Chafee Amanda , Stevens Brett
Published: June 2023

A single‐change covering design (SCCD) is a ‐set and an ordered list of blocks of size where every pair from must occur in at least one block. Each pair of consecutive blocks differs by exactly one element. This is a linear single‐change covering design, or more simply, a single‐change covering design. A single‐change covering design is circular when the first and last blocks also differ by one element. A single‐change covering design is minimum if no other smaller design can be constructed for a given . In this paper, we use a new recursive construction to solve the existence of circular SCCD() for all and three residue classes of circular SCCD() modulo 16. We solve the existence of three residue classes of SCCD modulo 16. We prove the existence of circular SCCD, for all , using difference methods.
Palmitoylation in apoptosis
Authors: Li Peiyao , Gong Xiaoyi , Yuan Lei , Mu Lina , Zheng Qian , Xiao Hui , Wang Hui
Published: June 2023

Palmitoylation, a critical lipid modification of proteins, is involved in various physiological processes such as altering protein localization, transport, and stability, which perform essential roles in protein function. Palmitoyltransferases are specific enzymes involved in the palmitoylation modification of substrates. S‐palmitoylation, as the only reversible palmitoylation modification, is able to be deacylated by deacyltransferases. As an important mode of programmed cell death, apoptosis functions in the maintenance of organismal homeostasis as well as being associated with inflammatory and immune diseases. Recently, studies have found that palmitoylation and apoptosis have been demonstrated to be related in many human diseases. In this review, we will focus on the role of palmitoylation modifications in apoptosis.
Marine halophilic archaeal isolate Halococcus sp. with emphasis on bioremediation of radionuclides through extracellular biomolecules
Authors: Kannan Kamala , Sivaperumal Pitchiah
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Marine archaea have gained special attention for their unique ability to survive in extreme salt concentrations. Some archaeal isolates have been found to thrive in the presence of radioactive contaminants. In this study, Halococcus sp. ENMS8 has been isolated from marine sediment sample with special emphasis on bioremediation of radionuclide cesium.

RESULTS

Halococcus sp. ENMS8 has the ability to remove 76.46% of cesium ions noted at a concentration of 100 mmol L−1 followed by 60.5%, 52.16% and 42.9% of cesium ion adsorption at concentrations of 150, 200 and 250 mmol L−1 Cs+, respectively. The minimal level of 4.43% of cesium adsorption was noted at 500 mmol L−1 concentration in the presence of 106 archaeal cells per milliliter. Similarly, adsorption of cesium (500 mmol L−1) at various concentrations of archaeal extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) has been shown to be 76.4% of Cs+ adsorption at 1 g L−1. The composition of extracted EPS from ENMS8 in the presence of CsCl and control has been estimated. Cesium adsorption was further confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy was used to obtain high‐resolution images of the surface topology of Halococcus sp. ENMS8 EPS in the presence of cesium. The crystallographic structure and properties of cesium were studied by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that Halococcus sp. ENMS8 can immobilize cesium through EPS in an eco‐friendly approach. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Predicting FDG‐PET Images From Multi‐Contrast MRI Using Deep Learning in Patients With Brain Neoplasms
Authors: Ouyang Jiahong , Chen Kevin T. , Duarte Armindo Rui , Davidzon Guido Alejandro , Hawk Kristina Elizabeth , Moradi Farshad , Rosenberg Jarrett , Lan Ella , Zhang Helena , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: June 2023

Background

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is valuable for determining presence of viable tumor, but is limited by geographical restrictions, radiation exposure, and high cost.

Purpose

To generate diagnostic‐quality PET equivalent imaging for patients with brain neoplasms by deep learning with multi‐contrast MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Patients (59 studies from 51 subjects; age 56 ± 13 years; 29 males) who underwent 18F‐FDG PET and MRI for determining recurrent brain tumor.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; 3D GRE T1, 3D GRE T1c, 3D FSE T2‐FLAIR, and 3D FSE ASL, 18F‐FDG PET imaging.

Assessment

Convolutional neural networks were trained using four MRIs as inputs and acquired FDG PET images as output. The agreement between the acquired and synthesized PET was evaluated by quality metrics and Bland–Altman plots for standardized uptake value ratio. Three physicians scored image quality on a 5‐point scale, with score ≥3 as high‐quality. They assessed the lesions on a 5‐point scale, which was binarized to analyze diagnostic consistency of the synthesized PET compared to the acquired PET.

Statistical Tests

The agreement in ratings between the acquired and synthesized PET were tested with Gwet's AC and exact Bowker test of symmetry. Agreement of the readers was assessed by Gwet's AC. P = 0.05 was used as the cutoff for statistical significance.

Results

The synthesized PET visually resembled the acquired PET and showed significant improvement in quality metrics (+21.7% on PSNR, +22.2% on SSIM, −31.8% on RSME) compared with ASL. A total of 49.7% of the synthesized PET were considered as high‐quality compared to 73.4% of the acquired PET which was statistically significant, but with distinct variability between readers. For the positive/negative lesion assessment, the synthesized PET had an accuracy of 87% but had a tendency to overcall.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning model has the potential of synthesizing diagnostic quality FDG PET images without the use of radiotracers.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Remarks on the regularity for the solutions to liquid crystal flows
Authors: Zhao Lingling
Published: June 2023

This paper proves that the weak solution is regular in terms of one velocity component or the gradient of one velocity component for 3D nematic liquid crystal system. Several regularity criteria will be showed.
Food for flower‐visiting insects: Appreciating common native wild flowering plants
Authors: Wignall Veronica R. , Balfour Nicholas J. , Gandy Sam , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: June 2023

Native wild flowering plants provide important season‐round nectar and pollen resources for flower‐visiting insects, but many are unappreciated or even disliked by members of the public; for example ivy (Hedera spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.).

This antipathy has received little research attention despite a pressing need for a societal shift towards greater awareness of such plants and recognition of their ecological value.

Engendering greater awareness and appreciation of common wild‐growing plants could greatly improve floral resource availability for flower‐visiting insects, enhance biodiversity and simultaneously benefit human physical and mental well‐being.

However, there are multiple challenges to changing public attitudes. Knowledge of common wild flowering plants among members of the public is limited and this phenomenon is symptomatic of a diminishing human connection to nature. While many species of wild flowering plants may be overlooked due to a lack of awareness or knowledge, it is evident that some ‘weeds’ are actively unpopular.

Reframing societal perceptions towards ecological value could be achieved in several ways including through formal education, messaging by the media, businesses and environmental organisations, and by encouraging public participation in urban land management.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Potassium Poisoning Effects on Sol‐gel Mn/TiO2Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3at Low Temperature
Authors: Zheng Jiang , Gui Xia
Published: June 2023

Mn/TiO2catalysts exhibited more excellent activity and higher selectivity in low‐temperature SCR of NOx with NH3. Alkali metal, particularly potassium presented in the ash, could severely deactivate SCR catalyst and then reduce its lifetime. In this study, sol‐gel Mn/TiO2catalyst was employed to evaluate its SCR activity with and without the presence of KNO3at 100–300 °C. The influence of various parameters such as KNO3loading amount, calcination time, temperature and catalyst deactivation was investigated. The characterization results indicated that the doping of potassium on Mn/TiO2surface obviously resulted in a great decrease of reducibility, surface acidity and NH3adsorption capacity. XPS spectra revealed the decrease of Mn4+atomic concentration and chemisorbed oxygen species caused by potassium doping. In addition, obvious variation of potassium states (K1.04Ti8O16) was detected for K−Mn/TiO2catalyst after calcining treatment, which may lead to a poorer performance of SCR catalyst.
Literacy‐based Play with Young Emergent Bilinguals: Explorations in Vocabulary, Translanguaging, and Identity Work
Authors: Moses Lindsey , Torrejon Capurro Carolina
Published: June 2023

This article explores the findings from a formative study focused on language and literacy development in an international school's K5 classroom in South America. The teacher's pedagogical goal was to increase the amount of English used by students related to the social context of a restaurant. The intervention involved an integrated literacy and play‐based unit to introduce, reinforce, and support vocabulary development and opportunities for independent play related to the content/vocabulary. The authors analyze video recordings of the students' independent play three times a week for 6 weeks using two different theoretical and methodological approaches. The authors collected quantitative data related to English usage and codeswitching analysis, and qualitative data of students' interactions, translanguaging, and identity work. The quantitative findings reveal a significant increase in English usage during independent play. The qualitative findings explore the ways in which young bilinguals draw on all their linguistic resources and use translanguaging practices to navigate play and negotiate identity. The constraints and affordances of each approach are discussed as the authors present new theoretical contributions by utilizing codeswitching and translanguaging approaches to explore the pedagogical intervention and student identity work. This study provides implications for literacy and play‐based instruction for multilingual learners.
The Crystal Structure of BaZn2Se2(OH)2 Featuring Brownmillerite‐Type Layers
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Yiran , Kamp Kendall R. , Walters Lauren N. , Ding Fenghua , Rondinelli James M. , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R.
Published: June 2023

A bimetallic hydroxychalcogenide, BaZn2Se2(OH)2, was synthesized through hydrothermal pouch methods. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction and electron diffraction indicates that the phase crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma and is composed of anionic layers [ZnSe3/3(OH)1/1]− that are separated and charged balanced by Ba2+ cations. The [ZnSe3/3(OH)1/1]– layer comprises two unique Zn sites, which form interpenetrating zigzag chains with an in‐plane dipole moment and adopts a brownmillerite‐type structural motif. The adjacent layers contain tetrahedrally coordinated Zn chains of opposite handedness related by an inversion center, which cancel the microscopic dipoles to minimize the macroscopic electric polarization. The adoption of a brownmillerite structural motif in BaZn2Se2(OH)2 can be rationalized by the distinct charge difference between Se2− and OH− anions, which creates a sufficient dipole moment in the ZnSe3(OH) tetrahedra to allow the occurrence of twisted chains. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the existence of OH− anions and DFT calculations indicate that BaZn2Se2(OH)2 is a semiconductor with a direct band gap. This work expands the chemistry of the brownmillerite family from traditional homoanionic oxides to multianion hydroxychalcogenides, offering a new opportunity to explore tunable structural complexity for better design of functional materials.
Measuring Thermally Induced Tool Center Point Displacements on Milling Machines Using a Test Workpiece
Authors: Fickert Axel , Wiemer Hajo , Gißke Carola , Penter Lars
Published: June 2023

The Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) “Transregio 96” focuses on the thermo-elastic behaviour of machine tools and the development of solutions, that aim at reducing thermally induced manufacturing errors. Various compensation and correction solutions were developed. To verify the efficiency of those solutions, a measuring technique involving a test work piece (TWP) and defined load cases were developed. The load cases are given in the form of NC-programs to create thermal loads on a machine tool by moving its feed axes on a pre-defined route, rotating the main spindle at pre-defined speeds or letting the machine tool rest for a pre-defined period of time. The TWP was used to capture the resulting thermally induced displacements of the tool center point (TCP).

In this publication the TWP and the two load cases are described. And the test procedure itself, as well as experimental data to validate the results are presented. The described approach has the potential to be a cost effective way for measuring thermally induced errors of machine tools. It allows for a simple and time saving experimental setup and is easy to apply on, and compare the results between multiple machine tools. Furthermore, the presented method of determining thermally induced displacements of a machine tool’s TCP will be compared to other commonly used direct or indirect measurement techniques, showing its benefits, drawbacks and limitations.
An infinite family of elliptic ladder integrals
Authors: McLeod Andrew , Morales Roger , von Hippel Matt , Wilhelm Matthias , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We identify two families of ten-point Feynman diagrams that generalize the elliptic double box, and show that they can be expressed in terms of the same class of elliptic multiple polylogarithms to all loop orders. Interestingly, one of these families can also be written as a dlog form. For both families of diagrams, we provide new 2ℓ-fold integral representations that are linearly reducible in all but one variable and that make the above properties manifest. We illustrate the simplicity of this integral representation by directly integrating the three-loop representative of both families of diagrams. These families also satisfy a pair of second-order differential equations, making them ideal examples on which to develop bootstrap techniques involving elliptic symbol letters at high loop orders.
The transmembrane domain of Frey1 harbors a transplantable inhibitory motif for intramembrane proteases
Authors: Contreras Whendy , Bazan J. Fernando , Mentrup Torben
Published: June 2023

Although aspartic intramembrane-cleaving proteases (I-CLIPs) are crucial switches of multiple signaling pathways and involved in several devastating diseases, little is known about their physiological regulation. We have recently identified Frey regulator of sperm-oocyte fusion 1 (Frey1) as an inhibitory protein of Signal Peptide Peptidase-like 2c (SPPL2c), a member of this protease family. Employing structure modeling along with cell-based inhibition and interaction studies, we identify a short motif within the Frey1 transmembrane domain essential for inhibition of SPPL2c. Intriguingly, this motif can be transplanted to the SPPL2c substrate PLN, thereby transforming it into an inhibitor of this enzyme. It can be adopted for the generation of Notch1-based γ-Secretase inhibitors demonstrating its versatile use among aspartic I-CLIPs. In summary, we describe a mechanism of aspartic I-CLIP inhibition which allows the targeted generation of specific inhibitors of these enzymes and might enable the identification of endogenous negative regulators of these enzymes.
Einsamkeit im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Zur Verbreitung eines Risikofaktors für die psychische Gesundheit unter 11- bis 15-jährigen deutschen Schülerinnen und Schülern
Authors: Schütz Raphael , Bilz Ludwig
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Einsamkeit ist sowohl im öffentlichen als auch im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs ein zunehmend präsentes Thema. Es liegen inzwischen zahlreiche Forschungsergebnisse zur Verbreitung und zu den gesundheitsbezogenen Zusammenhängen von Einsamkeit bei Erwachsenen vor. Zur Einsamkeit im Kindes- und Jugendalter gibt es für Deutschland nur wenige Erkenntnisse. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt dieser Beitrag Befunde zur Verbreitung von Einsamkeit bei 11- bis 15-jährigen deutschen Schüler*innen vor und untersucht Zusammenhänge mit soziodemographischen Merkmalen.

Methoden

Die Studie „Health Behaviour in School-aged Children“ (HBSC) ist eine globale Forschungskooperation unter Schirmherrschaft der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO). In Brandenburg erfasste die Studie Daten von 3819 Kindern und Jugendlichen an allgemeinbildenden Schulen in den Klassenstufen 5, 7 und 9 (MAlter = 13,5, SD = 1,6). Einsamkeit wurde anhand der University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale und eines Einzelitems erhoben.

Ergebnisse

13,2 % der Befragten gaben an, sich „meistens“ einsam zu fühlen, „immer“ einsam fühlten sich 3,6 %. Einsamkeit war stärker ausgeprägt bei Mädchen, bei Schüler*innen mit der Geschlechtszuschreibung „divers“ sowie bei älteren Heranwachsenden und bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit niedrigerem sozioökonomischen Status.

Diskussion

Die Befunde weisen darauf hin, dass Einsamkeit bei Kindern und Jugendlichen ein weit verbreitetes Phänomen ist. Dass sich Mädchen, ältere Schüler*innen sowie Kinder und Jugendliche mit geringerem familiären Wohlstand einsamer fühlen, stimmt mit Ergebnissen aus anderen Ländern überein und liefert Ansatzpunkte für die Planung von Präventionsmaßnahmen. Es bedarf in Deutschland weiterer Forschung zu möglichen gesundheitsbezogenen Zusammenhängen von Einsamkeit.
V for vaccines and variants
Authors: Delli Gatti Domenico , Reissl Severin , Turco Enrico
Published: June 2023

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, we evaluate the effects of vaccines and virus variants on epidemiological and macroeconomic outcomes by means of Monte Carlo simulations of a macroeconomic-epidemiological agent-based model calibrated using data from the Lombardy region of Italy. From simulations we infer that vaccination plays the role of a mitigating factor, reducing the frequency and the amplitude of contagion waves and significantly improving macroeconomic performance with respect to a scenario without vaccination. The emergence of a variant, on the other hand, plays the role of an accelerating factor, leading to a deterioration of both epidemiological and macroeconomic outcomes and partly negating the beneficial impacts of the vaccine. A new and improved vaccine in turn can redress the situation. Vaccinations and variants, therefore, can be conceived of as drivers of an intertwined cycle impacting both epidemiological and macroeconomic developments.
Evidence of nerve agent VX exposure in rat plasma by detection of albumin-adducts in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kranawetvogl Tamara , Kranawetvogl Andreas , Scheidegger Lisa , Wille Timo , Steinritz Dirk , Worek Franz , Thiermann Horst , John Harald
Published: June 2023

VX is a highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agent that reacts with a variety of endogenous proteins such as serum albumin under formation of adducts that can be targeted by analytical methods for biomedical verification of exposure. Albumin is phosphonylated by the ethyl methylphosphonic acid moiety (EMP) of VX at various tyrosine residues. Additionally, the released leaving group of VX, 2-(diisopropylamino)ethanethiol (DPAET), may react with cysteine residues in diverse proteins. We developed and validated a microbore liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (µLC-ESI MS/HR MS) method enabling simultaneous detection of three albumin-derived biomarkers for the analysis of rat plasma. After pronase-catalyzed cleavage of rat plasma proteins single phosphonylated tyrosine residues (Tyr-EMP), the Cys34(-DPAET)Pro dipeptide as well as the rat-specific LeuProCys448(-DPAET) tripeptide were obtained. The time-dependent adduct formation in rat plasma was investigated in vitro and biomarker formation during proteolysis was optimized. Biomarkers were shown to be stable for a minimum of four freeze-and-thaw cycles and for at least 24 h in the autosampler at 15 °C thus making the adducts highly suited for bioanalysis. Cys34(-DPAET)Pro was superior compared to the other serum biomarkers considering the limit of identification and stability in plasma at 37 °C. For the first time, Cys34(-DPAET)Pro was detected in in vivo specimens showing a time-dependent concentration increase after subcutaneous exposure of rats underlining the benefit of the dipeptide disulfide biomarker for sensitive analysis.
Generalized Hasimoto-type surfaces of null growth in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Qian Jinhua , Li Yawen , Fu Xueshan
Published: June 2023

In this article, the idea of the generalized Hasimoto-type surfaces are put forward based on the interaction between vortex filaments. Meanwhie, the surface of null growth is proposed by evolving a null curve as dictated direction and growth velocity in Minkowski 3-space. The conditions and geometric forms of the generalized Hasimoto-type surfaces of null growth are investigated. Last but not least, several typical examples are presented to characterize such surface growth and the corresponding perturbations explicitly.
Comparison of edoxaban and enoxaparin in a rat model of AlCl3-induced thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus
Authors: Hachenberger M. , Yeniguen M. , Suenner L. , Hinchliffe D. , Mueller C. , Wietelmann A. , Gerriets T. , Tschernatsch M. , Juenemann M. , Gerner S. T. , Doeppner T. R. , Huttner H. B. , Braun T.
Published: June 2023

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is an uncommon disease that is usually treated with anticoagulation (heparin, low-molecular heparin, or vitamin K-antagonists). We compared treatment with edoxaban, an oral factor Xa-antagonist, that has not been approved in patients with CSVT, with enoxaparin, a well-established therapy, in a rat model of CSVT. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups (10 animals each) and subjected to aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) or sham procedure. Animals with thrombosis of the SSS were treated with edoxaban, enoxaparin, or placebo. Diagnostic workup included neurological examination, MRI imaging, MR-flow measurements of the SSS, and immunohistochemical staining. Neurological examination revealed no differences between treatment groups. Seven days after initial thrombosis, flow in the SSS was lower in the active treatment group as compared to sham-operated animals (p < 0.05). Flow in the SSS in the active treatment groups (edoxaban 1 h prior to thrombosis: 0.16 cm/s ± 0.06 cm/s; edoxaban 6 h after thrombosis: 0.13 cm/s ± 0.05 cm/s; enoxaparin: 0.13 cm/s ± 0.04 cm/s; placebo: 0.07 cm/s ± 0.02 cm/s) was higher as compared to placebo (p < 0.05), but there were no differences between the active treatment groups (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed no differences in the actively treated animals. Edoxaban proved to be similar to enoxaparin in a model of experimental AlCl3-induced CSVT.
Age-related prevalence and imaging characteristics of the superior acetabular roof notch in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Dietrich Tobias Johannes , Vaeth Desiree , Wildermuth Simon , Waelti Stephan , Leschka Sebastian , Graf Nicole , Fischer Tim
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine the age-related prevalence and imaging characteristics of the superior acetabular roof notch (SARN) on hip MRI and radiographs in a young study population.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of 304 MRI examinations and corresponding available radiographs of patients between the ages of 4 and 24 years. Two observers classified SARN with fluid-like findings on MRI as type-1, whereas SARN with fat-like findings on MRI were classified as type-2. Sensitivity and specificity of radiographic SARN findings were determined using MRI as the reference standard. Logistic regression models were used to assess the age-related prevalence on MRI.

Results

Twelve patients (3.9%) had fluid-like SARN type-1, 27 patients (8.9%) had fat-like SARN type-2, while 265 patients (87.2%) had no SARN on MRI. The odds ratio (OR) for age (years) with respect to the presence of a fluid-like SARN type-1 on MRI was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70–0.89), meaning that with each year, the likelihood for SARN type-1 decreased by 21% (p < 0.001). The OR for age with respect to the presence of a fat-like SARN type-2 on MRI was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02–1.27) (p = 0.017). The diagnostic sensitivity for detecting a SARN on radiographs compared to MRI as the reference standard was between 0.75 and 0.83 and the corresponding specificity was between 0.85 and 0.89 for both observers.

Conclusion

SARN is a common finding on MRI and radiographs. The present data suggest that SARN undergoes an age-related imaging characteristic from a fluid-like appearance to a fat-like appearance on MRI during adolescence.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathways for Aesthetic Breast Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Stahl Stéphane , Santos Stahl Adelana , Feng You-Shan , Estler Arne , Buiculescu Florian , Seabra Robalo Gomes Jorge Ana Cristina
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients’ expectations of an anticipated timeline of recovery and fear of anesthesia in aesthetic breast surgery have not been studied.

Objective

This study aims to assess patient anxiety, expectations, and satisfaction after Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways for aesthetic breast surgery and the progress of postoperative recovery.

Materials and methods

All consecutive patients who underwent aesthetic breast surgery between April 2021 and August 2022 were included in this single-center prospective cohort study. The ERAS protocol consists of more than 20 individual measures in the pre-, intra-, and postoperative period. Epidemiological data, expectations, and recovery were systematically assessed with standardized self-assessment questionnaires, including the International Pain Outcome Questionnaire (IPO), the BREAST-Q or BODY-Q, and data collection forms.

Results

In total, 48 patients with a median of 30 years of age were included. Patients returned to most daily activities within 5 days. Eighty-eight percent of patients were able to accomplish daily activities sooner than expected. The time of return to normal daily activities was similar across all procedure types. There was no statistically significant difference regarding postoperative satisfaction between patients who recovered slower (12%) and patients who recovered as fast or faster (88%) than anticipated (p=0.180). Patients reporting fear of anesthesia in the form of conscious sedation significantly diminished from 17 to 4% postoperatively (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways for aesthetic breast surgery are associated with rapid recovery and high patient satisfaction. This survey study provides valuable insight into patients’ concerns and perspectives that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Parental perceptions and experiences of care in the surgical neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Lam Jennifer Y. , Howlett Alexandra , Stephen Lori M. , Brindle Mary E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Parents endure significant stress when their newborns require surgery while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our study aims to explore the surgical NICU experience from the parents’ perspective and identify areas that may improve this experience. A secondary objective was to integrate their feedback to refine the implementation strategy of the neonatal enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) guideline.

Methods

In December 2019, five surgical NICU parents participated in a focus group. Conversation surrounded parents’ perspectives and experiences of the surgical NICU. Inductive analysis was performed to identify data, themes, and concepts that emerged from the discussion.

Results

Participants identified four major interrelated themes that impacted the surgical parents’ NICU experience. These themes include (1) parental state, both physical and emotional, (2) the altered parental caregiver role which necessitates identifying alternative meaningful parental experiences, (3) the care team dynamic, incorporating consistency and effective communication, and (4) the discharge process which may be significantly eased through graduated, hands-on training.

Conclusion

Key elements of the neonatal ERAS® guideline address major themes and stressors identified by parents. The parental perspective may help clinicians appreciate the parent surgical NICU experience and assist in improving family-centered care to surgical infants and their families.
Importance of interdisciplinarity in modern oncology: results of a national intergroup survey of the Young Oncologists United (YOU)
Authors: Mäurer Matthias , Staudacher Jonas , Meyer Robert , Mäurer Irina , Lazaridis Lazaros , Müther Michael , Huber Tobias , Sommer Nils P. , Fleischmann Daniel F. , Käsmann Lukas , Ziegler Sonia , Kropf-Sanchen Cornelia , Wikert Julia , Pietzner Klaus , Holzgreve Adrien , Nestler Tim , Siech Carolin , Sturm Max-Johann , Sulzer Sabrina , Heinrich Kathrin , Stahler Arndt ,   on behalf of the Young Oncologists United (YOU)
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Modern, personalized treatment concepts in oncology require an interdisciplinary and multiprofessional collaboration. In addition to its relevance in patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration is also becoming increasingly important in clinical research as well as medical education and resident training in oncology.

Methods

Between November 2021 and March 2022, an online survey was conducted among German early career research groups, represented by Young Oncologists United (YOU). The aim was to identify the status and need for interdisciplinarity at clinic, educational, and research levels.

Results

A total of 294 participants completed the questionnaire in full. 90.7% of the respondents fully or predominantly agreed with the statement that interdisciplinary work plays a major role in their daily clinical work. 78.9% wished for more interdisciplinary collaboration. Of the 49.7% of participants who have never participated in an interdisciplinary research project, 80.1% said they would like to participate in such a study project in the future. Lack of time resources, too much organizational effort, and possible political conflicts between institutions were identified as factors that make practical implementation difficult. 74.1% declared their willingness to become active in an oncology early career research group.

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary collaboration has become increasingly important in oncology. Networks that span different disciplines could help to promote interdisciplinary research projects among young scientists and improve exchange in professional practice and education with the implication of improved patient care.
The relative importance of abiotic and biotic environmental conditions for taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of spiders across spatial scales
Authors: Måsviken Johannes , Dalén Love , Norén Karin , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: June 2023

Both abiotic and biotic conditions may be important for biodiversity. However, their relative importance may vary among different diversity dimensions as well as across spatial scales. Spiders (Araneae) offer an ecologically relevant system for evaluating variation in the relative strength abiotic and biotic biodiversity regulation. We quantified the relative importance of abiotic and biotic conditions for three diversity dimensions of spider communities quantified across two spatial scales. Spiders were surveyed along elevation gradients in northern Sweden. We focused our analysis on geomorphological and climatic conditions as well as vegetation characteristics, and quantified the relative importance of these conditions for the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of spider communities sampled across one intermediate (500 m) and one local (25 m) scale. There were stronger relationships among diversity dimensions at the local than the intermediate scale. There were also variation in the relative influence of abiotic and biotic conditions among diversity dimensions, but this variation was not consistent across spatial scales. Across both spatial scales, vegetation was related to all diversity dimensions whereas climate was important for phylogenetic and functional diversity. Our study does not fully support stronger abiotic regulation at coarser scales, and conversely stronger abiotic regulation at more local scales. Instead, our results indicate that community assembly is shaped by interactions between abiotic constrains in species distributions and biotic conditions, and that such interactions may be both scale and context dependent.
The correlation between serum uric acid and diabetic kidney disease in adult-onset type 1 diabetes patients in China
Authors: Jiang Jun , Zhou Xiaowan , Lan Lei , Weng Jianping , Ren Wei
Published: June 2023

Background/aim

To assess the correlation between serum uric acid (UA) level and diabetic kidney disease among adult-onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients in China.

Methods

A total of 184 patients with adult-onset T1DM between January 2014 and December 2016 were recruited, with demographics and medical data collected. Comparisons were performed between according to different serum UA gender-specific quartiles. Relationship between serum UA level with urinary ACR and eGFR was also assessed.

Results

Median urinary ACR and eGFR were 21.55 [10.79, 45.02] mg/g and 113.86 [88.43, 143.61] ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The median UA was 257.4 (208.2–334.8) μmol/L. Participants with higher serum UA levels had higher urinary ACR and lower eGFR than those with lower UA (P < 0.05). Higher serum UA level was significantly associated with higher urinary ACR in Spearman's correlational analysis (P = 0.006) and multiple stepwise regression analysis (P = 0.013). The association between serum UA and urinary ACR was not linear, but showed a curve correlation, which also showed in the sensitivity analysis. Serum UA in the upper gender-specific quartile, was associated with lower eGFR (P < 0.001) and showed an independent negative correlation with eGFR in multiple stepwise regression analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The serum UA level was negatively correlated with eGFR and had a curve correlation with urinary ACR in adult-onset T1DM patients of China.
SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system: current perspectives
Authors: Pattanaik Amrita , Bhandarkar B Sushma , Lodha Lonika , Marate Srilatha
Published: June 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently causes neurological impairment in both adults and children. Recent publications have described significant aspects of the viral pathophysiology associated with neurological dysfunction. In theory, neurological manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infection may be caused directly by the effects of the virus infecting the brain or indirectly by the local and systemic immune responses against the virus. Neurological manifestations can occur during the acute phase as well as in the post-acute phase of the infection. In this review, we discuss recent literature describing the association of nervous system disorders with COVID-19.