bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human hepatocyte TXG-MAPr: gene co-expression network modules to support mechanism-based risk assessment
Authors: Callegaro Giulia , Kunnen Steven J. , Trairatphisan Panuwat , Grosdidier Solène , Niemeijer Marije , den Hollander Wouter , Guney Emre , Piñero Gonzalez Janet , Furlong Laura , Webster Yue W. , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Sutherland Jeffrey J. , Mollon Jennifer , Stevens James L. , van de Water Bob
Published: October 2021

Mechanism-based risk assessment is urged to advance and fully permeate into current safety assessment practices, possibly at early phases of drug safety testing. Toxicogenomics is a promising source of mechanisms-revealing data, but interpretative analysis tools specific for the testing systems (e.g. hepatocytes) are lacking. In this study, we present the TXG-MAPr webtool (available at https://txg-mapr.eu/WGCNA_PHH/TGGATEs_PHH/), an R-Shiny-based implementation of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) obtained from the Primary Human Hepatocytes (PHH) TG-GATEs dataset. The 398 gene co-expression networks (modules) were annotated with functional information (pathway enrichment, transcription factor) to reveal their mechanistic interpretation. Several well-known stress response pathways were captured in the modules, were perturbed by specific stressors and showed preservation in rat systems (rat primary hepatocytes and rat in vivo liver), with the exception of DNA damage and oxidative stress responses. A subset of 87 well-annotated and preserved modules was used to evaluate mechanisms of toxicity of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress inducers, including cyclosporine A, tunicamycin and acetaminophen. In addition, module responses can be calculated from external datasets obtained with different hepatocyte cells and platforms, including targeted RNA-seq data, therefore, imputing biological responses from a limited gene set. As another application, donors’ sensitivity towards tunicamycin was investigated with the TXG-MAPr, identifying higher basal level of intrinsic immune response in donors with pre-existing liver pathology. In conclusion, we demonstrated that gene co-expression analysis coupled to an interactive visualization environment, the TXG-MAPr, is a promising approach to achieve mechanistic relevant, cross-species and cross-platform evaluation of toxicogenomic data.
Understanding the effect of co-reactants on ketonization of carboxylic acids in the aqueous-phase pyrolysis oil of wood
Authors: Choi Il-Ho , Lee Hye-Jin , Hwang Kyung-Ran
Published: October 2021

Ketonization of carboxylic acids is one of the crucial reactions to produce sustainable bio-fuel and bio-chemicals from the pyrolysis oil of wood. Ketonization using different mixed solutions of carboxylic acids, furfural, and hydroxyacetone has been explored to understand the influence of co-feed reactants on the performance of ketonization of carboxylic acid over the selected CeZrOx catalyst. Furfural (7% in water) inhibited the catalytic activity for ketonization of acetic acid (20% solution) with reversible blocking of active sites, but for a mixed solution of hydroxyacetone (7%) and acetic acid (20%), both reactants influenced each other, resulting in very low conversions and slow and uncompleted recovery to 50% after removing hydroacetone from the mixture. For the mixed solution (20% acetic acid + 7% furfural + 7% hydroxyacetone in water), hydroxyacetone was the most reactive compound on CeZrOx and the conversions of reactants reached below 10%, due to the inhibition of co-existing carbonyl components. This work provides guidance for ketonization of carboxylic acids in the aqueous-phase pyrolysis oil.
Effects of combination treatment with durvalumab plus tremelimumab on the tumor microenvironment in non-small-cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Li , Creasy Todd , Pilataxi Fernanda , Greenlees Lydia , Vence Luis , Sridhar Sriram , Streicher Katie
Published: October 2021

The rapid development of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape and brightened the long-term forecast for many cancer patients. However, the specific genomic and proteomic changes in tumors treated with different ICB treatments have yet to be fully characterized. We treated four non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumor digests ex vivo with the anti-PD-L1 antibody durvalumab (D) alone or in combination with the anti-CTLA-4 antibody tremelimumab (T) to explore changes in gene and protein expression associated with these ICB therapies. All four tumors showed a robust increase in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production (100–300% higher than isotype control) in both D- and D + T-treated tumors. Three of the four tumors showed additional increases in IFN-γ production with D + T compared with D (40–70%). A substantial reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10) was also found in three of the four tumors (reduced to 4–8%) in response to D and D + T. Conventional CD4 + /CD8 + populations and T cell activation markers increased after D and D + T treatment. D and D + T upregulated multiple IPA pathways involving T cell activation. D + T resulted in additional upregulation of Th1/Th2 pathways through a different set of genes, as well as greater reduction in genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and cancer stemness. Our results demonstrated that D + T augmented the effects of D in the microenvironment of this set of NSCLC tumors. The specific impact of D + T on the regulation of EMT, angiogenesis, and cancer stemness warrants further evaluation in a larger set of tumors.
An Alternative to Antibiotics: Selected Methods to Combat Zoonotic Foodborne Bacterial Infections
Authors: Łojewska Ewelina , Sakowicz Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Pathogenic bacteria contaminating food or animal feed cause serious economic losses in the health sector as well as is in the agriculture and food industry. The development of bacterial resistance due to the misuse of antibiotics and chemicals, especially in the farm industry, can bring dangerous effects for the global population therefore new safe biological antimicrobial solutions are urgently needed. In this paper, we investigate biological alternatives to antibiotics against foodborne pathogens. The most promising alternatives include antimicrobial proteins, bacteriophages, probiotics, and plant-based substances. Each described group of substances is efficient against specific foodborne bacteria and has a preferred use in an explicit application. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are outlined in the final section. Biological antibacterial solutions are usually easily degradable. In contrast to antibiotics or chemical/physical methods, they are also far more specific. When introducing new antibacterial methods it is crucial to check their safety and ability to induce resistance mechanisms. Moreover, it is important to assess its activity to inhibit or kill in viable but nonculturable cells (VBNC) state and biofilm forms. VBNC bacteria are considered a threat to public health and food safety due to their possibility of remaining viable and virulent. Biological alternatives to antibiotics complete the majority of the advantages needed for a safe and efficient antimicrobial product. However, further research is necessary to fully implement those solutions to the market.
Thermo-barometric constraints on the Mt. Etna 2015 eruptive event
Authors: Giacomoni P. P. , Casetta F. , Valenti V. , Ferlito C. , Lanzafame G. , Nazzari M. , Coltorti M.
Published: October 2021

The petrological study of volcanic products emitted during the paroxysmal events of December 2015 from the summit craters of Mount Etna allow us to constrain T-P-XH2O phase stability, crystallization conditions, and mixing processes along the main open-conduit feeding system. In this study, we discuss new geochemical, thermo-barometric data and related Rhyolite-MELTS modelling of the eruptive activity that involved the concomitant activation of all summit craters. The results, in comparison with the previous paroxysmal events of the 2011–2012, reinforce the model of a vertically extended feeding system and highlight that the activity at the New South-East Crater was fed by magma residing at a significantly shallower depth with respect to the Central Craters (CC) and North-East Crater (NEC), even if all conduits were fed by a common deep (P = 530–440 MPa) basic magmatic input. Plagioclase dissolution, resorption textures, and the Rhyolite-MELTS stability model corroborate its dependence on H2O content; thus, suggesting that further studies on the effect that flushing from fluids with different H2O/CO2 ratio are needed to understand the eruption-triggering mechanisms for high energetic strombolian paroxysmal episodes.
Comprehensive characterization of oscillatory signatures in a model circuit with PV- and SOM-expressing interneurons
Authors: ter Wal Marije , Tiesinga Paul H. E.
Published: October 2021

Neural circuits contain a wide variety of interneuron types, which differ in their biophysical properties and connectivity patterns. The two most common interneuron types, parvalbumin-expressing and somatostatin-expressing cells, have been shown to be differentially involved in many cognitive functions. These cell types also show different relationships with the power and phase of oscillations in local field potentials. The mechanisms that underlie the emergence of different oscillatory rhythms in neural circuits with more than one interneuron subtype, and the roles specific interneurons play in those mechanisms, are not fully understood. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of all possible circuit motifs and input regimes that can be achieved in circuits comprised of excitatory cells, PV-like fast-spiking interneurons and SOM-like low-threshold spiking interneurons. We identify 18 unique motifs and simulate their dynamics over a range of input strengths. Using several characteristics, such as oscillation frequency, firing rates, phase of firing and burst fraction, we cluster the resulting circuit dynamics across motifs in order to identify patterns of activity and compare these patterns to behaviors that were generated in circuits with one interneuron type. In addition to the well-known PING and ING gamma oscillations and an asynchronous state, our analysis identified three oscillatory behaviors that were generated by the three-cell-type motifs only: theta-nested gamma oscillations, stable beta oscillations and theta-locked bursting behavior, which have also been observed in experiments. Our characterization provides a map to interpret experimental activity patterns and suggests pharmacological manipulations or optogenetics approaches to validate these conclusions.
Spatial normalization of facial thermal images using facial landmarks
Authors: Nagumo Kent , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: October 2021

Human–computer interaction (HCI) is an interaction for mutual communication between humans and computers. HCI needs to recognize the human state quantitatively and in real-time. Although it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the human condition by measuring biological signals, the challenge is that it often requires physical constraints. There is an increasing interest in a non-contact method of estimating physiological and psychological states by measuring facial skin temperature using infrared thermography. However, due to individual differences in face shape, the accuracy of physiological and psychological state estimation using facial thermal images was sometimes low. To solve this problem, we hypothesized that spatial normalization of facial thermal image (SN-FTI) could reduce the effect of individual differences in facial shape. The objective of this study is to develop a method for SN-FTI and to evaluate the effect of SN-FTI on the estimation of physiological and psychological states. First, we attempted spatial normalization using facial features. The results suggested that SN-FTI would result in the same face shape among individuals. Since there are individual differences in facial skin temperature distribution, the inter-individual correlation coefficient is suggested to be lower than the intra-individual correlation coefficient. Next, we modeled the estimated drowsiness level using SN-FTIs and compared it with Normal. The results showed that SN-FTI slightly improved the discrimination rate of drowsiness level. SN-FTIs were suggested to reduce the effect of individual differences in facial structure on the estimation of physiological and psychological states.
Quantifying Brexit: from ex post to ex ante using structural gravity
Authors: Felbermayr Gabriel , Gröschl Jasmin , Steininger Marina
Published: October 2021

Exploiting changes in the geography of economic integration in Europe, this paper quantifies the effects of Brexit from ex post to ex ante using structural gravity. By isolating the directional treatment effects of EU agreements for the UK, the analysis reveals important heterogeneity across agreements, sectors, and within pairs. We find that these directional effects matter for the size and distribution of the welfare effects of Brexit—the withdrawal of the UK from EU agreements resulting into a return of trade costs to the situation quo ante. We make this point with the help of a modern multi-sector trade model that is able to capture inter- and intranational production networks. In line with other papers, the welfare costs of Brexit are higher in the UK than in most other EU countries. However, heterogeneity tends to attenuate overall costs while giving rise to substantial heterogeneity between EU27 members and sectors. A scenario that could shift bargaining power eliminates asymmetries in the costs of Brexit as soon as the UK fully liberalizes its market.
Occupation and working outcomes during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Brugiavini Agar , Buia Raluca E. , Simonetti Irene
Published: October 2021

Using data from the first wave of the SHARE COVID-19 Survey and additional information collected from the previous waves of SHARE (Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe), we explore the effects of job characteristics on two outcomes: (i) the probability of work interruptions and (ii) the length of such interruptions during the first phase of the Coronavirus Pandemic. In order to assess the relationship between job features and labour market outcomes, we define two indexes proxying the pre-COVID-19 technical remote work feasibility as well as the level of social interaction with other people while working. Moreover, we use an indicator that classifies ISCO-08 3-digit job titles based on the essential nature of the good or service provided. We find that job characteristics have been major determinants of the probability of undergoing work interruptions and their duration. In addition, we show that women have been negatively affected by the Pandemic to a much larger extent than men, suggesting the relevance of the intrinsic characteristics of jobs they are mainly involved in, and the role of gender selection into specific activities. Not only females were more likely to have undergone work interruptions but they also exhibited larger probabilities of longer work breaks. A similar impact is seen for self-employed and less-educated workers.
Crime Is Down and so Is Fear? Analyzing Resident Perceptions of Neighborhood Unsafety in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Glas Iris
Published: October 2021

There is little research on how resident perceptions of neighborhood unsafety develop over time and how changes in these perceptions relate to decreasing crime rates. The present study analyzes and explains trends in perceived neighborhood unsafety within the Dutch city of Rotterdam, based on survey and register data collected in the years 2003–2017 (N = 148.344, 62 neighborhoods). In addition to crime, we also assess to what extent (changes in) the economic status, level of ethnic heterogeneity, degree of residential mobility, and amount of disorder in the neighborhood play a role in how safe or unsafe inhabitants have felt in a 15-year period. We find that unsafety levels steadily declined in the years up to 2007. This decrease was best explained by changes regarding the economic status, victimization rates and disorder level of neighborhoods. After a sudden increase in feelings of unsafety between 2007 and 2008, explained by the shift towards using more self-administrated questionnaires, fear levels stabilized during the remaining years (2008–2017) although recorded crime levels continued to decrease in this period.
The environmental geochemical baseline, background and sources of metal and metalloids present in urban, peri-urban and rural soils in the O´Higgins region, Chile
Authors: Valdés Durán Ana , Aliaga Guillermo , Deckart Katja , Karas Cyrus , Cáceres Dante , Nario Adriana
Published: October 2021

The importance of environmental geochemistry baseline in soils of O´Higgins Region, Chile, since it hosts in its eastern area one of the major Cu-Mo producing mines in the country, is to establish and explain relationships between the chemical compositions of the Earth’s surface and potential contaminants sources such as mining industry, agriculture and urban activity. A total of 109 samples of urban, peri-urban and rural soils were analyzed with X-ray fluorescence to determine most of the elemental concentrations analyzed. The C and S analyses were performed with the high-temperature combustion method, and a MERCUR mercury analyzer was used for Hg. The study shows that the distribution patterns for most major elements and some trace elements are controlled by the lithologic substrate. This study identified areas with metals and metalloids in high concentrations, which are a risk to the environment and health according to established international regulations. Some of these components correspond to Cu (2500 ppm), Mo (26,5 ppm), As (134,6 ppm), Cr (206.6 ppm), Hg (0.2 ppm), Ni (26.4 ppm), Pb (61.7 ppm), V (227,2 ppm) and Zn (180.3 ppm). Through an elementary association analysis, most of these elements resulted from extractive activities of Cu, metal alloys and oil combustion. It was also possible to trace the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural soils, as well as the combustion of oil related to vehicles in the study area. This information is relevant to implement environmental management strategies to control possible exposure to toxic compounds to human health.
Cultural Differences in the Association of Harsh Parenting with Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pinquart Martin
Published: October 2021

The goal of the present meta-analysis was to compare associations of harsh parenting with internalizing and externalizing symptoms across regions of the globe and ethnic groups, and to search for moderator effects of indicators of cultural normativeness of harsh parenting. The systematic search in electronic databases and cross-referencing identified 971 studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were computed on bivariate and cross-lagged associations. Harsh parenting was associated with more internalizing and externalizing symptoms in all assessed regions of the globe and in all compared ethnic groups within western countries. Cross-lagged statistical effects of harsh parenting on change in child symptoms were found in North America, Western Europe, Latin America, East Asia, South-East Asia, and North Africa/the Arabian Peninsula, while there were no data from Eastern Europe. In line with the cultural normativeness hypothesis, a few moderating effects of the legal ban of physical punishment of children, acceptance and prevalence of physical punishment, and individualism-collectivism were identified. Externalizing symptoms predicted a stronger increase in harsh parenting if physical punishment was more accepted in the individual country. However, national levels of acceptance of physical punishment did not affect associations of harsh parenting with change in child outcomes. Although most associations of harsh parenting with child symptoms were statistically small (bivariate associations) or very small (cross-lagged associations), it is concluded that parents across the globe should be recommended to avoid harsh parenting. More longitudinal studies are needed for analyzing regional differences in parent and child effects.
On the global Hadamard parametrix in QFT and the signed squared geodesic distance defined in domains larger than convex normal neighbourhoods
Authors: Moretti Valter
Published: October 2021

We consider the global Hadamard condition and the notion of Hadamard parametrix whose use is pervasive in algebraic QFT in curved spacetime (see references in the main text). We point out the existence of a technical problem in the literature concerning well-definedness of the global Hadamard parametrix in normal neighbourhoods of Cauchy surfaces. We discuss in particular the definition of the (signed) geodesic distance $$\sigma $$
σ
and related structures in an open neighbourhood of the diagonal of $$M\times M$$

M
×
M

larger than $$U\times U$$

U
×
U

, for a normal convex neighbourhood U, where (M, g) is a Riemannian or Lorentzian (smooth Hausdorff paracompact) manifold. We eventually propose a quite natural solution which slightly changes the original definition by Kay and Wald and relies upon some non-trivial consequences of the paracompactness property. The proposed re-formulation is in agreement with Radzikowski’s microlocal version of the Hadamard condition.
Modelling trend life cycles in scientific research using the Logistic and Gompertz equations
Authors: Tattershall E. , Nenadic G. , Stevens R. D.
Published: October 2021

Scientific topics vary in popularity over time. In this paper, we model the life cycles of 200 trending topics by fitting the Logistic and Gompertz models to their frequency over time in published abstracts. Unlike other work, the topics we use are algorithmically extracted from large datasets of abstracts covering computer science, particle physics, cancer research, and mental health. We find that the Gompertz model produces lower median error, leading us to conclude that it is the more appropriate model. Since the Gompertz model is asymmetric, with a steep rise followed a long tail, this implies that scientific topics follow a similar trajectory. We also explore the case of double-peaking curves and find that in some cases, topics will peak multiple times as interest resurges. Finally, when looking at the different scientific disciplines, we find that the lifespan of topics is longer in some disciplines (e.g. cancer research and mental health) than it is others, which may indicate differences in research process and culture between these disciplines.
A modular environmental and economic assessment applied to the production of Hermetia illucens larvae as a protein source for food and feed
Authors: Spykman Raphaela , Hossaini Sayed Mahdi , Peguero Daniela A. , Green Ashley , Heinz Volker , Smetana Sergiy
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The inclusion of insect protein into the food system has been proposed as a promising solution to ensure future food security and mitigate negative environmental impacts related to food production. However, the market volume for edible insects in Europe is still small; consequently, producers need a decision-support system to ensure the sustainable upscaling of the sector. The study analyzed environmental and economic impacts of insect production to identify the most eco-efficient production scenarios.

Methods

A novel modular eco-efficiency assessment approach was developed to analyze the production of dried Hermetia illucens larvae. An exemplary, industrial-scale insect production system was disaggregated into a total of 29 module variants that can be combined into 4608 distinct production scenarios, which are characterized by different feeds, energy efficiencies, and processing technologies. Environmental life cycle and cost assessments were carried out for each module variant, and eco-efficiency assessment was used to jointly assess these two sustainability dimensions. Additionally, the influence of the insect feed on the production system performance and impact was investigated by employing feed-specific scaling factors. These were used to aggregate module results into production scenario results.

Results and discussion

The most eco-efficient production scenarios include energy-efficient rearing facilities that rely on blanching and microwave drying for processing. The insect feed is the largest contributor to the environmental impacts and costs, but from an eco-efficiency standpoint, the choice of feed might not be crucial. Waste-type feeds (e.g., manure, fruit, and vegetable waste) have low environmental impacts and costs, but the production scenarios based on these feeds are less efficient. The low impacts of the feed are offset by higher impacts during the rearing and processing stages. Conversely, scenarios based on higher quality feeds (e.g., by-products like wheat middlings or distiller’s grains) require less resources, but the initial feed impacts and costs are higher. Moreover, of the feed types studied, only highly processed ones, such as compound chicken feed, should be avoided for insect rearing.

Conclusions

The developed modular assessment approach is efficient in assessing multiple potential insect production scenarios. It can be adapted to incorporate additional variations of the production system via additional modules. Limitations include the potential for redundant module combinations and the up-front time investment needed. Finally, the results are sensitive to methodological choices: thus, these should be carefully considered and communicated during the design of the modular assessment system.
Transition to telehealth
Authors: Cheng Chelsea , Humphreys Hilary , Kane Bridget
Published: October 2021

In recent years, telemedicine has been increasingly incorporated into medical practice, a process which has now been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As telemedicine continues to progress, it is necessary for medical institutions to incorporate telemedicine into their curricula, and to provide students with the necessary skills and experience to effectively carry out telemedicine consultations. The purposes of this study are to review the involvement of medical students with telemedicine and to determine both the benefits and the challenges experienced. A literature review on the MEDLINE; CINAHL Plus; APA PsychInfo; Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts; and Health Business Elite databases was performed on September 7, 2020, yielding 561 results. 33 manuscripts were analysed, with the main benefits and challenges experienced by medical students summarized. In addition to increasing their understanding of the importance of telemedicine and the acquisition of telemedicine-specific skills, students may use telemedicine to act as a valuable workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges that students face, such as discomfort with carrying out telemedicine consults and building rapport with patients, may be addressed through the incorporation of telemedicine teaching into the medical curricula through experiential learning. However, other more systemic challenges, such as technical difficulties and cost, need to be examined for the full benefits of telemedicine to be realized. Telemedicine is here to stay and has proven its worth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with medical students embracing its potential in assisting in medical clinics, simulation of clinical placements, and online classrooms.
Premenstrual Exacerbations of Mood Disorders: Findings and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Kuehner Christine , Nayman Sibel
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

In contrast to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), premenstrual exacerbations (PMEs) of ongoing mood disorders are understudied. The aim of this review is to describe diagnostic issues, epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, and treatment for PME in unipolar depression and bipolar disorder, and to discuss clinical and research implications.

Recent Findings

Community-based and clinical studies estimate that in women with mood disorders around 60% report PME, while some women with bipolar disorder also show symptom exacerbations around ovulation. In general, PME predicts a more severe illness course and an increased burden. While heightened sensitivity to fluctuations of sex hormone levels across the menstrual cycle appears to contribute to PME and PMDD, the overlap of their underlying biological mechanisms remains unclear. Beneficial treatments for PMDD show less or no efficacy in PME. Pharmacological treatments for PME in mood disorders predominantly seem to profit from adjustable augmentation of treatment dosages during the luteal phase for the underlying disorder. However, the evidence is sparse and mainly based on earlier small studies and case reports.

Previous research is mainly limited by the lack of a clear differentiation between PME and PMDD comorbidity with mood disorders. More systematic research with uniformly defined and prospectively assessed subgroups of PME in larger epidemiological and clinical samples is needed to receive reliable prevalence estimates and information on the clinical impact of PME of mood disorders, and to uncover underlying mechanisms. In addition, larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to identify efficacious pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for affected women.
The Ascent of Artificial Intelligence in Endourology: a Systematic Review Over the Last 2 Decades
Authors: Hameed B. M. Zeeshan , Shah Milap , Naik Nithesh , Rai Bhavan Prasad , Karimi Hadis , Rice Patrick , Kronenberg Peter , Somani Bhaskar
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

To highlight and review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in kidney stone disease (KSD) for diagnostics, predicting procedural outcomes, stone passage, and recurrence rates. The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist.

Recent Findings

This review discusses the newer advancements in AI-driven management strategies, which holds great promise to provide an essential step for personalized patient care and improved decision making. AI has been used in all areas of KSD including diagnosis, for predicting treatment suitability and success, basic science, quality of life (QOL), and recurrence of stone disease. However, it is still a research-based tool and is not used universally in clinical practice. This could be due to a lack of data infrastructure needed to train the algorithms, wider applicability in all groups of patients, complexity of its use and cost involved with it.

The constantly evolving literature and future research should focus more on QOL and the cost of KSD treatment and develop evidence-based AI algorithms that can be used universally, to guide urologists in the management of stone disease.
A Recyclable Dipping Strategy to Stabilize Herring (Clupea harengus) Co-products During Ice Storage
Authors: Wu Haizhou , Forghani Bita , Sajib Mursalin , Undeland Ingrid
Published: October 2021

Applying value-adding techniques to fish filleting co-products is rendered difficult due to their high susceptibility to lipid oxidation, microbial spoilage, and amine formation. In this study, a recyclable dipping strategy was developed and investigated for its ability to stabilize herring (Clupea harengus) co-products (head, backbone, caudal fin, intestines, belly flap, skin, and in some cases roe) against oxidation and microbial spoilage. From initial screening of seven antioxidative components/formulas in minced herring co-products during ice storage, an oil-soluble rosemary extract (RE-B) and isoascorbic acid (IAA) were identified as most promising candidates. These compounds were then formulated to a recyclable solution to be used for dipping of the herring co-products. The commercial Duralox MANC antioxidant mixture was used as a positive control. Dipping in 0.2% RE-B solution ± 0.5% IAA or in 2% Duralox MANC solutions remarkably increased the oxidation lag phase from < 1 day to > 12 days during subsequent storage on ice (0–1 °C) of minced or intact co-products, respectively, even when the antioxidant solutions were re-used up to 10 times. The dipping also reduced microbiological growth and total volatile basic nitrogen, but the effect became weaker with an increased number of re-using cycles. The presented dipping strategies could hereby facilitate more diversified end use of herring co-products from current fish meal to high-quality minces, protein isolates, or oils for the food industry.
Is it only the university they are satisfied with? – Foreign student satisfaction and its effect on loyalty
Authors: Kéri Anita , Hetesi Erzsébet
Published: October 2021

Internationalization has been in the center of research interest in the past decades. With the increasing number of students studying abroad, there has been a growing need for higher education institutions to understand foreign student satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to distinguish between university- and non-university-related factors accountable for foreign student satisfaction, and to highlight the effect of non-university related factors on overall foreign student satisfaction and loyalty. A clear distinction made between foreign students based on the reason for their loyalty is also studied. The proposed theoretical model is examined with structural equation modeling (SEM) and with the method of partial least squares (PLS). Results show that both university-related and non-university-related satisfaction influence foreign student loyalty. Loyalty of foreign students could be distinguished between. Examined foreign students were proven to be loyal towards either the university, the study abroad experience or none of the above.
Campylobacteriose — eine zoonotische Infektionskrankheit
Authors: Alter Thomas , Bereswill Stefan , Backert Steffen
Published: October 2021

Campylobacter jejuni represents an important zoonotic pathogen that is causing foodborne enteric infections. In the human gut, C. jejuni bacteria induce intestinal campylobacteriosis which can develop into systemic post-infectious sequelae such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we review the pathobiology and molecular mechanisms of C. jejuni infections as well as promising strategies to combat campylobacteriosis within the “One World — One Health” approach.
Rotlicht-gesteuerter viraler Gentransfer mit Einzelzellauflösung
Authors: Hörner Maximilian , Weber Wilfried
Published: October 2021

Available methods for efficient gene transfer into user-selected or even single cells suffer from high invasiveness or the need for complicated equipment. Here, we present a technology for the light-guided transduction of native cell lines and primary cells by adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. We demonstrate the spatially resolved transduction of different cells with different genes within one culture and the selective transduction of single cells by local illumination.
Dynamische Peptidvesikel als Vorstufe synthetischer Zellen?
Authors: Pirzer Tobias
Published: October 2021

Compartmentalization and spatial control of biochemical reactions are essential for the creation of artificial cellular systems. But it is notoriously difficult to implement reaction networks and membrane building blocks in vitro. In this article, we briefly highlight our work on the formation of peptide-based vesicles as artificial cell precursors with a size of up to 100 µm These cell mimics are able to produce RNA aptamers and proteins at the inside, and are further capable of strong growth.
Automation der Bestimmung von Vitamin D in Serum und Plasma
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Fleischer Heidi , Bach Anna
Published: October 2021

Vitamins play an important role in many processes in the human organism. The detection of insufficient supply of vitamins is therefore of particular importance to avoid significant effects for human health. An increasing number of tests is only possible with suitable automated procedures. For the determination of vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 in serum samples, three methods were automated and compared with regard to their performance. All three methods enable reliable detection of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 in serum in the ng/ml range.
Eine rekombinante Produktionsplattform für Peptide
Authors: Nguyen Bach-Ngan , Schmitt Lutz , Schwarz Christian
Published: October 2021

The production of peptides as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by recombinant technologies is of emerging interest. A reliable production platform, however, is still missing due to inherent peptide characteristics such as proteolytic sensitivity, aggregation, and cytotoxicity. We developed a new approach — Numaswitch™. It solves present limitations and provides a cost-efficient production platform for diverse peptides and hard-to-be-expressed proteins.
Synthetische Glykobiotechnologie
Authors: Rexer Thomas , Son Tuan Hoang , Ruhnau Johannes , Reichl Udo
Published: October 2021

The field of synthetic glycobiotechnology encompasses the synthesis and modification of free carbohydrates and carbohydrates linked to biomolecules. Our group develops bio-catalytic processes for the synthesis of carbohydrate building blocks, so-called sugar nucleotides, and cell-free multi-enzyme cascades to tailor carbohydrates linked to proteins. The technology can eventually help to advance our understanding of the roles of specific carbohydrates in nutrition and medicine and contribute to human health and well-being.
6q deletion is frequent but unrelated to patient prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Lebok Patrick , Bönte Hannah , Kluth Martina , Möller-Koop Christina , Witzel Isabell , Wölber Linn , Paluchowski Peter , Wilke Christian , Heilenkötter Uwe , Müller Volkmar , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Terracciano Luigi , Krech Rainer Horst , von der Assen Albert , Burandt Eike
Published: October 2021

Background

Deletions involving the long arm of chromosome 6 have been reported to occur in breast cancer, but little is known about the clinical relevance of this alteration.

Methods

We made use of a pre-existing tissue microarray with 2197 breast cancers and employed a 6q15/centromere 6 dual-labeling probe for fluorescence in situ (FISH) analysis

Results

Heterozygous 6q15 deletions were found in 202 (18%) of 1099 interpretable cancers, including 19% of 804 cancers of no special type (NST), 3% of 29 lobular cancers, 7% of 41 cribriform cancers, and 28% of 18 cancers with papillary features. Homozygous deletions were not detected. In the largest subset of NST tumors, 6q15 deletions were significantly linked to advanced tumor stage and high grade (p < 0.0001 each). 6q deletions were also associated with estrogen receptor negativity (p = 0.0182), high Ki67 proliferation index (p < 0.0001), amplifications of HER2 (p = 0.0159), CCND1 (p = 0.0069), and cMYC (p = 0.0411), as well as deletions of PTEN (p = 0.0003), 8p21 (p < 0.0001), and 9p21 (p = 0.0179). However, 6q15 deletion was unrelated to patient survival in all cancers, in NST cancers, or in subsets of cancers defined by the presence or absence of lymph-node metastases.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that 6q deletion is a frequent event in breast cancer that is statistically linked to unfavorable tumor phenotype and features of genomic instability. The absence of any prognostic impact argues against a clinical applicability of 6q15 deletion testing in breast cancer patients.
Context-Enhanced Human-Robot Interaction: Exploring the Role of System Interactivity and Multimodal Stimuli on the Engagement of People with Dementia
Authors: Feng Yuan , Perugia Giulia , Yu Suihuai , Barakova Emilia I. , Hu Jun , Rauterberg G. W. Matthias
Published: October 2021

Engaging people with dementia (PWD) in meaningful activities is the key to promote their quality of life. Design towards a higher level of user engagement has been extensively studied within the human-computer interaction community, however, few extend to PWD. It is generally considered that increased richness of experiences can lead to enhanced engagement. Therefore, this paper explores the effects of rich interaction in terms of the role of system interactivity and multimodal stimuli by engaging participants in context-enhanced human-robot interaction activities. The interaction with a social robot was considered context-enhanced due to the additional responsive sensory feedback from an augmented reality display. A field study was conducted in a Dutch nursing home with 16 residents. The study followed a two by two mixed factorial design with one within-subject variable - multimodal stimuli - and one between-subject variable - system interactivity. A mixed method of video coding analysis and observational rating scales was adopted to assess user engagement comprehensively. Results disclose that when additional auditory modality was included besides the visual-tactile stimuli, participants had significantly higher scores on attitude, more positive behavioral engagement during activity, and a higher percentage of communications displayed. The multimodal stimuli also promoted social interaction between participants and the facilitator. The findings provide sufficient evidence regarding the significant role of multimodal stimuli in promoting PWD’s engagement, which could be potentially used as a motivation strategy in future research to improve emotional aspects of activity-related engagement and social interaction with the human partner.
Hydrogen Peroxide Versus Hydrogen Generation at Bipolar Pd/Au Nano-catalysts Grown into an Intrinsically Microporous Polyamine (PIM-EA-TB)
Authors: Wang Lina , Carta Mariolino , Malpass-Evans Richard , McKeown Neil B. , Fletcher Philip J. , Lednitzky Diana , Marken Frank
Published: October 2021

Binding of PdCl42− into the polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-EA-TB (on a Nylon mesh substrate) followed by borohydride reduction leads to uncapped Pd(0) nano-catalysts with typically 3.2 ± 0.2 nm diameter embedded within the microporous polymer host structure. Spontaneous reaction of Pd(0) with formic acid and oxygen is shown to result in the competing formation of (i) hydrogen peroxide (at low formic acid concentration in air; with optimum H2O2 yield at 2 mM HCOOH), (ii) water, or (iii) hydrogen (at higher formic acid concentration or under argon). Next, a spontaneous electroless gold deposition process is employed to attach gold (typically 10- to 35-nm diameter) to the nano-palladium in PIM-EA-TB to give an order of magnitude enhanced production of H2O2 with high yields even at higher HCOOH concentration (suppressing hydrogen evolution). Pd and Au work hand-in-hand as bipolar electrocatalysts. A Clark probe method is developed to assess the catalyst efficiency (based on competing oxygen removal and hydrogen production) and a mass spectrometry method is developed to monitor/optimise the rate of production of hydrogen peroxide. Heterogenised Pd/Au@PIM-EA-TB catalysts are effective and allow easy catalyst recovery and reuse for hydrogen peroxide production.

Graphical abstract
An Educational Need Regarding Treatment-Related Infertility and Fertility Preservation: a National Survey Among Members of the Dutch Society for Medical Oncologists
Authors: Krouwel E. M. , Birkhoff E. M. L. , Nicolai M. P. J. , Osanto S. , Putter H. , Pelger R. C. M. , Elzevier H. W.
Published: October 2021

Cancer diagnosis and treatment may influence reproductive planning and impact fertility in patients of reproductive age. Although guidelines have been established in the past decade, education, practice, and attitudes of medical oncologists regarding fertility preservation remain undecided. A nationwide survey was performed among members of the Dutch Society for Medical Oncology. Demographics, practice, knowledge, and barriers were measured regarding information provision of fertility preservation towards cancer patients of childbearing age. From 392 members, 120 oncologists completed the questionnaire (30.6%). Majority of oncologists was convinced it is their responsibility to discuss impact of cancer treatment to fertility (93.2%), yet 68.3% discussed the subject often or always (n = 82). Oncologists employed in district general hospitals were less likely to discuss fertility (p = 0.033). On average, 44.6% of reproductive men and 28.9% of reproductive women is referred to fertility specialists. Half of the respondents declared to possess sufficient knowledge regarding fertility preservation (n = 57, 47.5%). Poor prognosis (53%), unlikely survival (43.1%), and high chances on fertility recovery (28.7%) were identified as barriers to discussing fertility preservation. Among oncologists, impact of cancer treatment on fertility is a well-accepted responsibility to counsel. Despite, self-reported knowledge regarding fertility preservation is strongly varying. In practice, fertility is discussed to some extent, influenced by several barriers and depending on prognosis and type of hospital. Patients benefit from knowledge improvement among oncology care providers concerning fertility effects of cancer treatment. Education during medical school, residency, and among practicing oncologists may raise awareness, together with enhancement of referral possibilities.
Oceanographic and biogeochemical drivers cause divergent trends in the nitrogen isoscape in a changing Arctic Ocean
Authors: Buchanan Pearse James , Tagliabue Alessandro , de la Vega Camille , Mahaffey Claire
Published: October 2021

Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) are used to study food web and foraging dynamics due to the step-wise enrichment of tissues with increasing trophic level, but they rely on the isoscape baseline that varies markedly in the Arctic due to the interplay between Atlantic- and Pacific-origin waters. Using a hierarchy of simulations with a state-of-the-art ocean-biogeochemical model, we demonstrate that the canonical isotopic gradient of 2–3‰ between the Pacific and Atlantic sectors of the Arctic Ocean has grown to 3–4‰ and will continue to expand under a high emissions climate change scenario by the end of the twenty-first century. δ15N increases in the Pacific-influenced high Arctic due to increased primary production, while Atlantic sector decreases result from the integrated effects of Atlantic inflow and anthropogenic inputs. While these trends will complicate longitudinal food web studies using δ15N, they may aid those focussed on movement as the Arctic isoscape becomes more regionally distinct.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and peripheral blood eosinophil counts: a retrospective study
Authors: Eijmael Marjella , Janssens Nicky , le Cessie Saskia , van Dooren Yordi , Koster Ted , Karim Faiz
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Eosinopenia has been described in COVID-19. With this study, we aim to study the peripheral blood eosinophil counts in COVID-19 patients and to investigate whether there is an association between the peripheral blood eosinophil counts and disease severity of COVID-19.

Methods

We revised the electronical medical records of confirmed COVID-19 patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in the Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, Gouda, The Netherlands. We divided patients in mild, moderate and severe groups based on clinical severity of COVID-19. Clinical severity was based on the therapy needed and the outcome of patients. We compared clinical characteristics, laboratory results and outcome between the three groups.

Results

Of the 230 patients included in this study, the mild, moderate and severe groups consisted of 16.5%, 45.7% and 37.8% of the included patients, respectively. The mean age was 68 years (IQR 57–78). 63% of patients were male. A significant decrease in the peripheral eosinophil counts was found corresponding to the increase of COVID-19 severity. In the mild, moderate and severe groups, the percentage of patients with eosinopenia was 73.7%, 86.7% and 94.3%, respectively (pvalue 0.002).

Conclusion

Eosinopenia is significantly more frequent present in patients with a severe COVID-19.