bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sublethal impacts of five insecticidal formulations on Oryzaephilus surinamensis behavioral traits
Authors: Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Boukouvala Maria C. , Eleftheriadou Nikoleta , Xefteri Despoina N. , Gidari Demeter Lorentha S. , Kyrpislidi Vasiliki Panagiota C.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Mortality caused by various pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids has been studied for stored‐product insects in the past, yet limited information exists on the sublethal effects they can induce to Oryzaephilus surinamensis. In the current study, the sublethal effects of deltamethrin, λ‐cyhalothrin, α‐cypermethrin, etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d‐tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide on the mobility of O. surinamensis in the presence or the absence of a food source was investigated.

RESULTS

Lethal concentrations (LCs) were lower for deltamethrin, α‐cypermethrin, and λ‐cyhalothrin (LC10 = 0.000233, 0.000211, and 0.000271 mg active ingredient (a.i.) cm−2, LC30 = 0.000413, 0.000398, and 0.000447 mg a.i. cm−2, respectively), followed by etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d‐tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide (LC10 = 0.00228 and 0.003267 mg a.i. cm−2, LC30 = 0.00437 and 0.01188 mg a.i. cm−2, respectively). Deltamethrin and λ‐cyhalothrin negatively impacted adult walking behavior, increasing stop durations compared to controls. Adults exposed to LC10 and LC30 of λ‐cyhalothrin, and LC30 of deltamethrin exhibited prolonged periods on their backs compared to the remaining treatments and the controls. The α‐cypermethrin LC30‐exposed adults exhibited significantly shorter walking and stopping durations than controls but demonstrated prolonged climbing on the arena walls compared to adults exposed to the remaining a.i. and the control. A similar trend was observed for etofenprox.

CONCLUSIONS

Under sublethal concentrations, λ‐cyhalothrin and deltamethrin increased stop intervals and reduced the duration of climbing attempts of O. surinamensis versus α‐cypermethrin. These findings advance comprehension of the underexplored sublethal impacts of the tested a.i. on O. surinamensis adults, holding potential for leveraging insecticide‐induced behavioral effects to enhance warehouse pest management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Conversion of 5α‐Androstane‐3α,17β‐diol to bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl carbamate] derivative for sensitive determination of its rat brain level by LC/ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Higashi Tatsuya , Tanaka Asuka , Tsubura Shiho , Nishimoto‐Kusunose Shoichi
Published: July 2024

Rationale

5α‐Androstane‐3α,17β‐diol (3α,5α‐Adiol) is a testosterone‐derived neurosteroid and has anxiolytic and analgesic effects via γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptors as with the progesterone‐derived neurosteroid, allopregnanolone (AP). Although the psychotropic drug‐evoked changes in the brain AP concentration have been intensively studied, those in the brain 3α,5α‐Adiol concentration remain poorly understood. One of the causes for this is the limited availability of a validated method for quantifying the brain 3α,5α‐Adiol with a sufficient sensitivity and specificity, which is described in this study.

Methods

To enhance the detectability of 3α,5α‐Adiol by electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS), derivatization with 4‐dimethylaminobenzoyl azide was employed. The brain sample was purified by solid‐phase extraction and the recovered 3α,5α‐Adiol and the deuterated internal standard were derivatized, then measured by liquid chromatography (LC)/ESI‐MS/MS with selected reaction monitoring.

Results

The derivatized 3α,5α‐Adiol, i.e., the bis[(4‐dimethylamino)phenyl carbamate] derivative, provided the intense doubly‐protonated molecule as the precursor ion, then the specific product ion containing the 3α,5α‐Adiol‐skeleton by collision‐induced dissociation. The detectability of 3α,5α‐Adiol was eventually increased 1000‐fold by derivatization. Separation of the derivatized 3α,5α‐Adiol from its stereoisomers and interfering brain components was achieved using a SunShell Biphenyl column with an isopropyl alcohol‐containing mobile phase. A good linearity in the sufficient concentration range, acceptable precision and accuracy, and negligible matrix effect were demonstrated by the validation tests. The animal (rat) study using this method revealed that the brain 3α,5α‐Adiol levels were unaffected by the administration of fluoxetine (FLX) and clozapine (CLZ), in contrast to the significant increase of the AP levels.

Conclusion

An LC/ESI‐MS/MS method capable of quantifying 3α,5α‐Adiol in the rat brain using a 20‐mg tissue was developed and validated. The brain levels of 3α,5α‐Adiol had an entirely different behavior from those of AP due to FLX and CLZ administration.
A decade of EHF scientific research: Unveiling insights from Alphasat Q/V‐band satellite communication experiments
Authors: Rossi Tommaso , De Sanctis Mauro , Cianca Ernestina , Codispoti Giuseppe , Parca Giorgia , Ruggieri Marina
Published: July 2024

In 2008, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) consolidated its position on research and experiments regarding extremely high frequency (EHF) satellite communication through the proposal to the European Space Agency (ESA) of hosting a Q/V‐band experimental payload on board the Alphasat geostationary satellite. The latter large platform, launched in 2013, thus hosted the so‐called TDP#5 (Technology Demonstration Payload), aimed at performing the first Q/V‐band telecommunication and propagation experimental campaigns. Thanks to the precious contribution given to the definition of the overall mission and the scientific objectives, the payload was then renamed in memory of Professor Aldo Paraboni, pioneer of scientific research on EHF satellite propagation.

Since 2014, a large number of satellite communication scientific experiments have been conducted by the University of Rome Tor Vergata, principal investigator for the ASI telecommunication campaign. Due to the excellent scientific results and the high reliability of the system, the experimental campaign is still ongoing. The main objective of the proposed telecommunication experiments is to demonstrate the feasibility of broadband satellite communications in Q/V band, optimizing and assessing, over‐the‐air, the performance of the indispensable adaptive transmission techniques. Moreover, the application of innovative paradigms related to software‐defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) has been investigated in the framework of satellite systems exploiting beyond Ka‐band frequencies.

The goal that drives this experimental activity is to provide to the academic community, manufacturers, and service providers useful tools to cope with Q/V‐band links for future satellite communication systems. The use of EHF links contributes to the reduction of RF front end and thus minimization of orbital junk; moreover, high throughput links in conjunction with software‐driven architectures enable a high level of system reconfigurability that is one of the pillars for a sustainable use of space.

The paper presents the main results of the last 10 years of Q/V‐band experiments, as well as the plans and perspectives for future scientific and operational activities in a sustainable space framework.
Exploring the path to achieve sustainable agricultural development: An empirical analysis based on the modernization of agriculture in six central China provinces
Authors: Luo Yuhui , Li Bangwang , Wang Jianan
Published: July 2024

Agricultural modernization is an important component of sustainable development. This study uses panel data from six central provinces in China to measure the level of agricultural modernization from 2012 to 2021 using the entropy‐weighted TOPSIS method, kernel density estimation method, and Markov chain method. The results show that the level of agricultural modernization in central provinces has generally increased, with a distribution pattern of “low in high latitudes, high in middle dimensions, and low in low latitudes.” The kernel density estimation indicates regional differences in agricultural modernization within the central provinces. Although the absolute differences among central provinces are dynamically changing, the overall trend is decreasing, and the polarization trend is gradually weakening. It is challenging for central provinces to achieve leap‐forward development in agricultural modernization within a short period. The level of agricultural modernization in central provinces has significant spatial dependence characteristics, and neighboring provinces with higher levels can better promote the level of agricultural modernization in the province.
How do US firms grow? New evidence from a growth decomposition
Authors: Sivadasan Jagadeesh , Balasubramanian Natarajan , Dharwadkar Ravi , Ren Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Research Summary

Firm growth and its underlying modes are rarely examined on their own, which impedes our understanding of their relative importance, correlations among them and their associations with competition and future performance. We address these using a comprehensive seven‐mode decomposition of employment growth in all US firms (2004–2013). We find that organic modes such as opening or closing plants contribute more than transactional modes such as acquisitions and selloffs, and that growth modes exhibit age‐size differences and are generally positively correlated within firms. Trade competition in manufacturing increased closures and decreased acquisitions but had no effect on new units. Transactional growth positively correlates with future survival, unlike organic growth. Together, our findings expand our understanding of firm growth as a composite of multiple growth modes.

Managerial Summary

Managers have many ways to grow a firm, but studies typically emphasize transactional modes such as acquisitions and selloffs. Using data on all US firms over 2004–2013, we study seven growth modes in an integrated and comprehensive model. We find that organic modes contribute more to growth than transactional modes, that young, large firms grow less relative to old, large firms, that when firms grow (shrink), they tend to grow (shrink) using multiple modes simultaneously and that growth modes vary in their association with competition. Importantly, transactional growth positively correlates with future survival, unlike organic growth. Together, these findings not only suggest that growth modes vary in their contribution to firm growth but also that they may differently influence subsequent performance.
Organic Pea Starches – II. Investigation of Physicochemical and Techno‐Functional Properties
Authors: Terstegen Tim , Flöter Eckhard , Ulbrich Marco
Published: July 2024

The physicochemical and technofunctional properties of several pea starches harvested in consecutive years are studied. All samples are cultivated in the same geographical locations. Despite limited variation of amylose content that is found (mean amylose content of 32.1 ± 1.4% and a range from 29.2% to 35.7%), the varieties demonstrate significant differences in their functional properties. During gelatinization, all starches exhibit comparable onset temperatures (To) within the range of 60.8–63.7 °C. However, the conclusion temperature (Tc) displays a considerably broader spectrum, spanning from 73.5 to 80.0 °C. Furthermore, noticeable systematic differences between the samples from 2020 to 2021 are observed. In terms of the hot paste viscosity, two main shear viscosity curves are identified. These are independent of the harvesting period and could be associated with differences in average molar masses examined previously. Pea varieties with comparable low starch molar masses (<25 × 106 g∙mol−1) show a stronger shear thinning behavior. The starches also exhibit substantial variations in mechanical gel strength and gel elasticity. The gel strengths range from 5.5 to 17.0 N. Increasing firmness of gels appears to correspond to reduced elasticities. For comparison, native corn starch, potato starch, and wrinkled pea starch are considered.
Current situation and future issues with Kampo medicine: A survey of Japanese physicians
Authors: Uneda Kazushi , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Ito Hidenori , Imoto Seiya , Nogami Tatsuya
Published: July 2024

Aim

We aimed to elucidate the present clinical situation, future challenges, and potential need for diagnostic support software in Kampo medicine.

Methods

We conducted an online survey (comprising 28 questions) of Japanese physicians from the 23 to 24 January 2024 via MedPeer. The participants' responses were stratified according to their age distribution.

Results

We evaluated data for 652 respondents. The most common respondent age groups were those in their 30s and 40s. The most common specialty of respondents was internal medicine (43.7%). Only 33.7% of respondents had received education on Kampo medicine at university. Most respondents (90.0%) were not licensed as certified physicians or members of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine. Most respondents (86.7%) currently prescribed Kampo formulas (current users); only 3.8% had no experience in prescribing Kampo formulas. The conditions for which Kampo formulas were frequently prescribed were muscle cramps, constipation, medically unexplained symptoms/menopausal syndrome, appetite loss/malnutrition, and fatigue. However, 48.3% of current users did not use traditional Kampo patterns (sho). The most frequent issues reported by respondents were the lack of scientific evidence and standardization of diagnostic methods in Kampo medicine. Respondents indicated the need for postgraduate education and implementation of diagnostic support software for using Kampo patterns by non‐specialists in Kampo medicine.

Conclusion

There was a discrepancy between the high frequency of Kampo formula prescriptions and the low use of traditional Kampo patterns in Japan. Diagnostic support software is likely to become a useful method of improving appropriate Kampo formula prescriptions by non‐specialists.
Beyond Making Stuff: Co‐Designing Literacies and Collaborating for Critical Empathy
Authors: McKinney‐Lepp Melissa , Kaur Simranjeet , Collier Diane R.
Published: July 2024

Children in a grade two/three classroom co‐designed photographs of each other's important family objects to develop critical empathy and better understand their peers’ home cultures. They engaged in visual critical literacy practices. The paper provides a narrative of what happened and a framework for creative collaborative pedagogy.
Fabrication of antibacterial food packaging from polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate composite films cross‐linked with lactic acid
Authors: Dülger Naz Doğa , Samatya Yilmaz Sema , Uzuner Hüseyin , Aytac Ayse
Published: July 2024

In this study, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/Sodium Caseinate (NaCAS) were cross‐linked by mixing with Lactic acid (LA) in different proportions (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%). Composite films were obtained from the prepared solutions using the solution casting method. The obtained composite films were appeared as slightly opaque and lightly yellowish, but mostly transparent. As the amount of LA increased, the polarized microscope surface images of the composite films became rougher. It was explained that cross‐linking occurred with the aldehyde groups (CHO) determined in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The increasing 5% weight loss temperature of the films because of cross‐linking also increased the thermal strength. In X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), the 2θ peak intensity of the 2% LA‐added film, which had the highest cross‐link density, was indicated to be the lowest. It was reported that 4% and above the LA contribution rate negatively affects the physical and mechanical properties of the PVA/NaCAS matrix. The pure PVA/NaCAS film had 30.08 MPa tensile strength and 1.49% tensile strain. The film with 2% LA added showed the tensile strength value closest to the pure film with 23.89 MPa. With a 6.52% value, the film containing 2% LA showed the lowest moisture retention behavior. Pure PVA/NaCAS film, which has a hydrophilic structure with a contact angle of 57°, gained hydrophobic ability with the addition of LA. The 1% LA‐added film exhibited the highest hydrophobic behavior with a contact angle value of 99°. With the LA additive, an increase in the contact angle values of the composite films was observed between approximately 61% and 74%. In addition, the water vapor permeability (WVTR) with 582.37 g/m2 day value of pure PVA/NaCAS composite film decreased after the addition of LA. It was degraded to 322.72 g/m2 day WVTR value in the 1% LA‐added film. 100% antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus was observed in composite films containing 1% or more LA additive. The resulting films were suggested to be used as active food packaging with antibacterial effects.

Highlights

LA can be used as a crosslinking agent for PVA/NaCAS blends.

2% LA contribution has shown the highest cross‐linking density.

4% LA and higher LA contribution would negatively affect the mechanical properties of the matrix.

High antibacterial activity was obtained against both E. coli and S. aureus in films containing 1% or more LA.
Narrative Semiotics and the Study of Scientific Practices
Authors: Peverini Paolo
Published: July 2024

The initial stages of the fruitful encounter between structuralist semiotics and Bruno Latour are reconstructed, culminating in the innovative project of analysing the rhetoric inherent in a scientific text. The starting point of what will evolve over time into a full-fledged anthropological approach to scientific discourse is a text published by Latour and Paolo Fabbri in 1977 titled La rhétorique de la science: Pouvoir et devoir dans un article de science exacte. The goal of this seminal essay is to demonstrate that the textual forms of the exact sciences are not reduced, as commonly believed, to the cold and impersonal description of an experimental practice. On the contrary, they manifest the presence of a complex rhetoric at the service of a pragmatic intent: to induce the recipients of the scientific community to recognize as true only the utterances expressed by the authors, while discrediting the adversaries active in the same disciplinary field. The chapter also highlights Françoise Bastide’s decisive role in the pioneering analysis of the semiotics of the scientific text with particular reference to the role assumed by materiality and the practices of use of non-human agents (laboratory instruments) involved in the construction of scientific facts and their narration.
Enunciation
Authors: Peverini Paolo
Published: July 2024

The chapter is entirely dedicated to enunciation, a central notion in semiotic theory that has been the subject of constant reasoning and theoretical investigation by Bruno Latour with a series of repercussions that are also significant for contemporary semiotic research. From the initial recourse to Greimasian notions of débrayage and embrayage employed to account for the ways in which in a text authenticity manifests itself as a meaning effect, to the increasing attention paid to objects, to the material manifestation that the construction of scientific facts takes on, enunciation proves to be an essential concept for deepening the complex relationship between semiotics and Latour’s work. The paragraphs thus reconstruct Latour’s effort to extend the scope of enunciation outside the sphere of textuality, openly criticizing semiotics, considered too anchored to the study of language. A criticism that nevertheless fails to recognize a significant turning point in contemporary semiotic research that has long since broadened the perimeter of the phenomena of signification analyzed, with the progressive development of the sociosemiotic perspective. Particular attention is paid to an essay often overlooked in the literature on Latourian work, namely Petite philosophie de l’énonciation and to the semiotics implicit in some of the French intellectual’s most famous works seemingly distant from semiotic theory, including An Inquiry into Modes of Existence. An Anthropology of the Moderns.
CaDiCaL 2.0
Authors: Biere Armin , Faller Tobias , Fazekas Katalin , Fleury Mathias , Froleyks Nils , Pollitt Florian
Published: July 2024

The SAT solver CaDiCaL provides a rich feature set with a clean library interface. It has been adopted by many users, is well documented and easy to extend due to its effective testing and debugging infrastructure. In this tool paper we give a high-level introduction into the solver architecture and then go briefly over implemented techniques. We describe basic features and novel advanced usage scenarios. Experiments confirm that CaDiCaL despite this flexibility has state-of-the-art performance both in a stand-alone as well as incremental setting.
Playing Games with Your PET: Extending the Partial Exploration Tool to Stochastic Games
Authors: Meggendorfer Tobias , Weininger Maximilian
Published: July 2024

We present version 2.0 of thePartial Exploration Tool(Pet), a tool for verification of probabilistic systems. We extend the previous version by adding support forstochastic games, based on a recent unified framework for sound value iteration algorithms. Thereby,Pet2is the first tool implementing a sound and efficient approach for solving stochastic games with objectives of the type reachability/safety and mean payoff. We complement this approach by developing and implementing a partial-exploration based variant for all three objectives. Our experimental evaluation shows thatPet2offers the most efficient partial-exploration based algorithm and is the most viable tool on SGs, even outperforming unsound tools.
Stochastic Omega-Regular Verification and Control with Supermartingales
Authors: Abate Alessandro , Giacobbe Mirco , Roy Diptarko
Published: July 2024

We present for the first time a supermartingale certificate for $$\omega $$
ω
-regular specifications. We leverage the Robbins & Siegmund convergence theorem to characterize supermartingale certificates for the almost-sure acceptance of Streett conditions on general stochastic processes, which we call Streett supermartingales. This enables effective verification and control of discrete-time stochastic dynamical models with infinite state space under $$\omega $$
ω
-regular and linear temporal logic specifications. Our result generalises reachability, safety, reach-avoid, persistence and recurrence specifications; our contribution applies to discrete-time stochastic dynamical models and probabilistic programs with discrete and continuous state spaces and distributions, and carries over to deterministic models and programs. We provide a synthesis algorithm for control policies and Streett supermartingales as proof certificates for $$\omega $$
ω
-regular objectives, which is sound and complete for supermartingales and control policies with polynomial templates and any stochastic dynamical model whose post-expectation is expressible as a polynomial. We additionally provide an optimisation of our algorithm that reduces the problem to satisfiability modulo theories, under the assumption that templates and post-expectation are in piecewise linear form. We have built a prototype and have demonstrated the efficacy of our approach on several exemplar $$\omega $$
ω
-regular verification and control synthesis problems.
Synthesis of Temporal Causality
Authors: Finkbeiner Bernd , Frenkel Hadar , Metzger Niklas , Siber Julian
Published: July 2024

We present an automata-based algorithm to synthesize $$\omega $$
ω
-regular causes for $$\omega $$
ω
-regular effects on executions of a reactive system, such as counterexamples uncovered by a model checker. Our theory is a generalization of temporal causality, which has recently been proposed as a framework for drawing causal relationships between trace properties on a given trace. So far, algorithms exist only for verifying a single causal relationship and, as an extension, cause synthesis through enumeration, which is complete only for a small fragment of effect properties. This work presents the first complete cause-synthesis algorithm for the class of $$\omega $$
ω
-regular effects. We show that in this case, causes are guaranteed to be $$\omega $$
ω
-regular themselves and can be computed as, e.g., nondeterministic Büchi automata. We demonstrate the practical feasibility of this algorithm with a prototype tool and evaluate its performance for cause synthesis and cause checking.
Lebensbedrohliche Einsatzlagen
Authors: Pfenninger E. G. , Hammer T. O. , Holsträter T. , Weiß S.
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Die Gefahr terroristischer Anschläge in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist gegeben und nimmt aktuell weiter zu. Öffentlich geförderte Akutkrankenhäuser haben eigenverantwortlich umfassende Vorsorge für ihre Einsatzfähigkeit bei Katastrophen zu treffen. Dieser Auftrag ist auch bei Terror- und Amoklagen sicherzustellen. Eine optimale Abstimmung zwischen präklinischer und klinischer Versorgung ist unabdingbar.

Fragestellung

Es werden Handlungsempfehlungen zur Zusammenarbeit von außerklinischer und klinischer Planung zur Bewältigung eines Massenanfalls von Verletzten bei lebensbedrohlichen Einsatzlagen (LebEL) vorgestellt.

Material und Methoden

Die Klinikübergreifende Sicherheitskonferenz Baden-Württemberg (KLÜSIKO BW) ist eine Arbeitsgemeinschaft aus Vertretern der Akutkliniken in Baden-Württemberg, des Ministeriums für Inneres, Digitalisierung und Migration Baden-Württemberg, des Ministeriums Soziales und Integration Baden-Württemberg, des Landespolizeipräsidiums Baden-Württemberg und der Baden-Württembergischen Krankenhausgesellschaft e. V. Von 2018 bis 2020 wurden in der KLÜSIKO BW Handlungsempfehlungen zur „Zusammenarbeit zwischen Polizei, Kliniken und nichtpolizeilicher Gefahrenabwehr“ erarbeitet. Die Handlungsempfehlungen wurden in 6 Arbeitssitzungen konzertiert und in 2 anschließenden Videokonferenzen parafiert. Eine Empfehlung galt als verabschiedet, wenn abschließend die Vollversammlung der KLÜSIKO BW ihre Zustimmung mit absoluter Mehrheit gab.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Zu fordern sind kompetenzbasierte Schnittstellenlösungen für ein reibungsloses Zusammenwirken von Präklinik und Klinik bei der Versorgung von Patienten, die Opfer einer LebEL wurden. Für die Vorplanung wird die Einrichtung einer lokalen Sicherheitskonferenz auf der Ebene Landkreis/Untere Katastrophenschutzbehörde mit folgenden Teilnehmern empfohlen: Untere Katastrophenschutzbehörde, Feuerwehr, regionales Polizeipräsidium, Leitender Notarzt, Rettungsdienste, Katastrophenschutzbeauftragte betroffener Kliniken. Empfohlen wird ein gemeinsames Führungs- und Lagezentrum (FLZ), wo sich Führungspersonal von Polizei, Rettungsdienst, Feuerwehr und Katastrophenschutz einfinden, um die Abwicklung des Schadensereignisses gemeinsam, kompetent und ohne Zeitverlust zu organisieren. Aus diesem FLZ sollten dann die Kliniken in regelmäßigen zeitlichen Abständen mit Informationen versorgt werden. Übungen sollten regelmäßig stattfinden. Eine besondere Bedeutung kommt organisationsübergreifenden Übungen zu.
LC–MS/MS-based phospholipid profiling of plant-pathogenic bacteria with tailored separation of methyl-branched species
Authors: Rudt Edward , Faist Christian , Schwantes Vera , Konrad Nele , Wiedmaier-Czerny Nina , Lehnert Katja , Topman-Rakover Shiri , Brill Aya , Burdman Saul , Hayouka Zvi , Vetter Walter , Hayen Heiko
Published: July 2024

Plant-pathogenic bacteria are one of the major constraints on agricultural yield. In order to selectively treat these bacteria, it is essential to understand the molecular structure of their cell membrane. Previous studies have focused on analyzing hydrolyzed fatty acids (FA) due to the complexity of bacterial membrane lipids. These studies have highlighted the occurrence of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) alongside normal-chain fatty acids (NCFA) in many bacteria. As several FA are bound in the intact phospholipids of the bacterial membrane, the presence of isomeric FA complicates lipid analysis. Furthermore, commercially available reference standards do not fully cover potential lipid isomers. To address this issue, we have developed a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to analyze the phospholipids of various plant-pathogenic bacteria with a focus on BCFA containing phospholipids. The study revealed the separation of three isomeric phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) depending on the number of bound BCFA to NCFA. The validation of the retention order was based on available reference standards in combination with the analysis of hydrolyzed fatty acids through gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after fractionation. Additionally, the transferability of the retention order to other major lipid classes, such as phosphatidylglycerols (PG) and cardiolipins (CL), was thoroughly examined. Using the information regarding the retention behavior, the phospholipid profile of six plant-pathogenic bacteria was structurally elucidated. Furthermore, the developed LC–MS/MS method was used to classify the plant-pathogenic bacteria based on the number of bound BCFA in the phospholipidome.

Graphical Abstract
Interdisziplinäre Zentren für Autoimmunerkrankungen in Deutschland
Authors: Worm Margitta , Günther Claudia , Claussen Martin , Keyßer Gernot , Kötter Ina , Riemekasten Gabriela , Siegert Elise , Blank Norbert , Sunderkötter Cord , Zeidler Gabriele , Korsten Peter
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Die Betreuung von Patient:innen mit komplexen Autoimmunerkrankungen erfordert eine interdisziplinäre medizinische Versorgung. In Deutschland gibt es zwar eine zunehmende Anzahl von interdisziplinär arbeitenden Zentren für Autoimmunerkrankungen, jedoch sind sie noch nicht flächendeckend vorhanden und ihre Schwerpunkte und interdisziplinären Strukturen häufig nicht nach einem allgemein konsentierten Standard organisiert. Ferner sind sie bislang nicht regelhaft in der allgemeinen Versorgungsstruktur abgebildet.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Versorgungsstruktur für Autoimmunpatient:innen am Beispiel eines etablierten universitären Zentrums und eines klinischen Falls wird analysiert.

Material und Methoden

Um exemplarisch eine Standortbestimmung interdisziplinär arbeitender Autoimmunzentren in Deutschland durchzuführen, wurden ein Universitätsklinikum für die Strukturanalyse sowie eine Fallvorstellung zur Betrachtung der klinischen Betreuung ausgewählt.

Ergebnisse

In dem ausgewählten Universitätsklinikum werden Patient:innen mit Autoimmunerkrankungen durch Expert*innen verschiedener Fachdisziplinen interdisziplinär betreut. Die Strukturen sind in einem Organigramm verankert. Mithilfe standardisierter Diagnostik- und Therapiepfade („standard operating procedures“ [SOP]) werden Maßnahmen, die für eine jeweils umfassende Diagnostik und Therapie bestimmter Autoimmunerkrankungen fachübergreifend nötig sind, festgelegt. Der von uns vorgestellte Fall stellt anhand einer Patientin mit systemischer Sklerose und Lungenbeteiligung dar, wie ein standardisierter diagnostischer und therapeutischer Pfad in der Praxis umgesetzt werden kann.

Diskussion

Wir diskutieren, welche Maßnahmen fachübergreifend für eine umfassende Diagnostik und Therapie bestimmter Autoimmunerkrankungen notwendig sind, welche Herausforderungen sich bei der Umsetzung ergeben und welche Vorteile sich gegenüber Leitlinien ergeben können – unter anderem weil sie sofort an neue Erkenntnisse angepasst werden können. Die Etablierung eines nationalen Konsenses für den Aufbau, die erforderlichen Strukturen und die Umsetzung in der Patient:innenversorgung innerhalb interdisziplinär arbeitender Zentren für Autoimmunerkrankungen in Deutschland ist wünschenswert.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain in acute optic neuritis and its predictive ability of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Passali Moschoula , Galea Ian , Knudsen Maria Højberg , Lau Laurie Chi , Cramer Stig Præstekjær , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup
Published: July 2024

Background

Studies on the capability of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain (cNfL) to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) conversion in clinically isolated syndromes have yielded varying results.

Objectives

To expand our understanding of cNfL in optic neuritis (ON) and investigate whether incorporating cNfL into the 2017 McDonald criteria could accelerate the diagnosis of MS in patients with ON.

Methods

cNfL was measured in diagnostic samples from 74 patients with verified ON. MS was diagnosed using the 2017 McDonald criteria with a minimum observation time of two years from ON onset.

Results

20.5% of 44 MS-converters did not fulfil the 2017 McDonald criteria at ON onset. A doubling of cNfL was associated with 207% (74%–514%) higher odds of MS (p = 0.00042, adjusted for age). Fulfilment of ≥ 1 MRI criterion for dissemination in space (DIS) and presence of brain contrast-enhancing lesions were associated with higher cNfL. Furthermore, cNfL correlated with inter-eye differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (Spearman’s ρ = 0.46, p = 8 × 10–5). Incorporating cNfL ≥ 906 pg/mL as a substitute for either dissemination in time or one MRI criterion for DIS increased the sensitivity (90.9% vs. 79.6%) and accuracy (91.9% vs. 87.8%), but also reduced the specificity (93.3% vs. 100%) of the 2017 McDonald criteria.

Conclusion

cNfL was related to MS diagnostic parameters and the degree of RNFL swelling. Clinical use of cNfL may aid in identification of ON patients with increased risk of MS until larger studies have elaborated on the potential loss of specificity if used diagnostically.
The effect of a 4-week, remotely administered, post-exercise passive leg heating intervention on determinants of endurance performance
Authors: John Kevin , Page Joe , Heffernan Shane M. , Conway Gillian E. , Bezodis Neil E. , Kilduff Liam P. , Clark Brad , Périard Julien D. , Waldron Mark
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Post-exercise passive heating has been reported to augment adaptations associated with endurance training. The current study evaluated the effect of a 4-week remotely administered, post-exercise passive leg heating protocol, using an electrically heated layering ensemble, on determinants of endurance performance.

Methods

Thirty recreationally trained participants were randomly allocated to either a post-exercise passive leg heating (PAH, n = 16) or unsupervised training only control group (CON, n = 14). The PAH group wore the passive heating ensemble for 90–120 min/day, completing a total of 20 (16 post-exercise and 4 stand-alone leg heating) sessions across 4 weeks. Whole-body (peak oxygen uptake, gas exchange threshold, gross efficiency and pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics), single-leg exercise (critical torque and NIRS-derived muscle oxygenation), resting vascular characteristics (flow-mediated dilation) and angiogenic blood measures (nitrate, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor 1−α) were recorded to characterize the endurance phenotype. All measures were assessed before (PRE), at 2 weeks (MID) and after (POST) the intervention.

Results

There was no effect of the intervention on test of whole-body endurance capacity, vascular function or blood markers (p > 0.05). However, oxygen kinetics were adversely affected by PAH, denoted by a slowing of the phase II time constant; τ (p = 0.02). Furthermore, critical torque–deoxygenation ratio was improved in CON relative to PAH (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that PAH had no ergogenic benefit but instead elicited some unfavourable effects on sub-maximal exercise characteristics in recreationally trained individuals.
Nuclear medicine imaging modalities to detect incidentalomas and their impact on patient management: a systematic review
Authors: Costanzo Roberta , Scalia Gianluca , Strigari Lidia , Ippolito Massimiliano , Paolini Federica , Brunasso Lara , Sciortino Andrea , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario , Ferini Gianluca , Viola Anna , Zagardo Valentina , Cosentino Sebastiano , Umana Giuseppe E.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This systematic review aims to investigate the role of nuclear imaging techniques in detecting incidentalomas and their impact on patient management.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted from February to May 2022. Studies in English involving patients undergoing nuclear medicine studies with incidental tumor findings were included. Data on imaging modalities, incidentaloma characteristics, management changes, and follow-up were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Ninety-two studies involving 64.884 patients were included. Incidentalomas were detected in 611 cases (0.9%), with thyroid being the most common site. PET/CT with FDG and choline tracers showed the highest incidentaloma detection rates. Detection of incidentalomas led to a change in therapeutic strategy in 59% of cases. Various radiotracers demonstrated high sensitivity for incidentaloma detection, particularly in neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Nuclear imaging techniques play a crucial role in detecting incidentalomas, leading to significant changes in patient management. The high sensitivity of these modalities highlights their potential in routine oncology follow-up protocols. Future directions may include enhancing spatial resolution and promoting theranostic approaches for improved patient care.
Determination of endometrial cancer molecular subtypes using a whole exome-sequencing based single-method approach
Authors: Mustea Alexander , Ralser Damian J. , Egger Eva K. , Ziehm Ulrike , Vivas Sonia , Brock Stephan , Jackson David , Condic Mateja , Rauschendorf Marc-A. , Würfel Patrick , Dombrowski Frank , Otten Lucia A. , Sun Pengming , Laib Anna , Cordova Miguel Cubas , Hartmann Rahel , Stein Martin A. , Koensgen Dominique , Stope Matthias B.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Endometrial cancer (EC) is heterogeneous with respect to epidemiology, clinical course, histopathology and tumor biology. Recently, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) network has identified four molecular subtypes with distinct clinical courses by an integrated multi-omics approach. These subtypes are of critical importance in the clinical management of EC. However, determination of TCGA molecular subtypes requires a complex methodological approach that is resource intensive and difficult to implement in diagnostic routine procedures. In this context, Talhouk et al. reported the precise determination of modified subtypes based on molecular surrogates obtained by a two-method approach comprising immunohistochemistry and DNA-sequence analysis (Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer; ProMisE). In this study, we aimed to identify EC molecular subtypes in analogy to TCGA and ProMisE applying an innovative whole exome-sequencing (WES) based single-method approach.

Methods

WES was performed in a cohort comprising N = 114 EC patients. WES data were analyzed using the oncology treatment decision support software MH Guide (Molecular Health, Heidelberg, Germany) and EC molecular subtypes in analogy to TCGA and ProMisE were determined. Results from both classifications were compared regarding their prognostic values using overall survival and progression-free survival analyses.

Results

Applying a single-method WES-approach, EC molecular subtypes analogue to TCGA and ProMisE were identified in the study cohort. The surrogate marker-analogue classification precisely identified high-risk and low-risk EC, whereas the TCGA-analogue classification failed to obtain significant prognostic values in this regard.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that determination of EC molecular subtypes analogue to TCGA and ProMisE is feasible by using a single-method WES approach. Within our EC cohort, prognostic implications were only reliably provided by applying the surrogate marker-analogue approach. Designation of molecular subtypes in EC will be increasingly important in routine clinical practice. Thus, the single-method WES approach provides an important simple tool to tailor therapeutic decisions in EC.
Einfluss unterschiedlicher Ansätze zur Generierung von Ausfallzeitreihen auf die Kenngrößen zur Resource Adequacy
Authors: Pacco Kevin , Moser Albert
Published: July 2024

Aufgrund der strukturellen Veränderungen im europäischen Stromsystem gewinnt die Sicherheit der Stromversorgung in aktuellen Forschungsfragen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Um sicherzustellen, dass die Stromversorgungssicherheit dadurch nicht beeinträchtigt wird, ist eine Bewertung der Angemessenheit der Ressourcen (Resource Adequacy) erforderlich, um festzustellen, ob das Elektrizitätsversorgungssystem über ausreichende Ressourcen verfügt, um die zukünftige Nachfrage nach elektrischer Energie zu decken. Zur Untersuchung der Resource Adequacy wird hierbei ein probabilistisches Modell verwendet. Hierbei gehen insbesondere Nicht-Verfügbarkeiten von Ressourcen als Eingangsdatum ein. In diesem Kontext finden neben klimaabhängigen Unsicherheiten (hydraulische Zuflüsse, Windgeschwindigkeit, Sonneneinstrahlungen, etc.) auch insbesondere (un-)geplante Ausfälle von Erzeugungsanlagen Berücksichtigung. Zur Generierung von Ausfallzeitreihen sind unterschiedliche Ansätze sowie zusätzlich unterschiedliche Parametrierungen dieser Ansätze möglich. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich die Frage, welchen Einfluss diese auf die Kenngrößen zur Resource Adequacy haben. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, ein Verfahren zur Ermittlung von Ausfallzeitreihen zu entwickeln. Im Anschluss werden die Einflüsse unterschiedlicher Ausprägungen dieses Verfahrens untersucht und quantifiziert.
MASCC/ISOO clinical practice statement: Current understanding on controversies in basic oral care in hemato-oncology and hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Raber-Durlacher Judith E. , Zadik Yehuda , Treister Nathaniel S. , Stempler Noa , Bruno Julia S. , Epstein Joel B. , Elad Sharon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is aimed at generating a concise tool for clinicians, which concentrates on practical information needed for the management of oral complications of cancer patients. This CPS is focused on the current understanding of controversies that may arise while providing basic oral care in hemato-oncology patients and hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients (HCT). The CPS will summarize and elucidate controversies that have appeared in the literature and professional discussions.

Methods

This CPS was developed based on a critical evaluation of the literature followed by a structured discussion of a group of leading experts, members of the Oral Care Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. The information is presented in the form of succinct bullets to generate a short manual about the best standard of care.

Results

Controversies about the use of chlorhexidine (CHX) oral rinse, mechanical dental plaque removal procedures, the need for toothbrush replacement during phases of low blood cell counts, and the use of lidocaine mouthwash for oral pain were identified and discussed. Consensus about the best standard of care was outlined.

Conclusion

The following ratifications are applicable for oral care in hemato-oncology patients and patients undergoing HCT: (1) CHX may reduce the risk of oral infections, although it was not found to reduce the risk of oral mucositis. (2) Toothbrushing and proficient interproximal cleaning should not be discouraged during HCT. (3) Toothbrushes do not need to be replaced daily and are preferred over cleansing swabs. (4) Lidocaine rinse, swish and spit, may be considered to palliate oral mucosal pain if applied in a certain manner.
Screen-printed electrode-based sensor for rapid ketamine determination: optimization and on-site application for seized drugs analysis
Authors: Stelmaszczyk Paweł , Białkowska Katarzyna , Sekuła Karolina , Stanaszek Roman , Wietecha-Posłuszny Renata
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of ketamine using an in-lab fabricated screen-printed electrode system and explores its potential application in quantitative analysis. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) experiments were employed to characterize the oxidation behavior of ketamine. Systematic optimization of DPV parameters, including pulse amplitude, pulse width, potential step, potential, and time accumulation for analyte preconcentration resulted in the selection of optimal conditions for quantitative analysis. The developed DPV method exhibited excellent linearity (R2 = 0.996) over the concentration range of 50–500 µM, with a limit of detection of 15 µM and a limit of quantification of 50 µM. Authentic samples analysis demonstrated the utility of the proposed sensor for quantitative analysis of ketamine in pharmaceutical products and seized drug samples. Overall, the developed sensor offers a promising tool for the rapid and accurate analysis of ketamine in various samples with potential applications in on-site forensic analysis.

Graphical abstract
Probability density function of roll amplitude for parametric rolling using moment equation
Authors: Maruyama Yuuki , Maki Atsuo , Dostal Leo
Published: July 2024

For the ship stability estimation and ship design, it is helpful to know the probability of the roll amplitude exceeding a certain threshold. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the probability density function of the roll amplitude. In this study, first, we derive the moment values of roll amplitude by combining the moment equations and the linearity of expectation. With this, we propose a method to estimate the probability density function of the roll amplitude by using the obtained moment values. The results of our proposed method are compared to those obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. When the higher-order cumulant neglect closure method is used, the moment values resulting from the moment equations are close to the results of corresponding Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, our proposed method for deriving the probability density function of the roll amplitude is validated by comparison with Monte Carlo simulation results. In conclusion, we can state that the proposed methods for deriving the moments and the probability density function of the roll amplitude are available for practical use cases.
Single-cell sequencing reveals novel proliferative cell type: a key player in renal cell carcinoma prognosis and therapeutic response
Authors: Ye Bicheng , Ji Hongsheng , Zhu Meng , Wang Anbang , Tang Jingsong , Liang Yong , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by a variety of subtypes, each defined by unique genetic and morphological features. This study utilizes single-cell RNA sequencing to explore the molecular heterogeneity of RCC. A highly proliferative cell subset, termed as “Prol,” was discovered within RCC tumors, and its increased presence was linked to poorer patient outcomes. An artificial intelligence network, encompassing traditional regression, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms, was employed to develop a Prol signature capable of predicting prognosis. The signature demonstrated superior performance in predicting RCC prognosis compared to other signatures and exhibited pan-cancer prognostic capabilities. RCC patients with high Prol signature scores exhibited resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Furthermore, the key gene CEP55 from the Prol signature was validated by both proteinomics and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings may provide new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of RCC and facilitate the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.