bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher teams: A safe place to work on creating and maintaining a positive school climate
Authors: Hammar Chiriac Eva , Forsberg Camilla , Thornberg Robert
Published: December 2023

Creating and sustaining a positive school climate is not done in isolation but requires continuous ongoing work by several people within the school, and one of the most important actors are the teachers. In order to fulfil this very important task, the teachers need to collaborate with colleagues at school in an organized manner. In this study, we aim to explore and analyse teachers’ perspectives on how their teacher team might be linked to their school climate work, and what team characteristics facilitate their work to create and maintain a positive and supportive climate within their school. To understand teachers’ comprehension of their team, we applied a social psychology framework, using social interdependence theory and the concept of psychological safety. Data were collected by means of 14 semi-structured focus group interviews with 73 teachers from two compulsory schools in southeast Sweden. The findings revealed that teachers perceived the team as the most significant support structure when it comes to school climate work. According to them, the team was associated with shared responsibility, support and help, as well as safety and an open climate. By elucidating teachers’ insider perspectives regarding their working conditions aligned to their work with school climate, we conclude that well-functioning teacher teams are experienced as a safe place to work on creating and maintaining a positive school climate.
Mechanical Integrity and In vitro Degradation Behavior of Mg–Zn–Ca Biodegradable Alloy Prepared by Different Casting Technologies
Authors: Moussa M. E. , Salem Mahmoud M. M. , Hamid Maamoun Abdel , Gomaa Mona H. , Abd-Elwahed Ahmed , Ghayad Ibrahim M , Mohamed Adel A.
Published: December 2023

Mg–Zn–Ca alloys have been widely used as biodegradable orthopedic and cardiovascular scaffolds because of their non-cytotoxicity, remarkable biodegradability, good biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties similar to human bone. However, degradation causes poor corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. In this study, Mg-6%Zn-0.6%Ca alloys were produced using three distinct methodologies: casting, casting via the ultrasonic vibration process (USV), and casting via the mechanical vibration process (MV). Surface characterization, mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance of the as-cast (untreated) and treated species were studied. The morphology and microstructure showed that the grain size of the as-cast, MV and USV specimens all had average grain sizes of about 191, 93 and 82 µm, respectively. The ultrasonic vibration treated specimen has the greatest degree of grain refinement. Mechanical tests showed that microstructure refinement promotes the mechanical characteristics of Mg alloy, such as compression, ultimate tensile strength as well as elongation. It was observed that the USV-treated sample has exceptional mechanical properties (Compressive strength 360.64 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) 178.41 MPa and Elongation 3.45%). Corrosion tests revealed that the USV-treated specimen exhibited uniform corrosion and low corrosion rate due to uniform compact fine grains with higher oxide concentration of about 42.82 wt%. The results of electrochemical analyses revealed that the average corrosion rate obtained from Potentiodynamic polarization curves of the as-cast, MV and USV specimens was about 5.3144, 4.5311 and 4.1087 mm/year, respectively and the passive film resistance (Rf) that was obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) model of the USV, MV-treated samples and as-cast sample was 457 Ω, 430 Ω and 204 Ω, respectively. The results of immersion tests revealed that the USV-treated sample lost less weight and exhibits a relatively low degradation rate than the as-cast and MV-treated samples. After two weeks the weight of the as-cast, MV and USV samples decreased by about 18.6%, 18.5%, 16.8%., and the degradation rates were 7.304, 7.097 and 6.78 mm/y, respectively, and then gradually declining over the course of the immersion period.
Mn(iii), Fe(iii) and Zn(ii)-serum albumin as innovative multicolour contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Di Gregorio Enza , Scarciglia Angelo , Amaolo Alessandro , Ferrauto Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Here we propose innovative photoacoustic imaging (PAI) contrast agents, based on the loading of Mn(iii)-, Fe(iii)- or Zn(ii)-protoporphyrin IX in serum albumin.
Aging of quinoxaline-based polymer solar cells under UV-free white light
Authors: Alam Shahidul , Islam Md Moidul , Meitzner Rico , Hager Martin , Schubert Ulrich S. , Laquai Frédéric , Hoppe Harald , Zou Yingping
Published: December 2023

Photostability was tested on Qx-based organic solar cells with PCBM and ITIC acceptors. Accelerated aging experiments were carried out under UV-free white light. Direct contact between active and metal layers can degrade performance, rectifying Schottky contact in all blends and reducing device FF.
Porphyrin and doxorubicin mediated nanoarchitectonics of copper clusters: a bimodal theranostics for cancer diagnosis and treatment in vitro
Authors: Joseph Merin , Rahman Pathiripparambath Muhammed Shafeeque , Thomas Vinoy , Tharayil Hanas , Jayasree Ramapurath S , Nair Lakshmi V
Published: December 2023

A nanoarchitectonic mediated by an inherently NIR fluorescing and photosensitizing copper nanocluster, utilizing protoporphyrin IX and doxorubicin, is formulated as an all-in-one platform for targeted cancer diagnosis and bimodal therapy.
Power flow control in a modular converter with energy storage
Authors: Haugen Krister Leonart , Papastergiou Konstantinos , Peftitsis Dimosthenis
Published: December 2023

Using modularized power converters with scalable energy storage in particle accelerators can be further enhanced with controls that can be adapted to optimise different design targets, such as to minimise the front‐end stage peak current, the depth of discharge of electrolytic capacitors or the thermal cycling of semiconductors. This paper proposes a control system that is able to individually adjust the power flow of the converter modules under pre‐defined load profiles, and hence separates the use of energy storage and grid connection even under rapid cycling. The paper briefly summarises the characteristics of the modular converter and proposes four energy control strategies that have been validated by simulation as well as experimentally on a 800 kW full scale prototype. It is shown that by applying each strategy, the corresponding design objectives can be achieved, for example, optimal utilisation of the energy storage systems or minimised current stress in the semiconductors.
Expanding expedited partner therapy and HIV prophylaxis in the emergency department
Authors: Mercer Kevin J , Brizzi Marisa B , Burhoe Devon N , Senn Joshua M , Rohani Roxane , Nowicki Diana Nicole , Januszka Jenna E , Wordlaw Rudijah , Durham Spencer H
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to have a disproportionate impact on individuals belonging to sexual, gender, and racial minorities. Across the nation, many emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) possess the skills and knowledge to expand the provision of expedited partner therapy (EPT) for STIs and provide HIV prophylaxis within existing practice frameworks. This report serves as a call to action for expanded provision of EPT and HIV prophylaxis by EMPs and highlights current barriers and solutions to increase pharmacist involvement in these practice areas.

Emergency medicine pharmacy practice continues to expand to allow for limited prescribing authority through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs). In recent years, CPA restrictions have been changed to facilitate treatment of more patients with less bureaucracy. This report addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for expanding EPT and HIV pre- and postexposure prophylaxis provision by pharmacists in emergency departments (EDs). Furthermore, current strategies and treatments for EPT, such as patient-delivered partner therapy and HIV prophylaxis, are discussed. Pharmacist involvement in STI treatment and HIV prevention is a key strategy to increase access to high-risk populations with high ED utilization and help close current gaps in care.

Conclusion

Expanding EMP provision of EPT and HIV prophylaxis may be beneficial to reducing the incidence of STIs and HIV infection in the community. CPAs offer a feasible solution to increase pharmacist involvement in the provision of these treatments. Legislative efforts to expand pharmacist scope of practice can also contribute to increasing access to EPT and HIV prophylaxis. With these efforts, EMPs can play an essential role in the fight against STIs and HIV.
Safety climate scale for vineyards: an external validity study
Authors: Grimbuhler Sonia , Werlen Théo , Viel Jean-François
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Agriculture entered the discussions about safety climates late, despite being one of the most hazardous industries. We recently developed a safety climate scale in Bordeaux vineyards, for which we provided good evidence of reliability and construct validity (Grimbuhler and Viel 2019). In this study, we aimed to establish the external validity of this safety climate scale with the help of an independent national sample of vineyard professionals.

Population and methods

We approached vineyard managers and operators during compulsory training and certification procedures for pesticide-related activities. Trainees giving informed consent for participation in the study were asked to complete a safety climate questionnaire at the start and end of a training session. In total, 406 vineyard managers or operators completed the questionnaire at the start of the study, 37 of whom declined to complete the questionnaire at the end of the training session, leaving 369 subjects available for pretraining/post-training comparisons. Statistical comparisons were based on t-tests and mixed models for repeated measures.

Results

A mean safety climate score of 82.91 (SD: 9.06) was obtained in the initial survey in the Bordeaux region, whereas the safety climate score was estimated at 83.78 (SD 10.39) in this nationwide survey (P = 0.23). A significant increase was observed after the training course, for the safety climate score (7.5%, P < 10–15) and for each of its 7 dimensions (P < 10–4 or less), in both univariate and multivariate analyses. However, the magnitude of these increases varied with dimension, ranging from 2.4% for rules and best practices to 15.5% for communication and feedback.

Conclusions

External validity was demonstrated by transferability and sensitivity to intervention. This safety climate scale can now be considered to provide a good inference of the safety culture, with a meaning generalizable across vineyards.
Allelochemical root-growth inhibitors in low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ishfaq , Begum Rifat Ara , Franková Lenka , Fry Stephen C
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Cress seeds release allelochemicals that over-stimulate the elongation of hypocotyls of neighbouring (potentially competing) seedlings and inhibit their root growth. The hypocotyl promoter is potassium, but the root inhibitor was unidentified; its nature is investigated here.

Methods

Low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate (LCSE) from imbibed Lepidium sativum seeds was fractionated by phase partitioning, paper chromatography, high-voltage electrophoresis and gel-permeation chromatography (on Bio-Gel P-2). Fractions, compared with pure potassium salts, were bioassayed for effects on Amaranthus caudatus seedling growth in the dark for 4 days.

Key Results

The LCSE robustly promoted amaranth hypocotyl elongation and inhibited root growth. The hypocotyl inhibitor was non-volatile, hot acid stable, hydrophilic and resistant to incineration, as expected for K+. The root inhibitor(s) had similar properties but were organic (activity lost on incineration). The root inhibitor(s) remained in the aqueous phase (at pH 2.0, 6.5 and 9.0) when partitioned against butan-1-ol or toluene, and were thus hydrophilic. Activity was diminished after electrophoresis, but the remaining root inhibitors were neutral. They became undetectable after paper chromatography; therefore, they probably comprised multiple compounds, which separated from each other, in part, during fractionation. On gel-permeation chromatography, the root inhibitor co-eluted with hexoses.

Conclusions

Cress-seed allelochemicals inhibiting root growth are different from the agent (K+) that over-stimulates hypocotyl elongation and the former probably comprise a mixture of small, non-volatile, hydrophilic, organic substances. Abundant components identified chromatographically and by electrophoresis in cress-seed exudate fitting this description include glucose, fructose, sucrose and galacturonic acid. However, none of these sugars co-chromatographed and co-electrophoresed with the root-inhibitory principle of LCSE, and none of them (in pure form at naturally occurring concentrations) inhibited root growth. We conclude that the root-inhibiting allelochemicals of cress-seed exudate remain unidentified.
Exploring Trends in Immediate Postresidency Career Paths: A Multi-year Analysis of Plastic Surgery Resident Graduates Across the United States
Authors: Horne Mason J , Bray Stephanie M C , Schalet Benjamin J , Kpodzo Dzifa S
Published: December 2023

Background

Plastic surgery is one of the most diverse specialties in medicine. Because of the competitiveness of plastic surgery residency, applicants are entering the field with increased experience and more developed interests in specific specialties. Programs and prospective applicants may find it beneficial to know trends in the career paths of recent graduates.

Objectives

To identify trends in postresidency career paths for plastic surgery graduates.

Methods

Data from all integrated plastic surgery residency programs were analyzed from 2013 to 2022. Eighty-eight residency programs were analyzed for review. Residency websites were the primary source of data. Postresidency career paths were categorized into subspecialty fellowships, academic practice, or private practice. Secondary data included program rank, size of the program, associated fellowship program, associated independent program, and program location.

Results

Seventy-three programs met the inclusion criteria. Private practice was the most common immediate postgraduation path. Microvascular and aesthetic fellowships demonstrated maximum growth in the last 10 years, followed by hand fellowships. Programs ranked in the top 25 by Doximity reputation were significantly associated with graduates going into craniofacial (P = .05) and microvascular fellowship (P = .021), and immediate academic practice (P = .011). Lower-ranked programs were correlated with higher levels of graduates entering directly into private/community hospital practice (ρ = 0.327).

Conclusions

Life after residency is a necessary consideration for training physicians. Understanding trends in postresidency career paths could help programs and prospective applicants make more informed decisions on what programs may offer the best opportunities to pursue their desired career path.

Level of Evidence: 5
ITGA2 as a prognostic factor of glioma promotes GSCs invasion and EMT by activating STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Ruinan , Zhang Haibin , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Yuanli
Published: December 2023

Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults with a high mortality and recurrence rate. Integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) is involved in cell adhesion, stem cell regulation, angiogenesis and immune cell function. The role of ITGA2 in glioma malignant invasion remains unknown. The function and clinical relevance of ITGA2 were analysed by bioinformatics databases. The expression of ITGA2 in parent cells and GSCs was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence double staining. The role of ITGA2 on the malignant phenotype of GSCs and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was identified by stem cell function assays and Western blot. The effect of ITGA2 on glioma progression in vivo was determined by the intracranial orthotopic xenograft model. Immunohistochemistry, Spearman correlation and Kaplan–Meier were used to analyse the relationship of ITGA2 with clinical features and glioma prognosis. Biological analysis showed that ITGA2 might be related to cell invasion and migration. ITGA2, enriched in GSCs and co-expressed with SOX2, promoted the invasion and migration of GSCs by activating STAT3 phosphorylation and enhancing EMT. ITGA2 knockout suppressed the intracranial orthotopic xenograft growth and prolonged the survival of xenograft mice. In addition, the expression level of ITGA2 was significantly correlated to the grade of malignancy, N-cadherin and Ki67. High expression of ITGA2 indicated a worse prognosis of glioma patients. As a biomarker for the prediction of prognosis, ITGA2 promotes the malignant invasion of GSCs by activating STAT3 phosphorylation and enhancing EMT, leading to tumor recurrence and poor prognosis.
A novel, high-performance, low-volume, rapid luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay to detect autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8
Authors: Williams Claire L , Marzinotto Ilaria , Brigatti Cristina , Gillespie Kathleen M ,   The BOX Study Group, Wilson Isabel , Aitken Rachel , Megson Clare , Ballav Chitrabhanu , Dutta Atanu , Russell-Taylor Michelle , Besser Rachel , Bursell James , Chandran Shanthi , Keynes Milton , Patel Sejal , Smith Anne , Kenchaiah Manohara , Margabanthu Gomathi , Kavvoura Foteini , Yaliwal Chandan , Lampasona Vito , Williams Alistair J K , Long Anna E
Published: December 2023

Background

Zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (ZnT8A) are thought to appear close to type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset and can identify high-risk multiple (≥2) autoantibody positive individuals. Radiobinding assays (RBA) are widely used for ZnT8A measurement but have limited sustainability. We sought to develop a novel, high-performance, non-radioactive luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay to replace RBA.

Methods

A custom dual C-terminal ZnT8 (aa268-369; R325/W325) heterodimeric antigen, tagged with a NanoluciferaseTM (Nluc-ZnT8) reporter, and LIPS assay was developed. Assay performance was evaluated by testing sera from new onset T1D (n = 573), healthy schoolchildren (n = 521), and selected first-degree relatives (FDRs) from the Bart’s Oxford family study (n = 617; 164 progressed to diabetes).

Results

In new-onset T1D, ZnT8A levels by LIPS strongly correlated with RBA (Spearman’s r = 0.89; P < 0.0001), and positivity was highly concordant (94.3%). At a high specificity (95%), LIPS and RBA had comparable assay performance [LIPS pROC-AUC(95) 0.032 (95% CI: 0.029–0.036); RBA pROC-AUC(95) 0.031 (95% CI: 0.028–0.034); P = 0.376]. Overall, FDRs found positive by LIPS or RBA had a comparable 20-year diabetes risk (52.6% and 59.7%, respectively), but LIPS positivity further stratified T1D risk in FDRs positive for at least one other islet autoantibody detected by RBA (P = 0.0346).

Conclusion

This novel, high-performance, cheaper, quicker, higher throughput, low blood volume Nluc-ZnT8 LIPS assay is a safe, non-radioactive alternative to RBA with enhanced sensitivity and ability to discriminate T1D progressors. This method offers an advanced approach to current strategies to screen the general population for T1D risk for immunotherapy trials and to reduce rates of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis.
Grouphood Promotion v. Grouphood Destruction: China’s Regional Ethnic Autonomy as Antithesis to Genocidal Intent
Authors: Yee Sienho
Published: December 2023

China’s ethnic policy is characterized by a strong promotion of ethnic equality and unity and regional ethnic autonomy under the unified multi-ethnic State framework. With regional ethnic autonomy at its core, this is a policy of precision autonomy and grouphood promotion. On the other hand, genocide is a crime of grouphood destruction, committed with the specific intent (dolus specialis) to “destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such”. An examination of the main tenets of China’s ethnic policy and the specific intent element of the crime of genocide makes it crystal clear that, instead of aiming to “destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such”, China’s ethnic policy aims to do the opposite, i.e., to promote the perception of the grouphood, the wellbeing and flourishing of every ethnic group. China’s policy of ethnic equality and unity and regional ethnic autonomy under the unified multiethnic State framework is thus the antithesis to genocidal intent of grouphood destruction. The increase of the Uygur population from 2.2 million to 12 million and of the life expectancy of the group from 30 to 74.7 years in Xinjiang over the past 60 years and the idolization of Uygur actors and actresses across China and beyond put on conspicuous display the successful reality of this policy.
ISL-signing mothers’ practices for boosting hearing-signing children’s engagement in shared reading
Authors: Fuks Orit
Published: December 2023

This longitudinal multiple-case study research focused on the scaffolding strategies that two Israeli deaf mothers use to boost their young hearing children’s engagement in reading interactions. Despite being significant to language learning, few studies have examined the dialogic reading practices of deaf-signing mothers. The study shows that until the age of 22 months, the mothers shared picture books with their children. Between the ages of 12 to 24 months, the mothers used mostly low-demand cognitive prompts and responsive utterances. Between the ages of 24 to 36 months, they used more high-demand prompts (including open-ended questions) and expanded their responses. In line with previous studies, this research demonstrated that the Israeli deaf mothers used the books as a foundation for storytelling and reading conversations. The shared reading provided the mothers with opportunities to model the construction of ISL narratives and language functional behaviors, such as asking questions, describing things or expanding on the text.
The cell morphological diversity of Saccharomycotina yeasts
Authors: Chavez Christina M , Groenewald Marizeth , Hulfachor Amanda B , Kpurubu Gideon , Huerta Rene , Hittinger Chris Todd , Rokas Antonis
Published: December 2023

The ∼1 200 known species in subphylum Saccharomycotina are a highly diverse clade of unicellular fungi. During its lifecycle, a typical yeast exhibits multiple cell types with various morphologies; these morphologies vary across Saccharomycotina species. Here, we synthesize the evolutionary dimensions of variation in cellular morphology of yeasts across the subphylum, focusing on variation in cell shape, cell size, type of budding, and filament production. Examination of 332 representative species across the subphylum revealed that the most common budding cell shapes are ovoid, spherical, and ellipsoidal, and that their average length and width is 5.6 µm and 3.6 µm, respectively. 58.4% of yeast species examined can produce filamentous cells, and 87.3% of species reproduce asexually by multilateral budding, which does not require utilization of cell polarity for mitosis. Interestingly, ∼1.8% of species examined have not been observed to produce budding cells, but rather only produce filaments of septate hyphae and/or pseudohyphae. 76.9% of yeast species examined have sexual cycle descriptions, with most producing one to four ascospores that are most commonly hat-shaped (37.4%). Systematic description of yeast cellular morphological diversity and reconstruction of its evolution promises to enrich our understanding of the evolutionary cell biology of this major fungal lineage.
Unveiling the evolutionary history of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) through genome sequencing and assembly of European and North American subspecies
Authors: Hirabayashi Kaede , Debnath Samir C , Owens Gregory L
Published: December 2023

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) produces tiny red berries that are tart and nutty in flavor. It grows widely in the circumpolar region, including Scandinavia, northern parts of Eurasia, Alaska, and Canada. Although cultivation is currently limited, the plant has a long history of cultural use among indigenous communities. Given its potential as a food source, genomic resources for lingonberry are significantly lacking. To advance genomic knowledge, the genomes for 2 subspecies of lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea ssp. minus and ssp. vitis-idaea var. ‘Red Candy’) were sequenced and de novo assembled into contig-level assemblies. The assemblies were scaffolded using the bilberry genome (Vaccinium myrtillus) to generate a chromosome-anchored reference genome consisting of 12 chromosomes each with a total length of 548.07 Mb [contig N50 = 1.17 Mb, BUSCO (C%) = 96.5%] for ssp. vitis-idaea and 518.70 Mb [contig N50 = 1.40 Mb, BUSCO (C%) = 96.9%] for ssp. minus. RNA-seq-based gene annotation identified 27,243 and 25,718 genes on the respective assembly, and transposable element detection methods found that 45.82 and 44.58% of the genome were repeats. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that lingonberry was most closely related to bilberry and was more closely related to blueberries than cranberries. Estimates of past effective population size suggested a continuous decline over the past 1–3 MYA, possibly due to the impacts of repeated glacial cycles during the Pleistocene leading to frequent population fragmentation. The genomic resource created in this study can be used to identify industry-relevant genes (e.g. anthocyanin production), infer phylogeny, and call sequence-level variants (e.g. SNPs) in future research.
Complex epistatic interactions between ELF3, PRR9, and PRR7 regulate the circadian clock and plant physiology
Authors: Yuan Li , Avello Paula , Zhu Zihao , Lock Sarah C L , McCarthy Kayla , Redmond Ethan J , Davis Amanda M , Song Yang , Ezer Daphne , Pitchford Jonathan W , Quint Marcel , Xie Qiguang , Xu Xiaodong , Davis Seth J , Ronald James
Published: December 2023

Circadian clocks are endogenous timekeeping mechanisms that coordinate internal physiological responses with the external environment. EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR9), and PRR7 are essential components of the plant circadian clock and facilitate entrainment of the clock to internal and external stimuli. Previous studies have highlighted a critical role for ELF3 in repressing the expression of PRR9 and PRR7. However, the functional significance of activity in regulating circadian clock dynamics and plant development is unknown. To explore this regulatory dynamic further, we first employed mathematical modeling to simulate the effect of the prr9/prr7 mutation on the elf3 circadian phenotype. These simulations suggested that simultaneous mutations in prr9/prr7 could rescue the elf3 circadian arrhythmia. Following these simulations, we generated all Arabidopsis elf3/prr9/prr7 mutant combinations and investigated their circadian and developmental phenotypes. Although these assays could not replicate the results from the mathematical modeling, our results have revealed a complex epistatic relationship between ELF3 and PRR9/7 in regulating different aspects of plant development. ELF3 was essential for hypocotyl development under ambient and warm temperatures, while PRR9 was critical for root thermomorphogenesis. Finally, mutations in prr9 and prr7 rescued the photoperiod-insensitive flowering phenotype of the elf3 mutant. Together, our results highlight the importance of investigating the genetic relationship among plant circadian genes.
‘To Live a Peaceful Life’: African American Defectors in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Klopprogge Nadja
Published: December 2023

In this article I follow the paths of six African Americans who defected from the US Army stationed in West Germany in the early 1950s and applied for political asylum in the German Democratic Republic. Their reasons for moving to and staying in East Germany are my point of departure, in order to gain an understanding of how they made sense of the Cold War divide based on their experiences of racism. The perceptions of the six African Americans are contrasted with the reactions of the Stasi, illustrating how those working to defend the policies and politics of the governing Socialist Unity Party of Germany located race and racism in their conceptualization of political asylum. The article then focuses on the lives of the six defectors in East Germany over a period of roughly four decades. I argue that questions of race/racism were closely linked to questions of (violated) intimacy and settledness, both for the African American defectors and for the Stasi. Zooming in on the intimate allows me to reconfigure the broader context, providing a glimpse into how race and racism shaped the Cold War geography as well as how this geography changed in light of decolonization.
Does a Reduction in Receiving Assistance With Daily Activities Among Older Adults in Mexico Indicate An Increase in Unmet Needs or a Decrease in Needs for Care?
Authors: Downer Brian , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Cantu Philip , Miller Matthew , Wong Rebeca
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The percentage of older adults in Mexico with difficulty completing activities of daily living (ADL) who receive assistance from family appears to be decreasing. We compared 2 birth cohorts of older adults in Mexico to investigate whether this trend reflects an increase in unmet caregiving needs or a decrease in the need for care.

Methods

We selected Mexican Health and Aging Study participants aged 60–76 in 2001 (n = 4,805) and 2018 (n = 6,494). ADL tasks were dressing, walking, bathing, getting in and out of bed, and toileting. Participants who reported difficulty with an ADL were asked if anyone helped them with the task. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for cohort differences in ≥1 ADL limitations and help with ≥1 ADL. We used a decomposition analysis to identify participant characteristics that mediated cohort differences in receiving help with ≥1 ADL.

Results

The 2018 cohort had higher odds for ≥1 ADL limitations (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.60–2.14) but lower odds for help with ≥1 ADL (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.89). Among participants with ADL disability, the 2018 cohort had fewer living children and a lower prevalence of probable dementia. The lower number of living children and lower prevalence of probable dementia explained 9.34% and 43.7% of the cohort effect on receiving help with ≥1 ADL, respectively.

Discussion

The declining percentage of older adults in Mexico with ADL disability receiving assistance may not reflect increasing unmet needs. However, the increased prevalence of ADL disability will increase the number of older adults needing informal care.
Life Course Risk and Protective Factors of Multimorbidity Resilience Among Older Adults in Rural China: A Longitudinal Study in Anhui Province Before and During COVID-19
Authors: Guo Jin , Wister Andrew , Wang Jie , Li Shuzhuo
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Multimorbidity resilience reflects older adults’ ability to cope with, adapt to, and rebound from its adverse effects through mobilizing resources. This study revised the multidomain Multimorbidity Resilience Index based on the Lifecourse Model of Multimorbidity Resilience referring to the life situations of older adults in rural China to measure the multimorbidity resilience from 2018 to 2021 and to explore factors influencing multimorbidity resilience from the perspective of Life Course theory.

Methods

This study used the seventh and eighth waves of longitudinal data (2018–2021) collected in Anhui, China. Older adults (945) with 2 or more chronic diseases were selected, and 1,201 (person-year) observations were collected and studied. A mixed linear model examined the effects of early- and later-factors on multimorbidity resilience.

Results

Multimorbidity resilience was negatively correlated with age and decreased faster with age after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Married older adults have higher multimorbidity resilience. Exposure to hunger was associated with lower multimorbidity resilience when later factors were considered. Self-reported health before age 15, access to medical resources, and multimorbidity resilience were positively correlated. In addition, this study verified the relationship between multimorbidity resilience and the number of chronic diseases, exercise frequency, religious beliefs, self-reported health, and economic satisfaction, among other factors.

Discussion

The associations between life course factors and multimorbidity resilience emphasize the long-term impact of early-life experience and the adverse effects of increasing age, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will drive policy development from a life course perspective encompassing prevention and follow-up treatment to promote active aging.
Opinion of GRUR on the European Commission’s Proposal for a Regulation on Standard-Essential Patents (COM (2023) 232)
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian , Altmeyer Stephan , Haertel Alexander , Hufnagel Frank-Erich , Mohsler Gabriele , Nack Ralph , Popp Andreas , Tochtermann Lea
Published: December 2023

The German Association for Intellectual Property Law (GRUR e.V.) has submitted an opinion on the draft SEP Regulation to the German Federal Ministry of Justice and to the EU Commission. The authors, who were substantially involved in the preparation of the opinion, have translated it into English.

In the group of authors, majority decisions were made in some instances for the adoption of the opinion. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that every comment in the opinion is in line with the views of all the authors.

GRUR is a scientific association recognized as a non-profit organization of all members of professional groups and organizations working in the field of industrial property protection and copyright; these are in particular university lecturers, judges, civil servants, lawyers, patent attorneys and representatives of associations and companies.
Total Proctocolectomy vs Subtotal/total Colectomy for Neoplasia in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Dunleavy Katie Ann , Santiago Priscila , Forde Gerard , Harmsen W Scott , McKenna Nicholas P , Coelho-Prabhu Nayantara , Shawki Sherief , Raffals Laura
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) frequently undergo restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for medically refractory disease or colonic dysplasia/neoplasia. Subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid or ileorectal anastomosis may have improved outcomes but is not well studied. Due to increased risk for colorectal cancer in PSC-IBD, there is hesitancy to perform subtotal colectomy. We aim to describe the frequency of colorectal dysplasia/neoplasia following IPAA vs subtotal colectomy in PSC-IBD patients.

Methods

We completed a retrospective study from 1972 to 2022 of patients with PSC-IBD who had undergone total proctocolectomy with IPAA or subtotal colectomy. We abstracted demographics, disease characteristics, and endoscopic surveillance data from the EMR.

Results

Of 125 patients (99 IPAA; 26 subtotal), the indication for surgery was rectal sparing medically refractory disease (51% vs 42%), dysplasia (37% vs 30%) and neoplasia (11% vs 26%) in IPAA vs subtotal colectomy patients, respectively. On endoscopic surveillance of IPAA patients, 2 (2%) had low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in the ileal pouch and 2 (2%) had LGD in the rectal cuff after an average of 8.4 years and 12.3 years of follow-up, respectively. One (1%) IPAA patient developed neoplasia of the rectal cuff after 17.8 years of surgical continuity. No subtotal colectomy patients had dysplasia/neoplasia in the residual colon or rectum.

Conclusions

In patients with PSC-IBD, there was no dysplasia or neoplasia in those who underwent subtotal colectomy as opposed to the IPAA group. Subtotal colectomy may be considered a viable surgical option in patients with rectal sparing PSC-IBD if adequate endoscopic surveillance is implemented.
Use of Upadacitinib in 16 Tofacitinib-refractory Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Single-center Case 2Series
Authors: Levine Jake , McKibbin Jey , Ham Rebecca , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Bishu Shrinivas , Tang Kevin , Higgins Peter D R , Berinstein Jeffrey A
Published: December 2023

Lay Summary

We present a case series of 16 patients with ulcerative colitis who received upadacitinib after failing tofacitinib. Five patients (36%) achieved steroid-free clinical remission. Five (62%) demonstrated endoscopic response, while 2 patients (25%) achieved endoscopic remission. Adverse events were low.
Tofacitinib Affects M1-like and M2-like Polarization and Tissue Factor Expression in Macrophages of Healthy Donors and IBD Patients
Authors: Lethen Isabelle , Lechner-Grimm Kristina , Gabel Michael , Knauss Annkathrin , Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F , Weigmann Benno
Published: December 2023

Background

Tofacitinib, as inhibitor of Janus kinases (JAK), interrupts the transmission of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Therefore, tofacitinib provides a potent option to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). Besides the anti-inflammatory potential, inhibition of widespread JAKs carries the risk of side effects. Macrophages are involved in the form of different subtypes in inflammation, wound healing, and even coagulation. This study aimed to explore the balanced use of tofacitinib in M1-like as well as M2-like macrophages of healthy donors and patients with IBD.

Methods

Monocytes of healthy donors and patients with chronic courses of IBD were obtained from blood samples. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-derived macrophages were treated with tofacitinib (1 µM, 5 µM, 10 µM) and polarized with either lipopolysaccharide and interferon (IFN)-γ towards M1-like-phenotype or with interleukin (IL)-4 towards M2-like-phenotype. ELISA and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cytokine levels and surface molecules.

Results

Tofacitinib had a modulating effect on M1-like macrophages whereby the effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-23) was less pronounced than the induction of anti-inflammatory IL-10. However, during M2-like polarization tofacitinib impaired the development of the corresponding phenotype becoming evident through decreased IL-10 levels and CD206 expression in treated macrophages. In both phenotypes, tofacitinib strongly downregulated the expression of immunostimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, CD83, CD40). Furthermore, a dose-dependent correlation between treatment with tofacitinib and expressed tissue factor was noticed.

Conclusions

Tofacitinib influences both polarizations (M1/M2) and the expression of tissue factor in a dose-dependent manner.
Consumer knowledge of mental health conditions, awareness of mental health support services, and perception of community pharmacists’ role in mental health promotion
Authors: Singleton Judith , Stevens Julie E , Truong Raymond , McCulloch Adam , Ara Elay , Cooper Maria B , Hobbs Britany , Hotham Elizabeth , Suppiah Vijayaprakash
Published: December 2023

Objective

To explore community pharmacy consumers’ knowledge and attitudes of mental illness, support services, and community pharmacists’ role in supporting people living with mental illness (PLMI).

Methods

This survey was conducted in 15 community pharmacies between June and September 2019. Participants were aged 18 years or older without prior or ongoing history of mental illness and/or with close family members with mental illness. Open-ended responses to the anonymous questionnaire were analysed using content analysis.

Key findings

Majority of the 380 participants were female (57.4%) with a mean age 52.9 years and 33.7% having completed university. Most (70.3%) believed that people with mental illness had a negative image due to poor health literacy providing possible solutions of ‘awareness campaigns’, ‘education and training’, and ‘increased government funding for mental health (MH) support services’. Only 33.7% and 63.7% of participants were aware of Mental Health Week and the R U OK? Campaign, respectively. Whilst 12.4% of participants had participated in MH campaigns, only 3.4% were aware of community pharmacists-led MH educational activities. There were significant differences between adults (<65 years) and older adults (≥65 years old) with the latter reporting a more negative image for mental illness (P < 0.05) and having less exposure and engagement with MH resources (P < 0.001) and campaigns (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite awareness, participants reported low engagement with MH campaigns. Additionally, older adults had lower MH literacy and exposure to resources and campaigns. This study highlighted that the community lacked awareness of what pharmacists can offer to support PLMIs.
Screening of genes involved in phage-resistance of Escherichia coli and effects of substances interacting with primosomal protein A on the resistant bacteria
Authors: Lin Chen-Yu , Murayama Tomoka , Futada Koshiro , Tanaka Shota , Masuda Yoshimitsu , Honjoh Ken-ichi , Miyamoto Takahisa
Published: December 2023

Aims

The study was to identify the genes involved in phage resistance and to develop an effective biocontrol method to improve the lytic activity of phages against foodborne pathogens.

Methods and results

A total of 3,909 single gene-deletion mutants of Escherichia coli BW25113 from the Keio collection were individually screened for genes involved in phage resistance. Phage S127BCL3 isolated from chicken liver, infecting both E. coli BW25113 and O157: H7, was characterized and used for screening. The 10 gene-deletion mutants showed increased susceptibility to phage S127BCL3. Among them, priA gene-deletion mutant strain showed significant susceptibility to the phages S127BCL3 and T7. Furthermore, we investigated the substances that have been reported to inhibit the function of primosomal protein A (PriA) and were used to confirm increased phage susceptibility in E. coli BW25113 (Parent strain) and O157: H7.

Conclusion

PriA inhibitors at a low concentration showed combined effects with phage against E. coli O157: H7 and delayed the regrowth rate of phage-resistant cells.
Ageratina adenophora damages the rumen epithelium via inducing the expression of inflammatory factors in goats
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Wang Jianchen , Okyere Samuel Kumi , Huang Ruya , Shao Chenyang , Yousif Muhammad , Deng Junliang , Hu Yanchun
Published: December 2023

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Ageratina adenophora on the expression of epithelium tight junction proteins and inflammatory factors in the rumen of goats. Twelve goats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was the blank control group (n = 3, C) which was fed normal diet. The second group was fistulas control group (n = 3, RFC), which was fitted with rumen fistulas, and fed normal diet. The third group was the A. adenophora test group (n = 6, AA), which was fitted with rumen fistulas and fed a mixture of 60% of normal diet and 40% of A. adenophora grass powder. The feeding experiment lasted for 90 d, after which all goats were sacrificed and samples were collected from the rumen dorsal sac and ventral sac. The relative expression of mRNA of inflammatory factors in the rumen epithelium (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin 1 beta [IL-1β], IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and tight junction protein genes (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) was measured by quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR. Expression of tight junction proteins in the rumen epithelium was measured by Western blot. A correlation was established between the expression of inflammatory factors and tight junction protein genes using Graph Pad Prism. The results showed that A. adenophora caused a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 in the rumen epithelial (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of tight junction proteins at both gene and protein levels was significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the changes in tight junction protein expression in the test group were closely related to the upregulation of the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ in rumen epithelial cells. In conclusion, the expression of inflammatory factors was increased and the expression of tight junction proteins was decreased in goats after feeding on A. adenophora, which caused some damage to the rumen epithelium.
Variability in feed intake the first days following weaning impacts gastrointestinal tract development, feeding patterns, and growth performance in nursery pigs
Authors: Fabà Lluís , Hulshof Tetske G , Venrooij Kelly C M , Van Hees Hubèrt M J
Published: December 2023

The present study investigated the effects of voluntary feed intake (FI) the first days after weaning on gastrointestinal development and protein fermentation the first week after weaning and growth performance and feeding patterns during the nursery phase. A total of 144 mixed-sex weaned pigs (24 ± 2 d old; 7.2 ± 0.8 kg body weight [BW]) were allocated to 12 pens with 12 pigs/pen. Each pen was equipped with an electronic feeding station for monitoring individual FI during a 40-d study. Pigs were classified based on their cumulative FI over the initial 3 d after weaning (FId1-3) being above or below their pen median FId1-3 (high = 626 ± 193 g or low = 311 ± 181 g FId1-3). Similarly, weaning BW classes (BW0; high = 7.72 ± 0.59 kg or low = 6.62 ± 0.88 kg BW) were created to study interactions with FId1-3. Two female pigs with either a high or a low FId1-3 per pen (n = 24) were selected for sampling at d6 and were used to study gastrointestinal development and fermentation products in the small intestine. Feeding patterns per day, FI, and growth performance were measured individually. Low FId1-3 pigs had lower (P < 0.05) daily FI during d0 to d8, d8 to d15, and d22 to d28, BW on d15, d22, d29, and d40, and average daily gain during d0 to d8, d22 to d29, and d29 to d40 compared to high FId1-3. High FId1-3 pigs increased (P < 0.05) the number of visits to the feeder between d1 to d13 and d31 to d35, and the time spent per visit only for d1 to d4 (P < 0.05). The daily rate of FI (g/min) was higher (P < 0.05) for High FId1-3 pigs on d6, d8, d9, and d10, and again several days later (d20 to d39). In addition, the high FId1-3 × high BW0 interaction improved daily FI during d18 to d40 compared to low FId1-3 × low BW0 class (P < 0.05). For the sampling on d6, low FId1-3 pigs had a lighter small intestine, colon, and pancreas, and reduced villi length, smaller villi surface area, and a lower number of goblet cells size in jejunum (P < 0.05), while concentrations of lactic acid, histamine, and cadaverine in small intestinal content were increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, pigs with high FId1-3 became faster eaters with higher FI and growth rates toward the second half of the nursery, which was similar and additive for pigs with higher weaning BW. High FId1-3 was also associated with greater development of the gastrointestinal tract and a reduced protein fermentation 1-wk after weaning.