bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA circZFPM2 regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival
Authors: Neufeldt Dimyana , Schmidt Arne , Mohr Elisa , Lu Dongchao , Chatterjee Shambhabi , Fuchs Maximilian , Xiao Ke , Pan Wen , Cushman Sarah , Jahn Christopher , Juchem Malte , Hunkler Hannah Jill , Cipriano Giuseppe , Jürgens Bjarne , Schmidt Kevin , Groß Sonja , Jung Mira , Hoepfner Jeannine , Weber Natalie , Foo Roger , Pich Andreas , Zweigerdt Robert , Kraft Theresia , Thum Thomas , Bär Christian
Published: April 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) constitutes the most common genetic cardiac disorder. However, current pharmacotherapeutics are mainly symptomatic and only partially address underlying molecular mechanisms. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered class of non-coding RNAs and emerged as specific and powerful regulators of cellular functions. By performing global circRNA-specific next generation sequencing in cardiac tissue of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared to healthy donors, we identified circZFPM2 (hsa_circ_0003380). CircZFPM2, which derives from the ZFPM2 gene locus, is a highly conserved regulatory circRNA that is strongly induced in HCM tissue. In vitro loss-of-function experiments were performed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), and HCM-patient-derived hiPSC-CMs. A knockdown of circZFPM2 was found to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and compromise mitochondrial respiration, leading to an increased production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. In contrast, delivery of recombinant circZFPM2, packaged in lipid-nanoparticles or using AAV-based overexpression, rescued cardiomyocyte hypertrophic gene expression and promoted cell survival. Additionally, HCM-derived cardiac organoids exhibited improved contractility upon CM-specific overexpression of circZFPM2. Multi-Omics analysis further promoted our hypothesis, showing beneficial effects of circZFPM2 on cardiac contractility and mitochondrial function. Collectively, our data highlight that circZFPM2 serves as a promising target for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy including HCM.
Heat-Induced Secretion of Heat Shock Proteins 70 and 90 Does not Affect the Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Primary Airway Cells in COPD
Authors: Zhou Liang , Fang Lei , Roth Michael , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The response to glucocorticoids is hampered in many COPD patients by a yet unknown mechanism. Earlier we reported that short-term heat exposure of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) of asthma patients increased the expression and secretion of extracellular heat shock proteins (eHSPs) resulting in increased expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in BEC and inhibition of ASMC remodeling. The aim of the present study was to assess if the same mechanism is also present in primary airway wall cells of COPD patients.

Methods

Primary BEC and ASMC were established from endobronchial biopsies obtained from COPD patients (n = 73), who participated in the HISTORIC study, an investigator-initiated and driven clinical trial. Secretion and protein expression of HSPs was assessed by ELISA and Western blotting. Expression of total GR, its isoforms GRα and GRβ and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was determined by Western-blotting.

Results

Short heat exposure (65 °C, 10 s) of BEC resulted in a significant increase of the secretion of eHSP70 and eHSP90, while the intracellular protein was not altered. Heat treatment or exposure to eHSP70 or eHSP90 had no effect on the expression of GR and GR-isoforms. However, eHSP70 and eHSP90 significantly reduced the expression of TLR4.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that primary airway cells from COPD patients respond differently to heat exposure and extracellular HSP70 or HSP90 than cells from asthma patients regarding the expression of GR and this may explain the reduced response to glucocorticoids in patients with COPD.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN11017699
Effects of exercise on life satisfaction of people diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Javier , Trujillo-Colmena Daniel , Rodríguez-Castaño Adrián , Lavín-Pérez Ana Myriam , Del Coso Juan , Casado Arturo , Collado-Mateo Daniel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

A cancer diagnosis is commonly associated with a decline in patient’s life satisfaction and more pessimistic expectations about the future. The identification of strategies to improve life satisfaction in patients with cancer is of great interest to health practitioners since it may be associated with a better prognosis of cancer and higher survival rates. Previous meta-analyses and reviews concluded that exercise could significantly improve health-related quality of life in this population, but the effects of exercise on life satisfaction are still not well-known. This review aims to analyse the effects of exercise programs on life satisfaction in people with cancer and individuals who have overcome cancer.

Methods

The present systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough search of databases including Web of Science and PubMed/MEDLINE was carried out. Six studies (535 participants) in which the effect of an exercise program was compared to a non-exercise program control condition in patients with cancer were considered eligible. A subsequent meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Exercise intervention improved satisfaction with life compared with a control condition (SMD = 1.28; p = 0.02 with a 95% CI of 0.22 to 2.34).

Conclusion

Exercise could be considered an effective tool to improve life satisfaction in patients with cancer. Hence, professionals might consider the possibility of integrating physical exercise into strategies aimed at enhancing the low life satisfaction often experienced by patients.

PROSPERO

CRD42023438146
Evolution inspired binary flower pollination for the uncapacitated facility location problem
Authors: Ozsoydan Fehmi Burcin , Kasırga Ali Erel
Published: April 2024

The present paper introduces a modified flower pollination algorithm (FPA) enhanced by evolutionary operators to solve the uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP), which is one of the well-known location science problems. The aim in UFLP is to select some locations to open facilities among a certain number of candidate locations so as to minimize the total cost, which is the sum of facility opening costs and transportation costs. Since UFLP is a binary optimization problem, FPA, which is introduced to solve real-valued optimization problems, is redesigned to be able to conduct search in binary domains. This constitutes one of the contributions of the present study. In this context, some evolutionary operators such as crossover and mutation are adopted by the proposed FPA. Next, the mutation operator is further enhanced by making use of an adaptive procedure that introduces greater level of diversity at earlier iterations and encourages intensification toward the end of search. Thus, while premature convergence and local optima problems at earlier iterations are avoided, a more intensified search around the found promising regions is performed. Secondarily, as demonstrated in this study, by making use of the reported evolutionary procedures, FPA is able to run in binary spaces without employing any additional auxiliary procedures such as transfer functions. All available benchmarking instances are solved by the proposed approach. As demonstrated by the comprehensive experimental study that includes statistically verified results, the developed approach is found as a promising algorithm that can be extended to numerous binary optimization problems.
Multi-view GCN for loan default risk prediction
Authors: Li Zihao , Chen Yakun , Wang Xianzhi , Yao Lina , Xu Guandong
Published: April 2024

As a significant application of machine learning in financial scenarios, loan default risk prediction aims to evaluate the client’s default probability. However, most existing deep learning solutions treat each application as an independent individual, neglecting the explicit connections among different application records. Besides, these attempts suffer from the problem of missing data and imbalanced distribution (i.e., the default records are small samples against all the applications). We believe similar records could provide some auxiliary signals, which are of critical importance to alleviate the data missing issue and facilitate data argumentation. To this end, we propose multi-view loan application graphs, dubbed MLAGs. By evaluating the similarity between the records, a loan application graph can be constructed. Furthermore, we arrange different similarity thresholds to organize various graph structures for multi-graph constructions; thus, a variety of representations can be generated via information propagation and aggregation for small sample argumentation. Consequently, the imbalanced data distribution and missing values issues can be alleviated effectively. We conduct experiments on three public datasets from real-world home credit and P2P lending platforms, which show that MGCN outperforms both conventional and deep learning models. Ablation studies also illustrated the validity of each module design.
Emplacement of shocked basement clasts during crater excavation in the Ries impact structure
Authors: Dellefant Fabian , Seybold Lina , Trepmann Claudia A. , Gilder Stuart A. , Sleptsova Iuliia V. , Hölzl Stefan , Kaliwoda Melanie
Published: April 2024

In the Aumühle quarry of the Ries impact structure, moderately shocked clasts from the Variscan basement occur sandwiched between overlying suevite and components derived from the Mesozoic sedimentary cover of the underlying Bunte Breccia without distinct shock effects. We analyzed the clasts by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS/EBSD), and Raman spectroscopy to unravel their emplacement relation to the overlying suevite and the sediment-rock clasts of the Bunte Breccia. Clasts sizes range up to few decimeters and are embedded in a fine-grained lithic matrix; no impact-melt fragments are observed. Amphibolite clasts contain maskelynite with few lamellar remnants of feldspar, indicating shock pressures of 28–34 GPa. Amphiboles have cleavage fractures and ($$\overline{1}$$

1
¯

01) mechanical twins suggesting differential stresses > 400 MPa. Felsic gneiss components have optically isotropic SiO2 indicative of shock pressures ≈35 GPa. Metagranite cataclasite clasts contain shocked calcite aggregates and quartz with a high density of fine rhombohedral planar deformation features indicating shock pressures ≈20 GPa. The moderately shocked basement clasts originate from deeper levels of the transient cavity and lower radial distance to the center of the structure compared to the sediment-rock clasts. Both were ballistically ejected during crater excavation. In accordance with palaeo- and rock magnetic data, they were mixed during turbulent deposition at the top of the Bunte Breccia before the emplacement of suevite. The high amount of basement clasts below suevite and on top of the underlying Bunte Breccia is consistent with the commonly reported inverse stratigraphy in the Ries impact structure.

Graphical Abstract
Rock slope stability analysis under Hoek–Brown failure criterion with different flow rules
Authors: Melentijević Svetlana , Berisavljević Zoran , Berisavljević Dusan , Marañón Claudio Olalla
Published: April 2024

The stability analysis of homogeneous rock slope following the Hoek–Brown failure criterion under the hypothesis of different flow rules is performed based on limit equilibrium and finite element methods. The applied failure criterion is the generalized Hoek–Brown that can be introduced as a shear/normal function in analysis applying different flow rules. The results are compared with those obtained by the application of equivalent shear strength parameters of the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, considering that this is still the most widely used criterion in rock slope stability analysis and is still the base for the shear strength reduction method applied in finite element modelling. Different proposals for estimating the equivalent strength parameters based on confining stress level are evaluated. The limitation of stress-dependent linear Mohr–Coulomb parameters is emphasized by analysing the vertical cut problem, for which, depending on the chosen stress level, different critical heights are obtained for the same material. Sensitivity analysis of geotechnical parameters used as input for failure criterion is performed to determine their influence on slope stability. Probabilistic analysis is conducted to determine the probability of failure when different flow rules are applied. If slope stability analysis is performed with an assumption of associative flow rule, the probability of failure is within the acceptable limits for the considered case study, while employing non-associative flow rule, the probability of failure is rather high. The chart is presented that could be readily used to estimate the combination of σci, GSI, and mi values that produce failure for the analysed case study.
Molecular epidemiological and clinical infection characteristics analysis of Ralstonia
Authors: Sheng Zhaojun , Li Jiaxin , Han Guojing , Fan Ru , Zhu Pingjun , Fang Xiangqun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study was to clarify the molecular epidemiology and clinical infection characteristics of Ralstonia pickettii and establish sequence typing system.

Methods

48 nonrepetitive Ralstonia pickettii strains were collected from January 2008 to December 2013 at the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH) and were identified through a specific PCR experiment, 16 S rDNA experiment and VITEK 2 system to compare the identification accuracy. The sequence types of the strains were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method. The antibiotic sensitivity of these strains was determined with disc diffusion tests and broth microdilution method. The clinical data of Ralstonia pickettii infected patients were collected.

Results

All of the 48 strains were identified as Ralstonia pickettii by VITEK 2 system. 30 and 34 strains were identified as Ralstonia pickettii by PCR and 16 S rDNA experiment respectively. ST9 was the most sequence types (STs) in these 18 STs of 42 strains. 42 strains were divided into 2 groups (A and B) and 18 genotypes. Ralstonia pickettii was sensitive to some cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor, levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Cough, sputum, shortness of breath and pulmonary rales were the common clinical symptoms of most Ralstonia pickettii infected patients.

Conclusion

We established a sequence typing system with a relatively fine resolution and the PCR assay is a faster and more sensitive method for clinical identification of Ralstonia pickettii. ST9 is the most common sequence types of Ralstonia pickettii. The most common clinical characteristics of Ralstonia pickettii infected patients were cough, sputum, shortness of breath and pulmonary rales.
Extramural ICT factors impact adolescents’ academic performance and well-being differently: Types of self-regulated learners also matter
Authors: Chen Jiangping , Lin Chin-Hsi , Chen Gaowei
Published: April 2024

Most studies have explored how information and communication technology (ICT) factors impact adolescents’ schooling, but often ignore the potential influences on their well-being; no research has further scrutinized the moderating role of self-regulated learning (SRL) as a multi-dimensional combination, that is, different types of SRL learners. This cross-cultural study simultaneously scrutinized how distinct outside-of-school ICT factors influenced adolescents’ digital reading and multi-dimensional well-being. It also took a person-centered approach to identify different types of SRL learners and examined whether the influences varied across the learner types. Data were based on 10,527 students in 308 schools from one East Asian region and one Western country participating in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. Multivariate multiple regression analysis revealed that overall, outside-of-school ICT factors impacted adolescents’ digital reading and well-being differently, which also varied across cultures. Latent profile analysis detected culturally-mixed four profiles of SRL learners: High Profile (high in all indicators), Metacognitive Profile (in-between, optimal metacognition), Cognitive Profile (in-between, optimal cognition), and Low Profile (all low). It was the relatively weaker SRL learners in the East but the stronger SRL learners in the West that were particularly susceptible to the influences, either in a beneficial or detrimental way. Moreover, the cognitive, eudemonic, emotional and social dimensions of adolescents’ well-being were all affected by ICT factors, without recurring trends in patterns. The findings provide implications to strictly monitor and guide adolescents’ Internet use to enhance their academic and subjective well-being.
An Evolutionary Approach to Motivation and Learning: Differentiating Biologically Primary and Secondary Knowledge
Authors: Xu Kate M. , Coertjens Sarah , Lespiau Florence , Ouwehand Kim , Korpershoek Hanke , Paas Fred , Geary David C.
Published: April 2024

The ubiquity of formal education in modern nations is often accompanied by an assumption that students’ motivation for learning is innate and self-sustaining. The latter is true for most children in domains (e.g., language) that are universal and have a deep evolutionary history, but this does not extend to learning in evolutionarily novel domains (e.g., mathematics). Learning in evolutionarily novel domains requires more cognitive effort and thus is less motivating. The current study tested the associated hypothesis that learning will feel easier and more motivating for evolutionarily relevant (e.g., “mother,” “food”) than evolutionarily novel (e.g., “computer,” “gravity”) word pairs and that a growth mindset emphasizing the importance of effort in learning might moderate this effect. Specifically, 144 adults were presented with 32 word pairs (half evolutionarily relevant and half evolutionarily novel) and were randomly assigned to a growth mindset or a control condition. Evolutionarily relevant words were better remembered than evolutionarily novel words (d = 0.65), and the learning was reported as more enjoyable (d = 0.49), more interesting (d = 0.38), as well as less difficult (d = − 0.96) and effortful (d = − 0.78). Although the growth mindset intervention fostered a mindset belief, compared to the control condition, it did not lead to improved recall performance or changes in motivational beliefs. These results are consistent with the prediction of higher motivation and better learning of evolutionarily relevant words and concepts than for evolutionarily novel words and concepts. Implications for future research and educational practice are discussed.
Moths are less attracted to light traps than they used to be
Authors: Battles Ian , Burkness Eric , Crossley Michael S. , Edwards Collin B. , Holmstrom Kristian , Hutchison William , Ingerson-Mahar Joseph , Owens David , Owens Avalon C.S.
Published: April 2024

As evidence of global insect declines continues to mount, insect conservationists are becoming increasingly interested in modeling the demographic history of at-risk species from long-term survey data. However, certain entomological survey methods may be susceptible to temporal biases that will complicate these efforts. Entomological light traps, in particular, may catch fewer insects today than they once did due solely to increases in anthropogenic light pollution. Here we investigate this possibility by comparing the demographic histories of corn earworm moths (Helicoverpa zea) estimated from pairs of blacklight and pheromone traps monitored at the same farms. We find a stark decline in blacklight trap efficacy over 25 years of monitoring in Delaware, USA, mirrored over 10 years of monitoring in New Jersey, USA. While the precise causes of this decline remain a subject for discussion, the practical consequences are clear: insect conservationists cannot fully rely on long-term trends from entomological light traps.
Long-Term Outcomes after Behavior-Analytic Intervention for Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Authors: Andersen Ashley S. , Crowley-Zalaket Jaime G. , Engler Christopher W. , Zeleny Jason R. , Peterson Kathryn M. , Miles Aida G. , Piazza Cathleen C.
Published: April 2024

Many children with autism spectrum disorder experience feeding difficulties that can lead to increased health risks (e.g., severe nutrition deficiencies, obesity-related illnesses) if left untreated. Intensive feeding programs that use behavior-analytic interventions have reported positive outcomes for treating challenging behavior associated with pediatric feeding disorders at discharge and up to 1 year post discharge. Whether these children achieve and maintain long-term goals is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate outcomes of behavior-analytic intervention for pediatric feeding disorders among children with and without autism spectrum disorder in an intensive feeding program post discharge. Caregivers of former patients reported on the positive and negative impact of the program and their child’s growth and diet variety at follow-up. 85% of caregivers reported the program had a positive impact. Increases in height-for-age z scores were significant from admission to discharge from the intensive program, and progress in growth and diet variety remained the same or improved for most children at follow-up. Results suggest that behavior-analytic intervention in an intensive feeding program produced positive short- and long-term outcomes for children and their families.
Profiling national institutional archetypes for climate change technology implementation: application in small islands and least developed countries
Authors: Shah Kalim U.
Published: April 2024

In developing countries, when the implementation success of new climate adaptation and mitigation technologies fall short of expectations, the typical “suspects” cited are lack of funding or country expertise and allusions to “lack of institutional capacity.” The premise of this study is that the national institutional environment is the fundamental prerequisite for successful technology implementation, and despite much effort, a diagnostic approach to assessing this prerequisite is missing. Here, I propose an approach to do this, based on an understanding of the dynamics that interconnect country-level legal, regulatory and market mechanisms, societal norms, and inter/intra governmental structures. I estimate levels of country structural and systems supports, operating environment, implementer acceptance and country tractability. A preliminary test of the approach was completed through a survey of experts involved in the United Nations Technology Needs Assessment programs in Least Developed and Small Island Developing Countries. It was found that countries fall into four fundamental archetypes. A country’s archetype suggests characteristics of the institutional environment that help to explain the potential for technology implementation success. A further implication is that some countries that typically would not be considered very similar may possess similar country institutional environments. One consequence of this is that archetype-based groups could work together and learn from each other more effectively.
Leveraging automatic personalised nutrition: food image recognition benchmark and dataset based on nutrition taxonomy
Authors: Romero-Tapiador Sergio , Tolosana Ruben , Morales Aythami , Fierrez Julian , Vera-Rodriguez Ruben , Espinosa-Salinas Isabel , Freixer Gala , Carrillo de Santa Pau Enrique , Ramírez de Molina Ana , Ortega-Garcia Javier
Published: April 2024

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly challenging in today’s sedentary society marked by poor eating habits. To address this issue, both national and international organisations have made numerous efforts to promote healthier diets and increased physical activity. However, implementing these recommendations in daily life can be difficult, as they are often generic and not tailored to individuals. This study presents the AI4Food-NutritionDB database, the first nutrition database that incorporates food images and a nutrition taxonomy based on recommendations by national and international health authorities. The database offers a multi-level categorisation, comprising 6 nutritional levels, 19 main categories (e.g., “Meat”), 73 subcategories (e.g., “White Meat”), and 893 specific food products (e.g., “Chicken”). The AI4Food-NutritionDB opens the doors to new food computing approaches in terms of food intake frequency, quality, and categorisation. Also, we present a standardised experimental protocol and benchmark including three tasks based on the nutrition taxonomy (i.e., category, subcategory, and final product recognition). These resources are available to the research community, including our deep learning models trained on AI4Food-NutritionDB, which can serve as pre-trained models, achieving accurate recognition results for challenging food image databases. All these resources are available in GitHub (https://github.com/BiDAlab/AI4Food-NutritionDB).
How manganese affects rice cadmium uptake and translocation in vegetative and mature plants
Authors: Hu Ruifang , Limmer Matthew A. , Seyfferth Angelia L.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Rice is prone to Cd uptake under aerobic soil conditions primarily due to the OsNramp5 Mn transport pathway. Unlike Cd, Mn availability in rice paddies decreases as redox potential increases. We tested whether increasing Mn concentrations in solution would decrease Cd accumulation in rice through competition between Mn and Cd for uptake and/or suppression of OsNramp5 expression.

Methods

Rice was grown to maturity under Mn concentrations that spanned three orders of magnitude (0.30 to 37 μM) that corresponded to free Mn2+ activities of 10–7.9 to 10–5.0 M while free Cd2+ activity was held as constant as achievable (10–10.2 to 10–10.4 M). Plant biomass and elemental concentrations were measured in roots and shoots at each stage. Fold changes in the expression of OsNramp5, OsCd1, OsHMA3, OsCCX2, and OsYSL6 genes in vegetative and grain-filling stages of rice plants were determined.

Results

Competition between Mn and Cd for root uptake and accumulation in shoots was observed at the highest concentration of Mn tested. OsNramp5 expression was significantly higher in rice plants at the vegetative stage compared to the grain-filling stage, while OsCd1 and OsHMA3 showed the opposite. Solution Mn concentrations previously thought to be tolerable by rice grown to the vegetative stage led to Mn toxicity as plants matured.

Conclusions

Mn competes with Cd during uptake into rice with OsNramp5 expression unaffected. Different translocation paths may occur for Mn and Cd within the rice plant and over the rice life cycle, with OsCCX2 correlated with shoot Cd concentration.
The metaphysics of puns
Authors: Miller JTM
Published: April 2024

In this paper, I aim to discuss what puns, metaphysically, are. I argue that the type-token view of words leads to an indeterminacy problem when we consider puns. I then outline an alternative account of puns, based on recent nominalist views of words, that does not suffer from this indeterminacy.
Oxidative potential of the inhalation bioaccessible fraction of PM10 and bioaccessible concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metal(oid)s in PM10
Authors: Novo–Quiza Natalia , Sánchez–Piñero Joel , Moreda–Piñeiro Jorge , Turnes-Carou Isabel , Muniategui–Lorenzo Soledad , López–Mahía Purificación
Published: April 2024

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has been related to numerous adverse health effects in humans. Nowadays, it is believed that one of the possible mechanisms of toxicity could be the oxidative stress, which involves the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Different assays have been proposed to characterize oxidative stress, such as dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA) acellular assays (OPDTT and OPAA), as a metric more relevant than PM mass measurement for PM toxicity. This study evaluates the OP of the bioaccessible fraction of 65 PM10 samples collected at an Atlantic Coastal European urban site using DTT and AA assays. A physiologically based extraction (PBET) using Gamble’s solution (GS) as a simulated lung fluid (SLF) was used for the assessment of the bioaccessible fraction of PM10. The use of the bioaccessible fraction, instead of the fraction assessed using conventional phosphate buffer and ultrasounds assisted extraction (UAE), was compared for OP assessment. Correlations between OPDTT and OPAA, as well as total and bioaccessible concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal(oid)s, were investigated to explore the association between those compounds and OP. A correlation was found between both OP (OPDTT and OPAA) and total and bioaccessible concentrations of PAHs and several metal(oid)s such as As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Ni, and V. Additionally, OPDTT was found to be related to the level of K+.
Psychosoziale Krebsberatungsstellen in Deutschland
Authors: Ihrig Andreas , Akkus Fatma Dilek , Bruns Gudrun , Besseler Markus , Knurr Alexander , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Bugaj Till Johannes
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Eine 2020 gesetzlich verankerte Finanzierung sollte die ambulante psychosoziale Versorgung von an Krebs erkrankten Personen und deren Angehörigen in Krebsberatungsstellen (KBS) qualitätsgesichert und flächendeckend sicherstellen. Die vorliegende Studie hat das Ziel, die Entwicklungen der KBS zwischen den Jahren 2019 und 2023 zu dokumentieren und mögliche Versorgungslücken aufzuzeigen.

Methode

In einem mehrstufigen Verfahren wurden mögliche KBS-Einrichtungen gebeten, einen Fragebogen zu den Gründungsdaten von Haupt- und Außenstellen sowie der Stellenanzahl der Beratungsfachkräfte auszufüllen.

Ergebnisse

Es nahmen 121 (80 %) von 152 identifizierten KBS-Hauptstellen mit 235 Außenstellen an der Befragung teil. Seit Beginn der Regelfinanzierung ist es dabei zu einer Gründung von 26 (+27 %) KBS-Hauptstellen und 94 (+66 %) KBS-Außenstellen gekommen. Durchschnittlich waren 2019 Beratungsfachkräfte mit 1,8 Vollzeitäquivalenten (VZÄ) an einer KBS beschäftigt. Bis 2023 stieg dieser Wert auf 2,4 (+33 %) VZÄ an. Die Summe aller in den teilnehmenden KBS beschäftigten Beratungsfachkräfte stieg von 171 auf 293 (+71 %) VZÄ.

Schlussfolgerung

Die gesetzliche Finanzierung hat seit 2019 zu einer Gründungswelle von KBS geführt, gleichzeitig hat die durchschnittliche Größe einer KBS deutlich zugenommen. Insbesondere die vermehrte Gründung von Außenstellen ermöglicht eine wohnortnahe psychosoziale Versorgung. Obwohl dadurch inzwischen viele Regionen Deutschlands angemessen versorgt sind, ist dies in einigen ländlichen Regionen weiterhin nicht der Fall.
Männersache – ein Gesundheitssportangebot für Männer 50+
Authors: Schuck Tizian , Kindig Sebastian , Strobl Helmut , Tittlbach Susanne
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Männer 50+ werden von gesundheitsförderlichen Bewegungsangeboten kaum erreicht. Dies begründet sich unter anderem in unterschiedlichen Bewegungsmotiven. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht Wirkung und Akzeptanz eines männer- und altersspezifischen Gesundheitssportangebots.

Methoden

In einem kontrollierten Interventionszeitraum (10 Wochen) wurden physische und psychosoziale Gesundheitsressourcen sowie Wohlbefinden untersucht. In einem nichtkontrollierten Follow-up-Zeitraum (10 Wochen) wurden zusätzlich qualitative Interviews zur Analyse der Bindung an körperlich-sportliche Aktivität eingesetzt.

Ergebnisse

Der Kurs Männersache führte zu starken Bindungsraten im ersten Kurszeitraum sowie im Follow-up-Zeitraum. Vor allem die Veränderung von psychosozialen Gesundheitsressourcen ist hervorzuheben. Neben der Steigerung der Selbstwirksamkeit und der positiven Stimmung, konnte das Wohlbefinden gesteigert werden. Im Follow-up konnten alle Verbesserungen über dem Niveau der Eingangstestung gehalten werden.

Diskussion

Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine 90-minütige Kurseinheit bei Bewegungsneu- und Wiedereinsteigern zu messbaren, jedoch nicht signifikanten Verbesserungen in den physischen Gesundheitsressourcen führen kann. Die psychosozialen Gesundheitsressourcen Stimmung und Selbstwirksamkeit sowie das Wohlbefinden erreichten vergleichbare signifikante Steigerungen wie in anderen männerspezifischen Bewegungsinterventionen.

Schlussfolgerung

Neben bereits erfolgreichen männerspezifischen Angeboten im Setting Profisportverein konnte mit dem Kurs Männersache ein Programm im Setting Kommune erfolgreich konzipiert und evaluiert werden.
Two new Agaricomycetes related to post-fire mosses
Authors: Karich Alexander , Jarling René , Ullrich René , Demski Daniela , Bubner Ben , Hofrichter Martin
Published: April 2024

The very hot summers of recent years have led to an increase in the number of large forest fires in Europe. We investigated four large fire sites in Brandenburg and Saxony (Germany) up to 4 years after the fires with a focus on studying the post-fire fungal communities. In this context, we documented two species of Agaricomycetes associated with mosses, which are common but particularly emerge on burnt areas, i.e., Arrhenia bryophthora sp. nov. and Bryopistillaria clavarioides sp. nov. The former is an agaric with omphalinoid habit that causes the dieback of the common moss Ceratodon purpureus; the latter is a clavarioid fungus associated with either Ceratodon purpureus or another common moss, Funaria hygrometrica. Both fungal species appear to be restricted to recently burnt areas and have otherwise not been observed on or in close vicinity of these mosses. Herein, we describe these fungi macro- and micromorphologically as well as on a molecular basis and discuss their taxonomic position and potential lifestyles.
Photoinactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using Porphyrin-CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot conjugates immobilized on Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Ndlovu Knowledge Siyabonga , Chokoe Khomotso , Masebe Tracy , Sekhosana Kutloano Edward , Moloto Makwena Justice , Managa Muthumuni
Published: April 2024

Bacterial pathogens remain major contributors to illnesses as they have developed several resistance mechanisms against standard treatments. Innovative porphyrin-quantum dots conjugated materials have great potential in addressing the limitations in the current disinfection methods. The antimicrobial activity of metal-free and In(III) derivative of 4-(15-(4-boronophenyl)-10,20-diphenylporphyrin-5-yl)benzoic acid conjugated to CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots is investigated in this study at laboratory-scale experiments under controllable conditions. The conjugate was also immobilized on mesoporous silica for recovery and reusability purposes. Findings of the study were driven by antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) in the presence of a porphyrin and quantum dots. POR(In)-CIS/ZnS QDs-Silica was the best performing conjugate with a singlet quantum yield (ΦΔ) of 0.72 and a log reduction of 9.38 and 9.76 against Escherichia coli and S. aureus, respectively.
Using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to Explore Forest Landowner Perspectives on Water Quality
Authors: Briccetti Luke H. , Doran Elizabeth M. B. , Coleman Kimberly J.
Published: April 2024

Family forest owners (FFOs) are critical stakeholders in ensuring many conservation outcomes, including improved water quality. In the highly forested Lake Champlain basin of Vermont, FFOs likely play a particularly important role in addressing water quality impairment. This study focused on FFOs’ thinking and decision-making around management practices on their land. Based on a dataset of 28 interviews collected using a semi-structured interview approach, the interviews were qualitatively coded and analyzed using the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change (TTM) framework. Our findings suggest that interviewed landowners were concerned about basin water quality but generally not aware of the connection between watershed health and actions taken on their particular forest parcel. We further describe how three TTM Processes of Change (helping relationships, consciousness raising, and environmental re-evaluation) may influence landowners’ decisions to manage their forests with water quality in mind. Our results suggest pathways for the design and targeting of behavioral change interventions based on the TTM that should inform landowner outreach as well as further research.
An Analysis of the Behavioural Persistence of Tree-growing Farmers in the Sudano-Sahelian Region of Cameroon
Authors: Chia Eugene L , Chirwa Paxie W , Nsubuga Francis W
Published: April 2024

Tree-growing support programs are being implemented widely to enhance farmers’ involvement in land restoration schemes. However, the reasons why farmers will continue to engage in restoration activities when support programs end, considered here as “behavioural persistence” has not been sufficiently explored. Taking the Mogazang landscape of Cameroon as a case study, a mixed methods approach involving farmers surveys, key informant interviews and the review of literature, was applied to investigate the factors that influence the behavioural persistence of tree-growing farmers. Drawing on the concept of behavioural persistence, the findings revealed that farmers decision to continue restoration practices on their farm plots after the end of support programs is influenced by a mix of factors, among which positive attitude and perception of farmers, constant motivation, financial profitability, community influence, played an important role. Findings also showed that farmers behavioural persistence aspects were not adequately addressed during the design of support programs and the inception phase of support programs did not prepare farmers psychologically about post support programs. This empirical investigation of farmers behavioural persistence has provided information that needs to be taken into consideration when assessing the feasibility, including the designing and implementation of planned tree-growing restoration support programs and related policies in Cameroon and other countries.
Impacts of gait freeze on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease, from the perspectives of patients and their carers
Authors: Cronin Padraig , Collins Lucy M. , Sullivan Aideen M.
Published: April 2024

Background

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that morbidity and mortality due to Parkinson’s disease (PD) are increasing faster than for other neurodegenerative conditions. People with Parkinson’s (PwP) present with a variety of motor symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Freezing of gait (FoG) is a significant motor symptom that manifests as temporary episodes of inability to move one’s feet, despite the intention to walk.

Aims

This study examined the impact of FoG on quality of life (QoL) within an Irish cohort of PwP, from the perspectives of both PwP and their carers, using validated questionnaires that had been adapted for online use.

Methods

PwP and their carers were recruited by outreach to the Irish Parkinson’s Community. Anonymous online questionnaires were distributed, which combined a demographic survey with several clinically validated surveys, including Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FoG-Q), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ-8), and Parkinson’s Disease Carer Questionnaire (PDQ-C).

Results

There was a strong correlation (p < 0.001) between severity of FoG and lower QoL among PwP. Significant correlation was also found between FoG severity and several motor symptoms, such as postural instability and difficulty with balance, and non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive changes and pain/discomfort. FoG severity correlated with disease progression. Significant correlation was also found between FoG and symptoms, as assessed from the perspective of the patients’ carers.

Conclusions

This study shows that FoG is a significant detriment to the QoL of PwP, from the perspectives of patients and carers. This method of assessing FoG and QoL using online questionnaires has potential to enhance the reach and flexibility of this type of research. These findings will inform future studies on larger cohorts and highlight unmet clinical needs in PwP.
Mathematical naming and explaining in teaching talk: Noticing work with two groups of mathematics teachers
Authors: Planas Núria , Alfonso José M. , Arnal-Bailera Alberto , Martín-Molina Verónica
Published: April 2024

Research shows the salient place of mathematical teaching talk, including the mathematical-linguistic practices of naming and explaining, in the enactment of students’ mathematical talk and learning with understanding in the classroom. Our study was developed to examine the noticing of two groups of secondary-school mathematics teachers in one-day workshops with tasks about these practices. The two workshops were mathematically content-specific, with teaching and learning accounts and prompts aimed at guiding focused attention to naming and explaining in the teaching of linear equations and probability. Thematic text analyses led to identify three foci of the two groups’ noticing: (i) missing practices of mathematical naming in own teaching talk; (ii) relative impact of mathematical explaining in teaching talk; and (iii) tensions around mathematical naming and explaining in teaching talk. Our results show that the social construction of teacher noticing is a feature of noticing development that can be documented in the context of one-day workshops. Whereas time for individual thinking and responses to the tasks created a context of support for noticing development, participation in the group discussions allowed the teachers to notice nuances of mathematical naming and explaining in teaching talk unaddressed in the task prompts. The group discussions thus amplified and opened up the opportunities to develop some focused noticing on the content of the workshops, specifically in connection with the teachers’ own teaching practice.
Controversies in Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence Management: Role of Urodynamics Testing and Sequence of Continence Surgery with Salvage Radiation Therapy
Authors: Chung Eric
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

This paper evaluates the current evidence on the role of urodynamics in prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) and should male sling (MS) or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) surgery be performed before or after patients receiving radiation therapy in terms of continence outcomes.

Recent Findings

The prevalence of PPI is more common in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy than benign prostatic surgery, and the presence of postoperatively de novo overactive bladder and urge incontinence is not common even without the addition of radiation therapy. Hence, the question arises whether patients presenting with PPI should undergo formal urodynamics testing to exclude detrusor overactivity prior to continence surgery. There is a consensus that the spontaneous recovery of continence is less likely in the setting of salvage radiation therapy. The decision to undertake surgery is likely dictated by patient preference and the urgency for salvage radiation therapy. While the exact choice of MS or AUS, and the sequence of continence surgery in relation to salvage radiation therapy are debatable, irradiated patients are considered a high-risk group with substantially higher risks of postoperative complications.

Urodynamics should be organized in non-classic SUI or mixed incontinence symptoms with PPI and those who had radiation therapy since it can provide useful information in counselling patients regarding continence outcomes and postoperative expectations. It is important to place greater emphasis on preoperative evaluation and surgical vigilance in irradiated patients with PPI.
Fake profiles and time spent online during the COVID 19 pandemic: a real risk for cyberbullying?
Authors: Marinoni Carlo , Rizzo Marco , Zanetti Maria Assunta
Published: April 2024

Cyberbullying is characterized by asymmetry of power, reiteration of conduct, and desire to victimize. During the COVID-19 pandemic, young people were overexposed to social media and to instances of cyberbullying. The aim of this study was to determine whether the anonymity afforded by fake profiles and the longer hours spent online led to an increase in cyberbullying. The survey involved a sample of 4338 students (52.4% girls; age range, 11–19 years, M 14.1 SD 1.6) attending lower and upper secondary schools. Multiple regression analysis with mediation revealed an association between having a fake profile and cyberbullying in the context of longer non-school time spent online. Our findings suggest that having a fake profile can become a risk for cyberbullying. Our study also underscores the relevance of digital technologies for blocking fake profiles. Such measures could benefit both cybervictims and cyberattackers alike, who often act out of ignorance without realizing the possible consequences of their actions.
RadonPotential: An interactive web application for radon potential prediction under different climates and soil textures
Authors: Galiana-Merino Juan Jose , Gil-Oncina Sara , Valdes-Abellan Javier , Soler-Llorens Juan Luis , Benavente David
Published: April 2024

The presence of radon in soil poses a significant health risk when it enters and concentrates indoors. The primary health problem associated with radon exposure is lung cancer, but it can also contribute to other respiratory issues. Estimating radon potential is a challenging task caused by the interaction of various environmental, geological, and variability factors. Although efforts are ongoing to improve radon potential assessment methodologies, there is a lack of software tools that estimate and model radon potential in different scenarios. The paper aims to develop a novel web-based software tool, RadonPotential, that predicts Geogenic Radon Potential by considering variations in climate and soil textures.

The program runs using a constant radon concentration or estimates its concentration from the radium activity. RadonPotential calculates the transport of radon through a soil profile based on water content and soil texture. It also determines the dynamics of soil water content in different climates, incorporating long-term weather data under various climatic scenarios and local weather time series. The web-based format of the program increases its dissemination, usage, and manageability among a larger user base compared to an installable computer program. The program aims to provide a simplified and effective characterization of radon potential levels accessible to a wide range of scientists, technical experts and policymakers in developing strategies not only for radon measurement and mitigation buildings but also for developing more reliable large-scale radon potential maps.
Neo-Ottoman Soft Power: AKP’s Strategic Use of Turkish-Islamic Organizations in the German-Speaking Diaspora
Authors: Çiçek Hüseyin
Published: April 2024

The article indicates a shift in Turkey’s foreign policy initiated by the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Unlike its predecessors, the AKP aims to safeguard its interests not solely through traditional political alliances but also via “soft power” mechanisms. It employs a strategy of emotive communication through identity, religion, language, and culture and seeks to engage segments of the diverse Turkish diaspora, encouraging their support for the AKP.