bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Engineering Photosynthesis for Enhanced Plant Biomass Production
Authors: Yamori Wataru
Published: May 2021

Crop productivity would have to increase by 60–110% compared with the 2005 level by 2050 to meet both the food and energy demands of the growing population. Although more than 90% of crop biomass is derived from photosynthetic products, photosynthetic improvements have not yet been addressed by breeding. Thus, it has been considered that enhancing photosynthetic capacity is considered a promising approach for increasing crop yield. Now, we need to identify the specific targets that would improve leaf photosynthesis to realize a new Green Revolution. This chapter summarizes the various genetic engineering approaches that can be used to enhance photosynthetic capacity and crop productivity. The targets considered for the possible candidates include Rubisco, Rubisco activase, enzymes of the Calvin–Benson cycle, and CO2 transport, as well as photosynthetic electron transport. Finally, it describes the importance of considering ways to improve photosynthesis not under the stable environmental conditions already examined in many studies with the aim of improving photosynthetic capacity, but under natural conditions in which various environmental factors, and especially irradiation, continually fluctuate.
Green Super Rice (GSR) Traits: Breeding and Genetics for Multiple Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Ali Jauhar , Anumalla Mahender , Murugaiyan Varunseelan , Li Zhikang
Published: May 2021

The frequent fluctuations in global climate variability (GCV), decreases in farmland and irrigation water, soil degradation and erosion, and increasing fertilizer costs are the significant factors in declining rice productivity, mainly in Asia and Africa. Under GCV scenarios, it is a challenging task to meet the rice food demand of the growing population. Identifying green traits (tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses, nutrient-use efficiency, and nutritional grain quality) and stacking them in high-yielding elite genetic backgrounds is one promising approach to increase rice productivity. To this end, the Green Super Rice (GSR) breeding strategy helps to pool multi-stress-tolerance traits by stringent selection processes and to develop superior GSR cultivars within a short span of 4–5 years. In the crossing and selection process of GSR breeding, selective introgression lines (SILs) derived from sets of early backcross BC1F2bulk populations through both target traits and non-target traits were selected. Genotyping of SILs with high-density SNP markers leads to the identification of a large number of SNP markers linked with the target green traits. The identified SILs with superior trait combinations were used for designed QTL pyramiding to combine different target green traits. The GSR breeding strategy also focused on nutrient- and water-use efficiency besides environment-friendly green features primarily to increase grain yield and income returns for resource-poor farmers. In this chapter, we have highlighted the GSR breeding strategy and QTL introgression of green traits in rice. This breeding strategy has successfully dissected many complex traits and also released several multi-stress-tolerant varieties with high grain yield and productivity in the target regions of Asia and Africa.
Growing Rice with Less Water: Improving Productivity by Decreasing Water Demand
Authors: Singh Balwant , Mishra Shefali , Bisht Deepak Singh , Joshi Rohit
Published: May 2021

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the global population. With the increasing population, the yield of rice must correspondingly increase to fulfill the requirement. Rice is cultivated worldwide in four different types of ecosystems, which are limited by the availability of irrigation water. However, water-limiting conditions negatively affect rice production; therefore, to enhance productivity under changing climatic conditions, improved cultivation practices and drought-tolerant cultivars/varieties are required. There are two basic approaches to cultivation: (1) plant based and (2) soil and irrigation based, which can be targeted for improving rice production. Crop plants primarily follow three mechanisms: drought escape, avoidance, and tolerance. Based on these mechanisms, different strategies are followed, which include cultivar selection based on yield stability under drought. Similarly, soil- and irrigation-based strategies consist of decreasing non-beneficial water depletions and water outflows, aerobic rice development, alternate wetting and drying, saturated soil culture, system of rice intensification, and sprinkler irrigation. Further strategies involve developing drought-tolerant cultivars through marker-assisted selection/pyramiding, genomic selection, QTL mapping, and other breeding and cultivation practices such as early planting to follow escape strategies and decreasing stand density to minimize competition with weeds. Similarly, the identification of drought-responsive genes and their manipulation will provide a technological solution to overcome drought stress. However, it was the Green Revolution that increased crop production. To maintain the balance, there is a need for another revolution to cope with the increasing demand.
Crop Establishment in Direct-Seeded Rice: Traits, Physiology, and Genetics
Authors: Quilloy Fergie Ann , Labaco Benedick , Casal Carlos , Dixit Shalabh
Published: May 2021

The changing climate and water availability strongly affect the current state of agricultural production. While the global temperature rises, the occurrence of extreme climatic conditions becomes erratic. This current scenario has driven the development of rice varieties and cultivation practices that require less water and favor mechanization. Although puddled transplanted rice has been more widely used in the past, direct seeding has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially due to its water- and labor-saving features. This technique allows full crop establishment from seeds that were directly sown in the field, thus avoiding puddling, transplanting, and maintaining standing water. Consequently, it offers promising positive environmental effects including decreasing the release of greenhouse gases and increasing water-use efficiency. Historically, rice varieties bred for transplanting are also used in direct seeding, which limits the maximum yield potential of field trials. The success of direct seeding relies strongly on the development of rice varieties with robust crop establishment. Anaerobic germination, seed longevity, and early seedling vigor are the key traits required to achieve this. This chapter expounds on the physiology, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and relevance of the enumerated traits for direct seeding. A brief discussion of breeding for rice varieties with improved germination under direct seeding is also provided.
Microbial Growth and its Effects on Inorganic Heritage Materials
Authors: Pinna Daniela
Published: May 2021

Cultural heritage objects composed of inorganic materials, such as metals and stones, support microbial life. Many factors affect the growth of microorganisms: moisture, pH, light, temperature, nutrients. Their colonization relates closely to the nature of the substrata as well as to the characteristic of the surrounding environment. This chapter contains an overview of the complex relationships among microbial growth, materials, and the environment. It emphasizes issues on bioreceptivity of stones and the factors influencing biological colonization, focusing on the biological alteration of inorganic heritage objects and on the agents of biodeterioration. It outlines the effect of biofilms and lichens in terms of degradation of substrata and includes a discussion on an important topic, the bioprotection of stones by biofilms and lichens. In summary, this chapter aims to discuss these issues and review the recent literature on (i) biofilms and lichens colonizing inorganic materials, (ii) the limiting factors of this colonization, (iii) the deteriorative aspects, and (iv) the protective effects of the colonization.
Sustainable Restoration Through Biotechnological Processes: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Sprocati Anna Rosa , Alisi Chiara , Migliore Giada , Marconi Paola , Tasso Flavia
Published: May 2021

An understanding of the different microbial constellations or microbiomes, which every habitat and every organism harbor, will be the key to addressing many of the challenges humanity will face in the twenty-first century. Such comprehension could launch several innovations relating to natural and cultural capital, including historical and artistic heritage. In relation to cultural heritage, microorganisms are mainly known through their role as deteriogens, but the features creating damage can be exploited positively, attaining more sustainable restoration strategies, in accordance with the principles of compatibility and retreatability deriving from reflections on the Cultural Heritage inspired by the Charter of Venice (International charter for the Conservation and restoration of monument and sites (the Venice Chart 1964). In: ICOMOS, IInd International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, 1964) onwards. In this article, we show a series of case studies, using both wild-type microorganisms and plant-based extracts, providing a comprehensive proof of concept of the feasibility of biotechnological solutions for a more sustainable restoration strategy, to replace the products in use which are often dangerous for operators, aggressive for works of art and no longer compatible with the environment. The overview of the case studies presented, many of which are still unpublished, responds to the need to go beyond the state of the art and has entirely sprung from suggestions by restorers, interested in learning about potential innovations and strongly determined to introduce non-toxic products in their daily work. In this perspective, the case studies dealt with two topics: bio-cleaning and disinfection. Noteworthy results were obtained on a platform of different types of artworks and different materials with compatible, harmless and selective products.
Siderophores and their Applications in Wood, Textile, and Paper Conservation
Authors: Rapti Stavroula , Boyatzis Stamatis C. , Rivers Shayne , Pournou Anastasia
Published: May 2021

Since the 1950s, siderophores have been acknowledged as nature’s chelating powerhouse and have been given considerable attention concerning their crucial roles in microorganisms and plants for capturing non-bioavailable iron from aquatic and terrestrial environments, as well as for their applications in agriculture, health, and materials science and environmental research. In recent years, the exceptional affinity and complexing efficacy, as well as the high selectivity of these potent chelators towards iron(III), have led to investigations by researchers aiming at understanding their capacity for removing potentially harmful and aesthetically unacceptable iron stains from organic substrates in cultural heritage objects. In the context of the conservation of cultural heritage objects, potent chelators have been proposed to remove iron from surfaces by transferring it to the more soluble complexed phase. In this review, the origins and the types of bio-environments of siderophores as well as their structure and chemistry are investigated and related to the requirements of conservation. It is evident that, given the enormous potential that these chelators have, the research for their application in cultural heritage is at a preliminary level, and has to date been within the rather narrow context of cellulosic materials such as paper and wood. The results of research conducted to date are presented in this review and questions regarding the optimal use of siderophores as iron-removing agents are posed.
Organic Green Corrosion Inhibitors Derived from Natural and/or Biological Sources for Conservation of Metals Cultural Heritage
Authors: Argyropoulos Vasilike , Boyatzis Stamatis C. , Giannoulaki Maria , Guilminot Elodie , Zacharopoulou Aggeliki
Published: May 2021

In the last decade, there has been an increase in research related to green corrosion inhibitors for conservation of metals cultural heritage to help promote sustainable practices in the field that are safe, environmentally friendly, and ecologically acceptable. The most common are organic substances derived either from natural and/or biological sources: plant extracts and oils, amino acids, microorganisms, and biopolymers. The chapter will provide a review of these substances as corrosion inhibitors for metals conservation, by discussing the state-of-the-art research to date, with a special focus on cysteine. Most of the research has focused on the examination of such inhibitors on metal coupons with or without corrosion products using electrochemical techniques or weight-loss measurements to determine their effectiveness. Some of these studies have also considered the conservation principles for practice, i.e., reversibility of the treatment and the visual aspect of the modification of the treated metal surface. However, before such green inhibitors can be routinely applied by conservators, more research is required on their application to real artefacts/monuments using in situ corrosion measurements. Furthermore, given that the composition of a green inhibitor is highly dependent on its extraction process, research must also involve identifying the specific adsorption models and involved mechanisms to ensure reproducibility of results.
Molecular-Based Techniques for the Study of Microbial Communities in Artworks
Authors: Sterflinger Katja , Piñar Guadalupe
Published: May 2021

Thanks to the revolutionary invention of the polymerase chain reaction and the sequencing of DNA and RNA by means of “Sanger sequencing” in the 1970th and 1980th, it became possible to detect microorganisms in art and cultural assets that do not grow on culture media or that are non-viable. The following generation of sequencing systems (next generation sequencing, NGS) already allowed the detection of microbial communities on objects without the intermediate step of cloning, but still most of the NGS technologies used for the study of microbial communities in objects of art rely on “target sequencing” linked to the selectivity of the primers used for amplification. Today, with the third generation of sequencing technology, whole genome and metagenome sequencing is possible, allowing the detection of taxonomic units of all domains and kingdoms as well as functional genes in the produced metagenome. Currently, Nanopore sequencing technology is a good, affordable, and simple way to characterize microbial communities, especially in the field of Heritage Science. It also has the advantage that a bioinformatic analysis can be performed automatically. In addition to genomics and metagenomics, other “-omics” techniques such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have a great potential for the study of processes in art and cultural heritage, but are still in their infancy as far as their application in this field is concerned.
New Perspectives Against Biodeterioration Through Public Lighting
Authors: Sanmartín Patricia
Published: May 2021

There is currently an increasing trend in urban centres towards the use of public outdoor lighting systems to illuminate historic and architecturally important buildings during evening hours, but for which there is no specific regulatory framework. Considering that the light is a key factor involved in regulating growth and physiological processes in photosynthetic organisms, it seems appropriate to address the effects that artificial light has on the organisms growing on the facades affected by public lighting. In this sense, despite scientific research in the fields of biological colonization of buildings surfaces and light technology has advanced greatly in recent years, the combination of both disciplines aimed at the correct handling of city public lighting remains uncharted territory with huge potential to provide innovative solutions for smart cities. Recent studies have examined how urban monuments are affected by night-time outdoor illumination in combination with natural sunlight and demonstrated that the use of suitable lighting can inhibit the development of biological colonization. In this frame, this chapter will look at ways of contribute to the long-term management of public illumination on monuments and other structures, while reducing negative impacts caused by night lighting.
Bioremoval of Graffiti in the Context of Current Biocleaning Research
Authors: Bosch-Roig Pilar , Sanmartín Patricia
Published: May 2021

Some microorganisms can be used as bioremediation agents, in biocleaning treatments, to remove undesired sulphates, nitrates and organic matter from cultural heritage surfaces. Graffiti materials (mainly spray paints) are now included in the list of materials that can be biocleaned, with studies on this topic being initiated just over 5 years ago. Research on the bioremoval of graffiti is continuing and on a promising track. This chapter reports a critical analysis of studies of the bioremoval of graffiti carried out in recent years, which are compared with similar studies of the removal of salts (mainly nitrates and sulphates) and organic matter conducted in the last thirty years. Likewise, the present challenges and ways of overcoming them are addressed towards developing a complete protocol for the use of bioremediation to remove graffiti, with particular emphasis on the use of the method for cleaning facades and buildings.
Ancient Textile Deterioration and Restoration: Bio-Cleaning of an Egyptian Shroud Held in the Torino Museum
Authors: Mazzoli Roberto , Pessione Enrica
Published: May 2021

Ancient textiles are fragile and several factors can affect their integrity. In the present chapter, the main agents of deterioration of old and new textiles, namely physical-chemical (light, oxygen, heat, and humidity) and biological factors as well as human erroneous interventions will be explored. As far as the biological deterioration is considered, the effects of microbial growth, primary and secondary metabolites (acids, solvents, surfactants, pigments) and enzymes (lipases, proteases, and glycosidases) on textile strength and cleanliness will be described in details. The main fungal and bacterial species involved in the damage (textile discoloration, black and green spots, cuts) will be reported. Adhesive application during restoration procedures is discussed to highlight the risk of glue thickening giving rise to dull precipitates on the fabric.

The main strategies for oil-stain and glue removal (both animal glue, such as fish collagen, and vegetal glue, i.e. starch) will be described in the paragraph devoted to biorestoration. Finally, a case study concerning an ancient Coptic tunic housed in the Egyptian Museum of Torino, Italy, and biocleaned by means of gellan-immobilized alpha-amylase from Bacillus sp. will be largely discussed by reporting historical data, adhesive characterization, methods for artificial aging of simulated sample and glue removal from the artwork.
Environmental Risk Management Applications of ERA Acute
Authors: Stephansen Cathrine , Bjørgesæter Anders , Brude Odd Willy , Brönner Ute , Rogstad Tonje Waterloo , Kjeilen-Eilertsen Grethe , Libre Jean-Marie , Collin-Hansen Christian
Published: May 2021

ERA Acute supports a variety of analyses, from simple screening studies based on oil spill statistics and potential impact areas to more in-depth impact and recovery calculations on species and habitats. The ERA Acute software tool has been built to enable and provide ease of use of the methodology and results. Visualizations of impact and risk areas can be made at several levels, from simulations and scenarios to whole cases. Results can have a monthly resolution to show variations throughout the year. This enables a wide range of decision-support from risk screening studies, impact assessments, risk quantification, risk management including effect of mitigating measures (NEBA/SIMA) evaluations to properly inform oil spill response planning. The methodology is suitable for global use and will be the recommended approach for oil spill risk assessments for offshore operators on the NCS.
Testing and Validating Against Historic Spills
Authors: Stephansen Cathrine , Bjørgesæter Anders , Brude Odd Willy , Brönner Ute , Rogstad Tonje Waterloo , Kjeilen-Eilertsen Grethe , Libre Jean-Marie , Collin-Hansen Christian
Published: May 2021

To validate the predictive capability of ERA Acute, a study was carried out using data from two well-studied historic oil spills, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DHOS) incidents. Results from the case studies with ERA Acute were compared to the impact estimates and recovery observations that have been reported in the extensive research following the two incidents. Resource data relevant for each of the two incidents were reconstructed within the analysis area. Performance boundaries were set up for evaluating the ERA Acute results, based on the ranges of the impact and recovery estimates reported in the post-spill assessments. Validation of an oil spill ERA model against post-spill assessments of historic spills is a challenging exercise due to scientific limitations of both. ERA Acute performed satisfactorily compared to the performance boundaries and the study gave useful insight into the predictive capabilities of ERA Acute. The results from the study were used to evaluate between two different impact models and to increase the individual vulnerability of cetaceans.
New clinical data on human spinal cord re-irradiation tolerance
Authors: Doi Hiroshi , Tamari Keisuke , Oh Ryoong-Jin , Nieder Carsten
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To provide additional clinical data about the re-irradiation tolerance of the spinal cord.

Methods

This was a retrospective bi-institutional study of patients re-irradiated to the cervical or thoracic spinal cord with minimum follow-up of 6 months. The maximum dose (Dmax) and dose to 0.1cc (D0.1cc) were determined (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]-defined cord) and expressed as equivalent dose in 2‑Gy fractions (EQD2) with an α/β value of 2 Gy.

Results

All 32 patients remained free from radiation myelopathy after a median follow-up of 12 months. Re-irradiation was performed after 6–97 months (median 15). In 22 cases (69%) the re-irradiation spinal cord EQD2 Dmax was higher than that of the first treatment course. Forty-eight of 64 treatment courses employed fraction sizes of 2.5 to 4 Gy to the target volume. The median cumulative spinal cord EQD2 Dmax was 80.7 Gy, minimum 61.12 Gy, maximum 114.79 Gy. The median cumulative spinal cord D0.1cc EQD2 was 76.1 Gy, minimum 61.12 Gy, maximum 95.62 Gy. Besides cumulative dose, other risk factors for myelopathy were present (single-course Dmax EQD2 ≥51 Gy in 9 patients, single-course D0.1cc EQD2 ≥51 Gy in 5 patients).

Conclusion

Even patients treated to higher cumulative doses than previously recommended, or at a considerable risk of myelopathy according to a published risk score, remained free from this complication, although one must acknowledge the potential for manifestation of damage in patients currently alive, i.e., still at risk. Individualized decisions to re-irradiate after appropriate informed consent are an acceptable strategy, including scenarios where low re-irradiation doses to the spinal cord would compromise target coverage and tumor control probability to an unacceptable degree.
GR(1)*: GR(1) specifications extended withexistential guarantees
Authors: Amram Gal , Maoz Shahar , Pistiner Or
Published: May 2021

Reactive synthesis is an automated procedure to obtain a
correct-by-construction reactive system from its temporal logic
specification. GR(1) is an expressive assume-guarantee fragment of
LTL that enables efficient synthesis and has been recently used in
different contexts and application domains. A common form of
providing system's requirements is through use cases, which are
existential in nature. However, GR(1), as a fragment of LTL, is
limited to universal properties. In this paper we introduce GR(1)*,
which extends GR(1) with existential guarantees. We show that GR(1)*
is strictly more expressive than GR(1) as it enables the expression
of guarantees that are inexpressible in LTL. We solve the
realizability problem for GR(1)* and present a symbolic strategy
construction algorithm for GR(1)* specifications. Importantly, in
comparison to GR(1), GR(1)* remains efficient: the time complexity
of our realizability checking and synthesis procedures for GR(1)* is
identical to the time complexity of the known corresponding
procedures for GR(1).
The ischiofemoral space of the hip is influenced by the frontal knee alignment
Authors: Ahmad Sufian S. , Kerber Vincent , Konrads Christian , Ateschrang Atesch , Hirschmann Michael T. , Stöckle Ulrich , Ahrend Marc D.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The ischiofemoral distance (IFD), defined as the distance between the ischial tuberosity and the lesser trochanter of the femur, is gaining recognition as an extra-articular cause of hip pain. It is unknown whether the IFD is influenced by the frontal knee alignment. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of realignment surgery around the knee on the IFD. It was hypothesized that valgisation osteotomy around the knee is associated with reduction of the IFD.

Methods

A consecutive series of 154 patients undergoing frontal realignment procedures around the knee in 2017 were included in this study. Long-leg standing radiographs were obtained before surgery and postoperatively. The IFD was measured between the ischium and the lesser trochanter at three different levels (proximal, middle and distal margins of the lesser trochanter parallel to the horizontal orientation of the pelvis) on standardized long-leg radiographs with the patient in upright standing position. The knee alignment was determined by measuring the hip knee ankle angle, mechanical lateral distal femur angle and the medial mechanical proximal tibia angle. Linear regression was performed to determine the influence of the change of frontal knee alignment on the IFD.

Results

Linear regression showed a direct influence of the overall change in frontal knee alignment on the IFD of the hip, regardless of the site of the osteotomy (β-0.4, confidence-interval − 0.5 to − 0.3, p < 0.001). Valgisation osteotomy around the knee induced a significant reduction of the ipsilateral IFD (p < 0.001), while varisation osteotomy induced a significant increase (p < 0.001). The amount of ISD change was 0.4 mm per corresponding degree of change in frontal knee alignment.

Conclusion

These findings are relevant to both the hip and knee surgeons when planning an osteotomy or arthroplasty procedure. Correction of a malalignment of the knee may resolve an ischiofemoral conflict in the hip. The concept deserves inclusion in the diagnostic workup of both the hip and knee joints.

Level of evidence

IV.
Forensische DNA-Methylierungsanalyse
Authors: Naue Jana , Pfeifer Manuel , Augustin Christa , Becker Julia , Fleckhaus Jan , Grabmüller Melanie , Han Yang , Heidorn Frank , Hollaender Olivia , Klein-Unseld Rachel , Kulstein Galina , Lichtenwald Julia , Neubauer Jacqueline , Suarez Philippe , Haas Cordula , Schneider Peter M. , Vennemann Marielle , Böhme Petra ,   Arbeitsgemeinschaft Molekulare Altersschätzung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin (DGRM), Augustin Christa , Becker Julia , Böhme Petra , Fleckhaus Jan , Grabmüller Melanie , Haas Cordula , Heidorn Frank , Kulstein Galina , Naue Jana , Neubauer Jacqueline , Pfeifer Manuel , Schneider Peter M. , Vennemann Marielle
Published: May 2021

Mit der Entdeckung altersabhängiger epigenetischer Veränderungen, der DNA-Methylierung (DNAm), hat sich eine neue Möglichkeit aufgezeigt, das Alter eines Individuums zu schätzen. Die Methode wurde intensiv erforscht und ihre Anwendung in der forensischen Fallarbeit durch die Aktualisierung des § 81e der Strafprozessordnung (StPO) in Deutschland reguliert. Zur Untersuchung des DNAm-Grades müssen neue Techniken etabliert und validiert werden. Dies macht die Prüfung der Vergleichbarkeit von Messergebnissen aus verschiedenen forensischen Laboren erforderlich.

Hierzu führte die Arbeitsgruppe „Molekulare Altersschätzung“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin (DGRM) im Winter 2019/2020 den 2. Ringversuch (RV) zur quantitativen DNAm-Analyse mithilfe der Mini- und der Pyrosequenzierung durch. Dieser basierte auf den Erfahrungen des 1. RV 2018/2019, dessen Ergebnisse in dieser Ausgabe ebenfalls vorgestellt werden. Die aktuelle Studie umfasst Analyseergebnisse aus 12 Laboren (ingesamt 14 teilnehmende Labore), von denen einige beide Methoden angewandt haben. Zusätzlich führten 4 Labore eine Altersschätzung an den RV-Proben mit eigenen Markerkombinationen und Modellen durch. Da diese auf unterschiedlichen Referenzdaten und Markerkombinationen beruhen, erfolgte kein qualitativer Vergleich der Modelle, sondern das grundsätzliche Potenzial der Methodik wurde verdeutlicht. Ziele des RV waren die Evaluierung der Vergleichbarkeit der DNAm-Messungen und die Bewertung möglicher Einflussfaktoren, wie Extraktionsmethode und verwendetes Gerät.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die gemessenen DNAm-Werte der untersuchten Marker sowohl zwischen Mini- und Pyrosequenzierung als auch innerhalb der jeweiligen Methode zwischen den Laboren unterscheiden können, sodass mit Schwankungen gerechnet werden muss.
Safety and diagnostic efficacy of gadoteridol for magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine in children 2 years of age and younger
Authors: Shah Chetan C. , Spampinato Maria Vittoria , Parmar Hemant A. , Raslan Osama A. , Tomà Paolo , Lin Doris D. M. , Vymazal Josef , Colosimo Cesare , Enterline David S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Neonates and young children require efficacious magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations but are potentially more susceptible to the short- and long-term adverse effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents due to the immaturity of their body functions.

Objective

To evaluate the acute safety and diagnostic efficacy of gadoteridol (ProHance) for contrast-enhanced MRI of the central nervous system (CNS) in children ≤2 years of age.

Materials and methods

One hundred twenty-five children ≤2 years old (including 57 children <6 months old) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI of the CNS with gadoteridol at 0.1 mmol/kg body weight were retrospectively enrolled at five imaging centers. Safety data were assessed for acute/subacute adverse events in the 48 h following gadoteridol administration and, when available, vital signs, electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical laboratory values obtained from blood samples taken from 48 h before until 48 h following the MRI exam. The efficacy of gadoteridol-enhanced MRI compared to unenhanced MRI for disease diagnosis was evaluated prospectively by three blinded, unaffiliated readers.

Results

Thirteen changes of laboratory values (11 mild, 1 moderate, 1 unspecified) were reported as adverse events in 7 (5.6%) patients. A relationship to gadoteridol was deemed possible though doubtful for two of these adverse events in two patients (1.6%). There were no clinical adverse events, no serious adverse events and no clinically meaningful changes in vital signs or ECG recordings. Accurate differentiation of tumor from non-neoplastic disease, and exact matching of specific MRI-determined diagnoses with on-site final diagnoses, was achieved in significantly more patients by each reader following the evaluation of combined pre- and post-contrast images compared to pre-contrast images alone (84.6–88.0% vs. 70.9–76.9%; P≤0.006 and 67.5–79.5% vs. 47.0–66.7%; P≤0.011, respectively).

Conclusion

Gadoteridol at 0.1 mmol/kg body weight is safe, well tolerated and effective for contrast-enhanced MRI of the CNS in children ≤2 years of age.
Airport capacity extension, fleet investment, and optimal aircraft scheduling in a multilevel market model: quantifying the costs of imperfect markets
Authors: Coniglio Stefano , Sirvent Mathias , Weibelzahl Martin
Published: May 2021

We present a market model of a liberalized aviation market with independent decision makers. The model consists of a hierarchical, trilevel optimization problem where perfectly competitive budget-constrained airports decide (in the first level) on optimal runway capacity extensions and airport charges by anticipating long-term fleet investment and medium-term aircraft scheduling decisions taken by a set of imperfectly competitive airlines (in the second level). Both airports and airlines anticipate the short-term outcome of a perfectly competitive ticket market (in the third level). We compare our trilevel model to an integrated single-level (benchmark) model in which investments, scheduling, and market-clearing decisions are simultaneously taken by a welfare-maximizing social planner. Using a simple six airports example from the literature, we illustrate the inefficiency of long-run investments in both runway capacity and aircraft fleet which may be observed in aviation markets with imperfectly competitive airlines.
Histomorphological patterns of regional lymph nodes in COVID-19 lungs
Authors: Haslbauer Jasmin D. , Matter Matthias S. , Stalder Anna K. , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: May 2021

Background

A dysregulated immune response is considered one of the major factors leading to severe COVID-19. Previously described mechanisms include the development of a cytokine storm, missing immunoglobulin class switch, antibody-mediated enhancement, and aberrant antigen presentation.

Objectives

To understand the heterogeneity of immune response in COVID-19, a thorough investigation of histomorphological patterns in regional lymph nodes was performed.

Materials and methods

Lymph nodes from the cervical, mediastinal, and hilar regions were extracted from autopsies of patients with lethal COVID-19 (n = 20). Histomorphological characteristics, SARS-CoV‑2 qRT-PCR, and gene expression profiling on common genes involved in immunologic response were analyzed.

Results

Lymph nodes displayed moderate to severe capillary stasis and edema, an increased presence of extrafollicular plasmablasts, mild to moderate plasmacytosis, a dominant population of CD8+ T‑cells, and CD11c/CD68+ histiocytosis with hemophagocytic activity. Out of 20 cases, 18 presented with hypoplastic or missing germinal centers with a decrease of follicular dendritic cells and follicular T‑helper cells. A positive viral load was detected by qRT-PCR in 14 of 20 cases, yet immunohistochemistry for SARS-CoV-2 N-antigen revealed positivity in sinus histiocytes of only one case. Gene expression analysis revealed an increased expression of STAT1, CD163, granzyme B, CD8A, MZB1, and PAK1, as well as CXCL9.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings imply a dysregulated immune response in lethal COVID-19. The absence/hypoplasia of germinal centers and increased presence of plasmablasts implies a transient B‑cell response, implying an impaired development of long-term immunity against SARS-CoV‑2 in such occasions.
Prevalence and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 admitted to intensive care units: a prospective observational study
Authors: Najim Mostafa , Rahhal Alaa , Khir Fadi , Aljundi Amer Hussien , Abu Yousef Safae , Ibrahim Feryal , Amer Aliaa , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Saleh Samira , Alfaridi Dekra , Mahfouz Ahmed , Alyafei Sumaya , Howady Faraj , Khatib Mohamad , Alemadi Samar A.
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of coagulopathy. Although the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) has been proposed as a possible mechanism of COVID-19-induced coagulopathy, its clinical significance remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of aPLs among critically ill patients with COVID-19. This prospective observational study included 60 patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The study outcomes included prevalence of aPLs, and a primary composite outcome of all-cause mortality and arterial or venous thrombosis between antiphospholipid-positive and antiphospholipid-negative patients during their ICU stay. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the influence of aPLs on the primary composite outcome of mortality and thrombosis. A total of 60 critically ill patients were enrolled. Among them, 57 (95%) were men, with a mean age of 52.8 ± 12.2 years, and the majority were from Asia (68%). Twenty-two patients (37%) were found be antiphospholipid-positive; 21 of them were positive for lupus anticoagulant, whereas one patient was positive for anti-β2-glycoprotein IgG/IgM. The composite outcome of mortality and thrombosis during their ICU stay did not differ between antiphospholipid-positive and antiphospholipid-negative patients (4 [18%] vs. 6 [16%], adjusted odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.1–6.7; p value = 0.986). The presence of aPLs does not seem to affect the outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in terms of all-cause mortality and thrombosis. Therefore, clinicians may not screen critically ill patients with COVID-19 for aPLs unless deemed clinically appropriate.
Does posture explain the kinematic differences in a grounded running gait between male and female Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) moving on snow?
Authors: Marmol-Guijarro Andres , Nudds Robert , Folkow Lars , Lees John , Codd Jonathan
Published: May 2021

The majority of locomotor research is conducted on treadmills and few studies attempt to understand the differences between this and animals moving in the wild. For example, animals may adjust their gait kinematics or limb posture, to a more compliant limb, to increase stability of locomotion to prevent limb failure or falling on different substrates. Here, using video recordings, we compared locomotor parameters (speed range, stride length, stride frequency, stance duration, swing duration and duty factor) of female Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) moving in the wild over snow to previous treadmill-based research. We also compared the absolute and body size (body mass and limb length)-corrected values of kinematic parameters to published data from males to look for any sex differences across walking and grounded running gaits. Our findings indicate that the kinematics of locomotion are largely conserved between the field and laboratory in that none of the female gaits were drastically affected by moving over snow, except for a prolonged swing phase at very slow walking speeds, likely due to toe dragging. Comparisons between the sexes indicate that the differences observed during a walking gait are likely due to body size. However, sexual dimorphism in body size could not explain the disparate grounded running kinematics of the female and male ptarmigan, which might be linked to a more crouched posture in females. Our findings provide insight into how males and females moving in situ may use different strategies to alleviate the effects of a variable substrate.
Effects of cumulus parameterization and land-surface hydrology schemes on Tibetan Plateau climate simulation during the wet season: insights from the RegCM4 model
Authors: Wang Xuejia , Chen Deliang , Pang Guojin , Anwar Samy A. , Ou Tinghai , Yang Meixue
Published: May 2021

Dynamical downscaling generally performs poorly on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), due to the region’s complex topography and several aspects of model physics, especially convection and land surface processes. This study investigated the effects of the cumulus parameterization scheme (CPS) and land-surface hydrology scheme (LSHS) on TP climate simulation during the wet season using the RegCM4 regional climate model. To address these issues and seek an optimal simulation, we conducted four experiments at a 20 km resolution using various combinations of two CPSs (Grell and MIT-Emanuel), two LSHSs (the default TOPMODEL [TOP], and Variable Infiltration Capacity [VIC]). The simulations in terms of 2-m air temperature, precipitation (including large-scale precipitation [LSP] and convective precipitation [CP]), surface energy-water balance, as well as atmospheric moisture flux transport and vertical motion were compared with surface and satellite-based observations as well as the ERA5 reanalysis dataset for the period 2006–2016. The results revealed that the model using the Grell and TOP schemes better reproduced air temperature but with a warm bias, part of which could be significantly decreased by the MIT scheme. All schemes simulated a reasonable spatial distribution of precipitation, with the best performance in the experiment using the MIT and VIC schemes. Excessive precipitation was produced by the Grell scheme, mainly due to overestimated LSP, while the MIT scheme largely reduced the overestimation, and the simulated contribution of CP to total precipitation was in close agreement with the ERA5 data. The RegCM4 model satisfactorily captured diurnal cycles of precipitation amount and frequency, although there remained some differences in phase and magnitude, which were mainly caused by the CPSs. Relative to the Grell scheme, the MIT scheme yielded a weaker surface heating by reducing net radiation fluxes and the Bowen ratio. Consequently, anomalous moisture flux transport was substantially reduced over the southeastern TP, leading to a decrease in precipitation. The VIC scheme could also help decrease the wet bias by reducing surface heating. Further analysis indicated that the high CP in the MIT simulations could be attributed to destabilization in the low and mid-troposphere, while the VIC scheme tended to inhibit shallow convection, thereby decreasing CP. This study’s results also suggest that CPS interacts with LSHS to affect the simulated climate over the TP.
Gewichtsverluste und Mangelernährungsrisiko bei geriatrischen PatientInnen
Authors: Graeb Fabian , Wolke Reinhold , Reiber Petra
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

Mangelernährung stellt eine große Herausforderung im klinischen Alltag dar und ist mit einer erhöhten Mortalität assoziiert.

Ziel der Arbeit

Im vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) geförderten Forschungsprojekt Prävention und Behandlung von Mangelernährung bei geriatrischen Patienten im Krankenhaus werden Routinedaten ausgewertet. Ziel ist es, die Ursachen eines in der Klinik erworbenen Mangelernährungsrisikos aufzudecken.

Material und Methoden

Ausgewertet werden anonymisierte Daten von insgesamt 2058 PflegeheimbewohnerInnen aus 19 Pflegeeinrichtungen mit mindestens 3‑tägigem Klinikaufenthalt. Mangelernährungsrisiko wird mithilfe der kombinierten Screenings MUST/PEMU (Malnutrition Universal Screnning Tool/Pflegerische Erfassung von Mangelernährung und deren Ursachen) , die manifeste Mangelernährung entsprechend den ESPEN-Kriterien (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) bestimmt.

Ergebnisse

Ein initialer Anteil von 36,2 % (n = 744) weist ein Mangelernährungsrisiko und 12,7 % (n = 262) eine manifeste Mangelernährung auf; die Anteile steigen nach Klinikaufenthalt auf 48,6 % (n = 881) bzw. 14,3 % (n = 259). Die logistische Regressionsanalyse zeigt eine signifikant steigende Wahrscheinlichkeit, ein Mangelernährungsrisiko während des Klinikaufenthaltes zu entwickeln, wenn Einweisungsdiagnosen der ICD-10-Gruppen (International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) Krankheiten des Atmungssystems (OR 2,686; 95 %-KI 1,111–4,575) und Nebendiagnosen der Gruppe Osteopathien und Chondropathien (OR 1,892; 95 %-KI 1,149–3,115) vorliegen sowie bei einem höheren BMI (OR 1,108; 95 %-KI 1,038–1,181), positiveren Gewichtsveränderungen 6 Monate vor Krankenhaus (OR 1,055; 95 %-KI 1,017–1,094) und einer steigenden Anzahl an Behandlungstagen (OR 1,048; 95 %-KI 1,029–1,067).

Diskussion

Sowohl die Identifikation einer initialen Mangelernährung als auch die Prävention eines innerklinischen Mangelernährungsrisikos stellt eine große Herausforderung für die Kliniken dar. Beides ist aber gleichermaßen erforderlich.
Tau immunotherapy is associated with glial responses in FTLD-tau
Authors: Kim Boram , Mikytuck Bailey , Suh Eunran , Gibbons Garrett S. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Vaishnavi Sanjeev N. , Spindler Meredith A. , Massimo Lauren , Grossman Murray , Trojanowski John Q. , Irwin David J. , Lee Edward B.
Published: May 2021

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are neuropathologic subtypes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau inclusions (FTLD-tau), primary tauopathies in which intracellular tau aggregation contributes to neurodegeneration. Gosuranemab (BIIB092) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to N-terminal tau. While Gosuranemab passive immunotherapy trials for PSP failed to demonstrate clinical benefit, Gosuranemab reduced N-terminal tau in the cerebrospinal fluid of transgenic mouse models and PSP patients. However, the neuropathologic sequelae of Gosuranemab have not been described. In this present study, we examined the brain tissue of three individuals who received Gosuranemab. Post-mortem human brain tissues were studied using immunohistochemistry to identify astrocytic and microglial differences between immunized cases and a cohort of unimmunized PSP, CBD and aging controls. Gosuranemab immunotherapy was not associated with clearance of neuropathologic FTLD-tau inclusions. However, treatment-associated changes were observed including the presence of perivascular vesicular astrocytes (PVA) with tau accumulation within lysosomes. PVAs were morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct from the tufted astrocytes seen in PSP, granular fuzzy astrocytes (GFA) seen in aging, and astrocytic plaques seen in CBD. Additional glial responses included increased reactive gliosis consisting of bushy astrocytosis and accumulation of rod microglia. Together, these neuropathologic findings suggest that Gosuranemab may be associated with a glial response including accumulation of tau within astrocytic lysosomes.
Spatial scaling of plant and bird diversity from 50 to 10,000 ha in a lowland tropical rainforest
Authors: Hazell Richard J. , Chmel Kryštof , Riegert Jan , Paul Luda , Isua Brus , Kaina Graham S. , Fibich Pavel , Molem Kenneth , Stewart Alan J. A. , Peck Mika R. , Weiblen George D. , Novotny Vojtech
Published: May 2021

While there are numerous studies of diversity patterns both within local communities and at regional scales, the intermediate scale of tens to thousands of km2 is often neglected. Here we present detailed local data on plant communities (using 20 × 20 m plots) and bird communities (using point counts) for a 50 ha ForestGEO plot in lowland rainforest at Wanang, Papua New Guinea. We compare these local diversity patterns with those documented in the surrounding 10,000 ha of lowland rainforest. Woody plant species richness was lower within 50 ha (88% of 10,000 ha richness), even when both were surveyed with identical sampling effort. In contrast, bird communities exhibited identical species accumulation patterns at both spatial scales. Similarity in species composition (Chao-Jaccard) remained constant while similarity in dominance structure (Bray–Curtis) decreased with increased distance between samples across the range from < 1 to 13.8 km for both plant and bird communities. The similarity decay was more rapid in plants, but in both cases was slow. The results indicate low to zero beta-diversity at the spatial scale represented here, particularly for birds but also for woody plants. A 50 ha plot provided a highly accurate representation of broader-scale diversity and community composition within 10,000 ha for birds, and a relatively good representation for woody plants. This suggests potential for wider generalization of data from ForestGEO plots which are almost always locally unreplicated, at least for those in lowland tropical forest.