bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Campycins are novel broad-spectrum antibacterials killing Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Zampara Athina , Gencay Yilmaz Emre , Brøndsted Lone , Sørensen Martine Camilla Holst
Published: October 2024

Pyocins are high molecular weight bacteriocins produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can be retargeted to new bacterial species by exchanging the pyocin tail fibers with bacteriophage receptor binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we develop retargeted pyocins called campycins as new antibacterials to precisely and effectively kill the major foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. We used two diverse RBPs (H-fibers) encoded by CJIE1 prophages found in the genomes of C. jejuni strains CAMSA2147 and RM1221 to construct campycin 1 and campycin 2, respectively. Campycins 1 and 2 could target all C. jejuni strains tested due to complementary antibacterial spectra. In addition, both campycins led to more than 3 log reductions in C. jejuni counts under microaerobic conditions at 42 °C, whereas the killing efficiency was less efficient under anaerobic conditions at 5 °C. Furthermore, we discovered that both H-fibers used to construct the campycins bind to the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) present in all C. jejuni in a strain-specific manner. Protein sequence alignment and structural modeling suggest that the highly variable extracellular loops of MOMP form the binding sites of the diverse H-fibers. Further in silico analyses of 5000 MOMP sequences indicated that the protein falls into three major clades predicted to be targeted by either campycin 1 or campycin 2. Thus, campycins are promising antibacterials against C. jejuni and are expected to broadly target numerous strains of this human pathogen in nature and agriculture.

Key points

• Campycins are engineered R-type pyocins containing H-fibers from C. jejuni prophages

• Campycins reduce C. jejuni counts by >3 logs at conditions promoting growth

• Campycins bind to the essential outer membrane protein MOMP in a strain-dependent way
Spiral volumetric optoacoustic tomography of reduced oxygen saturation in the spinal cord of M83 mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Combes Benjamin F. , Kalva Sandeep Kumar , Benveniste Pierre-Louis , Tournant Agathe , Law Man Hoi , Newton Joshua , Krüger Maik , Weber Rebecca Z. , Dias Inês , Noain Daniela , Dean-Ben Xose Luis , Konietzko Uwe , Baumann Christian R. , Gillberg Per-Göran , Hock Christoph , Nitsch Roger M. , Cohen-Adad Julien , Razansky Daniel , Ni Ruiqing
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Metabolism and bioenergetics in the central nervous system play important roles in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we employed a multimodal imaging approach to assess oxygenation changes in the spinal cord of the transgenic M83 murine model of PD overexpressing the mutated A53T alpha-synuclein form in comparison with non-transgenic littermates.

Methods

In vivo spiral volumetric optoacoustic tomography (SVOT) was performed to assess oxygen saturation (sO2) in the spinal cords of M83 mice and non-transgenic littermates. Ex vivo high-field T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 9.4T was used to assess volumetric alterations in the spinal cord. 3D SVOT analysis and deep learning-based automatic segmentation of T1w MRI data for the mouse spinal cord were developed for quantification. Immunostaining for phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (pS129 α-syn), as well as vascular organization (CD31 and GLUT1), was performed after MRI scan.

Results

In vivo SVOT imaging revealed a lower sO2
SVOT in the spinal cord of M83 mice compared to non-transgenic littermates at sub-100 μm spatial resolution. Ex vivo MRI-assisted by in-house developed deep learning-based automatic segmentation (validated by manual analysis) revealed no volumetric atrophy in the spinal cord of M83 mice compared to non-transgenic littermates at 50 μm spatial resolution. The vascular network was not impaired in the spinal cord of M83 mice in the presence of pS129 α-syn accumulation.

Conclusion

We developed tools for deep-learning-based analysis for the segmentation of mouse spinal cord structural MRI data, and volumetric analysis of sO2
SVOT data. We demonstrated non-invasive high-resolution imaging of reduced sO2
SVOT in the absence of volumetric structural changes in the spinal cord of PD M83 mouse model.
Genetic variants in patients with multiple arterial aneurysms
Authors: Körfer Daniel , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar , Peters Andreas S. , Burkart Sebastian , Hempel Maja , Schaaf Christian P. , Böckler Dittmar , Erhart Philipp
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify causal genetic variants in patients with multiple arterial aneurysms.

Methods

From a total cohort of 3107 patients diagnosed with an arterial aneurysm from 2006 to 2016, patients with known hereditary connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, or other arterial pathologies (n = 918) were excluded. Of the remaining cohort (n = 2189), patients with at least 4 aneurysms at different arterial locations (n = 143) were included. Nine blood samples of respective patients were available and derived from the institutional vascular biomaterial bank, and analyzed by whole exome sequencing (WES). Possible candidate variants were selected based on in silico predictions: (I) Truncating variants or (II) Variants that were classified as likely pathogenic (SIFT score < 0.05 or PolyPhen score > 0.9) and with low (< 0.001) or unknown gnomAD allele frequency. The human genome databases GeneCards and MalaCards were used to correlate the variants with regard to possible associations with vascular diseases.

Results

A total of 24 variants in 23 different genes associated with vascular diseases were detected in the cohort. One patient with eight aneurysms was heterozygous for a variant in SMAD3, for which pathogenic variants are phenotypically associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome 3. A heterozygous variant in TNXB was found in a patient with five aneurysms. Homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in this gene are associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (classical-like). Another patient with six aneurysms carried two heterozygous TET2 variants together with a heterozygous PPM1D variant. Pathogenic variants in these genes are associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

All nine patients in this study carried variants in genes associated with vascular diseases. Current knowledge of the specific variants is insufficient to classify them as pathogenic at the present time, underlining the need for a better understanding of the consequences of genetic variants. WES should be considered for patients with multiple arterial aneurysms to detect germline variants and to improve clinical management for the individual and family members.
The effect of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass on gastroesophageal reflux disease: An updated meta-analysis and systematic review of 5-year post-operative data from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Memon Muhammed Ashraf , Osland Emma , Yunus Rossita Mohamad , Hoque Zahirul , Alam Khorshed , Khan Shahjahan
Published: October 2024

Background

To evaluate 5-year effect of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) versus laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) solely based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5-year postoperative GERD data comparing LVSG and LRYGB in adults were undertaken. Electronic databases were searched from January 2015 to March 2024 for publications meeting inclusion criteria. The Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman random effects model was applied to estimate pooled odds ratio where meta-analysis was possible. Bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 and GRADE.

Results

Five RCTs were analysed (LVSG n = 554, LRYGB n = 539). LVSG was associated with increased adverse GERD outcomes compared to LRYGB at 5 years. The odds for revisional surgery to treat GERD in LVSG patients were 11 times higher compared to LRYGB (OR 11.47, 95% CI 1.83 to 71.69; p = 0.02; I2 = 0% High level of certainty). Similarly pharmacological management for increasing GERD was significantly more frequent in LVSG patients compared to LRYGB (OR 3.89, 95% CI 2.31 to 6.55; p ≤ 0.01; I2 = 0% Moderate level of certainty). Overall, LVSG was associated with significantly more interventions (both medical and surgical) for either worsening GERD and/or development of de novo GERD compared to LRYGB (OR 5.98, 95% CI 3.48 to 10.29; p ≤ 0.01; I2 = 0%) Moderate level of certainty).

Conclusions

The development and worsening of GERD symptoms are frequently associated with LVSG compared to LRYGB at 5 years postoperatively requiring either initiation or increase of pharmacotherapy or failing that revisional bariatric surgery. Appropriate patient/surgical selection is crucial to reduce these postoperative risks of GERD.
Near-infrared autofluorescence pattern in parathyroid gland adenoma
Authors: Rossi Leonardo , De Palma Andrea , Papini Piermarco , Chicas Vasquez Malince , Cetani Filomena , Ambrosini Carlo Enrico , Materazzi Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Background

Parathyroid gland (PG) surgery is often challenging due to the small size and indistinct nature of these glands. The introduction of intraoperative near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) has shown promise in localizing parathyroid tissue. However, the NIRAF features of parathyroid adenomas remain unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the NIRAF pattern of parathyroid adenomas.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism at the University Hospital of Pisa, Endocrine Surgery Unit, between December 2021 and February 2022 were enrolled in this study. Intraoperative NIRAF patterns of suspected parathyroid adenomas were evaluated, with particular attention given to the presence of a bright cap.

Results

A retrospective study was conducted on 11 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy at our institution. Histopathological examination of the 15 resected specimens confirmed 14 parathyroid adenomas (12 chief cell parathyroid adenomas, 1 oxyphil cell parathyroid adenoma, and 1 mixed cell parathyroid adenoma) and one schwannoma. All adenomas exhibited a heterogeneous NIRAF pattern, distinct from the homogeneous pattern observed in the schwannoma. A bright cap was identified in 9 out of 14 (64.3%) parathyroid adenomas (all chief cell adenomas). On the contrary, all 9 macroscopically normal PGs identified during surgery presented an homogeneous pattern.

Conclusion

Our findings support the integration of NIRAF into parathyroid surgical procedures. The heterogeneous NIRAF pattern observed in parathyroid adenomas, often accompanied by a bright cap, offers a promising intraoperative diagnostic tool to differentiate hyperfunctioning from normal parathyroid tissue. Larger-scale randomized trials are warranted to further validate these findings.
Interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie: Macht die Dosis einen Unterschied?
Authors: Baumbach Philipp , Storch Peter , Weiss Thomas , Meissner Winfried , Rottstädt Fabian
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Die interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie (IMST) gilt als etablierte Behandlung bei Patient:innen mit starken chronischen Schmerzen. Über die Rolle der Dosierung der Behandlung und insbesondere hinsichtlich des Zusammenhangs der Dauer der IMST und des Behandlungserfolgs liegen kaum Erkenntnisse vor.

Ziel

Ziel dieser retrospektiven Studie war es, den mittelfristigen Behandlungserfolg einer kurzen stationären (KST, 1 Woche) und einer langen tagesklinischen (LTT, 4 Wochen) IMST mit vergleichbarem inhaltlichem Behandlungskonzept und vergleichbarer Therapieintensität (20 h/Woche) bei Patient:innen mit starken chronischen Schmerzen zu vergleichen.

Methoden

Patient:innen beider Gruppen beantworteten jeweils zu Beginn und zum Ende der IMST sowie nach 3 Monaten den Deutschen Schmerzfragebogen. Die primären Zielgrößen umfassten die schmerzbedingte Beeinträchtigung und die durchschnittliche Schmerzintensität im Follow-up bei zu Therapiebeginn hinsichtlich Geschlecht, Alter, Schmerzintensität und -beeinträchtigung vergleichbaren Patient:innen.

Ergebnisse

Während initial beide Gruppen signifikante Behandlungseffekte in der schmerzbedingten Beeinträchtigung und durchschnittlichen Schmerzintensität zeigten, berichteten im 3‑Monats-Follow-up Patient:innen der LTT (n = 32) signifikant bessere Werte in beiden Variablen im Vergleich zu Patient:innen der KST (n = 32). Dies war auf anhaltende positive Effekte bei LTT-Patient:innen und eine Verschlechterung in der KST-Gruppe zurückzuführen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass initiale Behandlungseffekte in beiden Behandlungssettings zu beobachten sind, eine längere Therapiedauer aber scheinbar die langfristige Stabilität der Behandlungseffekte begünstigt.

Graphic abstract
Die räumliche Dimension des EU-Emissionshandels (EU ETS): Messung des regionalen Transformationsdrucks in Deutschland
Authors: Becker Tim , Losacker Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Um die Wirtschaft in eine emissionsarme Zukunft zu führen und den Klimawandel einzudämmen, wurde auf europäischer Ebene das EU-Emissionshandelssystem (EU ETS) eingeführt. Es funktioniert über einen Cap-and-Trade-Mechanismus und reguliert derzeit etwa 40 % der CO2-Emissionen in der EU. Aufgrund regionaler Unterschiede in der Industriestruktur und der räumlichen Konzentration regulierter Anlagen kann dieses supranationale Instrument jedoch regional unterschiedliche Wirkungen entfalten und zu einer räumlich ungleichen Verteilung des Kostendrucks zur Emissionsminderung führen. Um diesen Transformationsdruck für deutsche NUTS-3-Regionen empirisch zu messen, schlagen wir zwei Indikatoren vor: einen zur Messung der regionalen CO2-Intensität und einen zur Messung der regionalen regulatorischen Stringenz. Eine anschließende Regionstypisierung auf Basis beider Indikatoren bietet eine Orientierungshilfe, in welchen Regionen Strukturwandel, Abwanderung von Unternehmen oder Verlagerung emissionsintensiver Produktionsschritte aktuell und in Zukunft zu erwarten sind. Dies hilft dabei die unterschiedlichen Dimensionen des Transformationsdrucks auf die regionale Wirtschaftsstruktur zu approximieren, Zielregionen für zukunftsgerichtete Transformationsstrategien zu identifizieren und regionsspezifische Unterstützungsmaßnahmen zu entwickeln.
Cuts and semidefinite liftings for the complex cut polytope
Authors: Sinjorgo Lennart , Sotirov Renata , Anjos Miguel F.
Published: October 2024

We consider the complex cut polytope: the convex hull of Hermitian rank 1 matrices$$xx^\textrm{H}$$xxH, where the elements of$$x \in \mathbb {C}^n$$x∈Cnaremth unit roots. These polytopes have applications in MAX-3-CUT, digital communication technology, angular synchronization and more generally, complex quadratic programming. For$$m=2$$m=2, the complex cut polytope corresponds to the well-known cut polytope. We generalize valid cuts for this polytope to cuts for any complex cut polytope with finite$$m>2$$m>2and provide a framework to compare them. Further, we consider a second semidefinite lifting of the complex cut polytope for$$m=\infty $$m=∞. This lifting is proven to be equivalent to other complex Lasserre-type liftings of the same order proposed in the literature, while being of smaller size. Our theoretical findings are supported by numerical experiments on various optimization problems.
Exploring forest changes in an Ips typographus L. outbreak area: insights from multi-temporal multispectral UAS remote sensing
Authors: Östersund Madeleine , Honkavaara Eija , Oliveira Raquel A. , Näsi Roope , Hakala Teemu , Koivumäki Niko , Pelto-Arvo Mikko , Tuviala Johanna , Nevalainen Olli , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa Päivi
Published: October 2024

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) offer a versatile solution for monitoring forest ecosystems. This study aimed to develop and assess an individual tree-based methodology using multi-temporal, multispectral UAS images to track changes caused by the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.). The approach encompassed four key steps: (1) individual tree detection using structure-from-motion point clouds, (2) tree species classification, (3) health classification of spruce trees as healthy, declined, or dead, and (4) change detection, identifying fallen/removed trees and alterations in tree health status. The developed methodology was employed to quantify changes in a bark beetle outbreak area covering 215 hectares in southeastern Finland during 2019–2021. The dataset included two managed and two conserved forest areas. The uncertainty estimation demonstrated the overall accuracies ranging from 0.58 to 0.91 for individual tree detection, 0.84 for species classification, and 0.83–0.96 for health classification, and a F1-score of 0.91 for the fallen or removed tree detection. Maps and statistics were produced, containing information on the health of the spruce trees in the area and information on changes, including trees that died during monitoring and those that fell or were removed from the forest. The results demonstrated successful control of the outbreak in the managed stands, evidenced by moderate tree mortality. Conversely, in the conserved stands, the outbreak resulted in dramatic tree mortality. This method serves stakeholders by enabling large-scale outbreak impact monitoring, facilitating timely risk assessment, and validating bark beetle outbreak management strategies.
Multifaceted roles of mitochondria in asthma
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Chenyu , Zhang Yi , Zhou Xuehua , Dong Bo , Tan Hong , Su Hui , Sun Xin
Published: October 2024

Mitochondria are essential organelles within cells, playing various roles in numerous cellular processes, including differentiation, growth, apoptosis, energy conversion, metabolism, and cellular immunity. The phenotypic variation of mitochondria is specific to different tissues and cell types, resulting in significant differences in their function, morphology, and molecular characteristics. Asthma is a chronic, complex, and heterogeneous airway disease influenced by external factors such as environmental pollutants and allergen exposure, as well as internal factors at the tissue, cellular, and genetic levels, including lung and airway structural cells, immune cells, granulocytes, and mast cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the specific responses of mitochondria to various external environmental stimuli and internal changes are crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of asthma. Previous research on mitochondrial-targeted therapy for asthma has primarily focused on antioxidants. Consequently, it is necessary to summarize the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of asthma to discover additional strategies targeting mitochondria in this context. In this review, our goal is to describe the changes in mitochondrial function in response to various exposure factors across different cell types and other relevant factors in the context of asthma, utilizing a new mitochondrial terminology framework that encompasses cell-dependent mitochondrial characteristics, molecular features, mitochondrial activity, function, and behavior.
A new argument for linguistic determinants of human thought
Authors: Hinzen Wolfram , Martin Txuss , Wiltschko Martina
Published: October 2024

We argue that the commonly accepted existence of grammatical concepts such as Person (in the grammatical sense) or Tense poses an unrecognized challenge to the idea that human thought is independent of language. The argument is that such concepts identify aspects of linguistic expressions that also systematically define the contents and identity of the thoughts expressed in language. Since grammatical concepts are not known to have non-grammatical analogues, the thoughts in question do not appear to be non-linguistic in nature. We conclude that language is unlikely to be merely a medium in which independently constituted thoughts are expressed.
Numerical modeling of SNSPD absorption utilizing optical conductivity with quantum corrections
Authors: Baránek Martin , Neilinger Pavol , Kern Samuel , Grajcar Miroslav
Published: October 2024

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors are widely used in various fields of physics and technology, due to their high efficiency and timing precision. Although, in principle, their detection mechanism offers broadband operation, their wavelength range has to be optimized by the optical cavity parameters for a specific task. We present a study of the optical absorption of a superconducting nanowire single photon detector with an optical cavity. The optical properties of the niobium nitride films, measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry, were modeled using the Drude–Lorentz model with quantum corrections. The numerical simulations of the optical response of the detectors show that the wavelength range of the detector is not solely determined by its geometry, but the optical conductivity of the disordered thin metallic films contributes considerably. This contribution can be conveniently expressed by the ratio of imaginary and real parts of the optical conductivity. This knowledge can be utilized in detector design.
Effect of noisy environment on secure quantum teleportation of unimodal Gaussian states
Authors: Mehrabankar S. , Mahmoudi P. , Abbasnezhad F. , Afshar D. , Isar A.
Published: October 2024

Quantum networks rely on quantum teleportation, a process where an unknown quantum state is transmitted between sender and receiver via entangled states and classical communication. In our study, we utilize a continuous variable two-mode squeezed vacuum state as the primary resource for quantum teleportation, shared by Alice and Bob, while exposed to a squeezed thermal environment. Secure quantum teleportation necessitates a teleportation fidelity exceeding 2/3 and the establishment of two-way steering of the resource state. We investigate the temporal evolution of steering and teleportation fidelity to determine critical parameter values for secure quantum teleportation of a coherent Gaussian state. Our findings reveal constraints imposed by temperature, dissipation rate, and squeezing parameters of the squeezed thermal reservoir on the duration of secure quantum teleportation. Intriguingly, we demonstrate that increasing the squeezing parameter of the initial state effectively extends the temporal window for a successful secure quantum teleportation.
Catalytic functionalization of MCM-41 and MCM-48 with copper by modified template ion-exchange method for low-temperature NH3-SCR process: the role of complexing agents for copper dispersion
Authors: Gomułka Aleksandra , Iwaszko Oliwia , Kowalczyk Andrzej , Piwowarska Zofia , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: October 2024

Mesoporous silicas of MCM-41 and MCM-48 types were synthesized and modified with copper by template ion-exchange (TIE) technique. A high dispersion of deposited copper species was managed by subsequent treatment of the samples with ammonia, urea, or acetonitrile solution. Copper-modified silicas were analysed in terms of their chemical composition (ICP-OES), ordering of porous structure (XRD), textural parameters (low-temperature N2 sorption), dispersion and form of introduced copper species (UV–vis-DR, XRD, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD). Mesoporous silicas modified with copper exhibited promising catalytic efficiency in selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia (NH3-SCR). The samples containing dispersed copper species (predominantly monomeric copper cations) presented enhanced catalytic activity compared to catalysts containing CuO aggregates. On the other hand, CuO aggregates showed greater catalytic activity in the side process of direct ammonia oxidation by oxygen present in the reaction mixture. It was demonstrated that TIE post-treatment of the samples with urea resulted in most effective improving dispersion of deposited copper and is less destructive for ordered porous structures of mesoporous silica comparing to treatment with ammonia solution.

Graphical abstract
Tuning diagonal scale matrices for HMC
Authors: Tran Jimmy Huy , Kleppe Tore Selland
Published: October 2024

Three approaches for adaptively tuning diagonal scale matrices for HMC are discussed and compared. The common practice of scaling according to estimated marginal standard deviations is taken as a benchmark. Scaling according to the mean log-target gradient (ISG), and a scaling method targeting that the frequency of when the underlying Hamiltonian dynamics crosses the respective medians should be uniform across dimensions, are taken as alternatives. Numerical studies suggest that the ISG method leads in many cases to more efficient sampling than the benchmark, in particular in cases with strong correlations or non-linear dependencies. The ISG method is also easy to implement, computationally cheap and would be relatively simple to include in automatically tuned codes as an alternative to the benchmark practice.
Is Epistemic Autonomy Technologically Possible Within Social Media? A Socio-Epistemological Investigation of the Epistemic Opacity of Social Media Platforms
Authors: Mattioni Margherita
Published: October 2024

This article aims to provide a coherent and comprehensive theoretical framework of the main socio-epistemic features of social media. The first part consists of a concise discussion of the main epistemic consequences of personalised information filtering, with a focus on echo chambers and their many different implications. The middle section instead hosts an analytical investigation of the cognitive and epistemic environments of these platforms aimed at establishing whether, and to what extent, they allow their users to be epistemically vigilant with respect to their sources and the content recommended to them. Finally, in the last part, of a more exquisitely normative nature, some strategies are proposed and discussed that, by reducing the epistemic opacity of social media, could contribute to greater epistemic justice within social media and, concurrently, to augmenting the epistemic autonomy of users.
Schulerfahrungen und Gesundheitsverhalten von Grundschulkindern
Authors: Trompke Michaela , Träger Leonie , Kohlmann Carl-Walter
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Das Setting Schule ist für das Gesundheitsverhalten von Kindern relevant. Die Rolle emotionaler und sozialer Schulerfahrungen für das Gesundheitsverhalten wurde an einer Stichprobe von 300 Grundschulkindern der dritten und vierten Klasse aus 22 Schulklassen untersucht.

Fragestellung

Die Besonderheit der Studie besteht darin, subjektive Gesundheitsweisen durch eine Selbsteinschätzung der Grundschulkinder zu erfassen und anhand veränderbarer Prädiktoren des schulischen Kontextes zu erklären.

Material und Methoden

Die Kinder beantworteten Fragebogen zu einerseits Klassenklima, sozialer Integration und dem Selbstkonzept der Schulfähigkeit und andererseits Schutz- und Ernährungsverhalten. Die Daten wurden auf Klassen- und Individualebene analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Generell berichteten Mädchen ein besseres Gesundheitsverhalten als Jungen. Die Unterschiede der Klassen in den Schulerfahrungen waren auch mit Unterschieden im Gesundheitsverhalten assoziiert. Nach Kontrolle von Klassen‑, Alters- und Geschlechtseffekten war insbesondere ein gutes Klassenklima mit günstigem Ernährungsverhalten verbunden. Zudem erwies sich auch das Selbstkonzept der Schulfähigkeit als bedeutsames Korrelat von sowohl Schutz- als auch Gesundheitsverhalten.

Schlussfolgerung

Ansatzpunkte einer schulischen Gesundheitsförderung können somit auch aus der Förderung eines guten Klassenklimas und der Stärkung des schulischen Selbstkonzepts bestehen.
Rapid Evolution of Metastases in Patients with Treated G3 Neuroendocrine Tumors Associated with NEC-Like Transformation and TP53 Mutation
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Pfarr Nicole , Mayr Eva-Maria , Ura Ayako , Moser Elisa , von Werder Alexander , Agaimy Abbas , Pavel Marianne , Klöppel Günter
Published: October 2024

Little is known about the morphomolecular features of G3 neuroendocrine tumors (G3NETs) under prolonged systemic treatments, although rapid progression is increasingly observed. This longitudinal study aims to elucidate the course and morphomolecular features of metastasized G3NETs with high-grade transformation. Clinical and histological findings in 40 patients with metastasized and treated G3NETs, which were histologically examined at least twice with an interval time of more than 6 months (median 27), were reviewed and the morphomolecular changes recorded and assigned to treatment. Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC)-like histology defined by high-grade atypia, diffuse growth pattern, and/or necrosis was identified in nine (22%) G3NETs (seven pancreatic, two rectal) patients. All NEC-like tumors showed a significantly higher Ki67 increase and longer interval time between first and last examination than non-NEC-like G3NETs (53 vs. 19% and 60 vs. 24 months, respectively). Moreover, all NEC-like G3NETs had TP53 (100%), but rarely RB1 (12%) mutations, and retained NET-typical mutations such as MEN1 or DAXX (five of the pancreatic NETs). The last treatments received prior to the NEC-like transformation included PRRT (n = 3), somatostatin analog, everolimus, sunitinib (n = 1 each), and alkylating agents (n = 2). Abrupt clinical progression in patients with metastasized G3NETs is associated with a significant increase in Ki67, accelerated growth, and NEC-like histology. These findings are most likely attributable to the novel TP53 mutation, which was detected in all nine cases at the last evaluation. However, none of the cases exhibited a complete transformation to a typical NEC, as the tumors retained partial histological and genetic features of NETs.
Refugee Minors’ Perspectives Explored with the Bridge Drawing and Children’s Hope Scale
Authors: Girish Meghna , Lev-Wiesel Rachel
Published: October 2024

Moving from one’s home country to a foreign country due to unforeseen circumstances such as war and unrest is a distressing life event. For minors, such an experience can impact their perception of the past and present alongside future goals and desires. With this background, a pilot study was done to assess the life transition reflected in the Bridge Drawing Test (BDT) of refugee minors who have moved from either Ukraine or Eritrea and are currently living in Israel, with a control group. A mixed-methods design involving BDT and the Children’s Hope Scale (CHS) was administered to a sample (N = 35, 20 girls and 15 boys) consisting of 16 refugee minors and 19 controls aged 4 to 14 years (M = 8.3 years, SD = 2.8). The BDT was assessed using indicators from the original bridge drawing directive and the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) by two Art Therapists (Cohen’s Kappa ranged from 0.6 to 1). Results showed significant group differences in indicators: Prominence of colour, details of objects and environment, obviousness of Solidarity of bridge attachments and high versus low hope from the BDT (Medium effect size & p < .05). Associations between Pathway and Agency with BDT indicator and FEATS were seen. Refugee status also moderated the relationship between the CHS Total score and the subscale of Pathway and BDT indicator, namely Directionality (p = .01 & p = .02). Bridge drawings of refugee minors have differences that can aid in understanding their hope and goals, offering benefits as a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention tool. Future studies with larger samples, and diverse cultural groups are warranted to explore the same.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma involving the parotid gland with expression of the melanocytic marker PRAME
Authors: Aslam Sumayya , Ibe Ifegwu , Zhang Ying , Demianets Roksolana , Tran Truc , Gamayo Ashley , Zhao Xiaohui , Rezk Sherif A.
Published: October 2024

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm arising from follicular dendritic cells (FDC) of lymphoid follicles. While the majority of FDC sarcoma cases arise within lymph nodes, approximately 30% manifest in extranodal sites. Only 4 prior occurrences of intra-parotid FDC sarcomas have been documented. We are reporting a rare case of FDC of the parotid gland in a 65-year-old male with a questionable history of B-cell lymphoma. The patient underwent a right total parotidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. A diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma was made, with one positive intra-parotid node. The malignant cells expressed the characteristic markers for FDC sarcoma but with positivity of the melanocytic marker PRAME. This is a case of FDC sarcoma with an unusual extranodal localization in the parotid gland. Immunohistochemistry was useful in making a diagnosis although the positivity for the melanocytic marker PRAME was unusual and unreported before.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Essential Tremor: A Retrospective Clinical and Kinematic Analysis
Authors: Costa Davide , Grandolfo Sofia , Birreci Daniele , Angelini Luca , Passaretti Massimiliano , Cannavacciuolo Antonio , Martini Adriana , De Riggi Martina , Paparella Giulia , Fasano Alfonso , Bologna Matteo
Published: October 2024

In the past few years, SARS-CoV-2 infection has substantially impacted public health. Alongside respiratory symptoms, some individuals have reported new neurological manifestations or a worsening of pre-existing neurological conditions. We previously documented two cases of essential tremor (ET) who experienced a deterioration in tremor following SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on ET remain largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on a relatively broad sample of ET patients by retrospectively comparing their clinical and kinematic data collected before and after the exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We surveyed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on tremor features in ET. Subsequently, we retrospectively analysed clinical and kinematic data, including accelerometric recordings of postural and kinetic tremor. We included 36 ET patients (14 females with a mean age of 71.1 ± 10.6 years). Among the 25 patients who reported SARS-CoV-2 infection, 11 (44%) noted a subjective worsening of tremor. All patients reporting subjective tremor worsening also exhibited symptoms of long COVID, whereas the prevalence of these symptoms was lower (50%) in those without subjective exacerbation. The retrospective analysis of clinical data revealed a tremor deterioration in infected patients, which was not observed in non-infected patients. Finally, kinematic analysis revealed substantial stability of tremor features in both groups. The study highlighted a potential correlation between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical worsening of ET. Long COVID contributes to a greater impact of tremor on the daily life of ET patients.
Implications of newly developed SNPs for conservation programmes for the threatened Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) in Oman
Authors: Al-Ghafri Mataab K. , White Patrick J.C. , Briers Robert A. , Ball Alex , Senn Helen , Al-Jahdhami Mansoor H. , Al-Amri Haitham , Tiwari Bisnu B. , Al-Harsusi Said Nasser , Al-Harsusi Abdullah Ghasab , Al-Rawahi Qais , Dicks Kara L.
Published: October 2024

Conservation of elusive species affected by habitat degradation, population fragmentation and poaching is challenging. The remaining wild populations of a desert-adapted ungulate, Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), within Oman are small and fragmented. The appropriateness of captive insurance populations for reinforcing existing, or establishing new, wild populations remains uncertain for Oman due to ambiguity regarding their genetic provenance. For effective management of this threatened species, it is essential to assess the genetic relationships between the wild and captive populations, and to investigate hybridisation with domestic goats (Capra hircus). We identified 5,775 high-quality SNPs using double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD), to assess genetic structure, gene flow and divergence between Oman’s wild populations of Nubian ibex and in captivity, which are likely of North African provenance. We detected hybridisation with goats in captivity and recommend that genetic assessments of captive individuals are routinely used to evaluate their suitability for conservation programs. Building on previous mitochondrial evidence, substantial nuclear divergence (FST = 0.540) was found between wild Oman and captive populations, providing further evidence that Nubian ibex may be composed of multiple species and urgently needs a taxonomic review. Additionally, an appropriate insurance population should be established for Oman’s threatened wild population. The data provided here will be invaluable for developing marker systems to assess wild populations using low-quality DNA from non-invasive sampling. Consequently, it will support further research into Nubian ibex throughout their range and highlights the need to integrate genetic information for effective conservation management of Nubian ibex.
The Duck’s Brain
Authors: Schüle Maximilian , Neumann Thomas , Kemper Alfons
Published: October 2024

Although database systems perform well in data access and manipulation, their relational model hinders data scientists from formulating machine learning algorithms in SQL. Nevertheless, we argue that modern database systems perform well for machine learning algorithms expressed in relational algebra. To overcome the barrier of the relational model, this paper shows how to transform data into a coordinate relational representation for training neural networks in SQL: We first describe building blocks for data transformation, model training and inference in SQL-92 and their counterparts using an extended array data type. Then, we compare the implementation for model training and inference using array data types to the one using a coordinate relational representation in SQL-92 only. The evaluation in terms of runtime and memory consumption proves the suitability of modern database systems for matrix algebra, although specialised array data types perform better than matrices in coordinate relational representation.
Monodromy of stratified braid groups, II
Authors: Salter Nick
Published: October 2024

The space of monic squarefree polynomials has a stratification according to the multiplicities of the critical points, called the equicritical stratification. Tracking the positions of roots and critical points, there is a map from the fundamental group of a stratum into a braid group. We give a complete determination of this map. It turns out to be characterized by the geometry of the translation surface structure on $$\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^1$$

C

P

1

induced by the logarithmic derivative $$\textrm{d}f/f$$

d
f
/
f

of a polynomial in the stratum.
Science Fiction, Global Warming and Environmental Education in the Capitalocene
Authors: Gough Noel
Published: October 2024

This essay explores ways in which environmental educators might break with their existing traditions of research and pedagogy by critically appraising climate histories and anticipated futures depicted by SF (science/speculative fiction) in print and audio-visual media. SF has engaged the politics of climate change for at least two centuries and, as a form of public pedagogy accessible to all generations, provides alternative visualisations of the problems arising from humanity’s destructive transformations of Earth’s climate and possible ways of ameliorating them.
Analysis of the impact of key similarity criteria numbers of TBCC inlet during the mode transition
Authors: Chen L. , Zhang Y. , Xu Y.X. , Wang Z.Y. , Tan H.J. , Xue H.C.
Published: October 2024

A simplified configuration was developed to facilitate the mode transition process within an over-under Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) inlet. Leveraging dynamic mesh technology, an unsteady numerical simulation of the mode transition was conducted, emphasising the flow characteristics of the mode transition and the impact of key similarity criteria numbers. The findings indicate that at an incoming Mach number of 2.0, the mode transition is paired with a continuous alteration in the capture mass flow of the high-speed duct. This continual change instigates the inlet unstarting, with subsequent flow characteristics being contingent on the historical effect, exhibiting a degree of hysteresis characteristics. When the scale effect is considered, it is observed that a larger model scale results in higher Reynolds (Re) and Strouhal (St) numbers. This directly contributes to a notable delay in the unstart moment, a decrease in the unstart interval, and an enlargement of the hysteresis loop. An examination of control variables reveals that the Re number marginally influences mode transition characteristics, while the St number’s effect constitutes approximately 90% of the scale effect. This conclusively demonstrates that the St number is the predominant similarity criterion number in the mode transition process.
The Scramble for the West? Debunking the Myths around Migration from Africa and the Global South
Authors: Mbaye Linguère Mously
Published: October 2024

Irregular migrants’ flows have, for several years now, been making the news headlines and are at the core of political debates. In a context of polycrisis—characterized by the post COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and its devastating impacts; the disruption of labor markets caused by the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence; or geopolitical tensions in different parts of the globe that threaten the livelihoods of many communities—the desire to move from the developing and emerging world to the West can increase.
Addressing student mental health and suicide concerns: are we there yet?
Authors: Smith Jo
Published: October 2024

The mental health and suicide rates of further education (FE) and higher education (HE) students have been generating international concern in many countries, including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Several charters and national frameworks have emerged to support and inform whole institution provision. There is evidence of sector engagement and investment to support implementation in HE and to a lesser extent, FE, particularly from the USA and UK, although effectiveness evidence is currently lacking. Barriers affecting help seeking and early identification of difficulties, delays in accessing appropriate support, and lack of continuity of care from campus supports into specialist Mental Health services, remain key challenges. This editorial discusses the current position and the next stage of development in student mental health support and suicide prevention. Overall, the transformation of FE and HE provision to address student mental health and suicide concerns still has a considerable way to go.
Hegemony by Adaptation: Decolonizing Ghana’s Construction Industry
Authors: Stanek Łukasz
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses competing visions of the decolonization of Ghana’s economy during the first decade of the country’s independence from Britain (1957–1966), and the agency and horizon of choice available to the Ghanaian decision-makers in charge of implementing these visions. It focuses on Ghana’s construction industry, both as an important part of the national economy and as a condition for Ghana’s broader social and economic development in the context of colonial-era path-dependencies and Cold War competition. By taking the vantage point of mid-level administrators and professionals, the paper shows how they negotiated British and Soviet technological offers of construction materials, machinery, and design. In response to Soviet claims about the adaptability of their construction resources to Ghana’s local conditions, the practice of adaptation became for Ghanaian architects and administrators an opportunity to reflect on the needs, means, and objectives of Ghana’s construction industry, and on broader visions of Ghana’s economic and social development. Beyond the specific focus on the construction industry, this paper conceptualizes the centrality of adaptation in enforcing technological hegemony during the period of decolonization, and discusses African agency beyond the registers of extraction and resistance that have dominated scholarship on the global Cold War.
Introduction to the Forum: Muslim modernity in South Asia
Authors: Mir Farina
Published: October 2024

This short article introduces the Forum on Muslim modernity in South Asia, placing its four articles—by Muhammad Qasim Zaman, SherAli Tareen, Julia Stephens, and Justin Jones—in the context of existing scholarship. I highlight the authors’ contributions to the study of Islamic reform and of women’s agency, in particular, in understandings of Muslim modernity in South Asia. Each of the contributions is on a discrete topic; this introduction therefore endeavours to pull at the threads within each that underscores their interventions in the study of Muslim modernity and that tie them together in this Forum.
Assessment and comparison of model estimated and directly observed weather data for prediction of diarrhoea aetiology
Authors: Brintz Ben J. , Colston Josh M. , Ahmed Sharia M. , Chao Dennis L. , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Leung Daniel T.
Published: October 2024

Recent advances in clinical prediction for diarrhoeal aetiology in low- and middle-income countries have revealed that the addition of weather data to clinical data improves predictive performance. However, the optimal source of weather data remains unclear. We aim to compare the use of model estimated satellite- and ground-based observational data with weather station directly observed data for the prediction of aetiology of diarrhoea. We used clinical and etiological data from a large multi-centre study of children with moderate to severe diarrhoea cases to compare their predictive performances. We show that the two sources of weather conditions perform similarly in most locations. We conclude that while model estimated data is a viable, scalable tool for public health interventions and disease prediction, given its ease of access, directly observed weather station data is likely adequate for the prediction of diarrhoeal aetiology in children in low- and middle-income countries.
Risk and resilience profiles and their transition pathways in the ABCD Study
Authors: Yang Ruiyu , Tuy Sabrena , Dougherty Lea Rose , Wiggins Jillian Lee
Published: October 2024

The transition from childhood to adolescence presents elevated risks for the onset of psychopathology in youth. Given the multilayered nature of development, the present study leverages the longitudinal, population-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study to derive ecologically informed risk/resilience profiles based on multilevel influences (e.g., neighborhood and family socioeconomic resources, parenting, school characteristics) and their transition pathways and examine their associations with psychopathology. Latent profile analysis characterized risk/resilience profiles at each time point (i.e., baseline, Year-1, Year-2); latent transition analysis estimated the most likely transition pathway for each individual. Analysis of covariance was used to examine associations between profile membership at baseline (i.e., ages 9–11) and psychopathology, both concurrently and at Year-2 follow-up. Further, we examined the associations between profile transition pathways and Year-2 psychopathology. Four distinct profiles emerged across time – High-SES High-Protective, High-SES Low-Protective, Low-SES High-Family-Risk, and Low-SES High-Protective. Despite reasonably high stability, significant transition over time among profiles was detected. Profile membership at baseline significantly correlated with concurrent psychopathology and predicted psychopathology 2 years later. Additionally, profile transition pathways significantly predicted Year-2 psychopathology, exemplifying equifinality and multifinality. Characterizing and tracing shifts in ecologically informed risk/resilience influences, our findings have the potential to inform more precise intervention efforts in youth.