bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silk Meshes Coated with Chitosan‐Bioactive Phytochemicals Activate Wound Healing Genes In Vitro
Authors: Bokhari Natasha , Yasmeen Abida , Ali Asif , Khalid Hamad , Wang Rong , Bashir Mustehsan , Sharif Faiza
Published: May 2023

Meshes from natural silk are hand knitted and surface functionalized to facilitate hernia repair and other load bearing, tissue applications. Purified organic silk is ‐ hand knitted and then coated with chitosan (CH)/bacterial cellulose (BC) blend polymer using four phytochemicals such as pomegranate (PG) peel, Nigella sativa (NS) seed, Licorice root (LE), and Bearberry leaf extracts (BE) separately. Characterizations using GCMS analysis shows the presence of bioactive chemicals in the extracts. Scanning electron microcopy (SEM) shows that the surface is coated with the composite polymer t. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows significant elements found in CH, BC, and phytochemicals in plant extracts with no chemical changes. Tensile strength of the coated meshes is higher to support tissue as implants. The release kinetics suggest sustained release of phytochemical extracts. In vitro studies confirmed the noncytotoxic, biocompatible, wound healing potential of the meshes. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of 3‐wound healing genes shows marked increase in the in vitro cell cultures due to the presence of extracts. These results suggest that the composite meshes can efficiently support hernia closure while facilitating wound/tissue healing and combating bacterial infections. Therefore, these meshes can be good candidates for fistula and cleft palate repair.
APA poll finds adults are anxious about their family's safety
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2023

A new poll released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that one‐third of adults feel extremely anxious about keeping themselves or their family safe and paying their bills or expenses. Their anxiety about these concerns, along with the impact of climate change, has increased since 2022.
A numerical method for space‐fractional diffusion models with mass‐conserving boundary conditions
Authors: Schäfer Moritz , Götz Thomas
Published: May 2023

The study of the spread of epidemics has gained significant attention in recent years, due to ongoing and recurring outbreaks of diseases such as COVID‐19, dengue, Ebola, and West Nile virus. In particular, modeling the spatial spread of these epidemics is crucial. This article explores the use of fractional diffusion as a means of describing non‐local infection spread. The Grünwald–Letnikov formulation of fractional diffusion is presented, along with several mass‐conserving boundary conditions, that is, we aim to design the boundary conditions in a mass‐conserving way, by not allowing gain or loss of the total population. The stationary points of the model for both sticky and reflecting boundary conditions are discussed, with numerical examples provided to illustrate the results. It is shown that reflecting boundary conditions are more reasonable, as the stationary point for sticky boundary conditions is infinite at the boundaries, while reflecting boundary conditions only have the trivial stationary point, given sufficiently fine discretization. The numerical results were applied to an SI model with fractional diffusion, highlighting the dependence of the system on the value of the fractional derivative. Results indicate that as the order of the derivative increases, the diffusivity also increases, accompanied by a slight increase in the average number of infected individuals. These models have the potential to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of disease spread and aid in the development of effective control strategies.
Benefits of the four‐day workweek
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: May 2023

In this month's column, which is adapted from my forthcoming book, Abundance Leaders: Creating Energy, Joy, and Productivity in an Unsettled World, which Wiley is releasing in the fall of 2023, I will talk about the four‐day work week.
Feasibility of time‐restricted eating in individuals with overweight, obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Termannsen Anne‐Ditte , Varming Annemarie , van Elst Christina , Bjerre Natasja , Nørgaard Ole , Hempler Nana Folmann , Færch Kristine , Quist Jonas Salling
Published: May 2023

Objective

This systematic scoping review aimed to map and synthesize research on feasibility of time‐restricted eating (TRE) in individuals with overweight, obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes, including recruitment rate, retention rate, safety, adherence, and participants' attitudes, experiences, and perspectives.

Methods

The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception to November 22, 2022, supplemented by backward and forward citation search.

Results

From 4219 identified records, 28 studies were included. In general, recruitment was easy and median retention rate was 95% among studies with <12 weeks duration and 89% among studies ≥12 weeks. Median (range) adherence to the target eating window for studies <12 and ≥12 weeks was 89% (75%–98%) and 81% (47%–93%), respectively. Variation in adherence among participants and studies was considerable, indicating that following TRE was difficult for some people and that intervention conditions influenced adherence. These findings were supported by qualitative data synthetized from seven studies, and determinants of adherence included calorie‐free beverages outside the eating window, provision of support, and influence on the eating window. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

TRE is implementable, acceptable, and safe in populations with overweight, obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes, but it should be accompanied by support and options for individual adjustments.
Synthesis of 3‐arylated chlorophyll‐a derivatives via Diels–Alder reaction and their atropisomerism
Authors: Kichishima Saki , Maeda Hiroaki , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: May 2023

Methyl pyropheophorbides‐a possessing an o/m‐(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl group at the 3‐position were prepared by Diels–Alder reaction of 3‐(trans‐1,3‐butadienyl)chlorin with methyl propiolate and successive didehydrogenation of the resulting 1,4‐cyclohexadienes. The 3‐arylated chlorin bearing the sterically demanding o‐COOMe group as the major product was a 1:1 mixture of high‐performance liquid chromatography‐separable rotational isomers around the C3–C31 bond, while the minor product with the m‐COOMe was less sterically hindered to exhibit rapid atropisomerization at room temperature. The 3‐aryl group of the major product was nearly perpendicular to the chlorin π‐system and less conjugated with the chlorin moiety than that of the minor product wherein more π‐conjugation occurred to give slightly red‐shifted Qy bands. Although both the atropisomers of the o‐substitute in dichloromethane showed similar visible absorption bands and fluorescence emission data, their circular dichroism bands in the ultraviolet‐C light region were dependent on the stereochemistry.
Novel oral SPT inhibitor CH5169356 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in mouse models of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Hada Natsuko , Katsume Asao , Kenichi Kawasaki , Endo Chihiro , Horiba Naoshi , Sudoh Masayuki
Published: May 2023

Ceramide is a central molecule of sphingolipid metabolism and is involved in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has already been reported that the inhibition of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway, has an inhibitory effect on hepatic lipidosis, but its effect on severe hepatic fibrosis is not clear. In this study, we examined whether a SPT inhibitor could suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and ameliorate the progression of NASH. Effects on sphingolipid metabolism and HSC activation marker genes by NA808, a SPT inhibitor, were evaluated in an immortalized HSC cell line (E14C12). NA808 decreased sphingolipid synthesis and the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen 1A1 mRNA in HSC. We identified a novel oral SPT inhibitor, CH5169356, which is a prodrug of NA808. CH5169356 was administered in the Ath+HF model, a NASH mouse model with liver fibrosis induced by atherogenic and high‐fat content diets. CH5169356 showed a significant decrease in the expression of α‐SMA and collagen 1A1 mRNA in the liver and an inhibition of liver fibrosis progression. CH5169356 was also evaluated in a Stelic animal model (STAM), a NASH mouse model induced through a different mechanism than that of the Ath+HF model, and showed a significant anti‐fibrotic effect. In conclusion, CH5169356 could inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH by suppressing HSC activation, suggesting that CH5169356 would be a potential oral NASH therapeutic agent.
Virulence of the fungal pathogen, Aspergillus oryzaeXJ‐1 to adult locusts (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in both laboratory and field trials
Authors: You Yinwei , An Zhifei , Zhang Xingchen , Liu Hui , Yang Wen , Yang Mingquan , Wang Tongwei , Xie Xiuhua , Zhang Long
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Locusts and grasshoppers are pests of many agricultural crops, and their frequent outbreaks worldwide threaten food security. Microbial control agents are currently used to suppress the early (nymphal) stages of pests, but they are often less effective against adults, which are primarily responsible for locust plagues. The fungal pathogen Aspergillus oryzae XJ‐1 has high pathogenicity in locust nymphs. To assess its potential for controlling locust adults, we evaluated the virulence of A. oryzae XJ‐1 (i.e., locust Aspergillus, LAsp) in locust adults using laboratory, field‐cage experiments, and a field trial.

RESULTS

The lethal concentration of LAsp in adult Locusta migratoria was 3.58 ± 0.09 × 105 conidia mL−1 15 days after inoculation in the laboratory. A field‐cage experiment showed that the mortalities of adult L. migratoria were 92.0 ± 4.6% and 90.1 ± 3.2% 15 days after inoculation with 3 × 105 and 3 × 103 conidia m−2 of LAsp, respectively. A large‐scale field trial of 666.6 ha was conducted, in which a LAsp water suspension was applied at a concentration of 2 × 108 conidia mL−1 in 15 L ha−1 by aerial spraying via drones. The densities of mixed populations of L. migratoria and Epacromius spp. were significantly reduced by 85.4 ± 7.9%–94.9 ± 5.1%. In addition, the infection rates of surviving locusts collected from the treated plots were 79.6% and 78.3% on the 17th and 31st day after treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that A. oryzae XJ‐1 is highly virulent in adult locusts and that it has high potential for the control of locusts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Direct Electrocaloric Characterization of Ceramic Films
Authors: Prah Uros , Sadl Matej , Torello Alvar , Lheritier Pierre , Kovacova Veronika , Ursic Hana , Defay Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Reliable and accurate characterization of the electrocaloric effect is necessary to understand the intrinsic properties of materials. To date, several methods are developed to directly measure the electrocaloric effect. However, each of them has some limitations, making them less suitable for characterizing ceramic films, which rely almost exclusively on less accurate indirect methods. Here, a new approach is proposed to address the process of rapid heat dissipation in ceramic films and to detect the electrically induced temperature change before it thermally bonds with the surrounding elements. By using a polymer substrate that slows heat dissipation to the substrate and fast infrared imaging, a substantial part of the adiabatic electrocaloric effect in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐based ceramic films is captured. Infrared imaging provides a robust technique to reduce the ratio between the adiabatic and the measured electrocaloric temperature change in micrometer‐sized ceramic films to a single‐digit number, ≈3.5. The obtained results are validated with another direct thermometric method and compared with the results obtained with an indirect approach. Despite different measurement principles, the results obtained with the two direct methods agree well. The proposed approach is timely and can open a door to verify the predicted giant electrocaloric effects in ceramic films.
Neo‐Nationalism and Politicizing TESOL: Nationalist Rhetoric and Decolonial Impulses in English Teaching in Morocco
Authors: R'boul Hamza , Belhiah Hassan
Published: May 2023

Recent geopolitical events have led to a worldwide resurgence in nationalism which entails political togetherness and invokes the spirit of patriotism. In various contexts, language has been a central point of departure for many nationalist movements. In particular, English is increasingly discussed with regards to its sociopolitical and sociocultural implications for the expanding‐circle spaces. This research is a critical qualitative study that examines how neo‐nationalist policies are potentially transforming TESOL classes in Morocco. By focusing on TESOL teachers' reactions, we seek to reveal the range of impacts that recent nationalist policies have had on English teaching in Morocco and discuss pedagogical possibilities that can balance internationalist and nationalist desires in the country. In addition, we attempt to investigate how understandings of the nation are actualized in classrooms and how English language teaching practices and policies account for the ideas about the Moroccan nation. The study highlights how English language teachers make sense of debates surrounding English as a threat to national languages and how they can be agentive in realizing change through critical pedagogical interventions with nationalism and the concept of nation.
William Trevor Turner
Authors: Turner Sally
Published: May 2023

An animal lover who was a wonderful vet, he was hugely supportive of the vet nursing profession.
A somewhat different fundamental parameters approach to EDXRF quantification of solid environmental samples
Authors: Kump Peter
Published: May 2023

In the presented elemental quantification of thick and intermediate thick solid environmental samples by energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), enhancement‐corrected elemental concentrations are evaluated and quantitative absorption parameter of low‐Z residual matrix in the sample is determined. The quantification is based on the analysis of real samples by a computer programme where, by definition, the total sample matrix is considered to be composed of measured elements and a residual matrix. As input, the measured fluorescent intensities of elements are used together with additional reference data of experimental absorption at single energy or the known concentration of internal standard in the sample. Basic equations developed by Sherman and other authors are used, involving fundamental parameters (FP) and instrumental constants obtained by the established calibration procedure. The quantification is performed by iteration of elemental concentrations and enhancement factors, but includes in absorption correction calculations elemental concentrations and absorption in the selected residual matrix. The absorption in any low‐Z residual matrix is a smooth function of energy characterised by a single parameter. Including residual matrix in the quantification affects the calculated elemental concentrations (also internal standard) and absorption in the sample. By comparing in consecutive iterations the fit of these parameters with given reference data, the quantification results and the proper selection of residual matrix are confirmed. The validation is performed by measuring standard reference materials: accuracy between 2% and 8% is obtained, compatible with accuracy obtained by other FP approaches. By the presented approach, the well‐known difficulties in XRF quantification due to the presence of light elements in the sample are remedied.
Integrating Issue Management Systems of Independently Developed Software Components
Authors: Speth Sandro , Breitenbücher Uwe , Krieger Niklas , Wippermann Pia , Becker Steffen
Published: May 2023

Modern component-based architectural styles, e.g., microservices, enable developing the components independently from each other. However, this independence can result in problems when it comes to managing issues, such as bugs, as developer teams can freely choose their technology stacks, such as issue management systems (IMSs), e.g., Jira, GitHub, or Redmine. In the case of a microservice architecture, if an issue of a downstream microservice depends on an issue of an upstream microservice, this must be both identified and communicated, and the downstream service’s issues should link to its causing issue. However, agile project management today requires efficient communication, which is why more and more teams are communicating through comments in the issues themselves. Unfortunately, IMSs are not integrated with each other, thus, semantically linking these issues is not supported, and identifying such issue dependencies from different IMSs is time-consuming and requires manual searching in multiple IMS technologies. This results in many context switches and prevents developers from being focused and getting things done. Therefore, in this paper, we present a concept for seamlessly integrating different IMS technologies into each other and providing a better architectural context. The concept is based on augmenting the websites of issue management systems through a browser extension. We validate the approach with a prototypical implementation for the Chrome browser. For evaluation, we conducted expert interviews, which approved that the presented approach provides significant advantages for managing issues of agile microservice architectures.
Vorab: Risiko im Wandel als Herausforderung für die Versicherungswirtschaft
Authors: Arnold Rolf , Berg Marcel , Goecke Oskar , Heep-Altiner Maria , Müller-Peters Horst
Published: May 2023

Anlässlich des fünfzigjährigen Jubiläums des Institutes für Versicherungswesen der Technischen Hochschule Köln in 2021 haben die in Forschung und Lehre wirkenden Personen des Institutes mit Beiträgen zu den Themenbereichen Risiko (im Allgemeinen) und Versicherung (im Speziellen) zu einem Jubiläumsband „Risiko im Wandel. Herausforderung für die Versicherungswirtschaft“ beigetragen. Aufbau, Struktur und Themenbereiche dieses Bandes sind in dieser Übersicht dargestellt.
Digitalisierung und Risikotransfer
Authors: Oletzky Torsten
Published: May 2023

Digitale Innovationen leisten einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Weiterentwicklung des Geschäftsmodells der Versicherung. Inzwischen erreichen diese Innovationen auch das Herzstück des Geschäftsmodells Versicherung, die Risikotragung und den Risikotransfer. Aus diesem Grund werden die Auslöser für diese Veränderungen analysiert und Anwendungsbeispiele aus verschiedenen Bereichen vorgestellt, in denen InsurTech Start-ups neue Modelle der Risikotragung und des Risikotransfers entwickeln oder bekannte Modelle unter Einsatz digitaler Technologien neu interpretieren und ihnen so zu neuen Marktchancen verhelfen.
Führung ernst nehmen
Authors: Zimmermann Gabriele , Faßbender Katharina
Published: May 2023

Die Operationsbereiche von Versicherungsunternehmen sind für die Profitabilität der Unternehmen von zentraler Bedeutung. Zum einen werden dort die Leistungsversprechen erfüllt, die die Unternehmen an die Kundinnen und Kunden ausgesprochen haben, und zum anderen arbeiten dort viele Mitarbeiter. Diese hohe Bedeutung spiegelt sich allerdings nicht in dem Verhalten des Top Managements wider; dessen Fokus sind Themen wie Innovation und Digitalisierung. Sicherlich ist es so, dass in diesen Bereichen Maßnahmen ergriffen werden müssen, die die Effizienz erhöhen und die Kosten senken. Das ist aber zu kurz gedacht. Denn die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter in den Operationsabteilungen ist ein zentraler Hebel, um die Leistungsfähigkeit dieser Bereiche und damit die Zufriedenheit der Kundinnen und Kunden zu erhöhen. Um die Motivation der dortigen Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter zu erhöhen, ist es wichtig, Führung ernst zu nehmen, den Arbeitsdruck dort zu reduzieren und in adäquater Form Agilität und New Work umzusetzen.
Risiken im Versicherungsvertrieb
Authors: Beenken Matthias
Published: May 2023

Der Versicherungsvertrieb umfasst aus regulatorischer Sicht neben den selbstständigen Versicherungsvermittlern auch viele Versicherungsbeschäftigte. Er gehört zu den operationellen Risiken eines Versicherers. Spezifische Vertriebsrisiken resultieren aus der Zusammenarbeit mit Vermittlern, aus den typischen Vergütungs- und Anreizgestaltungen sowie aus Beratung, Information, Betreuung und Schadenregulierung gegenüber den Kundinnen und Kunden. Vertriebsrisiken können vor allem durch organisatorische Maßnahmen gemindert und begrenzt werden.
Volkswirtschaftliche Einordnung der Pandemieschäden
Authors: Hüther Michael
Published: May 2023

Dieses Kapitel ordnet die volkswirtschaftlichen Schäden der Corona-Pandemie ein. Dabei werden zunächst die Wertschöpfungsverluste, die sich auf mehrere hunderte Milliarden Euro beziffern lassen, in der Systematik der Volkswirtschaftlichen Gesamtrechnung betrachtet. Obwohl die kurzfristigen Schäden wie Einkommens- oder Beschäftigungsverluste der Pandemie quantifiziert werden können, sind die langfristigen Auswirkungen auf das Wachstumspotenzial in Deutschland nur abzuschätzen. Der Ausbruch der Pandemie in 2020 wirkt im Vergleich zur Finanzkrise von 2009 wie ein exogener globaler Schock, der strukturelle Veränderungen in der Volkswirtschaft auslöst, ohne selbst dort verursacht zu sein. Die langfristigen ökonomischen Auswirkungen sind vor allem angebotsseitig und haben im Jahr 2021 bereits zu deutlichen Bremseffekten beim Wirtschaftswachstum geführt. Schon jetzt ist aber absehbar, dass „Narbeneffekte“ in der Ökonomie über die Pandemie hinaus entstanden sind.

Ergänzend dazu werden wichtige ökonomische und soziale Folgewirkungen wie Bildungsverluste, der Anstieg der Staatsquote oder der Verlust an Lebensjahren durch die Lockdown-Maßnahmen erörtert. Auch wenn genaue Abschätzungen dieser Effekte nur schwer möglich sind, werden diese post-Corona für eine umfassendere Einordnung der Pandemieschäden notwendig werden.

Abschließend werden die Auswirkungen auf die gesellschaftliche Kohäsion überblicksartig aufgeführt, um den Blick über die rein messbaren volkswirtschaftlichen Größen hinaus zu öffnen. In diesem Zusammenhang werden verschiedene gesellschaftliche Erosionspotenziale hervorgehoben, wobei es sich hier nur um eine Momentaufnahme handelt.
Absicherung von Pflegekostenrisiken im Spannungsfeld von Versicherungsprinzipien und Solidaritätsnormen
Authors: Arentz Christine , Läufer Ines
Published: May 2023

Die gesetzliche Pflegeversicherung wurde 1995 für alle Bürger verpflichtend als Teilleistungsversicherung eingeführt. Die Versicherungspflicht war folgerichtig, um die Gesellschaft vor Freifahrerverhalten zu schützen. Allerdings hat die Ausgestaltung als Teilleistungsversicherung bei gleichzeitig unzureichender Dynamisierung der Versicherungsleistungen zu einem insbesondere im stationären Bereich immer höheren Eigenanteil der Pflegebedürftigen an den Pflegekosten geführt. Dieser Umstand ist seit einigen Jahren Gegenstand fortlaufender politischer Debatten und Reformbemühungen. Nach einem Problemaufriss wird die aktuelle Debatte eingeordnet und diskutiert, wie in einer alternden Gesellschaft eine absehbar weiter steigende Finanzierungslast aus den Pflegekostenrisiken auf die verschiedenen Akteure (Versicherung, Gesellschaft und Pflegebedürftige) verteilt werden soll. Hierbei spielen unterschiedliche Solidaritätsnormen eine entscheidende Rolle, um die unterschiedlichen Vorstellungen zur Fairness der Lastenverteilung zu verstehen.
Einleitung
Authors: Lüthi Katharina
Published: May 2023

Lernen vor Ort ist kein zufällig gewählter Begriff, sondern Programm (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [BMBF], 2008c). Als solches versteht es sich als »eines der größten bisherigen Public-Private-Partnership-Programme Deutschlands« (BMBF, 2008b), mit dem das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) gemeinsam mit deutschen Stiftungen Kreise und kreisfreie Städte bei der Entwicklung und Verstetigung eines kohärenten kommunalen Bildungsmanagements unterstützten. Die Initiative wurde mit Mitteln des BMBF und des Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) im Rahmen der ESF-Förderperiode 2007 bis 2013 gefördert.
Diskussion des wissenschaftlichen Ertrags
Authors: Lüthi Katharina
Published: May 2023

Abschließend reflektiere ich den Ertrag der theoretischen Perspektiven. Konzepte der Gesellschaftstheorie von Schimank haben die (Re-)Konstruktion der Typologie gesellschaftlicher Integration inspiriert, konnten aber den Grenzverkehr zwischen den Teilsystemen nicht angemessen erfassen. Dies gelang mit Konzepten der Handlungstheorie von Münch besser.
Ein kommunales Bildungsmanagement als Produktinnovator
Authors: Lüthi Katharina
Published: May 2023

Das KBM tritt als Subjekt der Erziehung auf dem Feld der Kulturpolitik (GL) und als Objekt der Erziehung auf den Feldern der politischen Vereinigung (IG) und des politischen Diskurses (LG) auf. Als Vertreter des politischen Systems investiert es Durchsetzungskraft ins sozial-kulturelle System, um herkömmliche Strukturen durch zivilgesellschaftliches Engagement aufzubrechen. Es wird vom Gemeinschaftssystem mit der Erwartung adressiert, Lernen (vor Ort) nach innen in die Verwaltung und nach außen in die Bildungslandschaft zu organisieren.
An SU(5) × U(1)′ SUSY GUT with a “vector-like chiral” fourth family to fit all low energy data, including the muon g − 2
Authors: Kulkarni Harshal , Raby Stuart
Published: May 2023

Abstract

An additional generation of quarks and leptons and their SUSY counterparts, which are vector-like under the Standard Model gauge group but are chiral with respect to the new U(1)3−4 gauge symmetry, are added to the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). We show that this model is a GUT and unifies the three SM gauge couplings and also the additional U(1)3−4 coupling at a GUT scale of ≈ 5 × 1016 GeV and explains the experimentally observed deviation of the muon g – 2. We also fit the quark flavor changing processes consistent with the latest experimental data and look at the effect of the new particles on the W boson mass without obviously conflicting with the observed masses of particles, CKM matrix elements, neutrino mixing angles, their mass differences, and the lepton-flavor violating bounds. This model predicts sparticle masses less than 25 TeV, with a gluino mass ≈ 2.3 – 3 TeV consistent with constraints, and one of the neutralinos as the LSP with a mass of ≈ 480 – 580 GeV, which is a potential dark matter candidate. The model is string theory motivated and predicts the VL quarks, leptons, a massive Z′ and two Dirac neutrinos at the TeV scale and the branching ratios of μ ⟶ eγ, τ ⟶ μγ and τ ⟶ 3μ with BR(μ ⟶ eγ) within reach of future experiments.
One Health: Eine Sichtweise des informellen ministeriellen Netzwerkes
Authors: Verbeek Luzie , Rabold Denise , Hartig Arne , Stephan Sophia , Deus Elisabeth , Otte Insa , Beutling Anne , Schollmeyer Karoline , de Coninck Pieter , Höppner Karin , Saal Kristina , Vogler Timo , Hach Lukas , Steinmetz Elke , Benner Thomas , Derksen Leonie , Militzer Nina , Probst Carolina , Teichert Ute
Published: May 2023

Aus Sicht der Bundesregierung ist der One-Health-Ansatz ein wegweisender Kompass für ein inter- und transdisziplinäres Denken, Vernetzen und Handeln. Zum Schutz der Gesundheit von Menschen, Tieren, Pflanzen und Ökosystemen sollte er stets an all seinen Schnittstellen und in allen Aktivitäten Beachtung finden. Der One-Health-Ansatz hat in den letzten Jahren an politischer Bedeutung gewonnen und wird in verschiedenen Strategien berücksichtigt.

In diesem Beitrag wird über die aktuellen Strategien mit One-Health-Ansatz berichtet. Dazu gehören u. a. die Deutsche Antibiotika-Resistenzstrategie, die Deutsche Anpassungsstrategie an den Klimawandel, die globale Initiative Nature for Health sowie das internationale Pandemieabkommen, das derzeit erarbeitet wird und in dem auch Prävention eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Die Themen Biodiversitätsverlust und Klimaschutz müssen in einen gemeinsamen Kontext gesetzt werden, der die Interdependenzen des Gesundheitszustandes von Menschen, Tieren, Pflanzen und Ökosystemen berücksichtigt. Indem relevante Disziplinen auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen selbstverständlich einbezogen werden, kann es gelingen, gemeinsam einen Beitrag zu einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung zu leisten, wie es die Agenda 2030 der Vereinten Nationen fordert. Diese Perspektive leitet das globale Engagement Deutschlands in der globalen Gesundheitspolitik hin zu mehr Stabilität, Freiheit, Vielfalt und Solidarität sowie Achtung der Menschenrechte – so kann ein holistischer Ansatz wie One Health zur Verwirklichung von Nachhaltigkeit und zur Stärkung demokratischer Prinzipien beitragen.
Investigating causality in the association between DNA methylation and type 2 diabetes using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Juvinao-Quintero Diana L. , Sharp Gemma C. , Sanderson Eleanor C. M. , Relton Caroline L. , Elliott Hannah R.
Published: May 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Several studies have identified associations between type 2 diabetes and DNA methylation (DNAm). However, the causal role of these associations remains unclear. This study aimed to provide evidence for a causal relationship between DNAm and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation (2SMR) to evaluate causality at 58 CpG sites previously detected in a meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (meta-EWAS) of prevalent type 2 diabetes in European populations. We retrieved genetic proxies for type 2 diabetes and DNAm from the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) available. We also used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, UK) when associations of interest were not available in the larger datasets. We identified 62 independent SNPs as proxies for type 2 diabetes, and 39 methylation quantitative trait loci as proxies for 30 of the 58 type 2 diabetes-related CpGs. We applied the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing and inferred causality based on p<0.001 for the type 2 diabetes to DNAm direction and p<0.002 for the opposing DNAm to type 2 diabetes direction in the 2SMR analysis.

Results

We found strong evidence of a causal effect of DNAm at cg25536676 (DHCR24) on type 2 diabetes. An increase in transformed residuals of DNAm at this site was associated with a 43% (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.15, 1.78, p=0.001) higher risk of type 2 diabetes. We inferred a likely causal direction for the remaining CpG sites assessed. In silico analyses showed that the CpGs analysed were enriched for expression quantitative trait methylation sites (eQTMs) and for specific traits, dependent on the direction of causality predicted by the 2SMR analysis.

Conclusions/interpretation

We identified one CpG mapping to a gene related to the metabolism of lipids (DHCR24) as a novel causal biomarker for risk of type 2 diabetes. CpGs within the same gene region have previously been associated with type 2 diabetes-related traits in observational studies (BMI, waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, insulin) and in Mendelian randomisation analyses (LDL-cholesterol). Thus, we hypothesise that our candidate CpG in DHCR24 may be a causal mediator of the association between known modifiable risk factors and type 2 diabetes. Formal causal mediation analysis should be implemented to further validate this assumption.

Graphical Abstract
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the temperature rise of a ball screw
Authors: Qiu Ya-Lan , Zhou Chang-Guang , Ou Yi , Feng Fu-Tian
Published: May 2023

The temperature rise of a ball screw is the main factor affecting machining accuracy. The traditional methods of calculation and analysis carry out coefficient fitting of known experimental data or using the formula for a friction heat source in bearing theory. However, the screw raceway parameters are ignored in the model. The variation in friction torque with temperature is not considered in the model, so it cannot be effectively applied to engineering. In this paper, the friction heat equation of the ball screw is established theoretically with the screw raceway parameter, and the friction torque is considered with the effect of temperature. A mathematical model of steady temperature and stable time is established for the effective heat source stroke section of the screw, and the temperature rise curve of the screw is fitted. The friction is divided into Coulomb friction torque and viscous friction torque. The viscosity affects viscous friction torque at low temperatures, so the variation in friction torque should be considered when calculating the temperature rise. When a specific temperature is reached, the viscous friction torque has little effect on the overall friction torque; then the ratio of temperature rises at different rotational speeds has an exponential relationship with the ratio of those speeds. The screw stability time decreases with increasing rotational speed. Twelve groups of tests are conducted to verify the theoretical analysis using two samples, two lubricating media, and three speeds. The experimental results agree well with the theory. This proves that the approach can be applied to engineering practice.
The growth of the buccal mass in Sepia officinalis: functional changes throughout ontogeny
Authors: Souquet Louise , Basuyaux Olivier , Guichard Gwendoline , Herrel Anthony , Rouget Isabelle , Evans Susan , moazen Mehran
Published: May 2023

Due to their small size, juveniles are more likely to show lower absolute levels of performance leading to a potential competitive disadvantage compared to adults. Therefore, juveniles are expected to compensate by showing a higher relative performance, and/or partitioning resources to overcome this performance disadvantage. Here, we investigate the link between ontogeny and feeding performance in the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. We explore the changes in beak shape, wear pattern, mechanical properties, muscular anatomy, and bite force during growth from 3-month post hatching to adults. We show that both upper and lower beaks present important ontogenetic shape variation in the rostrum area that might be due to wear induced by feeding. The mechanical properties of the beaks in juveniles indicate greater resistance compared to adults. Tanning observed on the beaks provides reinforcement to areas under high load during biting. In addition, muscle development and relative bite force were found to differ between cuttlefish of different ages, resulting in juveniles having a similar bite force for their size but with a muscular advantage for opening. Finally, an isometric relation is found in the bite force of S. officinalis, with no sign of feeding performance compensation in juveniles. Feeding performance thus does not reflect the ontogenetic shift from a crustacean-based diet in juveniles to a fish-based diet in adults.
Microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible part II: new classification system and algorithm
Authors: Zenha Horácio , Azevedo Marta , Vieira Rui , Costa Horácio
Published: May 2023

Background

Various classifications of mandibular defects have been attempted, but no universally accepted system exists. After 25 years of experience, the senior author idealized a new mandibulectomy classification which could give a more detailed anatomical description leading to a more precise algorithm for reconstruction.

Methods

A new classification of mandibular defects is proposed: class I (anterior arch), class II (body), class III (ascending ramus), class IV (hemimandibulectomy), and class V (extended mandibulectomy). Each class is further subdivided into those that preserve or resect intra- and/or extraoral soft tissues (ABCD). This classification takes in account four factors that need to be thought when planning mandibular reconstruction: location/specificity of the defect, osteotomies, and bone and soft tissue requirements.

Results

A total of 218 defects were classified according to this new classification. Nearly 40% of the cases were classified as a class I defect followed by class IV (36,7%), class II (16%), class V (6,8%), and class III (0,5%). The authors also created an algorithm for reconstruction. In cases of an “only-bone” defect, the free iliac crest flap is the preferable choice, especially in class I and IV. When intra- or extraoral soft tissue is needed (types B and C), the fibula flap is our choice of excellence. In cases of extensive defects (type D), the fibula flap and the sequentially linked flow through flap are the preferred options.

Conclusions

Optimizing mandibular defect classification with better integration of data-driven information along with clinicopathological evidences and related experience allows for better clinical judgment and choices. We believe that our new classification system and algorithm for reconstruction can be a valuable guiding tool for dealing with complex mandibular reconstruction.

Level of evidence:

Level III, therapeutic study
Paediatric Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Early Recurrences Irrespective of the Treatment Approaches in a Retrospective Multi‐centric Analysis
Authors: Maasewerd Sophie K. M. , Stefanescu Maria‐Christina , König Tatjana T. , Engels Marie N. , Rohleder Stephan , Schwind Martin , Heydweiller Andreas C. , Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina
Published: May 2023

Background

Incidences of pilonidal sinus disease are rising. Guidelines rarely consider children and adolescents and evidence for their treatment is rare. The literature is divided on the choice of the preferable surgical procedure. Therefore, we aimed to assess recurrences and complications following different treatment approaches in our multi‐centric cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed all patients treated for pilonidal sinus disease in the paediatric surgical departments of Bonn and Mainz between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2020. Recurrences were defined according to the German national guidelines. The pre‐specified analysis via logistic regression included the operative approach, age, sex, use of methylene blue, and obesity as independent predictors.

Results

We included 213 patients, of which 13.6% experienced complications and 16% a recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 5.8 months (95% confidence interval: 4.2–10.3), which was slightly higher in children than adolescents (10.3 months, 95% confidence interval: 5.3–16.2 vs. 5.5 months, 95% confidence interval: 3.7–9.7). None of the investigated procedures, excision and primary closure, excision and open wound treatment, pit picking, and flap procedures had a decisive advantage in terms of complications or recurrence. Of the independent predictors, only obesity was associated to complications (adjusted odds ratio: 2.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–7.79, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

We did not find a difference between the investigated procedures, but our analysis is limited by the small sample size in some subgroups. Our data corroborates that recurrences in paediatric pilonidal sinus disease occur early. Factors linked to these differences remain unknown.
How does exposure to COVID-19 influence health and income inequality aversion?
Authors: Asaria Miqdad , Costa-Font Joan , Cowell Frank
Published: May 2023

We study individual aversion to health and income inequality in three European countries (the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy), its determinants and especially, the effects of exposure to three types of COVID-19 specific shocks affecting individuals’ employment status, their income and health. Next, using evidence of representative samples of the population in the UK, we compare levels of health- and income-inequality aversion in the UK between the years 2016 and 2020. We document evidence of a significant increase in inequality aversion in both income and health domains. However, we show that inequality aversion is higher in the income domain than in the health domain. Furthermore, we find that inequality aversion in both domains increases in age and education and decreases in income and risk appetite. However, people directly exposed to major health shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic generally exhibited lower levels of aversion to both income and health inequality. Finally, we show that inequality aversion was significantly higher among those exposed to higher risk of COVID-19 mortality who experienced major health shocks during the pandemic.
Extension osteotomy of the metacarpal I and ligamentoplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint for the treatment of early-stage osteoarthritis and instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint
Authors: Honigmann Philipp , Keller Marco , Devaux-Voumard Noémie , Coppo Enrico , Sutter Damian
Published: May 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease of the first carpo-metacarpal (CMC I) joint. Biomechanical factors promoting OA are the shape of the CMC I-joint, being a biconcave-convex saddle joint with high mobility and the increased instability caused by joint space narrowing, ligamentous laxity, and direction of force transmission of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon during adduction. The closing wedge osteotomy of the base of the first metacarpal is joint preserving treatment option. We combine this closing wedge osteotomy with a ligamentoplasty to stabilize the joint. In this manuscript, we provide a detailed description of the indication, discuss biomechanical aspects and the surgical technique in detail.
Configuration of elastin fibers in the intra- and extra-capsule ligaments of the elderly cricoarytenoid joint
Authors: Wang Qin , Li Sheng , Wang Huaqiao , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To define the localization and configuration of the elastic fibers of the cricoarytenoid ligament (CAL) and their relationship with the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) capsule.

Methods

Twenty-four CAJs from twelve cadavers were analyzed using Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining, and immunohistochemistry methods. This is a prospective study.

Results

The CAL was classified into two parts: an extra-capsular anterior-CAL and an intra-capsular posterior-CAL. The both parts contained rich elastic fibers. The elastic fibers of the anterior-CAL were orientated in both anterior–posterior and superior–inferior directions and under a relaxation status, whereas the elastic fibers of the posterior-CAL were arranged in a lateral–medial direction and under a taut status.

Conclusions

This study defined the fine configuration of the CAL, particularly its elastic fibers, which may help us to better understand the biomechanics of the CAJ motions, and differential diagnosis of CAJ disorders. The results of the study re-confirm that the P-CAL is the key posterior–lateral passive force to limit the mobility of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and stabilize the CAJ, whereas the A-CAL may protect the CAJ from an over superior–lateral–posterior motion.

Level of evidence: H/A.
Phonological similarity between words is represented in declarative memory as spatial distance
Authors: Tuena Cosimo , Di Lernia Daniele , Riva Giuseppe , Serino Silvia , Repetto Claudia
Published: May 2023

Space can be used as a metaphor to describe semantic and perceptual similarity. Research has shown that similarity and spatial information can influence each other. On the one hand, similarity entails spatial closeness; on the other hand, proximity leads to similarity judgment. This spatial information can be stored in declarative memory and measured later on. However, it is unknown if phonological similarity/dissimilarity between words is represented as spatial closeness/distance in declarative memory. In this study, 61 young adults were tested on a remember-know (RK) spatial distance task. Participants learned noun pairs on the PC screen that were manipulated concerning their phonological similarity (similar vs. dissimilar) and reciprocal spatial distance (near vs. far). In the recognition phase, old-new, RK, and spatial distance judgments were asked. We found that for hit responses in both R and K judgments, phonologically similar word pairs were remembered closer compared to phonologically dissimilar pairs. This was also true for false alarms after K judgments. Lastly, the actual spatial distance at encoding was only retained for hit R responses. Results suggest that phonological similarity/dissimilarity is represented respectively with spatial closeness/distance and that this information is stored in the neurocognitive system of declarative memory.
Socio-economic traits and constraints associated with smallholder farmers in Taungya agroforestry program in Sudan
Authors: Hemida Mohamed , Vityi Andrea , Hammad Zeinab. M.
Published: May 2023

Empirical evidence of Taungya agroforestry program in Sudan was generated. The objectives were to examine the association between socio-economic characteristics of farmers and Tuangya practice, assess the program’s contribution to farmers' income, and highlight farmers’ major incentives and constraints. The purposive sampling technique was applied targeting 200 Taungya farmers. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct field observations, and document reviews. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and a paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data. Study results showed that 77% of farmers were male, with an average age of 41 years. About 77% of farmers cultivate an average land area of 3.5 hectares. The chi-square result showed that socio-economic characteristics such as marital status, age, family size, year of participation, and educational level had a significant association with Taungya practice, while gender, main occupation, and land size had no significant association. The study revealed that Taungya agroforestry program contributed significantly to farmers’ income. Evidence of that was the sharp reduction in mean annual costs from SDG 32,851.75 to SDG 25,107.50, and a substantial increase in the mean annual net incomes of the farmers from SDG 35,298.52 to SDG 91,839.50 before and after participation, respectively. Farmers’ participation was encouraged by the high productivity within the forest and access to free fertile land. Contrary, lack of extension services and supervision from Forest National Corporation, overgrazing and crop destruction, land size limitation, and crop species restrictions were identified as major challenges. The study suggests that prioritizing extension services, providing live fencing, and reconsidering farmers’ interest in having intercropping sorghum on their farms to improve their sustenance will overcome the constraints and further boost farmers' productivity.